kingnovel Chapter 688 - 688
Chapter 688 - 688
First round opponent is Kurogane Ouma?The top-seeded contestant considered the number one favorite to win this year's Seven Star Sword Art Festival, Kurogane Ouma?
Some would surely argue that Amane Shinomiya's ability is the most terrifying one.
That point is undeniable.
However, when it comes to pure power, Kurogane Ouma is undoubtedly the strongest!
During the attack on Hagun Academy, only Kurogane Ouma demonstrated an unshakable might that no one could match!
Even Touka's new ultimate technique, the Human Railgun, could only barely break his skin, and at that time, Eiji couldn't even hold his own against him without using his special ability.
In this society, most people judge solely by rank.
Thus, Stella and Kurogane Ouma have become the two most spotlighted polar opposites of this tournament.
Most believe the champion will emerge from between these two.
Moreover, with Kurogane Ouma having a record of directly crushing Stella, he's widely acknowledged as the strongest participant this time!
Without exception.
"May I leave now?"
Amane Shinomiya flashed a smile, appearing confident.
Yet his fingers trembled slightly, betraying that his inner state was far less composed than it seemed.
Eiji glanced at the others.
The Kurogane siblings and his senior sister had all received their match notifications.
"I'm in Block A, first match against Donrou Academy's Kuraudo Kurashiki."
"I'm also in Block A, against someone I don't recognize."
The Kurogane siblings spoke one after another.
Touka lifted her head, her eyes flickering with intensity.
"I'm in Block C, first match against—Yuudai Moroboshi."
Meanwhile.
Kuraudo Kurashiki shot a glance at Kurogane Ikki, then sneered and quickly moved past, his gaze fixed fervently on Eiji.
Yuudai Moroboshi turned his attention to Touka, his intense expression seeming to say this was exactly what he wanted.
"Hand it over."
Eiji turned and extended his hand toward Amane Shinomiya, who was gradually breaking into a smile.
Amane's eye twitched.
"Hmph."
He snorted coldly and tossed over Akatsuki Academy's student handbook.
Amane Shinomiya's assigned block was—Block D.
Learning this outcome, Eiji actually felt relieved.
So, he was the only one in the same block as Amane. It seemed he really hadn't pulled any unnecessary tricks.
After throwing the student handbook back, Amane Shinomiya left the hall without another word.
"Hah…"
Only after entering the elevator did he gasp heavily for breath.
His legs felt weak, as if stepping on cotton, and he leaned against the wall to keep from collapsing.
What was that just now?
An ability?
No, his ability couldn't achieve something like that… It was just pure sword aura, or maybe presence?
Amane Shinomiya had witnessed a similar presence from Kurogane Ouma before and could guess a thing or two.
But was Ouma's presence as strong as his?
He didn't know and couldn't speculate.
"I should just use my ability to make the committee issue a new match schedule!"
A malicious thought flashed through his mind, and his expression turned fierce.
But then, that terrifying gaze resurfaced in his memory, making his whole body tremble.
"Whatever, he's definitely no match for Ouma anyway. Changing it or not makes no difference!"
As if trying to convince himself, Amane Shinomiya muttered these words under his breath.
It took a while after the elevator stopped before he lifted his trembling legs and walked toward his room.
On the other side.
The banquet hall fell into a brief dead silence.
Everyone present looked at Eiji with apprehension.
In that instant just now, the aura he erupted with had suppressed everyone's fighting spirit.
It was likely an unconscious act, triggered by Amane Shinomiya provoking him.
But everyone felt as if they had been swept away by a typhoon. Under the immense impact, their hearts felt hollow, as if all their will to fight had vanished.
"This guy wasn't nearly this strong last time..."
Kuraudo Kurashiki was exhilarated.
Facing such a powerful swordsman, even death would be without regret.
"Information! I need more information!"
Byakuya Jougasaki wiped the sweat from his hands, constantly adjusting his glasses.
The intelligence updates were far too slow!
How could this guy become so much stronger in just half a month?
He could only hope not to encounter him too soon in the tournament, and that other opponents would be strong enough to force out more of his abilities, so he could conduct an effective analysis!
Kurogane Ikki silently watched Eiji, his heart growing heavier.
He was a swordsman.
That's why he could perceive how restrained Eiji's sword aura had been in that brief moment.
Even under extreme restraint, he could release a tidal wave-like pressure. His true strength must be several times greater than imagined!
The gap had widened too much.
"Alright, alright! Let's continue the banquet! We can't let good food and wine go to waste!"
Yuudai Moroboshi suddenly laughed heartily.
"Waiters, sorry, could you please replace everyone's tableware?"
"O-oh, yes... Please wait a moment!"
The waiters stammered in response and hurried to work.
Thanks to his intervention, the atmosphere in the hall gradually recovered.
However, having witnessed such a terrifying scene, everyone couldn't simply act as if nothing happened. One by one, people began to leave with heavy hearts.
"It seems this dinner party has been cut short."
Within just a few minutes, over ten people had left. Yuudai Moroboshi smiled wryly.
"Sorry."
Eiji glanced around. His unconscious outburst had nearly ruined half the banquet.
"That Amane Shinomiya... can he really make you so wary?"
Yuudai Moroboshi asked Eiji with great confusion. In his view, Eiji wasn't the type to lose his temper easily.
"Let's just say it's beyond your imagination."
"Could the rumors actually be true..."
Yuudai Moroboshi clicked his tongue in amazement, though he remained quite optimistic.
"But for now, we should focus fully on our first-round opponents. It would be disrespectful otherwise. We can deal with everything else later!"
The banquet ended on a sour note.
Soon after, the group of four left the hall.
"Even though Amane Shinomiya didn't manage to pull anything, our first-round opponents are nothing to scoff at!"
Touka's face was tense.
Her first opponent was Yuudai Moroboshi. Last tournament, she had lost to him, ultimately missing the championship.
This was a chance to redeem herself. It was impossible not to feel nervous.
"How about we go out for some sparring?"
Seeing his senior sister wringing her hands, Eiji knew she must be extremely tense.
Thus, he made the suggestion with a smile.
"Ikki said there are several stadiums near this hotel that are unconditionally lent to representative players during the Seven Star Sword Art Festival. He and Shizuku have already gone ahead for some last-minute practice."
"That's fine. I can't sleep anyway!"
Touka pressed a hand against her rapidly beating heart.
If she didn't vent this energy somehow, she might end up with insomnia tonight.
The two quietly left the hotel, avoiding attention as they headed toward the nearest stadium.
"By the way, you seem quite relaxed, junior?"
"Is it that obvious?"
Eiji laughed.