kscans

Chapter 571 - A Distant Aspiration

Haru the Acrobat—the current fourth-ranked member of the Eastern Faction, Istia, and the fastest (debatably) trickster in the virtual world.

What's noteworthy is the sheer number of overwhelming strengths that are noteworthy.

His legs, which race around with deviant agility, know no bounds, be it on land or in the air. His uniqueness in being the only one in Arcadia to master the quick-change skill allows his weapon and range to be ever-changing.

Furthermore, the genius-level combat sense he likely possessed from the start has been honed by the likes of the [Sword Saint] and other powerful veterans, making his pure technique top-tier as well. He possesses a clever and extremely sharp split-second decision-making ability, on top of an extraordinary 'intuition'.

In addition, as if in proportion to the outrageous path he has walked, the equipment he wears is all uniquely outlandish. To say there is no opening to exploit would be the perfect description.

He is a true monster, a word that cannot be contained by 'a superior version of myself'.

Again, I don't think I can win, nor do I think I can even land a single scratch. No matter how I struggle, I know for a fact that every single one of his aspects surpasses my own—

That's why.

"—Tch!"

I have nothing to lose. I can face him with all my strength without any extraneous thoughts.

The moment I saw him take that leisurely step, I pushed off with my right foot. It's a motion that has become second nature—route set, maximum output. 3rd-tier [Anima], [Rebellion], activate.

In that instant,

"—…Oh?"

The short sword I swung from behind him naturally cut through empty air.

A minimal evasive action, just a slight turn of the body. And the eyes that twisted to lock onto his 'enemy' meant that he had tracked Kanata's 'trajectory'.

More than amazement, more than awe, more than fear—joy won out.

The man before me really was that [Haru the Acrobat]. And that's why, without hesitation, I stepped forward with my left. The route was set, and once again, the excess AGI that was uncontrollable by normal means ignited—

"—Right. I see."

"Wha—, hey…!?"

The second time, he wasn't content with just dodging the blade I thrust from his blind spot. The moment he tilted his head to see the blade pass, he grabbed Kanata's hand and muttered in admiration.

"I don't get the logic, but it's something like that. Interesting."

"Tch…—!!"

A shiver ran down my spine at his quiet smile. This time, I couldn't ignore it, and I triggered my emergency defensive measure on pure reflex.

[Gravirate Error] activate. I used the skill that repels 'contact' to forcibly shake off his grip and stepped forward with my right.

To create distance, my body slid along the route I had set directly behind me—

"That repelling thing just now was pretty surprising."

"Huh…"

A voice came from directly behind me again.

"Instead of retreating, it would have been better to press the attack—whoa!?"

"Ngh…!!"

As if kicking my body, which had nearly frozen, I ducked under the crimson sword thrust at my neck and slammed a body check into his back with a left step.

Although he has some equipment bonuses, it's common knowledge that his base VIT is nonexistent. This means he is fundamentally extremely weak to external 'impact'.

Even if it's not enough to induce a forced stun, if I can create even a slight opening like this—I can press the attack further, just as he wished.

"—…Tch!?"

Right step, emergency escape. As Kanata created distance by sliding backward once more, [Haru the Acrobat] offered his critique while steadying his broken posture—

"Haha—That was the right move. You've got good instincts."

"…Thanks. I'm honored by your praise."

In that instant, if my judgment had been even a little slower, my head would have been sent flying.

No, in a stage like this, which is more of a demonstration, it's unlikely he would have actually swung the 'blade'—but I'm certain.

If I had pressed forward there, my 'evaluation' in his eyes would have hit its ceiling.

I don't know. I don't know what he was planning to do, what would have been done to me, anything. He truly is an acrobat and a magician… I can't see through his tricks or his depths at all.

I probably can't even make him draw his 'real sword', let alone fight him seriously.

We're on different dimensions. Yes, so different that—

"…Heh? —Nice. I don't dislike guys like you."

I couldn't suppress my smile, and he caught sight of it and grinned back.

My heart leaped at his words… but unfortunately. Kanata doesn't currently possess the strength or the means to entertain the person he admires any further.

"…I'm really happy, but I'm sorry. Everything I've shown so far is, in all honesty, my absolute best. It's frustrating, but I still don't think I can stand a chance."

"Hmm? Hmmm…"

Whether he's aware of it or not, even the way he toys with his short swords, making them appear and disappear, is beyond ordinary in terms of thought-controlled technical skill.

After I honestly admitted my limits, he responded.

"I was surprised, and I was flustered. You dodged my 'counter' with your intuition, too… So, yeah. At least—in terms of tactics, your teeth are definitely sinking in."

Whether or not they leave a mark is another story—he gifted me with an amused smile.

Just like that time, I had no choice but to rouse myself again.

"…Twelve seconds. Would you be willing to indulge me?"

"Haha, of course."

It's a trump card I can't say I have perfect control over. It's a unique skill I've been hesitating to use in this encounter, where I wanted to face him with my true full strength.

But when I think about it, isn't that just like me?

"—Doing whatever you want is what it's all about. Let's enjoy it all."

He is [Haru the Acrobat]… a player who has climbed to the top by fearlessly and irreverently throwing down trick cards and trump cards, trampling over every impossibility.

So, if I, who admire him, in front of him—

"[Haze Oculus]."

—how could I not trample over the impossible and put on a show?

"—Here I come…!!"

I closed my eyes and announced my full power. The reply, as expected, was—

"Yeah, I'll take you on…!!"

—a voice full of expectation and curiosity, a voice of welcome.