Published: July 5, 2025
The Sheath of Coolness emits a faint light.
“[Avatar]”
Seven Ryos appear.
From the very first move, they go all out.
However, just one second after appearing, all seven of them vanish.
It takes another second to realize that all of them had their heads severed.
It takes yet another second to understand that Blan had instantly created a clone, severed the head of Ryo's clone, and then returned to his original form.
“I can create clones too.”
“Of course.”
Blan speaks without changing his expression, and Ryo’s expression remains unchanged as well.
He dives in, wielding Murakumo.
Ryo is the challenger.
So he moves on his own.
If he doesn’t move, he will be swallowed.
If he doesn’t keep moving, he will be swallowed.
It is not the head that understands, but the heart.
The opponent possesses an immense power.
Yet, he does not feel despair.
Rather, it feels nostalgic.
For some reason, Ryo often finds himself fighting stronger opponents...
“Why are you laughing?”
“Eh? Was I laughing?”
“Are you not aware? Do you think this is just a mock battle? If I deem you insufficient, I will end your life here.”
“I don’t know about that. All I can do is give it my all.”
“Simply doing your best won't always be enough. If that happens, what will you do?”
“I will think.”
Ryo answers immediately.
“Think? Is that all?”
“I believe that is the essence of being human.”
“Even dragons, spelno, and vampires think. To say that is the essence of being human is arrogant.”
“Is that so? I don’t think so.”
Even when denied by an opponent that seems overwhelming, Ryo does not waver.
What emotions one holds is a personal freedom.
How one ‘thinks’ is the only thing that is guaranteed complete freedom in this world, not to be denied by anyone else.
“It’s free for you to think what you want. It’s also free for me to think what I want.”
He speaks clearly, though not loudly, voicing his thoughts.
It feels like this place is not just a clash of pure combat power, but also a measure of hearts.
A blend of combat and debate.
Such a thing is rare, but...
“[Floating Magic Circle]”
“A magic circle floats? Interesting.”
“[Icicle Lance Shower: ‘Gather’]”
As Ryo leaps back, countless ice spears are shot from the magic circle.
From the horizontally expanded magic circle, the ice spears concentrate on a single point towards Blan.
However...
With just one swing of Blan’s sword, all the ice spears and the magic circle disappear.
That was expected.
A silent charge with the [Water Jet Thruster].
Clang.
Ryo’s full-throttle thrust is deflected as Blan parries it with his sword.
“Hm, not bad, but...”
Slash.
Ryo's right arm is deeply slashed.
He lands on the ground, holding Murakumo, and instantly covers the blood vessels and muscles with an icy membrane.
“Oh... you won’t be shaken by this level?”
“I’m used to it.”
“I question that response.”
Ryo replies without changing his expression, and Blan lightly shrugs.
In an instant, Ryo makes a decision and puts it into action.
A close-quarters battle using his sword.
Since magic won’t work, there are no other options.
“Show your strength if you want to make a claim. No one listens to the words of those without power.”
“You know that already.”
“Honestly, I prefer the saying that the pen is mightier than the sword.”
“The sword is what protects the pen. The two shouldn’t be compared in terms of strength.”
“Ah, that way of thinking is wonderful as well.”
Ryo nods, acknowledging a part of Blan’s reasoning.
“To assert the pen’s claim, I will demonstrate the strength of the sword.”
“Show me! If you don’t, those people over there will die!”
“I won’t let that happen!”
Ryo understands.
The Dragon King before him does not kill people without reason.
However, he has no hesitation in killing.
It’s akin to how people kill ants or harvest rice.
While they don’t do it for no reason, they have no hesitation in doing it.
For the ants or rice whose lives are ended, it’s a problem...