Chapter 20: Extending a Helping Hand

Human beings are a form of life, and life possesses a survival instinct. Take the analogy of a race, if someone intends to sprint at full speed, even with that intention, they can't truly give it their all. The moment they truly give their all, consciousness slips away, fading into a stupor.

Why can't humans unleash their full power? The answer lies in the survival instinct embedded within them. This instinct takes precedence in the subconscious mind, preventing individuals from pushing beyond their limits no matter how their inner drive compels them. This instinct serves as a protective mechanism, distinct from the operation principles of machinery.

According to studies, stamina, muscle strength, and Magic Power are typically utilized at only 50% of their potential. Specific situations, such as life-threatening crises, may stimulate further potential. Yet, some individuals, through intense training, achieve absolute control over their bodies, able to shatter this survival instinct and unleash their full potential.

Kurogane Ikki is one such individual. Through remarkable self-control and willpower, he managed to break his survival instinct, unlocking power that was once untouchable. However, this defiance of instinct typically allows one to reach twice their ordinary power at most. Yet, Kurogane Ikki's performance shattered this limitation. After the eruption of physical ability and Magic Power through Ittou Shura, he exhibited strength surpassing ordinary standards by dozens of times. He was nothing short of a monster.

This feat was possible due to Kurogane Ikki's Blazer's special ability—physical ability doubling. Within the League's hierarchy, this ability is undoubtedly the weakest. Coupled with F-Rank Magic Power, he's considered a super underachiever. He is acutely aware of his own limitations and the insurmountable gap between his talent and others.

To overcome this chasm and defeat the strongest with his weakest, Kurogane Ikki subjected himself to grueling training, enduring countless physical hardships. He developed the Noble Art "Ittou Shura" as a result. While others can generally stimulate twice their power, his physical ability doubling allowed him to multiply his strength by dozens of times. This required suppressing physical suffering and pushing through the pain with unwavering determination. This incredible willpower birthed his unique technique.

However, while Ittou Shura may seem extraordinary, it places a tremendous burden on his body. Its usage inflicts severe damage, depleting his stamina and Magic Power entirely. It takes a day to recover before he can employ it again. This is why Jiangli offers his silent prayer for Kurogane Ikki's peaceful old age.

Forcibly tapping into twice the power places enormous stress on the body, and multiplying it by dozens is beyond what he can endure. It's almost as if he's overdrawing his lifespan. Although the effects may not be immediate, the pain will surely manifest as he ages.

"In a way, he's like you, willing to sacrifice everything to achieve his goals," Shinguuji Kurono remarked, his gaze fixed on Jiangli.

Yesterday, when she was carried in his arms, the sight of Jiangli near death had deeply impacted her.

"I'm luckier than him," Jiangli replied.

No, it's hard to determine who between them is luckier. Both have faced their share of hardships. Jiangli boasts an exceptional Blazer's special ability, yet he too has endured 14 years of pain and near-death experiences. On the other hand, Kurogane Ikki's Blazer's special ability may not be remarkable, but at least his childhood wasn't as harrowing as Jiangli's.

"Was the student who challenged you initially Kurogane Ikki?" Jiangli recalled Shinguuji Kurono's earlier words and inquired.

"Did I give off that impression?" Shinguuji Kurono raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Your expression during the match differed from the others. You seemed to know he'd be defeated immediately. It's likely because you knew his strength... probably because you've fought him before?" Jiangli speculated.

"Impressive deduction," Shinguuji Kurono blew out a smoke ring and showed a hint of interest.

"He's an F-Rank Knight. Last year, due to certain circumstances, he couldn't participate in real combat training. He was held back, and this year, when I took over the school, I was planning to force him out. That's when he challenged me... I was a bit careless. I didn't use my ability, but he genuinely defeated me," Shinguuji Kurono shared. Since no one witnessed the event, this remained unknown to others.

In that duel, Shinguuji Kurono hadn't deployed his time manipulation ability; it was an authentic contest. He was defeated by Kurogane Ikki's Ittou Shura.

Comparatively, Jiangli's victory carried more weight. During his confrontation with Shinguuji Kurono, the latter had intended to use his Blazer's special ability. Although he hadn't had the chance, he had lost to Jiangli's Lightning Flint.

The truth was, Jiangli was intrigued. He observed that the disparity in sword technique between him and Kurogane Ikki wasn't significant. Although Jiangli wielded the highest level innate skill, his frail body had delayed his progress. At his current level, he had just begun his journey.

Indeed, Jiangli was quite eager. He gazed at Kurogane Ikki in the distance and then turned to leave.

Who was stronger between them? Jiangli wondered. He would find out

during the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival.

...

That night, Jiangli returned to his dormitory laden with bags of daily necessities he had purchased from the nearby commercial city. Senior Sister had given him 100,000 yuan to spend, a gesture he felt was unjust. He wasn't even sure if she had money left in her account.

"Ah, my good looks have finally paid off. Is there a wealthy woman willing to support me?" Jiangli sighed.

If possible, he hoped the wealthy benefactor would be a charming lady. To be honest, Totokubara Kanata was a suitable candidate. Her family was burdened with a large amount of debt, but she still exuded an air of nobility. Her upbringing meant she wouldn't support a pretty boy. Moreover, she was Senior Sister's acquaintance. If Senior Sister found out she was supporting Jiangli, she might draw her sword and unleash her signature technique, Raikiri, to obliterate everything in sight.

"Senior Sister, I'm coming in," Jiangli announced. He noticed a faint light in the dormitory, suggesting that Senior Sister was back. Despite the bags he was carrying and the distance he had climbed, he couldn't be bothered with retrieving his key. Instead, he simply called out to her.

"Oh, Junior Brother? Wait a moment, I'm in the middle of taking a bath!" a slightly frustrated voice echoed from inside. Hindered by the bathroom door, the voice sounded somewhat muffled.

"Taking a bath?" Jiangli's eyes widened.

Senior Sister was naturally beautiful, and while she excelled in caring for others, she sometimes overlooked her own well-being. She would often forget to bring spare clothes after taking a bath.

Looks like I'll have to help her, Jiangli thought.

With a determined expression, Jiangli swiftly pulled out his key and unlocked the door.