-1371- The clash of strength

————"Sword Emperor of Wind".

Upon hearing this title, anyone would guess the ability of Kurogane Ouma.

————"Wind".

Kurogane Ouma is indeed a Wind user, possessing the natural interference-type ability of wind.

And at this moment, what Kurogane Ouma is using is one of the most common and widespread Noble Arts among wind users — "Vacuum Blade".

As the name suggests, this technique tears through the atmosphere, creating a vacuum in the air to attack with wind-turned blades.

Though this Noble Art doesn't boast high power, it possesses immense lethality, surpassing the speed of sound, and is imperceptible to the naked eye, making it extremely practical.

Its ubiquity isn't due to its lack of significance.

On the contrary, it's precisely because of its usefulness that wind users universally choose to master this Noble Art, making it common and widespread.

Therefore, when Kurogane Ouma unleashes the vacuum blade of wind, amid the whistling and trembling of the atmosphere, a hurricane sweeps over the heads of those lying prone, passing over the space before Rozen and Edelweiss, landing on the tree-lined path beside the campus.

"Boom!"

In the roaring sound, the vacuum slash exceeding the speed of sound severs the entire row of trees, sending each tree flying into the air, crashing to the ground and stirring up clouds of dust.

"To think he launched an attack without hesitation...!?"

Todo Touka expression turns grave.

"He's serious! Everyone, summon your devices!"

Though still in confusion, Stella's exceptional combat skills allow her to quickly grasp the current situation and shout aloud.

Both Ikki's earlier reminder and Stella's shout prompt everyone to act immediately.

During the past ten days of training, everyone didn't train individually but together, in collective combat.

They faced the Golems together.

They engaged in real combat with Edelweiss together.

Even in battles against strategic-level Golems, they fought together.

Therefore, among those present, except for Utakata Misogi, everyone else quickly establishes trust and cooperation, deeply believing in each other.

Especially Ikki and Stella, whose strength ranks highest among everyone, often stand at the forefront in dangerous situations, giving reminders to everyone and performing even better than Todo Touka.

Hence, everyone has become accustomed over the past ten days to heed Ikki and Stella's warnings. Even now, despite not knowing exactly what happened, they still, as if by reflex, summon their Devices without hesitation.

Seeing this...

"Quite unexpected, such proficiency in combat."

The one saying this in an affected, almost ridiculous tone is "Pierrot" — Reisen Hiraga.

"Even in such an unclear situation, being able to prepare for battle at the first opportunity, I really have to admire the Hagun students."

Reisen Hiraga says this with an air of admiration, yet his tone carries a frivolous disdain that is deeply repulsive.

Following Reisen Hiraga's words is the extremely rude and aggressive "Unturning" — Tatara Yui,

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Tatara Yui says roughly. "Of course, you'd need to be on your toes to play with me!"

Tatara Yui exudes a killing intent different from everyone else's, causing a tingling sensation.

It's clear that this person is no good person and might even be an executioner with blood on both hands.

In comparison, the next person's tone isn't as rough but is rather arrogant.

"Too bad, this is futile in the presence of my retinue."

Sitting like a luxurious noble on a huge lion, speaking in a proud tone and manner is "Beast Master" — Kazamatsuri Rinna.

Contrary to the others, the reactions of the remaining attackers to the Hagun Academy students are different.

"Whatever the case, let's resolve this quickly."

This is the lackluster remark from "Bloody Da Vinci" — Sara Bloodlily.

"Oh, come on, don't be like that. I really want to talk to the Hagun folks; several of them are idols I admire."

This is the excited statement from "Bad Luck" — Shinomiya Amane.

But his words are naturally ignored.

Especially Kurogane Ouma.

"Rorelai Arneet and Stella Vermillion are mine. The rest of you handle them."

As if unwilling to waste any more time, Kurogane Ouma speaks with icy words while acting like this.

"Remember, if you don't want to die, don't touch that one."

Saying that, Kurogane Ouma once again raises the large sword in his hand high.

However, this time, instead of immediately striking down, Kurogane Ouma lets the magic surge like an explosion.

"Boom!"

Accompanied by the surge of magic, a terrifying storm suddenly erupts from Kurogane Ouma, rising swiftly like a tornado, soaring into the sky.

For a moment, the ground is torn apart by the hurricane, crumbling into countless rubble and debris, sucked into the tornado, causing even the surrounding trees to be uprooted and shaking nearby buildings, with an exceptionally huge noise.

This makes those around Kurogane Ouma cry out strangely.

"Oh...!?"

"To think he'd unleash his ultimate move without hesitation...!?"

"You bastard! We're right next to you!"

The people around Kurogane Ouma immediately step back, withdrawing from the storm circle.

"Ouma-nii-san!"

Ikki shouts again, but it doesn't elicit the slightest response or reaction from Kurogane Ouma.

With his large sword held aloft, the tornado centered around him engulfs everything, sucking in rubble, stones, trees, and even sand, compressing them repeatedly.

Eventually, the Sword of Storms that sweeps everything aside takes shape.

"Kusanagi(Moon Severing Sky Dragon's Talon)!"

Kurogane Ouma unleashes his strongest Noble Art.

The next moment, the formidable Sword of Storms cleaves down like a falling tornado, roaring out and sweeping toward everyone.

Facing this earth-shattering blow, even Ikki has no choice but to dodge it, despite his overwhelming strength not being enough for offense and his defense power being unable to withstand this attack that rivals natural disasters, so apart from dodging, there is no other way.

And if even Ikki is like this, then the others are even more so.

Among those present, only three people can face this attack head-on.

One is Rozen.

One is Edelweiss.

But neither of them has acted.

Because the one who should act has already stepped forward.

"Boom!"

In the roar, the burning flames soar into the sky, also ascending into the clouds.

That's right.

Among the students present, only Stella Vermillion can overpower Kurogane Ouma in terms of strength.

Stella raises her device, Lævateinn, high, causing the crimson flames to rise and turn into a flaming sword.

"Katharterio Salamandra!"

With a spirited cry, Stella also uses her strongest Noble Art, swinging down the flaming sword in her hand.

Thus, the flaming sword confronts the Sword of Storms.

"Boom————!"

In the schoolyard engulfed in flames, the Sword of Light collides with the Sword of Storms, stirring up earth-shattering roars.

Thus, the ground collapses.