Swordsmanship?
"Not the swordsmanship used to slay gods, but the limit I could reach as an ordinary person. Don't even think about Dimensional Slash."
Hoshino cautioned her.
Amiya could tell she was telling the truth. Though slightly disappointed, she nodded in agreement and hoped Hoshino would be accepted into Rhodes Island. Her idealism was practically overflowing.
Then Hoshino reconsidered and asked, "Didn't you just say that, as an adjudicator, I shouldn't show any obvious bias? Yet you turn around and ask me to join Rhodes Island. Isn't that contradictory?"
The little rabbit drank her sakura tea and smiled at her without saying a word.
Hoshino gradually understood.
If she agreed on the spot, Amiya would probably wipe that smile off her face and lecture her. It looked like an invitation, but it was actually a well-intentioned test. Amiya wanted to see whether the shrine maiden had truly taken her words to heart.
Terrifying.
But it was becoming interesting, too.
"I told Kal'tsit that her fearlessness came from ignorance. But you're different. You clearly understand the price of arrogance, so your education needs to be gentler."
Hoshino tried to regain some ground. "I'll give you four words: the world is vast."
"Yes. I won't dwell on what has already happened. Instead, I'll view matters through the lens of more objective facts. Thank you for your guidance."
Amiya lowered her head, only for Hoshino to stop her.
"Don't. The real education hasn't even begun."
Amiya raised her head again. She saw kind eyes, along with joy as blazing as sunlight. She could feel that those words were sincere, yet she also keenly sensed that something was off.
Very off.
"Don't worry. I know my limits. Whether it's a rabbit or a dragon, neither will be hurt in my hands."
"?"
As Rhodes