The Absolute Speed of a Certain Comic'

It was a brilliantly shining katana.

Its design was not much different from an ordinary katana, but its appearance was particularly striking.

The blade shimmered with a silvery, rippling light, bright yet gentle, with no hint of glare. The hilt was golden, and the pure white guard was shaped like rising flames.

"What a beautiful sword!" Shinguuji Kurono raised her eyebrows slightly, admiring the weapon.

A Spiritual Item (Device) is the manifestation of a Blazer's soul. In other words, it is the soul crystal of a Blazer, reflecting the person's character and essence.

In Ryoji's case, the sword matched him perfectly; a beautiful sword for a handsome person, clearly well-suited.

"What's its name?" Shinguuji Kurono then asked.

Every Spiritual Item (Device) has its own unique name, and Blazers naturally come to know this name once they are able to summon their Spiritual Item (Device).

But when Ryoji heard this question, his expression suddenly darkened, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly.

He did not speak, only holding the sword and making a gentle downward swing.

"Vrring~!"

As he swung the sword, a dazzling silver light flashed across the blade, producing a strange sound.

"?"

Shinguuji Kurono was momentarily puzzled, with a large question mark appearing on her forehead.

"If you don't want to say, that's fine."

She shook her head and did not press further.

Ryoji expressionlessly sheathed the sword, his demeanor remaining unchanged.

Toudou Touka, who was acting as the referee, looked somewhat peculiar, her expression becoming rather subtle.

"Director, just to confirm, this training field should be equipped with an iPS Capsule, right? After the battle, I can be put in immediately, correct?"

Ryoji held the sword in front of him with both hands and asked Shinguuji Kurono seriously.

"Yes, you don't need to worry about that."

Shinguuji Kurono nodded in response. "Every training field is equipped with an emergency healing capsule. Not to mention, I'm here as well. Even if your head is severed or your heart is pierced, I can bring you back."

The iPS Capsule is the latest cutting-edge technology born from the combination of modern medicine and advanced special abilities, possessing extraordinarily powerful healing capabilities.

While it cannot treat diseases like heart disease, it has unparalleled effectiveness for injuries. Whether it's muscle loss, bone fractures, severed limbs, or internal damage, the healing capsule can restore them completely without any side effects.

Moreover, since Shinguuji Kurono is a Blazer who can manipulate time, she can freeze time for the target, making it virtually impossible to die from a heart wound. There would be almost no issue at all.

"Good."

Ryoji immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

He seemed very pessimistic about the outcome of the battle as if he didn't believe he had any chance of winning. This reaction elicited a sympathetic chuckle from the stands.

He took a deep breath, filtering out all the noise around him.

Meanwhile, his previously agitated mind quickly calmed down, and his rapidly beating heart slowed to an average rhythm.

Facing the world's third-ranked fighter, it was impossible not to feel nervous.

When confronting an enemy who could truly crush him, the transmigrator's status did not provide any sense of superiority.

In fact, although he appeared calm on the surface, he was actually filled with anxiety inside.

But once he grasped the sword, he quickly became serene, as if he were a seasoned swordsman. His mind was as clear as a mirror, untouched by any dust.

Here's the translation of the passage:

---

"Ah?"

Shinguuji Kurono seemed to gauge his readiness and pondered for a moment.

"Both sides, ready—"

Seeing that Ryoji was prepared, Toudou Touka raised her right hand.

"—Let's go ahead (the match begins)!"

The instant her words ended, the buzzer sounded abruptly, echoing throughout the training field.

At the same time, everyone's gaze focused unerringly on the two people in the arena.

Shinguuji Kurono continued to stand there seemingly indifferent, her posture relaxed, though her gaze became slightly more serious.

She had no intention of making the first move.

Not to mention that a single move from her could end the match in an instant, but since this was supposed to be an entrance test for Ryoji to demonstrate his worth, it wouldn't be appropriate for her to initiate an attack.

So, Ryoji naturally made no pretense.

As soon as the match began, he stepped forward, walking towards Shinguuji Kurono.

He didn't charge.

He simply held the sword, taking slow and deliberate steps towards her.

"Physical ability is E, Magic Power is F; in other words, he has nothing besides the sword."

Shinguuji Kurono squinted, observing Ryoji's approach, and silently contemplated.

With E-Rank physical ability, Ryoji was equivalent to an average person, almost weak among Blazers, with no advantages.

Powerful Blazers generally train their physical abilities, some to the extent that their strength surpasses human limits, moving with the force of a train.

Blazers with poor physical abilities usually rely on superhuman Magic Power to enhance their attack and defense through Magic Power bursts and defenses.

But Ryoji's Magic Power is only F, which is pitifully low.

F-Rank Magic Power, according to League statistics, is about one-tenth of the Blazer average, incapable of forming a decent Magic Power defense, and a Magic Power burst can be used only once at most.

In other words, Ryoji has nothing to rely on.

—Except for the sword in hand.

But a sword is a close-range weapon; it must close in on the enemy to be effective.

Normally, with insufficient physical abilities and such low Magic Power, Ryoji would almost be unable to get close to his opponent. At long range, he would be quickly defeated by the enemy's arrows or Magic sniping.

However, since this is a test, Shinguuji Kurono has taken a relaxed approach. She made no move to obstruct him and let him approach step by step.

But—

"Even if I were to make a move, could I really stop him from getting close?"

As she watched Ryoji advance step by step, Shinguuji Kurono furrowed her brow.

The young man's stance was too steady, and his posture was incredibly proper. Even as he moved, the blade remained perfectly aligned with his central line, the most defensive stance in swordsmanship.

Seeing such a stance, it naturally created a sense of difficulty in finding an opening. No matter if attacking from the left or right, he would swiftly block the attack, his entire body like a porcupine, covered in spikes.

"He's a master of sword techniques!"

As this serious thought flashed through her mind, Ryoji had already moved to within a foot in front of her and, without hesitation, swung his sword downward!

(End of Chapter)