"Ittou Shura: One-Blade Shura!"
Drake was genuinely surprised to see magic power emanating from Ikki Kurogane.
An F-rank magic power level meant it was so weak it could only circulate internally, unable to affect the external world. Ikki shouldn't have this visible magic overflow.
In this world, magic was linked to destiny; unless one became a Desperado, magic power couldn't increase. The only explanation was that Ikki had used his "full power."
Humans never truly use their full strength; it exceeds their limits. Using full power could tear muscles, sever tendons, or break bones. Magic is the same; unrestrained use causes immense damage.
The body has limitations to protect itself. Trained individuals can temporarily overcome some limitations, releasing potential for greater strength. But the basic survival instinct prevents complete release.
Someone who breaks this instinct can unleash several times their normal strength. Ikki had done this—breaking his survival instinct to unleash several times his normal power for one minute—his ultimate technique, One-Sword Asura.
Drake knew a similar ability—the ultimate technique of Four Symbols Fist. It allowed one to surpass physical limitations, but it required exceptional talent and rigorous training.
Only three people at Shinryuu Temple mastered it: the current Fighting God, the Shinryuu Temple headmaster, and Fu Shiaori. Drake had also mastered it, perhaps due to his experiences in other worlds. He'd mastered it just before this trip.
Unlike the refined Kirin Technique, Ikki's One-Sword Asura was brutal, disregarding bodily harm. This technique required regeneration technology; otherwise, the user would be crippled.
Ikki vanished; Drake smiled and vanished as well.
They reappeared in the arena's center; In Iron and Siegfried clashed, shattering the ground. They reappeared in another corner.
"What… happened?" Stella asked, bewildered.
A young girl in a kimono appeared beside her. "Pure speed! Their speed exceeded our vision, causing that instantaneous movement. Interesting! This year's Seven Star Sword Festival won't be boring!"
Kurono noticed her. "You came."
The girl opened her fan. "It doesn't matter; let's watch. This level of combat among student knights is rare."
After another clash, they separated. Ikki felt the difference in talent; Drake kept up with his One-Sword Asura speed. This didn't discourage him; he was invigorated.
Drake exhaled; dragon scales appeared on his face.
"Fire Dragon's Blazing Inferno!"
Drake unleashed flames engulfing a quarter of the arena; the audience instinctively dodged. But the flames didn't reach them.
Even with One-Sword Asura, Ikki couldn't withstand the flames; he dodged. Drake's eyes moved; Ikki appeared there.
Drake stepped forward, shattering the ground, his flaming arms sweeping towards Ikki.
Ikki vanished; a shadow fell from above.
"Seven Secret Swords: Fourth Sword: Shinkirou (Mirage Wolf)!"
Mirage Wolf's illusion wasn't fixed; Ikki created it close to his body, deceiving even Drake. He launched a surprise attack.
In Iron pierced Drake's flames; Ikki prepared to change his strike when Drake's palm met his blade. Siegfried pressed down In Iron, and Fafnir emitted intense flames.
Ikki felt his hair curling from the heat; dodging was impossible.
"Second Secret Sword: Second Sword: Rekkou (Rend Armor)!"
Drake felt powerful force on In Iron, overcoming Siegfried's pressure and striking Drake. The blade didn't break Drake's defense; Dragon Blood Mode made him invincible.
But the force sent Drake flying, interrupting his attack. Drake hadn't expected Ikki to use his technique with his blade; he'd been caught off guard.
Looking at the panting Ikki, Drake said, "How much longer can you maintain this?"
One-Sword Asura was time-limited; the strain and exhaustion wouldn't disappear. Ikki would be weakened afterward.
Ikki estimated he had less than ten seconds left.
"Enough!"
Ikki prepared his final strike.
"Is that so?" Drake knew this would be Ikki's all-out attack; he'd respond with his full power.
"Seven Secret Swords: Seventh Sword: Raikou (Lightning)!"
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
The flames propelled Drake towards Ikki. But Drake missed; Ikki's attack had shifted slightly, avoiding Drake's strike.
Ikki hadn't aimed for a decisive blow; it was a feint. Even Drake would have an opening after a full-power punch. Ikki aimed to exploit this.
The Seventh Secret Sword brought him behind Drake. With five seconds left of One-Blade Shura, he prepared his attack.
"First Secret Sword: Heavy Strike!"
Ikki bet everything on his strongest technique. He'd win, no matter the cost—the path of Asura.
But he faced an unreasonably powerful dragon.
Drake's vertical pupils narrowed; Ikki saw a giant beast before him. Time seemed to stop; Ikki's blade continued its thrust, but Drake's counterattacking flames surged.
The five seconds ended; the flames dissipated. In Iron's tip rested on Drake's shoulder; they stood facing each other.
"You're strong, Ikki-san," Drake said, watching the unconscious Ikki fall.
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