Chapter 122
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「Eris!!」
Whether it’s because it’s a moment where a person’s life hangs in the balance, or because my brain has become accustomed to Autobahn, No-Skill’s raised Copy Gram appears to move in slow motion.
There’s no time left to activate Autobahn or Autostrada del Sole.
I’ve lost the first few frames of action, caught off guard by the unexpected situation of No-Skill using Eris’s secret technique.
「That was fun.」
No-Skill says with a nihilistic smile.
Someone save Eris! Anyone!!
I can see him gripping his sword tightly, ready to deliver the final blow.
I scream without a voice.
I can clearly see even the movement of muscles as he’s about to swing down.
Anyone! Please save Eris!!
In this extreme state, for some reason, a name suddenly pops into my mind:
— Guardian Sword Refaia
The name of my former partner.
The moment I think of that name, an intense yet somehow warm light emits from the Holy Sword at Eris’s waist.
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No-Skill’s eyes are dazzled by the intense light at close range.
I can’t waste even a moment.
This time is what my former partner has given me.
I immediately slide between Eris and No-Skill.
「I’ll wait until your vision returns.」
Eris remains motionless, frozen in fear and excitement.
Pushing her back slightly, I create some distance between us and No-Skill.
「Ugh…」 No-Skill groans, pressing his eyes, seemingly suppressing his anger.
I address him:
「You might not like it, but I have a proposal.」
He finally regains his vision, but with bloodshot eyes full of murderous intent. Without waiting for my proposal, he raises his voice angrily.
「I didn’t think you’d interrupt such a noble battle. I thought you were proud swordsmen like me, not some run-of-the-mill wannabe swordsmen.」
His blonde hair stands on end with anger.
What happened to being the epitome of duty and humanity?!
He’s a completely different person with a sword in hand!!
What is this? Is he a psychopath? A berserker?
Moreover—
「There’s nothing noble about killing each other, you idiot.」
「There is!! The momentary exchange is the swordsman’s true calling!! Pouring all of your life, nerves, senses, and everything into the sword!! The high-purity crystal of sword technique created that way!! That is the swordsman’s way of life!! Living by the sword!! Dying by the sword!! That’s how it should be!! You who have tainted this are no longer swordsmen!!」
This is bad! This is bad!
He’s in a total rage! His eyes look terrifying from anger! This would definitely be banned from public broadcast!
「I’m not going to accept your objection.」
That’s right. I have my own say in this.
「Then let me tell you something too.
That time when you were covering your eyes and couldn’t move — it wasn’t that long, but I could have cut you in half at least ten times, you know?」
It’s a complete lie, of course.
「Kuh… kuku,」 he groans, covering his face with his left hand. A totally psychopathic gesture.
In reality, I didn’t have even a micron of mental composure to attack him in that situation. But in times like these, it’s most effective to bluff as much as possible.
「I understand. Very well.」
Yes! He’s agreed!
Or so I thought, but then–
「Very well, very well. Very well. Very well, very well, very well.」
What the hell!!
That face doesn’t look like it’s saying 「very well」 at all!!
But somehow I’ve managed to get his word… so I don’t intend to say anything more about it.
「It’s time to switch players.」
Eris is unconsciously grabbing the hem of my clothes.
「Eris, if you had used the Zenith of Double-Edged Swords back there…」
I can’t help but say to her, but she replies with a pained voice:
「I can’t… I can’t anymore…」
I have no words to comfort her.
But that’s exactly why I’m going to show her my all.
I don’t know what will change because of it.
But still—
「Step back and watch. From here on, it’s a one-on-one between me and him.」
I draw my sword — the Reprint Gram, and declare to him:
「Now, let us begin.」
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