The Absolute Speed of a Certain Comic'

Ryoji certainly wanted to participate in the 'Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival', but whether he could become the 'Seven Stars Sword King' was of little importance to him.

What he truly sought was the opportunity to face Student Knights from all over Japan, to personally experience various forms of strength. Through these encounters, he hoped to enrich himself, constantly push his limits, shed his weakness, and move toward true power.

—Because being weak was an unbearably painful experience.

The title of 'Seven Stars Sword King'? Sure, it would be great to earn it. Being recognized as such in public would certainly be impressive. But failing to claim the title wouldn't be a great loss, nor was there any need to dwell on gains or losses.

At the end of the day, 'Seven Stars Sword King' was just a title.

As long as he became someone even stronger than the 'Seven Stars Sword King' in the future, people would still praise his name. His fame might even surpass that of those who had once claimed the throne of the 'Seven Stars Sword King'.

Naturally, some would argue, '"With your weak Magic Power as a Blazer, how could you ever become the world's strongest? Isn't that just—"'

"Overestimating yourself."

A sharp, piercing voice interrupted from the side, drawing angry glares from the girls surrounding Ryoji.

"Just look at you— such a frail pretty boy— talking about becoming the world's strongest? Don't make me laugh!"

It's happening! 

Here it comes!

The sound of chairs scraping against the floor echoed as a towering, muscular figure stood up from a seat at the back. He looked at Ryoji with an unmasked expression of disdain.

Ryoji rubbed his hands together, a faint excitement flickering on his face.

Ah, the classic scene where someone shows off only to get humiliated! Whether in urban, fantasy, or academy settings, every novel has this quintessential moment—when an arrogant fool jumps out to get put in their place by the main character!

He'd already noticed this earlier. With so many girls naturally gravitating toward him, it was only a matter of time before he attracted hostility from the other guys.

What's that? You're asking if my earlier words were baiting?

If you ask like that, I'll definitely say no.

Hehe.

"You're an idiot! Nangou-san was able to defeat the world's third strongest!"

"Exactly! Whether Nangou-san can become the world's strongest or not, it's none of your business to recklessly dismiss him!"

"Nangou-San's words show his ambition! Can you even say the same?"

Before Ryoji could jump in, the girls around him had already stepped up to defend him, hurling sharp remarks at the other student.

Could you girls tone it down a bit? Let me handle this, alright?

"What do you mean I can't? If he can say it, why can't I? I'll say it too—I'm going to become the world's strongest! What do you think of that?"

"Ha! Overestimating yourself!"

"?"

The towering student blinked in confusion.

What kind of logic is this? 

Why is it that when this pretty boy says he's aiming to become the world's strongest, it's considered ambitious, but when I say the same thing, it's overconfidence?

"Ahem... Let me say something fair."

Ryoji cleared his throat, signaling the girls to step back as he stepped forward himself.

"Oh, not hiding behind the girls anymore? I'll give you that—you've got some courage."

The towering student quickly masked his barely perceptible hurt feelings, snorting coldly. "Let's see what you've got to say."

"Let's settle this with a duel."

Ryoji offered a cheerful smile.

"…"

The towering student fell silent.

"Hmph, I'll let you off this time. Don't think I'm afraid of you!"

With another cold snort, he turned on his heels and quickly left.

"?"

Ryoji was left stunned by how swiftly the guy backed down.

Wait a minute. According to the usual tropes, shouldn't this be the part where he stubbornly insists I'm all talk, confidently accepts the duel, and even wagers all his savings or spiritual stones? What's with this abrupt retreat?

He Was Just Recently Broke, Hoping to Make a Quick Buck… Why Did He Run Off Immediately? Was He Just Talking Nonsense?

Laughable.

Only a fool would actually duel him. 

The certain towering student, who wished to remain anonymous, breathed a sigh of relief after leaving the classroom. 

No matter how impulsive he could be, he wasn't dumb enough to forget Ryoji's track record— beating Shinguuji Kurono. While he hadn't personally seen the viral video online, he understood the saying, '"Where there's smoke, there's fire."' 

Even if he suspected that Ryoji's reputation was exaggerated, he couldn't imagine someone like Kurono, formerly the world's third strongest, intentionally throwing a fight. That little pretty boy probably did have some genuine strength. 

And as an ordinary E-Rank knight, he had no illusions about his chances of winning. Facing Ryoji in a duel would likely end in complete humiliation, so he fled at the first opportunity. 

Better to appear cowardly now than to get publicly defeated. If that happened, he'd lose all face and dignity for the next three years—an outcome far worse than backing out early. 

"Good thing I'm smart enough!" 

The towering student congratulated himself inwardly. 

Years ago, he had read an online novel featuring countless minor characters who repeatedly stepped forward, only to be ruthlessly humiliated by the protagonist. Back then, he had been amazed by its refreshing plot, binge-reading it overnight. Japanese light novels didn't typically use such straightforward tropes. 

Having learned from that novel, he knew better than to become someone else's stepping stone. 

Unfortunately, that novel had been dropped soon after. According to the author, it wasn't making enough money, so they had to quit and go back to construction work— a loss he mourned for a long time. 

---

Back in the classroom.

With 'minor character-kun' admitting defeat, Ryoji had no choice but to give up on earning money through a baited duel… I mean, a righteous challenge.

"Does Nangou-san have any troubles?" 

"Is there anything we can help with?" 

The girls around him chimed in one after another, patting their chests with a confidence that seemed to say their hearts would flatten if necessary. 

"It's nothing, just a personal issue," Ryoji replied, shaking his head. 

Over the past few days, the ¥100,000 given to him by his 'senpai' had been completely spent. 

Training was extraordinarily expensive. Between facilities, equipment, and nutritional supplements, the costs could drive anyone broke— especially someone like Ryoji, who pushed himself to the limit every single day. 

Although Hagun Academy offered financial aid, it was distributed monthly, which was far too long for him to wait. 

He was desperately broke! 

No, he had to come up with a way to make money. Even if his "money-making talent" seemed cursed—where any cash that came his way only flowed out—there had to be a solution beyond working part-time or starting a business himself. 

It wasn't ideal to keep asking his 'senpai' for help either. Most of her annual financial aid went to supporting the 'Wakaba House', and the ¥100,000 she'd given him had already been most of her savings. 

Ryoji's gaze swept over the surrounding crowd, finally settling on Kusakabe Kagami. 

As a journalist, surely she'd know some unique ways to make money, right? 

"Kusakabe-San." 

"Just call me Kagami! Being closer to my idol is something I'd love!" 

"Kagami, let's schedule that interview for after school." 

"So soon? Yay!" 

Kusakabe Kagami's face lit up with excitement. She was already fantasizing about where to go for this "date" with her idol. 

After all, if you round up, an interview 'is' basically a date. 

---

Shortly afterward, Kurogane Ikki returned from the infirmary, bringing news of Oreki Yuuri's "free time for the rest of the day" directive. 

Ryoji didn't stay in the classroom for long, soon leaving with Kusakabe Kagami. 

'(Chapter End)' 

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