The Intimidating Torchbearer
The students watching Ludenberg Lavante couldn't move rashly. Their opponent was this year's exchange match champion. Drawing unnecessary attention might just get their torch staff snatched away, leading to nothing but headaches.
The students who had just claimed a torch staff began backing away from Ludenberg little by little, hesitating. Meanwhile, those without one started targeting the now-vulnerable students who had been wary of him.
In that moment, one student fixated on Ludenberg lost his torch staff to a surprise attack from another.
"Hand over the torch staff!"
"Eek...!"
Students resisted to defend their torch staffs or stole them outright. Amid the tense chaos, only Ludenberg remained utterly at ease.
He observed the other students. Honestly, he no longer needed to do anything. He had the torch staff in hand; all that was left was to light it.
But sitting idle like this felt a bit boring. This was the Glory Festival, after all—a chance to participate in something glorious.
He needed to etch his image into the minds of the spectators and Solemnute's citizens.
What Ludenberg aimed for in this Glory Festival was to make Ashytara Solenute his lover, ensuring no one could spout nonsense about it.
So, he had to leave a striking impression.
He gripped Liberra tightly.
Hummm—
As Liberra let out a resonant hum, he kicked off the ground and charged toward a student who had just seized a torch staff.
The student's smug expression soured the instant Ludenberg appeared before him.
"...Damn it."
Ludenberg grabbed him and flung him aside. Before the student could even secure the torch staff at his waist, his body slammed into the ground with a thunderous crash.
Whoosh.
Ludenberg snatched the spinning torch staff mid-air, fastened it to his own waist, and moved on.
The other students now actively wary of Ludenberg, especially those with torch staffs, banded together to check him.
Ludenberg didn't aggressively target them either. He didn't want the Glory Festival to end on a dull note.
Truth be told, if he put his mind to it, taking down every student here single-handedly would be child's play.
But he refrained. Competitions thrived on crowds, with participants clashing to prove themselves.
Winning a hollow victory without that spectacle might invite weird rumors. Someone might claim the participants were all subpar, letting him win easily.
He wanted no part of that.
That's why he gave the others chances—to let them prove their skills to the crowd.
Suddenly, Ludenberg's gaze caught Eden Asta displaying remarkable prowess amid the upperclassmen.
He eyed Eden impassively.
Not yet.
He wanted to deliver a greater humiliation. Early elimination meant nothing.
On the Glory Festival's grandest stage, with all eyes on him, Eden would pay for his sins from five years ago.
And then, Ludenberg would declare to him: I will always stand before you, and no matter how you chase the top, you'll never reach it.
"Wow, he's no joke."
Nadan Tes whistled, watching with evident amusement. Ludenberg was sweeping through the arena effortlessly, visible at a glance.
Undoubtedly, he was the standout in the Sacred Flame Struggle.
Typically, torch staff holders became prime targets, forcing them into defensive play. But Ludenberg was different.
He leveraged his reputation as the one who had bested student council president Dalia Retiu.
Students knew challenging him meant failing to steal the staff anyway, so they hesitated to even draw their swords.
Most in the arena were watching Ludenberg's every move. No one wanted to look bad by dropping out in the first round.
Having entered the Glory Festival, they all aimed higher.
"His skills improved again in the meantime?"
As Nadan muttered, Nah Tes, who had been enjoying the view beside him, spoke up.
"They have."
"Right, sis?"
"Yeah. Not that there's much for me to judge... but his movements feel different even from the exchange match."
"What a monster."
Nadan stuck out his tongue, staring at Ludenberg. Even for him, this was over the top. Second-years aside, third-years were sneaking peeks at him too...
Truly an exceptional student in every way.
"But why isn't he clearing them all out? Plenty couldn't stand against a direct charge."
"Who knows... Maybe he's got plans. Or saving energy."
"If so, why not thin the herd outright? No dropout limit."
"Not that easy anyway. Check the time, Nadan."
"Ah."
Nadan glanced at the hourglass near the sacred flame. Little sand remained in the upper half.
"Time's almost up, so no need to push."
"...Makes sense."
Sure enough, Ludenberg checked the hourglass and lit his torch staff undisturbed.
"It's over."
"Pretty fierce without Ludenberg, right?"
"Yeah. But focusing near him killed the tension—that's the issue."
"People loved it though."
"It's fun. Second- and third-years sweating against a mere first-year. Plus, many spectators haven't heard exchange match news yet."
"Indeed."
As Nah said, the crowd was in an uproar. Watching fierce fighters let Ludenberg approach the sacred flame unhindered felt surreal.
"What's going on?"
"Who the hell is that guy?"
"Lavante's young lord."
"Lavante's young lord...? Oh! The one without divine power!"
Such chatter reached Nadan and Nah.
"This year's students are overall strong. Especially the first-years."
Nah's eyes scanned the field. Evelyn Ansis with her dark green hair barely lit her torch. Eden Asta did so handily.
Other familiar Innocence students shone among seniors, successfully lighting theirs.
"Ten lit theirs, excluding the two who sat out. Impressive."
Nah smiled faintly. Before her eyes, skilled students raised flaming torches.
Glory Festival, first round. Only thirty-two out of one hundred claimed the sacred flame.
"Good work."
After the first round, the long day ended. Ashytara smiled at Ludenberg, who had advanced.
"Yeah."
"I figured you'd pass, but I didn't expect total dominance."
"...Was it?"
"Yeah. Seniors and Innocence kids clearly avoided you."
"Probably burdensome to face me head-on."
It might sound arrogant, but given his track record, it was natural. He could beat imperial knights now.
"Maybe. But it was entertaining to watch."
"The Sacred Flame Struggle?"
"Yeah, but not your area. That was boring."
"Oh?"
"You show up, everyone freezes—how's that fun?"
"...Ah."
"Even seniors steered clear."
"True. No one came at me."
"Exchange match win isn't lightweight. Your finals opponent was Dalia senior, after all. Safer to target others."
"So, not fun for you?"
"Yeah. But elsewhere was chaos—fights interrupting fights, total brawl."
"Fair. Tomorrow's one-on-one duels, right?"
"Three days from now."
"Why wait?"
"You're fine, but others are beat."
"Ah."
"Spectators want rested fighters at full strength. Hence the break."
"Got it. Three days..."
"Rest up if you can. No overtraining."
"I'm not that tired."
"No. You aim to win—be at your best."
Ashytara was firm, blocking extra practice. He understood; their Glory Festival bet hung on his victory.
"...Fine."
"Rest in the palace then. Sound good?"
"Yeah. But it'll be boring..."
"Wanna visit the Solem Church with me?"
"...Can I?"
"Sure. It's open except the inner sanctum."
"Right. Forgot how closed-off they are."
"Don't forget that..."
"Sorry."
"Not asking for apologies. Tomorrow, Solem Church it is."
"Okay. What'll we do there?"
"You've never been—I'll show you around."
"Show me...?"
"Yeah. Lots to see, like Solem relic exhibits."
"Not bad. Relics, huh."
"Many have surprising functions. Fun to check out."
"If you say so."
Ludenberg just nodded at Ashytara's words.