Torajiro Nango.
This old man's Noble Art was "Voice."
Throughout human history, there have been no more than three methods of communication: language, physical contact, and writing.
Even the words of mere mortals contained a power that couldn't be underestimated.
A single sentence could influence the rise and fall of a nation; a single sentence could turn friends and family against each other.
Since ancient times, language had been transformed into a terrifying weapon.
This was the kotodama, the belief of the people.
They believed that a god within language possessed a mysterious and powerful force that could dominate a person's entire life.
Kotodama had no fixed physical body, the spirit resided within the words themselves.
In other words, language became a form of divinity.
And now, because of this old man, that belief was reality.
The ability to influence phenomena and physical objects through language alone had to be a concept-interference Noble Art.
"Fire, Earth, Water, Wind, Lightning, Ice, and Gravity."
Torajiro straightened his wrinkled sleeves and praised, "In just a few seconds of combat, you've used seven different attributes. Not bad, but each one is too raw. The intensity is lacking."
The old man opened his eyes, and his words made everyone around them break out in a cold sweat.
Lacking intensity?
Because their clash had been so sudden, the onlookers had no time to react.
When they finally thought to intervene, they realized the area around the two was like another dimension. It was unapproachable.
If they stepped in rashly, they wouldn't even leave bones behind.
Their instincts screamed at them.
'Don't go over there.'
'Don't make a move.'
'Otherwise... you'll die!'
Even though a battle of this level was happening right before their eyes, they still couldn't comprehend it.
The difference in skill was just too great.
The only knights on site who could possibly intervene were Tohka and Ikki. Even Kanata couldn't set foot in that domain.
Noah relaxed his stance and let out a breath.
"You speak the truth."
He readily admitted the old man's point. He couldn't deny it; it was a weakness he was currently unable to overcome.
The intensity of each element was too low. He was limited by his current Falna level and stats.
But this wasn't a major problem. The next time he updated his status in Orario, his strength would surely undergo a massive transformation.
"Mm, what a fine sapling. No wonder Nene took an interest in you."
"Did Nene-sensei mention me?"
"Well, not just that. Because of that title of yours, I've been paying attention to you as well."
'Title?'
A cold glint flashed in Torajiro's eyes as he spoke gravely. "Did you know there really are Blazers in this world who can manipulate disasters?"
From his tone, it was clear he knew the person with that power. And they probably had a complicated relationship.
Furthermore, that person was definitely strong.
"The ability to manipulate disasters... a concept-interference type user, is it? I see. In that case, I'll definitely stand above him."
"Oh?"
Seeing Noah's confidence, even Torajiro was a little surprised.
The reason was simple.
Compared to someone who could only manipulate disasters, the Weaver was an ability that controlled all physical elements.
As long as he grew to the corresponding realm, forget flash floods, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes—he would trigger even more terrifying spectacles.
He could create a supernova at will!
If he could reach the pinnacle of Falna, he might truly possess the power of creation and destruction.
Compared to the Weaver, the upper limit of mere disasters was far too low.
The only issue was the speed of his growth.
Whether he could achieve this before his lifespan ran out remained a mystery.
Yog-Sothoth.
That magic was his chance to transcend the limits of life.
Even if he lived a full life of birth, aging, sickness, and death in a projected world, it would be but a single night for his main body.
Tens of thousands of nights meant he could live that many lifetimes.
If he pursued it all, reaching the divine domain might not be impossible.
"Master, if you were coming, you could have at least contacted me in advance," Tohka said, stepping forward to greet him.
"Yo, Tohka. It's been a while, and your growth is obvious," the old man said with a grin, looking at his disciple.
"Eh? Is that so?" the girl asked, pleasantly surprised.
She had actually been perfecting a certain move recently, a finishing blow stronger than Raikiri, one that would surpass her past self.
But so far, the move was incomplete and hadn't reached a practical level in combat.
To think he could see her change so easily. As expected of her Master!
"Of course. Especially that big ass of yours."
Smack!
....
Compared to the professional League knights who couldn't get a word in edgewise, Torajiro's gaze was sharp, his eye discerning, and his experience vast.
He patiently guided each student through the problems they encountered, and they understood immediately.
This was the value of a great teacher.
Although each Blazer's ability was different, a veteran Mage-Knight's experience alone was enough to greatly benefit the younger generation.
More than half of the training camp had passed, and everyone was finally proceeding smoothly with the enhancement training.
The night before the final day.
Kagami exchanged the news she had gathered over the past few days with the journalism club members from the other academies, then headed back to her dorm.
She walked down the hall, hugging stacks of notes and information.
"Hee hee hee—"
Judging from her humming and light steps, she was quite happy.
As she arrived at her room, she suddenly saw a figure standing at her door.
"Alice?"
"Good evening, Kagami."
"Ah, um, good evening. It's so late, is there something you need?"
"There is, but... may I come in to talk?"
"Eh? But I'm a girl, you know. It isn't really proper for me to be in a room alone with a boy."
"Hehe, I feel the same way," Alice replied, his performance just as convincing as Kagami's, acting exactly like a real girl.
Seeing him like this, Kagami dropped the joke and opened the door, letting him inside.
...
The next day.
Under Tohka's leadership, the students of Hagun Academy bid farewell to the Kyomon Academy team.
Though the time was short, they had borrowed the grounds and received their hospitality, so they had to show proper etiquette.
One by one, they boarded the bus.
Tohka looked at Noah, who was sitting alone, and asked with some concern, "Stella isn't back yet. What should we do?"
Noah looked at the deep mountains in the distance. "It's fine. She'll definitely make it in time. It's okay if we head back first."
Ikki spoke up from a few rows away. "Speaking of which, Kagami isn't here either."
Tohka paused, then slapped her forehead. "Ah, I forgot to tell everyone. Kagami is with her friends from the journalism club. She won't be traveling with us."
"Eh? Is that so? Just yesterday afternoon she said she wanted to sit with me on the way back."
Hearing this, Shizuku immediately threw her arms around her brother. "Brother! Are you going to abandon your dear little sister?!"
"Shizuku... I..."
Ikki gave a wry smile and had no choice but to let Shizuku pull him into a seat with her.
Alice sat behind the two of them, maintaining a gentle smile.
It seemed everyone's relationships were harmonious.
"Alright, we can depart."
The bus started.
Everyone began their journey back to Hagun Academy.
...
At the same time, on the far side of Kyomon Academy's mountain training grounds, two figures collided.
After being locked in a stalemate for a moment, the fiery red figure was knocked flying backward.
Stella fell to the dirt, her hands gripping her Device, but her wrists were already at their physical limit.
If her fingers hadn't gone stiff, her sword might have fallen from her grasp.
She was entirely exhausted!
The Yaksha Princess's raw power was far greater than hers.
"Black Death Butterflies."
Nene's expression was stern.
She didn't look like she was instructing, she looked like she was brimming with killing intent!
Pitch-black gravitational energy took the form of butterflies and swarmed Stella with incredible speed.
Those seemingly fragile butterflies contained an unimaginable physical mass.
They slammed into the girl's body, leaving her battered and covered in wounds.
Nene looked toward the sun and sighed. "Good grief, it's already this late. Even I'm surprised by your foolishness."
'Foolishness?'
Stella stared blankly at her.
Was she talking about her?
"You've spent so many days out here and still haven't gotten the hang of it. By now, that kid and the others should have already gone back."
"Ngh—"
Hearing this, Stella's eyes widened. She pushed her depleted body and forced herself to stand up.
It wasn't over yet.
Her latent power.
Since Noah said it was there, that power must really exist.
In fact, she had vaguely sensed it before—that there seemed to be something strange inside her body.
It was like... another self.