Abnormal Type-Moon

The blazing summer sun hung high in the sky, pouring down searing light and heat. Waves of shimmer danced above the asphalt, distorting the view like ripples on water.

Even so, walking down the corridor ahead didn't feel particularly hot. A sea breeze, tinged with a faint salty tang, blew in from every corner of the city, chasing away the oppressive heat with its refreshing touch.

Flanking the corridor were vibrant green windbreak forests, and the chirping of birds echoed without end.

To think such a rich and picturesque scene wasn't a product of nature, but a creation of human hands—it almost defied belief.

And yet, this was indeed the renowned man-made island: Academy City Asterisk.

Commonly known as the City of the Star's Six-Pointed Flower.

Also referred to simply as Rikka.

Along a broad and level pathway—wide enough for dozens to walk shoulder to shoulder—a boy with white hair and crimson eyes strolled leisurely.

He occasionally turned his head, taking in the surroundings as if seeing them for the first time. His expression was full of curiosity and wonder, like a traveler newly arrived.

His features were finely crafted, almost as though sculpted by an artisan's hand—carrying an androgynous beauty that transcended gender. He moved with relaxed grace, each step exuding calm confidence. Black-rimmed glasses rested on his face, paired with a soft, habitual smile tugging at the corners of his lips, lending him a warm and approachable air.

A gentle and elegant boy—one whose mere presence seemed to leave a pleasant impression.

He wasn't alone on the path—quite a few pedestrians shared the road. Upon noticing the white-haired youth, many cast discreet glances in his direction.

Most looked once before averting their eyes, but some gathered with friends, whispering among themselves while occasionally stealing glances back.

"Does our school even have a guy that handsome?"

"No idea. If he did, he'd be famous by now, right?"

Groups of girls clustered together, their hushed murmurs tinged with excitement and amusement.

But it wasn't just girls paying him attention. Two boys were also frowning slightly, their expressions turning serious as they scrutinized him.

"Broad frame, evenly developed musculature… this guy's physique is on a whole other level."

"He's not listed in the ceremonial registry, is he?"

Looking more closely, the white-haired boy stood tall—well above average. Likely around 185 cm, if not taller. He wore a fitted short-sleeve shirt and casual pants that outlined his toned, defined musculature—a build honed through relentless training.

Such a physique couldn't be achieved without years of disciplined effort. In a place like Academy City Asterisk, students had eyes sharp enough to notice such things instantly.

"Forget about him! I heard there's a duel going down in the Central Court! We'll miss it if we don't hurry!"

"Yeah, I heard it's between some serious powerhouses! Let's go!"

With that, the two boys quickly dashed off.

It seemed their words served as a trigger—other students nearby picked up the pace in the same direction. Even the girls followed with lively anticipation on their faces.

"A duel in the Central Court, huh?"

Roy watched them go, thoughtful.

"No wonder they call it the Academy City of Battles. Combat is practically in the air here."

Well, there was still time before the meetup. Might as well take a look.

With that thought, Roy moved forward, following the stream of students.

***

Central Court.

It was even more expansive than Roy had imagined.

Centered around a massive fountain, the area formed a circular open plaza several hundred meters across. Scattered vending machines and benches dotted the space, while wide walkways branched off in every direction. Roy had arrived here via one of those walkways.

By the time he stepped into the Central Court, a sizeable crowd had already gathered.

Everyone but Roy was clad in standard-issue school uniforms—boys and girls alike, their ages ranging from about thirteen or fourteen to their early twenties. All of them were unmistakably students.

Right now, every one of them was focused on the center of the plaza, buzzing with anticipation.

There, two figures stood facing each other, separated by roughly ten meters. Both had already revealed their weapons. The atmosphere was taut with tension—charged with the electricity of an imminent clash.

It seemed the duel had not yet begun.

With that thought in mind, Roy turned his gaze to the two duelists facing off in the center of the courtyard.

To the left—closer to Roy—stood a girl with a composed and strikingly refined appearance. She looked to be around sixteen or seventeen, roughly the same age as Roy appeared to be. Her vivid, emerald-blue eyes were narrowed with sharp intensity, their gaze piercing. A well-shaped nose and skin as pale and pristine as first snow added to her commanding presence.

But what drew the most attention, beyond any doubt, was her long, flowing hair—falling all the way to her waist. It was a shade more elegant than scarlet, yet more vivid than rose pink. If one had to describe it, it would be the hue of blooming roses at dusk—brilliant and dignified.

She was, without question, a girl of rare and transcendent beauty—like a crafted gemstone in the height of its brilliance.

Yet this beautiful girl now held a sword—a slim, Western-style rapier.

The hilt, pure white and baton-like, was clasped firmly in her hand. The blade itself was composed of pure light—an actual light-blade weapon, the very same type as the one Roy had seen in his dreams.

Despite her grace, there was nothing soft about her now. Standing tall with sword in hand, she radiated a gallant aura that commanded respect. One glance was enough to know—this was not someone to be underestimated because of her appearance.

"Julis-Alexia Marie Florentia Renate van Riessfeld... Hah, never thought I'd see the princess herself in a public duel at the Central Court. Now that's breaking news."

Not far off, a student was holding what looked like a wand-shaped device, clearly recording the scene. His voice, thick with excitement, murmured barely-contained admiration.

"She's famous?" Roy asked as he walked over to the boy.

"Famous? That's the First Princess of the Kingdom of Lieseltania. She's a top-ranked fighter, listed right at the front of the Seidoukan Academy's ceremonial roster. Even if you ignored her combat record, just her looks alone should've tipped you off. You seriously didn't know that? Are you even a guy?"

The boy never looked away from his camera, muttering the last part with mild annoyance as if silently cursing Roy for distracting him mid-recording.

"I just transferred in today. So no, I didn't know."

"...Huh?"

The student finally froze, then turned with a stunned look on his face.

His gaze scanned Roy—his appearance, his stature, his attire. It didn't take long for recognition to dawn.

"Ah... That explains it."

He nodded, now seemingly understanding. With looks like that, Roy's popularity with the girls could easily rival Julis' fame among the boys. If he had been a student here, he would have been known already. But this was the first time he'd seen him.

A newcomer, then. But to arrive now, of all times...?

"You one of the special admits?"

"Something like that," Roy answered vaguely, his eyes drifting toward the clearing where the duel was about to take place.

Even though he'd spent years in this world, much of his memory remained fragmented. Still, certain impressions lingered. And the moment he'd set foot here, he realized—

This was the world of Asterisk.

He shifted his gaze toward the other duelist—the one facing Julis.

Could it be... the protagonist?

"Who is that?" Roy whispered to himself, narrowing his eyes.

But the moment he saw the figure—

He froze.

Even with all his memories faded into the haze of time, even if someone put a blade to his throat and swore it was true—there was no way that person was the protagonist!

***

Its been such a long time since I watched Asterisk War, so there might be some mistakes. If you see mistakes please comment them, and I'll try to correct them as soon as I can.