[42] The Absolute Difference in Compatibility

In the open square, Stella stood in front of the crowd, the flames she unleashed from her hand evaporating every single bullet aimed at the mother and child without exception, leaving none untouched.

The defensive flames she conjured couldn't harm herself but could easily burn ordinary people to death. Thus, she could only save others in this roundabout way, leaving the task of protecting the hostages to Ikki.

On the other hand, the task of buying time fell entirely on her shoulders!

"I represent all the hostages here and demand to negotiate with your leader!"

Stella removed her sunglasses and mask, deliberately revealing her delicate face in an attempt to buy time.

After all, she was a princess of a nation, a figure of great significance. Blessed with formidable talent, her fame was immense. Even a world-class terrorist organization like "Rebellion" would likely hesitate to kill her outright.

Taking advantage of this, she could also force the enemy's leader to show himself and then annihilate the entire group in one fell swoop.

"A Blazer? Open fire!"

"Wait, I recognize that face. She's the Crimson Princess!"

"Really? Why would the Vermillion Princess, who possesses the world's strongest magical power, be here?"

"Didn't you see the news? She's here in Japan for studies."

The dozen or so soldiers around, intimidated by her status, indeed became hesitant, whispering among themselves with uncertainty.

Terrorists aren't fearless. While they might act arrogantly towards ordinary people, when faced with a Blazer—especially a powerful one—their confidence wavers significantly.

Moreover, if they were to harm a princess, they might attract the attention of international forces, putting an end to their carefree looting.

"Silence! It's quite rude to whisper in front of our distinguished guest, isn't it?"

A voice came from outside the food street. The man, walking with leisurely steps, approached the open square, interrupting the soldiers' murmurs.

Stella turned her gaze towards the source of the voice.

"My, my~! What do we have here? A truly significant figure has slipped in!"

The man, draped in a black cloak embroidered with golden patterns, seemed to notice her gaze and flashed her a wide, twisted smile, the tattoos on his face contorting with the expression.

"A cloak with golden embroidery—that's the vestment of an Apostle. So, you're their leader, right?"

"Kukuku, you're quite knowledgeable. Indeed, my name is Bishou. Pleased to meet you, Princess."

The man named Bishou bowed respectfully to Stella, then his expression shifted, casting a fierce glare at the subordinates guarding the hostages.

"Metallurgy! Didn't I say not to kill the hostages indiscriminately? Are you ignoring my orders?"

"N-No, it's just that kid! He dirtied my pants..."

"Is that so... Well, then it can't be helped."

Bishou's eyes rolled slightly as he let the stammering subordinate off the hook, instead adopting a gentle expression.

"As a human being, one must take responsibility for their actions. That child was too unruly, insulting an honorable citizen of the new world. Naturally, he must pay with his life—"

Bishou smiled faintly, his right hand, hidden under the cloak, suddenly emerging, pulling out a pistol from his coat.

He then aimed it at the trembling little boy, preparing to pull the trigger without hesitation.

He truly intended to kill the boy; the murderous intent emanating from him was unmistakable.

Stella instantly realized this and reacted swiftly.

A chill ran through her heart, leaving no time for thought. Instinctively, she released explosive magic at her feet, propelling herself high into the air as she swung her sword at Bishou.

The blade, wreathed in flames, carried immense force, capable of splitting the concrete ground of the shopping mall, unstoppable.

But upon seeing this, Bishou's face instead revealed a triumphant smile.

"Kids will be kids. No matter how talented, you're still too green!"

He let go of the pistol and raised both hands towards Stella's descending sword.

Click!

In an instant, the strike that could tear the earth apart came to an abrupt halt mid-air.

Bishou's left hand extended two fingers, firmly pinching the golden greatsword between them. He looked completely at ease, showing no sign of strain.

"Impossible! My Lævateinn was actually—?!"

No one was more shocked than Stella.

Even when Ikki entered his Ittou Shura state, boosting his physical abilities and magic dozens of times over, he could only rely on his unparalleled speed to maneuver and strike a decisive blow, never daring to face her head-on.

Her sword carried such immense power that it was simply unblockable. A single strike felt like an earthquake, shaking the very soul.

But Bishou had caught her sword with just two fingers. That was something no human could do!

If Nene were to hear her thoughts, she would surely laugh at her naivety.

While Stella's sword was indeed powerful, there were definitely more than a handful of people in the world who could catch it barehanded.

Boom!

Immediately after, Bishou extended his right fist, throwing a punch.

The seemingly soft punch landed squarely on Stella's abdomen, instantly shattering her "Empress Dress" and sending her flying over ten meters away, her sword falling to the side.

"A Reflector?"

Eiji continued to observe from the shadows. The moment Stella launched her attack, he clearly saw the rings on Bishou's hands emit a magical glow.

"Judgement Ring, a pair of innate armaments. The Ring of Sin on the left hand can absorb any damage, which is then converted into a magical attack by the Ring of Punishment on the right hand."

Bishou was full of pride, watching Stella tumble away in disarray as he proudly explained the power of his armaments.

"The first rule of combat between Blazers is the absolute difference in compatibility! In other words, the relationship of countering. No matter how vast the difference in magical power, as long as one's ability counters the other's, they can turn the tables!"

"...So, I was defeated by my own power."

Stella knelt on the ground, her stamina greatly depleted, leaving her gasping for breath as a self-deprecating smile appeared on her face.

Indeed, compared to a true professional knight, she was still too inexperienced. She hadn't even noticed the enemy's trap, charging recklessly to her doom.

"Truly a role model for royalty. As expected of a princess, becoming a meat shield for such a brat. Out of respect for Princess Stella's courage, I, Bishou, will spare the child's life on one condition."

Bishou's gaze, like a venomous snake's tongue, slithered over Stella's body.

"It's simple. Just apologize. After all, one must apologize for their mistakes—but it must be a full, naked prostration, kukukuku—!"

Stella's figure was excellent, no less impressive than Eiji's senior sister, Touka.

Coupled with her breathtaking beauty and royal status, it strongly stimulated men's desire to conquer, evoking lustful thoughts.

Hurry up.

—Given Eiji's lecherous nature, he would have wanted to say that.

Bang!

A lead bullet shot out from an assault rifle, grazing past Bishou's face, abruptly halting his sinister grin.

***

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