Chapter 373: The Other Side of the Heart

Well.

Something became clear during the current clash.

It seems that Shichireiryu-kun—originally, he might have had some experience with martial arts.

There's no doubt that his skills enhance both strength and technique, but that alone doesn't explain it... I can't quite put it into words, but there's an aura of a true master about him.

"—Two."

"Huh?"

"There are only two ways I can defeat you."

"Huh?"

"One, of course, is straightforward combat. Mr. Nameless truly does possess power far surpassing mine, but with that strength comes a certain clumsiness. You lack any specialized ability—something you excel at."

"Hmm... And the other?"

"Sorry, that's a secret."

Fuhu, with a smug look, Rikaru-kun.

Is he trying some tactic to make me uneasy?

"Still, if I may give you just one hint—'Nameless' person. In your current situation, you can't even unleash half of your strength. Isn't that right?"

"...Current situation?"

"It means you're under a time limit and can't kill your opponent. That's the situation."

Indeed.

Right now, I was restrained from using many of my skills that could easily result in someone's death.

When players engage in combat with each other—and especially when they don’t want to kill their opponent—their offensive options are limited. For instance, spells like Fire Magic III and Lightning Magic IV seem to be the most effective. Fire Magic V is too powerful, while Fire Magic IV is simply too inefficient. That one’s better suited for dealing with zombies, really.

Ah, yeah, I get that.

Guess we all end up reaching the same conclusion.

I think the methods players use to remember things can be broadly divided into two categories: one for "survival," and another for "social interaction."

Well, it all depends on how you apply it, really.

"And then—right now, as far as I can tell, there aren't many scary skills in the 'interpersonal' category from 'Warrior'-san's abilities. Most of the magic effects are already known, and the skills unique to 'Warrior' are no different. The only truly frightening one is the 'Final Sword,' but those attacks are so powerful they could easily kill me. Isn't that right?"

"I completely understand."

"Yes. I've been watching you cut through missiles with your sword."

I run my fingers along the hilt of the katana strapped to my back. When it's worn this way, I usually prefer not to use it—drawing the blade takes a bit too much effort.

"But I might actually have a technique that could capture you unharmed... maybe?"

"Really?"

"Secret~"

"Hmm."

Of course, I had my ace up my sleeve.

I recalled having tried, just once before, two techniques that could subdue an opponent without causing harm.

《Ultimate Sword VI》 has the effect of knocking the enemy unconscious.

《Ultimate Sword VII》 has the effect of absorbing magic power.

With these, I should be able to capture him without issue.

However, using these techniques means revealing my secret trump card to the world—something I've kept hidden all along.

Especially since Tōru Vladimir, who is on equal footing as a "player," is watching, I'd rather not reveal my techniques right in front of him.

Whether or not Rinryū-kun is truly worthy of such a challenge remains to be seen.

...And as for how to interpret my hesitation, he grins knowingly.

"Indeed. It seems you lack a decisive offensive technique right now. The guidebook even says so..."

Wait, doesn't that book contain false information? Did you even hire someone to proofread it?

...Hmm. In that case, then.

A strategy idea suddenly came to mind.

"Shall we call it a day on the chatter?"

"Yes, please."

"Then..."

▼

—So far,...not bad. Just as planned.

That's all.

Within, Shichirezuriro let out a quiet sigh of relief. Of course, none of that could be discerned from her expression. A poker face was her greatest strength.

From the other side, "she" emanated an atmosphere so relaxed it was almost impossible to believe she was someone who would engage in battle.

This was exactly the atmosphere Shichirezuriro had hoped for. This was precisely the situation she desired.

Offering up the guidebook, playing the role of a somewhat off-target commentator, engaging in lengthy chatter—ordering Tōr to keep watch under the condition of "three meals of only her favorite foods plus a nap break"—all of it was for this very purpose.

I know. Of course. …That this person possesses a level of skill far beyond anything I could ever match.

That was precisely why I couldn't afford to take her seriously. My only viable strategy was to make it seem as though I had nothing more than a bonus character who might happen to pick up a rare item on the way—nothing more.

"Shall we put an end to the chatter now?"

The woman, apparently having thought of a plan, smirked.

First, deal damage to her with my next move.

If there was any hope of victory, that would be the first step.

"Yes, go ahead."

"Then..."

She whispered—just in that next instant.

Without so much as a blink, the black-haired girl closed in.

A close-quarters fight, just as before.

—Good. Got her.

That was my thought.

Unlike her younger sister, who had stayed with their parents, Shichiretsu Ruru had lived for years in Kanto with her grandfather, and thus possessed knowledge of a certain martial art.

A traditional martial way known as Shichiretsu Ichidō-ryū, said to be descended from the Ninodō Heihō.

A comprehensive martial art focused on mastering one-on-one combat, encompassing swordsmanship, spear techniques, staff fighting, jujutsu, grappling, chain-sickle techniques, stealth tactics, and more.

Riryū was the sole inheritor of this once-flourishing school, now nearly forgotten in modern times.

The Ninagata Heihō is renowned for having been practiced by Matsuyama Shusui Daikichi, who served as a retainer to the lord of Kumamoto Domain, Hosokawa Tadaharu. Today, it is perhaps best known through the technique called "Heart's One Side," featured in *Rurouni Kenshin*.

The legendary successor Matsuyama Shusui was said to have manipulated the movements of opponents before him simply by moving his palm.

Of course, such a convenient technique does not exist in reality.

Riru's "one-sided mind," taught to her by her grandfather, was extremely simple—essentially, a ninja technique that utilized rhetoric.

• At times, deliberately appearing weak.

• At times, speaking amicably with adversaries.

• At times, underreporting information.

• At times, creating a favorable environment and fighting only within it.

The "heart" of the Seven-Split, One-Line Style. Its core technique lies in subtly conveying to the opponent, "My weakness is right here," thereby manipulating the opponent's actions during combat.

The next move executed by "Nameless JK" is as follows:

1. Make the opponent believe that we are aiming to "grasp and snap" them.

2. Make the opponent believe that "magic is limited to long-range combat."

These two preconceptions narrow down several possible outcomes.

First, a blatant feint—a straight punch. Deflect it lightly with your left hand.

And in the very next moment, a strike with the edge of the hand was launched in a remarkably clear and deliberate manner.

As promised, I'll grab hold of it here.

Stronger than anything you'd do for a lover.

And, unaware that her own actions were being manipulated, she cried out.

"——'Thunder Hand!'"

They've arrived.

The odds were high. I had anticipated she wouldn't use a blade, and Water magic wasn't suited for offense. Fire magic would be too slow—she'd simply dodge it.

The best option was Lightning magic.

"She" had subtly been guided toward her next move.

That was precisely why Shichiretsu Ryū could unleash this technique without hesitation.

"——《Mizu(・)》!"

The incantation was pre-set to a simple one. In a sudden confrontation, every second counted, so efficiency was essential. In return, she had to be careful not to use those two characters in ordinary conversation.

What Shichiretsu Ryū used was the second technique of the Water Element—the magic of conjuring a water sphere in her palm.

Normally, this wasn't a particularly powerful attack. But in this case—

Pang— the sound of a water balloon bursting echoed, drenching both individuals facing each other.

“—!?!”

Her pale blue eyes widened in shock.

Riru had already made her peace with the outcome.

Both possessed Magic Resistance Level V.

If they took the same amount of heat damage, the difference would lie in whether or not they were prepared for it.

Clenching their teeth, bracing for the impact—then, in an instant.

The lightning born from "her" malevolent magic seared through their entire body.

A searing pain, as if a red-hot iron rod had been shoved deep into the core of their being.

"……………………gghh!"

"Amymymymymymymymymymymymymymymymymyaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!"