ORC Training Grounds – Minutes Later

  The training field behind the Occult Research Club wasn’t just for show.

  Spacious, fortified with yered magical barriers, and built to contain the kind of power that could level half a school, it was designed for serious combat.

  The kind that left craters.

  Kiba stood across from me, sword drawn, posture fluid yet razor-sharp—like a knight born to the bde.

  There was elegance in his stance, but also danger.

  I rolled my shoulders, spinning my spear in a zy arc before gripping it properly.

  Its weight settled into my hands like an extension of my body.

  This was going to be fun.

  Then—

  A new voice cut through the charged silence.

  “I heard there was going to be a fight. I’d hate to miss it.”

  Cool, calm, and unmistakably composed—

  Sona Sitri had arrived.

  She stepped onto the field with the confidence of someone who was always in control.

  Her entire Peerage followed, their expressions a spectrum of interest—from amusement to barely concealed curiosity.

  I’d met them all before, but this time… they were seeing me differently.

  Tsubaki, ever the composed Queen, remained silent at Sona’s side—dark eyes steady, lingering on me longer than necessary.

  Momo already wore a knowing smirk, clearly enjoying the show.

  Reya adjusted her gsses, gaze flicking between me and Kiba.

  Tsubasa stood with arms folded, that sharp-eyed look of a fellow warrior assessing a potential rival.

  Tomoe grinned wide. “Ooh, this should be good.”

  I let the moment breathe, then fshed a grin the second Sona adjusted her gsses.

  “What’s this? Interested in me again, Kaichou?”

  Sona’s expression didn’t shift—but I caught the faintest twitch at the corner of her lips.

  A battle between composure and a sigh.

  “I’m interested in whether or not you can actually fight,” she said coolly.

  Before I could fire back, Momo stepped forward, smirk still in pce.

  “Well, Malrik-kun,” she teased, “if you fight half as well as you flirt, this should be very entertaining.”

  I turned to her, head tilted.

  “Careful, Hanakai-san. Keep fttering me like that, and I might just take you out to dinner.”

  She chuckled, tapping a finger to her cheek in mock thought.

  “Hm~ Kaichou might not approve.”

  I gnced at Sona. “Jealous?”

  She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Can you please focus on the fight and not your never-ending charm campaign?”

  Akeno, standing near the ORC side, hummed with amusement.

  “Ara~ I don’t know, Kaichou. It’s rather fun to watch him work.”

  I winked. “Always happy to entertain.”

  Kiba, still holding his sword, gave a small, knowing smile.

  “I wouldn’t mind watching Malrik lose his focus.”

  I twirled my spear one st time, letting the energy settle into my limbs.

  “Don’t worry. I can multitask.”

  Then—

  A sudden weight crashed onto my back.

  “Malriiiiik~!”

  I didn’t even need to look.

  “Issei,” I muttered. “Get off me before I test this spear on a moving target.”

  He clung tighter, grinning like an overexcited golden retriever.

  “Dude! You looked so cool back there with that spear! I swear, even Kiba looked nervous!”

  I raised a brow. “Did you hit your head on the way here?”

  Issei blinked. “Wait—did I?”

  Koneko, seated on the sidelines, casually popped a snack into her mouth and deadpanned,

  “Very likely.”

  Issei whipped around to her, dramatic as ever. “Oi! Can’t you at least pretend to be on my side?!”

  She blinked slowly. “No.”

  The field broke into ughter—even Sona’s usually composed Peerage cracked smiles.

  Tsubaki covered her mouth to hide a ugh.

  Momo giggled openly, clearly enjoying the chaos.

  Sona sighed, rubbing her temples like she already regretted coming.

  “Enough,” she said, her tone sharp. “Are you two going to fight, or just continue auditioning for a comedy show?”

  Issei finally dropped off me with a pout, muttering under his breath,

  “Devils… no sense of humor.”

  I shook out my arms and regripped my spear, stepping into position across from Kiba.

  Both Peerages now lined the sidelines—eyes locked on us.

  The air thickened.

  Magic crackled faintly at the edges.

  The pyful tension drained, repced by focus.

  Kiba’s golden eyes locked onto mine as he raised his sword.

  “Ready?”

  I set my stance, pnting my feet.

  The spear hummed in my grip, begging to be used.

  I smiled.

  “Let’s dance.”

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