Chapter 94.2 - The Second Year at the Academy - The Noble Knight of Integrity (2)
"I slash in again and release [Heavy Blow]."
I repeat rough attacks, using [Double Strike] in addition.
My actions, ignoring his words, make Klaus' wry smile disappear.
"Still want to play?"
Klaus' shield intercepts the swung [Heavy Blow].
At that moment, the sword's tip slices through the air.
What is this feeling?
Before my completely unstable posture, Klaus draws his sword again.
A familiar preparatory motion.
Linking the power throughout his body, a high-level skill to seal a tank-like charge.
But I step in.
I lower Nosval, launching a reckless frontal assault.
Not even aiming for a mutual hit.
Klaus's expression twists in amazement.
[Counter Thrust] is swung from the right flank to the left chest, and splatters of blood follow.
Without time to feel pain, I collapse.
It was surprisingly quiet.
The swordplay ceases, and no one utters a word.
Klaus still has an astonished look on his face as he peers down at my blood-soaked body.
"What are you thinking? Are you willing to die?"
"No… it's my loss."
Klaus looks down at me with eyes that seem to see a monster, despite my smirking mouth.
This man doesn't understand. It's about himself.
If Klaus hadn't used [Counter Thrust], I would have truly died.
But that didn't happen.
Name: Heavenly Sword
Features: A sword that governs protection and judgment made of Ratar ore.
Only a noble knight can wield it skillfully.
Characteristics: Unknown.
That's Klaus's sword.
Being recognized by the Sword of the Heavens is proof of being a noble knight.
And if he's a noble knight, he won't accept me dying in such a battle. He can't accept it.
Even if there was a bit of usurping, Lushena's subsequent actions went too far.
One-sided magic attacks on me, a duel with no chance of me winning.
And to top it off, she might even be grateful for the [Eternal Harvest] I granted the female orc.
"Aniki…!?"
Finally snapping out of it, Zeret and Barden express shock and intense anger.
Twisting their heads and staring me down.
Don't mess it up by interfering, okay? I lost nicely.
Nevertheless, Zeret and the others couldn't contain themselves.
But I told Ishmira not to interfere with the duel, and somehow, they restrained themselves.
Klaus, the victor, is still not fully awake from his bewilderment.
At that moment, Lushena's voice resounds.
"What are you doing?"
"Huh…?"
Klaus questions in a bewildered tone.
"She's alive. Hurry and finish it. There's still one more left. I'll handle the woman who stole our prey."
"P-Please wait! The match is already settled!"
Klaus counters, and Lushena fixes her expressionless gaze on him.
She wants him to decide quickly, whatever it is. I'm in so much pain that I feel like I'm dying.
Oh, it's getting cold. I might really die. Let me apply a potion for a little relief.
While I secretly apply a potion, the master and servant continue to stare at each other in silence.
Perhaps fed up, Lushena swings her wand.
The wand hits Klaus's face, but he doesn't move a muscle.
"Are you defying me?"
"I'm here to protect Lady Lushena. If it means opposing the Adventurer's Guild, I will."
"I see."
The wand is swung again, but Klaus remains motionless.
The harsh sounds ring multiple times, and before I realize it, only rough breaths remain.
"…I've lost interest."
Lushena throws her wand aside and returns the favor.
The guards shoot Klaus looks of mockery and anger, then follow their mistress.
Finally over? It's much easier to fight with monsters.
Alone, Klaus kneels by my side and activates [Healing].
In an instant, minor wounds heal, and even the injuries I suffered from [Whirlwind Thrust] stop bleeding.
Wow, this is healing magic, [Healing].
The effect is… about as good as a high-quality Healing Potion.
No need for Sislas Grass or Sarlas Butterfly Wings; as long as you have mana, you can use it as much as you want. Healing magic is too convenient.
"Thank you."
I raise my upper body and extend Nosval.
"No problem. Well, I'll take my leave."
"Wait, there's one thing I'd like to ask. Which god do you worship?"
Klaus is momentarily dumbfounded by my question but then bursts into laughter.
"You're an odd one to the end. I worship the god Ractos. I have since birth."
"Thank you. I'm grateful to Ractos for sparing my life."
Klaus nods and follows Lushena.
Too bad.
It's the Sun God. I've already prayed.
Once the presence of the young girl's group disappears, I get up.
While brushing off the dirt, I examine my leather armor, which has been completely torn.
Azure Mantle is a valuable item, so I took it off, but the leather armor is a different story.
And if it were just cloth armor, it wouldn't have fared well with these injuries.
As expected, Sword Flash and high-level magical tools are something else.
The Ratar ore, the material of the Heavenly Sword, is known as a magical metal equivalent to orichalcum ore, depending on its content.
I turn my gaze to the forest and think back to Sword Flash.
He was like a personification of his skills.
Why would someone like that serve someone like Lushena?
I can't imagine that her father is a person of great character. That's because his daughter and entourage are like that.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢