FANTASY LIBRARY

In the dazzling red light, the pitch-black engine was activated.

The pure white sword, which was condensed by pure heat, automatically emerged and made a buzzing sound.

"Is that the Black Furnace Demonic Sword?"

Including Julis, many students watching the battle couldn't help but stare at the pure heavy colour weapon in Erend's hand.

But then, they noticed the weapon that David had taken out, and they all froze.

"A gun?"

"Isn't David Curran a knife user?"

"He actually changed weapons?"

That was correct.

At this time, Curran also took out his weapon, and it was a gun.

It was a short-barreled firearm, but its large structure made it look more advanced than ordinary submachine guns. The sleek design gave it a mechanical and technological feel. It was clearly a heavy colour-style weapon.

Some people were surprised to see Curran using a gun, while others seemed to expect it.

"He's quite prepared," Julis commented.

Even Erend, who had activated the Black Furnace Demonic Sword, acknowledged this.

"I see. You prepared for this duel deliberately," Erend said, narrowing his eyes.

According to the information he had gathered, Curran had always used sword-shaped heavy colour weapons and specialized in close combat rather than ranged attacks.

But in this duel, the opponent abandoned his usual sword and opted for a firearm. It was a clear strategy to counter Erend.

"The Four-Colour Magic Swords are indeed famous, but because of their reputation, their abilities aren't a secret," Curran said.

"Especially the Black Furnace Demonic Sword. As a pure heavy colour-style weapon managed in our Star Guide Hall, most people know its capabilities."

"The ability to burn everything is really tricky. If I kept using a sword, I wouldn't dare to get close to that magic sword at all."

Curran seemed satisfied with the surprised reactions of those around him. He smirked.

"But as long as I don't engage in close combat, I don't have to worry about my weapon being cut down."

For this reason, Curran had deliberately purchased a gun outside the school.

"This is the latest G12-type shotgun. It has an extremely long range and the best continuous fire performance among the heavy colour firearm-type weapons available on the market," he explained, attempting to pressure Erend psychologically.

"With this, it won't be easy for you to get close to me, junior."

Hearing this, Erend only smiled faintly.

That half-smile made Curran feel uneasy.

"There's no point in talking anymore," Erend said. "Let's start."

"Hmph." Curran snorted coldly. "Then let's begin."

Both reached out and placed their hands on the school badges worn on their right chests.

It was the emblem engraved with a red lotus flower.

Red Lotus was the symbol of Livermorny Academy.

In this academy—and even in Asterisk as a whole—a student's school badge was crucial.

Not only was it an identification card, but it was also required for security authentication, attendance tracking, and, most importantly, determining the outcome of duels.

All duels held in Asterisk, whether private or world-class competitions like the Festivals, were judged based on the school badge.

Destroying an opponent's badge resulted in victory.

To ensure fairness, all badges were reinforced and equipped with built-in data-processing systems.

As the duel between Erend and Curran began, their school badges glowed and emitted a mechanical sound.

"Livermorny Academy, the seventh round of the seventh group of the official ranking match: Erend vs. David Curran."

"Duel—begin!"

At that moment, a digital window displaying the names of both duelists appeared above the stage. It rotated, bounced to the sides, then collided forcefully.

Sound of a crash!

Curran immediately kicked off the ground and retreated.

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Without hesitation, he opened fire.

The G12 shotgun in his hand began to absorb a massive amount of Ten Thousand Responding Mine, and the green particles swiftly condensed into energy bullets. They fired at Erend in rapid succession.

Since the bullets were made of Ten Thousand Responding Mine, there was no need for reloading, nor did he have to consider wind resistance. The light bullets formed a deadly rain, their speed exceeding that of sound as they rained down on Erend.

Judging by their power, they were much stronger than ordinary bullets.

This was the advantage of heavy colour weapons.

Faced with the storm of bullets, Erend realized something surprising—he could see the bullet trajectories clearly.

For most people, those bullets would be impossible to react to, but for Erend, dodging and deflecting them seemed completely within reach.

At that moment, Erend concentrated his energy, and his body became a blur, moving like the wind.

He rushed sideways, allowing the bullets to strike the spot where he had just been standing.

With a powerful step, he lowered his stance and accelerated again. Erend displayed astonishing speed, ignoring inertia, pivoting, and dashing toward Curran while dodging bullets.

"....!"

Curran's expression changed as he instinctively widened the gap between them.

The spectators were in awe.

"This speed… it's not bad!"

"I thought he was just a lucky guy relying on a heavy colour weapon, but he actually has this level of physical ability?"

"He's been hiding his true skill. Someone outside the rankings shouldn't have this kind of speed!"

"Based on his movement alone, he could easily rank in the top 30 or 40."

Amidst the shocked murmurs, Erend sprinted forward, the pure white Black Furnace Demonic Sword leaving a trail of steam in its wake.

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Curran refused to let Erend get close. He continued pulling the trigger, unleashing a hailstorm of bullets, trying to track and hit Erend.

As the distance closed, dodging completely became impossible.

However, instead of dodging, Erend reacted differently.

He raised his sword.

"Clang!"

The Black Furnace Demonic Sword flashed, deflecting the first incoming bullet.

"Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!"

With incredible precision, Erend deflected every bullet, slicing them mid-air. The bullets dissipated into fragments of Liam, vanishing instantly.

Instead of retreating, Erend charged even faster, his sword dancing to intercept the rain of bullets.

The audience gasped.

Curran's pupils shrank in disbelief.

"How is this possible...!?"

He couldn't believe Erend possessed such skill.

"What a sharp sword technique!"

Even the spectators were left speechless.

If Erend's speed had surprised them before, his current performance truly shocked them.

The precision, reaction time, and sheer mastery of his blade were beyond what an ordinary student should be capable of.

Even among the top twelve ranked students, few had this level of swordsmanship.

"Buzz!"

With a loud hum, Erend swung the Black Furnace Demonic Sword.

"Clang!"

The last bullet was easily deflected, and Erend closed the remaining distance in a heartbeat.

"Tsk...!"

Curran gritted his teeth, trying to escape.

But it was too late.

"Swish!"

A white-hot arc sliced through the air.

In an instant, Curran's gun was cleaved in half, melting from the intense heat.

Then, before he could react, Erend's sword flashed toward the school badge on Curran's chest.

A clean strike.

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