The Elemental Sword Demon King
Episode 199: The Knights Captain's urging
POV: Kirigaya Kaizo
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On the fourth day of the Sword« Style Festival, no large-scale battles took place. To prepare for the upcoming battle against «Four Dewa» the next day, Kaizo and his group chose to strengthen their defense at «fort».
Although there was an isolated battle around «fort», the enemy was easily repulsed by the Crow Class combo of Victoria and Aura sent to scout.
That night after dinner, the team gathered to discuss about their formation for the sword style the next day. In particular, Kaizo himself took on the role of assault as a vanguard.
Support was given to Eve and Victoria in the middle guard. The rear guard consists of Tiana who serves as a support and Aura to protect her while performing sniper duties.
Due to the midday conversation, Kaizo was a little worried about Tiana, but her attitude was not much different from usual. Let alone Kaizo, she definitely did not want to let the other girls know about her inferiority.
After the meeting, Tiana once again disappeared by herself, she admitted to fixing the barrier. Which turned out to be him practicing sword techniques for self-defense.
"Tiana, I can understand your uneasiness, but please be careful not to overexert yourself."
Hearing Kaizo's words, Tiana replied, "Don't worry. I will do my best to battle tomorrow." He smiled and nodded.
Then late at night arrived. In accordance with the shift schedule, Kaizo and Eve begin their night patrols. Although the possibility of enemy spirits attacking the fortress directly was extremely low, it was not zero.
Even if it was only for the sake of detention, it was necessary to watch out. The couple lit firewood on the edge of the forest while observing suspicious signs.
Fire crackling. Eve sat down with one knee on top while staring at the spearhead of «Ray Hawk» as she spoke, "Nobody attacked. Otherwise, we can eliminate them directly."
"Perhaps because Tiana's barrier is so powerful, it's hard to break through and invade." Sitting opposite to him, Kaizo agreed as he shifted his gaze.
This was because Eve's raised knee had lifted her skirt, providing a tantalizing view of what lay beneath.
Due to the fact that Eve was only in a position to act immediately, Kaizo did not care about the unnecessary comments as it would only anger her.
"But by the way, it feels like the fight between the teams this time is not too frequent."
"Ah yes, indeed, this «Tempest» is a bit unorthodox."
"How does that mean?" Eve tilted her head with a blank expression.
"Too many teams were eliminated in the beginning. Like «Karmila's Rupture» Division and «Tim Wigala» belongs to our own Academy. In addition to these two teams, several other teams had also been annihilated. Enough in this short three days, and especially by one team." Kaizo raised a finger as he spoke.
"Hearing that rumor, the other team definitely tried to take precautions against «Team Inferno» and chose to secure their fortress. And the simpler reason was because the number of elementalists left in the field was less. Although some teams have not been completely annihilated, there should be many cases of members being eliminated" Kaizo explained.
"Hmm, that's." Eve showed an expression as if she only half understood.
(But not only that,) Kaizo secretly added in his mind, (The current Sword« Style Festival is also a bit strange.)
For example, the existence of Nephesis Loran. That monster is not a Spirit Contractor. On the contrary, he could not even be counted as a human. Such an abnormal existence should not be eligible to compete in the «Style Festival of Sword».
(And speaking of abnormal, there is also Alicia.)
Despite the true truth, since his spirit contract with Kaizo had not been canceled, he was still considered to be his contracted spirit.
Regarding how he was listed as a member of «Team Inferno», Kaizo is still in doubt. Just when Kaizo was thinking hard. Sitting before him, Eve suddenly shivered.
"What's wrong, are you cold?"
"Yes, the fire seems to have subsided a little."
Although Princess Sizuan Academy uniform was filled with anti-cold magic, «Wind Palace» at night was still quite cold. The heat from a campfire alone is not enough to warm the body.
"Eve, can't you use wind-type magic to protect this place?"
"I think I could, if it had to be done." Eve nodded but her answer seemed quite ambiguous. Somehow Kaizo felt that the barrier to shade two people should really be easy for him.
"By the way, besides, Kaizo?"
"Hmm?"
Eve coughed dry to clear her throat. Her face flushed for some reason, "Umm, can I sit next to you?"
"Eh?"
"Well, that's what people say."
While Kaizo was still hesitating, Eve quickly circled the fire and approached to sit a bit away from him, with their shoulders so close that they could have touched.
This time his knee was pulled up while his shin tilted outward. More feminine way of sitting. Gripping her skirt in suspense, she lowered her gaze to the ground.
Maintaining this posture, Eve stared blankly for a few seconds.
"Umm, what's up? Until you suddenly act like this?"
"Ah? Umm, a-does sitting next to you make you any trouble?" Eve frantically spoke. Blushed in embarrassment, she awkwardly squeezed the tip of her skirt.
"How could that be true? Don't suddenly be too formal and distant."
"Life!" Seeing Kaizo leaning closer on her own accord, Eve cried out sweetly. Before the campfire, the two leaned tightly, shoulder to shoulder.
(I see, this feels pretty warm.)
"Huh, fuu..."
Kaizo began to feel very aware of Eve's breathing. "What's up, Eve? Are you having a fever?"
"I-I'm fine, but I still feel a little cold. If we get closer, I think I might get warm enough!" Eve shook her head and pressed her shoulders closer.
"Tu-wait a minute! If you get close, it'll be bad!" Kaizo frantically tried to pull back the distance. If this continued, let alone her shoulders, even Eve's delicate, tender chest would touch her arm
"No-no, no matter what else, there's no better way to get away from the cold!"
"No, how could I not mind!?"
As the soft sensation in his chest made Kaizo blush and his heart beat violently, a small group of flames leaped out from the bushes beside them with a bang.
"W-what?" Kaizo stared intently at the small group of flames that suddenly appeared before his eyes. It was a small lizard with its body on fire. Low level fire spirits.
"Oh, that's a little Salamander. Lucky for you, this will strengthen the fire a little." Kaizo clamped the fire spirit Salamander on its tail and placed it on the bonfire. Soon, the campfire got stronger.
"Li-see, this way we can stay warm without being too close together."
"Huh, this spirit appeared at a very wrong time." Eve looked almost in tears as she glared at Salamander at the campfire.
"What did you say?"
"There's nothing!" He angrily turned his face away.
(We ended up warming up, but somehow his mood suddenly deteriorated.)
For a moment, both remained silent.
"Kaizo?"
"Hmm?"
Eve was the first to break the silence. Taking out the pen and notebook from the chest of his uniform, he stared intently at Kaizo's face.
"Are you making some kind of note?" Kaizo frowned confusedly.
Eve coughed lightly and spoke, "Kaizo, from now on, I will ask you some questions. I hope you can answer honestly."
"Eh, sure?"
Although Kaizo did not know what Eve meant, he could see from his eyes that she was serious. Kaizo nodded and nervously held her breath.
...
*Connected.....
*Note: This story is fictitious. If there is a similarity in the name of the character, the scene, or the story, it is a mere coincidence and there is no element of intentionality.