Chapter 19: A Peaceful Retirement

Blazer's Mana Defense significantly dampened the impact of physical attacks. Whether it was a sharp sword or a heavy axe, even a high-speed train collision, with enough Mana Defense, one could emerge unscathed. Princess Stella, with her speculated Magic Power, could plummet from a high cliff and still land safely thanks to her Mana Defense. It was a skill that Jiangli greatly envied.

"Pierce the blue sky, blaze of purgatory —!"

Finally, Princess Stella made her move on the battlefield. She raised her golden greatsword high, causing a surge of Magic Power to erupt from her body, coalescing into a ring of roaring flames around her blade.

"Bang —!"

In an instant, a beam of roaring flame shot skyward, punching a massive hole through the training ground's ceiling, flooding the audience with scorching light and heat. The ray resembled the sun itself, an awe-inspiring sight that left everyone in astonishment.

A ten-year prodigy, Stella's unparalleled Magic Quantity made her first in the world, and the power of her hundred-meter-long light blade left the spectators speechless. It transcended the realm of comprehension for the present Student Knights.

"Katharterio Salamandra!"

Princess swung her giant light blade, sweeping across the entire battle ring. Her sword seemed synonymous with destruction, nearly obliterating the entire training ground, and the affected students cried out in pain.

"Dealing with one person and bullying them with this move! And here I thought introspection could bring me more trouble!" Shinguuji Kurono sighed as he surveyed the destruction, voicing his complaint.

"Wow, that's intense! Is this really a Student Knight? They're ready for the professional league right away!" The camera girl was unphased by the damage and instead excitedly filmed the wreckage from various angles.

"Indeed, she's the first A-Rank new student in Hagun Academy's history! The outcome is clear now!"

Indeed, with such a display, it seemed everyone believed the outcome was sealed. Not to belittle Kurogane Ikki, but his opponent had surpassed the limits of Student Knights' capabilities. Even professional knights would find it challenging to face such a foe, leaving them battered and at a loss.

"This seems like a sure victory," the beautiful boy next to Jiangli spoke assuredly, his tone carrying an air of certainty. Naturally, up to now, no changes had occurred. Which transmigrator would dare to claim they knew what was coming?

"Ittou Shura!"

Facing the immense pressure of Stella's hundred-meter light blade, Kurogane Ikki inhaled deeply, revealing his ultimate technique. His eyes widened, and his voice lowered, emitting a growl as his entire body ignited with dark blue and green flames. His spirit soared, multiplying his strength several-fold.

"The light of Magic Power? How is this possible?" Princess Stella and the camera girl both exclaimed in unison.

The dark blue and green radiance emanating from Kurogane Ikki's body was, in fact, the overflow of Magic Power. Normally, Magic Power radiated outside the body due to an excess, a sign of a Magic Quantity abundance. It also indicated wasteful use of Magic Power. However, for F-Rank Magic Power, the radiance barely formed and dissipated externally, resulting in a spark at best. Enveloping one's entire body in this radiance was impossible.

"And so quickly!"

Stella raised her sword, causing widespread destruction throughout the battle ring. Yet, Kurogane Ikki covered in radiance moved like he was teleporting, dodging Stella's attacks with an incredible speed. He closed the gap swiftly, approaching her.

His movements were so fast that even Jiangli's dynamic vision struggled to keep up. The battlefield was a continuous stream of images that he barely registered.

"Ittou Shura, an extraordinary Noble Art!" Jiangli interjected, revealing his understanding.

"What's happening? What's going on?" The camera girl's face expressed confusion, as her eyes and camera were unable to capture the unfolding tactical situation, leaving her in the dark.

Jiangli remained silent, choosing not to explain. Although he had seen through Kurogane Ikki's secret, he wasn't planning to divulge it recklessly. Ittou Shura was Kurogane Ikki's unique technique, his best-kept secret. Although Jiangli had unraveled its mysteries, he wasn't about to reveal it without permission.

The hundred-meter light blade couldn't touch Kurogane Ikki, and Stella couldn't even perceive his form. Dodging the blade's light, the battle concluded almost immediately. Wrapped in his Magic Power, Kurogane Ikki struck Stella head-on, leaving her unconscious and defeated.

"Stop! The winner is Kurogane Ikki!" Shinguuji Kurono quickly announced.

Moments later, Kurogane Ikki knelt, his dark blue and green radiance fading away. His powerful stance gave way to trembling muscles, and his heavy breathing resembled that of a bellower. His grip on the blade almost faltered.

"We did it... We really won..." The camera girl sighed, evoking a nostalgic sentiment.

The match had unfolded in three swift stages, a winding process compared to the previous day's events. However, it had resulted in an upset victory. Although not as shocking as the previous day's match involving the new director, an F-Rank Knight defeating an A-Rank Knight was still a noteworthy accomplishment. It was sure to be the focus of the second issue of the school report.

Thinking of the previous day, the camera girl's thoughts inevitably returned to the handsome boy by her side. Her heart raced, and she looked at him with anticipation.

"Well? My handsome boy? My big handsome boy?"

...

Back on the battlefield, Shinguuji Kurono directed two students to carry Kurogane Ikki and Stella to the infirmary. He retrieved his pistol-like Spiritual Item (Device) and struck the training ground's ceiling with a spear-like gun, instantly reversing the damage. The training ground, once partially destroyed, was now pristine and undamaged. This was Shinguuji Kurono's Blazer special ability—a power that reversed time.

"Sometimes it's better to face things head-on."

A familiar voice reached Shinguuji Kurono's ears, drawing his attention to the new student who had confronted him yesterday.

"What? Can you deduce the principle behind Ittou Shura?" Shinguuji Kurono retrieved a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and casually asked while taking a puff.

"Almost," Jiangli replied, observing the exhausted Kurogane Ikki lying on a stretcher in the distance. The look on his face was not much different from his appearance earlier in the day; the burning determination remained.

Upon closer examination, he looked no different from Kurogane Ikki from the morning—resolute and spirited.

"Actively extinguishing the instinct for survival, boosting physical abilities and Magic Power dozens of times—it's quite reckless. But I can only hope he enjoys a peaceful retirement," Jiangli murmured, clasping his hands together in prayer.