Light Novel Volume 02

The second Light Novel of the series released on October 15, 2013.

Summary
With the battle selection progressing well for Ikki and his friends, who are on a winning streak. After his most recent match, Ikki who has been sensing someone's presence for a week, finally decides to call out the stalker. The stalker, Ayase Ayatsuji, a third year student and daughter to a well known swordsman, Kaito Ayatsuji, reveals that she has been on a slump and proceeds to ask Ikki to become her teacher in swordsmanship. Accepting her request as he begins to train her, Ikki starts to find out there is more to Ayase than meets the eye when a Blazer from another school becomes involve and harasses Ayase. The situation worsened as he and Ayase are pitted against each other for their next match.

Chapters
Prologue: Memories of a distant Day

In a dojo dyed in red, a girl stands, calling out to the man before, her voice filled with distress. However, the man, who is the girl's father simply laughs, saying that it's still a hundred years too yearly for someone to hold back against him. The girl tries reminding her father of his condition, but her father simply tells her to look, wanting to entrust her with his greatest technique, while he still can hold a sword. As the man readies his shinai (wooden practice sword), the girl, named Ayase, can only watch. Years later, Ayase manifest her blade shaped Device, swinging it as her father taught her. However, she has already lost everything important to her, with that scene from the past still burning bright in her eyes.

Chapter 1: Disciple

In Hagun Academy, the selection battles continue, with Ikki now entering the arena for his ninth battle, having won the previous eight matches, without a scratch, except for his match against Kirihara. His opponent today however, is a member of the student council, second year student Renren Tomaru, who is ranked third strongest in Hagun Academy. As the match starts Renern manifest's her knuckel-type Device and playfully hops around, while chatting with Ikki. Renren compliments him on his victory against Shizuya Kirihara and notes how sad it is that they are no longer in the same year, as Renren wants to fight more strong opponents. However, she also claims that as Ikki struggled so much against the "Hunter", he won't be able to catch up to her, suddenly disappearing. Ikki however quickly notices that Renren is simply moving at extreme speeds, thanks to her Device, 'Mach Grid', which allows her to accumulate her speed overtime. This was the reason for her friendly chatting with Ikki, as she simply needed time to gather speed, now going faster then sound. Renren then moves into Ikki's blind spot and charges at him with her Noble Art, 'Black Bird', which releases all of her speed at once. In the audience however, Shizuku notes that the reason Ikki struggled against Kirihara wasn't because he couldn't see him, and he will have no problem against Renre. As Renren is about to hit Ikki, he miraculously dodges Renren's attack, grabbing her and smashing her to the arena. As Renren has now been stopped, her speed has returned to zero, effectively losing her the match. Knowing this, Renren willingly surrenders.

Next up, is Stella's match against another member of the student council, second year student Ikazuchi Saijou, who is the fourth strongest student after Renren. Saijou manifests his Device, 'Zanbatou', which coincidentally is a zanbatou (large blade). Saijou starts swinging his large weapon, revealing that his ability is the accumulation of the power of slashes, which allows his attacks to become more powerful with every slash. The weakness of the ability however is that the attacks can be easily avoided, rendering his ability useless. Despite this, Stella chooses to confront Saijou's power, instead of evading it. Saijou then slashes at Stella with his Noble Art, 'Crecendo Axe', which releases all of his power- However, this attack is easily overpowered by Stella, who destroys Saijou's Device with her own attack, and sends him flying, winning the match.

After the matches, Ikki is congratulated by Shizuku and Nagi, who also won their own matches, with Shizuku especially getting close to Ikki, which in turn annoys Stella. Stella and Shizuku bicker about the subject, with Stella being secretly even more angered, as she and Ikki are actually lovers now, though only secretly due to differences in their social statuses. Noticing Stella's mood, Ikki also carefully advises Shizuku to be a little less assertive, which Shizuku surprisingly accepts. It's implied that Shizuku is also actually aware of Ikki's and Stella's relationship. Despite Ikki and Stella being lovers now, their relationship has been distant, as they are both unaware of what to do, despite wishing for more closeness.

As Ikki, Stella, Shizuku and Nagi are walking they wake admiration around them, having become very famous among the students for their victories in the selection matches. Especially Ikki has become acknowledged and respected, having started a lecture class on martial arts during the lunch breaks, which even third years and people outside the school coming to learn from Ikki. Ikki, being experienced in multiple martial arts is able to teach all kinds of people. Ikki though notes that the biggest change is probably that he has gained a stalker, shocking Stella and Shizuku. Ikki explains that he has been followed for week now, by an unknown person, though he also says that he doesn't think that the stalker has malicious intent towards. They think that it's possible that the stalker is infatuated with Ikki, though this doesn't calm down Shizuku or Stella. Ikki however suggests that they asks the stalker themselves, revealing that the stalker is actually hiding behind a bush nearby. Calling out to that person, the stalker, who is revealed to be a girl with long black hair, falls out of the bush into a nearby pond, falling unconscious. As Ikki and Nagi help her, Stella and Shizuku are annoyed by the stalker being a beautiful girl.

The stalker girl is seeing a nightmare about robust men interrogating her and intending on torturing her. As the girl wakes up in the hospital room, Shizuku is sitting next to her, whispering things, like whipping, drowning and burning on a stake into her ear. Shizuku then calls out to Ikki and the others, who enter the room. The girl realizes that she hit her head and was carried into the hospital room by Ikki and Nagi. The girl then greets Ikki and the others, although she averts their gazes. As Ikki asks who the girl is, she tells that she is a third years student named Ayase Ayatsuji. Ikki notices how Ayase is purposely averting his gaze, and asks why she is doing this, with Ayase saying that she is too embarrassed to look new people in the eye, as she is very shy. Stella and Shizuku then intervene and start questioning why Ayase stalked Ikki, blaming her on peeping on Ikki due to her carnal desires, which Ayase attempts to deny. Realizing Ayase hasn't been talking him out of malice or love, Ikki wonders why Ayase is stalking him, until coming to a realization, after noticing calluses on her hands that come from training with a training sword. Ikki asks Ayase if she's related to the famed swordsman Kaito Ayatsuji. Ayase says that she is actually Kaito's daughter, as Stella asks who this Kaito is. Shizuku explains that Kaito, called the "Last Samurai", is a master of the 'Ayatsuji Itto-ryu' style, though he is actually just a normal human, and not Blazer, which is why many Blazers don't know him. To those who practice martial arts however, Kaito is legendary, having won countless tournaments, and even defeated Blazers with just his swordsmanship. Ikki tells that he attempted to challenge Kaito when he was young, but was denied the opportunity. Ikki asks how Kaito is doing, as he hasn't heard much about him recently, and Ayase reveals that Kaito is currently hospitalized due to an injury he received during a match. Ayase explains that after this she has attempted to keep up her training, but has fallen into a slump recently. Ayase explains that she was stalking Ikki, because she didn't know how to approach him. Ikki then suggests that they should train each other in swordsmanship, as he would wish to experience the swordsmanship of the "Last Samurai". Ayase happily accepts, though she doesn't think there is much that she can teach to Ikki, making her his disciple.

Ikki, Stella, Shizuku and Nagi often train in a open area in the woods after school, with Ikki and Stella practicing their swordsmanship, while Nagi and Shizuku trained their magic. Now Ayase was also invited to train with them, having a mock battle with Ikki, using her katana Device 'Hizume'. Ayase shows great skill in her form, being able to respond to all of Ikki's attacks. However, Ikki, being an experienced swordsman, figures out the thing that is holding Ayase's swordsmanship back. Ikki calls of the duel and tells Ayase that the reason she is in a slump, is because she is following her father's style too closely. Ikki explains that there are fundamental differences between the bodies of males and females, which results in different strengths and weaknesses. Ayase can't use the exact same methods as her father to their fullest extent, as their bodies are different. Ikki then suggests that he would show Ayase how to change her technique, although only if she wished to. Ayase accepts this, wanting to become stronger. Ikki then starts fixing the positions of her arms and legs, greatly embarrassing Ayase. After Ikki is finally done, he apologizes to Ayase for his actions, realizing that the situation was embarrassing to her. Ayase though says that she didn't mind that much, as Ikki's hands reminded her of her father's. With her new form, Ayase is able to become a lot faster and stronger, thanks to Ikki. Ikki's teaching of Ayase though makes Stella a little jealous, purposely trying to mess up her own swordsmanship so Ikki would do her the same he did t Ayase. However, Stella subconsciously corrects her messed up moves, making a different, but not bad style, which sees. This irritates Stella even further, though the reason of this anger is unknown to Ikki.

Stella sits next to Shizuku's and Nagi's practice, angered by how much attention Ikki is giving Ayase. While Shizuku taunts Stella, Nagi notes that Ikki probably has nothing to teach to Stella, as they have such different styles of swordsmanship. Stella questions if Shizuku is okay with Ikki touching Ayase, with Shizuku simply answering that Ikki is just training Ayase, and there is no romance between them. Shizuku then says that Stella has misunderstood Shizuku's feelings towards Ikki, explaining that she doesn't want to monopolize Ikki, but just wants him to be happy with whoever he chooses. Stella notes how mature Shizuku is sometimes, only to have Shizuku insult her. Stella thinks about her and Ikki's relationship, and ponders the fact that they haven't done anything "lover stuff" in the past few months. This worries Stella, who doesn't know what to do, being worried about the fact that Ikki might not even want to be in a relationship with her anymore.

Chapter 2: Twilight of Disaster

After winning his tenth selection match, Ikki suggests to Ayase that they should go to the pool the next day. Although Ayase is a bit confused by this, Ikki believes that doing some more relaxing training in the pool, will be a great help, as Ayase's body is probably very tired from all of the new kinds of movements Ikki has taught. Stella also decides to tag along, not wanting Ikki to do any indecent things with Ayase. As Ikki and Stella are waiting the next day for Ayase, Ikki notices that Stella has been feeling annoyed for the past few days, guessing that this is because of the amount of attention Ikki has placed on Ayase's training. Ikki and Stella talk about this, with Ikki assuring that he has no romantic feelings for Ayase, and only loves Stella. Just when the two are having a moment, Ayase arrives, interrupting them. They then quickly head to the pool, with Ikki regretting that he missed the chance to clearly express his feelings to Stella.

As the three enter the pools, Stella wakes great amounts of attention around her, with many boys staring at her gorgeous appearance. Ikki then instructs Ayase, telling her to simply drift and float through the water, which will increase her lung capacity. Stella however is disappointed, as she wished to do something more fun with Ikki. As Stella does the same training as Ayase, she notes that the true purpose of the training method is for the person to feel more closer to themselves and their body. To Stella however, this training is easy and unnecessary, as her swordsmanship is at a higher level. However, Stella thinks how she still has some way to go, noting that she has not yet reached her absolute limit like Ikki. As Stella submerges in to the water, she hears Ayase asks if she is dating Ikki, which causes Stella to cough and almost drown.

After having regained her composure, Stella denies Ayase's claim, stating that a princess like her couldn't date a commoner. Ayase however tricks Stella into admitting her relationship with Ikki, by saying that she herself has feelings for Ikki, which causes Stella to admit her relationship. Ayase then clarifies that she doesn't harbor any romantic feelings for Ikki, which calms Stella down. Stella tells Ayase that she can't talk about Stella's and Ikki's relationship, as it would be a public scandal. As Ayase continues to asks about their relationship, Stella also tells her that they haven't really done any "lover stuff", as Stella is nervous that Ikki might come to hate her, if she is too pushy. Ayase though suggests that she should talk to Ikki, assuring her that Ikki would definitely not cold-heartedly hate her. Just then, Ikki returns to them, and Ayase tells him that Stella has something to say, while she goes to continue her training.

Stella attempts to talk to Ikki about their relationship, using Ayase's advice. However, they get into an argument, as they are both confused and are afraid that the other will get angry at them, waking attention around them. Stella and Ikki move to a more secluded part of the pools, and decide to say the thing they want the most, which happens to be a kiss. Stella and Ikki then kiss each other, and make amends.

Ikki, Stella and Ayase are eating at a restaurant, with Ayase being amazed by the amount that Stella eats. Ayase thanks Ikki for the training, though Ikki says that Ayase would have probably gotten to this point by herself eventually. Ayase tells them, that getting to the Festival is very important for her, as she wishes to face a certain person who took something away from her. Just then, a man, who has a long coat, a skull tattoo on his chest and is smoking, enters the restaurant and recognizes Ayase. The man, named Kuraudo, also has multiple other men surrounding him, who also greet Ayase. Ayase though is noticeably bothered by Kuraudo and the other men, which causes Ikki to ask them to leave. Kuraudo looks and Ikki, guessing that he is a swordsmanship, and apologizes for his behavior, while handing Ikki a bear. As Ikki tries taking the bottle, Kuraudo smashes it into his head, causing Ikki to bleed. Kuraudo then manifests his Device, which is a bone sword, challenging Ikki. Stella is infuriated by Kuraudo's actions, but Ikki tells her to calm down, saying that Kuraudo's hand simply slipped, and it's not something to have a fight over. Kuraudo and the other men start to mock Ikki, calling him a coward, though they eventually leave.

After the men leave, Stella asks why Ikki didn't do anything, as he could have beaten all of them without his Device. Ikki though notes that Kuraudo was very strong. Suddenly, a boy appears sitting on the table, saying that Kuraudo came in the top 8 of last year's Festival. Another person, a woman dressed in a white dress and holding an umbrella, also is present, telling that the individual they met was the ace of Tonrou Academy, another Mage-Knight school, "Sword Eater" Kuraudo Kurashiki. Stella asks who these people are, and Ikki tells them that the boy is the Vice-President of the student council, Utakata Misogi, and the woman is the treasurer of the student council, Kanata Totokubara. They congratulate Ikki's behavior, as if he would have attacked Kuraudo, they would have needed to intervene. Utakata then heals Ikki's wound with his mysterious ability, and he and Kanata then leave. Ikki turns to Ayase, asking what her relation to Kuraudo and the other men is, but he gets a message on his datapad, saying that the opponent of his tenth match will be Ayase herself. Ayase, also getting this message, quickly leaves.

Kuraudo and his men are later seen, talking about Ikki, while Kuraudo silently drinks beer. The other men think Ikki as a coward, but Kuraudo notes to himself that Ikki was at a very high-level, not giving into his provocation, and marks that he will surely appear in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.

After the announcement of Ikki's and Ayase's match, Ayase stopped coming to the practice, which worries Stella. Nagi questions if Ayase has taken any contact to Ikki, saying that she was very clear about wanting to go to the Festival, and in order to win against Ikki, she will need to make some kind of plans, to mess with him. Hearing this, Ikki tosses Nagi a notebook, with a message from Ayase, asking Ikki to come meet her tomorrow on the roof at 3Am, the night before their match. Nagi warns Ikki that it's possibly a trap, but Ikki isn't bothered by this, wanting to believe in Ayase. Nagi though still tells him to be careful. During the nigh, Ikki goes on the roof, and meeting Ayase, who has a sinister smile on her face. Ikki also notices that Ayase is looking straight at him, which she was previously unable to do. After a brief chat, Ikki asks why Ayase wanted to meet him, with Ayase remaining silent. Ikki asks if Kuraudo is the person who took something away from Ayase. Ayase says that Ikki is correct, and decides to reveal why she called him there, which is to asks what Ikki would do, if he faced an opponent he couldn't beat in the selection battles, although having promised that he'd make it to the Festival. Ikki says that he'd fight with all got fair and square. This answer however doesn't please Ayase, as she believes that righteousness without results is just caprice.

Hearing Ayase's words ans feeling her cold aura, Ikki is confused, as Ayase materializes her Device, Hizume, causing a shrieking sound of cutting. Hearing this, Ikki deduces she used some kind of cutting-ability. trying to detect what she cut, only to notice that it was the metal fence behind her. Ayse then jumps backwards, falling of the roof of the building. Not understanding what Ayase is trying to do, Ikki activates Ittou Shura, using the enhanced abilities to save Ayase, by jumping down, catching her and running vertically down the building. Ayase explains that, as Ittou Shura can only be used once a day, Ikki won't be able to use it in their match, nearly guaranteeing Ayase the victory. Hearing this, Ikki is shocked by Ayase's backhanded tactics, taking her tactics as an insult to all those who are trying to prove themselves as knights. Ayase though doesn't care, as long as she can beat Ikki. As she leaves, Ikki curses in frustration over the situation.

Chapter 3: Ayase Ayatsuji

Chapter 4: Decisive Battle:  vs 

Epilogue: Glacial Smile

Afterword

Translation
Baka-Tsuki: https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Rakudai_Kishi_no_Eiyuutan:Volume2