Bab 1390: -1372- The early confrontation
"Boom——!"
As the deafening roar erupted, flames and tempest simultaneously rose from the inferno-engulfed Hagun Academy, sweeping in all directions like a volcanic eruption, or a passing typhoon, terrifyingly fierce.
The Flame Sword and the Tempest Sword clashed, triggering waves of explosive force that blew away the surrounding ground, causing the earth to crack and collapse while the shockwaves radiated in all directions, shattering buildings in an instant.
The area of conflict between the two great powers transformed into a purgatory, consuming and destroying everything around it, grinding it to dust.
Both sides were locked in a stalemate for an indeterminate amount of time.
Ultimately, a victor emerged from the clash of the Flame Sword and the Tempest Sword.
"Haaahhh...!"
Stella Vermillion, bathed in crimson flames, roared, her magical power surging wildly, forcing the Flame Sword to overpower the Tempest Sword, pushing it back with difficulty.
"To think you could push back my strongest attack...!?"
Kurogane Ouma's expression finally changed slightly, but he soon revealed the only smile he had shown since the beginning.
That smile, a mix of joy and madness.
Following that, the Flame Sword overpowered the Tempest Sword, engulfing Kurogane Ouma.
"Boom——!"
An explosion resounded like thunder.
The scorching flames consumed the Sword Emperor of Wind, causing a fiery storm to sweep in all directions.
"We... we did it...!"
Seeing this scene, the members of Hagun Academy showed expressions of delight.
Only Rozen and Edelweiss frowned at first, then looked on in surprise.
"I didn't expect this..."
Edelweiss, as if realizing something, revealed a rare serious expression.
With even Edelweiss reacting this way, Rozen had no need to say anything more.
"I see, it seems I wasn't mistaken..."
Rozen stared intently in the direction of the exploding flames, as if confirming something, feeling both astonished and impressed.
Whether it was Rozen or Edelweiss, both offered their admiration to Stella's opponent at that moment.
They had no choice.
If their instincts were correct, this time, Stella's opponent was not just an ordinary person but a genuine ————[ Anomaly ].
From the direction of the rising flames, a deep, forceful voice rang out.
"It has been a long time since I encountered someone who could overpower me in pure strength, let alone another student. Usually, no one can even touch the hem of me."
"Only you—Crimson Princess—can, at a younger age, display such power that surprises me."
"Indeed, I was not wrong. You are the real deal, someone truly capable of reaching the pinnacle."
As these words were spoken, Kurogane Ouma's figure slowly emerged from the flames.
"What...!?"
Seeing Kurogane Ouma, Stella showed a shocked expression.
Not only Stella, but everyone else reacted similarly.
Because Kurogane Ouma emerged from the flames completely unscathed, despite being subjected to the scorching fire, his face remained unchanged. Only his kimono was charred and damaged, making him appear somewhat disheveled.
However, what shocked everyone was not just Kurogane Ryoma's unscathed appearance.
On closer inspection, his body was covered with countless visible, gruesome scars.
In an era where IPS regeneration pod technology is highly advanced, any injury, no matter how severe, can be treated effectively. Even with the harsh battles of Blazers, scars are not usually left on the body.
Yet Kurogane Ouma's body was covered in such scars, appearing terrifying and grotesque.
"You..."
Stella was filled with uncertainty.
Not only Stella, but Ikki and Shizuku's expressions also changed multiple times.
To withstand Stella's strongest Noble Art head-on and remain unscathed, while bearing such scars, was astonishing.
But Kurogane Ouma's expression was one of natural indifference.
"Don't be surprised. This is the difference between us. It's not a matter of strength but of training methods and direction."
Kurogane Ouma spoke calmly.
"While your strength satisfies me, it is only to this extent. To defeat me, this alone is not enough."
Saying this, Kurogane Ouma raised the great sword in his hand.
"But you have earned the right to see me go all out."
"Brace yourself."
"Crimson Princess."
With those words, Kurogane Ouma kicked off the ground, transforming into a gale as he charged towards Stella, his body wrapped in a whirlwind.
"Come!"
Stella's eyes burned with flames. Despite her surprise, she did not show any weakness, raising her Device, her body igniting with flames, and she advanced towards Kurogane Ryoma.
The two rare A-rank student knights began their fierce battle.
As for the others, they too faced their opponents.
"Prepare yourselves! Humans!"
Kazamatsuri Rinna shouted some incomprehensible arrogant line, driving the lion beneath her, and in its roar, charged forward.
"Kill!"
Tatara Yui, concise in words, like an assassin too lazy to speak to a dead person, brandished her chainsaw-like Device, and charged directly.
"Let me enjoy this!"
Hiraga Reisen, with an annoying laugh, moved her ten fingers slightly, and the ground around her rose, transforming into strong rock giants, charging forward with a rumble.
"Color of Magic—Crimson Flame."
Sara Bloodlily said nothing, directly taking out a brush. With a wave, she painted a fiery red color in the air, and the paint burned like flames, rolling towards everyone.
"Alright, it seems I can't be lazy either."
Shinomiya Amane, appearing regretful, nonetheless took out his Device, a sharp rapier. With a swing, countless rapiers appeared in the air, raining down like a storm.
The representatives of the other academies attacking Hagun Academy all launched their attacks without hesitation.
Unbelievably, these individuals acted so brazenly, completely ignoring their positions and the consequences of their actions.
This infuriated the members of Hagun Academy.
"No matter what, I'll make you pay the price for daring to destroy our academy!"
"Don't think we'll let this slide!"
"Take this!"
The members of Hagun Academy shouted, raising their Devices, charging forward.
In the next moment, all the student knights clashed, entering fierce battles.
At this moment, before the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival had even arrived, the representatives of the seven academies clashed.
Edelweiss watched this scene in silence.
As for Rozen, he had already fixed his gaze on one person.
"So, it's you..."
Rozen murmured, revealing a cold smile.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone