But Chen looked even more like a street racer in her motorcycle suit than Hoshiguma did. After she took off her helmet, her deep-blue hair spilled out, and even her waist was so slender. Years of detective work hadn't left her with a belly; perhaps that was thanks to her long practice with the blade.
Of course, it could also have been a racial advantage.
"Uh..."
(⊙﹏⊙)
"Sorry, I got a little distracted just now. What were you saying?"
"I asked if you understood what you just saw."
"How could I possibly understand it?" Chen realized what she was asking. "That slash... it was the rule of slashing, right? Your authority... You're actually a god, aren't you? A god who governs [Stasis]."
"Yeah, that's what they call an authority. Pretty ridiculous, right?"
"If I could avoid using it, I would. Who wants to beat someone with this kind of thing? Isn't that cheating?"
Hoshino showed her disdain for her own ability. "It's much more satisfying to duel properly with blades. Ohoho, emotions only slow down how fast I draw my sword!"
"..."
Chen wasn't sure what to make of that.
"Did you mean that?"
"Of course not, you silly dragon. The more bonds you have, the heavier your sword becomes. The more precious the things you entrust it with, the faster you'll improve. I learned all that through practice. Emptying your mind is something you should only worry about when you're swinging your sword."
The shrine maiden seemed rather excited.
Chen had noticed that when Hoshino drew her blade and unleashed that slash, the usual serenity had vanished from her face. Was that some kind of side effect?
No, no... It seemed to be nothing more than a simple change in her emotions.
"Finished witnessing it?"
Hoshino wore a mischievous