Font Size:
“Ugh… ugh…”
Suddenly, Dudley started to grunt.
“Uoooooohhh!!!”
With that, he spread both arms wide and let out an earth-shattering scream. The silver aura surrounding him grew larger and denser.
“…Ngh.”
I squinted my eyes, increasing my vigilance.
–Has Dudley finally decided to get serious? The aura around him was completely different from before. It seemed like he had been holding back until now.
“…Heh, it wouldn’t be fun otherwise.”
At my muttering, Dudley raised an eyebrow and said:
“What did you say?”
“I haven’t gone all out either. This battle wouldn’t feel satisfying if it ends like this.”
“That wasn’t your full power…?”
For some reason, Dudley momentarily looked down as if in despair, but a few seconds later, he let out a dry laugh.
“Heh heh heh… Stop joking around. What more are you planning to do?”
“Well, you’ll find out as we fight.”
“Tch. You really know how to get on my nerves…”
Dudley scowled and resumed his battle stance.
And then…
Dash!!
In an instant, he kicked the ground and charged at me.
The speed was completely different from before, as if a different person had appeared.
“Oooooh!”
The spectators cheered loudly.
Whether I should feel happy or sad, it seems like blood of a swordsman runs in my veins. I couldn’t help but feel a little excited at Dudley’s speed.
–Interesting.
This is how it should be!
The sword approached my vision.
Kiin!
I easily deflected it.
Seizing the opportunity, I struck him.
“Gogeh!!”
Dudley flew back, spitting saliva.
But it didn’t end there.
He quickly regained his balance and came charging at me again. I effortlessly stopped Dudley’s sword.
“Ha, fast…!”
“As expected of Dudley-sama…!”
“But… how is Arios keeping up with that speed…?”
“He even looks relaxed?”
Even the murmurs from the spectators didn’t enter my consciousness.
Not yet. I can aim for even greater heights.
Beyond the Sword Saint—!
I took a big step back and activated my skill, Cheat Code Manipulation.
――――――
Available Cheat Codes:
I selected Full Use of Fire Attribute Magic.
This should be the most effective choice right now.
“Hoo…”
I extended one arm and concentrated magical energy into my palm. Though I hadn’t trained in magic, I somehow understood how to use it.
“Huh…? Hey, wait, are you—”
Dudley’s eyes widened, but I couldn’t let this opening slip away.
–Intermediate Magic, Flare Zone.
Immediately, large fireballs as big as a grown man’s body appeared around Dudley.
“Huh? Huh? Magic? No way!?”
Dudley appeared utterly confused.
Well, of course, it’s surprising. Leon probably never told him I could use magic.
“I… am I dreaming…?”
“That’s magic… and intermediate magic too…”
“Is there anyone in the royal capital who can use both swords and magic like that?”
“Dudley-sama definitely can’t use magic…”
Ignoring the murmurs from the spectators, I released my magical energy.
The fireballs surrounding Dudley began to move simultaneously and attacked the Sword Saint candidate.
“Naaaaaaahhh!!!”
Explosion.
Flash.
Thunderous roar.
Though it wasn’t as powerful as ultimate magic, the damage was certainly enough to shift the battle in my favor.
Just to be sure, I selected Visibility of Target’s HP from the cheat codes.
Dudley’s remaining HP appeared before my eyes.
As expected, his limit was near. The fact that he hadn’t fallen yet shows that he’s a cut above the enemies I’ve faced before.
Looking closely, his right leg seemed to be close to giving out. If I can stop his movement with that, I’ll win.
I also selected Attack Power Up (Small) from the cheat codes. I couldn’t afford to be careless.
“Cough… cough…!!”
Dudley still seemed to be stumbling amidst the black smoke.
Now’s the time.
“Oooooooooohhh!!”
Edge Origin Style.
First Form.
True: God Speed Slash.
My sword accurately struck Dudley’s right leg.
“Ngh, ngh, no way…?”
Dudley kneeled while letting out a pitiful voice.
–It’s over!!
I aimed my sword just before his head.
Mnotia[Translator]
Just a guy translating stuff.