[267] Why Are You Always With Kanata?

He had sensed this possibility, which was why he decisively retreated from the enemy's encirclement.

The opponent had already created three adversaries with different Blazer abilities—who knew if they could make a fourth or fifth?

Fighting two or three at once was already pushing Eiji's limits. Any more would make victory impossible, and a head-on clash would only put him at a severe disadvantage.

While he enjoyed battling strong opponents, that didn't mean he had a death wish.

Even when using Lingning Flash, he had to ensure his own survival. That was a principle he had always adhered to.

His dream was to become the strongest in the world, but death would render that impossible. Even if he had a backup plan in the Type-Moon world—where dying wouldn't be true death—who knew if he could ever return to this one? There were too many uncertainties, and he wasn't about to gamble his life testing them.

If creation really is the enemy's ability, then this foe is beyond what a student knight can handle. Should I report this to the Chairman or Nene?

Kanata, the wealthy heiress, was also growing uneasy.

It sounded like something out of a fantasy, but Blazers were beings who could awaken any ability imaginable. The probability wasn't zero.

If Eiji's speculation was correct, the enemy's strength was beyond reason. The situation had escalated into a full-blown terrorist attack—a crime committed by a powerful Blazer.

A truly fearsome Blazer was, in essence, a walking natural disaster.

"I'll talk to Senior Sister about it later," Eiji nodded. "But there's no need to worry too much."

Given how the chainsaw woman had repeatedly targeted his limbs, the enemy's goal was clearly capture, not kill. At the very least, his life wasn't in danger.

Moreover, while the enemy's ability was terrifying, that didn't necessarily mean the Blazer themselves was invincible. There had to be weaknesses.

And even if the created beings were immune to charm, could the Blazer themselves resist it?

As a swordsman, Eiji preferred to settle battles with his blade. Over-relying on charm would dull his edge as a warrior, so he avoided using underhanded tactics unless absolutely necessary.

If his sword couldn't win, then he'd resort to charm.

Ultimately, charm was merely a tool for growth, not the end goal. Obsessing over it would only stunt his progress—a lesson he'd learned well in the DanMachi world.

"For now, let's head back to the academy. We'll deal with the rest later."

The sound of helicopter blades grew louder as the aircraft descended onto the grassy field.

The two boarded, and under Kanata's orders, it immediately set course for the hospital under the Totokubara Group.

***

"Junior, are you okay?"

Upon returning to the academy, Eiji first visited the Chairman's office to report the attack.

The commotion in the city's bustling streets required an official explanation.

When Touka heard the news, she rushed over in casual clothes, anxiously checking Eiji for injuries.

"Of course I'm fine."

Eiji grinned, flexing his arms in a show of strength.

The injury on his right arm had fully healed—he hadn't even needed a regeneration pod. The Totokubara Group's hospital had some capable specialists who fixed his bone fracture in just half an hour.

The real question was whether Kanata's parents would now learn of his existence.

Honestly, the shock of being attacked by a powerful Blazer paled in comparison to the nervousness of Kanata's parents discovering their daughter's secret relationship with him.

"I'll report this to the League branch and push them to apprehend the culprit, but you know how bureaucratic efficiency is. Don't expect too much."

Chairman Shinguuji spread her hands helplessly. "Also, stay on campus for now. It's safer here."

"As long as the official statement clears me, I don't care about the rest."

Eiji shrugged.

The headquarters of the League of Mage-Knight Nations was based in Britain. While every member nation had a branch, their combat capabilities were nowhere near the main division's.

After all, the League's strongest—its chairman, the Lord Whitebeard—was British and permanently stationed at HQ.

(Note: Whitebeard was the League's top-ranked knight, but the League operated outside this ranking. In truth, both the Chinese Federation and America had fighters on par with him—and those were just the publicly acknowledged ones. Who knew how many world-class powerhouses lurked in the shadows?)

Incidentally, the League's second-ranked knight was Italian, while Nene Saikyo held third place.

As for Japan's branch? It wasn't weak—the country had plenty of strong young and veteran knights—but they were rarely stationed there.

Take Torajirou Nangou, for example. He traveled constantly, and Nene Saikyo, as the face of the younger generation, often competed abroad. Kurono Shinguuji herself had been retired for years before this.

"Junior brother, why do you keep getting attacked right after coming back?"

On the way back to the dorms, Touka couldn't help but voice her confusion.

"You blaming me for this?"

Eiji raised his hands in mock surrender, playing the innocent card.

"Come on, someone as outstanding as me naturally stands out in any crowd!"

"That's true!"

Touka nodded earnestly.

Her junior brother really was the best!

"Oh, right. Junior brother, there's something I've been meaning to ask."

Suddenly, Touka remembered something odd.

"Last time you clashed with Kurashiki Kuraudo from Donrou Academy, Kanata was with you, right? And now, when you got attacked outside, she was with you again…?"

Gulp!

Eiji's blood ran cold.

Shit!

He'd forgotten about that!

W-W-W-what should he do now?!

Don't panic!

The more critical the situation, the calmer he had to be. He couldn't let his senior see through him!

Putting on a look of utter shock, Eiji met Touka's hesitant gaze.

"Senior sister… how could you doubt my feelings for you?"

Clutching his chest, he adopted an expression of heartbroken betrayal.

"N-No! That's not what I meant! I was just curious! I'd never doubt you!"

Touka immediately backpedaled, flustered.

Under his devastated stare, her heart ached so much she instantly dropped the subject.

What was I thinking? There's no way something like that could happen!

"Senior sister, believe me. My heart will always belong to you!"

Eiji swore solemnly, gazing at her with deep affection.

"Mhm! I believe you!"

Overjoyed, Touka threw herself into his arms, nuzzling against him.

Phew!

As he gently stroked her back, Eiji noticed his hand trembling slightly.

Crisis averted.

What a genius I am.

***

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