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This technique was incomplete and not yet ready for practical use. It was also extremely dangerous for Touka herself. Even a minor error could be fatal.
However, the sheer force and power of this move far surpassed anything that Raikiri could ever hope to achieve.
A deafening roar echoed across Hagun Academy.
Blood sprayed through the air like a crimson blossom.
Not a drop of that blood belonged to Kurogane Ouma.
It all erupted from Toudou Touka's shattered right hand.
The force of the blow was terrifyingly powerful. Touka was confident that it could rival Ikki Kouhai's Ittou Rasetsu.
However, Kurogane Ouma remained as immovable as a mountain, not taking a single step back.
Lowering his gaze, he saw that a thin crimson line had appeared on his chest.
"To actually pierce my skin... commendable." He raised his ōdachi, admiration flickering in his eyes.
"In that case, allow me to offer you a token of respect!"
"He's on a completely different level." Toudo Touka forced a bitter smile.
Her right arm hung limply, almost entirely stained crimson with blood.
As the strongest at Hagun Academy, her skills were already exceptional. Even the God of War himself believed his disciple had a bright future.
But alas, Kurogane Ouma was simply too powerful.
Although they were the same age, he had transcended the level of a Student Knight completely. Ninety-nine percent of professional knights would stand no chance against him.
He might already be on par with the First Senior Sister or the Director.
The gap between them was immeasurable.
"Kusanagi!"
A tempest gathered, coalescing into a massive dragon's claw.
The fifty-meter-long Storm Sword materialized once more, descending from the heavens to engulf Toudo Touka. The intense electric shock paralyzed her entire body, leaving her utterly unable to dodge the incoming strike. She could only watch helplessly as it descended.
In a split second, she was battered unconscious...
Crash!
At that critical moment, a dark figure surged forward and pulled her into a hug.
The Storm Sword crashed down, instantly blasting them both away.
The violent gale transformed into countless sickle blades, their razor-sharp edges relentlessly tearing into their bodies. The force of the wind hurled them into the collapsing faculty building, scattering debris and rubble in its wake.
"With that, it should be over," Shinomiya Amane said, approaching the scene.
"My side's finished too," Sara's figure materialized from the other side.
The Kurogane siblings lay sprawled in the rubble behind her.
With Touka and Shizuku in danger simultaneously, the two men had rushed forward without hesitation to shield them from the devastating attacks.
"All of Hagun Academy's representative contestants have been defeated. Our plan can be considered a success," Shinomiya Amane said, nodding in satisfaction as he surveyed the wreckage on both sides.
Just as he had initially wished.
"No, it's not quite that simple," Kurogane Ōuma suddenly interjected.
"What do you mean?"
"Look over there."
He tilted his chin towards the faculty building under their gaze.
Through the swirling smoke and dust, a figure rose from the rubble and slowly emerged, step by step, until he stood before them. His clothes were torn to shreds, exposing his muscular physique. Sara's breath caught in her throat as she stared intently, her eyes wide and unblinking.
"Don't let his male charm get to you, hey," Shinomiya Amane muttered, rolling his eyes at her.
"It'll take quite an effort to take you down."
"I know."
Sara's expression clearly showed her frustration, but now was hardly the time for confrontation.
"What happened?"
Ryoji emerged from the rubble and glared coldly at the trio across from him.
"Weren't you planning to take me down earlier? You didn't exactly succeed, did you?"
His body remained completely unscathed.
Although he had defensive powers and deformation speed comparable to the Device, he was no match for Kurogane Ōuma when it came to defense.
"...It seems so." Shinomiya Amane nodded slightly, his smile unwavering. "But now you're the only one left. What kind of storm can you possibly create against three of us? What can you possibly do?"
Indeed.
Toudou Touka had fallen.
Ryoji hadn't been able to protect her completely. She was lying unconscious, though fortunately her injuries didn't seem too severe.
Looking into the distance, Kurogane Ikki and Kurogane Shizuku could be seen lying motionless in the rubble, showing no signs of life for a long time.
He was now the only one left on Hagun Academy's side.
He was the academy's last hope, its final line of defense. If he fell, it would mean the academy's complete defeat. Yet he had to face Kurogane Ōuma, Shinomiya Amane, and Sara, three opponents at bug level.
He doubted he could defeat any of them individually, let alone all three combined in this hellish lineup.
"Sorry, I'm used to being stubborn," Ryoji said, raising his Vrring Blade with a defiant grin. "Either you knock me down, or I knock you down. There's no third option for me!"
"It's just another defeat."
For the first half of his life, Ryoji had endured countless defeats, locked in a daily life-or-death struggle against fate.
He was far from invincible, a fact that Ryoji understood deeply.
Ultimately, his training time was still too short. Even if he could travel to another world, the adventurers of the Danmachi world wouldn't stand a chance against Blazers. What could he possibly accomplish in just a few months?
He desperately wanted to win, but if there was no chance of success, he wouldn't waste his breath arguing.
He would etch this frustration into his heart, vowing to settle the score next time!
Anything that challenges my immortality only makes me stronger!
"Not bad, that look in your eyes," Kurogane Ouma praised, stepping forward from the crowd.
"Unlike Raikiri, you possess the true gaze of an expert. The God of War has found a worthy disciple. None of you make a move; this one is mine to defeat."
"Kurogane Ouma," Ryoji said, taking a deep breath and adjusting his stance to its optimal state.
This man was undoubtedly a formidable opponent. Currently, Ryoji couldn't find a way to break through his impenetrable defense. But that wasn't a reason to back down. If there were no weaknesses, he would create one!
Ryoji assumed his stance, positioning himself twenty meters away from Kurogane Ouma.
Kurogane Ouma's gaze was sharp and intense, clearly indicating his eagerness to end the battle quickly.
But suddenly, points of light began to float from Ryoji's body.
"Hmm?" Kurogane Ouma murmured in surprise.
"What's going on?" Shinomiya Amane and Sara immediately turned their attention to Ryoji, their eyes wide with disbelief.
This was because Ryoji's form was gradually becoming transparent, as if he were about to vanish into thin air.
"Looks like I've reached my limit," Ryoji muttered, glancing down at his fading body with a faint sigh. His fighting intent gradually dissipated.
"Well, there's no helping it. Let's settle this at the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival. Akatsuki Academy has won this round."
"Wait! What's happening to your body?" Sensing something was amiss, Shinomiya Amane quickly asked.
"Who knows?" Ryoji shrugged, then flashed a mocking grin. "Aren't you supposed to be all-knowing? Figure it out yourself!"
(End of Chapter)