kscans

Chapter 585 - The Peerless Ice Blade and the Eternal Warbler, Part 3

The reward for being the first to conquer that infinite dojo, the [Shadow-Infested Arena]. The hidden ability of my half of the pair, the [Nine Tail], is brutally simple and direct compared to its counterpart.

Free manipulation of manifested 'shadow.' I can control a volume of it proportional to my total MID stat, molding it into a thousand different shapes, making it truly protean and subject to my will.

In terms of properties, it's very similar to the Anima of Maru II, the [The Dictionary]. This 'shadow' can become a thread to pull a person to safety from a crowd, be woven into a wave of restraints, and depending on my imagination, can even become a 'sword' that cuts or a 'spear' that pierces.

The downside is that the control of that 'imagination' part is tough, and it has a unique quirk that makes fine control incredibly difficult. However, there's no doubt that if mastered, it can become an all-purpose weapon, a unique item of the highest class.

And this 'shadow' that seeps from the [Nine Tail], perhaps mimicking the nature of the concept of shadow itself, has one ridiculously powerful property.

Once it touches you, that's it.

Just like a real shadow that can never be separated from its source as long as the object exists—the black thread, once connected, has no means of being severed, except by the will of the caster.

—Now then, Lord [Peerless], allow me to give you a taste.

A taste of what it means to be connected to the [Acrobat] by a tangible line.

His response time and decisiveness were instantaneous. He must have already been reacting before the 'arrow' even hit his shoulder, as an ice barrier instantly erupted from his sword—

Faster than that.

"—[Rocket]."

"Guh…—gh, fu…!"

I shot into the sky at full power, connected by the black thread, and it was time for one more passenger.

Even for a superhuman avatar, the strain of being forcibly yanked dozens of meters into the air… no, precisely because it is a superhuman avatar built for a virtual world, the 'impact' is perceived as magnified and acts with extreme force.

He must have lost control of his Anima, unable to bear it. Yet, the ice residue scattered from the sword he never let go of—and a gasp escaped the [Peerless] as his body went rigid.

But even so,

"Heh, how's the view…!"

"…You… bastard…!"

His azure eyes snapped open immediately, looking at me with unwavering fighting spirit.

Irori told me 'adaptation is your specialty,' but if you ask me, you're pretty much the same, you genius battle junkie.

This 'sky-abduction' combo has two variations.

One is to keep the connection with the black thread and give him a one-sided beatdown in the air. This would be incredibly effective against most people, at least at first, but it's a risky move against a monster of skill who can adapt instantly and has the means to turn the 'connection' to his advantage.

In his case, he'd get used to it in no time and send a freezing effect up the thread—which means the only option is the other variation…!!

"Tch…! 'Genhyo—"

"Too slow!!"

[Rocket] re-ignition.

He regained his composure not just quickly, but instantly, and was about to counter with some 'move' of his own. I took him and headed straight for—of course, the ground below.

I'm sure you saw this future easily enough, right? So, how are you going to get out of this…

"—Show me what you've got, senpai!!"

"Tch…—Bring it on, junior!!"

For the third time today, a meteor dive similar to that day. We reverse the roars we shouted back then, and in an instant, our bodies race from the sky to the earth—the two falling bodies part ways.

And the one that was severed from the thread slams into the ground.

In that moment, the superhuman body, slammed with immense kinetic energy, unleashes the third and greatest destruction upon the arena stage.

◇◆◇◆◇

"—————…Gah, hack…! Keh…! Guh, ugh…"

Honestly, I saw a vision of a pathetic death.

I wasn't careless, I wasn't underestimating him, but I was well and truly done in by his usual lawless 'moves'… The first meteor strike I'd ever experienced was 'shocking' to both my body and my spirit.

I was dangerously close to an anticlimactic end without even going all out—but that pathetic fact, more than anything, felt so typical of a fight with him.

I can't stop smiling.

"—…I figured you'd be alive, but how are you still standing after that?"

"Heh, for the show… to my ever-presumptuous junior."

Using my sword as a crutch, I stagger to my feet. A voice reaches me from beyond the billowing dust. I retort with a lighthearted jab, but that last attack cost me most of my emergency defensive skills.

On top of that, I'm genuinely at death's door. Unlike a game, low HP doesn't affect my avatar's physical performance, but once you're in the red zone, it affects you mentally.

Putting aside a certain idiot who carelessly throws his life away, it's a fundamental truth of PvP that 'the one who gets pushed back first is at a huge mental disadvantage.'

But, yes.

There are exceptions to everything.

"…—[Bushin]."

For example, an eccentric who gets more fired up the more they're cornered.

"[Sange]."

For example, someone who yearns for the battle they've awaited more than anything.

"Gather, and come forth—"

For example,

"—[Hyouka]."

—a natural-born battle junkie whose unending elation easily overwhelms any anxiety.

So, yes.

This body of mine is a 'fool' worthy of facing that certain fool.

"Haru, draw your sword."

"————…"

With two swords in hand, my back is against the wall. In the midst of this most exhilarating situation, I demand a 'sword' from the opponent I refuse to lose to.

"It starts from here. Am I right?"

He, of all people, the one right in front of me.

"…Yeah, it starts from here."

More dazzling than anyone, the innocent harbinger of spring, clad in white.

"Matsukaze branch style, [Kesshiki Itto]…—I'm coming."

Is my greatest rival.

"—My own style, [Kashiki Nito]… I accept your challenge."

This sword (heart) of mine understands that (wishes for that).