November 7th at the Academy training grounds, two intense sparring matches were underway.

  Master Rengo faced off against Gojima, while Bernard clashed with Dante.

  Master Rengo, one of the mere seven heroes in Japan to have achieved the prestigious 5-star rating, studied Gojima's stance, noting his tank-like build and imposing armor. The veteran hero, once a full-time restaurant chef before joining the Academy, chose to wear Gojima down slowly, avoiding direct attacks while testing for weaknesses. His Artisan Blade morphed, shifting into a bulkier, meat-tenderizer-like form—a reflection of his culinary past that now served him in combat.

  It had been fifteen years since that fateful day when assailants attacked his restaurant. He had saved every family except for one child. That singular failure had driven him to the Academy, transforming a humble chef into one of Japan's most formidable heroes.

  Gojima, unphased, raised his shield and shuffled forward. Rengo's onslaught continued, each strike methodically placed—yet Gojima teleported mid-attack.

  Appearing behind Rengo, Gojima delivered a shield bash to his exposed back.

  Rengo grunted, adjusting quickly. "A tough fish with even tougher scales... but eventually, even the toughest scales can be peeled." He smirked as Gojima's armor showed signs of weakening.

  Gojima narrowed his eyes. His armor was built for endurance—so why did it feel like every strike from Rengo left something behind? He had taken harder hits before, yet each impact from Rengo's blade lingered unnaturally, as if the weapon was shaping his defenses rather than just breaking them.

  He gritted his teeth. If he didn't act soon, Rengo would carve through his defenses like a butcher preparing meat.

  Meanwhile, Dante and Bernard engaged in a technical, high-speed exchange.

  Dante, another 5-star hero and the youngest ever to achieve this rank at just 29, wielded a normal sword, avoiding overwhelming Bernard and instead analyzing his form. Known throughout Japan as "The Blade of the Limitless," his prodigious talent with a sword was unmatched. Few knew the true nature of his concept—"Astral Projection"—which allowed him to send waves of invisible slashes wherever he wanted, so long as his hand remained on his sword.

  Bernard pressed forward, his movements honed through German training.

  Dante chuckled. "Your technique is refined... but they call me the fastest in Japan for a reason."

  Blades clashed—until Bernard smirked. "Then let's speed things up."

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  His legs tensed, veins bulging, and in an instant, he vanished.

  Dante barely dodged, surprised. This guy is actually fast.

  Dante continued evading, studying Bernard's openings. Then—

  He parried Bernard's next strike without moving.

  Bernard faltered, eyes widening. An afterimage of Dante remained where he had attacked.

  Bernard blinked. What? That was a perfect strike... but he didn't move?

  The illusion repeated. Every time Bernard struck, Dante seemed to be there—yet untouched.

  Finally, Dante gripped his sword. His voice was calm but absolute.

  "Let me show you why they call me 'The Blade of the Limitless.'"

  Invisible slashes filled the air.

  Bernard deflected with pure reflex, but there was no opening.

  Each movement from Dante was precise, effortless—an endless barrage.

  Bernard clenched his jaw. I can't counter... he's just standing there!

  Kenji entered the training grounds. The sparring immediately ceased as he addressed the group.

  "Before I post this, does anyone want a Green Tier mission?"

  The fighters paused, looking toward him.

  Kenji explained, "Mrs. Inosuke is finally recovering from the hospital. I need a security detail to bring her back to the Academy."

  Dante sheathed his sword. "I'll do it. It's been a while since I've seen her—I'd like to catch up."

  He turned toward Gojima. "Want to join me?"

  Gojima nodded humbly. "I'll accompany you."

  Master Rengo and Dante exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the growth of the young heroes.

  Kenji, Dante, and Gojima arrived at the hospital, signing documents before being led to Mrs. Inosuke's room.

  The air inside was still. Mrs. Inosuke sat upright, eyes distant.

  Dante approached first. "How are you feeling?"

  Mrs. Inosuke hesitated. "...Better. But something feels wrong."

  Kenji furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

  She shook her head. "I don't know. But I can't shake the feeling that I shouldn't be here."

  Kenji softened his tone. "I know the past few weeks have been rough. But you'll be safe at the Academy."

  A nurse entered, smiling warmly. "Mrs. Inosuke's discharge papers are ready. She's officially free to go."

  Dante nodded, his posture relaxing slightly. "That's great news. We'll have you back at the Academy in no time."

  Gojima moved to help Mrs. Inosuke gather her few belongings. "Do you need assistance standing, ma'am?"

  She smiled weakly. "No, I believe I can manage."

  Kenji checked the hallway, confirming their exit route was clear. "The car is waiting downstairs. We'll be back before dinner."

  A sense of relief filled the room. The mission seemed almost too easy—a welcome change after weeks of tension.

  Then—

  A tall woman with jet-black hair tied into a ponytail phased through the door.

  She walked straight through Kenji.

  Dante's instincts flared—he drew his sword instantly.

  He slashed.

  His blade passed through her.

  Mrs. Inosuke's eyes widened in horror.

  The woman raised a gun.

  "This is business, not personal, old lady."

  A gunshot rang out.

  Mrs. Inosuke collapsed. Blood splattered against the wall.

  Kenji reached for her—but it was already over.

  The woman stepped back, summoning a portal.

  Dante blitzed forward, slashing at the void—

  The woman was already gone.

  Kenji stood frozen. The room reeked of blood.

  His mind raced. How did she get past our security? Where did she come from?

  He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. I need to report this immediately.

  Somewhere else—

  The portal opened into the Assassin's Guild.

  A council of elders watched from the shadows.

  A calm voice spoke. "The deed is done, sir."

  The elder smiled. "Quick and efficient, Emi. I expect nothing less from you."