Chapter 4: Clash with the Former Ranked 3rd

"Hou?" Shinguuji Kurono's hand, which was holding a cigarette, froze in mid-air. An exclamation of surprise escaped her lips, followed by a narrowing of her long, narrow eyes.

"Are you underestimating me?" Her voice carried a hint of suspicion.

In that moment, the atmosphere in the office grew tense. Shinguuji Kurono's face revealed no emotions, yet her sharp, jet-black eyes bore into Jiangli, hinting at an underlying tension.

Even Senior Sister, standing nearby, felt a sudden unease. Was this young student, new to the world of Blazers, displaying an inflated sense of self-importance, fueled by their rapid rise to fame? Could they, who had achieved the status of a high-level Blazer in a remarkably short time, really afford to disregard others? Perhaps they attributed their success to luck or exaggerated their abilities. But even the most rational minds could entertain such improbable thoughts, even if only briefly.

"No, that's not what I intended," Jiangli replied, shaking his head as he offered a dispassionate smile. "It's merely a test. I don't expect to win. My only aim is to earn the Director's recognition. Isn't that enough?"

In essence, he was acknowledging the possibility of his own defeat. After all, he was an ordinary E-Rank Knight facing an internationally renowned A-Rank Knight like Miss Director. The gap between them was too vast to ignore.

The title "King of Knights," or KOK, referred to a world-class Blazers competition organized by the League of Mage-Knight Nations. Only the most exceptional Blazers from each country could compete in this prestigious event, known as the A-League tournament. Four years ago, Shinguuji Kurono had ranked at the top of the KOK A-League.

At that time, she held the esteemed position of third in the global rankings. Only later did she choose to retire due to marriage and motherhood, vanishing from the public eye. Her return to Hagun Academy as its Director this year marked a new phase in her career, though she remained an expert of the former third position. Her strength was a rarity known across the world.

"Junior Brother, do you really intend to duel with the Director?" Toudou Touka's surprise faded as she posed the question earnestly to Jiangli. "Can your body withstand the intensity of such a battle?"

Internationally, Blazers were often treated as knights. Many countries embraced the ethos of chivalry in their training, considering Blazer knights as a unique breed—the Mage-Knights. Their primary occupation was combat, and they resolved conflicts primarily through duels.

Toudou Touka hadn't expected Junior Brother to propose a duel with Miss Director. The gap in their abilities was colossal. Her immediate concern was Junior Brother's physical condition.

"Senior Sister is worrying needlessly. And even if anything unforeseen occurs, isn't there the iPS Capsule?" Jiangli reassured her, glancing at Senior Sister's anxious expression. "Moreover, I believe Director wouldn't unleash her full power against me. She'll exercise restraint."

With this, Jiangli shifted his gaze back to Shinguuji Kurono, a gesture that conveyed his acknowledgment of her abilities. He understood that he couldn't be casually challenging her.

Shinguuji Kurono promptly confirmed his assessment. Though she had no intention of deploying her full strength, she certainly wouldn't exploit her power advantage against a weaker opponent. Her reputation and character assured that.

"Well, Director, what is your response? Will you accept my challenge?" Jiangli inquired, shifting his gaze to Shinguuji Kurono after Senior Sister's silence.

"Why not? It sounds rather intriguing. Besides, I'm in the mood for a little action," Shinguuji Kurono responded, a satisfied smile gracing her lips as she closed her laptop and stood. The sense of accomplishment was evident in her expression.

"You're the second student to challenge me to a duel. The first one demonstrated their value. I hope you won't disappoint me."

Were there other students who had done the same?

Such thoughts fleetingly crossed Jiangli's mind.

"Let's use the nearby Third Training Ground. Touka, you'll be the referee," Shinguuji Kurono declared, stretching her limbs before leading the two of them out of the office.

...

The dome-shaped arena within Hagun Academy spanned about 20 meters in height, scattered throughout the school grounds to facilitate student training and conflict resolution.

The arena featured a circular battle ring approximately 100 meters in diameter, surrounded by ascending tiers of seats, creating an amphitheater-like setting capable of accommodating several thousand spectators.

As the trio arrived, only a few students were engaged in solitary training. Learning that the arena was about to transform into a battlefield, they retreated to the surrounding tiers, awaiting the forthcoming clash.

"Take your positions!" Toudou Touka's voice echoed as she stood beside the battle ring, directing the two contestants.

"Both sides, activate your Devices with "Illusionary Form"!"

With her command, both Jiangli and Shinguuji Kurono entered the battle ring simultaneously, their positions centered around the middle of the circle. They stood about 20 meters apart.

The previously silent auditorium was suddenly abuzz with murmurs.

"Wait, is that the new Director in a fight?"

"Who's the opponent? And who's that handsome guy? I don't think I've seen him before."

"Probably a new student."

"But can a new student really challenge the Director? Doesn't he look too ordinary? Maybe he's just bluffing."

Though only a handful of people, no one seemed to be rooting for Jiangli. Some whispered, while others laughed or shook their heads.

Cameras appeared among the crowd, lenses pointed at the two contestants, ready to capture the upcoming match.

Even though they were dozens of meters away, Jiangli appeared to catch snippets of their conversation. He scanned the crowd before turning his attention back to Shinguuji Kurono, the woman he was about to face.

She appeared to be around 27 or 28 years old, radiating the confidence of a mature woman. Her figure was accentuated by the black suit she wore, and her slender waist suggested a lack of any maternal traces.

At this moment, the cigarette had vanished, replaced by her hand on her waist. Her composed gaze locked onto Jiangli.

"Summon your Spiritual Item (Device)," she instructed, her voice directed towards Jiangli.

Though she spoke, no Device appeared in her hand. It seemed as though she planned to play it close to her chest.

Blazers often possessed various special abilities, much like a chest of hidden treasures. But until the box was opened, one couldn't know what extraordinary abilities the other held.

Most of these abilities required the use of a Device as a conduit. Without summoning a Spiritual Item (Device), a Blazer couldn't utilize their Noble Art.

Yet, Shinguuji Kurono hadn't summoned her Spiritual Item (Device), implying her intention not to reveal her special abilities.

Her choice wasn't due to carelessness; rather, she had likely assessed Jiangli's abilities. She had concluded that her own lesser abilities wouldn't be enough to harm him in the slightest.

A faint hum filled the air as Jiangli extended his hand, undeterred by Shinguuji Kurono's

contempt.

In an instant, countless golden specks of light converged on him, coalescing in his right hand. The luminous particles then scattered, giving rise to a resplendent long blade that he confidently gripped.

The stage was set for a clash between two formidable opponents.