-1311- An indelible shadow

Leaving Rozen aside, he had some understanding of Todo Touka's strength from official records and had also gleaned some clues. Thus, he had already formed some measure in his mind.

On the other hand, Touka was curious about Rozen, it was only natural, wasn't it?

After all, Rozen was hailed as the "Enigmatic Star" among the freshmen. Not only was he rated as an A-ranked knight upon enrollment, surpassing Todo Touka in rank, but his magical power was also ranked second in the world, just below Stella Vermillion, yet he chose not to participate in the selection battles or the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival. Coupled with his statelessness, many people were genuinely curious about what secrets this second-ranking newcomer held and what kind of strength he possessed.

Especially after witnessing Stella Vermillion's prowess as an A-ranked knight, Todo Touka became even more interested in the actions of another low-profile A-ranked knight at the academy. Like everyone else, she wanted to know why Rozen chose not to participate in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.

Although it wasn't something outsiders should casually intervene in, A-ranked student knights were exceptionally rare. Even with Rozen and Stella Vermillion, there were only three A-ranked student knights in all seven knight academies in Japan. This rarity of A-ranked knights was evident.

In fact, having three A-ranked student knights simultaneously in this generation was already a remarkable occurrence. In past generations of the Seven Knight Academies, even if A-ranked student knights did appear, there would be at most one, and most of the time, there would be none at all.

Having multiple A-ranked knights coexist in the Seven Knight Academies, especially with two of them being newcomers and their magical powers being ranked first and second in the world respectively, was unprecedented.

In light of this, witnessing Stella Vermillion's performance in the selection battles naturally led people to anticipate the talents of this newcomer who was second only to her. Otherwise, he wouldn't have earned the title of "Enigmatic Star" despite Rozen's lack of activity.

Todo Touka felt the same way. Seeing the appearance of the mysterious newcomer rumored in the academy, it was inevitable that she would be curious.

However, at first glance, there was nothing remarkable about Rozen. Apart from his unexpectedly handsome appearance, he didn't exude an aura or presence that was out of the ordinary.

There was no discernible threat about him, and even his posture was lax, indicating someone who had never practiced martial arts. Excluding his appearance, he seemed utterly ordinary.

Such a person, no matter who saw him, would only think of him as an average student, right?

However...

(Despite his lazy and carefree appearance, there's an indescribable depth and intelligence in his eyes...)

Todo Touka noticed an imperceptible brilliance in Rozen's eyes as she gazed at him. Even though he wore a lazy smile on his face and seemed harmless, Todo Touka felt as if unseen eyes were peering through her, leaving her feeling thoroughly exposed.

In other words...

(Has he seen through me...?)

That's what Todo Touka thought.

In terms of strength, ability, and talent, this man seemed to have completely seen through Todo Touka's existence with eyes invisible to others.

Such a man couldn't possibly be an ordinary student.

Moreover...

(I have a feeling that this person before me stands at a different level from me, making me feel like I have to look up to him.)

That feeling, Todo Touka had only ever felt it from one person.

That person was her teacher, the one who taught her the art of combat.

Shinguji Kurono had also said that Todo Touka didn't need Rozen's guidance because she had someone even more remarkable guiding her.

That person was truly an extraordinary existence.

At least, as far as Todo Touka knew, even Shinguji Kurono or Saikyo Nene could only look up to him.

Yet, this underclassman standing before her, two years her junior, also gave Todo Touka the same feeling of looking up to him, leaving Todo Touka feeling somewhat suffocated.

However, Todo Touka was the first to refuse to believe that this person before him could rival her teacher.

How could a mere student possibly compete with the teacher who had once stood at the pinnacle?

That's what Todo Touka thought.

Therefore, Todo Touka took action.

(Although it's somewhat impolite, I'll just take a closer look.)

With that in mind, Todo Touka quietly removed her glasses.

The field of view before her began to blur.

Everything in front of her became fuzzy.

Todo Touka's vision was quite poor, and once she took off her glasses, she could hardly see anything.

However, as a trade-off, Todo Touka's senses became incredibly sharp.

Eventually, in Todo Touka's eyes, there were faint flashes of electricity flickering.

Todo Touka stared at Rozen like this.

Unfortunately, this action was a mistake.

"————!"

In the instant that Todo Touka stared at Rozen, her pupils trembled suddenly.

In Todo Touka's field of vision, it seemed as if there were ferocious beasts appearing within Rozen's body, glaring with fierce eyes and staring back at Todo Touka along her line of sight.

Among them, there was a giant creature, composed entirely of diamond.

Among them, there was a colossal bull-man made of lava.

In addition, there were two-headed dragons, armored beasts, lightning lions, dark magic swords, human-faced lion-bodied scorpions, double-horned warhorses, Valkyries, and a serpent-haired water spirit.

Finally, there was a dazzling golden dragon and a pitch-black three-legged crow, leading these ferocious beasts, staring at Todo Touka.

In their eyes, there was nothing but ferocity and coldness.

"■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■————!"

The next moment, countless terrifying beasts roared silently at Todo Touka.

"Ah... Ahhh... Ahhhhh...!"

Todo Touka couldn't help but let out a cry of distress.

Just as Todo Touka's heart was severely shaken and she was on the verge of losing control...

"Calm down..."

A deep and calm voice sounded in front of Todo Touka, as if it entered Todo Touka's ears.

In that instant, as if receiving some absolute command, the terrifying beasts disappeared one after another.

Todo Touka's vision returned to normal.

"Huff... Huff... Huff..."

At that moment, Todo Touka slumped to the ground, breathing heavily.

In her eyes, shock, astonishment, and agitation still surged.

Surely, the scene just now would remain etched in Todo Touka's heart for the rest of her life, becoming an indelible shadow.

Regarding this...

"Are you okay?"

A somewhat helpless voice sounded from in front of her, finally bringing Todo Touka back to reality.