The Absolute Speed of a Certain Comic'

"Huh?"

Shinguuji Kurono's hand holding the cigarette suddenly paused, and he let out a surprised sound. Shortly afterward, her narrow eyes squinted slightly.

"Are you underestimating me?"

In the office, the atmosphere momentarily froze.

Shinguuji Kurono's face showed no hint of joy or anger, only her sharp, jet-black eyes staring at Ryoji, emanating a subtle pressure.

The Senior Sister beside them was also momentarily stunned.

It's not uncommon for students who have just entered the Blazer world to realize their special status and become overly confident, looking down on long-established high-ranking Blazers, thinking that maybe they're just lucky or exaggerating, and daring to provoke anyone they meet.

Rationally speaking, the chances of success are quite slim, but not everyone has that awareness.

"No, I didn't mean that."

Ryoji shook his head and put on a nonchalant smile.

"Anyway, it's just a test. It doesn't matter if I win or not, as long as I can catch the Director's eye, isn't that enough?"

In other words, he had already admitted his defeat in advance.

After all, he's just a plain E-Rank Knight, while the Director opposite him is an internationally renowned A-Rank Knight. The gap between them is not something that can be measured easily.

The "King of Knights," or KOK, is a world-class Blazer combat tournament hosted by the International Magic Knight League, where Blazers from all member countries can participate. The top event in this tournament is the "A-Rank League Event."

Four years ago, Shinguuji Kurono was already a top contestant in the KOK A-Rank League, ranked third in the world.

She later retired due to marriage and childbirth, which is why she disappeared from the public eye.

It wasn't until this year that she was invited back as the Director of Hagun Academy. Even in retirement, she remains a third-ranked expert in the world, with strength rarely seen anywhere.

"Junior Brother, do you really want to duel with the Director?"

Toudou Touka, regaining her composure from the look of surprise, seriously asked Ryoji.

"Can your body really handle a duel of this intensity?"

Globally, Blazers are generally regarded as Knights. In many countries, Blazers are trained and educated as Knights, following the path of Knighthood. That's also why Blazers are referred to as Mage Knights.

Ultimately, Knights are combat professionals, and dueling is the best way to resolve issues. Any conflict can be resolved through a duel.

Therefore, proposing a duel between Blazers is not unusual.

Toudou Touka wasn't concerned about whether Junior Brother would win or lose; the disparity between them was indeed vast. Her first thought after Ryoji proposed the duel was to worry about his physical condition.

"Senior Sister, you're worrying too much. Even if something happens, there's the iPS Capsule, right?"

Ryoji looked at the anxious Senior Sister and spoke comfortingly, "Besides, I believe the Director wouldn't go all out against an ordinary E-Rank Knight like me. She'll definitely know her limits."

Hearing this, Shinguuji Kurono naturally thought it wouldn't be right to use her full strength against someone weaker, although she wasn't planning to do so anyway.

"Director, what do you think? Will you accept my duel request?"

Seeing the Senior Sister still conflicted but ultimately silent, Ryoji turned back to Shinguuji Kurono for her response.

"Alright, isn't this quite interesting? I was looking for some exercise anyway."

Shinguuji Kurono happily turned off her computer, stood up from her desk, and showed a pleased smile.

"You're the second student to challenge me. The first one demonstrated his value; I hope you don't disappoint me either."

Did other students do the same?

This thought briefly flashed through Ryoji's mind.

"Let's use the third training field. Touka, you'll be the referee."

Shinguuji Kurono stretched and led the two out of the office.

......

Hagun Academy's campus has nearly twenty dome-shaped arenas spread across various locations. These are used for student training and resolving disputes.

In the arena, there is a circular battle ring with a diameter of about 100 meters, surrounded by tiered seating that can accommodate thousands of spectators.

When the three arrived, only a few people were training on their own. Upon learning that this would become the battleground, they each retreated to the stands.

"Take your positions!"

Toudou Touka stood outside the battle ring, giving instructions to the two contestants.

"Both sides, deploy your Illusionary Form and summon your Spiritual Item (Device)!"

As soon as the command was given, Ryoji and Shinguuji Kurono stepped into the battle ring simultaneously, standing about twenty meters apart from the center of the ring.

The once silent stands suddenly buzzed with whispers.

"Wait, is the new Director going to fight both sides?"

"Who is that on the other side? With such a handsome face, why haven't I heard of him before?"

"He is probably a new student."

"A new student challenging the Director? How clueless can he be? Or is he just out of the countryside? There's no way he can win against the Director!"

Despite the small number of people, no one seemed to have any faith in Ryoji. They shook their heads in either pity or mockery.

Some even took out their cameras, focusing on the two in the ring, intending to record the match.

In the arena.

Though they were several dozen meters apart, Ryoji felt as if he could hear their conversations. He scanned the audience briefly, then shifted his focus back to Shinguuji Kurono.

The woman, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, was in the prime of her maturity. Her figure, concealed beneath a black suit, was strikingly attractive, with a slim waist showing no signs of having given birth.

Currently, she had extinguished her cigarette, standing with one hand on her hip, calmly watching Ryoji.

"Summon your Spiritual Item (Device)."

She spoke to Ryoji in a clear and confident tone.

Although she said this, she showed no signs of summoning her own Spiritual Item (Device), seemingly intent on going easy on him.

Blazers typically possess various special abilities, much like a treasure chest; until the chest is opened, you can never know what incredible abilities the opponent might have.

However, most of these special abilities require the use of a Spiritual Item (Device) as a medium. Without summoning their Spiritual Item (Device), using Noble Art is generally impossible.

By not summoning her Spiritual Item (Device), Shinguuji Kurono indicated that she did not plan to use her special abilities.

Her choice was not due to carelessness but because she had already assessed Ryoji's level. His abilities were so inferior that they couldn't even scratch her.

"Vroom—!"

Ignoring Shinguuji Kurono's disdain, Ryoji silently extended his hand.

At that moment, countless golden light points gathered around him and coalesced in his right hand.

Soon, the light points dissipated, and a dazzling long sword appeared in his hand, which he grasped firmly.

(End of Chapter)