The air in the Ryuga grounds was so heavy that it felt frozen. Everyone could feel the approaching storm. Yoru Mikado stood at the head of the meeting table, took a deep breath, and glanced at the assembled leaders of each of the major clubs. Behind him stood the core members of the Magic Club, and across from him sat the representatives of the Swordsmanship, Martial Arts, Archery and Javelin Clubs.
"The challenge from Sōen Academy is not to be taken lightly."
Yoru's voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable authority. He unfolded a document, and a projector lit up the wall with images - Sōen Academy's Martial Arts Club, specializing in psychic techniques, ranked number one in the entire school and held a notable position on the world stage.
"These are no ordinary opponents."
The screen changed to show footage of some of Sōen Academy's matches. In the footage, their fighters overwhelmed their opponents with bizarre styles-many collapsed mid-fight, clutching their heads as if suffering from unbearable mental trauma.
Midō Karuma adjusted his glasses and said in a low voice, "Psychic martial arts... Their training methods are definitely not normal."
"Agreed," Hakuran said as he leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed and his gaze stern.
"I even suspect that their enhancement systems involve drugs or external power sources."
Hōdō Saya tapped her fingers on the table, calmly analyzing, "If their core is mental domination, then they don't rely on physical force - they aim to break the opponent's will. Yoru, what's your opinion?"
Yoru did not answer immediately. Instead, he looked at Tendo Kyoichi.
"You have already encountered psychic tactics. How do you judge them?"
Tendo closed his eyes and answered slowly: "If their core is really mental shock, then our countermeasures must change.
He opened his eyes - sharp and penetrating.
"The Swordsmanship Club will not retreat, but relying on swordplay alone will not guarantee victory."
Onimaru Setsura let out a cold laugh.
"Psychic attacks? They're worthless against overwhelming power."
Yoru stared at him deeply.
"No. Brute force alone will not solve this. Your fighting style may not be based on direct confrontation. It's more like... a creeping, layered corrosion."
Silence fell. Everyone was lost in thought.
How should we react then?"
Gōzanshi Retsu broke the silence, his voice calm and powerful.
"If their tactics really involve mental suppression, do we need special training methods?"
Yoru tapped lightly on the table, scanning everyone.
"Before any formal encounter, we need to confirm three things."
He held up three fingers.
"First, what exactly is Sōen Academy's enhancement system? We need information."
"Second, how can we develop counter-strategies for psychic combat?"
"Third, can we identify their weaknesses before the battle begins?"
All eyes were on him.
"Therefore, we will first conduct a mock battle."
Everyone paused in surprise.
"A mock battle?" Midō asked.
Yoru nodded slightly.
"We need to test the strength of the psychic battle. The Magic Club will provide a member to simulate Sōen's fighting style."
He turned to Hakuran.
"Your misdirection magic is the closest to their tactics. You will lead it."
Hakuran grinned.
"Oh? Simulating psychic suppression? That sounds fun."
Hōdō nodded thoughtfully.
"Indeed. Hakuran's magic can create visual distortions and illusions - perfect for simulating such an environment."
Tendo nodded slightly.
"If that's the case, the Swordsmanship Club will participate."
Gōzanshi also smiled.
"The martial arts club will not be left behind either."
Onimaru just scoffed.
"Do what you want. The essence of the fight will not change."
Yoru exhaled slowly.
"Then the mock battle will take place in three days."
With that, the first countermeasure of the Higashigumo Academy was set - but a deeper crisis was just beginning to surface.
Meanwhile, in a secret meeting - In the staff conference room of Higashigumo Academy, the tutors, the disciplinarian, the vice-principal, and the principal were confronted by an unfamiliar guest.
A representative of the Seiyuu Foundation spoke with a calm, cold gaze:
"Higashigumo Academy... Are you ready to face a real challenge?"
Black Blade returns? The truth of the afterlife?
-Higashigumo Academy, Faculty Conference Room- "Then-" The man finally spoke. His voice was calm, but carried a disturbing pressure.
"Regarding Higashigumo's combat strength - what are your assessments?"
All the staff sat at the table, their expressions varying.
"After the Five-Club War, our strongest have become clear," the head of discipline said grimly.
"Yoru Mikado, Tendo Kyoichi, Onimaru Setsura, Hōdō Saya, Gōzanshi Retsu-all are elite."
"But the problem is-" the vice-principal said darkly, "why are the other academies suddenly stirring?"
The representative's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Because they found out about your experiment."
The air instantly froze.
Experiment.
The staff's expressions changed. The Head of Discipline clenched his fists.
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
The representative didn't answer. Instead, he put a document on the table.
"Have you heard of the 'Sōen Academy'?"
Silence.
"One of the four great academies. On par with Higashigumo. Their martial arts club is number one, even worldwide."
"But unlike you, their warriors don't rely on traditional training. They use 'special stimulants' to forcibly increase their potential -" "Adrenaline stimulants?" the headmaster frowned.
"No. They go further." The representative tapped the table, his voice cold.
"Their warriors possess alien factors."
The room fell silent.
"In other words... someone has returned alive from the other world."
Everyone was stunned.
"You mean - they've broken through to the Otherworld?" the vice principal asked in a low voice.
The representative nodded.
"And their goal is simple - to defeat Higashigumo's strongest and devour the entire academy."
Real external threats were quickly approaching.
--- Just then...
A terrifying sword aura surged outside the conference room, like black lightning ripping through the air.
All the tutors stood up in alarm.
"What was that?!"
"That aura..." the vice principal's pupils shrank.
"It's the Swordsmanship Club..." "No-it's the Black Blade."
-Swordsmanship Club Training Grounds- In the morning light, the students lay collapsed, unharmed but expressionless, their bodies trembling.
Before them stood a man in a black cloak.
His sword was dark as night, radiating an eerie glow.
His eyes seemed swallowed by darkness, radiating a chilling, abyssal aura.
Black Blade - the strongest swordsman at Higashigumo Academy three years ago.
The former captain of the Swordsmanship Club.
A forgotten legend.
He had returned.
"Tendo Kyoichi."
He raised his head and stared blankly at the white-clad swordsman.
The current captain of the Swordsmanship Club, Tendo Kyoichi, stood calmly in the center of the compound, his eyes piercing.
"You're alive."
Black Blade smiled faintly.
"Alive...?"
His voice was deep and hoarse, carrying a sinister eeriness.
"No... I died long ago."
Tendo tightened his grip on his sword, his gaze sharpened.
"Then why have you returned?"
Black Blade stared silently. Then his lips curled slightly - "To see... if you deserve to live."
The next moment, Black Blade's aura surged outward- "Draw your blade, Kyoichi."