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Chapter 30: Shalnark's Analysis
BOOM!
The three fire dragons blasted the remaining glass shards into oblivion. They didn't dissipate after exiting the room; instead, they turned, chasing the falling Nobunaga in mid-air.
However, the pursuit only lasted a dozen meters before fizzling out.
The dragons dispersed, leaving only scorching heat in the air.
In freefall, Nobunaga untied his sash and wrapped it around his scabbard. Ignoring his open robe exposing his blue boxer shorts with cartoon elephants, he threw his sword with explosive force.
The blade pierced the wall. The long white sash pulled taut. Reinforced by Nobunaga's Shu, the sash didn't snap, swinging him violently into the wall.
Meanwhile, back in the room, an antenna silently approached Ronin, aiming for his lower back.
The targeted Ronin turned around. His pitch-black eyes met Shalnark's unreadable face.
But before Shalnark could press the button on his phone to control him, Ronin exploded into a puff of white smoke with a poof, vanishing completely.
Shalnark froze, phone in hand.
He instantly leaped back, retreating from the still-hot room.
He pulled out a second antenna, ready to stab himself (Autopilot mode) if necessary.
Only when his first antenna fell to the floor without triggering any traps, and no human presence remained, did he frown and cautiously re-enter.
Chaotic footsteps echoed in the hallway; people were approaching.
Shalnark scanned the room. He saw Nobunaga climbing up from the window, but no sign of Ronin.
He shook his head at Nobunaga and turned to leave quickly.
Nobunaga was stunned. Shalnark failed? Impossible! Thinking this, he quickly followed Shalnark.
...
The moment the Ronin stuck by the antenna turned into smoke, the real Ronin in Room 188, maintaining his Ken, suddenly opened his eyes.
Sweat dripped from his chin onto the floor.
His mind was flooded with the memories of the Shadow Clone in Room 2333.
He didn't drop his Ken. Currently, Ronin could maintain Ken for seven minutes—with only half his aura (since the other half was in the clone).
Milia's calculation method was identical to Knuckle's in the manga.
By that calculation, maintaining Ken consumed 10 aura per second given his mastery level.
Half his aura lasting seven minutes meant his precise aura capacity was 8,400.
Milia's estimate was quite accurate.
This also meant Ronin's aura control was extremely crude.
According to Knuckle, preparation consumed 1 aura per second.
Combat consumption—using Ryu, Ken, Gyo—increased usage to 6-10 aura per second.
6 aura/sec was for masters with extreme control.
10 aura/sec was for rough users like Ronin.
A difference of 4 aura per second might seem small, but over time, it was massive.
So, besides increasing capacity, Ronin needed to improve his control.
The clone's dispersal was expected.
It was a surprise gift left in Room 2333 for the Phantom Troupe.
The clone also tested the power of the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet in combat. Although it was a pity it didn't kill Nobunaga, forcing him into such a sorry state was satisfying enough.
But the B-Rank Jutsu consumption was too high.
The Shadow Clone split his Chakra evenly. Even though the clone had been active for a while, casting a Fireball and the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet nearly drained it completely.
Ronin estimated that even in peak condition, he could only cast such a B-Rank Jutsu three or four times.
This is the downside of not having a Tailed Beast inside me! Ronin lamented.
Can I artificially create a Tailed Beast?
The thought popped into his head, but it would be difficult, likely involving heavy Vows and Limitations.
Ronin shelved the idea for now.
His priority was basic training, increasing capacity, and developing his Hatsu.
Reaching the seven-minute mark, a sweat-drenched Ronin collapsed on the floor.
After resting, he didn't recreate the Shadow Clone immediately. Milia called, asking if he was okay.
Ronin explained briefly and hung up.
Milia would know how to handle the PR better than him.
The attack in the 200th-floor residential area caused quite a stir in Heaven's Arena.
While under-the-table tactics were known, such a large commotion was rare.
The victim's identity was exposed: the rising supernova, Ronin.
Uvogin heard the news shortly after leaving the ring.
He looked at Nobunaga with disdain. "Can't you do a clean job? You didn't kill him, and you made a huge mess. Embarrassing."
Nobunaga, already frustrated by the ambush, looked ugly. "Ronin is growing too fast. Don't slip up in the ring."
Shalnark had been thinking since they left.
"The target we attacked... seemed to be a clone. A clone created primarily through Conjuration," Shalnark deduced.
"Transmutation flames, Conjuration clone... his Specialist ability is really unique," Nobunaga added.
"Indeed. But the clone's weakness is obvious. One hit and it dispels," Shalnark analyzed.
His antenna attack barely dealt damage, yet it popped Ronin instantly.
Coupled with the fact that the clone fought exclusively with ranged attacks, it fit the profile of a utility-type ability created with Vows and Limitations—high utility, low durability.
This fit Ronin's style perfectly: endless tricks for escaping and disguising.
Only now, he had added some attack methods!
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