ASCC-Chapter 82 Just to Embarrass the Swordsman

The wooden door of the Ayatsuji Dojo was nearly rotting, looking as though it might collapse at any moment.

Two or three students from Donrou Academy were crouched near the entrance, cigarettes flickering between their fingers, casting small embers in the darkness. Occasionally, bursts of crude laughter escaped their lips.

These were the same delinquents from the family restaurant earlier. It seemed they had already forgotten the humiliation they suffered just an hour ago and were back to their usual antics.

"Hey, you lowlifes." Ryoji stepped forward, his expression as calm and composed as ever.

"Gah... ugh—!" The gangsters flinched instinctively at the insult, their heads jerking back in unease.

The moment they saw Ryoji's face, their bravado crumbled. Like prey locking eyes with a predator, they broke into a cold sweat, visibly shrinking back.

"Take me to Kurashiki Kuraudo." Ryoji strode forward with an easy smile. "You all seem like decent guys. You wouldn't refuse a simple request, would you?"

Despite their tough appearances— one with a tattoo, another bald, and the last sporting brass knuckles— all three managed to force awkward smiles.

And if they weren't actually friendly, Ryoji would just have to make them friendly.

"Ugh!"

"O-Of course, please go ahead!"

Panic-stricken, the trio quickly gestured for him to enter.

"I-I'll go notify Kuraudo!" One of them bolted toward the mansion's center, disappearing inside.

Unfazed, Ryoji walked into the compound with Totokubara Kanata and Ayatsuji Ayase at his side, their presence casting a heavy pressure over the remaining Donrou students.

Having witnessed Ryoji's earlier clash with Kurashiki Kuraudo, as well as his powerful connections and Kanata's fearsome reputation, no one was foolish enough to stand in their way.

---

Inside the dojo.

Kurashiki Kuraudo lounged on a sofa that had clearly been dragged in from outside. He gazed idly at the ceiling, lazily exhaling smoke as a sigh of boredom escaped his lips.

His usual entourage had been dismissed. Right now, he preferred solitude.

"A swordsman that strong, yet unwilling to fight... how dull." Kurashiki Kuraudo mulled over his predicament.

He had to find a way to make Nangou Ryoji fight him.

Two years ago, he had crushed every single one of Ayatsuji Kaito's disciples, forcing the old master himself into a duel. But that trick wouldn't work this time.

If Ryoji was truly the disciple— or worse, a direct successor— of the God of War, then it was certain he had monstrous Blazers surrounding him.

The "Yaksha Princess" was one thing, but there was also "Raikiri" and "Scharlach Frau"—all of them dangerous opponents who weren't to be provoked lightly.

"If only Donrou Academy had a battle selection system like Bukyoku Academy or Hagun Academy... Every day would be a battlefield."

The battle selection system had originated at Bukyoku Academy.

Thanks to it, Bukyoku had maintained dominance over the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, securing top-three placements for five consecutive years. Unlike other academies that relied on formal rankings, Bukyoku embraced raw meritocracy.

After Shinguuji Kurono became headmistress, she merely borrowed from her predecessors and implemented the same system at Hagun Academy.

---

"Kuraudo, that—"

"Didn't I tell you not to disturb me when I'm thinking?"

"I know, but... that guy from earlier tonight— he's here, looking for you!"

"...What?"

Kurashiki Kuraudo almost thought he had misheard.

Wasn't that guy claiming to be a model student, someone who didn't get into fights outside of sanctioned matches?

How long has it even been since then?

He hadn't even figured out how to force him into a duel, yet here he was, walking right into his domain?

"Hahaha! What? Isn't this interesting?" Kurashiki Kuraudo sprang up from the sofa, his face lighting up with excitement at the prospect of a fight.

At that moment—

"Squeak—!"

With a heavy creak, the wooden door swung open, revealing three figures stepping inside.

He immediately dismissed the two women, locking his gaze onto the boy in the center, his sharp, shark-like teeth spreading into a wide grin.

Ayatsuji Ayase was weak; she hadn't been his match two years ago, and after two years of stagnation, there was no reason to expect anything different now.

Scharlach Frau was powerful, but she wasn't a swordsman. Her strength came from her abilities rather than pure swordplay, and he already had a counter for her, making a fight with her pointless.

What he truly craved was a duel between swordsmen!

He was hopelessly addicted to the thrill of dancing on the razor's edge—where every clash of blades sent his pulse racing, every injury stoked his ferocity, and every exchange pushed him further into a euphoric frenzy.

"So you really are a swordsman. You couldn't resist the call of battle, could you?"

Kurashiki Kuraudo grinned recklessly.

His gaze burned with an almost manic intensity as he took in Ryoji's stance. He knew at a glance— this was a swordsman of exceptional caliber. His anticipation swelled, his body itching to engage.

"I have no interest in you whatsoever; I didn't come here for you." But against that fervent gaze, Ryoji spat out his words with clear disdain.

"Honestly, I find your attitude repulsive. Don't act like we're kindred spirits."

"Ah?" Kurashiki Kuraudo scoffed, unfazed.

"What's wrong with enjoying battle? Isn't that the fate of all swordsmen?"

"What you enjoy is your own business; it has nothing to do with me." Ryoji shrugged, a sneer tugging at his lips.

"It's natural for a swordsman to seek out strong opponents— that's instinct. I feel the same way. But if my opponent refuses to fight, I wouldn't resort to petty tricks to force them into a duel. I'd simply seek their wisdom, ask questions, and learn. What you do is disgraceful. You tarnish the pride of swordsmen."

"…Are you done?"

"Yes."

"Then let's fight." Kurashiki Kuraudo dismissed his words entirely, his grin returning.

"Fine by me." Ryoji agreed without hesitation.

He hadn't expected to change Kuraudo's mind— he simply wanted to voice his disgust. He had always been the type to speak his mind, never compromising on his beliefs.

Simply put, he said what he thought and acted accordingly.

Of course, if he knew he couldn't win, he wouldn't be foolish enough to run his mouth in the first place.

The students of Donrou quickly got to work, clearing the dojo of any clutter and preparing the space for the impending battle.

Ryoji and Kurashiki Kuraudo stood at opposite ends of the dojo, roughly ten meters apart.

This would be a battle fought with real blades and genuine killing intent.

Ryoji summoned his Spiritual Device— Vrring Sword— while Kurashiki Kuraudo called forth his own fearsome blade, the bone katana Orochimaru.

Kanata stood in the corner, flipping open her student handbook to begin recording the match.

Ayatsuji Ayase glared at Kurashiki Kuraudo, hatred burning in her eyes, before stepping between the two and raising her hand.

Then, with a sharp motion, she swung it down.

"Match start!"

(End of Chapter)

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