In the center of the arena, Drake and Kurogane Ikki faced each other.
"I sensed Ikki-san's honed, restrained sharpness earlier; I'm glad to have this chance to spar," Drake smiled.
Ikki nodded. "I don't know what 'ki' is, but I appreciate your acknowledgment. I'll give it my all!"
"Excellent!" Drake assumed a stance.
"Appear! In Iron."
Ikki made a gripping motion; a black katana, like crow feathers, appeared. This spiritual armor reflected its owner's nature—a rare and exceptional blade.
They moved, clashing instantly. Ikki used a textbook downward strike towards Drake.
Though a basic move, Ikki's execution was impressive; it revealed his skill. Drake didn't use Dragon Slayer magic; he'd fight Ikki with martial arts.
Drake stepped back, avoiding the blade. Ikki rotated his wrist; the blade changed direction, continuing its attack.
Drake raised his arm, his palm meeting the blade. His fingers struck the blade, producing a crisp sound.
Ikki felt a powerful vibration; his hand felt numb. He retreated, stopping the blade's tremor.
"That's inch strength! Drake-san's martial arts are amazing!" Ikki said excitedly. He was eager to learn new martial arts, especially from Shinryuu Temple.
Drake raised his palm. "Shinryuu Temple's technique, Suzaku Type: Tenku! Impressive, Ikki-san; you recovered quickly."
Shinryuu Temple's martial arts were vast; Drake hadn't learned them all. He focused on practical techniques. Suzaku Type: Tenku was one, used against opponents with weapons; it used Genbu Type: Taizan to cause high-frequency vibrations in the weapon, making it drop.
Ikki knew similar techniques; he learned from Drake's Suzaku Type: Tenku. He attacked again; Drake met his blade with a hand-knife.
Sparks flew as Ikki's blade grazed Fafnir's scales. Ikki felt like he was attacking a wall; his attacks couldn't penetrate.
But Ikki didn't give up; he sensed Drake's martial arts and something deeper. Ikki was skilled in various martial arts styles.
Fist techniques differed from swordsmanship in attack range and power but were more flexible. Humans have two arms; this allows smoother transitions between offense and defense.
Both possessed incredible martial arts skills; their exchange was spectacular, but not everyone appreciated it.
In the audience, Hagun Academy's student council president, Touka Toudou, watched intently. As the Fighting God's disciple, she was perhaps the most perceptive. Without abilities, she couldn't replicate their performance.
"Are they playing games?"
"Boring! Can't they fight seriously?"
"This isn't what we want to see!"
Toudou felt conflicted; she was angry that their skills were unappreciated but saddened that few understood their strength. Did they only want flashy ability clashes and not appreciate their martial arts?
But Drake and Ikki were fully immersed in the battle. Ikki unleashed a flurry of strikes with In Iron, creating a dazzling net of slashes.
"Beautiful!" Drake exclaimed; few at Shinryuu Temple could execute so many strikes so quickly and steadily. Their styles differed; Shinryuu Temple emphasized technique and intent, not speed or power.
But martial arts converged; Ikki's strength was evident. Drake, energized, took a deep breath and moved.
Ding! Clang! Dang!…
Drake's palm changed shapes, blocking Ikki's strikes. Suddenly, Ikki changed from slashes to thrusts.
Drake tried to deflect the blade, but the strike was powerful; it continued towards him.
"First Secret Sword, Heavy Strike!"
Ikki hadn't formally learned swordsmanship; he'd "learned" it. He could instantly understand most sword techniques, mastering their principles, techniques, and countermeasures.
He'd created seven secret swords, combining his abilities and learned techniques. This was the first—focusing all power on one point—the strongest technique against objects.
He'd hidden it among ordinary attacks, surprising Drake. Ikki was a swordsman seeking honorable victory, but not a samurai; he didn't mind using strategy.
The blade struck Drake, but it didn't pierce his skin; the ground cracked instead.
Ikki was surprised; Drake's defense was A-rank, due to magic. But he sensed no external magic. It was due to unknown martial arts.
Drake said, "Shinryuu Temple's Technique: Genbu Type: Taizan!"
This technique, named after sacred mountain, embodied immobility. Drake connected with the earth; breaking his defense required immense power.
Ikki retreated. They charged again. The battle had just begun!
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