Chapter 219 - Supreme Equipment
I can imagine the enemy’s abilities surpassing my expectations, but that’s not a certainty. It might not be as bad as I think, and ultimately, I have to try. Even if the worst-case scenario turns out to be true, I won’t mind. I’m not looking for a half-hearted opponent. The stronger they are, the more interesting it is, and they’ll elevate me to greater heights. I’ll be disappointed if they don’t push me, but I’ll stay focused.
The one thing I know for sure is that I’m facing an unknown and powerful enemy, one who has enough firepower to take me down.
If I underestimate them, I’ll be the one suffering. No holding back for me.
I’ll go all out. I’ll accelerate the flow of mana in my body like a clear stream, pushing the output of Physical Enhancement Magic to its limits.
My cloak’s defenses and the engraved magic runes are no longer a factor, but that’s fine.
“I’m strong!”
I haven’t relied solely on brute strength or magic. I’ll show them that.
I stepped forward, facing the prince who hasn’t drawn his sword from its sheath. I kicked out with my right foot on the first and second steps, then moved left on the third.
My movement is super-fast, with a random trajectory that doesn’t follow a set pattern. I won’t make it easy for them to predict my moves.
I feinted to the right on the final step, then swung my silver rod horizontally to the left. The prince, who hadn’t moved like a mountain, seemed to fall for the feint. It wasn’t an act.
“Got you!”
I struck the barrier magic. I didn’t deal damage, but I reduced his mana. That’s what I needed.
I swung my rod like a storm, not backing off after a single hit.
But the only solid hit I managed was the first. The prince’s sword deflected the rest. He used his ornate sheath as a sturdy shield, blocking almost all of my subsequent attacks.
I would praise his skill, but this is probably due to his enhanced reaction speed and power.
Against my relentless attack, the prince is purely on the defensive. From his defensive moves alone, I can tell his sword skills are somewhat lacking. Unfortunately, they fall short compared to the vice-commander of our Kikyo Society.
My Siegrune’s sword technique is a blend of offense and defense, always thinking several moves ahead. He can guide the opponent’s actions while defending and setting up the next attack. He wouldn’t let me dominate like this.
I could praise him for holding his ground against my serious attack, but that’s up to him.
Suddenly, I sensed the activation of mana. I was too focused on attacking and didn’t notice it until now.
While I could sense the activation, I couldn’t predict its specific effects before they took place. Indeed, some kind of magic was activated and immediately took effect.
The flow of mana in my body, like a clear stream, felt strange.
The activation of Physical Enhancement Magic, along with all bodily functions, became unstable. What is this?
“An obstruction spell!?”
A powerful one, at that. Normally, this would be the end.
I could sense the prince’s triumphant aura.
“Too naive,” I said.
I was surprised, but that’s all.
The obstruction spell had successfully entangled me.
In a one-on-one fight, this is almost a foul play spell. And a powerful one at that. The user is rare, and there are almost no countermeasures. Even at a mid-level, obstruction spells are incredibly troublesome.
The unexpected activation of a magical artifact was likely the prince’s ace in the hole. It’s understandable for him to be confident in victory.
But he’s too naive.
The surprise from the unexpected spell and the pause in my movement lasted only a second or two.
Normally, he could have landed a hit during that gap. But he didn’t, due to his overconfidence in victory.
I’m well-versed in obstruction spells. With just a second, I can dispel them.
While the spell that activated suddenly surprised me, the obstruction mage I fought in the Royal Capital of Brenark was at a higher level. And I believe Sophie’s obstruction spells are among the best in the world. I’ve broken through them multiple times in training. There’s no reason for me to fear this.
I’ll return surprise with surprise.
I immediately regained my movement and landed a blow on his proud face. Normally, it would have been blocked by a barrier spell, but—
“Hmph, if that’s your trump card, you’re a major disappointment.”
I shot back at the prince, who continued to act superior, as if it came naturally. As the strong one, it’s only right for me to look down on him.
“...Do not underestimate me.”
Even after his secret plan was foiled, he responded confidently, but I could sense a bit of shock. The tense atmosphere was palpable.
Of course, it’s understandable. He saw his surefire technique easily broken, and he can’t imagine how I did it. To him, I must seem threatening. What are you hiding?
In reality, it’s a straightforward approach: understanding the mechanics of magic, precise mana sensing, and precise mana manipulation. Few can achieve this through sheer training alone. It requires a deep understanding of magical theory and advanced techniques. Strength isn’t just about brute force and versatility.
Now, I’ll make sure the prince doesn’t hold back. He must have more tricks up his sleeve. I’ll expose them all.
Even though his combat skills aren’t weak, I can easily defeat him. His equipment, however, is in a league of its own. High-end equipment can significantly enhance one’s abilities. They are truly magical creations and can be a significant threat if unknown and unexpected.
“O god! Grant me the blessing of lightning!”
The prince’s sudden words were followed by a burst of lightning. It wasn’t a divine response but a magical artifact activating, emitting strong mana.
Bracing myself for an attack, I realized it wasn’t just that.
“A combined offensive and defensive spell. Interesting!”
The prince, enveloped in lightning, approached.
While his skill isn’t remarkable, the equipment’s enhancement is formidable.
In terms of raw power and speed, he’s on par with me. But the hidden spells and the inherent danger of lightning make him a tough opponent.
Electric shock is a guaranteed loss.
I dodged in a circular pattern, using thorn magic to block his path. I also hoped it would act as a lightning rod, though I wasn’t sure if it would work.
What a troublesome spell. I can’t get close to attack. What should I do?
“Ah, I don’t need to get close.”
Just because it’s a one-on-one fight, I don’t have to stick to close combat.
Since he’s using magic and artifacts, I can go all out.
I launched iron balls at the prince as he circled around the thorns.
I created softball-sized balls and sent them into the lightning.
They weren’t repelled by an electromagnetic barrier and struck the prince as intended. Ignoring his surprised expression, I kept throwing more.
“Ha, slowpoke! Let’s settle this!”
By teasing him, he’ll get more serious. Don’t hold back your artifacts; you can’t win against me!
I focused on depleting the barrier spell’s mana.
The armor itself is made of powerful magical minerals, but I need to break the barrier spell first.
I thought I could deplete it quickly, but it wasn’t that easy. He managed to break through the thorns and projectile attacks after a few hits.
The prince, still enveloped in lightning, deflected the projectiles with his sheath and removed a gemstone from his belt, raising it at me.
The swaying red light was eerie. It was clearly a magical artifact. I couldn’t look away from the mesmerizing light.
Dividing my attention between the high-powered attack and the Active Armor, I nearly fell to my knees from an unexpected effect.
“Ugh, what is this?”
My sense of balance was off. Standing normally was difficult. I finally realized it was due to the red light. Closing my eyes freed me from the strange sensation.
By the time I broke free, it was too late. The distraction had weakened my magic, and I couldn’t maintain my spells. As I closed my eyes, I increased the output of Physical Enhancement Magic, but the approaching lightning was unavoidable.
Damn!
Bracing for the shock and burns, I was struck by a heavy blow to the side.
I was sent flying and rolled on the ground before standing up. I couldn’t stay down and look weak, even though it was incredibly painful. I gritted my teeth and acted like nothing was wrong.
The prince didn’t let up, launching relentless attacks.
As I stood up, the sound of thundering lightning invaded my ears. Opening my eyes, I was disoriented by the red light again. I quickly shut my eyes and reinforced my defenses with Physical Enhancement Magic and Active Armor as a barrage of spells and sword strikes rained down.
The high-powered spells stripped away my Active Armor, and the additional magic shield I hastily raised was blown away by the heavy sword strikes. I panicked as all my defenses were lost. The sudden aggression was unlike him.
Trying to retreat, I found our speeds were equal. The shield I hastily raised was immediately shattered. I tried to think of a way to regain control, but the prince’s attacks captured me.
The overwhelming pressure from above. I couldn’t escape the range.
If I tried to evade, I’d take a massive hit. The only option was to take it.
I held my ground, crossing my arms above my head to create as much physical armor as possible. It was a split-second decision and not fully effective.
Just as I barely managed to defend, the weapon came down, shattering the thin armor and striking my crossed arms.
My brain was overwhelmed by the intense pain, and my thoughts froze.
I have to hold on.
I braced my feet and clenched my teeth, trying to endure the overwhelming pressure. My arms felt like they were about to break.
I can’t hold this!
“Gah, aaaaaaaah!”
If I stayed in this position, the guard would break, and my head would be split open. I had to move.
But I was trapped between the ground and the sheathed sword. I had to force my way out.
Considering a half-hearted move wouldn’t work, I decided to go all in. It was unpleasant, but it was necessary.
I used thorn magic, not on the enemy but on myself. I knew the thorns wouldn’t affect him.
The flat, diagonal thorns thrust into my chest and abdomen, sending me flying backward with a violent impact.
“Ugh, gah!”
I gasped for breath, my consciousness momentarily fading from the pain.
Regaining my senses, I summoned multiple shields. I couldn’t take any more hits.
But it wasn’t over.
I couldn’t see the prince due to the disorienting red light. Still, I could feel the magical presence.
A storm of spells chased me as I tried to escape.
The multiple magic shields were shattered one after another, and I was hit directly while still unable to move.
I tumbled across the ground to avoid a direct hit, using small shields to reduce the damage.
“You, you’re really getting cocky!”
The last bit of calm I had was shattered.
I had underestimated the prince, who was only slightly stronger due to his supreme equipment. I had to admit that I had misjudged the quality of the equipment.
Each spell was heavy and accurate. Fireballs, lightning, wind, and mana projectiles rained down like a machine gun.
Taking multiple hits, my resolve didn’t waver. I just needed to find a way to win.
Just when I thought it would never end, the attacks stopped.
Ha, even a sudden power-up has its limits. The abrupt change made me laugh.
Still, it hurts. I gasped for breath, but the dusty air made me cough.
Panting, I was in a terrible state. My body felt like it was on fire.
It seems this is his true strength.
He didn’t finish me off, waiting for me to stand. Perhaps he enjoys looking down on a defeated woman.
Ah, what a frustrating guy. It’s pure humiliation.
I forced my aching body to stand.
“...Hmph, this is getting interesting.”
Opening my eyes, the red light was gone, allowing me to see my pathetic state.
My tattered T-shirt had become more revealing. I couldn’t provide more service than this.
I had numerous burns, cuts, and bruises, and my body was covered in contusions. I was lucky not to have any broken bones or muscle damage. The blood was annoying, but it wasn’t enough to be immediately concerning.
Alright, time to reset. Heal.
Prince, watch as I nullify the damage you inflicted!
A complete recovery in a one-on-one fight is a foul play move. He wouldn’t expect a warrior like me to have healing magic.
I took a dramatic pose and tried to cast the spell, but—
“...Hmm?”
The spell didn’t work.
No way.
A spell I could use as easily as breathing suddenly wouldn’t activate.
Stay calm. Physical Enhancement Magic is still active. What about the shield?
The shield... I can’t cast it. The Active Armor has also malfunctioned.
The spells that were working fine a moment ago are now useless. This means—
“Have you figured it out? You cannot cast magic outward. My artifact is an exception, of course.”
A magic-blocking artifact for the space? Unbelievable. But I can’t activate any outward magic.
I can’t heal or use shields. I tried creating a healing potion inside my body, but it’s impossible. If I had a healing potion, it would be different, but I can’t create one here.
The prince continues to use his artifacts freely.
He’s hiding a major trump card.
It’s no longer a laughing matter. I wish I had just one healing potion.
“...Do you think you’ve won? No way.”
I try to sound confident, but I’m clearly being pushed to my limits.
The dire situation I sought is unfolding in a way I didn’t expect.
The prince, with his limitless wealth, wields top-tier equipment. How will our protagonist fare against such overwhelming odds?
Stay tuned for the next chapter, “Beyond the Pinch.” See you then!