-1225- [ Blade Steal ]

Blazers can directly use mana, similar to the "Mana Burst" of Servants, by releasing magical power to enhance their own attacks and physical abilities.

At the same time, Blazers can also use magical power to shield their bodies, similar to Mash's "Magic Defense," essentially a skill of "Mana Burst" specialized in defense.

Given this, to inflict substantial damage on a Blazer, one must attack using magical power.

Rozen had traveled in this world for ten years, and with the help of his companion who also understood these techniques, Rozen himself mastered similar techniques. He could enhance his physical abilities and defense with pure mana without using magic or spells, just like Blazers in this world and the Servants in Chaldea.

Just now, realizing he couldn't avoid Ikki's attack, Rozen instinctively activated his magical power, forming a shield.

As a result, Rozen emerged unscathed, while Ikki, feeling as if he had struck an iron plate, retreated with a numbed hand.

Rozen felt conflicted about this.

"Originally, I didn't intend to use magical power in this sparring match."

After all, Ikki's magical power was pitifully weak, and he certainly couldn't casually use mana himself. Rozen wanted to spar with him fairly, so he shouldn't have used magical power.

Unfortunately, in the end, Rozen did use it, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

Rozen apologized to Ikki.

"No, please don't worry about it. Magical power is an important power for Blazers, and there's no rule against using magical power. It's my own inadequacy in this aspect, not your fault. When facing enemies in the future, I won't be able to demand that they refrain from using magical power, so I'm actually glad I forced you to use it."

Ikki shook his numbed hand, looking a bit pained but still smiling.

Moreover...

"I've learned a very useful technique, thanks to you."

Ikki sincerely believed so.

This prompted Rozen to ask his question.

"Did you really learn my sword technique just by watching it once?"

Just now, the technique Ikki used was clearly the counter-attack double strike of "Horizontal Arc."

This young man in front of him learned it just by seeing it once?

"Yes."

Ikki nodded calmly, admitting to it.

"Regardless of the type of swordsmanship, each has its own principles, history, and philosophy."

Ikki said as he gently stroked his wooden sword.

"Just like mathematical formulas, each number composition has strict rules. If we can calculate the result from the combination of numbers when looking at mathematics, can't we do the same with swordsmanship?"

What Ikki wanted to express, how could Rozen not understand?

"Regardless of the type of swordsmanship, as long as we follow its techniques, peek into its philosophy, and continue to observe along the lines of these philosophies, then eventually, we will surely reach the truth and essence of that swordsmanship. Like solving a mathematical formula, we can calculate the entire set of swordsmanship and fully master it."

"Moreover, as long as the interpretation is thorough enough, we can correct all the flaws in the enemy's swordsmanship and weave a stronger set of swordsmanship that is compatible with it."

"I've always been a sneaky kid since I was young, and no one was willing to teach me any swordsmanship, so I had to secretly learn by watching others. As a result, I unknowingly acquired this ability. I can see through most swordsmanship in about a minute, and in battle, create even more advanced swordsmanship, compensating for all its flaws."

"This is my specialty—'Blade Steal.'"

Ikki introduced his ability in this way, explaining why he was able to use the "Horizontal Arc" sword technique just now.

"Because it was just a sword technique, there was no need to dissect the entire set of swordsmanship. I didn't need to spend a minute; I saw through it instantly and learned it. I'm really sorry for doing so without your consent."

Ikki bowed his head apologetically.

But Ikki had no idea that his words shook Rozen's heart violently.

The reason was simple.

Rozen knew why Ikki could do such a thing.

It was clearly...

"Mind's Eye..."

That's right.

Mind's Eye.

This was the Mind's Eye.

Just as Rozen could perceive the phenomena and now also perceive the principles and essence of the world's operation, thereby discerning the flaws in the techniques he used, compensating for their deficiencies, quickly learning them, and elevating them, Ikki could similarly perceive the essence and principles of swordsmanship, thereby compensating for their flaws, quickly learning them, and elevating them.

This was the power of the Mind's Eye.

Enlightened monks could master the Mind's Eye.

Supreme saints could master the Mind's Eye.

Powerful martial gods could master the Mind's Eye.

The so-called Mind's Eye was originally a kind of realm, reaching different endpoints in the hands of different beings.

Rozen was a magus, and after reaching the highest level as a magus, his Mind's Eye allowed him to perfectly control magical power and perceive the phenomena of all things.

And Ikki, with his path in the way of the sword, had actually mastered the power of the swordsman's Mind's Eye, able to perceive and learn all sword techniques.

Perhaps, Ikki could also perfectly control his own physical body?

Reaching the heights of the Mind's Eye with the sword, although the other party might not be able to perfectly control magical power, they could definitely control their physical body perfectly.

Or perhaps, Ikki could even perceive his opponent's physical body through his own Mind's Eye, even penetrating their actions and thoughts, who knows?

This person...

"He's definitely a top genius in swordsmanship."

The cost of the fatal flaw in magical power obtained this person's talent in swordsmanship is absolutely unparalleled.

Rozen finally understood why he felt inexplicably concerned about Ikki.

Because, the man in front of him, with a gentle smile, stood at the same height as himself.

Of course, Rozen's Mind's Eye had reached the realm of the divine, and ten years of travel had made his Mind's Eye level even higher.

And Ikki, his Mind's Eye was still far from reaching Rozen's height, and it could even be said to be far from it.

But Rozen had to admit that he couldn't do what Ikki did, even see through the principles and essence of a person's sword.

After all, Rozen's Mind's Eye reached the realm as a magus, not as a swordsman.

Realizing this, Rozen breathed out slowly.

And with that, he was certain.

"This man will definitely carve out a different path with the sword in the future."

Rozen had this feeling.

What astonishing achievements would this F-rank Worst One accomplish next?

Thinking about it, Rozen was somewhat looking forward to it.