Volume 1 Chapter 32 My Signature Combat Technique is Not Magic――
Guy's <Sword of the Conqueror> can pierce through any defensive barrier. It's a Magic Sword.
So this time, I'm leaving the <Magic Stone of Diamond> outside of my three equipment slots.
Not that it would've mattered even if Guy didn't have his Magic Sword. The <Magic Stone of Diamond> wasn't necessary anyway. After all, I've been training with Minori regularly. Dodging this level of swordsmanship isn't a problem for me.
Besides, with the <Magic Stone of Powerful Arms>, Guy—whose physical abilities are inferior—can't keep up with my movements. He's just swinging his sword out of exhaustion now.
"Damn it, stop dodging!"
"If you get hit, it'll hurt. Try harder, will you? Just because you're the wall doesn't mean you can neglect your sword skills. Relying solely on defense won't cut it."
"Don't tell me what to do!"
"You were the one barking orders."
I lectured Guy—who hates being lectured more than anything—but it only riled him up. His swordplay became sloppy, frustration dulling his technique.
His movements slowed. He must be tiring out, unable to recover stamina as usual.
Does he even realize why? It's because he gave up his magic stone along with me.
Seeing the opening, I put some distance between us and begin chanting. Time to make my move.
"Flame Arrow, pierce through the enemy before you and ignite—<Fire Arrow>!"
The Novice Spell flies toward Guy's abdomen.
He raises his large shield in his left hand and easily blocks it. The impact disappears instantly.
...Normally, the flames should linger for five seconds. But—
"Is that all you got?! You're just an enchanter, after all!"
Guy, emboldened, charges at me. But like before, he won't land a hit. I parry and evade with my staff, watching as his movements grow sloppier.
"Hey, hey, what's wrong? Already winded? We've just begun. Maybe you should take off that heavy armor."
"Ugh... shut up..."
I sidestep his ragged breaths, taunting him as he reaches his limit. Without the Magic Stone of Sublimation, this guy is nothing.
Well, time for my second attack. I step back and—
"Magic, gather, become lightning, and pierce—<Lightning>!"
A single bolt arcs between my staff and Guy's chest.
Like the Fire Arrow before, it does nothing.
Proof? Guy, catching his breath, charges again, smug.
...As if he's certain my magic is useless. He even lifts his chin.
"...Hmph."
I spin, using my larger frame to body-slam him as he passes. Off balance, he stumbles and falls clumsily.
Perfect.
I prepare my next spell—not for attack, but confirmation.
"Reveal its nature, <Identification>."
Magic unfolds. Guy's equipment becomes clear.
As I suspected—the only item carrying magic is his sword, <Sword of the Conqueror>.
I glance at the audience, piecing things together.
"...Magic attacks don't work. Is this Marie's doing? Are you having her cast <Anti-Magic>?"
"H-huh? What are you talking about?!"
Guy panics, eyes darting toward Mr. Emin.
That reaction is all the answer I need.
Mr. Emin, understanding the situation, narrows his eyes. His gaze sharpens.
"Guy... have you sullied this sacred duel?"
"N-no! That's a mistake! He's just making things up!"
Guy, a man obsessed with rank, trembles under the weight of Mr. Emin's presence. A former First Rank adventurer's glare isn't something to take lightly.
...Maybe he still remembers the time Mr. Emin nearly shoved a fork into his throat.
"It's fine, Mr. Emin. He's pathetic. Let's continue. He can't beat me—a Third Rank enchanter—without cheating."
I pause, standing tall, looking down at Guy as he struggles to rise.
"After all, without my enchantments, this guy wouldn't even be considered Second Rank."
"Y-youuuu!"
Face burning red, Guy howls.
"Ugh! Smoke!"
A shout rises from the audience.
Thick smoke billows from nowhere. Panic spreads.
It reaches the training ground, swallowing Guy and Mr. Emin from my sight.
...Not Marie's doing. Which means—
I toss my cane aside and close my eyes, honing in on the presences around me.
A shift.
I turn swiftly.
"Ah. I knew it."
As expected—Sean. Charging at me, white blade in hand.
The smoke clears quickly, revealing the scene.
"Hey, isn't that Sean?"
An audience member shouts.
Sean lies motionless, his knife fallen beside him. I stand where he once was.
...But that means my back is to Guy.
"Die already!"
I slowly turn, tightening my fist.
"...Huh?"
Guy's voice quivers.
His proud Magic Sword—snapped in half. The remains of the <Sword of the Conqueror> stab into the ground behind me.
I shift my left foot forward.
Twist my body, briefly turning my back to him.
I exhale softly, gathering all my strength—
"Guh... o... gah!"
A voiceless scream escapes him.
My deadly right back kick crushes his armor, denting deep into his stomach.
"...Hmph!"
I pivot, left foot as an axis, spinning once. Then, stepping forward with my right, I twist, lifting my left leg—
A roundhouse kick, straight to Guy's face.
His helmet cracks. The impact echoes.
He spins like a struck coin, staggers—
And collapses.
Motionless.
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