"That was a close call," Ikki Kurogane said as he emerged from the arena, meeting Noah in the hallway.
With his skill and insight, he must have clearly understood the situation.
"Your ability is somewhat effective against her, yet I never imagined you would be pushed to such extremes," Ikki remarked, his expression thoughtful, as if already considering how he would handle a similar situation against Kanata.
Noah sighed helplessly. "That girl... she seemed so normal when we were getting along. I never expected her to strike so ruthlessly."
Just three days earlier, they had been getting along harmoniously.
Even Stella had said she seemed like a decent person.
Perhaps this perception had clouded Noah's tactical judgment, leaving him caught off guard.
"What about you? Did you resolve things with Donrou Academy?"
"Yeah, I got lucky and managed to win against Kuraudo. We even reclaimed Ayase-senpai family dojo."
Watching Ikki scratch his head with a relieved expression, Noah's gaze darkened slightly, his tone turning serious.
"Luck... is that all it was, Ikki? You cannot rely on that."
"Huh?"
"While I would like to say luck is just a bunch of nonsense, the League specifically includes it as one of the fundamental metrics for assessing a Blazer's ability. This proves they recognize luck as a component of true strength. But your luck is the lowest possible rank: F."
The method for measuring luck is simple and varies depending on the individual.
Sometimes, guessing numbers or drawing the joker from a deck of cards is enough to determine the result.
In this world, the concept of "fate" holds immense significance.
What is truly innate, besides Magic Power? Luck!
These are the only two unchangeable, inherent abilities.
Magic Power is the most crucial attribute for a Blazer, so how could luck be considered useless?
But Ikki's situation was entirely different.
F-rank luck—the absolute lowest tier.
Like his Magic Power, this man was born without fortune's favor!
"Do you really want to attribute your hard-won successes to F-rank luck? For your own sake, take more pride in yourself. Everything you have achieved is due to one reason alone: your own strength!"
Ikki's pupils dilated in shock.
He stared blankly at the youth before him.
Though they were technically the same age, Noah's mature aura always made Ikki feel younger by comparison.
Yet now, he felt as if the youth before him were an elder.
"You have grown stronger again, haven't you? Far stronger than when we fought in that simulated battle on the first day. It seems you have been through quite a lot recently. I am worried that no one but your brother-obsessed sister will comfort you, so I will offer you a word of advice."
Noah's Truth Seeker revealed that while Ikki's base ability score hadn't increased, his swordsmanship had undergone a remarkable transformation.
He had witnessed it firsthand during the broadcast.
Ability scores reflected one's actions.
Even for ordinary humans in Orario who hadn't received divine blessings, the principle held true.
Though their ability scores remained hidden, they still existed. Rapid growth in strength indicated corresponding effort and dedication.
Considering Ikki's harsh circumstances, Noah could only say one thing.
"You've worked hard."
Noah patted Ikki on the shoulder before turning and walking away.
Ikki's true strength didn't lie in his ability to use Ittou Shura, a technique that amplified his physical capabilities tenfold.
Rather, it stemmed from his unwavering resolve to sacrifice everything for his convictions, allowing him to forge a technique that transformed him into a living Asura.
Ittou Shura wasn't just a powerful buff, it was a technique he had forged by sacrificing everything through enlightenment.
That unwavering will was the true source of his strength.
It wasn't about making wishes to the gods, but about advancing through his own power, even if only by a fraction, constantly researching and pushing forward.
'Hmm?'
Suddenly, Noah's mental defenses wavered.
The words of a certain God back in Orario echoed in his mind:
"You are ordinary, yet you make roundabout efforts. This circuitous approach grates on my nerves."
'Damn it.'
Noah slammed his fist into a nearby vending machine, his entire fist and half his wrist sinking into the metal casing.
Clatter!
As if frightened, the vending machine frantically spat out cans of drinks.
"I accidentally remembered that annoying guy. What bad luck."
As Noah surveyed the spilled juice, he was about to clean it up with water magic when a figure silently materialized in his peripheral vision.
Noah frowned slightly as he watched the figure approach, bending down to pick up a can of juice.
The person smiled warmly, cradling the can in their hands.
"Ara, can I have this one? Consider it payment for becoming your accomplice and keeping your vandalism secret. How does that sound?" The voice was male, but the tone was distinctly feminine.
Alice moved with the grace of a young girl while holding the can with both hands.
"Alice..."
"Hehe, the match was quite thrilling, you know. But what's wrong? Why are you still so angry even after winning?" Alice's eyes narrowed slightly.
Noah didn't answer immediately, instead shoving the dented metal back into place and using his smelting magic to repair the damage he had caused to the machine.
"None of your business."
Alice maintained his smile, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
He leaned closer, whispering, "Hey, Noah-kun... you wouldn't happen to know my secret, would you?"
"What are you referring to?" Noah countered calmly.
Seeing his composed reaction, Alice slowly withdrew his hand from his pocket.
"You know, that's..."
Sensing his opponent shift his weight, Noah braced himself for an attack.
'Is he planning to reveal his hand here?'
'No. What would be the point? Just to confirm if I know about Rebellion?'
'Wrong. This guy won't make a move in the open hallway.'
'If that is the case, I shouldn't adopt a fighting stance. I should just ignore him.'
With that thought, Noah relaxed his muscles.
Seeing Noah lower his guard, Alice's movements also changed, becoming light and carefree once more.
"Hehe, of course, it is about how I'm actually a girl inside, Noah-kun! You are so handsome, maybe I came here to confess?"
"No, you can tell that at first glance, right? As for confessions, forget it. I prefer girls with big breast." Noah figured even a crossdresser wouldn't have chests that defied gravity like Stella's.
'Then again, you never know. Maybe there are Blazers who can physically transform their bodies.'
"Ah, am I being rejected?"
Alice feigned a look of sorrow.
Noah ignored him and turned to leave.
But Alice suddenly asked, "Hey, Noah-kun... were you once a slave?"
The question stopped Noah in his tracks.
Seeing him pause, Alice continued, "Sorry, just curious. And these are just my guesses, you know. I heard that until a year or two ago, the Vermillion Empire couldn't eradicate its internal corruption due to its weak national power. The political situation was unstable, and the Anti-Royal Faction even dared to openly issue a warrant for a child, chasing him down the streets in broad daylight."
Noah turned to face him, his eyes dead.
At that moment, Alice felt a sudden chill run down his spine.
He instantly leaped backward two meters, putting himself just beyond Noah's five-meter reach.
Cold sweat trickled down Alice's forehead.
"Are you angry?"
Having reviewed the combat information provided by the organization, Alice now understood just how terrifying this young man's abilities were.
Within the five-meter range of his power, Noah had countless methods to torture or kill his enemies.
He had almost been drawn into that Domain!
Unfortunately, his recent probing words seemed to have earned him a place on the boy's hit list.
"You've been investigating me?" Noah asked, making no further movements.
Alice swallowed nervously.
Even though they were more than five meters apart, he could still feel a heavy pressure emanating from Noah.
"While that is true, I hope you understand I meant no harm. I simply wanted to understand you better."
"Why?"
"Well, naturally..."
"Spare me the lies," Noah interrupted. "Just tell me the real reason."
Alice's smile froze for a moment at the sudden interruption.
He dropped the pretense. "To verify your qualifications."
"Qualifications?"
"I cannot tell you more yet. The Teacher said he is very interested in you, and I was merely sent to ask a few questions."
"Who is this Teacher?" Noah's tone carried a clear threat.
Sensing the physical danger, Alice activated his shadow ability, his body sinking into the darkness beneath him.
Before vanishing completely, he left one final warning.
"He will be coming for you soon—within the next few days."
With that, his figure completely submerged into the shadows, disappearing swiftly.
'Teacher?'
'Does Rebellion have some kind of school-like organization too?'
Throughout their conversation, Noah had been careful not to reveal that he knew Alice was a member of Rebellion.
Alice likely hadn't noticed either, which explained why he only mentioned the Teacher.
'He will come to me soon? That sounds... troublesome.'
'What a pain.'
'I should probably tell Stella about this.'
If it's Rebellion, it wouldn't be surprising if they actively targeted a country's princess.
After all, their goal is to overthrow the existing class system and establish a Blazer-centric hierarchy.
They are capable of anything.
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