The Boy Who Fell to the Lowest Level of the Dungeon, Becoming the Strongest and Returns to the Surface After 10 Years~He Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life, but His Childhood Friends Who Have Risen to Prominence Won’t Leave Him Alone~ - Chapter 19: Successful Childhood Friends

“””Woaaaaaaahhhhhh!”””

In the large venue, cheers erupted.

This is the “First Arena” of the Royal Capital Etoile Academy.

Just like when Elta and Vice Principal Virgo faced off, this is the largest arena in the academy.

When he listens to the cheers, he can hear what each person is saying.

“What is this luxurious lineup?!”

“It’s an unprecedented match!”

“What is going to happen!?”

What they are focusing on are the girls of the three-way alliance.

“Did you go out of your way to prepare a place like this?”

The illustrious Royal Capital Knights Order, Vice Captain──Celia.

While her beautiful blonde hair swayed, she appeared dignified.

His piercing gaze is worthy of being called the “Ice Knight.”

“In my authority.”

Royal Capital Etoile Academy, Student Council President──Leone.

With her special silver hair, she carries the academy representative’s mantle on her back.

Even though she is the youngest of the three, her aura is never lacking.

“I’m getting nervous.”

An S-Rank Explorer──Jura.

She has hair mixed with red and pink, and a captivating body.

Strength, and as a pioneer in a new field, she is called the “Explorer of Magical Armor.”

Three people who truly represent the country were gathered together.

“””Woaaaaaaahhhhhh!”””

Despite it being an impromptu match, people somehow hear about it and come on their own.

This extraordinary popularity spoke volumes about the status of the three.

Moreover, the audience can’t hide their agitation towards the fact that they are all childhood friends.

“The three of them are childhood friends? Seriously…”

“Was that rumor true?”

“Ah, no way…”

“Does he have any other childhood friends?”

“If that’s the case, he’s a pretty messed-up guy.”

Overhearing such a conversation, the boy was watching the venue from a little distance away from the audience.

“Popularity is insane…”

Elta was left speechless.

He knew that everyone had been promoted, but the overwhelming cheers made him realize it anew.

Tina was sitting right next to Elta, as she also agreed.

“Everyone is an amazing person.”

“Y-yeah. I understand well.”

But at the same time, Tina mutters under her breath with a slightly regretful expression.

“I wish I could be like that too…”

“Tina?”

“No, it’s nothing!”

However, she quietly tucked that regret away in her heart.

With a certain determination.

(I’ll definitely catch up with everyone!)

Tina tries to change her mood, but for now, she clings to Elta’s arm.

“Hey, hey, you’re too close.”

“Why not, once in a while!”

“Hmm, it’s nothing.”

It was probably because it was a rare opportunity to monopolize her brother.

On the other hand, no matter what, Elta is also sweet on his younger sister.

At the end of those two people’s gazes, the match was finally about to begin.

Inside the arena.

“Just as expected from the student council president.”

“Right?”

At Jura’s words, Leone puffed out her chest with a “hmph.”

It was a hastily decided match, but it seems they immediately rented out the arena with just one word from Leone.

However, Jura asks playfully.

“But is it really okay, Leone?”

“What do you mean?”

“Even though there are many academy students, you will end up showing them your defeat.”

“Geez, Jura is such a worrywart.”

Against Jura, who smiled softly, Leone responded with a strong gaze.

“Don’t worry, I’ll win.”

“…I see, big sister is looking forward to it.”

They are usually best friends, but both are fired up for the competition.

She wants to prove the ten years she trained for Elta by winning here.

In the midst of all that, Celia closed her eyes and steadied her breathing alone.

She has the calm demeanor befitting a knight.

(El-kun.)

Celia also honed herself for ten years to rescue Elta.

In the end, Elta returned, but she doesn’t think this period was wasted at all.

Rather, she was happy to have the opportunity to show this side of herself.

“I will win.”

With that spirit, she opened her eyes once more.

“Big sister is all set.”

“Me too!”

Once the three of them were ready, they each took their positions.

What she has in her hand is a special weapon created through magical armor.

However, this is actually the first time Jura has made a dedicated weapon for a person.

In other words, this is not only a three-person contest but also a showcase for magical armor.

“Alright, let’s get started!”

Jura called out, and the match began.

The first to act was──Celia.

“Fuu.”

Before coming here, she swung the sword a bit, but it was mostly on-the-spot practice.

Even so, it fits perfectly in Celia’s hand.

Based on her beloved sword, she adjusts the weight and length.

“Jura, thank you.”

Celia smoothly assumed a high guard stance with her sword.

As if about to perform a great feat.

“With this, I can move on to the next stage. ──Hah!”

She swings it down with lightning speed.

She is a master honed in the knightly order.

“””Wooaahhh!?”””

Then, the venue erupts all at once.

With a single swing from Celia, a large “iceberg” formed in front of her.

In a scene never seen with ordinary weapons, even Celia herself widened her eyes.

“This is the weapon of the new era, the magical armor…!”

──Ice Sword “Niflheim.”

It is made from a dragon that manipulates ice.

This sword creates ice depending on the force of the swing…

Every day, Celia swings a heavy sword and hones herself.

This weapon responds to her single strike, which is the crystallization of her efforts, in the form of ice power.

It’s the perfect weapon for the “Ice Knight” Celia.

Feeling the undeniable power, Celia looks forward again.

(The two of them…)

The iceberg covers most of the arena.

However, there is no one inside the iceberg.

Instead, she felt a presence very close by.

“──I received it.”

“…Tsk!”

Without a sound, a person appeared from directly above.

“Ugh!”

In a split second, she guards with her sword, but Celia steps back.

What landed in front of her was──Leone.

(It was as if I couldn’t hear any footsteps…!)

It’s no wonder that Celia thinks that way.

Leone danced through the air… and approached.

“Close, but no cigar.”

──Twin Swords “Griffon.”

It is made from a mysterious bird that controls the wind.

By swinging the sword, wind is generated, allowing for free movement.

With this “Griffon,” Leone has acquired aerial combat.

“This weapon is amazing…!”

However, moving freely in a space called “sky” is more difficult for humans than one might imagine.

From the fact that she can master this instantly, they can see Leone’s prowess.

All the knowledge from the academy is firmly in her mind, and in practice, there is no one who can match her.

It’s a weapon that only someone like Leone, who excels in both academics and martial arts, can handle.

“Heh, it seems you’re already getting the hang of it.”

“Celia, too.”

The two who faced each other exchanged light conversation, but in the next moment, they clashed.

“”…Ugh!””

Celia follows the master’s footsteps, while Leone swings her sword backward.

Here, an unyielding battle between two begins suddenly.

“Don’t underestimate the student council president!”

“──Ugh!”

In response to Leone’s fierce attack, Celia deals with it while moving sideways.

Leone’s “Griffon” not only excelled in aerial combat but also granted her speed through the wind.

Additionally, due to the dual dagger style, it seems that Leone has the advantage in close combat.

“Don’t underestimate the Vice Captain!”

“…!”

On the other hand, Celia generates ice while keeping her distance.

Depending on the power, it is generated in a large size, and if it is small, it becomes an ice thorn and bares its fangs at Leone.

“””Wooooaaaaaah!”””

In a clash where neither side backs down, the audience erupts in cheers.

Not only is it a high-level battle, but the abilities of the monsters are also flying around.

It’s only natural to be excited.

Also, they themselves feel it too.

“Impressive as always, Leone!”

“Celia is really strong after all!”

The two often crossed swords with each other as those who elevated one another.

However, it seems that such opportunities have been rare lately due to busyness.

Remembering the nostalgic days makes them even more passionate.

However, in a place like that──

“Always being mindful of your surroundings is fundamental.”

“”…!””

A flash of fierce flames runs through.

Celia and Leone defend together with swords.

At the same time, the iceberg on the path of the blazing flames melted, and another person appeared.

Of course──it’s Jura.

“Don’t forget about this older sister, too.”

The confident smile remained completely unchanged even as she watched the battle between Leone and Celia.

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Afterword

It seems that the heroines also possess both popularity and strength!

The “magic armor” adds to the incredible intensity!

Next time, the second half of the heroine’s battle!

It seems like something is going to happen, but will it really…?