Published: July 8, 2025
“Ever since I was blown away, I’ve been at a disadvantage.”
Ryo understood that the situation had worsened.
Frowning, he still managed to withstand Zoltan’s attacks.
“I was blown away by the [duet]… the technique I unleashed earlier was completely turned back at me.”
It was a zero-distance attack magic from a state of sword meeting sword.
Rather than inflicting damage on the opponent, it aimed to blow them away and destabilize their stance.
“Controlling posture in the air is difficult.”
Of course, he hadn’t sustained any serious damage, but he had lost the initiative.
Since then, he had been at a constant disadvantage.
“Hahaha, what’s wrong, first duke? Is that all you’ve got?”
As Zoltan said this, he continued to unleash fire attribute magic attacks one after another.
At times, he would close the distance and engage in melee attacks with his sword.
“I’m moving forward and backward almost without touching the ground. There was a vampire in an old vampire game that moved like that.”
Utilizing all the magic he could, Ryo defended against Zoltan’s attacks while using Murakumo, grumbling to himself.
“Oh, so there were other vampires floating in the sky besides me?”
“They’re vampires depicted in human imagination.”
“How interesting. So among humans, vampires are recognized as beings that float in the sky?”
“That’s right, it means there were people who thought that way.”
While such a conversation passed between Ryo and Zoltan, the situation was growing increasingly dire for Ryo.
(This is bad. I understand I’m running out of options, but how do I turn this around? I’m outclassed in magic and swordplay, and my speed and strength aren’t enough. There’s no difference in technique. Even in alchemy, it seems I’m not superior. I’m really in trouble.)
Even as he thought this, his body was almost unconsciously defending against Zoltan’s attacks.
However, it wasn’t perfect.
Even Ryo’s wall-like defense was starting to show cracks.
His robe was automatically repairing itself as usual, looking clean, but his body and face beneath it were quite battered.
(I haven’t sustained any significant damage that would hinder my ability to continue fighting, but at this rate, I will definitely take such damage.)
Ryo knew that fatigue would lead to mistakes.
At that moment, he heard Zoltan’s voice.
“This is about what I expected.”
“Pardon?”
Ryo jumped forward instinctively, but it was too late.
“Ugh!”
Zoltan had swiftly maneuvered behind him and slashed Ryo’s calf with his sword.
It was the serious damage he had feared.
He could no longer run.
“I was supposed to slice both your legs off, but you dodged well.”
Zoltan seemed impressed.
It was the composure of an overwhelmingly powerful opponent.
“The speed…”
“Ah, it seems I’ve become quite accustomed to flying in the sky. I feel like ending this quickly.”
Ryo muttered, while Zoltan replied with a laugh.
(I can’t move. To counter with the water jet thruster… unfortunately, they have the upper hand in aerial movement. If I survive, I’ll need to practice more. For now, survival is my top priority.)
Ryo steeled himself.
He took a deep breath. His empty lungs forced him to inhale.
A successful deep breath.
At that moment, Ryo’s atmosphere changed.
Naturally, this caught Zoltan’s attention.
“Good, come at me.”
Zoltan readied his Bloody Sword.
He charged Murakumo at his left hip.
Ice began to form around Murakumo.
It was as if Murakumo was sheathed in ice while still having its blade exposed.
“What is that…”
Zoltan muttered upon seeing Ryo’s stance.
Then, a sinister smile appeared on his face.
“Is it the technique of a small golem, released by its creator?”
Yes, it was the sword drawing technique.
But Ryo’s aim was elsewhere.
(If only for an instant, I want to stop Zoltan’s movement. When will his movements stop? When shocked? When paralyzed? Yes, that sounds good.)
He quickly devised a plan.
(Murakumo, I’m counting on you again.)
Without voicing it, he called out to Murakumo in his heart.