On the day of the demon sword tournament, my mother rushed up to me as I tried to leave the house.

Wait Arnos-chan! Mothers coming with you!

My mothers all dressed up in her going out clothes.

Youre coming to Deruzogedo?

Un. The school sent me a ticket and anyone with a ticket to the tournament can enter the grounds.

I still havent decided if Im taking part yet.

Ive arranged to meet Aivis at the school and get his report first.

Ill make my decision based on what he tells me.

You still not sure if you can get a good enough sword?

Yeah, pretty much.

If I explain my true reasons my mother wouldnt really understand so Ill stick to my previous story.

You might get your sword so mothers coming along. Also, I want to see the school Arnos-chan goes to.

Im not sure what shes expecting to see but its fine.

Shall we go then?

Unn.

We lock up and as we start walking my mothers links her arm with mine.

Fufufu. I rarely get a chance to go out with Arnos-chan. Mothers happy.

Its a bit hard to walk with you sticking to me like this though.

Nee, Arnos-chan.

My mother looks very happy.

.Thats true.

Its fine I suppose.

Hanging on to my arm so I cant escape my mother seems so happy. Im not going to pour cold water on her mood.

Have you seen father recently?

After dashing out he came back once then left again and hasnt been back since. I guess hes still working hard on obtaining a demon sword.

Hes helping out at other blacksmiths since they are short-staffed.

I see. Is that price he paid for knowledge on demon swords?

Hes only troubling you though.

My mother laughs happily.

Perhaps, but I dont mind. That person is a hard worker so its okay.

Ive never seen my father work. To be honest, I cant imagine it at all when I think about his usual everyday figure.

Speaking of which Arnos-chan, is the other person chosen from your class Ray-kun?

Walking leisurely I answer my mothers questions and after arriving at school I lead her to the arena.

If you carry straight on you will get to the audience seats.

Un, thank you Arnos-chan. Do your best.

Aah. We shall see.

Mother supports you!

My mother left without listening to my words.

Since we walked quite slowly the tournament should be ready to start.

The very first match is also my match so I really dont have much time left.

I didnt head to the waiting room though. I left the arena and headed to the demon tree forest.

The forest had completely recovered after our matches and wash now lush and green again.

After walking for a while a *nyaa* came from above.

Looking up a black cat is perched on a branch. With a light gait, it comes down the tree. Its Aivis.

What have you found?

The black cat opens its mouth.

Gaius and Idol, two of the old seven demon emperors are involved in the tournament behind the scenes.

Those two?

Gaius memories were erased and his body taken over by a subordinate of Avos Dillheavia. I never checked Idol but its very likely its the same with him as well.

Whats their aim?

I believe its you Arnos-sama. I think they are trying to trap you somehow.

If thats the case then they are probably trying to beat me by using the rules.

Aivis agrees.

They will probably try to reduce your power by using the rules against you Arnos-sama.

Fumu. This is probably the most likely scenario.

Whats the location of Gaius and Idol?

I dont know, but I found out that they will be coming to watch the finals tomorrow.

I dont think they will just be watching though.

It seems like they have anticipated me wining today and going through to the finals.

What about Melheys?

Hes a hard one to catch sight of, but from what I can find he doesnt seem to be involved in the management side of the tournament. Theres no sign that hes intending to defy you Arnos-sama.

Is he innocent?

Oh well. I still cant confirm either way so no point worrying about it.

What about Ray?

Ray Grandoris mother is hospitalised in the Lognoss magic clinic. Her condition isnt good. Shes close to death and healing magic is barely effective. Somehow the hospital has managed to at least stabilise her though.

Thats why he looked so down. Why didnt he depend on me though?

Whats the disease?

The doctors notes state its spirit sickness.

Fumu. Ive never heard of it.

What kind of disease is it?

I dont know. Ive never heard of it. I had to look it up and apparently, its very rare.

So thats why shes admitted to the best magic clinic in Deiruheido.

Anything else?

Thats all Ive managed to find.

To understand his mothers illness Ill have to examine her directly. It doesnt sound like a disease associated with mazoku though.

Sorry for the trouble Ive put you through. Ill be depending on you again.

Your will.

Aivis walks off into the forest.

I return to the arena but head to the audience seats and not the waiting room for the participants.

Ill wait here for a while.

Without further ado, the first round of the Deiruheido demon sword tournament shall begin!

A voice comes from the owl flying in the sky.

First up is Kurt Roodwell from the Lognoss demon sword association!!

A long-haired man with delicate features appears on the arena along with a great cheer. A thin rapier type demon sword hangs from his waist.

Hes here! The winner of the last tournament! Deiruheidos strongest swordsman Kurt Roodwell!!

Shocking! The first match and hes here!

Aah. At only 20 years old he rapidly cut down all his opponents. He can only have gotten better. I look forward to it.

Hes over 300 now. I wonder how much more polished his sword techniques are? Its scary just thinking about it.

Whos the unlucky fellow to get Kurt on the first round?

Apparently, hes some type of celebrity and the audience is excited.

The Lognoss demon sword association is a famous group amongst the royal factions.