Published: July 3, 2025
From Ryo's perspective, there seemed to be almost no difference between Abel and San.
Their speed and power were nearly equal.
In terms of technique, San appeared to have a slight edge, but when it came to mental superiority, there seemed to be a significant difference.
This could be attributed to the fact that all of San's companions were frozen in ice, while Abel's companions were all watching over him.
Realistically speaking, even if San were to win, he wouldn’t think he could escape safely from this situation.
He had seen his three companions defeated so easily and turned into ice.
He was still witnessing them being frozen.
No matter how optimistic a person might be, they wouldn't be able to hope for a safe escape from this situation.
If that was the case, then he would struggle to have the fighting spirit of "I must win no matter what."
In situations where life and death are at stake, the so-called mental strength plays a surprisingly large role.
Speed, power, and technique... whether one can fully exhibit those abilities is largely dependent on mental strength.
Sometimes, people who have no understanding of human nature say things like "This is a professional job," while only aiming for rationality.
"Don't bring emotions into work."
"I'm not inclined, but as a professional, I'll do my job properly."
"You can't do professional work with just camaraderie."
Every time Ryo heard such things, his father would give a pitying look.
Half of a person is made up of emotions.
You cannot control emotions with rationality.
What you can do is suppress emotions... which only results in a half-hearted exertion of effort without utilizing the power of emotion.
It's obvious, but the state of being able to exert both rational power and emotional power is the state in which a person can exhibit their greatest strength.
This is a logic that even high school students can understand.
For example, when a team needs to accomplish something, it’s common knowledge that the team members being on good terms yields better results.
This is because they create a situation where they can utilize not only rational power but also emotional power.
That is the true work of a professional.
Taking this into account, it became evident even to an amateur that the balance of power in the sword fight between San and Abel was beginning to shift.
The difference in mental strength, which can be seen as a difference in emotion, was beginning to surpass the slight difference in technique.
The two fighters were the ones who understood this best.
They had no choice but to understand it the most.
"Damn it."
San muttered quietly.
Once such words start to come out, the end is near.
At the moment San switched his grip from reverse to forward, Abel's sword thrust at San’s sword.
Clang.
The sword flew from San's right hand.
However, at that very moment when everyone’s gaze turned towards that direction, San pulled out a dagger with his left hand from behind his body.
Then, he thrust it directly at Abel in front of him.
...Just before the dagger pierced Abel's body, San's left arm danced.
Abel cut upwards from below with his sword.
"Guh!"
A muffled voice escaped from San's mouth.
Abel then changed the upward cut into a horizontal slash... and next came... San's head and blood mist.
As blood spurted out, Abel remained unmoving in the aftermath.
"Impressive."
Ryo murmured quietly, and hearing that voice, Abel finally released the aftermath and nodded once towards Ryo.
Thus, the attack on King Abel by the five dragons was completely thwarted.
The ensuing commotion was quite the affair.
As Scout Calvin had said, everyone in the mansion had fallen asleep.
Sleeping pills had been added to the dinner, and additionally, in several rooms, sleeping incense had been burnt.
It seemed that only the four who were in Abel's office had escaped this fate as they were having a meeting without having dinner.
The knight order members who returned from the outdoor training with Ryo awakened them, and eventually, everyone came to, marking the beginning of the commotion.