kscans

Chapter 200 - Sword Incarnate

He changed.

The moment the young man tossed aside the spear in his right hand and brought out a new weapon, the moment he drew that magnificent jade blade, the very air around him shifted in color.

At first, he couldn't tell what was different.

But one thing was certain—it was different. A feeling akin to a shiver running down his spine brought with it an undeniable certainty.

That thing is bad news.

Not the sword itself.

But the figure holding the sword.

“Sorry about this, Tora-kichi.”

Just as he was about to chase the swelling sense of déjà vu, a light voice cut in. With the jade blade in his right hand and the sheath held in a reverse grip in his left, Haru… smiled quietly from under his hood.

“As long as I’m using this, I can’t afford to look pathetic, no matter what. So be prepared—for me to not let you do anything.”

The slightest movement of the quivering blade tip demanded his utmost caution. Realizing his gaze was being drawn in, helplessly captivated, the [Great Tiger] trembled all over as a wicked smile spread across his face.

“Oi… this is the first time in my life I’ve had the warrior’s shakes. Give me a break.”

The smile that escaped his lips was, without a doubt, a testament to his 'anticipation.'

The [Acrobat] who had made such a bold declaration was now, as a 'swordsman'—

“—Here I come.”

—transforming into a single, sharpened blade as his body launched forward.

◇◆◇◆◇

In the end, I was never able to master Shukuchi.

That fact was frustrating, but it was something I had known from the very beginning. I have no intention of hiding my immense disappointment, but it was a result I had to accept.

And what that fact means is—in conclusion, I cannot properly wield the techniques of the [Kesshiki Ittoryu].

Even with the most fundamental technique, the first strike, Hisui (Flying Water), my attempts are but a pale imitation of an imitation. Of course, I can embody the principles of the sword style Ui-san developed in my forms as much as I want… but at least in this state, I would hesitate to call myself a practitioner of Kesshiki Itto.

However, that doesn't change the fact that I am the [Sword Saint]'s disciple.

Therefore, above all else.

If I am to wield a sword, I have a duty to embody my strongest self—one that will not tarnish that 'pinnacle.'

“—Matoi.”

It was not from my master… but for some reason, from her grandfather that I received a name for my lesser version of Shukuchi—or rather, a technique I was scolded for demeaning, my very own footwork.

By layering 'outer force' upon 'inner force' in stages, this technique allows me to approach the [Sword Saint]'s speed for a fleeting moment, enabling an instantaneous shift from high to super-high velocity.

Its movements can deceive even the eyes of the strong, a technique my 'master' herself admitted she might misjudge. In other words, this Matoi is, without a doubt, my own special weapon.

And that is something that even a Title Holder…

“—”

…would find impossible to counter on a first encounter, or so my master has guaranteed.

Sweeping aside the logic of the virtual world and the burden of water pressure, I leaped into his guard, parting the waterway. The [Great Tiger] showed no reaction at all.

He can't perceive it. With that certainty, I swung my sword.

The jade blade of the [Samidorizuki] shot up from a low stance, scattering water as it arced in a reverse diagonal slash, sinking into his side. My eyes met his, which glowed with a green light.

Ah, well, being unable to deal with it—thought acceleration is the one exception.

Reflexively, I reversed my blade and immediately dashed past him. A massive 'something' grazed my cheek and sent a huge pillar of water erupting right in front of where he stood.

[Cleave Fang]—the unique enhancement effect of the special title 'Great Tiger,' held by the seventh-ranked member of the Northern Faction, Nortalia.

Among the many rankers, his power is particularly simple and purely strength-oriented. It's the ability to manifest invisible limbs—or more accurately, the power to control giant jaws that function like limbs.

“You damn fool… how the hell do you look like a blur even when I’m using thought acceleration?”

“Sorry, but when it comes to speed, I have a 'God's' seal of approval.”

“Who the hell is 'God'?”

“Well now, I'll tell you if you can beat me.”

“Hah…! You’ve got a sharp tongue for a newcomer!!”

The water at his feet exploded as he charged forward. His movements were completely different from the rough yet precise footwork he'd shown before. This was the 'brute force' style of movement, utilizing the fang-limbs corresponding to his arms and legs.

The invisible jaws manifested by [Cleave Fang], if the records are correct, possess a ridiculous strength equivalent to STR 500. The speed achieved with this power is on a whole other level compared to his base state.

And my speed is on a whole other level even from that.

I’ll gladly make use of it, my 'exclusive' artisan.

“Shine—[Crimson Red Ruby].”

Deep within the white and blue. The ruby pendant tucked into the chest of my battle garment shone with a brilliant crimson light through the feather-woven fabric. A pulsing, deep-red flame coursed through my entire body.

It wasn't made from any special materials.

It wasn't crafted with any impossible techniques.

But in the sense that only I could wield it, Nia was probably the only one in this virtual world who could create something like this as a practical item.

Its effect—continuous percentage-based self-damage every tenth of a second.

Through the power of [Crown Crown], which solidifies the fact that I have 'taken damage' while discarding the result of 'HP reduction,' I achieve an incredible cheat:

The lawlessly powerful constant activation of [Ignition].

In other words, from this moment on—

My avatar discards all processes of acceleration.

“—…!?”

The [Great Tiger] searched for my figure, which had vanished from before his eyes. In that instant, I had already closed the distance, attacked, and disengaged.

There was no need to turn back. Guided by the blessing of the [Fatal Leak] in my eyes, I slipped past the invisible jaws, landed a blow on his shoulder, and passed behind him.

I ran up the barrier summoned by [Engage], ignoring the altitude limit and slamming into it, using the immense repulsive force as a foothold to charge straight down.

Seeing my shadow, he reflexively turned to look up—a testament to his reaction time. But…

“What—!?”

I completely ignored the greatest advantage of his four fangs: their invisibility.

My eyes coolly provided red trajectory predictions. Following their lead, I used my sheath to smoothly parry the intercepting jaw. The [Great Tiger] couldn't help but let out a cry of astonishment.

“This isn’t a bluff or bravado.”

Indeed, the jade blade in my right hand was already mid-swing. The single stroke that raced through the air now thoroughly slashed open his side.

As a spectacular spray of red damage effects reflected on the water's surface, I spoke to his battered form.

“—To be blunt, I’m your natural enemy.”

The speechless [Great Tiger] wore a look of utter exasperation.

“…So I was the challenger all along? You monster.”

He couldn't hide the smile spreading across his lips. I, too, couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. As we laughed together, the water at our feet splashed up and danced in the air time and time again.