Chapter 19: The possibility of killing a God...

To fill up the World-Crossing Gate's energy, aside from letting it gradually build day by day, it also depends on Hikaru's own strength. The stronger he is, the faster the energy recovers. In addition, fighting certain enemies can also replenish energy, and there may be other methods too. However, since Hikaru wasn't in a hurry to return to the Campione! world, he hadn't paid it much mind.

He hadn't rushed back to Campione! before because it was too dangerous there. The power of godslayers (Campione) and rogue gods (Heretic Gods) in that world is essentially top-tier. While Hikaru's "Great Knight" rank was among the best in the human realm, to gods and godslayers, anyone below their level was merely an ant. Encountering a grumpy Heretic God or Campione could mean instant death—no questions asked.

Of course, Hikaru had considered killing a god—but he was well aware of the gap between himself and a Heretic God. Besides direct combat, there might be other ways. For instance, maybe one random morning run he'd accidentally kick a dozing Heretic God in the corner and kill it by pure luck—thus beginning his grand transformation. Such coincidences weren't unheard of; almost every first-time godslayer kills their god by some stroke of luck or chance. The odds of winning a head-on fight with a Heretic God as a mere mortal are zero. So after training to a certain level, Hikaru left that world. Being dragged into a Heretic God's domain is basically a death sentence.

Here in this world, though it's chaotic, it still has a semblance of order—and even a messy order is still some kind of order. However, these days Hikaru found himself once again thinking about the Campione! world. With his current skills, plus the possibility of obtaining a Longinus (like the Red Dragon Emperor's Boosted Gear), there might be a chance for a direct god-killing. If he actually became a Campione, his life would become far smoother. Even in this supernatural anime-fusion world, he'd be at the very pinnacle.

…

Leaving the Occult Research Club, Hikaru considered what to do next. There was the option of intervening in major plotlines, taking on commissions, training daily, and teasing Est whenever he was bored. Life was undeniably fulfilling.

Back in the classroom, though, Eriri was obviously unhappy with him. After all, he'd been hanging around the school beauties too often recently, and Eriri couldn't help but speculate about their relationship.

"Could it be that Hikaru got caught by them somehow, and now he has to obey those big-breasted women's every command? Every time he gets called over, they're doing this or that to him?"

Being a dōjin artist, Eriri's mind instantly leaped to a classic bullied-at-school scenario. Except that, in reality, it was flipped in the other direction.

"No, that can't be right... Hikaru's so skilled—how could he be bullied?"

She shook her head, her golden ponytail swishing like a pendulum. The more she thought, the more her imagination soared. If it weren't for the fact they were in class, she'd probably start drawing the scenes playing out in her mind.

"I'll just ask mom. Maybe she can help me figure out how to reclaim Hikaru's attention."

…

The afternoon classes passed quickly.

After their homeroom teacher, Mafuyu Kirisu, went over the recently graded tests with a frosty expression, everyone's mood dropped. But by dismissal time, it had bounced back.

Hikaru followed his usual routine and went home. After cooking dinner, he and Est sat down to eat. She ate like a kitten, prompting him to affectionately pat her head before standing up:

"I'm heading out back to train. You can watch TV once you're done eating."

"Okay, Hikaru."

She didn't even look up, preoccupied with her food. She called him by name because that was her personality—she felt closer that way. If the day ever came that she called him "Master," it would mean Est was upset.

Hikaru made his way to the villa's backyard to focus on practicing senjutsu.

In this world, "immortal qi," or "life energy," forms the foundation of senjutsu. Unlike magic or Light Power, it has no direct destructive capability, but it has many other uses. Although he lacked a systematic training manual, he hoped he could figure out some basic senjutsu on his own.

Under the moonlight, a thin layer of white "life flame" began to glow around Hikaru. It looked gentle yet somewhat divine. After about an hour, he finally glimpsed a path forward. Using this life flame as a basis, he mastered a few rudimentary senjutsu techniques. Besides sharpening his senses, he now had ways to weaken or even dispel curses, remove negative status effects, and perform basic healing spells.

"Not bad."

He opened his eyes, a satisfied smile on his face. With Heaven Rewards Diligence, everything was more efficient.

Just then, a burning sensation emanated from the pocket of his shirt. Hikaru pulled out the glowing badge—specifically the one Sona Sitri had given him that very morning. It was vibrating.

~~~

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