"Dilemma and Opportunity"
After leaving Kurogane Shizuku’s dorm, Drake and Stella went to see Kurono Shinguuji.
She knew about the crude and despicable actions, but she couldn’t stop the Alliance branch.
Kurogane Shizuku returned to school; Drake learned Ikki Kurogane’s situation from her.
He was essentially imprisoned, with no visitors allowed.
The Ethics Committee interrogated him intensely daily; it was like torture, short of physical violence.
Kurono Shinguuji had protested to the Alliance repeatedly, but received no response. She could only prevent Ikki Kurogane from forfeiting and ensure fair treatnt during his matches.
She arranged for Ikki Kurogane’s opponent to compete at the branch, with a teacher acting as a referee.
Their horoom teacher, Yuuri Oreki, took on this task.
But upon her return, Drake saw her troubled expression.
He sensed sothing was wrong. "Teacher Yuri, did Ikki lose?"
Yuuri Oreki seed preoccupied; she didn’t correct Drake for not using the "Little Yuri" nickna.
"Huh? Ah... no, he won. But..."
Drake said directly, "Is Ikki in bad shape? Did they do sothing to him?"
Yuuri Oreki hesitated. "Ikki’s condition is poor. He’s pale, coughing, and seems pained."
"A cold? He won with a cold; that’s impressive," Stella said, recalling her own illness.
Drake frowned. "Teacher Yuuri, I’m Ikki’s friend; I’m worried; tell the truth."
Yuuri Oreki, having extensive dical knowledge, hesitated even longer, seemingly conflicted. "I... I need to see the Principal; we’ll talk later!"
Drake guessed what she ant.
His fists clenched; his anger was barely contained.
Stella grabbed his hand; he saw her worried expression.
He relaxed his fists. "Thank you, Stella; I’m calm now."
Stella breathed a sigh of relief. "What do we do? We can’t help Ikki!"
Drake thought; there were few solutions.
It was clearly a fra-up; Ikki Kurogane’s denials were useless. They’d continue their tactics until he broke.
Even if released, he might not be able to live normally. Or they might make him a true traitor.
Given their thods, this wasn’t impossible.
The mastermind was the Alliance’s Japanese branch; official channels wouldn’t work.
Violence was also impossible; Ikki Kurogane endured to beco a magic knight; he couldn’t join Rebellion!
Drake received a ssage from Kurono Shinguuji; she wanted him to see the Principal.
A turning point might appear; he and Stella went to see Kurono Shinguuji.
Kurono Shinguuji gave good news.
"Kid, you’re quite favored by your superiors!"
Drake said, puzzled, "Principal, what do you an?"
Kurono Shinguuji replied, "Today, Shinryuu Temple protested to the Alliance about the espionage accusations against you. They demanded the Japanese branch apologize for the trouble caused.
If they refuse, Shinryuu Temple will ban all Japanese sword masters from the Fighting God Cup."
Drake felt warmth; nothing was better than family support during hardship.
Thanking the Elder again, Drake considered the implications.
Shinryu Temple’s threat would be effective; the Japanese branch would react.
If Drake’s suspicion was cleared, Ikki Kurogane wouldn’t be accused of treason. Kurono Shinguuji could release him.
But Drake wouldn’t wait; he didn’t trust the Japanese branch; he needed to rescue Ikki Kurogane quickly.
Shinryuu Temple’s actions had helped and created an opening. Drake’s mind raced.
"Stella, where’s Kagami? I need her help."
...
Akaza Mamoru got out of his car; Japan’s sumr was unpleasant for his size. He was sweating profusely upon leaving the air-conditioned car.
Wiping his sweat, he complained about the distance between the parking lot and the building.
Thinking of his impending success, leaving the Ethics Committee for greater power and status, Akaza Mamoru felt better.
A boy in a sun hat rushed from the side, bumping into him.
The boy bowed, appearing terrified.
Akaza Mamoru wanted to scold him, but he was in a good mood and decided to show his magnanimity.
He lectured him and let him go. The boy thanked him repeatedly and left. Akaza Mamoru, summoned by Kurogane Gen, forgot the incident.
The boy removed his hat; it was Nagi Arisuin.
He contacted Drake.
"It’s done; it’s on the target."
"Thanks, Alice! Only you could do this!" Drake said sincerely.
"It’s fine; I’m Shizuku’s friend; I did it for her!"
Nagi Arisuin said, "I don’t know what you’re planning, but rescue Ikki!"
"Definitely!" Drake’s reply was resolute.
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