Chapter 226: Racing from Sixth Kyu to First Dan in Seven Bouts

This is effectively one chapter's worth, but I really wanted to split it by title, so this is a two-chapter update.

There's a mannequin standing in front of me.

Mannequin: "..."

It has only the bare minimum AI installed, so compared with SLF's it's pathetically crude. Allowed to move and fight only within the digital world, it holds a shinai in chudan stance.

Sunraku: "...Hup."

I lightly dodge its charge, hook its leg as we pass, and send it sprawling. Then I give it one smack on the head.

Sunraku: "...Well, by the rules, I guess that's a D rating..."

There's a mannequin standing in front of me.

Mannequin: "..."

It has only the bare minimum AI installed, so compared with SLF's it's pathetically crude. Allowed to move and fight only within the digital world, it holds its shinai in jodan stance.

Sunraku: "...Hup."

I lightly dodge its charge and hook its leg as we pass. It doesn't fall, so I slam a roundhouse kick into it, then give it one smack on the head.

Sunraku: "...Well, by the rules, I guess that's an E rating..."

There's a mannequin standing in front of me.

Mannequin: "..."

It has only the bare minimum AI installed, so compared with SLF's it's pathetically crude. Allowed to move and fight only within the digital world, it holds its shinai in gedan stance.

Sunraku: "...Hah!"

I thrust before it can reach me. Apparently the system judges the bout to be continuing, so while it's staggered I hook its leg, knock it down, and give it one smack on the head.

Sunraku: "...There's an F rating too...?"

There's a mannequin standing in front of me.

Mannequin: "..."

It has only the bare minimum AI installed, so compared with SLF's it's pathetically crude. Allowed to move and fight only within the digital world, it holds its shinai in chudan stance.

Sunraku: "...Hup."

I lightly dodge its charge and hook its leg as we pass. Before the mannequin can even hit the floor, I raise my shinai and bring it down on the back of its head. Apparently the system doesn't allow that, so I give it one ordinary smack on the head instead.

Sunraku: "Fine, fine! I'll stop tripping them! What the hell is a G rating...?"

There's a strong mannequin standing in front of me.

Mannequin: "..."

Its AI is a little better than the bare minimum, but compared with SLF's it's still pathetically crude. Allowed to move and fight only within the digital world, it holds its shinai in jodan stance.

Sunraku: "...Oh."

I lock blades with it as it charges, kick the mannequin in the stomach, and slash its torso while it's staggered.

Sunraku: "So kicks are no good... Even so, an E rating."

There's a strong mannequin standing in front of me.

Mannequin: "..."

Its AI is a little better than the bare minimum, but compared with SLF's it's still pathetically crude. Allowed to move and fight only within the digital world, it holds its shinai in jodan stance.

Sunraku: "...Oh."

I lock blades with it as it charges, kick the mannequin in the stomach, and slash its torso while it's staggered.

Sunraku: "So kicks are no good... Even so, an E rating."

There's a strong swordsman standing in front of me.

Sunraku: "Just as I thought, this is the dividing line... But!"

The only thing I'm aiming for is the secret boss's head. If that's the goal, then even this is nothing more than a waypoint.

I got an E rating.

How incredibly fun it is to climb into the unknown.

Drop a gun. A gun.