It was a radiant katana.
Its design was no different from an ordinary katana, but its appearance was particularly striking.
The blade shimmered with rippling silver-white light, dazzling yet gentle, not the least bit harsh on the eyes. The hilt was golden yellow, and the pure white guard had a shape reminiscent of rising flames.
"What a beautiful sword!"
Kurono Shinguuji raised her eyebrows slightly, offering a word of praise.
The so-called『Device』is the manifestation of a Blazer's soul. In other words, it is the crystallization of a Blazer's soul, best reflecting their personality and essence.
Taking Eiji as an example, it was clear that the sword matched the person—a beautiful sword paired with a handsome individual, a perfect match.
"What is its name?"
Kurono then asked.
All Devices have their own unique names. Once Blazers are able to summon their Devices, they naturally come to know this name.
However, when Eiji heard this question, his expression darkened, and the corner of his mouth seemed to twitch slightly.
He didn't answer. Instead, he simply gripped the sword and gave it a light downward swing.
Brrring~!
As he made the swinging motion, the blade flashed with a dazzling silver light, like ripples, accompanied by a strange sound effect.
"?"
Kurono was slightly taken aback, a large question mark appearing above her head.
"If you don't want to say, that's fine."
She shook her head and didn't press further.
Eiji expressionlessly sheathed the sword, his demeanor showing no fluctuation.
Touka, who was acting as the referee, saw this, and her expression turned peculiar, her gaze becoming subtly complex.
"Director, let me ask something. This training ground is equipped with an IPS regeneration pod, right? So after the fight, I can be put in there immediately?"
Eiji gripped the sword with both hands, raising it to the centerline of his body, and then solemnly asked Kurono.
"Correct. You don't need to worry."
Kurono nodded in response. "Every training ground is equipped with an emergency regeneration pod. Not to mention, I'm here too. Even if your head is cut off or your heart is pierced, I can save you."
The IPS regeneration pod is the latest cutting-edge technology born from the combination of modern medicine and Blazer abilities, possessing exceptionally powerful healing capabilities.
While it can't treat conditions like heart disease, it has unparalleled effectiveness for injuries. Whether it's muscle loss, broken bones, severed limbs, or damaged internal organs, the regeneration pod can heal them perfectly without any aftereffects.
Moreover, Kurono Shinguji is a Blazer who manipulates time, capable of freezing an object's time. This means that even if your heart is pierced, you wouldn't die. There's almost no risk.
"That's good."
Eiji let out a sigh of relief.
He seemed very pessimistic about the outcome of this fight, as if he didn't believe he had any chance of winning. This reaction drew another wave of pitying chuckles from the spectator stands.
He took a deep breath, filtering out all the noise.
At the same time, his previously unsettled mind quickly calmed down, and his rapidly beating heart slowed, its rhythm dropping below average in an instant.
Facing the former world No.3, it was impossible not to be nervous.
When confronting an enemy who could truly crush him, his identity as a transmigrator offered him no sense of superiority.
In fact, although he appeared calm on the surface, his heart had long been occupied by tension.
But the moment he gripped the sword, he quickly became as calm as still water, like a swordsman who had honed his craft for years, his mind as clear as a mirror, untainted by even a speck of dust.
"Oh?"
Kurono seemed to notice his change and let out a thoughtful sound.
"Both sides ready—"
Seeing that Eiji was prepared, Touka raised her right hand.
"—Match start!"
The moment her voice fell, the sound of a buzzer rang out abruptly, echoing throughout the training ground.
At the same time, everyone's eyes, without exception, focused on the two figures in the ring.
Kurono remained standing casually, her posture relaxed, though her gaze grew slightly more serious.
She had no intention of taking the initiative to attack.
Not to mention that her taking action could instantly end the match, this was, after all, an entrance exam—a chance for Eiji to showcase his value. It wasn't appropriate for her to take the initiative.
Thus, Eiji naturally didn't hold back.
The moment the match started, he stepped forward, walking toward Kurono.
No charge.
He simply held the sword and walked, step by step, slowly but resolutely.
"Physical Ability is E, Magic Power is F. In other words, he has nothing but the sword."
Kurono narrowed her eyes, observing Eiji's approach as she silently assessed him.
E-Rank physical ability was on par with an ordinary person's, almost considered weak among Blazers, offering no advantage.
Strong Blazers typically trained their physical abilities, with some possessing physical strength far beyond human limits, moving like charging trains.
If a Blazer's physical ability wasn't strong, they would usually rely on superior magic, using magic bursts or magic defenses to enhance their attack and defense.
But Eiji's magic was only F-Rank, pitifully low.
F-Rank Magic Power, according to League statistics, was about one-tenth the average for Blazers, making it impossible to organize a proper Magic Mefense. A magic burst could only be used once at most.
In other words, Eiji had nothing to rely on.
—Except for the sword in his hand.
But the sword was a close-range weapon. He had to close the distance to unleash its power.
Under normal circumstances, with weak physical ability and pitifully low magic, Eiji would almost never be able to get close to his enemy. He would be sniped from a distance by arrows or magic, leading to a quick defeat.
But this was a test, so Kurono was going easy on him. She had no intention of taking the initiative, simply letting Eiji close the distance step by step.
However—
"Even if I took the initiative, could I really stop him from closing in?"
As she watched Eiji approach step by step, Kurono couldn't help but frown.
This young man's posture was too steady, his stance impeccably proper. Even while moving, the sword never deviated from the centerline of his body, a stance most suited for defense in swordsmanship.
Looking at that stance, one couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness, as if there was no way to strike. Whether attacking from the left or the right, he would quickly block it, his entire body like a porcupine, covered in spikes.
"He's a swordsmanship expert!"
As this thought flashed through her mind, Eiji had already walked to within a foot of her. Without hesitation, he swung the sword down!