Humans are living beings, and living beings have an instinct for survival.
Take running, for example. If you think about trying your best while running, even though you have this idea, you still won't be able to give your best. If you really try your best, then when the game ends—impossible for you to do so in your consciousness.
Why can't humans use their full strength?
The answer is that humans are biological creatures with an irresistible instinct for survival.
In the subconscious mind of a living body, this survival instinct is placed at the highest priority. No matter how hard you force yourself to do your best, the survival instinct still does not allow itself to exceed its limits.
This is the mechanism of life protection itself, and its operation is based on principles entirely different from machines.
According to relevant studies, humans can only use half of their physical strength, muscle strength, and original magic strength. Only in certain situations, such as facing a life-and-death crisis, can more potential be released.
However, some people, after undergoing very strict training and achieving absolute control over their bodies, can actively destroy this survival instinct and unleash their full potential.
Kurogane Ikki is one such person.
Through extraordinary willpower and subtle control over his body, he forcibly destroys his survival instinct and unleashes power that was originally untapped without conditions.
However, in normal circumstances, even if he destroys his own survival instinct, he can only exert up to twice the normal strength.
Ikki's recent appearance truly breaks this rule. The physical and magic power he exploded after using <> is at least tens of times higher than usual, turning him into a true monster!
This is because Ikki's Noble Arts is to double his physical strength.
Among the league divisions, undoubtedly this is the weakest Blazer's Noble Arts. Coupled with F magic power, the quality and most important indicator of Blazer are the weakest of the weakest.
He fully realizes his own weaknesses.
He is also very aware of the talent gap that cannot be filled between himself and geniuses.
Therefore, to defeat the strongest, he undergoes very strict training, tortures his body many times, and finally develops <>.
In normal circumstances, he can only inspire twice the strength, but with his doubled physical strength, he can multiply his strength tens of times over.
This is a unique technique that can only be successfully developed by enduring physical torment and soul destruction, able to move forward bravely despite pain, never giving up, and having a will so frightening.
<> is indeed incredibly powerful, but the heavy burden on the body is commensurate with its strength.
Each time it is used, it severely damages the body, consuming all physical strength and magic power. It takes at least a day to recover before using it again.
That's why Hoshiharu prays, "I hope he can enjoy his old age peacefully."
Forcing twice the strength is already very dangerous for the body. Doubling it tens of times in one breath like Ikki... The damage to the body is truly unimaginable.
It's almost equivalent to shortening one's life.
When Ikki was young, he couldn't see it, but when he was old, many diseases attacked him, making him suffer.
"On one hand, he's just like you, the type of person willing to risk his life to get something."
Kurono glanced at Hoshiharu.
When he fell into her arms yesterday, the sight of him on the verge of death was quite surprising.
"I'm much luckier than him."
Hoshiharu shook his head.
No, it's hard to say who's luckier between the two of them.
It's true that Hoshiharu's Noble Arts is very good, but he has also endured fourteen years of pain and nearly died many times. Ikki doesn't have extraordinary Noble Arts, but at least his childhood wasn't as difficult as Hoshiharu's.
"The first student to challenge you was Kurogane Ikki, right?"
Hoshiharu remembered what Kurono said yesterday and turned to consult again.
"Oh? Did you see it?"
Kurono raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled.
"When you were watching the match, your expression was different from the others'. You didn't immediately think Kurogane Ikki would lose. That must be because you already knew his strength... Because you've fought him before, right?"
Hoshiharu speculated.
"Bingo."
Kurono blew a standard smoke ring, with a little interest on her face.
"He's an F-Rank Knight. Last year, due to some adult reasons, he couldn't even participate in actual combat training and had to repeat a grade. When I took over the school this year, I initially wanted to persuade him to drop out, and then he challenged me to a duel... Even though I was a bit careless and didn't use my abilities, I was defeated by him once."
Since no one saw it at the time, no one knew.
In that duel, Kurono didn't use her Noble Arts time manipulation, nor did she use her original power; she was defeated by Ikki using <>.
In comparison, Hoshiharu's achievement is much higher, as when Kurono faced him, she was actually planning to use Blazer power, but before she could use it, she was defeated by <>.
Because she was once defeated by Ikki, Kurono never touched on the subject of letting him drop out of school.
"To be honest, I'm looking forward to a fight between you and him."
A cold smile appeared on Kurono's lips.
"Who's braver, who can surpass my imagination, who can live more like a true Knight... Interesting, isn't it?"
Hoshiharu thought to himself for a moment.
After watching the fight earlier, he could almost understand that there isn't much difference in swordsmanship between them.
Even though he has the best talent, his weak body wasted a lot of time. Now he can only be said to be just getting started.
<> is indeed very frightening, but if he uses <>, Hoshiharu is confident he won't lose.
Honestly, he's looking forward to it too.
He glanced at Ikki in the distance, then turned and left.
Who is stronger between him and Ikki... The answer will be found at the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival later.
❀❀❀
That night.
Hoshiharu returned to the dormitory carrying a large bag full of items. Among them were some daily necessities he bought when he went shopping at the nearby mall.
Thanks to this, he has spent most of the 100,000 yen given by Touka. He feels very sorry for her.
He doesn't know if the others still have savings.
"Oh, my face is very handsome, but no wealthy woman wants to take care of me?"
Hoshiharu sighed.
If possible, may this wealthy woman succeed greatly.
It is said that Kanata is very suitable. Her family has a lot of money so only money remains. However, judging from her elegant and quiet appearance like a noble princess, she must have received a good education and is not someone suitable for supporting a gigolo.
Most importantly, she is Touka's neighbor. If Touka knew that Kanata was supporting Hoshiharu, she wouldn't be so angry that she would draw her sword on the spot and kill everyone with <>.
"Senior Sister, open the door."
Hoshiharu saw the lights in the dormitory were on. He carried a large and small bag up to the fifth floor. He was too lazy to take out the keys, so he shouted at the door.
"Ah, is that Junior Brother? Wait a moment, I'm taking a shower!"
A dull voice came from inside, and because the bathroom door was blocking it, the sound was somewhat indistinct.
"A shower?"
Hoshiharu's eyes suddenly became serious.
Touka has a natural personality. Although she is good at taking care of others, she is sometimes confused and often forgets to bring a change of clothes when showering.
"I guess I can only enter and help!"
With this in mind, Hoshiharu quickly took out the keys and opened the door.