-1373- Haven't settled that yet

In the inferno-engulfed Hagun Academy, chaos erupted into full-blown battle.

The students of Hagun Academy and representatives from other academies clashed, fiercely engaging each other. The entire campus reverberated with the sounds of Device collisions and abilities being unleashed.

Each person found their opponent and fought with all their might.

At least, the students of Hagun Academy did.

Their enemies were representatives from other academies, formidable enough to take down Hagun Academy with just six people.

Even though it was summer break and many higher ups, including Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene, were absent, many teachers remained on campus. All of them were official Mage-Knights, at least C-rank, yet they had all fallen.

This underscored the strength of these intruders.

Among them, Kurogane Ouma stood out; his overwhelming power was evident even to the naked eye, surpassing the current Seven Stars Sword King, Moroboshi Yuudai. The others were also formidable, likely having the strength to contend for the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival championship.

In other words, the six individuals here might all be at the level of the Seven Stars Sword King.

Such a formidable group attacking Hagun Academy was hard to believe, but there was no choice but to accept it now.

Thus, everyone gave their all, each facing their opponent.

Stella Vermillion naturally faced Kurogane Ouma in an exceptionally fierce battle, with flames and storms raging, and swords clashing everywhere.

If Stella was a super all-rounder warrior, then Ouma was a super offensive warrior. His attack power was immense, whether using abilities or engaging in close combat. Each swing of his massive sword brought forth torrents of destructive force, combining overwhelming strength with refined combat skills, making him nearly invincible.

Even Kurogane Ikki wouldn't dare to face Ouma head-on, knowing it would lead to certain defeat.

Only someone with Stella's exceptional strength could match Ouma in direct combat.

After intensive training, Stella's abilities had risen significantly, with all stats reaching A-rank except for luck. Her power was terrifyingly high.

Thus, despite Ouma's dominance, Stella charged and attacked like a rampaging dragon, forcing Ouma back.

However, Stella's attacks couldn't harm Ouma at all.

With Stella's strength, she should have been able to slice any enemy in two, but her Device only sparked against Ouma's body, producing clear metallic sounds and sparks, leaving Stella both shocked and awed.

"Is that all you've got?"

In contrast, Ouma effortlessly withstood all of Stella's attacks, his eyes filled with excitement at facing someone who could push him back, yet also disappointment as she failed to injure him. His voice turned cold.

"If this is your best, then fall before me."

With that, Ouma began his counterattack, his massive sword moving like a true storm, pressing Stella back as she hastily defended.

Their battle became the most perilous of the entire conflict.

Meanwhile, others also engaged their opponents.

Todo Touka faced Tatara Yui, constantly slashing with her Device and using her Noble Art, Raikou, to send lightning strikes towards Yui.

However, all the lightning strikes that touched Yui were deflected back towards Touka, forcing her to dodge swiftly.

"You're a Reflector...!?"

Touka realized something, her face tensing.

A "Reflector."

As the name implies, a Blazer with the ability to reflect all attacks back at the opponent, becoming stronger with stronger enemies.

Previously, the assailant "Bishou" was a Reflector, able to absorb enemy attacks with a ring-like Device and return them.

But while Bishou's abilities were strong, his combat awareness and skills were not high, making him only a somewhat tricky opponent.

In contrast, Yui not only reflected all attacks touching her at the optimal moment but also followed predetermined trajectories, surrounding Touka.

This was a highly skilled Reflector, far more troublesome than Smile.

"That's right, so just die quietly, you cow!"

Yui grinned ferociously, brandishing her chainsaw-like Device and charging at Touka again, likely trying to provoke her into using her secret sword, Raikiri.

Fortunately, Touka's ability, Reverse Sight, allowed her to see through Yui's traps, avoiding recklessness and continually striking with lightning, searching for Yui's weakness.

At the same time, Ikki faced Kazamatsuri Rinna, engaging in a tug-of-war with the girl who rode a lion.

Initially, Ikki intended to take down this seemingly defenseless girl on a lion as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, Ikki underestimated Rinna.

"King's Pressure!"

At Rinna's command, the lion she rode roared, the roar transforming into a shockwave that repelled Ikki.

"That lion..."

Ikki's face darkened.

Upon closer inspection, the lion had a collar around its neck.

"Do you see? Any creature captured by my dark powers becomes my vassal, using the same dark powers. Mere humans are no match for my magic beast—Sphinx!"

Rinna declared, chest out.

Her maid then popped her head out, translating.

"Young lady says: My Device, Collar of Subordination, turns any creature wearing it into my Device, using my magical power and Noble Arts. This lion's physical abilities already far exceed humans, and with magical power reinforcement, it's far stronger. Not to mention, it can use Noble Arts. You can't surpass Sphinx's King's Pressure."

The maid translated her mistress's words.

"So that's why you're a Beast Master?"

Ikki steadied himself, gripping his Device, looking for an opening.

Elsewhere, Kurogane Shizuku and Totokubara Kanata faced Sara Bloodlily together, while Tomaru Renren and Saijou Ikazuchi battled Shinomiya Amane, unleashing ice, stars, paint, rapiers, and storms.

Misogi Utakata, knowing he couldn't help in such a situation, instead moved unconscious teachers and students to safety.

Arisuin Nagi had been hiding in the shadows since the battle began, waiting for an opportunity.

Interestingly, no one approached Hiraga Reisen for battle.

The reason was simple.

"Buzz...!"

With the atmosphere trembling, countless silver chains flew, binding numerous stone giants, rendering them immobile.

"...I didn't expect you to come after me. How unsettling."

Controlling the stone giants, Reisen, seeing they couldn't move, was silent for a moment before letting out a characteristic fake laugh.

In front of her stood a figure.

"There's no helping it."

Rozen gazed at Reisen, suddenly smiling.

"You attached me last time, and we haven't settled that yet."

Thus, Rozen made his move.

Not targeting Ouma, nor anyone else, but solely coming for this "Pierrot."