Chapter 3: The Sword That Chose Its Wielder

Miyuki and Sumika continued fighting side by side, their breaths sharp and uneven amidst the chaos.

“If this keeps up… I have no choice but to use that sword!”

Sumika raised her hand.

“<Miracle Breaker>!”

A silver sword materialized before her in a burst of radiant light. Without hesitation, she charged forward, slicing through goblins one after another.

Meanwhile, Miyuki rushed toward the civilians still trapped behind overturned cars and broken concrete.

“<Shield Barrier>!”

A shimmering barrier expanded, blocking a goblin’s blade just before it struck a terrified woman. Miyuki immediately placed her glowing hands over the woman’s wound.

“<Health>.”

The wound closed seamlessly.

More civilians were evacuated.
More lives were saved.

Now that the area was clear, Sumika finally had room to unleash her power without restraint.

“<Flash Slash>!”

Her blade glowed, carving through the goblin formation in a single sweeping strike.

For a moment… there was silence.

But silence in battle never lasted.

Three massive blue-skinned Ogres emerged from the smoke.

Sumika cursed under her breath.

“Oh, come on… why now of all times?”

She was exhausted. Her mana nearly depleted. Miyuki ran to her side, attempting to channel mana into her—yet hesitation flickered across her face. She was near her limit too.

And then—

A small cry pierced the air.

A little girl, no older than four, wandered the battlefield screaming for her mother.

Miyuki and Sumika froze.

The Ogres turned toward the child.

“You over there! Watch out!” Miyuki sprinted, pushing her body far beyond its limit to reach the girl.

But before she could—

A streak of golden lightning ripped through the air, slamming into the Ogres and sending them flying back.

When the dust settled—

Nagumo stood there.

Miyuki stared at him, relief washing over her chest.

“Thank goodness… you’re safe…”

Then her vision blurred. She had used too much mana.
Her body finally gave in.

She collapsed—

Straight into Nagumo’s arms.

He caught her effortlessly, holding her gently yet firmly.

“Rest.”

The tone of his voice made Sumika stiffen.
That wasn’t the voice of a clueless boy.

That was the voice of a warrior.

Nagumo laid Miyuki down safely before turning to Sumika.

“You there. Give me your sword sheath.”

Sumika blinked.

“You’re joking, right?”

His golden eyes flashed sharply.

“Give it. Now.”

Without understanding why, her instincts obeyed. She handed over the sheath.

Nagumo closed his eyes, focusing.
He pictured a silver blade—
A golden handle—
A sword from stories whispered across ages.

He raised his hand.

“Come forth… Excalibur.”

Light gathered, condensing into solid steel.

Sumika stumbled back in shock.
Even unconscious, Miyuki’s aura trembled.

Nagumo gripped the legendary sword, his stance shifting into that of a seasoned warrior.

The Ogres roared and charged.

Nagumo dashed forward—
A silver arc tore the battlefield apart.

One strike.
Three Ogres.
Gone.

The remaining goblins rushed him—

He didn’t even flinch.

A single sweeping slash erased every last one.

Silence fell over Tokyo.

Then—

The TUARF arrived, surrounding Nagumo with rifles raised.

Sena stepped forward.

“Everyone, stand down!”

Weapons lowered immediately.

She pointed at Nagumo.

“He saved my life. If he hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you.”

The soldiers shifted, uncertain but respectful. Sena began issuing orders.

“Evacuate the wounded! Transport the two girls to the nearest hospital!”

She turned back to Nagumo.

“Nagumo-kun, go with them. Leave the rest to me.”

Nagumo hesitated.

“But—”

“Go. Before they figure out who you are.”

Reluctantly, Nagumo boarded the ambulance, sitting beside the unconscious Miyuki. Sumika lay weakly on the other stretcher, watching silently.

The incident spread across Japan like wildfire.

Government officials demanded answers.
Media outlets flooded the streets.

Sena appeared before the cameras.

“The perpetrator is still at large. He will be apprehended—dead or alive.”

Reporters shouted questions about the mysterious young man, but Sena said nothing more and walked away.

Confusion spread.
Speculation grew.

Who was that golden-eyed boy?

Miyuki slowly opened her eyes.
She found Nagumo sleeping next to her bed, his head resting on his arms.

She reached out and softly brushed his hair.

“Thank you.”

Headmaster Raiden Ainzwellestein stood in his office, staring at the sunset while holding a phone.

A deep voice spoke from the other side.

“Are you certain he is the one?”

Raiden exhaled deeply.

“I am certain. He has returned… though he may not be the same.”

“Then invite him to join The Raven. After all, Hoshizora Miyuki is your student, isn’t she?”

Raiden frowned.

“Of course. But will the others accept him?”

A pause.

“I cannot say. But his arrival marks the beginning. Ragnarok will soon be upon us.”

The call ended.

Raiden pocketed his phone, stepped onto the academy rooftop, and lit a cigarette. The wind blew his long blonde hair gently.

He looked toward the distant city.

“My Lord… you have finally returned.”