Chapter 14 Can I Really Win?
About 30 meters (≈98.4ft).
For a swordsman, this distance was too far apart.
Logan stood facing Aaron Gale, with a gap of about 30m (≈98.4ft) between them.
(He's definitely planning to use a horizontal or diagonal slash from that stance.)
Logan also took a high guard stance, quietly circulating aura around his sword and body as he analyzed Aaron's unusual stance.
(And if he's daring to open up this much distance, it's almost certain he won't close in from that stance.)
He's probably planning to use a long-range attack skill. But there's a question.
(Why is he opening up this distance? If I can defend against or dodge his attack, I'll win. In this condition, using a long-range skill would be disadvantageous for him...)
And there's another question.
――Creak, creak, creak, creak...!
A disturbing sound echoed through the training grounds.
It was like the ominous creaking of a strong bowstring.
Logan didn't know of any skill that made a sound like this before attacking.
(A skill I don't know... That means it's probably a Unique Job. He's definitely awakened to a Unique Job. ...This is interesting!)
Loga has also awakened to a Unique Job.
Aaron's True Identity unknown Jobs were about to unleash a True Identity unknown skill. Now, which one of their skills is stronger?
He's more interested in measuring Aaron's power than just winning. So,
(I've decided. I'll also use a long-range skill to counterattack.)
Only by using a skill from the same system can he accurately measure its power.
"Let's begin, then."
Fiona confirmed that both sides were ready and declared the start.
She flicked a copper coin on the tip of her right thumb.
The copper coin danced in the air, and as it approached the ground, Logan's concentration increased without limit. And when the coin hit the ground――.
――In an instant.
With a sharp "ding" sound, a flash of light was released in a horizontal line.
It was as if time had skipped a beat; in an instant, Aaron's figure transformed into a stance with his sword raised.
There was no time to think.
From the top, he swung his sword down, unleashing the skill he had planned beforehand.
The Sword Saint Technique skill - [Flying Dragon Sever]
As its name suggests, this powerful, unparalleled long-range attack skill was created by an ancient hero, the origin of the "Sword Saint" job, to cut down a flying dragon in the sky. This single flash of light condensed a massive aura into a blade-like shape and flew forward.
The clash was instantaneous.
The horizontal blade and the vertical blade drew a vertical cross and collided with a loud, high-pitched sound, like swords clashing. The movement stopped ―― for just a moment.
Next.
(Uh-oh!?)
After a brief moment of resistance, the aura blade resumed its advance.
Logan's [Flying Dragon Slash] was shattered like broken glass into countless fragments, and only Aaron's blade remained.
A sense of crisis ran through his entire body ―― which is why Logan reflexively took the best action to survive.
Avoiding it was impossible.
So, he took a single step forward and swung his sword up.
The Sword Saint Technique skill ―― [Dragon Scale Crusher]
Not a sharp, brittle aura blade, but an aura strike that could shatter even a dragon's scales.
"Uoooaaaah!!"
He shouted while swinging his sword.
The solid, unyielding aura mass was lodged in his sword, and he struck the incoming blade with it.
"GUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!"
The shock was so intense that both hands gripping the hilt felt like they were about to be blown away. Even Logan couldn't withstand it for long. But in the next moment, the aura of [Dragon Scale Crusher] exploded with directionality.
His field of vision was filled with a flash of light.
A cool, yet intense sound, like shattering numerous glasses at once, echoed.
"OOOOAAAAH!!"
Logan swung his sword up.
Aaron's released blade didn't harm Logan, instead shattering into pieces right in front of him.
"――――Haa... haa...!"
He remained in the stance of having swung his sword, still reeling.
Suddenly, he was drenched in sweat all over his body, and he felt like he'd reached his limit after running at full speed for just an instant.
(Ugh, it wasn't...!)
"You're saying you can easily defend against that, or are you a monster or something?!!"
Aaron, who had also released his remaining energy, muttered to himself in a distant location, and Logan's ears picked up the faint voice thanks to his exceptional hearing as a Unique Job holder.
(Monster, which one is it...!!)
He retorted in his mind, glancing down at the longsword he held.
One side of the blade ―― the side that clashed with Aaron's blade ―― was warped and crushed over a wide area, its shape twisted and zigzagged.
The clash with the aura blade had only lasted an instant. Moreover, at that time, his sword was wrapped in a lump of aura thanks to [Dragon Scale Crusher], but it ended up like this.
(This sword itself looks plain, doesn't have any magical power, and is just a steel-made tool, but...)
Probably, if there was a bit less magical energy stored in [Dragon Scale Crusher], the aura explosion would have destroyed his sword before he could react.
The fact that the sword's blade is chipped means that the aura lump had touched his sword after being slashed.
If I had perfect equipment, I could have defended without damaging my sword – that's what he think. However...
(Aaron, he only needed one hit. Meanwhile, I needed 2)
Looking at the result alone, he did manage to defend against Aaron's attack. In other words, it's his victory.
But Logan couldn't bring himself to be proud of this victory. Why? He thought, directing a sharp gaze at Aaron, who was approaching him.
(He wasn't serious about winning from the start. And to top it off, this victory was with "mercy" included...)
He realized it after receiving his attack.
The meaning behind Aaron setting a distance of 30m (≈98.4ft), which was too far.
If he had been any closer, his second hit wouldn't have made it in time. And if he had been even closer, he might not have even reacted to the first hit.
(It's like a skill that requires charging, so it's not that easy to use in real combat, right? No, but that's just an excuse.)
Logan couldn't help but burst out laughing, feeling a sense of joy from the bottom of his heart. It's only natural, after all. He let out a series of giggles.
(He thought that if he used his skills at a closer range, he might end up killing me. This is about me, after all.)
That's why he kept his distance.
He was worried that he might seriously hurt him, so he held back.
How many people in this Labyrinth City... no, in the entire world can do something like that?
――He's strong.
Logan can confidently say that. Without a doubt, he's strong.
Even with the full power of Logan Abrams, the so-called Sword Saint, it's uncertain whether he could win against him.
(If I could defeat him at full strength, I'd be able to reach an even higher level, Aaron Gale.)
He's confident that if he could beat him at full strength, he could reach an even higher level.
"Ah, I was easily blocked. Well, in any case, you win this time."
Aaron said, tapping his shoulder with his sword as he approached.
Logan smiled wryly and returned his sword to its scabbard, responding to him.
"No, I think we should call it a draw this time. If I'm being honest, I lost, but I won't accept that."
"What do you mean by 'draw'?"
Aaron looked genuinely puzzled, tilting his head.
He's quite the actor, it seems.
"Hmph, don't worry about it. We'll have another chance to cross swords someday, so..."
"No, I said I'd only do it once."
"Very well. I've understood your abilities and your character."
"No, I said I'd only do it once."
"Lady! He's probably fine. His skills are outstanding. I'll vouch for him."
"I'm only going to do it once."
"Ah, I see! I understand. Thank you, Logan."
Eva, who had been watching the duel with Fiona, nodded as she approached them.
Eva walked up to Logan's side and looked up at Aaron's face.
"Mr. Aaron, I'm grateful for your sudden favor. However, I have another request that might be impolite, but could you accompany me to my house afterwards?"
Aaron's face twisted in distaste, like he had bitten into something bitter, as he gazed back at Eva.
Seeing that there was no hint of apology in his expression, Eva realized that this was an order from someone in power. With a deep sigh, Aaron attempted to resist, at least a little.
"What's the point of this if you won't explain anything? I can't give you an answer."
"Ah, I apologize. I forgot."
Eva apologized sincerely and continued.
"The matter concerns last year's Stampede, and also, I'd like to scout you."
"...A discussion about the Stampede?"
Aaron ignored the word "scout" and reacted to the first part of the sentence.
In a low, cautious tone, devoid of his usual respect for those in power, he asked.
"You people, of course, have investigated me, right?"
"...Yes, we've looked into it beforehand. We're aware that you lost a friend, too."
"And you're going to discuss the Stampede on top of that?"
"...Yes. I promise to tell you the truth, even if I don't know what you'll think."
"...The truth, huh?"
Aaron's hard, emotionless gaze sent a shiver down Eva's spine.
It was as if she was facing a fearsome beast, but she didn't avert her eyes.
"......Alright. I'll listen."
Just a few seconds later, when Aaron nodded, Eva felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her.
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