[44] Absolute GodSpeed

Of course, with Eiji's current total mana capacity, it's impossible for him to achieve that level of godly speed.

Some might misunderstand, thinking that the ability of "Absolute GodSpeed" is equivalent to "Absolute Precedence," but in reality, that's not the case.

The essence of Absolute GodSpeed is to make one's speed absolutely faster than the opponent's.

But being slightly faster is still faster, being several times faster is also faster, and even reaching the speed of light is still faster, right?

For example, if the opponent's speed is 10.

If Eiji sets his speed to 10.1, that's already faster than the opponent, but it's absolutely impossible for his attack to land first.

However, if Eiji sets his speed to 100, which is still faster than the opponent, not only could his attack land first, but it might also completely surpass the opponent's reaction limit. Before the opponent can even react, they might already be struck by his blade.

Therefore, Absolute GodSpeed is absolutely not the same as Absolute Precedence.

The degree of speed amplification that the Absolute GodSpeed ability can bestow upon oneself or an object depends on the amount of mana Eiji possesses.

—In other words, the more mana he has, the faster the speed he can achieve, and the longer he can maintain the godly speed.

With his current F-Rank mana, even if he poured all his mana into a single strike, the maximum speed he could achieve in an instant would be only slightly beyond the speed of sound.

And even just amplifying his speed to around the speed of sound places an immense burden on his body, instantly pushing him to the brink of death.

To make his speed faster than light, he would not only need a body or protective force that could remain unharmed at light speed but also an enormous amount of mana—something that simply doesn't exist in this world of "Chivalry of a Failed Knight."

So, the conclusion is that Absolute GodSpeed can significantly increase his lower speed limit, but the upper limit of his speed depends on the amount of mana he has.

After years of contemplation and experimentation, Eiji has already conceived many different variations of the Absolute GodSpeed ability, some of which have such bizarre side effects that they make him exceptionally unrestrained.

But overall, due to the limitations of his scarce mana and fragile body, most of these techniques have little chance of being realized.

And the setting of light speed is undoubtedly a forbidden zone he must never touch in this lifetime.

***

In the open square.

Under Eiji's half-truthful, half-deceptive threats, beads of sweat began to drip down Bishou's face. As he looked at the dark gun barrel, he felt that his life was no longer in his control.

The surrounding terrorists also exchanged glances, their expressions beneath their masks becoming increasingly confused, unsure of how to react.

"Hah... haha, you think... I'd believe your nonsense?"

Bishou's throat became unbearably dry, as if fire was burning in his throat. He didn't dare to move recklessly, only tentatively speaking, while staring fixedly at the beautiful young man across from him.

"Feel free to test it."

"..."

Would he dare to test it?

Of course not!

The other party's tone was so confident, his expression so aloof, his gaze so self-assured, and he even had the achievement of defeating the former world number three. All of this made Bishou too afraid to try.

What if testing it led to his death? Who would compensate him for his life?

Fortunately, he still had a trick up his sleeve.

The reason the other party hadn't acted yet was likely due to concern for the hostages they held, making them hesitant to act rashly. As long as they could use the hostages, they could still leave safely.

Ransom was out of the question, but they could seize some valuable treasures from the mall to sell for operational funds.

Taking hostages to demand ransom was a common tactic used by the "Rebellion" to raise funds.

"...Actually, there's no reason for us to fight to the death. After all, even if you could kill me, it's unlikely that none of the hostages would die, right?"

Bishou forced the muscles on his face to form a stiff smile.

"I understand. Let's each take a step back. We'll withdraw from here, and the hostages—"

Take a few hostages, release them once they've retreated far enough.

That's what he originally intended to say.

"—Shouha Suiren!"

But suddenly, a crisp sound of water rippling echoed.

At the same time, a clear stream of water rose from the ground, forming an inverted waterfall that completely enveloped the group of about fifty hostages, leaving no gaps, resembling the shape of a water lily.

"There's another Blazer!?"

Bishou's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

"Open fire!!"

He almost immediately gave the order to his subordinates.

The only leverage he could rely on was the hostages. As long as he held their lives in his hands, he could still survive.

But now that the hostages were protected, the other party no longer had any reservations.

Ratatatatatat—!

In an instant, the sound of gunfire was incessant.

The muzzles of the guns, spitting fire, continuously shot out bullet after bullet. Some were aimed at the hostages enveloped in the water, while others were aimed at Eiji—

But when the soldiers thought this, they realized Eiji had already disappeared.

No, he hadn't disappeared.

Before Shizuku's voice rang out, Eiji seemed to have already anticipated the turning point of the situation. He took a deep breath, supplying his heart and lungs with a massive amount of oxygen, significantly enhancing their function.

This was an application of an ancient breathing technique.

All swordsmen possess an extremely powerful control over their bodies. This control allows them to actively regulate the beating of their hearts.

Slowing the heart rate can reduce physical exertion, while enhancing cardiopulmonary function can increase physical explosive power.

This was a small trick Eiji learned from the God of War. For a swordsman of the God of War's level, it wasn't very useful, but for someone with Eiji's ordinary physical capabilities, it was an incredibly sharp technique.

Before Shizuku's warning, Eiji intuitively sensed the best moment to strike. Using this technique, he crouched low like a leopard and swiftly dashed forward.

The soldiers hadn't reacted yet, and none of the bullets were aimed at him.

But with over a dozen high-speed assault rifles, it was only a matter of time before they caught on. At his speed, even with the breathing technique to boost his physical capabilities, he couldn't survive the onslaught of over a dozen assault rifles.

Admittedly, using Lightning Flash, he could not only escape the barrage of over a dozen assault rifles but also instantly defeat Bishou. However, without a regeneration pod nearby, Eiji absolutely couldn't afford to push himself to the brink of death.

—But there's another way to use Absolute GodSpeed!

Eiji threw the assault rifle he was holding backward.

At the same time, he exhausted all his mana, imparting the maximum initial velocity to the thrown assault rifle.

Boom—!

An incredibly loud explosion echoed, and layers of smoke rings appeared.

The thrown assault rifle instantly achieved a godly speed far surpassing the speed of sound, creating a deafening sonic boom that formed a violent storm within the open square!

***

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