Although Young Master Leo lost this battle against Miyamoto Musashi, he still enjoyed it immensely.
One must know, this was the first time he had ever used his Blazing Heaven Thunder Prison in a battle since its awakening, and Miyamoto Musashi was very considerate throughout, always allowing him to unleash it. Otherwise, with her abilities, it would definitely not have been difficult to place her blade at his throat before Leo could unleash the true power of Blazing Heaven Thunder Prison.
So, even though he lost, Leo had no feelings of unwillingness or anything similar. Instead, he had thoroughly unleashed himself, and felt a sense of clarity.
Besides wanting to unleash his full power, Leo also wanted to know what level he was currently at after battling Miyamoto Musashi.
Although he felt that he could definitely challenge opponents beyond his current rank, this was ultimately just his own feeling.
Before this, Leo had never fought against a Highest-level Demon, and had even encountered very few High-Class Devils. So, he actually had no real confidence and didn't know if his self-assessment was accurate.
Therefore, in this battle with Miyamoto Musashi, Leo also wanted to take the opportunity to ask her how strong he truly was now.
Miyamoto Musashi is both a Retainer of a Demon Lord and a seasoned senior Demon who has lived for hundreds of years, challenged countless powerful individuals, and fought even more. Her insight and experience far surpassed his.
She would definitely be able to give Leo an answer.
As expected... "Young Master Leo's current strength is definitely not weak. At least among the younger generation of the same era, there should be few who can be your opponent." Miyamoto Musashi seemed to have seen through Leo's intentions, thought for a moment, and then said to Leo, "The younger generation I'm referring to doesn't just mean Demons, but everyone within the Three Factions and even outside of them."
"Many geniuses have emerged in your generation. Not to mention the red-haired princess from the Gremory family who inherited the 'Destruction' trait, just like the current Demon Lord Lucifer, there are also extraordinary descendants born in other Demon noble families."
"Especially the Great King Bael's family; I've met the successor to the patriarch of this generation once. That Young Master is extraordinary. Although he isn't highly regarded by his family, his strength has already far surpassed his peers."
"The Church has also produced several promising talents who could become top Exorcists, and among the Fallen Angel's Child of God Monitors, it is said that several super-strong Sacred Gear Holders have been cultivated in recent years, two of whom are even god-slaying tool holders, with strength unrivaled among their generation."
Miyamoto Musashi added all these people together before concluding, "There are few who can be Leo's opponents."
This assessment was undeniably high.
"The original Young Master Leo would certainly not have been able to compare with these individuals, but you possess Blazing Heaven Thunder Prison, the second strongest god-slaying tool in the world, so the situation is different."
Miyamoto Musashi spoke candidly, continuing her assessment.
"Judging by Young Master Leo's performance just now, among beings of the same generation, he should be able to contend for a spot in the top five."
"If Young Master you can master Blazing Heaven Thunder Prison and reach the realm of Balance Breaker, then you can even contend for the top three."
"At the very least, an ordinary Highest-level Demon will not be your opponent."
Upon hearing this, Leo thoughtfully pursued the question.
"An ordinary Highest-level Demon refers to the eight-winged level, right? What about the ten-winged level?"
Facing Leo's inquiry, Miyamoto Musashi showed a somewhat troubled expression before responding.
"If the opponent is a ten-winged Highest-level Demon, then Young Master Leo, you should still be quite a bit weaker," Miyamoto Musashi honestly stated, "Highest-level Demons of that level are rare even in the Underworld. Many older generation Demons don't even have ten wings, and the ten-winged individuals among Angels and Fallen Angels are absolutely cadre-level. Some can even fight against Demon Lord-level beings, far stronger than the eight-winged level."
"Young Master, your use of Blazing Heaven Thunder Prison is quite proficient, but it hasn't reached its peak. When fighting an eight-winged Highest-level Demon, your chances of winning should be higher."
"But a ten-winged Highest-level Demon is another matter entirely. The situation would likely be reversed. Even if you encounter one who has just been promoted, your chances of winning wouldn't exceed 20%, and might even be lower."
Ultimately, Leo's Blazing Heaven Thunder Prison appeared too late; it had only been a month at most. Being able to use it proficiently was already thanks to the feedback from the Familiarization trait. This power was enough for him to defeat opponents one rank higher, but trying to cross two ranks was still a bit too difficult.
If Leo could use Blazing Heaven Thunder Prison to its fullest, he might still be able to fight a newly promoted ten-winged Demon. However, to compare himself to an existence like Miyamoto Musashi, who is only one step away from the Demon Lord level, would be somewhat wishful thinking.
"Of course, this is just my judgment."
Seeing Leo lost in thought, Miyamoto Musashi immediately added a few more sentences.
"I drew this conclusion based on Young Master Leo's performance just now, but Sacred Gear Holders are inherently beings that cannot be measured by common sense, especially a god-slaying tool holder like you. Anything is possible."
Sacred Gears are powers that feed on the owner's thoughts, capable of constantly changing and evolving, thereby becoming stronger and stronger. Their strength is also determined by intent; if the host is in a state of low morale, the Sacred Gear's effectiveness will be worse than usual, and vice versa, which will enhance the Sacred Gear's power, unleashing astonishing might in battle.
In the original work, the Red Dragon Emperor more than once burst forth with power due to this, and at his most outrageous, he was even able to punch a cadre-level ten-winged Fallen Angel flying with a Sacred Gear that had only recently awakened, fully demonstrating the phrase "god-slaying tools are powers that can disrupt balance."
Miyamoto Musashi had also seen many Sacred Gear Holders unleash astonishing power in critical moments, turning decay into wonder, relying on their unyielding will.
Therefore, she said that if the opponent is a god-slaying tool holder, then anything is possible.
Once Leo also unleashes astonishing will, then with Blazing Heaven Thunder Prison's status as the second strongest in the world, he might even be able to suppress and beat a Demon Lord.
However, that kind of explosive power is too unstable. In Miyamoto Musashi's opinion, it's best not to place hope in that aspect.
"I suggest that Young Master Leo still dedicate more energy to developing your Sacred Gear, striving to use it proficiently, reach its peak, and try to touch the Balance Breaker realm."
Miyamoto Musashi offered the most prudent advice.
"As long as you can achieve Balance Breaker, with the status of Blazing Heaven Thunder Prison, even if the opponent is a Demon Lord, Young Master Leo, you are not incapable of fighting them."
If Leo could reach the realm of Balance Breaker, then he should be able to compete with her at full power, right?
Thinking of this, Miyamoto Musashi even felt a little anticipation.
"I understand." Leo nodded, accepted the advice, and said, "I think so too. I'll first figure out how to use the Sacred Gear proficiently, and then reach the Balance Breaker realm."
This was Leo's fastest path to becoming stronger at the moment, and he certainly wouldn't put the cart before the horse.
Of course, he would not neglect his foundation; only by having stronger magic power and abilities could the Sacred Gear's power be better and more sustainably unleashed.
Even if he reached the realm of Balance Breaker in the future, the foundation could not be ignored, otherwise, the Balance Breaker state would not last long at all.
The best examples are the current Red Dragon Emperor and the current White Dragon Emperor.
One is the weakest Red Dragon Emperor in history, who even after reincarnating as a Demon, did not possess much magic power, unable even to perform Magic Circle teleportation. He could only miserable (work hard) to train his physical strength, almost crippling himself, yet could only maintain the Balance Breaker state for thirty minutes, and could not activate the Sacred Gear's abilities, causing additional consumption, otherwise, the time would be further shortened.
One is the strongest White Dragon Emperor in history, half of his bloodline coming from the deceased Old Demon Lord Lucifer, born with immense magic power and talent. Once he activates his Sacred Gear's Balance Breaker, he can maintain it for a full month. Such a long duration means even casually activating abilities would cause no impact, forming a stark contrast with the former.
Leo's foundation is also not bad, a genuine High-Class Devil level. Even if he wielded the power of Blazing Heaven Thunder Prison as freely as he did just now, he wouldn't run out of stamina like Yukinoshita Yukino. If he reached the realm of Balance Breaker, even if he couldn't maintain it for a full month, he should still be much better than the Red Dragon Emperor.
But the stronger the foundation, the better. If he could possess the immense magic power of the White Dragon Emperor and reach the Balance Breaker realm, then he should be able to surpass him and become even stronger.
After all, the White Dragon Emperor's Sacred Gear is only the sixth-ranked mid-tier god-slaying tool, while Leo's Sacred Gear is the second-ranked high-tier god-slaying tool. With both having the same foundation and reaching the same Sacred Gear realm, Leo would definitely be the stronger one.
And the White Dragon Emperor's strength after activating Balance Breaker is... Demon Lord-level!
"Before I leave this manor, Young Master Leo can come to me for a sparring match anytime."
Miyamoto Musashi, seeing that Leo could understand things himself, felt much relieved and offered a very tempting proposal.
"I imagine having a sufficiently formidable opponent to train with should be of considerable help to you."
Hearing this, Leo's eyes lit up.
Having a powerful individual close to Demon Lord level constantly feeding him moves would be a tremendous help.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Miss Musashi."
Seeing Leo nod so readily, Miyamoto Musashi also smiled broadly.
Next, things returned to normal, and Miyamoto Musashi once again began guiding Yuuki Asuna in her sword practice.
Having witnessed the power of two powerful Demons firsthand, Yuuki Asuna's motivation also seemed to have been ignited, and she became even more serious and diligent.
Thus, time came to evening.
As the day began to darken, Leo took Yuuki Asuna to their last appointment of the day...