Chapter 183 - Peak Combat Prowess
With the long-range attacks over, it’s time for the next phase. The appetizer is finished; it’s time to savor the main course. My tongue licks my lips, wetting them in anticipation.
Now, it’s time for the challenge. I slowly rotate my wrists and thrust the bat forward as if preparing for a home run. This time, I’ll bash it right into you.
"Come at me then!"
How he took my provocative smile, I couldn’t tell, but the magical energy on his scowling face swelled up, threatening to crush and consume me with its fierce aura.
The joy of the moment was quickly followed by a speed that almost made me think of instantaneous teleportation. Watching from the sidelines and actually being the target are two very different things.
As the magical sword descended, I couldn’t help but shudder. This was undoubtedly the fastest and most difficult to time attack I had ever experienced. Relying solely on my trained reflexes, I barely managed to dodge, and then I relied on instinct and intuition to evade the follow-up attacks.
The Cloud Cutter is no ordinary sword. It’s a powerful magical blade, likely made from the materials of an unknown magical beast. There’s no doubt about its sharpness, which rivals or even surpasses the finest magic-infused blades. If it weren’t, a legendary swordsman wouldn’t wield it. No matter how skilled one’s techniques are, they’re useless without the right tool.
To test its sharpness, using a shield would be perfect. I can’t keep dodging forever, so I might as well give it a try.
After a moment’s thought, the merciless magical sword came at me again.
I deployed multiple iron shields in the path of the sword’s trajectory, but they were torn apart like paper as I retreated. Then, I deployed the composite armor. Made from several alloys, this armor has never been breached before. Let’s see how it fares against this.
Even with half a certainty, I continued to retreat and prepared to deploy the next layer of armor.
The supposedly invincible composite armor was sliced open just as I had feared, and I immediately layered on the explosive reactive armor. How about that!?
The moment the magical sword was supposed to touch the reactive armor and trigger an explosion, it slid right through.
"Ah!"
What kind of sharpness does it take to do that? I was so astonished that I laughed.
The reactive armor split in two and exploded as it fell, but my opponent deftly avoided the blast at the last second, showing his exceptional caution.
The explosive reactive armor was designed to have the same defensive strength as the composite armor. If the composite armor could be cut, the reactive armor could be cut too. But to cut through without triggering the explosion is extraordinary.
Even with the unknown magical beast material, I can’t imagine a mere material achieving such sharpness. No matter how advanced the forging techniques and sword skills are, I believe this sword has been enhanced with magical properties. It is, indeed, a magical sword.
There’s no armor that can stop that magical sword, at least not with the current technology. Unfortunately, any armor suspended in mid-air without direct magical power can’t withstand it.
A magic-infused mineral shield, perhaps, could resist it better, but I don’t fight with a shield in my hand. To him, iron and alloys are the same. There might be other options, but improvising would be too dangerous, and I don’t have enough ideas yet.
Just understanding the sword’s sharpness is enough for now. Next, let’s see if he can cut my pride, the super-hard bat!
I’ve grown used to the speed more than when I first saw it. The reassuring weight of the silver super-hard bat feels comfortable. I believe this bat can match him.
The swordsman, who had discarded his shield, paused slightly when he saw me ready my bat. Was he surprised?
A moment’s hesitation is all I need. I took the initiative and attacked.
I poured as much magic as possible into the ultra-heavy and ultra-hard bat and swung it, but he dodged with minimal effort and countered.
My eyes have adjusted quite a bit.
Sweat beads flew as the magical sword split the bat in two.
My body moved fluidly.
I evaded his attack with minimal movement and struck back.
No good, I can’t hit him. But he can’t hit me either.
Swinging the bat alone isn’t working. My body is warmed up, so let’s switch to my usual combat style.
I dodged the magical sword and narrowly avoided the bat. Don’t think it’s the same!
I spun like a top, delivering a series of kicks.
A smile curved my lips.
It wasn’t a clean hit, but my kick grazed his thigh.
"Weapons aren’t the only way to fight!"
With more leeway, I can adapt my fighting style.
Compared to his magical sword, his defenses are thin. He doesn’t wear a full suit of armor, just a few modest protectors on key points. Underneath is a thick shirt and unusually wide pants. They look like ordinary clothes to me, but if I land a blow, I should be able to inflict some damage.
However, he immediately recognized the threat of my kicks and easily deflected them. What a guy. He’s battle-hardened to an abnormal degree. Has his combat experience in uncharted territories honed his adaptability?
Just as I thought we’d continue this back-and-forth without a decisive move, I failed to avoid a faster-than-expected slash. The magical sword grazed my black overcoat, sending sparks flying.
He’s stepped up his game!
Damn, he’s underestimating me. But with the clearly increased speed of his consecutive attacks, I was suddenly on the defensive.
As expected, a magic-infused mineral with sufficient power wouldn’t be so easily cut. My overcoat is providing adequate protection. But it’s tough. With repeated grazes, I don’t have time to counterattack. Just dodging takes all my effort. Even a glancing blow feels like it could cut through my overcoat.
In the relentless flow of sparks from my black overcoat, a slightly easier strike came. It’s a trap. Trapped, I can’t help but fall for it. My composure is long gone. I’m in a desperate situation.
"Ugh, you—!"
Pouring all my strength into the bat, I swung it for the first time against the magical sword.
There was no time to think. The bat seemed to collide, but it was just an illusion.
The bat was snatched away and flew through the air.
The frustration of being outsmarted. A warrior who doesn’t feel ashamed in such a situation will never become strong. But I have more than just shame; I feel a deep joy. Witnessing such legendary strength brings me immense pleasure. A warrior who doesn’t feel joy in the face of such power is no true warrior. They’re just an old man in retirement. I’m still young, and I prefer to be on the offensive. I want to stay on the offensive.
And there’s something else. Having a specific target to chase is a blessing. I can continue to pursue for a long time. Of course, I have to get through this first.
The comforting weight of my bat is gone, leaving a sense of loss. He’s formidable. Using weapons, I’m no match for him.
The swordsman, having disarmed me, didn’t even crack a smile, maintaining his scowl. He’s not one to take risks.
Well then, with no weapons, there’s no reason to be afraid. Now, I’ll show him my true strength.
My close-combat skills are strongest without weapons. I can imagine he has similar abilities, so let’s consider it a fair match.
Gripping the empty hand that lost the bat, the magical sword approached without warning. So quiet and smooth, it’s a terrifying technique where even a blink could mean death. My heart raced at the sight of such beautiful swordsmanship.
Despite the cold sweat, the emotion of joy colored my feelings.
I dodged the diagonal slash from the upper left by diving in, aiming for his abdomen with an elbow strike.
He retreated with a quick judgment, but I stretched out my arm to grab him.
I aimed to stomp on his foot in the chaos.
If I could grab him, I would win. That much I’m certain of. Just as I was about to touch him, he shifted sideways, and my fingertips barely grazed his clothes. Just a little more!
I had no time to regret it. The magical sword, swung with superhuman speed, was about to sever my extended arm. It was too beautiful and too silent. I couldn’t pull back my arm in time, and the overreach left me unable to dodge.
Blood surged through my veins. I wouldn’t let him.
A quick right punch, a powerful blow wrapped in a shockwave. Touching the blade would be bad, but the flat of the sword should be fine!
The exquisite magical sword met my maiden’s fist.
A strong impact. Perhaps due to the materials and compatibility of our weapons, the collision produced a clear, bell-like sound.
The force of the impact was immense, and the swordsman was blown back, sword still in hand. Whether it’s pride or something else, he didn’t let go.
The swordsman, clearly surprised by my punch to the magical sword, stared at his beloved weapon and then at my fist.
"Su—ha—"
I tried to steady my breathing. Sweat dripped down my chin, wetting my shirt and sticking to my chest.
It’s hot. My body is generating heat beyond the overcoat’s temperature regulation. The continuous tension is both painful and exhilarating.
My heart pounded wildly, showing no signs of slowing.
—It’s fun.
The razor-sharp tension of the fight pushes me to new heights with each movement.
In the heat of battle, I’m forced to make split-second decisions. Repeatedly making the right decisions and taking the right actions is essential. Against a special opponent, a single mistake can be fatal. I need to be accurate and, ideally, exceed the opponent’s expectations.
In a close match, the one who makes a mistake loses. So I always choose the best option, and I choose the best of the best. That’s why I’m strong.
The same goes for this fight. No matter how strong the opponent, I can only face them as myself.
I hope my next move will surprise him.
The actual time since the fight began isn’t that long.
More, more. It’s too early to end it. It’s still too close.
I pulled out the hairpin that was about to come loose and put it in my pocket.
The dark blue hair flowed down. Brushing it away from my shoulder, I slowly clenched my fist to circulate the magic through my fingertips.
It’s time to reset. Reflecting on the previous movements, I sharpened my senses from my toes to the top of my head.
"...Yukarinowe Nijyo-Ohafisu. Where did you learn that technique?"
Surprising. Starting to chat during a fight. Maybe he’s a talkative type.
"Who knows. It’s a maiden’s secret."
"Nonsense. You’re not going to answer. Then, it’s over."
What a waste. I’m still full of fight, and he should read the room. This guy probably doesn’t get many dates.
He’s probably serious about ending it. As the non-charmer readies his sword, the air tensed.
It’s different from before. What’s he planning?
A rumbling power converges, and the magical sword glows silver.
"...Are you overlaying it?"
That’s probably the magic silver flash imbued into the sword. The next slash will be accompanied by powerful silver flashes. If woven into the tight combat, it will be extremely difficult to counter. Even dodging the slash, the ultra-fast silver flash will pursue.
If the direction and angle are limited, and with that much magical power, the difference from before is significant. Power, speed, and reach. That technique must be one of his trump cards.
The image in my head predicts an unavoidable future. I can’t dodge, I can’t block.
I’ll be cut—
"Bernard! Stay out of the Kikyo Society’s business!"
The loud magical voice cut through my fantasy, and the non-charmer’s magical power dissipated.
The tension and excitement evaporated like waking from a dream.
This chapter features a clash of the highest combatants. It’s been a while since I wrote a one-on-one battle.
The next chapter will be a short story after the battle, so I plan to update it mid-week. Originally, it was meant to be one chapter, but it became longer during revisions, so I split it.
So, the next chapter will be updated in a few days. I’ll update as usual over the weekend too!