Chapter 1 (Recollection/Last Night)

When Claudia became aware of the things around her, she thought of walking on the same path
as her parents.
Truly, Claudia was a resourceful child, worthy of being called a prodigy; she possessed both
high intelligence and physical ability. But above all, while still very young, she excelled at
delicately reading the subtleties of people around her, intuitively guessing what they desired and
what they despised, and was also good at controlling this through mood, words and gestures.
Be it in terms of ability, or perhaps even judging from her familys status, remaining deeply tied
to a branch of the European Integrated Enterprise Foundation, she possessed enough talent as
a person. In terms of prospects, Claudia was on the path to become a top executive of the
Integrated Enterprise Foundation and be listed among the handful of people leading the world.
If only she were not a <Genestella>, that is.
Such a time would eventually come. The number of <Genestella>, in other words, the ratio of
<Genestella> in the overall population would surely increase, albeit slowly. In dozens, or even
hundreds of years later, there was no mistaking that the time when the <Genestella> would
leave the minority would come.
But for now, it was different.
In this day and age, the <Genestella> were regarded as no more than Heretics. Regardless of
how talented they were, regardless of how many achievements they piled up. There was simply
no place where the <Genestella> could get into the systems upper echelon.
Naturally, Claudias parents, Isabella and Nicholas, knew this. Claudia herself knew it before
she even reached 10 years of age. Still, Claudia did not feel frustrated or disappointed.
She had no strong desires, and had no goals.
She stood alone in a remote place, far from craving and passion.
In other words, Claudia Enfield was that kind of child.
Teeyahh!
Along with a voice filled with fighting spirit, a sharp sword drew an arc with a slash.

Shining golden hair danced lightly in the air, and on the ground, yet another blond hair waved,
disheveled, attempting to chase it.
A fierce attack from Blanchard! But, Enfield splendidly evades it by a hairs breadth! This fierce
fighting is truly worthy to be this <Rondo Versaille>s final match!
There were plenty of Martial Arts tournaments belonging to the lower-end category of the
<Festa>, but the <Rondo>, which was held in Western European countries, was a tournament
known widely among them. The qualifications for entry were limited to children under 13 years
of age. The safety measure were also stricter compared to those of the <Festa>. Participants
were required to wear a Protector. Weapon restrictions were in place (Only luxes with power
adjusted to the minimum setting could be used) and ability use using mana was completely
prohibited If one had to describe it, it would be like a <Festa> intended for children. It was for
these reasons that the score system was introduced; a combatant got a point when his attack
hits his opponents protector. Participants would compete for the number of points.
Regarding the physical growth unique to the <Genestella> a strong physique, strong muscles,
the amount of prana, and the like the individual differences were remarkable. Although in
general they arrived at a constant level by the end of the ( *9A) s
econdary sex characteristic
period, there was an especially striking disparity regarding the amount of prana, meaning the
defensive abilities of <Genestella> were unstable during their childhood period. So the safety
measures were necessary.
However, it was not done for an ethical reason; there was a strong desire to prevent players to
injure themselves during the evaluation stage.
The <Rondo> as well as the other lower-end <Festa> Martial Arts Tournaments did not have
much value commercially.
More or less, it would be more accurate to say that these tournaments for children were
selection meetings for each academy of Asterisk to discover new talent.
(You have to be at at a certain level to move up to a freak show; so its quite tough)
While Claudia muttered this in her heart, she evaded the slash of her opponent Laetitia
Blanchard, who had won and advanced to the final round at the age of 9 just like her with
steps as if dancing.
Tch, Stop moving around already!
Laetitia, becoming irritated, swung her thin sword-type lux. But Claudia splendidly handled her
fierce attacks with small sword-type luxs wielded in each hand.

Fufufu looks like you have improved your skills recently, Laetitia.
Kiiiiiih! I dont like that composure of yours! So take this.!
The point of her sword suddenly drew a perpendicular trajectory.
(*9B) !
Laetitias thin sword approached Claudias chest from an unexpected angle. Claudia had
crossed swords with Laetitia on countless occasions, but this attack was one that she had never
seen before.
A smile appeared on Laetitias face, seemingly convinced of her victory.
But
Wha!?
Claudia greatly contorted her upper body away, evading Laetitias blow with all of her might.
As she recovered, she twisted her body using the small sword in her right hand as support, and
drove in consecutive sword blows on the protector guarding Laetitias leg, arm and chest.
Almost simultaneously, the sound announcing the end of the match echoed throughout the
stage, and Claudia stored her lux, turning a soft smile to the stunned Laetitia.
That last one was really close. Too bad for you.
G-Gununuh..!
Though there was no exaggeration in Claudias words, Letitias face turned red and she bit her
lips in vexation. She looked like she would cry at any moment.
T--Today, Luck just wasnt on my side! So you shouldnt get too cocky!
I see, luck, huh. It might certainly be so. That said, practice match included, I have seven
wins with this; looks like you might be a bit too unlucky.
Nguh! T-Thats..
Besides, victory depends on luck in the first place. In other words, shouldnt you think of
including luck as a factor from the start?
Awww.

Unable to retort, Laetitia was at a loss for words, she looked like she was about to cry.
Claudia, seeing this, held out her right hand with a wry smile.
... But, the balance of luck might incline to your direction next time. When that happens, I
would like you to go easy on me.

As Laetitia turned her back briefly and quickly wiped her eyes, she turned back to face Claudia
and took her hand.
T-Thats right! Properly praising ones opponent is also a ladys job Congratulations,
CLaudia. But, without a doubt next time, I will absolutely, Absooolutely win!
Although slightly crooked, a smile appeared on such a Laetitias face. The height of her pride,
the strong will to try and endure the humiliation and complex feelings such as envy and jealousy
towards Claudia could be seen in that smile as she was unable to conceal them. But, an honest
praise could be felt at the core.
Truly, Claudia did not dislike this part of Laetitia.
When Claudia and Laetitia shook hands, great cheers rose from the audience all at once. Even
if the commercial value of the <Rondo> was low, the actual degree of attention the event earned
was high. The seating was filled to the point where there were people standing to watch the
matches.
Just like last year, these two girls confronted eachother! And again like last year, the winner
is, Claudia Enfield!
As the voice of the excited announcer resounded, Claudia smiled wryly and shrugged her
shoulders.
To begin with, you cant freely display your ability here, so I dont think Ive really won.
Letitia was a <Strega> and she could originally create and manipulate shining wings. Although
one form of offense and defense of that ability was still being developed, there was no room for
doubt that it was powerful. The <Rondo>, where ability use is prohibited, was like a handicap
battle for Laetitia.
I-Im not so shameful as to complain about the rules at this point!

But, Laetitia said so plainly.

Though it was not like she didnt think that it was good to put luck at fault, it seemed to be
Laetitias own way of preserving her dignity.
Besides, I dont have to be in a hurry, one day Ill be able to fight against you in a more
suitable place.
By that Do you mean Asterisk?
Ara, of course youll go there as well, yes?
As if to say What do you mean?, Laetitia tilted her head to the side.
Thats, right. Probably
Although she affirmed as such, Claudias answer was somewhat unclear.
This was because Claudia didnt have a clear outlook regarding her future.
Without a doubt, most of the children participating in the <Rondo> were aiming towards
Asterisk. For bettor or worse, the Academy City in the Far East was the only place in the whole
world where people could keep the meaning in being <Genestella> after all.
However, Claudia did not have any particular fixation on Asterisk. Whether it be taking part in
the <Rondo> or simply polishing her fighting skills. If she was compelled to say it, she just did it
without any particular reason, no more, no less.
Judging on her ability, there was no mistake that she could distinguish herself well even in
Asterisk. But Claudia also knew that there were many people in the world hiding talents greater
than hers.
Also the wall stretching out there was not something that could be crossed with just efforts and
training alone.
Or if one had the motivation to overcome it, he might find some meaning in going to Asterisk;
but unfortunately, Claudia didnt have even a fraction of foolishness to challenge a reality that
couldnt be overturned.
By the way, Laetitia. Its been bothering me for a while now, but what is with your tone?
Ehh? Y-Yes, this is, um..

When the subject was changed, Laetitia averted her gaze with a bashful expression.
The old Laetitia had a slightly informal, child-like way of talking. However Laetitias tone here
was polite, it somehow felt as if she was exerting herself.
T-The truth is that the other day, I made an acquaintance with a certain brother and sister. I
was deeply impressed by their incredible wisdom and noble character. So, well, I admire that
and want to get closer to them even if only a little; and if possible I would like to be like them.
Laetitia said this while squirming.

[INSERT IMAGE SCAN HERE]

It looked like that brother and sister influenced her. Though it was not strange judging by
Laetitias simple nature
Are you perhaps talking about the siblings of Fairclough House?
O-Oh, do you know them as well?
Laetitia made her eyes twinkle unexpectedly.
No. I am not acquainted with them, but I have often heard rumors about them.
The fact that in the prestigious Fairclough House, there was <Genestella> siblings of the same
generation as Claudia and Laetitia and with overwhelming sword skill at that was a famous
topic. Though, they have not yet appeared in the spotlight such as the <Rondo> even once.
Despite that, the rumors about their skills were probably true.
Ah then that sword line you learned it from those siblings, right?
W-Well, you could say that
Laetitia scratched her cheek with a mixed expression of bashful and boastfulness.
A-Anyway, they said that they will eventually go to Asterisk; and there is no doubt that they will
enroll at Garradsworth like me.
Both the Fairclough and the Blanchard houses accounted for one of the factions in the Intgrated
Enterprise Foundation EP, the parent organization of St. Garradsworth Academy.
You will go to Seidoukan, right? Im looking forward to seeing you in Asterisk.

Laetitia said so, laughing fearlessly, seemingly completely convinced that Claudia would go to
Asterisk.
Fufufu Thats right.
However, expectedly Claudia stopped at just returning a vague smile.
Perhaps it will come to that, and perhaps not
For Claudia, either way didnt really make much of a difference.