-1423- Spinning shield

"Whoosh...!"

With the sound of countless magic bullets slicing through the air filling the training ground, a dense barrage formed like a violent rain, covering the direction of Rozen, who held a magic sword.

Though her personality was harsh, Rico had the arrogance to back it up. Despite being just a second-year preparatory student and a member of an E-class team, her shooting skills were top-notch. Not only did she shoot accurately, but she also continuously made minor adjustments to the gun's aim, ensuring that the magic bullets covered every angle in front of Rozen with no gaps, making it impossible to evade.

Such skill was rare even among undergraduate Sky Wizards and could serve as a model for artillery specialists.

However, Rozen had already mastered the trajectories of all the incoming magic bullets in an instant.

In the face of Rozen's fully-developed Mind's Eye, the shockwaves and vibrations from the magic bullets cutting through the atmosphere were impossible to conceal.

Thus...

"Buzz!"

With a tremor in the air, Rozen unleashed his magic, transforming it into telekinetic power that enveloped his entire body.

Then, Rozen's figure seemed to dart out silently, much like a shadow.

This was the effect of telekinesis, which allowed Rozen to move silently and swiftly without taking a step, simply by manipulating his body with telekinesis.

The speed was astonishing.

Facing the dense barrage, Rozen advanced instead of retreating. Using telekinesis, he raised the hand holding the sword.

Immediately, the plain-looking magic sword began to spin rapidly in front of him, like a windmill.

"What...!?"

Seeing this, not only Rico but also Misora and Lecty were astonished.

Rozen spun the magic sword at an incredible speed, making it impossible to see his fingers' movements. The sword spun so fast that its blade was invisible.

In this state, the rapidly spinning magic sword acted like a shield of light, meeting the incoming barrage.

If an SAO player were present, they would recognize Rozen's current move as the Weapon Defense skill—Spinning Shield.

The barrage of magic bullets rained down from the front and hit the spinning sword shield.

"Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang...!"

Accompanied by the intense sound of metal clashing, all the magic bullets close to Rozen were deflected by the spinning shield, scattering like cherry blossoms.

During this, Rozen's movement remained unchanged. Like a flash of light, he continued to spin the shield, deflecting countless magic bullets, and advanced toward Rico.

"Alright, it's over."

With this declaration, Rozen pointed the tip of the magic sword at Rico's throat, making her immobile.

"Ugh..."

Rico stopped shooting, showing a hint of displeasure.

Misora and Lecty were already stunned.

"Amazing...! Rozen-senpai...!"

Lecty was visibly excited.

"Are you really not good at close combat?"

Misora began to doubt.

The scene just shown proved that Rozen was also quite capable in close combat.

However, Rozen said:

**"Without magic, my close combat ability is really nothing to speak of."**

Rozen flicked his magic sword, making it disappear.

Compared to close combat, Rozen's prowess in magic was truly astonishing. Without the support of magic, his close combat skills were indeed insignificant.

At least, compared to something like a Servant, he was much inferior.

Of course, with the aid of Mind's Eye, Rozen could see all enemy attacks and his own weaknesses, allowing him to fight efficiently and practically in close combat. Thus, even against a top Servant, he could hold his ground.

But in terms of close combat skill alone, Rozen was truly lacking.

"As you have seen, I can use telekinesis to control my body, which allows me to perform close combat skills. Without telekinesis, I am just as clumsy as anyone else."

Rozen continued to point to the telekinetic collar in Misora's hand.

"The engraving on this telekinetic collar is designed to achieve what I just demonstrated. Try wearing it."

Upon hearing this and witnessing Rozen's performance, Misora had no objections and promptly put on the collar.

Surprisingly, the collar looked quite stylish on Misora, even giving off a decorative vibe.

After all, Rozen had taken design courses and would not make girls wear unattractive items.

"Now, try using the new engraving technique."

Rozen instructed Misora on how to use the new magical alchemy item, including how to infuse magic and operate the engraved runes.

Soon...

"Buzz..."

With a slight tremor, the runes engraved in the crystal of Misora's collar emitted a glow, converting her released magic into pure telekinesis.

"It... It worked...!"

Misora was thrilled.

However, her excitement was short-lived as the telekinesis dissipated, and the collar dimmed.

"Ah!"

Misora then realized what had happened.

"What are you doing?" Rozen said, both amused and exasperated.

"Don't relax your magic infusion. You need to focus on the operation of the technique. Telekinesis is directly linked to your mind and intention, so concentrate and practice controlling your telekinesis."

"I... I got it..."

Misora muttered, continuing to practice with the telekinetic collar.

This is the advantage of magical alchemy: having the runes prepared as engravings makes it very convenient to use magic. However, being able to use it and using it well are two different things. Misora would need to practice the technique and telekinesis control to reach the level Rozen demonstrated.

Then...

"Next is you, Rico."

Rozen turned to Rico.

"Me?"

Rico asked with interest.

"How do you plan to teach me, a perfect goddess?"

This was indeed something Rico was curious about.

Unlike Misora, Rico was genuinely talented. As a magic gunner, her skills were already impressive. She never missed a shot, was quick-witted, and aside from her personality, had no apparent weaknesses.

So, how would Rozen transform Rico?

Rico was very curious.

However, to her surprise, Rozen said:

"I will help you master Chairvoyance."

This statement left Rico's face stiff with shock.