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"What... what?!" Momotani's square face twisted in shock beneath his mask.
"How is this possible? What happened? I clearly didn't take any direct hits!"
He even began to suspect his opponent of cheating.
"Wow! Incredible! Even though there was no visible impact, Momotani suddenly coughed up blood— clear evidence of internal injury. How did Nangou Ryoji pull this off?"
"Hmm... this is just my personal speculation... cough, cough... but Nangou likely used a technique like vibration force or internalized energy in each strike... guh!"
"Whoa! Sensei, you're coughing up blood again! Are you alright?"
"It's fine, I anticipated this... cough ugh— so I prepared a blood pack in advance!"
"Such meticulous preparation! But Nangou's technique is remarkable. Is something this cinematic even possible in real life?"
"For skilled warriors, it's entirely plausible... Similar martial arts exist worldwide, including what's known as 'penetrating energy' in Chinese combat styles."
Just as Oreki Yuuri analyzed from the commentator's seat, Ryoji had used a technique known as "penetrating energy" with each strike against Momotani.
Simply put, beneath the surface-level sword strike, he concealed a layer of internalized force, subtly channeling it through the point of contact and directly into his opponent's body.
The defining characteristic of such techniques is their ability to bypass traditional defenses, allowing the force to slip past armor or flesh and strike internal organs with precision.
Conversely, there exists another technique called "rebounding energy," which concentrates all its force at the point of impact, sending an opponent flying without causing significant internal damage.
"Did you really think I wouldn't account for opponents with high durability countering my ability? That I wouldn't develop techniques to overcome such challenges?"
Resting his Vrring blade on his shoulder, Ryoji spoke with a calm, almost gentle expression.
In the stands, the sound of camera shutters clicking filled the air.
"——Devil Light Flowing Blade. That's the name of this technique."
Penetrating and rebounding energies originate from traditional martial arts. With his exceptional talent, Ryoji refined these opposing forces into a unique sword style, much like how he transformed Trackless Step into Flickering Light and Passing Shadows.
Thus, Devil Light Flowing Blade has two variations and bypassing defenses is only one of its many applications.
However, wielding penetrating energy effectively demands immense bodily control, requiring the user to divide and redirect force seamlessly. It also necessitates formidable arm strength— only by possessing such power can one endure the energy backlash and deliver strikes with sufficient impact.
With Ryoji's current strength, it took three consecutive strikes to transfer the hidden energy through Momotani's armor and damage his internal organs. If Kurogane Ikki had used the same technique, a single strike might have sufficed.
Like a devil's blade, this technique isn't just named for effect— it lives up to its reputation.
"What?! Damn it... I'm not done yet!" Momotani clenched his teeth, suppressing the pain wreaking havoc inside him, and forced himself back to his feet, resuming a charging stance.
"Hmm..." Ryoji hummed softly.
He had spirit— far more than the average student. But the path of a knight isn't one where spirit alone determines victory.
"Hah!!" With a roar, Momotani surged forward, his Magic Power propelling his legs like a cannonball.
"Dang——!"
A long, resonant chime echoed through the arena.
Momotani's body froze mid-motion before collapsing face-first onto the ground.
Ryoji had sidestepped the charge and delivered a precise strike to the back of his head, knocking him unconscious.
His strength had limits— it wasn't enough to cause permanent damage, but at most, Momotani would suffer a concussion. Given modern healing capsule technology, he'd recover quickly.
"The match is over! Momotani is unable to continue! The winner of the second battle selection match is one of Hagun Academy's dark horses this year— Year 1, Class 1's Nangou Ryoji! Thank you for an electrifying match!"
Ryoji calmly sheathed his Vrring blade and exited the battle ring.
Defeating an opponent who posed no real challenge didn't bring him any sense of accomplishment.
...
Around 2 PM.
Ryoji changed into casual clothes, donning sunglasses, a mask, and a baseball cap to obscure his identity. Vaulting over the academy wall, he made his way to a train station about a kilometer away.
"You're covering up too much— I almost didn't recognize you."
Totokubara Kanata was already waiting there for him. She had swapped her elegant white dress for a simple T-shirt and jeans.
"You're not much different yourself." Ryoji eyed her outfit and smirked as he spoke.
"I don't own any casual clothes. This set is borrowed from my roommate... It's a bit tight around the chest." Kanata tugged at the neckline of her shirt, trying to adjust it for comfort.
By now, the lingering chill of winter had nearly faded. With the onset of May, Kanata wore only light layers, the edge of white lace barely visible beneath her shirt.
Ryoji's gaze sharpened momentarily.
But doing anything inappropriate on a first date would likely startle Kanata, so he maintained his composure.
"Understood. Let's go buy you some clothes first." He snapped his fingers just as a train rolled into the station.
"I'm not familiar with commoner fashion. I have no idea which brands look good."
As expected of a rich young lady— she was as direct as ever!
"With your natural charm, does it even matter?" Ryoji teased.
"Hehe, did you use this charm to win over Touka too?" Kanata asked playfully.
"Indeed, though not in the way you're thinking... If I get the chance, I'll demonstrate it to you." Ryoji smirked.
"Oh? If there's a chance, you definitely must!" Laughing, Kanata naturally linked her arm with his as they boarded the train together.
"Wait... what's that...?"
It was the weekend, so many students from Hagun Academy were also on board. Some passengers glanced at them curiously.
Fortunately, their disguises were sufficient. Seeing their intimate demeanor, no one dared interrupt, ensuring their secret remained safe.
Once they reached a quieter location, they could relax.
...
An hour later.
Several shopping malls surrounded Hagun Academy, but they were frequented by students. To avoid unwanted attention, Ryoji and Kanata rode over ten more stops, disembarking in a coastal town far from the academy.
The climate here was pleasant— ocean in the front, mountains in the back, with a flat landscape. The town had a retro charm, distinct from the hustle of the big city, making it ideal for vacations or retirement.
Shortly after they exited the train, a girl in a Hagun Academy uniform— who had been on the same train— also stepped off. Without hesitation, she made her way toward a hospital in the town.
(End of Chapter)