After discussing some matters with Shinguuji Kurono, the black-suited man left.
Drake got into the car; Kurono sat opposite him, opening the car's refrigerator. "Care for a drink?"
Drake waved his hand. "No, thank you. Help yourself."
Kurono closed the refrigerator and leaned back. "I'm not curious about your purpose in Japan. A Shinryuu Temple student wouldn't do anything excessive."
Shinryuu Temple's reputation was excellent; Kurono trusted Drake wouldn't tarnish its centuries-old honor.
She smiled. "Your arrival is timely! I just took over Hagun Academy; I need good results at the Seven Star Sword Festival. In exchange for not interfering with your actions at the academy, you'll need to contribute!"
Drake recalled the information he'd seen on the plane. Kurono had implemented sweeping reforms at Hagun Academy after taking over.
The academy's decline was due to the previous principal's bureaucratic practices; teachers and students were distracted. Kurono dismissed many unqualified teachers and decided to use practical tests instead of ability rankings to select participants for the Seven Star Sword Festival.
Japan valued tradition; Kurono's reforms faced criticism; she was under pressure. She was serious about the Seven Star Sword Festival.
Drake said, "I planned to participate; I'll do my best."
Kurono asked mysteriously, "Doesn't Shinryuu Temple forbid warrior monks from external competitions?"
Drake replied, "There's nothing to hide. I trained at Shinryuu Temple, but I'm not a warrior monk."
Kurono was even more puzzled. She knew that country valued tradition and had strong internal divisions. Drake's situation was unheard of. She was more interested in this mysterious youth.
As they spoke, a commotion arose outside. Reporters surrounded the entrance.
Kurono smiled. "The princess has arrived."
Drake's enrollment was unexpected; Kurono's confidence in the Seven Star Sword Festival stemmed from the Crimson Princess and several excellent students.
The Crimson Princess, with the strongest human magic power, was considered the strongest student knight.
Kurono didn't tell anyone that she favored a Hagun Academy repeater more than the Crimson Princess. She didn't think the Crimson Princess could defeat this seemingly weakest student.
And there was Drake, an unexpected variable.
Drake said, "Shouldn't you help the princess? She looks troubled."
Drake saw Stella Vermillion surrounded by reporters; flashbulbs flashed constantly. He suspected that if she weren't a princess, she would've lost her temper.
Fortunately, her guards and Kurono's people arrived; she escaped the reporters and entered the car.
Drake observed her closely. Stella had magenta hair in twintails and a beautiful face. Her elegant knight's uniform highlighted her figure.
Was she really fifteen? She had a formidable presence. He hadn't noticed this potential two years ago from her photo.
Drake's gaze wasn't captivated by her appearance but by her power. He sensed a burning aura, confirming her reputation.
What surprised him was that her power resembled his. Stella's ability was fire manipulation—a natural ability. But Drake had encountered many with similar abilities; none were like her.
Drake was a Dragon Slayer; his true power was Dragon Force. If Stella's power felt similar to his, it couldn't be simple fire.
Many sword masters didn't understand their abilities initially; they only truly understood them after mastering them. Stella's power was so strong that her surface-level abilities made her the strongest. She hadn't discovered her true abilities.
Drake suspected her ability wasn't fire manipulation but related to dragons—possibly a concept interference ability.
Stella sensed a familiarity.
She asked, "Who is he?"
Kurono, smoking a cigarette, smiled. "The princess is concerned about a stranger? Bold!"
Kurono, enjoying Stella's blushing, said, "He's this year's exchange student; he'll attend Hagun Academy with you. He just arrived; get along."
Drake extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Your Highness. I'm Drake, from Shinryuu Temple. Pleased to meet you!"
Stella shook his hand. "We're classmates now. Call me Stella. Pleased to meet you, Drake."
She then realized what he'd said.
"Drake-san is from Shinryuu Temple?"
Drake was surprised. "Yes, I trained at Shinryuu Temple for two years under the Great Teacher's guidance."
Stella became enthusiastic. "The Great Teacher? The current Fighting God? Why are you an exchange student in Japan? What's Shinryuu Temple like?…"
Her questions overwhelmed Drake. Kurono intervened. "You can get to know each other later. Let's discuss enrollment."
Drake didn't thank her; he saw her strange smile. She was up to something!
The car started.
"Ugh!"
"Principal, Drake-san is dead?!" Stella shrieked.
Drake struggled. "I'm just… helpless against… transportation!"
"Eh?!"
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