Volume 5 Chapter 45 It's Fast, But...
Me and Bael. Reed and Weiss. Each of our battles had begun and some time had passed, but to be honest, things were looking pretty bad.
...Especially for me.
"Shiyaaa!!"
"Hunggh!?"
I dodged Bael's sharp claws, which were unleashed with a fierce roar like a wild beast, while letting out a strange cry. Feeling a chill down my neck, I realized his attack was aimed straight at my neck. I deflected the slashing claws from his opposite hand with my spear, but before I could even catch my breath, another attack came at me.
'Partner, move your leg!'
Reacting to the voice echoing in my head, I instinctively pulled back the leg that was stepping forward, narrowly avoiding the swipe of the claws.
Continuously attacking my upper body to divert my attention, then striking at my lower body when my focus wavered. If it weren't for Gram's warning, my thigh would have been slashed open, leaving me unable to move.
Compared to when we met yesterday, Bael's intimidation has increased. When we first met, he was already beyond average, but now it feels like he's stepped up even further.
'Perhaps the fake magic Weiss used had the effect of reducing abilities to just within human limits.'
Now that the disguise has been lifted, it seems like I'm seeing Bael's true abilities.
"You're boasting about your strength, black blade, but it seems you're skillfully handling everything."
"What do you mean!?"
Despite repeatedly thrusting the spear in retaliation, all my attacks are evaded. While my attacks are easily dodged, it's always a close call to block his attacks.
It's clear that I'm significantly slower than Bael. In the time it takes me to swing my weapon once, Bael can swipe his claws three or four times. And when I manage to avoid some of his attacks, he leaps back a great distance. Because of this, it's hard to build momentum and switch to an offensive stance.
In the past, the demon I fought at the royal castle── I think his name was Nils── underestimated me, so our battle remained a simple clash of strength. Thanks to that, I was able to overpower him through sheer force in the end, but his true specialty is probably as a magic warrior. If he had kept his distance and attacked me with magic instead of engaging in a sword and spear duel, I would have been in danger.
However, this guy Bael is cautious of revealing his full strength at critical moments and avoids direct clashes thoroughly. It's frustrating.
He could have easily countered my attacks, and there were plenty of opportunities for a counterattack. Yet, he deliberately refrains from doing so to prevent the battle from turning into a contest of strength, even if by chance.
I've been barely managing to block Bael's attacks so far, and there's a reason why I can also maintain a mental conversation with Gram. Leaving aside my physical strength, Bael's speed rivals that of Mikage. I've been sparring with her as part of our training. Thanks to that, I can barely keep up with Bael's movements.
However, there's a limit to it. Bael's attacks carry a clear intent to kill, unlike Mikage, and its claws aim for unprotected areas. If it weren't for the armor made from the materials of the evil dragon, I would definitely be covered in blood by now. Additionally, even if I occasionally miss an attack, I manage to react somehow with Gram's voice.
'What are you going to do, partner? If you continue like this, it's you who will run out of strength and collapse.'
"I know, alright!"
While raising my voice, I barely managed to defend against a fierce attack aimed at my vital points with a swift strike of my black spear. However, by the time I swung back the tip, Bael's body was already out of reach.
At this point, the consumption of mental energy becomes more of an issue than physical strength. Although I'm focused now, if the battle drags on, there will inevitably come a moment when the tension I have been holding breaks. And Bael won't miss that moment.
"Don't call me cowardly, Black Blade."
"Even if you say that, are you willing to engage in a brawl with me?"
"That is more in Weiss's field rather than mine."
His partner really into being a magician, isn't he?
Anyway, it's really tough when I can't see a way out.
When it comes to a battle of speed and skill, I don't even have a chance of winning. Understanding this, Bael is avoiding direct clashes and instead aiming to chip away at me. I need to somehow stop Bael's movements or drag him into my own arena of strength.
However, I can't afford to get lost in thought.
──Clank!!
By the time I thought Bael moved, he was already closing in on me. I barely managed to block his claw strike as we passed each other with my spear, but my cheek was grazed shallowly.
And when I turned around to not lose sight of him, Bael had already vanished. Just as a chilling sensation crawled up my spine, Gram's shout came.
'Dodge forward!'
Without thinking, I leaped forward as if rolling. Immediately after, a deep thud sounded from behind. When I regained my posture and looked back, Bael's claw had sunk halfway into my arm at the spot where I had just been moments ago.
When I lost sight of him, he leaped high and was above my head. If it hit an uncovered part of my body, that part would definitely have been blown away. I couldn't help but imagine the scene of losing my own head, sending a shiver down my spine once again.
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