The bullet condensed by the fourth spirit ability was essentially a guaranteed hit with auto-aim and critical strike hacks.
As the spirit skill activated, Kiana's fourth spirit ring gradually lit up behind her, and the Honkai energy within her body surged wildly into her martial spirit—the twin guns.
A bullet entirely composed of Honkai energy slowly took shape within the gun.
The corrosive properties of the Honkai energy were entirely suppressed by Kiana's martial spirit, Predetermined Cause·Inevitable Effect, with all the erosive force concentrated into the bullet's tip, granting it formidable armor-piercing capabilities.
...
Meanwhile, March 7th, Hu Tao, and Stelle were also drawn to Kiana's actions.
March 7th stared at Kiana, who was charging her attack, and her expression stiffened before turning sharp.
If she wasn't mistaken, Kiana was clearly preparing a devastating move.
Hmph, I'm no masochist—I have no interest in standing still and tanking an opponent's ultimate!
Instantly, March 7th tensed up, leaning slightly forward as she prepared to rush in and interrupt Kiana's charging sequence.
However, though the movement was subtle, it was still noticeable to those paying attention. Stelle only needed a glance to discern March 7th's intentions.
"Heh, March, trying to cause trouble? Dream on—I won't let you disturb Kiana," Stelle said with a smug grin, her five spirit rings lighting up one after another.
Five peculiar trash cans materialized steadily in front of Stelle.
...
The audience watched this scene unfold with collective speechlessness. This ability...
"It's indescribable... Truly worthy of Stelle. Her obsession with trash cans never disappoints."
"Exactly, the Trash Can Queen herself. But why do these trash cans give me the vibe of treasure chests?"
"You're not alone in thinking that."
"Whoa, treasure chests? Seriously? Stelle, darling, you can't handle these trash cans—let Uncle take care of them instead."
"The tone of this match is getting more and more abstract... though Stelle's been consistent, at least."
"Pfft, Stelle's just fully embraced her nature—the Innate Abstract Saint Body in action."
"Her spirit rings dimmed a bit after summoning those five 'treasure chests.' Feels like a cooldown mechanic?"
"Now that you mention it... one ring per trash can? Wonder how long the cooldown is."
"Kinda reminds me of a gacha system. Speaking of which—"
"Don't even start. My liver's already been sacrificed to the grind. Screw min-maxing—let's all just slack off."
...
However, March 7th's expression grew even more solemn as she eyed the trash cans.
She wasn't surprised by Stelle's Peculiar Trash Can summons—after their recent adventures, she was all too familiar with Stelle's martial spirit.
Stelle's Peculiar Trash Cans could yield all sorts of treasures.
While truly outrageous items were rare, they weren't unheard of.
Like that time in Belobog, during a boss fight, Stelle had a massive luck spike and pulled an Imaginary Kinetic Antimatter Star-Destroyer Cannon from one of her trash cans, obliterating the giant Automaton Grizzly in one shot.
Though Himeko later confiscated the cannon, the incident alone showcased the terrifying potential of this martial spirit.
However...
Recalling its flaws, March 7th relaxed slightly.
Yes, Stelle's Peculiar Trash Can was incredibly powerful, but it wasn't without weaknesses—two, to be exact.
First, the items obtained were entirely luck-based, with no pity system. Even Stelle herself couldn't bypass this rule. Only the luckiest could reign supreme; the unlucky were left to weep silently.
Second, the number of trash cans Stelle could summon per day was limited to her spirit ring count—meaning today, she only had five chances.
Though limited, March 7th knew that as long as Stelle hadn't exhausted her summons, the sheer unpredictability of this martial spirit meant a comeback was always possible.
After all, despite its restrictions, this ability was downright unfair.
But...
Just as Stelle reached for a trash can, March 7th's lips curled into a smirk.
Sure, according to the law of equivalent exchange, your luck should've taken a nosedive after pulling that star-destroyer cannon, Stelle...
But still...
Better safe than sorry, right?
So... this time, I never said I wouldn't interrupt your trash-digging session.
Run her over, Astral Express.jpg.
With a mental command, the train charged forward with a "Woo-woo!" sound, barreling straight toward Stelle.
March 7th didn't use a spirit skill—the Express's raw momentum was more than enough to secure her victory.
(Also because activating a spirit skill would exceed the power threshold and violate match rules.)
"Waaah! March, that's so unfair! You promised not to interrupt my gacha time!" Stelle yelled, flustered.
March 7th rolled her eyes in response: Seriously, you're so extra. We're opponents—who'd give you prep time?
Ugh... Why can't gacha sessions come with invincibility frames? Even Kamen Riders get that privilege!
Grumbling, Stelle hastily flipped open the first trash can lid and yanked out its contents.
Peculiar Trash Can Gacha—commence!?
First pull: Banana peel... Useless.
Second pull: Fruit knife... Useless.
Third pull: Blue-and-white porcelain vase... Useless.
Fourth pull: Yellow square block of dirt... Useless.
Final pull: Skill·Flash... Somewhat useful.
Destined Non-Believer.
Stelle could practically see the title materializing above her head.
But before she could mourn her abysmal luck—or even check the skill description—the Astral Express was already upon her.
Panicking, Stelle immediately activated her newly acquired Flash skill, attempting to evade the train's rampage.
(End of Chapter)