I will change the MC's name from Satoru Ace to Akashi Ace.
I'll edit the previous chapters later.
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Kamiyama Touma POV
After Ace-kun left the shop, I immediately placed Sukuna's finger in a safe, sealed container to report and deliver to Sophia and the council.
Why not the Jujutsu Association? Because they can't even protect a single finger.
I heard they even lost the Star Vessel's life.
"With this, that means the Sword of Logos now has around five fingers," I muttered.
I closed the shop, put up the 'Closed' sign, and opened a Wonder Ride Book.
"BOOK GATE."
I stepped through the glowing portal and arrived at the Sword of Logos headquarters.
"Hello, Sophia-san. I'd like to report Ace-kun's mission and what he discovered," I said, handing her the finger and the scroll Ace had given me.
"Oh, Touma-kun, what exactly did Akashi-kun discover?"
"He found a Cursed King's finger and a method to fuse cursed energy and touki into a new power source."
"WHAT?!" Sophia exclaimed in shock.
I took out the sealed box containing Sukuna's finger and the scroll of aura.
Sophia opened the box, her eyes widening. "This really is a Cursed King's finger…" she said, quickly resealing it.
"I'll keep this secured and call a council meeting immediately," she said.
"Of course," I replied.
"And this scroll… it creates a new source of power?"
"Yes, Ace-kun made it himself. He calls it Aura," I explained.
"Akashi-kun truly is a genius," Sophia said with admiration.
"I think so too. Well then, that's all I came to report. I'll be heading back."
"Take care, Touma-kun."
I returned to the bookstore.
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Ace POV
I opened my eyes and sighed in relief.
"Haah… that's enough for today," I said, glancing at the clock.
"Three in the afternoon, huh? I've been meditating quite a while and I'm starving. Let's ask Craftbot to cook something."
I looked toward Lala's newly completed workshop and walked over.
"Lala! Are you done yet?" I called.
"Almost!" she replied.
"I'm coming in!"
"Sure!"
Inside, the workshop looked futuristic and awesome.
"What are you working on?"
"An armor," she said.
"Armor? For who?"
"For me, of course! Then we can go out as two legendary knights!" she said excitedly.
"Of course, but aren't you hungry? I was going to ask Craftbot to cook something. Want to join?"
"Sure! Just a moment!"
I stepped out to wait, and when Lala came out, we went upstairs to the living room. Craftbot and Peke were watching TV.
"What are you watching?" I asked.
"Two kids found an old game and started playing it but it turns out to be cursed," Peke replied.
"Sounds interesting. Craftbot, can you cook us something?" I asked.
"Can't you cook yourself? Why me?" Craftbot replied flatly.
"Because I'm feeling lazy and your cooking is way better than mine," I said, flattering him.
"Mhmm… so you finally admit it."
"Exactly! That's why, please make us something delicious."
"Fine," Craftbot said, floating to the kitchen.
We were waiting when the doorbell suddenly rang.
"Ace, can you see who it is?" Craftbot asked.
"Got it."
I walked to the door and opened it.
"Yes? What can I do for you?"
"I'm looking for a human male who lives in this house," said the man at the door.
I saw his face and immediately recognized him.
Zastin.
"Hold on," I said and tried to close the door, but he stopped it.
"I believe you're the one. From what I know, only one human male lives here," Zastin said.
"Alright, alright, that's me. What do you need?"
"I wish to see Princess Lala."
"And who are you?"
"My name is Zastin. I must meet Princess Lala."
"I'll ask her first."
I went to the dining room.
"Lala, someone named Zastin wants to see you."
"Oh no! Ace, let's run!" she said, panicking.
"Why?"
"Zastin is the head royal bodyguard and the strongest swordsman on Deviluke!"
"So he's that strong. But we can't really run away from someone like that, can we?"
"Don't worry! With Pyon-Pyon Warp-kun we can escape just like last time!"
"That'll only make things worse. How about we just talk to him and explain that you're staying here and already engaged?"
"What if he doesn't listen?"
"I'll fight him."
"Can you win?"
"If Zastin goes all out, it might be tricky."
"So you'll lose?"
"Nah. I'll win."
"…Then let's meet him," Lala said.
We went to the door and opened it.
"Princess, please return to the kingdom," Zastin said.
"Sorry, Zastin, I don't want to. I live here now and I have a fiancé."
"So it's true," he said, turning to me.
"You, human if you wish to be Princess Lala's fiancé, prove yourself worthy!"
"How?"
"Fight me. I'll judge if you're worthy or not."
"Fine, but wait until we've eaten. Lala and I are starving, and I can't fight well on an empty stomach."
"…Very well. I'll wait."
"In that case, come in and wait inside."
"Thank you for your hospitality."
We returned to the dining area.
"Craftbot, make one more portion. We have a guest!" I said.
"Okay," Craftbot replied.
While waiting, I asked, "So how do you plan to judge me? Do I just keep fighting until you're satisfied?"
"I'll judge whether you're bluffing or truly serious."
"Do all Lala's suitors go through this?"
"No."
"So this isn't official, just your impulsive idea? You shouldn't act on your own like that, you know. It's unbecoming of a royal knight."
"This is by my lord's command," he said firmly.
"Really? Damn, can't manipulate this one," I muttered in disappointment.
'I guess manipulation isn't my talent,' I thought.
Craftbot arrived with the food.
"Dinner's ready, grilled meat, Craftbot special!"
"Thanks for the meal," I said, and we all began eating.
"It's not poisoned, so relax," I told Zastin.
He took one bite and immediately finished the whole plate.
"Thanks for the meal," Lala and I said together.
"I must admit, this is delicious for something cooked by a Power Sphere," Zastin said.
"Of course! I'm a great chef," Craftbot replied proudly.
As I looked closer, I noticed Zastin's armor looked different from the anime.
"Is your armor also a Power Sphere?" Craftbot asked.
"Oh, yes. This is Strengthbot it enhances my physical abilities," Zastin said.
'I'm screwed… Zastin's already strong, and now he has Strengthbot? I could die… System, what's the most effective way or tool to defeat Zastin?' I thought.
Before I could finish thinking, Zastin stood up.
"Since we've finished eating and regained our energy, let us fight."
"If you're going to fight, do it in the backyard. Don't destroy the house," Craftbot said flatly.
"Understood. Sir… what was your name again?"
"My name's Akashi Ace. I'm 18 ye-"
"Ahem!" Craftbot glared at me.
"Ehem, just Akashi Ace," I corrected myself.
"Very well, Lord Ace. Let's begin."
We stepped into the backyard it was spacious, perfect for battle.
"Are you ready?"
"Wait."
I pulled out a Wonder Ride Book and opened it.
"BARRIER BOOK!"
"With this, the fight won't disturb the neighborhood," I said.
"Hm… a device capable of generating a strong barrier. Impressive. Are you ready now?"
I drew the Ankokuken Kurayami. "You don't mind if I use my armor too, do you?"
"Not at all."
I opened the Jaaku Dragon book, scanned it, and placed it in my belt.
"HENSHIN!"
The dark dragon emerged, wrapping around me and forming the Kamen Rider Calibur armor.
"I'm ready."
We both took our stances, reading each other's openings.
"Why aren't they moving yet?" Lala asked.
"They're already fighting with their minds," Craftbot answered.
"How do you know?" Peke ask
"I've seen enough movies," Craftbot said.
In their mental clash, I lunged first. Our blades collided Zastin swung downward, and I spun to deflect. He vanished from sight, attacking from the right. I barely blocked, pushed back by the force.
Back to the real world
"Not bad, human," Zastin said.
"Can you stop calling me that? I know what I am already, " I shot back.
I covered myself in Aura, charged at full speed, and slashed left, our swords clashed again with a deafening metallic ring. Sparks of purple and green filled the air.
Zastin swung his sword from above, and I twisted his body, blocking it perfectly just like the battle i had imagined.
The clash of our blades created bursts of purple and green sparks in the air.
Zastin didn't stop his attack, continuing to strike from every direction, but I wasn't falling behind I dodged every attack, and whenever I couldn't, I parried it.
"Good! But you're too defensive!"
Zastin shifted his stance and unleashed a sudden burst of speed, his blade flashing in a swift, I pressed the Kurayami trigger.
"UNCOVER THE DARKSIDE, EXPLICATING SLASH!"
Our strikes met, triggering a small explosion that shook the area.
When the dust cleared, Zastin was still standing with a grin.
"Not bad but I haven't gone serious yet."
"Same," I replied through my visor.
We vanished into blurs, exchanging slashes, blocks, and kicks fast enough to shake the air.
After several minutes, we both got thrown back.
"I didn't expect you to last this long… Very well, I'll start taking this seriously," Zastin said, activating Strengthbot.
His aura flared. I didn't waste time, I conjured several swords and fired them at his shadow. When they pierced it, his movements stopped, his eyes widening in surprise.
I dashed forward and aimed Kurayami at his chest but didn't stab.
Instead, I pressed the trigger.
"Ankokuken Kurayami!"
"Seal!"
Purple chains erupted from the blade, wrapping around Strengthbot.
I immediately slashed at Zastin, and the blow sent him flying backward before he crashed onto his back.
"What happened? Strengthbot isn't responding…"
"I sealed its power. You can't use it for now," I said.
"I see… In that case, there's no need to continue. You've proven yourself worthy."
"Really? Good, because I'm exhausted," I replied.
"Can you undo the seal?"
"Sure."
I placed Kurayami before Strengthbot and pressed the trigger.
"Release."
The chains shattered.
"Since it's settled, I'll take my leave and report that Princess Lala has found a worthy fiancé," Zastin said.
"Don't you want to rest here first?"
"Thank you, but reporting this takes priority."
"Alright, take care."
"Princess, I'll be departing."
"Take care, Zastin," Lala replied.
I dispelled the barrier, and Zastin leapt away into the sky.
"Haah… come on, let's head inside. It's getting dark," I said.
We all went back into the house.
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Writing battle scene is hard.
