Hoshimi raised his index finger, pointing to his temple. "Yukinoshita, do you know about the body's shackles? That is, the brain's protective measures for the body."
"Yeah."
This is a common concept, mentioned both in medical science and in films and literature about human potential and protective shackles.
Yukino, being well-read, naturally knew this concept.
"Alright, then let's continue," Hoshimi said, lowering his hand. "The human body has these shackles. If these shackles are removed, even an ordinary person can gain strength far beyond the norm."
"For example, a mother lifting a car to save her child trapped underneath, or someone escaping a fire with superhuman speed at a critical moment."
"Both of these instances are essentially the result of temporary removal of the body's shackles, but this usually doesn't last long. Once the crisis is over, the shackles close again."
"To prevent an ordinary person's weak body from collapsing under that kind of power."
"But the 'Kure Clan' is different. After long-term 'breed improvement,' they have bodies that can withstand such power and have the ability to open and close these shackles at will."
"And this ability to remove the body's protective limits and gain god-like power is precisely the secret technique 'Removal' of the 'Kure Clan.'"
"And what I mentioned earlier about 'certain qualifications' relates to 'Removal.'"
"Members of the 'Kure Clan' have different 'Removal rates' depending on individual qualifications. The higher the 'Removal rate,' the more shackles are removed, and the more astonishing the power gained."
Yukino almost understood everything. After thinking for a moment, she asked, "Hoshimi, was your explosive power this afternoon 'Removal' of the 'Kure Clan'?"
Yukino looked at Hoshimi's red pupils with suspicion. "Do you have 'Kure Clan' blood?"
Hoshimi shook his head with a smile. "I don't have 'Kure Clan' blood. The explosive ability I use can be considered 'Removal,' but it's also not exactly the same."
"Yukinoshita, don't be hasty. Let me explain slowly."
"Firstly, let's call the explosive technique I use 'Removal·Modified.'"
"My 'Removal·Modified' comes from 'Removal,' but it's specially modified to fit my body."
"Yukinoshita, do you remember when we practiced serving in the dream, and I made slight adjustments to others' serving skills to adapt them to your body?"
A hint of recognition flashed in Yukino's eyes. She recalled something but didn't rush to ask; instead, she nodded, indicating for Hoshimi to continue.
Hoshimi intertwined his fingers, supporting his chin, and continued, "In the dream, I have an exceptionally detailed observation ability. In theory, any technique that humans can learn, I should be able to learn and adapt it to my body."
"The 'Removal' of the 'Kure Clan' is essentially a technique to break the body's shackles, but it's not exclusive to the Kure Clan."
"In gaming terms, 'Removal' is a hidden skill that anyone can learn, but ordinary people don't meet the prerequisites to learn it."
"The 'Kure Clan' meets those prerequisites and not only learned it but has also solidified it into a natural skill for their clan."
"As for me…" Hoshimi's expression became subtle. "I'm the type who didn't meet the prerequisites but learned the hidden skill through a bug."
"However, although I've learned it, because I didn't meet the prerequisites and have a weak body, using 'Removal·Modified' comes with side effects."
"Side effects?" Yukino raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, side effects." Hoshimi said helplessly. "Members of the 'Kure Clan' have no side effects when using 'Removal.' They can open and close it at will, as long as they stay within a manageable 'Removal rate,' with no restrictions or side effects."
"But for me…" Hoshimi complained pitifully, "The maximum I can handle is a 20% Removal rate. No matter how much I use, there will be side effects, just varying in severity."
"And if it exceeds the 20% mark, my body will collapse, starting with the heart, which doesn't get enough oxygen."
"So, my 'Removal·Modified' can only be considered a version with significant differences from the original."
Yukino looked at Hoshimi with a peculiar expression.
This guy was indeed a standard case of benefiting while still playing innocent—his poor physical condition was supplemented by his unique dream abilities to learn others' secret techniques, and now he was complaining about the differences from the original.
Yukino pondered for a moment, then asked with a subtle expression, "Hoshimi, what's this 'danger to your life' you mentioned earlier?"
"Eh?" Hoshimi looked at Yukino in surprise. How did this smart young lady suddenly become so clueless?
He didn't dwell on it and explained, "Although I believe 'Removal' is a hidden skill that everyone can learn with the right opportunities…"
"Members of the 'Kure Clan' wouldn't think that way. It's a top-tier secret technique among their family secrets, and only their clan members are qualified to learn it."
"In such a situation, if news got out that I could use their 'Removal' and had modified it into a version that ordinary people can use…"
"The 'Kure Clan' would be merciful to tie me up and torture me for questioning. If things got worse, they might even cut me up for research."
"So, Yukino, I've entrusted you with my biggest secret."
Hoshimi looked at Yukino with a pitiful expression, his crimson eyes resembling those of a weak little rabbit.
Yukino remained silent. After staring at Hoshimi for a long time, she asked in a deep voice, "Hoshimi, who did you learn 'Removal' from?"
"Uh…" Hoshimi's expression stiffened.
The next moment, he clutched his chest with both hands, dramatically falling onto the sofa and weakly shouting, "Yukino… I'm experiencing side effects… my heart is aching… my whole body feels weak…"
So that's why Yukino suddenly seemed so foolish—she had set a trap here and was waiting for him...
Little Yukino's gone bad too... She never used to resort to such indirect tricks...
"Heh~" Yukino let out a playful laugh. She stood up, walked to Hoshimi, and placed her injured right foot on his stomach, gently grinding it.
"Tell me, what was your Removal rate this afternoon?"
Hoshimi held up one finger.
"1%!" Yukino was a bit shocked. Was it only 1% with such strength?
Hoshimi rolled his eyes and complained, "10%, of course. How could it be 1%? Little Yukino, where's your brain?"
"Tsk," Yukino clicked her tongue and increased the pressure with her right foot. "Don't call me Little Yukino!"
"Alright, Little Yukino, no problem, Little Yukino." Hoshimi grinned with a teasing smile.
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