The Absolute Speed of a Certain Comic'

In the open-air square, Stella stood before the crowd. Flames erupted from her hands, vaporizing the bullets aimed at the mother and child, leaving not a single one behind.

These defensive flames, while harmless to her, could easily injure ordinary people. Therefore, she could only protect the hostages indirectly, leaving Kurogane Shizuku to shield them physically.

Stella, on the other hand, focused on delaying the terrorists.

"I represent all the hostages here!" She declared. "I demand to negotiate with your leader!"

Stella removed her sunglasses and mask, revealing her exquisite face, hoping this would buy them time.

As an Imperial Princess, her status was unique. Coupled with her powerful innate magic, she was renowned worldwide. Even a formidable terrorist organization like Rebellion would likely hesitate to kill her immediately.

She aimed to use this opportunity to draw out the enemy leader and eliminate the terrorists in one fell swoop.

"There is a Blazer among them? Shoot her!"

"Wait, I recognize that face. She's the Vermillion Princess!"

"Really? How did someone with the world's strongest Magic Power end up here?"

"Didn't you see the news? She came to Japan to study."

The dozen or so soldiers hesitated, whispering amongst themselves, clearly intimidated by her identity.

Terrorists, despite their bravado, were wary of powerful Blazers. They might act arrogantly towards ordinary people, but against a Blazer, especially one as strong as her, their confidence would falter.

Furthermore, harming an Imperial Princess would attract international attention, making it impossible for them to continue their criminal activities.

"Silence! Is it not rude to whisper in front of a distinguished guest?"

A voice echoed from the edge of the food street, accompanied by the sound of leisurely footsteps.

Stella turned towards the source of the voice.

"Aiya, aiya~! Seems we have a big shot among us!"

The man, draped in a black cloak embroidered with golden patterns, noticed Stella's gaze and grinned widely. His smile twisted the tattoos on his face.

"That embroidered golden cloak... it's the ceremonial robe worn by an Apostle. You must be their leader, right?"

"Hehehe, you really know your stuff. That's correct. My name is Bishou. Pleased to meet you, Your Highness."

Bishou bowed respectfully to Stella, then his expression turned cold as he glared at the soldiers guarding the hostages.

"Yakin! Didn't I tell you not to kill the hostages casually? Were you ignoring my orders?"

"N-no, it's that little brat! He... he soiled my pants..."

"Is that so? Hmm, well, then I suppose it's not entirely your fault."

Bishou slightly averted his eyes, dismissing his stammering subordinate, and smiled pleasantly.

"As a person, one should always take responsibility for their actions. That little brat was too unruly. He insulted the honorary citizens of the new world, so of course, his life must be the price to pay."

Bishou smiled faintly, and his right hand, hidden beneath his cloak, emerged, gripping a handgun.

He aimed it at the trembling boy beside him, ready to pull the trigger.

He genuinely intended to kill the boy. The murderous intent radiating from him was palpable and genuine.

Stella immediately understood this and reacted swiftly.

Leaping high into the air, she instinctively unleashed explosive magical power from her feet, raising her sword to slash at Bishou.

The sword engulfed in flames, descended with immense force, powerful enough to cleave the concrete floor of the mall, seemingly unstoppable.

But as she attacked, a triumphant smile spread across Bishou's face.

"Little brat, you're still just a little brat. No matter how strong your innate skill is, you're still too inexperienced!"

He released the handgun and raised his hands to intercept the incoming greatsword with his bare hands.

Crack!

In an instant, the strike, powerful enough to rend the earth, abruptly halted mid-air.

Bishou's left hand extended two fingers, effortlessly pinning the golden greatsword between them. He appeared to handle it with ease, showing no signs of exertion.

"Impossible! My Lævateinn—?!"

No one was more shocked than Stella.

Even Kurogane Ikki, in his Ittou Shura state, enhancing his physical strength and Magic Power dozens of times, could only utilize overwhelming speed to maneuver around and find an opening. He would never dare to face her head-on.

Her sword possessed immense power, fundamentally impossible to block. A single swing was like an earthquake, shaking the very soul.

Yet, Bishou caught her sword with just two fingers. This was beyond human capability!

Stella, though powerful, was still learning.

Boom!

Bishou extended his right fist and punched out.

It seemed like a soft punch, but it landed squarely on Stella's abdomen, shattering her Empress Dress and sending her flying back several meters, her sword clattering to the ground.

"Is that a Reflector?"

Ryoji observed from the shadows. As Stella launched her attack, he clearly saw the rings on Bishou's hands glow with Magic Power.

"Judgment Ring, a pair of inherent Spiritual Items. The left-hand Ring of Sin absorbs any damage, while the right-hand Ring of Punishment converts it into Magic Power and releases it as an attack."

Bishou, brimming with complacency, watched Stella struggle, gleefully explaining the power of his Spiritual Items.

"The first rule of combat between Blazers is the absolute compatibility gap! In other words, the relationship of restraint. No matter how large the gap in Magic Power, as long as one's abilities counter the other, victory can be turned around!"

"...So, I was defeated by my own power."

Stella knelt on the ground, her strength greatly depleted. She panted heavily, a self-mocking smile gracing her lips.

Indeed, compared to Kazuma, the professional knight, she was still too green. She couldn't even anticipate the enemy's trap and foolishly rushed into her own demise.

"What a model of royalty, truly worthy of being an Imperial Princess. To become a shield for such a brat— I'll spare that little demon's life in honor of Your Highness's courage, but only if you agree to one condition."

The smile in Bishou's eyes was like a venomous tongue licking across Stella's body.

"It's simple. Just apologize. After all, when you make a mistake, you must apologize. But, it must be done fully naked, prostrated on the ground, begging— kekekekek!"

Stella's figure was remarkable, rivaling that of Senior Sister Toudou Touka. Add to that her unparalleled beauty and noble Imperial Princess status, and it was enough to stir a man's desire for conquest, evoking lustful thoughts.

Hurry up.

—With Ryoji's perverted nature, he had originally intended to say just that.

Bang!

A bullet shot out from an assault rifle, grazing Bishou's face and stopping his sinister smile dead in its tracks.

(End of Chapter)

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