Chapter 67 - 67: Simulated Battle and the Chosen Opponent

Words : 1236 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 67 of "Fairy Tail: Igneel's eldest son in Anime Multiverse" introduces: Though the audience couldn't see the test results directly, Charles's overwhelming strength was clear for... Read on to discover!

Though the audience couldn't see the test results directly, Charles's overwhelming strength was clear for all to see. No one felt confident enough to block his attacks head-on, and no one believed they could break through his defense. Charles could clearly sense the atmosphere of fear radiating from the stands. And yet, precisely because of that, those who still held their fighting spirit—or whose morale had even intensified—stood out all the more. Foremost among them was Stella. Charles could feel the blazing heat of her fighting intent; if not for her royal image to uphold, she might've jumped straight into the arena to challenge him. A few others in the stands had similar unwavering resolve, refusing to back down or show weakness. Still… was Hagun Academy suffering a bit from too much feminine energy? Most of the ones with decent "aura" were girls. Kurono lowered the report sheet and spoke: "Congratulations, Charles. You've been officially rated an A-rank Sword Bearer. And among the A-ranks I know, you're easily among the elite." Just as Charles began to grow wary of the praise, Kurono made her real move. "Since we're already in the arena… how about a simulated match?" The moment she said it, Charles hadn't even responded yet before waves of fighting spirit surged from the stands. Only now did Charles understand Kurono's game. No wonder she had so many students present—who would watch a test just for numbers? The true spectacle was always the battle. If she wanted to change the atmosphere of Hagun Academy, the key wasn't the faculty—it was the students. Reigniting their passion was the first step. And she wanted Charles to be the spark—the disruptive "catfish" that stirs up the still waters. All that remained was who Charles would choose as his opponent. If he picked the person Kurono had in mind, her plan would be complete. Charles looked up. "A simulated match… sure. Do I get to choose my opponent?" Kurono nodded. "Of course. So, who will you pick?" The audience held their breath. Stella, in particular, grew visibly excited. If there was anyone Charles was likely to choose, it had to be her. He'd only just arrived from Shenlong Temple and didn't know many people. She was the first classmate he'd met. Besides, they were the only two A-rank Student Knights in the academy—surely she was the most qualified to be his opponent. Nearby, a petite girl adjusting her glasses was already brainstorming news headlines. "'Clash of the A-Rank Freshmen! Who Will Be the Strongest Newcomer?!' Yeah, that'll do nicely!" Charles extended his hand and pointed toward someone in the crowd. "I choose him." Everyone followed his gaze—and gasps filled the arena. Because Charles hadn't chosen the strongest A-rank, the Crimson Princess. He had chosen someone everyone knew well, but not because he was powerful. Quite the opposite: the one Charles had picked was infamous for being the weakest—the academy's only F-rank Sword Bearer, Kurogane Ikki. Whispers exploded among the crowd. No one could understand Charles's decision. Did he not realize how vast the gulf was between their ranks? Even Ikki himself hadn't expected to be chosen. For a split second, he wondered if Charles had picked him as some form of humiliation. It wasn't paranoia—he'd lived through that very scenario before. At this very academy, classmates had taunted and even attacked him out of malice. Whether they did it out of contempt for the weak or were following the Kurogane family's orders, the treatment had always been cruel. But then Ikki met Charles's eyes. They were calm. Sincere. He realized Charles had meant it when he said he saw him as strong. This choice wasn't mockery—it was recognition. Kurono had gambled that Charles, trained by Shenlong Temple, could see Ikki's true nature—and she'd won. Kurono turned to Ikki. "Our exchange student has chosen you. What do you say?" "Of course I'll accept! An opportunity to fight someone like Charles doesn't come often." Ikki's voice was firm and resolute. If the choice itself had already caused a stir, Ikki's acceptance made it even worse. It was one thing for Charles to possibly be naïve—but did Ikki have no self-awareness? Stella noticed the shift in the crowd and turned to the girl beside her. "Kagami, is that guy well-known here?" Kagami Kusakabe—another first-year, assigned to the same dorm room as Stella. She claimed she wasn't a fighter and dreamed of becoming a top-tier journalist. She was already planning to launch Hagun Academy's student news club. As such, she was a walking encyclopedia of campus gossip. Kagami looked equally surprised but explained, "Kurogane Ikki. Technically, he's an upperclassman. But his grades were so bad last year he was held back, so now he's with our year." "He got held back?" Stella frowned. "People like that exist at Hagun?" Kagami nodded. "Ikki-senpai's kinda infamous. He's one of the few F-rank Sword Bearers here. I heard his magic is less than a tenth of the average. His ability is just basic physical enhancement, so everyone calls him the 'Failed Knight.'" Stella turned her gaze back to the arena—first at Ikki, then at Charles. She simply didn't understand these two. To her, a Sword Bearer was someone who followed the chivalric code—thus the title "Magic Knight." If it were her, she would never challenge someone so clearly beneath her in strength. Nor would she accept a match that she was sure to lose. Stella wasn't the type to bottle up her questions. "Hey! Wait a minute!" she shouted. "Charles, the opponent you chose is an F-rank Sword Bearer! And Ikki Kurogane—why would you push yourself like this? If you don't want to fight, you can refuse. I'll take your place instead." She voiced the question on everyone's mind. All eyes turned to the two in the arena, awaiting their answers. Charles and Ikki exchanged a glance. Then Charles looked up and said calmly, "I know Ikki's situation." "Then why?" Stella started to press, but Charles's next words left the entire arena speechless. "Because aside from the director, Kurogane Ikki is the strongest person here. Even stronger than you, Stella." A wave of stunned reactions swept the crowd. People thought they'd misheard. Ikki? The strongest? How could he say that? There were other B- and C-rank Sword Bearers present—even members of the student council. How could Charles claim Ikki was the strongest among them? But amidst the sea of disbelief, Charles stood firm. He showed no sign of doubt or intention to retract his words. Stella could feel his unwavering conviction. She turned to Ikki. He rubbed the back of his head a little sheepishly. "Well… if Charles says that, then I've got to respond properly. And personally, I've been looking forward to sparring with him." They're insane—both of them! The crowd was in turmoil. Kurono raised her hand, silencing the arena. "Since both parties agree and understand the rules of simulated combat—then let the match begin!" [Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [[email protected]/Mutter] [+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]

Chapter 67 - 67: Simulated Battle and the Chosen Opponent

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