AN: A liger is a type of animal, like a dog. So I think that it is absolutely no need to capitalize it >.> Though I might be wrong, if so please inform me. EDIT: For consistency, from now on when I'll be referring to a person I'll capitalize the animal type.

A lot of work in real life >.> And a chapter requires me to write for about 4-6h >.>

Anyway, as always, thank you for all the comments, favs and follows!

Enjoy the new chapter.

Too tired now haha, sleep time xD

P.S. Fixes thanks to nf_zeta-san!

___________________________________________________________________

A battered M-Armor stood in the middle of the field.

[Quel: Wow! I think this victory goes to the Golden Knight! But let's make sure.]

With that the host made several gestures on the portable holo-terminal that appeared in front of him. With it a nick of time bio-signatures were read and displayed on the screen.

Vorst: Alive

Nova Aria: KIA

[Quel: It's official now! In this Single Tournament - Lower Division Year 13251 the winner is Vorst! The Golden Knight bested the Witch of Restriction who reigned supreme in the Single Tournaments for past five years! This is definitely the birth of a new Champion! Congratulations to the Champion!]

With that the program moved to the post tournament commentary.

[Quel: Mistglan-sensei, it seems like you are as surprised as we are!]

[Mistglan: Haha, that's right. The Golden Knight's performance surpassed all of my expectations.]

[Victor: He is just incredible. In the last attack there was a sonic boom. That was a perfected Accel, he surpassed the complete Accel! This generation is full of surprises, not only do we have Nova Aria with immeasurable talent in operating the Psychic Barrier, utilizing Circle Tier (Restriction) but also the Golden Knight who easily surpasses basic HST level techniques!]

[Quel: It must be noted that right now he is just 2nd HST! in the past the lowest power ranking that took championship was none other than our guest here, the Athena's Institute Mistglan Dex with 8th HST! Mistglan-sensei, Vorst just beat your old record!]

[Mistglan: What can I say? He surely deserved that win. You have to add that he did it while being only 11 years old. Namely he also became the youngest champion of the Lower Division Single Tournaments.]

[Quel: I had that sentence on a tip of my tongue Mistglan-sensei. Also, I couldn't help but notice the black sword that the Golden Knight used, where did the Athena's Institute hide such a great alchemist?]

[Mistglan: Haha, that sword was conjured by Vorst himself, we didn't provide it for him.]

[Victor: Wow! Not only the quality is outstanding, but that artisanship is absolutely amazing, it looks more like a decoration than a weapon.]

[Quel: Is that really true? The quality of the Golden Knight M-Armor is not even close to that of the blade, I can't believe they are both made by the same person.]

[Mistglan: Vorst is full of mysteries, even we didn't know about the Golden Knight before the LIBT (inter-school tournament).]

[Victor: Haha, it's that famous freedom that two major cadet academies give to their students.]

[Quel: Well, they are supervised by Claire-sama after all...]

What's more only Mistglan and Claire knew that in fact the Neo-Aris was still holding back a lot. He didn't used any major Psychic Powers, nor any Runes, just as he agreed. Marc didn't mind the burden, because just overpowering his opponents might seem fun at first but it quickly gets boring, and Marc dislikes boredom. By giving his opponents a handicap he can play with them longer, but that only applies to interesting ones. Others are moved down in an instant.

[Victor: Mistglan-senpai, I'm curious about Vorst's tail. We all hear about how hard it is to move an 'extra' limb that is attached into a M-Armor, but Vorst moves his tail as if he was born with it.]

[Mistglan: Indeed, for that I do not have any answers, just mere speculations.]

[Victor: Please share it with us.]

[Mistglan: Well, since the emergence of sub-races millennia ago it clearly shows that New-Aris had all of the sub-races' genes inside them, and with sub-races genetic memory was released. We all know that most of sub-races have tails, and Neo-Aris though some might disagree, are still very closely related to us. Maybe that's why he is capable of such things, just from his genetic memory.]

Two others were nodding in agreement...

__________________________________________________________________

Nova Aria was a Witch.

Since early childhood Nova was different from all of the other children.

Laughably she was dropped in an orphanage by her parents as they were afraid that she was a Neo-Aris.

The witch lineage is known as a pure blood line, which meant that there were no hybrids to that sub-race. Elves were similar before the emergence of Mersa. It is also a hidden lineage, which meant that a blue haired, blue eyed baby can just pop up from anywhere. What's more the baby will be completely different from her parents showing no animal characteristics.

One witch would only appear once every few centuries, thus making them one of the rarest races. Unfortunately for Nova last witch before her passed away several centuries before, so knowledge about them was very limited. One must also understand that there is an enormous prejudice against the Neo-Arises, who are widely known to be completely useless and weakest among all.

Claire Vira, the 'Elven Queen' had a mischievous personality, but she was actually very hard working - within the Kollos Alliance she was supervising all of the Orphanage organizations. And though the Alliance Council was supposed to be a ruling party, no one dared to refuse her 'requests'. The first pilot of Collos, the first owner of a God, and the true founder of the Kollos Alliance.

The azure haired girl wasn't even 7 years old when Claire found her and took her in. One must know that there are billions of orphaned children in the vast Kollos Alliance, and any other person would not even try to go through it. Not to mention the Elven Queen had a ridiculous amount of other affairs too.

As for Nova, at first she wished to change her name to that of her benefactor, but the Headmistress convinced her to acquire the surname of the Nova Clan, a witch clan that was quite strong in the past.

Even now, she still remembers all of those disdainful gazes from the past, what kind of the despair she experienced... and how all of them changed right away after her sub-race test result was announced...

Vorst...

When she heard about the Neo-Aris arriving at the Athena's Institute, she instantly recalled her past and felt sorry for him.

Then she saw him walking out of the shuttle with his head held high. He didn't looked like a child bullied from birth, he walked with arrogance as if the gazes of the surrounding people were nothing to him. And it wasn't because of Mersa. Nova's insight told her so. Completely shrugging off everything else he had that insurmountable amount of confidence. Confidence in himself. That was the first time her heartbeat quickened.

...

Genius engineer. Surpassing that famous Celina Za. He was capable of manipulating two Controlled Bots as if it was nothing. Nova Aria would sometimes casually watch him do some maintenance work as he helped out the tiger girl with her M-Armor...

She even mustered enough courage to ask him to be her personal engineer only to be turned down. Well, it couldn't be helped, he already has his White Wolf Princess. There were many occasions to see them together, and those children didn't even try to hide themselves.

...

Lower Inter-school Tournament Battle.

Again.

She lost.

Azure eyes was observing the battlefield from the sky.

'Dead' communication channel that was available only after the GAME OVER was bustling with various discussions. About the state of the game. About what improvements to formations they could make.

Nova closed her eyes as she replayed the scene of her 'death'. It was in the main battle, Mars' side launched a full frontal attack... As usual the strongest trio attacked her together. She didn't want to but she was forced to restrict Vera, Celina then broke through her barrier and then Renves once again appeared with lightning dash to finish her off...

The other girls couldn't protect her, all of them were already engaged in battle with others...

If only she had someone to protect her. A Knight.

[Wow, look at the White Wolf Princess.]

[Oh, she is even capable of dodging Vera's attacks.]

[Amazing!]

[As expected of a White Wolf, group hunting is in their blood.]

[Haha, Celina got a psychic bullet from point blank.]

Nova was somewhat envious of Mersa, the white wolf's close combat capabilities were one of the highest, what's more she was also an Elf! A Psion!

[Still, her power level is not high enough...]

[Right...]

The battle was nearing the end.

Just as the Red Bear was about to finish off the last elite fighter on Athena's side 'he' made his move.

A Knight.

A Knight in Shining Golden Armor.

The Knight went to protect his princess.

The White Wolf Princess' Knight...

His ability completely outclassed all of their opponents. If she had that Knight...

She wouldn't have lost. With him protecting her they would be invincible...

The Neo-Aris that was supposed to be completely powerless...

He surpassed all of his limits just for his princess...

She needs that Knight.

She wants him...

...

Her obsession with the newly named 'Golden Knight', which easily turned into love, was increasing exponentially every passing minute, every hour, every day. She would observe him. Casually. No one noticed, because right now everyone was stealing glances at him...

That White Wolf Princess... She sure is lucky. To have that Knight...

He is joining the Single Tournament... That's where Nova will take him away. Because she will show him how powerful she is. And how much he NEEDS her. That's right...

...

[Alert! Barrier status: 3%]

3%...

[Alert! Direct damage to body detected.]

[Alert! Injecting painkiller.]

[Alert! Injecting HNP (healing nano-photons).]

What will that do?

3%...

3% will be done in one hit...

He...

She needs him...

She wants him...

But he...

He doesn't need her.

...

Then let's see if you can take THIS!

...

It's true that she could have used it earlier but it requires a charging time... And without psychic barrier and (Restriction) she would have lost way earlier... At his full power he would survive this move, but now his armor was in complete tatters, there is no way for him to survive that...

A blurred figure emerged from the flames...

He is still moving?

How?

Why?

What?

Why are you still standing?! WHY?!

*Shut down*

Hm?

He...

I see...

I see...

I know you don't need me...

In fact...

You don't need anyone.

So...

You won't be mine... That's fine. I just wish to be yours. Just a little, so please accept me, even if it is just a tiny bit...

________________________________________________________________________

Vorst was as usual sitting on one of the tables with his usual triple food portion, next to him as usual was Mersa brimming with happiness.

Today the Storm returned.

This time in the strongest scale possible.

*Clink*

With that a new food plate and a new person appeared. Nova Aria.

Once again the air turned ice cold.

[Mersa: Nova-senpai... Hello.]

Mersa was watching the Single Tournament too! And she clearly remembers the words blue haired witch issued at the beginning!

[Nova: Fufu~ Hello Mersa-chan.]

[Vorst: ...]

[Nova: Hello there Vorst-chan.]

[Vorst: ... Hello Nova-senpai.]

[Nova: Why so distant Vorst-chan? We definitely got to know each other yesterday. You can call me Aria~, without honorifics~. Fufu, allow me to feed you too.]

[Vorst: ...]

[Mersa: You can't Nova-senpai!]

[Nova: Yes Mersa-chan? What's wrong?]

[Mersa: Senpai! Why are you so familiar with Vor-chan? Didn't you lose yesterday?]

[Nova: Yes I did, but it means that right now I'm Vorst's.]

[Vorst: ...]

[Mersa: Y-you can't decide that!]

[Nova: Oh? I believe I can give myself to whoever I want.]

[Mersa: Uuuu...]

*Clink*

[Kyaaaaa~ Kyaaaaaaaaa~]

Silent until now, observers suddenly raised their voices.

[Vorst: ...]

Another food plate and the tiger girl came... Since the previous incident she didn't dare to do that again, but now with appearance of extremely strong opponent she felt threatened, so after summoning all of her courage she made her move.

[Celina: ...]

[Mersa: ...]

[Nova: Fufu~ Welcome Za-chan. And Mersa, are you suggesting that Vorst is yours?]

[Mersa: ... B-but.. But... V-vor-chan...]

The teary eyed White Wolf turned her head towards the boy. However just as Vorst was about to respond his face tightened as he turned his face in certain direction. His serious emerald eyes were brimming with caution. The three girls sitting at the same table were stunned by that change of expression.

He felt it... Killing intent. A True killing intent. Just for an instant. A split-second. But it was definitely there...

[Mersa: V-vor-chan?]

Hearing her worried voice his expression immediately relaxed.

[Vorst: It's nothing I just suddenly felt a little chilly, maybe temperature dropped haha. And Mer-chan, from now on I'll rely on you for my meals.]

[Mersa: O-okay. I'll do my best!]

[Nova: Huh, it seems like winning against main wife is impossible, isn't that right Za-chan?]

[Celina: *shyly nods*]

Seeing the coalition of two form Vorst could only inwardly sigh. Meanwhile...

[Mersa: W-Wife... *Blush level 436*]

___________________________________________________________________

On the second floor Claire was trembling desperately suppressing her laugh with her hand covering her mouth. Mistglan standing next to her was facepalming himself while having a difficult expression.

They both missed the killing intent that was directed towards the students.

Though Lily and Calla, did notice the killing intent they didn't care that much, right now they were thoroughly enjoying the spectacle as they were having coffee with snacks inside the Floating Castle.

____________________________________________________________________

[--Lily--: Marc, is that thing from the morning bothering you?]

[--Marc--: Yes... Although it was just for an instant I felt the killing intent.]

[--Calla--: He was just too far away, if he was within 500m m'lord would have been able to find him even if he was hiding his killing intent.]

[--Lily--: Shall I look into it?]

[--Marc--: Then I'll leave it to you Lily.]

[--Lily--: With pleasure.]

Red lines appeared on the white bot as it accessed nearby terminal.

_______________________________________________________________

The rest of the month passed quickly without further incidents. April was a time for various Lower Division Tournaments. July was for Lower Circle, October for Mid Circle, and January for Upper Circle.

Much to public disappointment The Golden Knight didn't participate in any other Tournaments, nor did he have any interviews, because according to Claire-sama, all of these rights were taken by Athena's Institute, and who was going to argue with the Elven Queen?

On the last day there was an award ceremony for all winners of the Tournaments. Vorst obviously had to attend. For the win in the Inter-school Tournament Athena's Institute was represented by him, Nova and Mersa. The famous love-triangle (the rumors spread at an alarming rate).

The Trophy that Mars' Academy was holding for past three years was handed over by the Strongest Trio themselves.

[Renves: At first I couldn't believe we lost to you, but after I saw you beat the Athena's Ace I accepted it. However next time I'll beat you.]

The Red Bear was burning with vigor, it seems like this lose only motivated him further. In the past three years he was hailed as the strongest swordsman in the Lower Division. The only one that could beat him in a duel was the Witch of Restriction, but it was due to her special abilities, so he didn't acknowledged that as a proper loss. But after seeing the Golden Knight's performance, he had to admit defeat.

[Vorst: Next time defeat the White Wolf Princess first, she's eager for rematch, next year she won't be the same.]

The Neo-Aris responded with a grin. Celina Nec was carefully observing him in silence. He also heard the rumors... About his sister... and about her and this guy... Well, she was at that age after all, but seeing her opponents his Za-chan will have serious trouble...

[ALERT!]

[ALERT!]

The station is under attack.

All combat units prepare for battle.

[ALERT!]

The rest please head to shelter.

[ALERT!]

Please move to shelter in orderly fashion.

Enemy will arrive in 05:20

[ALERT!]

Vorst immediately grabbed two girls next to him and headed towards Mistglan. Only hired soldiers would head towards battle, but it wasn't bad to just ask to be sure.]

[Vorst: Mistglan-sensei.]

On the holo-monitor displayed by liger there were many dots, right now it was zoomed in towards a particular place where a lot of M-Gods were gathered...

[Mistglan: Vorst, it's good that you are here. Let's go, we need to move to the shelter.]

Four of them started moving with the crowd.

[Vorst: ... Mistglan-sensei, you are not going to fight?]

The Silver Knight still absorbed in analyzing the situation simply shook his head.

[Mistglan: No need, if we wanted to kill them then I'd have to, but since our numbers are too small, we will just have to defend the station and Claire-sama will be enough until reinforcements arrive.]

[Vorst: ... She won't be enough.]

Mistglan raised his head to look at this youth... He was just 11 years old, but when he said that there was such a rock solid certainty in his voice that the old war hero couldn't just let that statement go.

[Mistglan: Why?]

Vorst pointed at one of the M-Gods, it was in a shape of green panther.

[Vorst: This one. He is dangerous, here only Mistglan-sensei is be capable of stopping him. Headmistress-sensei would be capable of stopping him in a duel, but not in a battle,]

[Mistglan: Are you sure?]

[Vorst: I'm certain, if you don't go then Claire-sensei will definitely die.]

According to the information that Kollos Alliance had, that Green Panther was a 'B' Ranker... Mistglan knows that the boy has no idea who they are... The liger at this moment was completely convinced that this small child was able to figure out their real power somehow...

[Mistglan: ... ... ... Will you be able to get to shelter by yourself?]

[Vorst: *Nods*]

[Mistglan: Then I'll leave it to you, remember to get into the special shelter until I get back, do not leave even if the alarm stops.]

[Vorst: Got it.]

With that the liger condensed the power around his body and flew up towards the hangar. To be able to fly in places with gravity is a special ability that only Circle Tier and up possess.

[Mersa: Vor-chan, who is that green panther?]

[Vorst: I have no idea.]

[Nova: You don't know?! Then... how do you..]

[Vorst: I just have a feeling...]

[Nova: ...]