Estimated reading time: ~6 minutes
Chapter 62
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「Okay, begin!!」
Anon’s voice, acting as the referee, echoes.
Following his signal, I, Ashley, take my stance.
My combat style involves using a sword and shield. However, just because I’m skilled with a shield doesn’t mean I’m purely a shielder.
I had to focus almost entirely on defense during the battle with the Hero’s party because I had no choice.
Originally, I’m a Holy Knight, and my sword skills match that title. I even pride myself on being able to match the Knight Commander of the kingdom.
However, in this battle too, I decide to approach with a style that focuses on breaking through the opponent’s defense by exploiting openings from the start.
This is because the young man calling himself Low shows no openings.
Judging from his stance, the swordsmanship of the young man before me is likely the Sword Style that’s mainstream in the kingdom.
As we size each other up, the young man makes the first move. He leaps forward with a shout.
It’s a purely fast and heavy strike.
The fact that it’s a wooden sword helps, and it’s not unbearable to withstand—but I immediately realize my mistake.
The young man’s figure, which I had assessed as 『Well, well, going all out from the first strike,』 suddenly blurs.
What follows is a fierce barrage of attacks from the young man.
My assumption that he was just a Sword Style swordsman was incorrect. While his base is undoubtedly Sword Style, it’s far too different. His swordsmanship is his own style, honed and specialized for real combat.
In other words, the true nature of his sword technique is 『swordsmanship that encompasses both seemingly contradictory aspects: built upon a solid foundation yet wild and refined for practical use.』
I feel a chill run down my spine, wondering how much real combat experience it takes to reach this level.
The young man continues his effective and unpredictable attacks with a speed that rivals or even surpasses a sword saint.
I notice that my defense is being whittled away moment by moment. But I’m not losing either.
My opponent could easily be called a first-class swordsman, but it’s not yet beyond my ability to handle.
The relentless barrage of attacks and the great shield deflecting them all—the situation of constant striking and being struck back is a true deadlock.
But I know.
In a deadlock, the one who loses patience first loses.
The key is not to miss any openings.
And my instinct for sensing opportunities is rare indeed.
After the barrage continues for who knows how long—the young man launches his most powerful strike yet.
『This is it!!』 I judge.
The end of the barrage, the slight relaxation to retreat—
And one more thing—
A moment that feels like an eternity.
Will the opportunity ripen, or will it slip away?
The goddess of victory smiles upon me.
The young man shows the motion of blinking—in that instant,
『Now!!』
I expose my body from behind the shield and deliver a lightning-fast thrust at close range, too quick to perceive.
『I’ve got him!!』
Even without voicing it, I’m certain of victory in my heart—at that moment.
The young man deflects my thrust by swinging his sword upward at a speed surpassing anything he’s shown so far.
Internally, I’m amazed that he can still increase his speed, but it seems he was waiting for an opening just like I was earlier.
The young man’s sword speed increases even further, and not only that, he performs acrobatic movements, repeatedly moving at high speed to areas that are blind spots for my shield.
I can’t see the bottom of the young man’s abilities.
Before the battle, I had certain thoughts about the young man.
It was a consideration to evaluate him as accurately as possible.
This was because using the sword saint I fought the other day as a measuring stick for him would be unfair—it was more than just Ashley’s thoughtfulness, as the one judging whether to allow him to join, she felt some sympathy for the young man.
—Evaluate him accurately
While deflecting his attacks from my blind spots, I recall my own words. And I feel ashamed of how arrogant I was.
「Is this good enough for the esteemed Holy Knight??」
The young man says, seemingly confident in his victory.
「This is far from enough!!」
I shout, repelling him.
No skills or magic can be used. The difference in physical abilities is obvious. In sword skills, we’re equal at best. To win… I see only one path to victory for myself.
I see overconfidence in his words.
If that’s the case, there might be a way—or so I thought.
「Strength is the true power!!」
Simultaneously, he takes an extremely forward-leaning stance and launches from the ground like an arrow released from a taut bow.
My instincts tell me to dodge, but evasion is impossible.
Then, deflect—it’s not in time—a thunderous sound echoes.
The young man strikes my great shield with his fist and something, creating a large hole in the center.
That fist is right in front of my eyes.
He grabs the part of the destroyed great shield where the hole is.
What is he—as I think this—my body floats in the air.
In terms of pure strength, I’ve never lost even to my Master—yet I—the sensation of floating, then falling.
However, I’m not slammed down; the fall stops just before impact. It’s a complete defeat. As soon as I recognize this, strength leaves my body.
This is as far as Ashley’s memory of the battle goes.
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When I open my eyes, I’m back in bed.
「Not a bad awakening, eh?」
A beautiful black-haired woman—Omi—brings a chair next to the bed and sits cross-legged.
「I’ve completely healed the damage to your body and brain from your reckless actions a little while ago.」
「Th-thank you.」
I blush at Omi’s exposed chest from her kimono, inwardly feeling a sense of shame at how scandalous it is.
「No need for thanks. That battle earlier was splendid. You did well, considering you were still unsteady from your illness.」
Omi’s voice carries a tone of affection.
「More importantly, Dame, you were on the brink of death back there.」
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