Grateful Friend
"You've improved a lot. This is more than enough for approval."
Professor Edn stamped his approval on the research proposal I'd brought.
The content of the research proposal was as follows.
Exploration of the Principles Behind Projecting Sword Ki
[Research Field: Swordsmanship]
In fact, the Star-Eyed Sword world also followed a standard Korean-style fantasy setup, so things like mage towers, the Magic Society, and even Sword Saints existed. Professor Edn himself was from the mage tower, and somewhere in the world, there were Sword Saints who had reached the pinnacle of the sword. And Sword Ki was considered the exclusive domain of those Sword Saints, so no one had dared to research it.
"But Celestia, how exactly do you plan to research Sword Ki?"
"I'll just use Sword Ki myself."
But last night, while looting the looters, I'd discovered that my sword could emit Sword Ki. The profits from looting them weren't just material gains.
Yesterday, while attempting up to the Kenbu 128 Strike, the seventh strike shot out like it was slicing through air itself, cutting down a fleeing enemy. At first, I thought it was something like Sword Ki, but upon reflection, it was Sword Ki plain and simple.
Therefore, I planned to analyze the principles through my own Sword Ki.
"You can use Sword Ki?"
"It happened a few times by chance, so I need to experiment again to confirm."
I said that as I drew the Black Demon Sword. What would be good to test it on? Maybe that mysterious crystal orb over there?
"Wait! You're not thinking of swinging a sword in the professor's office, are you?"
"I am."
"Haa... Celestia. People don't swing swords in professors' offices. Experimenting is fine, but please do it in a sensible place."
"I am sensible."
"Don't just say it—show it with your actions."
"Understood, Professor Edn."
"Professor."
"Then, farewell."
"Wait... we haven't finished talking about Sword Ki..."
I grabbed the approved research proposal and left the office.
The Special Class exclusive magic room.
I had no interest in magic, but this place was famous for being built extra sturdy for the Special Class. Layer upon layer of protective barriers provided top-tier defense, and even if something broke through and damaged the building, an auto-repair system kicked in. It was the perfect spot for testing high-powered techniques.
That's why not just mages, but people like Eldrin who needed to test potent potions came here too.
"Oho~ Enjoying some fun fireworks, are we?"
I admired Eldrin's experiment first. Each potion she threw created different effects and exploded with a bang.
Some burst with crackling electricity, others sprayed acidic venom everywhere.
"Eek! When did you get here? Coming in with lines like some novel villain... And this isn't fireworks. This is a dangerous combat potion development site."
She pointed to the spot of the latest explosion as she said that. So it wasn't just powerful firecrackers after all.
"Oh, right, Eldrin. No real interest in meeting a guy?"
"What? Got someone to introduce?"
"Bad breath, thug-like looks, not fat but ugly enough to rank in the world's top five. Like a mix of deep-sea fish, squid, mad hogs, and lint blooms. How's that?"
"Why on earth would you want to introduce a guy like that to me?"
"It's my brother."
"The fact that it's your brother already kills it. Not interested."
She flatly rejected my offer. Second rejection already. Truly regrettable, but nothing to be done. Apparently, she wasn't into humans as ugly as Cedric.
No helping it... I'd have to tell Cedric to give up on Eldrin for real this time.
Alright. Time to get started.
With that, Eldrin finished her fireworks and left the magic room. Now alone, I could play freely.
I quietly drew the Black Demon Sword. Spread out the research proposal and papers on one side of the floor, then stepped back a bit.
After that, I closed my eyes.
"I'll take you on with my eyes closed."
Closing my eyes felt like a wandering soul returning home. Like a third eye opening.
I didn't know the principle, but only with eyes closed did all my senses fully awaken.
In that state, I focused entirely inward. I felt my heartbeat, the blood pulsing through my veins.
A bit gross, but like peering inside my own body. Every muscle fiber's give and take became intuitively clear.
In that state, I opened my mouth.
"Kenbu 32 Strike."
As a stylish character, I had to voice the technique name to feel satisfied.
With that, I began swinging the Black Demon Sword.
Recreating the strike from last time when Sword Ki emerged.
Whoosh—whoosh!
The Black Demon Sword sliced empty air with a sharp hiss.
But even after the 32 strikes ended, no Sword Ki came out.
I thought it was almost the exact same motion as before. Lack of focus? No way... My focus was always more than enough—never lacking.
So the missing factor was elsewhere.
Shink—clack!
I sheathed the Black Demon Sword again.
For now, I'd check environmental differences from last time.
I glanced out the magic room window. Sunlight streamed in.
"Is sunlight the issue?"
I muttered, blocking the light with the Black Demon Sword.
That was when it happened.
"So here you are, Lady Celestia."
Someone entered the magic room. That annoyingly distinctive voice. Not obese, but plump and irritatingly ugly.
Millon Barak El Roishutent.
He'd come for me. And behind him, a bunch of rough-looking students.
"Nice to see you, Millon. I was just short on cash... Spent some on wine."
"Glad I could help. But Lady Celestia? Even as a duke's daughter, how dare you extort tribute from a marquis's heir?"
"Extort? It was a transaction, wasn't it?"
"Could be... So, I've come to request a transaction too."
Millon gestured, and the rough students behind him stepped forward slowly.
"Seniors. Please."
"Millon. Keep your promise. Full payment after."
"Of course."
"Sorry, but that's how it is. Don't hate us."
They drew wooden swords and slowly surrounded me.
Called "seniors" by Millon, so not first-years. I got the picture.
He must've resented paying me. I smirked.
"For real, Millon? Don't you think hiring these seniors is a waste? Better to save that money and give me some warm support later..."
Didn't make sense. Spending on meaningless things.
Not like me, spending rationally with purpose and meaning.
His family was rich, but money wasn't infinite.
If he acted like this, who knew what'd happen to House Roishutent when he became head.
"Learn from me, Millon. I only spend on meaningful things."
Like macarons, comics, or wine.
I smirked, and Millon let out a disbelieving chuckle.
"I really don't get it. Pointless actions... You don't think you can beat them with just this, do you?"
"Hey, you don't get it. You messed with our junior. Be good and take it, and we'll spare that pretty face. Got it?"
"I see..."
I curled my lips. Dopamine started leaking.
Those eyes looking down on me. That confidence of inevitable victory.
How thrilling it'd be to turn it into horrific despair.
Plus, the superiority of my overwhelming advantage, planting inferiority in others—a perfect opportunity!
Millon, you generous guy... Providing not just money, but entertainment too.
Can't judge by appearances.
"The bitch is smiling...?"
Shink—thud!
I drew the Black Demon Sword and tossed it to one side of the room. Then, holding just the sheath, I said,
"I'll take you on with my eyes closed."
"What? Hahaha...! For real?"
"Eyes closed?"
"You think you can beat guys like us blindfolded? We'll crush that arrogance!"
The seniors surrounding me scowled, refusing to be underestimated now that I'd promised my best.
But once it's a fight, no mercy. I go all out even against loli zombies.
Crack!
The first was a snickering senior from the front. His head cracked like a watermelon.
As I suddenly attacked, they swung their wooden swords.
Slow. You'd need twenty of these to even mix it up with Professor Edn.
Professor Edn, my internal combat power gauge. Compared to him, Millon's hired seniors were pathetically weak.
"Damn it...!"
One senior backed off and bombarded me with magic. I casually swatted it all away, closed in, and cracked his head.
Another swung from behind, but I caught the wooden sword barehanded and snapped it—with his head.
"What the...!"
Crack!
Blood sprayed. The broken-sword senior couldn't react; his head shattered.
The last senior grabbed the Black Demon Sword I'd tossed aside. His trembling hand aiming it was pitiful.
"D-don't come closer!"
"Was fun, but pity."
"Hiiik!"
Crack!
Even holding the Black Demon Sword, he couldn't respond—head cracked.
With all four seniors' heads smashed, one remained.
Millon. He glared in disbelief.
"W-wait, Lady Celestia! I was forced by the seniors' threats..."
His trembling eyes tried distancing from blood-soaked me.
No exceptions.
I picked up the Black Demon Sword and approached slowly.
"P-please!"
Crack!
Millon's melon cracked.