Chapter 38: Don’t Tell Me You Haven’t Read My Light Novel

"What kind of novel are you writing?"

In Kujou Sara's mind, the Fatui were known for their martial prowess, right? So why was this guy writing novels? Perhaps it was that day he visited Yae Publishing House and read The Legend of Sword, which gave him this strange idea. How ridiculous! Writing light novels wasn't something you could just...

Originally, Kujou Sara wasn't interested in what Bai Luo was writing, but when she casually picked up the manuscript lying beside him, she froze.

"My Raiden Shogun Can't Be This Cute?!"

Did Kujou Sara know about this book? Of course, she did. This novel had recently taken all of Inazuma by storm. Rumor had it that even the resistance forces had handwritten copies of it. Not only was it popular among light novel enthusiasts, but even ordinary citizens of Inazuma, influenced by friends and family, had bought a copy.

Kujou Sara had initially approached the book with a critical eye. She was concerned that it might undermine the public's respect for the Shogun. However, as she read, she found herself increasingly captivated, to the point where she forgot her original purpose. Especially when she discovered a character named Kujou Ayase, a Tengu general, she immediately saw herself in the role. Although she was quite irritated that the author hinted at pairing her with Yae Sakura, the sweet interactions between Kujou Ayase and the Raiden Shogun nearly had her blushing.

Unfortunately, no matter how she tried to inquire, the people at Yae Publishing House refused to reveal the author's identity, claiming it was at Yae Miko's orders. This had squashed her hopes of using her official position to compel them to reveal the information.

She had thought she would never find the author. Yet, here he was, discovered purely by accident while investigating something else.

She hadn't found evidence linking Bai Luo to the mysterious swordsman, but she had uncovered the identity of the light novel's author.

"You've read my novel?" Bai Luo asked, startled.

He hadn't been out much these past few days, and when he did go out, it was straight to Tenshukaku. So even though his subordinates had told him his book was popular, he hadn't realized just how much.

"Of course not. As the current general of the Tenryou Commission, why would I read such books?" Kujou Sara responded with a righteous air.

But the way she tightly gripped the manuscript betrayed her true thoughts. There really is a second volume. I want to read it, I really want to read it, I desperately want to read it.

"Uh, could you put down the manuscript?" Bai Luo asked nervously. He was afraid that in her excitement, she might accidentally tear the pages he had painstakingly written.

Kujou Sara instinctively moved to set it down but quickly caught herself. Clearing her throat, she said with a serious expression, "I'm somewhat familiar with this book, but as the general of the Tenryou Commission, it's my duty to review it for any inappropriate content."

Despite her words, her eagerness was barely concealed. Her behavior was akin to a child caught red-handed.

"But... don't you have other duties to attend to?" Bai Luo asked. Considering how important the events at the duel had been, he doubted Kujou Sara would have time to sit and read a novel in his room. She probably forgot about the pressing matters at hand.

Just as Bai Luo suspected, Kujou Sara's expression immediately changed. "Indeed, I have tasks to complete. I'll read the manuscript next time."

Reluctantly, she placed the manuscript back on the table and stood to leave. However, she quickly returned, poking her head back into the room.

"Don't you dare write Kujou Ayase and Yae Sakura as a couple!"

"..."

Oh, Kujou Sara, and you still claim you haven't read my light novel!

After confirming that Kujou Sara had truly left, Bai Luo called for his subordinate. Although he had witnessed the events at the training grounds firsthand, everyone else thought he had been at home the whole time, writing his novel. To avoid suspicion, it was necessary to have his subordinates gather information for him.

As Bai Luo expected, Kujou Sara, who had reached the entrance of the Tenryou Commission, saw a Fatui hurrying out of the courtyard. She frowned at first but then relaxed. While the Fatui's infiltration of Inazuma was concerning, the fact that Bai Luo had sent someone to investigate the situation reassured her that he had no connection to the mysterious swordsman. It seemed she had been overthinking things.

With everyone gone, Bai Luo finally had a moment to review the new skills he had acquired. During his battle with the Raiden Shogun, he had already used several of these abilities, such as the Nine-Headed Dragon Flash.

Elemental Burst: [Nine-Headed Dragon Flash]

Unleashes the Nine-Headed Dragon Flash on a target, suppressing them for 1 second. All damage dealt during this time is true damage. If [Battousai] is in a severely injured state, this skill will automatically convert to Flash of the Heavenly Flying Dragon/Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki, dealing significantly increased true damage.

The 1-second suppression was one of the reasons the Raiden Shogun had been unable to move. True damage was even more terrifying. No matter how thick your armor or how advanced your defensive measures, none of it mattered in the face of this attack. The damage directly affected the body. The only way to counter this move was to have a body strong enough to withstand the strike. Otherwise... there was no escaping it.

After Bai Luo had performed the Nine-Headed Dragon Flash and sheathed his blade, the piercing sound that followed was another skill he had acquired, though it could only be used when the reverse-blade sword was unsheathed.

Active Skill: [Ryūmeisen/Dragon Howl Strike]

Sheathes the sword at high speed, creating a supersonic wave that causes enemies within a certain range to experience temporary deafness. During this period, they will be silenced and unable to manipulate any elemental powers.

Although this effect lasted for only a brief moment, it was deadly to those who relied heavily on their Visions or elemental abilities.

The quick movement Bai Luo had used after sheathing his sword was another skill that activated when the blade was sheathed.

Active Skill: [Ryūshōsen/Soaring Dragon Strike]

Increases movement speed by 275% and grants immunity to control effects for 1 second. The next strike within 3 seconds will hit twice consecutively.

The "double strike" referred to using the same trajectory as the initial slash to deliver a follow-up attack with the sheath. Even if the first strike missed, the sheath would strike the same path, effectively ensuring the second hit connected.

In short, this move was nearly impossible to dodge if one wasn't familiar with his fighting style. After all, few would expect a sword sheath to be used as a weapon.

Kamisato Ayato had nearly been killed by Bai Luo's attack not only because he hadn't been defending himself, but also because he had underestimated the power of Bai Luo's strike. Who would have thought that what seemed like a casual slash could rival the elemental skills of a Vision wielder? If Bai Luo hadn't pulled his attack at the last moment, today's manhunt would have included the Yashiro Commission's forces, hunting him down alongside Kaedehara Kazuha.

All in all, Bai Luo was quite satisfied with his new profession. Now, even if he needed to carry out some shady activities in Inazuma using [Battousai], it would be much easier.