Chapter 5: The Sword Master

Before them gleamed a radiant katana, its style no different from an ordinary katana. Yet, the blade itself was captivating, drawing the beholder's attention.

The blade shimmered with silver-white ripples, emanating a dazzling and serene light that did not overwhelm the senses. The hilt held a golden hue, while the pure white blade edge resembled the shape of flickering flames.

"What an exquisite blade!" Shinguuji Kurono's eyebrows raised in admiration, her voice tinged with appreciation.

Known as a "Device", this manifestation was a crystallization of a Blazer's soul—a soul crystal, so to speak. It showcased the essence and personality of its wielder.

Take Jiangli, for instance. His blade's allure harmonized with his own charm, each complementing the other perfectly.

"Does it have a name?" Shinguuji Kurono inquired, her curiosity piqued.

All Spiritual Items (Devices) possessed unique names, and upon summoning their Device, Blazers would naturally learn these names.

However, at the moment this question reached Jiangli's ears, a subtle change colored his expression. His lips twitched almost imperceptibly, but he refrained from responding. Instead, he gripped the blade, executing a gentle downward swing.

"Vrring ~!"

As he executed this motion, the blade emitted dazzling silver light in rippling waves, accompanied by a peculiar sound.

Shinguuji Kurono blinked in mild astonishment, her forehead adorned with a large question mark.

"You need not answer," she said, shaking her head before diverting her attention.

Jiangli retracted the blade without a trace of emotion, his expression unmoved.

Meanwhile, Toudou Touka, serving as the referee, observed Jiangli's actions and detected a strange shift in his demeanor, her own expression subtly changing as well.

"Director, by the way, should there be an iPS Capsule in this training ground? After the fight concludes, will I be able to use it immediately?" Jiangli inquired earnestly, his hands clutching the blade as he raised it before his body's midline.

"Yes, there's no need to worry," Shinguuji Kurono confirmed, nodding. "Each training ground is equipped with emergency healing capsules. Rest assured, even if your head is severed or your heart is pierced, I can still save you."

iPS Capsules represented the latest fusion of advanced modern medicine and Blazer abilities—a pinnacle of cutting-edge science and technology. While incapable of treating illnesses like heart conditions, these capsules possessed unparalleled healing abilities. Whether it was mending muscle, bones, limbs, or internal organs, the capsules worked flawlessly without leaving any lasting damage.

Even for Shinguuji Kurono, a time-controlling Blazer, these capsules ensured that even the most grievous injuries could be overcome.

"That's reassuring," Jiangli replied, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders.

He seemed to anticipate unfavorable outcomes from the forthcoming battle, conveying a sense that victory was beyond his grasp. This response prompted sympathetic laughter from the audience.

Taking a deep breath, he cleared his mind of distractions, immersing himself in the tranquility beside the cacophony.

As his inner turmoil subsided, his heart rate decelerated, dropping below the average resting value. Facing off against the former world's third-ranked Blazer, maintaining composure was crucial.

Confronting an adversary that could be easily vanquished disrupted the true sense of superiority conferred by his transmigrator status.

In fact, despite his outward calmness, Jiangli's inner state was tumultuous. Nevertheless, gripping his sword, he effortlessly channeled his turbulent thoughts into a calm demeanor. His focus became akin to that of a seasoned swordsman, his inner world reflecting the clarity of a pristine mirror, untainted by distractions.

Shinguuji Kurono seemed to detect this transformation, her gaze clouded with uncertainty.

"Prepare yourselves—"

Seeing Jiangli poised and ready, Toudou Touka raised her right hand.

"—Let the battle commence!"

With her proclamation, a sudden buzzer rang out without warning, its resonance filling the training ground.

Simultaneously, all eyes turned toward the two combatants.

Shinguuji Kurono stood still, her posture relaxed, eyes trained on Jiangli. She had no intention of initiating an attack. After all, she didn't seek a swift conclusion—this was a test, a platform for Jiangli to demonstrate his worth.

On the other hand, Jiangli wouldn't hesitate to take the initiative. As the battle began, he strode forward purposefully, gradually closing the distance between them.

He wasn't charging recklessly; rather, he advanced step by step, firmly and methodically.

"Physical ability: E. Magic Power: F. In other words, aside from the sword, I possess nothing," Shinguuji Kurono mused, her eyes narrowed as she observed Jiangli's movements.

An E-Rank physical ability was on par with an average person's, hardly a competitive edge among Blazers. Even physically gifted Blazers often leveraged their strength, moving with the agility of a sprinting train. For Blazers lacking exceptional physical prowess, Magic Power often served as a substitute, enhancing attack and defense through Mana Eruption and other means.

Unfortunately, Jiangli's Magic Power ranked at an F, a paltry score. F-Rank Magic Power accounted for roughly 1/10 of the average Blazer's, unsuitable for elaborate Mana Defense or frequent Magic Power eruptions.

In short, Jiangli had little to rely on—except for the sword in his hand.

However, a sword was a close-quarters weapon, requiring proximity to the enemy to unleash its potential. In Jiangli's case, his Magic Power and physical abilities were inadequate to close the gap swiftly, leaving him susceptible to ranged attacks, whether arrows or ambush spells.

This was a test, though, and Shinguuji Kurono elected to wait, allowing Jiangli to approach at his own pace.

Nevertheless—

"Can even my initiative prevent him from closing in?"

As she watched Jiangli advance, a furrow creased Shinguuji Kurono's brow.

His stance was unwavering, exuding solemnity. Despite his gradual movement, the blade maintained perfect alignment with his body's midline—a stance emblematic of impeccable swordsmanship and defense.

Observing this posture, a sense of unease overcame Shinguuji Kurono. Jiangli's movements thwarted her attempts at engagement, his poised defense seemingly impenetrable. His entire demeanor resembled a spiky hedgehog, ready to repel attacks from all directions.

"A Sword Master!"

Am

id her contemplation, the realization struck her. Jiangli had the bearing of a true Sword Master.

With this revelation, Jiangli drew ever closer, mere inches from Shinguuji Kurono.

And then, without further ado—