[NoName again… “500 million won for surgery costs fully ‘anonymous donation'”]
[Anonymous donation to a child protection facility, NoName’s good deeds revealed later]
“Haha, anonymous donations are ridiculous! In the end, they just blab about it everywhere. The world is full of hypocrites.”
In the waiting room, Hiroyuki was browsing articles about Na-me.
Seeing this, Narita Mei let out a deep sigh.
“Ugh, when will that annoying middle school disease ever be cured…”
Meanwhile, he even takes a selfie and uploads it to his Instagram.
Mei checked the Instagram post with a disgusted look.
Countless people were shooting hearts and praising him in unison.
A bloated ego, a distorted sense of values.
Mei finally understood his actions when she heard the unfortunate past of the boy from the lord.
Born as the son of a low-ranking Yakuza, Sato Hiroyuki.
After the introduction of the violence exclusion ordinance, children of Yakuza parents were thoroughly ostracized in society once it was discovered.
Students bullied him, teachers mocked him, and the police turned a blind eye—he could only dream of getting a job at a company.
Hiroyuki, with his pretty boy looks, had been the plaything of high school bullies since childhood.
Even his home was not a sanctuary for him.
His biological father was so macho and violent that he told Hiroyuki to fight to get back his stolen bicycle.
On the day Narita Sect dismantled the Yakuza organization, Hiroyuki was recognized for his innate talent by Lord Narita and entered the sect as a direct disciple.
An unparalleled growth rate.
Sato Hiroyuki became Narita Hiroyuki,
And within five years of wielding a sword, he had developed to the level of confronting Emika.
Since the Emperor’s award, no one had denied his talent.
Perhaps because of this, the elders of the Narita Sect kept repeating like a beaten wife, “But he has a good nature,” sheltering Hiroyuki.
Having gained nationwide support after winning the Japan-Korea evaluation match, what could he possibly fear in this world?
Mei let out a soft sigh, looking at Hiroyuki.
“It would be best not to underestimate your opponent too much. Even the mighty Love Kim lost helplessly in a duel with Na-me, so there must be something huge in store.”
“Underestimate? Me? A lion gives its all even when catching a rabbit!”
Hiroyuki looked up, shooting a cold stare.
He revealed his notebook filled with notes.
[Points to note in a duel with NoName]
[⦁ Techniques for head strikes: When receiving the right-side Men (upper strike) from the right, do not move your upper body and shoulder simultaneously while deflecting with the left hand. Think of it as turning the blade to hit the side of the head while slashing the waist. At this point, bending the knees slightly to match the height will help. / Practice: ✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️ → For an opponent at 120 cm, they are much lower than they seem. Be cautious of sensory confusion.
⦁ Techniques for wrist strikes: (…)]
Numerous pages were densely filled with pencil writing.
“When did he write all that?”
Narita Mei chuckled softly.
Thud Thud – The ceiling of the waiting room rumbled.
Applause from a hundred thousand spectators.
Swish-
Before the event staff arrived, Hiroyuki drew his sword while his pristine white gi fluttered.
Upon infusing mana, the kanji engraved on the sword glowed blue.
[“The heavens plan, humans execute (모사재천 성사재인)”]
“Heh, ten years old is just the right age to learn how cruel the world can be.”
Hiroyuki tied his hair back tightly and walked toward the training arena.
Mei grimaced as if hearing something she shouldn’t have.
“Ugh, can someone do something about that cringeworthy guy over there!”
*
On July 13, 2053, at Stade de Pont-Pidou.
I stepped out of the shade and ascended into the training arena filled with 100,000 spectators.
“NoName! NoName! NoName!”
The audience seemed like an endless sea of people, and their cheers crashed against my ears like huge waves.
Flags of Korea and Japan flapped wildly on both sides.
In a war-like atmosphere, the fans shouted my name at the top of their lungs.
My heart raced, I felt alive.
A swarm of dozens of drones flew into formation.
The big screen displayed my full figure without any edits.
[64th Round Group 1 Match 2]
[#2 Narita Hiroyuki (Japan)]
[#4 NoName (Republic of Korea)]
The advanced bodysuit made of carbon fiber showcased my sleek silhouette.
Due to the hot weather, the shiny mana-blocking jacket was draped over my arm.
I wore knee protectors over tights that said ‘REBELLION,’ and strapped thigh straps on top to prevent aura overflow.
Finally, I adjusted the dial on my black combat boots to fit snugly, then quickly dashed to the center.
“Waaaaaaah!”
I stood with my arms crossed, gazing majestically at the stadium.
With a loud boom, the ceiling closed above, and the LED screen showed the sky beyond.
At that moment, my opponent arrived right on cue from the opposing side.
After placing a hand on his chest and finishing the national anthem, he exchanged pleasantries with the referees.
Finally, I shook hands with Narita Hiroyuki, completing all the rituals for battle.
“NoName, I hope you’re unlike Love Kim. I detest boring training too.”
Narita shot a random taunt at me.
I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.
“Haha, you’re kind of funny. Are you trying to become my teacher or what?”
“I am more than qualified for that.”
“Then let’s make the class time the full 30 minutes. If I catch a teacher leaving early for money, I’ll chase them to the ends of hell and kill them.”
“…?”
Narita squinted one eye.
He seemed completely puzzled by my words.
It didn’t matter. He’d find out soon enough.
I walked to my side and waited.
A faint barrier rose between the training arena and the audience, and the crystal sphere in the center sank underground.
<[En garde!]>
Information about our barrier statuses appeared on the big screen, and a 30-second countdown began.
“30, 29, 28!”
The audience counted down in their respective languages.
Narita Hiroyuki drew his katana and infused it with mana.
“While the heavens plan, it is humans who accomplish.”
I thought the Zhuge Liang from this side was a bit cocky.
I lightly channeled mana into the hilt of my Cheonghwa sword-handled sword.
Vroom—
The sharp silver blade emerged.
The basket hilt of Skiabona coiled around my hand like a tree root.
As I angled the blade, a joyous girl flashed in my mind.
<[Ready?]>
Swish-!
We both took our stances simultaneously, vigorously squeezing our Aura Hearts to warm up.
“10, 9, 8!”
We stepped into a realm beyond human limits.
Our bodies no longer felt like bodies; our brains took control over every domain of our physical forms.
“3!”
I hid the Cheonghwa sword behind my back.
“2!”
At the same time, I laid my left hand, and Narita laid his right hand down toward the floor.
“1!”
In that fleeting moment, dopamine surged; my tongue parched, I wet my lips with my tongue.
<[Go!]>
Tatatatata-!
Narita, concealing his leg movements in his gi, propelled himself forward as soon as the match began.
He was of the Narita Sect, inheriting the Bujin Ichido style.
The white aura-infused sword descended upon me.
[Cast: Black Aurora – Medium Neutral Release]
I completed Black Aurora in under two seconds.
I didn’t dodge or move.
I simply set my sword horizontally and blocked with one hand.
Crackling—!
Our swords clashed, and explosive energy erupted, showering black sparks everywhere.
My hair swelled and drifted in multiple directions as if in a zero-gravity state.
It was a difficult technique, yet I showed no panic, just unimpressed.
I pushed my sword away and stabbed toward Narita’s abdomen.
He easily evaded my strike and leaned back.
“Is it my turn now?”
“… Anytime.”
Oh, my casting might be a bit faster, are you confident?
I stretched my left hand to trace a magic circle.
Executing a three-step rapid casting of ‘Craft-Store-Cast’ in one swift double cast.
Narita’s eyes widened as he coated his sword with his counter-spell.
[Cast: Nangel]
Cancel.
[Cast: Inertia Tensor Adjustment]
Cancel.
[Cast: Ignis Exploding-]
Cancel.
I withdrew my mana before completing the magic circle and prepared another spell.
“Waaaaagh! Stupid girl, what the hell are you doing! Are you messing with me? Ugh!”
Narita was fumbling with his blade while tempering a defense stance, trying to assess how I would spell cast.
“Do I really need to waste mana casting when you’re already defending yourself? Doesn’t that seem reasonable?”
Narita rubbed his bloodshot eyes quickly.
How dare you avert your gaze from me?
[Wide Area Casting: Illusion]
“…!”
In an instant, Narita, distracted by my spell, opened his Aura Heart.
It was good that he thought to wrap his aura thickly as a temporary measure.
While maintaining the illusion spell, I executed a triple cast of 4-circle magic.
[Conjuration – Niobium]
[4-circle Casting: Glacius Astar]
As anticipated, his movements grew passive, allowing Glacius Astar to be cast.
I loaded ten fragments of Niobium into the magic circle’s center and fired them like a railgun.
Boom boom boom boom boom—!
Merciless bombardment fell upon the arena.
In the thick of the fire, my katana traced a dizzying line.
Six evaded, three bounced off, but one struck my calf.
My gi skirt had a perfect hole torn into it.
However, the damage incurred compared to the mana I exerted was minor, leaving me a bit disappointed.
Narita, with his hair tie falling loose, looked around, his eyes moving in a calm manner.
He seemed to be evaluating what was real and what was an illusion.
“Useless. You’ll never find out.”
“Haha! You’re just avoiding the fight because you lack confidence in your sword, aren’t you?”
“Pfft, as if!”
I activated Black Aurora again and picked up the Cheonghwa sword.
[3-circle Unique Magic: Ignis Respicio]
A blue flash burst forth from the tip of my sword, racing through space.
Narita Hiroyuki sheathed his katana again.
Mana began pooling in the sheath, glowing blue.
‘Is he really going to try that junky sword technique? Seriously?’
That assumption is what gets you, huh? What a madman with this concept.
“Grahhhh!”
Scratching sound—!
Ignis Respicio shattered and crashed into both walls of the arena.
But thanks to that, I bought myself some time.
I channeled aura into the Cheonghwa sword and jumped at Narita.
[Imperial Palace Swordsmanship 14th Form – Divide the Land]
Boom—!
The move that finished off Oh Deok-jae in the Academy Competition.
Back then, it was with a foot, but this time it’s with a sword.
“Grrghh… Graah!”
Struggling to block, Narita gritted his teeth and pushed my sword away.
Sealing my motion under his armpit, he stabbed my right shoulder.
Clang-!
“Haah.”
Focusing on offense instead of defense can be tricky.
After employing Black Aurora, I had to accept some losses and shifted to an offensive stance.
I pressed down with my left foot and pivoted my right foot.
[138th Form – Cutting Waterfalls]
I twisted my wrist to disarm the sword from the side, aiming for an opening in my side.
Clang clang clang clang clang—!
Sparks flew between the clash of metal as attacks and counters exchanged.
The swordplay continued.
[270th Form – Rooster Slash]
When close enough, we engaged in a clash and brawl.
While we exchanged dozens of strikes, neither of us blinked once.
I heightened my concentration, seeking the optimal route for my sword.
Clang-!
When our paths crossed by chance, a light metallic sound echoed.
Clang-! Clang clang clang—!
He too, it seemed, was blessed with swordsmanship and knew every path accurately.
[389th Form – Celestial Alignment]
When the distance widened, I retaliated with a lunge.
Whoosh-!
The Cheonghwa sword struck the abdomen between the crossed arms of Narita’s katana.
However, he grinned, launching his blade towards my neck.
Bang-!
The barrier tore apart violently, and my neck flushed red.
I rolled several meters over the ground.
Using the Cheonghwa sword as leverage, I stood up and regained my stance.
“Heh.”
I didn’t like the confident demeanor of the boy one bit.
I checked the big screen to see our barrier statuses.
[64th Round Group 1 Match 2]
[#2 Narita Hiroyuki (Japan)] [71% | 80%]
[#4 NoName (Republic of Korea)] [74% | 95%]
With a difference of 3%, it could turn around at any moment, so it was too early to relax.
“Are you already that tired, kid?”
“No. Just warming up a bit.”
I rolled my sleeves up and cracked my neck.
The match had reached its midpoint.
I needed to secure a definite advantage before halftime.
Again I set my stance, smoothly rotating my aura.
[18th Form – Crescent Cut]
The Skiabona sliced toward Narita.
Once more, I thought it would be blocked, but…
Thwack—!
A sound emerged, one that couldn’t be produced from the clash of metals.
Skiabona lodged itself firmly in the boy’s katana.
‘This was it.’
The technique that Narita Hiroyuki once used against Love Kim.
Weak sword (弱剣).
Interestingly, Narita’s katana had a material quality based on ‘weakness,’ making it soft like clay.
Moreover, it was coated in a sticky substance, resembling honey.
The sword stretched and struck my abdomen again.
Bang-!
Once again, I was pushed back helplessly.
I straightened the Skiabona and dashed toward him.
[475th Form – Cutting Roots]
I slid to aim for his ankle, but he evaded the strike with a simple jump.
I tried it just in case, but it didn’t work.
Though caught off-guard, Narita remained still.
He kept glancing around, as if conscious of something.
“When are you planning to use that illusion magic of yours?”
“Oh, so that’s what you’re worried about. Heh.”
“Why are you laughing?”
“Because it’s all a bluff, my friend. Gotcha? You fell for it! Look, I was right. You’ll never find it.”
I displayed the illusion magic circle, now frozen in black and white.
That’s why he’d been acting so defensively up until now.
I doubled over, laughing heartily. Oh, this is just too funny.
Narita Hiroyuki’s face turned beet red.
“You’ll regret saying that, brat. Hehe.”
He gritted his teeth and gripped the sword with both hands.
As if his heart pulsed, his muscles tensed, and his sword was gathered with monstrous aura.
Wooooom-!
With nothing left to torment him, Narita finally prepared to unleash his full power.
Standing tall at the center of the arena, he released his might.
I stopped laughing, grasping the Cheonghwa sword calmly.
“Who told you to laugh without permission?”
[Cast: Demon King’s Horn]
He conjured wings behind him through external manifestation.
Flap—
With a single flap, he surged forward with astonishing speed.
Each step pressed deeper into the grass, gaining momentum.
Now, I was faster than a Greyhound.
Narita jumped back to match my speed.
“Hey, it’s a dead end over there!”
“What? Who falls for such an obvious bluff- cough!”
In the center of the arena, Narita Hiroyuki slammed into an invisible wall like a bug on a windshield.
“Just right! Stay in that position!”
I maximized the output of Black Aurora.
At a high-energy level, mana and aura intertwined indistinctly at the sword’s tip.
Swish-!
[5th Form – Dragon Heart Thrust]
Kaboom—!
The aura contained within the Skiabona exploded violently.
Lightning from the foreground struck down in succession, providing extra damage.
With a violent noise, my sword finally came to a halt.
Narita lay on the ground in a helpless state.
He looked up, bewildered, trying to grasp what had just happened.
“Why…”
We had found ourselves at the very edge of the arena.
Even if using aura made one a superhuman, moving dozens of meters in a single leap was impossible.
I hinted at his hammering mind.
“The illusion magic. It worked pretty well, huh?”
“…!”
“In the wide-area illusion barrier, I subtly moved the entire arena. Just a little bit at a time, without you noticing.”
I had deliberately taken some hits from his sword strikes while shifting the battlefield to the edges.
“Surely the illusion…”
[Cast: Illusion]
The magic circle functioned perfectly.
“The magic circle was turned off?”
“…”
“Of course, that was also a bluff. Heh.”
“What a crazy girl…”
With a single blow,
Narita Hiroyuki’s minor barrier dissolved by 40%.
“How does the taste of the Thai punch feel? After all that effort, just one hit, isn’t that ridiculous?”
The halftime flag was raised.
I interlocked my fingers and stretched as I returned to my side.
[64th Round Group 1 Match 2]
[#2 Narita Hiroyuki (Japan)] [29% | 71%]
[#4 NoName (Republic of Korea)] [62% | 92%]
Yawn.
I couldn’t help but yawn.
Not because I was bored, but because managing the illusion magic while swinging my sword wore me out.
