Chapter 62

In the center of the dueling arena, where curses echoed, Anne and Clanel faced each other.

I linked my consciousness with the wind mana to pick up the sounds.

While it would be extremely difficult for a human to link with wind mana, I managed to do so with sheer force.

"Let's settle this, Clanel. Who is more worthy of Kval Best?"

"Before that, let me apologize... I'm sorry about the underground labyrinth. I didn't mean to go that far."

Surprisingly, Clanel apologized, even if only in words.

It seemed that the riot that could have killed Anne was also against Clanel's will.

"That doesn't matter now. I'm here only to be recognized as the bearer of Kval Best. That's all."

As she said, Anne wore a calm expression.

"Anne, I owe you. But I can't afford to lose. I'll give it my all today."

Clanel readied his sword.

A sword with intricate decorations, one that clearly suited Clanel's taste.

His stance was flawless, showing no signs of the recent injury. It was evident that he had put in unimaginable effort to regain his form.

"Yes, come at me with all you've got... I'll surpass that seriousness. The training and pride I've built as an Oakleer, the new sword Soji gave me, and..."

Anne drew Kval Best with resolve.

She then took her unique stance, half-turned.

"Kval Best. With the strength of my other half."

The moment Anne spoke to Kval Best, red veins of light ran along the blade.

Everyone in the arena was stunned.

This was the proof that Kval Best recognized its master and unleashed its power, a sight that the successive heads of the Oakleer family had demonstrated.

In the long history of the capital, no one had ever been recognized by Kval Best at the age of sixteen.

Everyone thought Anne had mastered Kval Best.

But they were wrong. No one had ever shown its true power, leading everyone to believe that this was Kval Best's full strength.

This was only the first stage of Kval Best. Its true potential lay ahead, and Anne would eventually reach it.

"Let's begin. Clanel Feilarte. We'll clearly determine who is more worthy of Kval Best. Right here, right now!"

"That's my line. Anne Oakleer. I'll fulfill the Feilarte family's long-held wish here. And I... no, let's not get sentimental."

The tension between the two heightened.

The spectators, who had been shouting curses, fell silent, influenced by the atmosphere between Anne and Clanel.

The referee spoke up.

"From this moment on, the duel between Clanel Feilarte and Anne Oakleer, to determine the bearer of Kval Best, will begin! ...Start!"

And the battle began.

◇

Clanel made the first move. Using his Rank 2 superior physical abilities, he circled around Anne and attacked from above.

If it were the old Anne, she would have been cut down without even reacting.

But Anne had grown. She absorbed magic into her surroundings, sensing her opponent's movements not just with her eyes but with her entire body.

The current Anne could calmly adapt to Clanel's movements and take the optimal action.

"Ha!"

Sensing Clanel's downward strike, Anne quickly closed the distance and swung her sword. It was too close for Clanel but optimal for Anne. Clanel's strike slowed, and the roles reversed, with Anne's sword meeting Clanel's.

The difference in strength and rank made it easy for Clanel to push back. But Anne guided the direction of the force... a move I had demonstrated in my battle with Clanel.

Anne had absorbed my teachings.

A slight opening appeared in Clanel's defense. Anne didn't miss it.

Her sword reached Clanel before he could regain his stance. A quick, light swing grazed Clanel's upper arm.

At that moment, Kval Best's [Gluttony] activated, consuming Clanel's blessing and easily slicing through his skin despite the rank difference.

Clanel, grimacing in pain, attempted a horizontal strike. Anne closed the distance further, moving inside his reach. They were almost in contact, a distance where even Anne couldn't swing her sword properly.

From this position, Anne delivered a low, angled thrust, almost vertical. It was a move I couldn't do, possible only because of Anne's flexibility.

The sword cut shallowly into Clanel's abdomen.

Clanel stepped back, breathing heavily.

Anne calmly retook her stance, watching him without a gap.

"...Anne, you're beautiful."

I couldn't help but murmur.

The battle continued. Swords clashed, and the high-pitched sounds echoed.

Anne's sword was soft. She utilized her flexible joints to strike from every angle and distance. She didn't force her defenses but flowed with them.

Occasionally, she delivered powerful, full-force strikes. The foundation she had built allowed her to make these unconventional moves effective.

Her unique blend of unconventional and orthodox, hard and soft swordsmanship.

Even as she wielded her sword, there was a dance-like beauty to her movements.

Kval Best, glowing with a red trail, illuminated such Anne.

The spectators, who had been shouting curses, fell silent.

They were captivated by Anne.

The audience, accustomed to sword duels, could appreciate the beauty of Anne's swordsmanship.

Everyone wished this beautiful battle would last forever. But it had to end. About ten minutes into the match, the two stopped moving. Anne's sword tip was pressed against Clanel's throat, a checkmate.

"I surrender. I lost. You've become strong and beautiful. It's hard to argue with such a display of power."

Clanel sheathed his sword and raised his hands.

The referee rushed over.

"The winner is... Anne Oakleer."

The referee announced with a trembling voice.

The spectators were taken aback and speechless. They wanted to praise Anne for her magnificent swordsmanship and victory. But they couldn't praise the daughter of a criminal.

Amid this, the king clapped loudly.

Seeing this, the nobles in the VIP seats began to clap, and the applause spread to the general seats.

In an instant, the arena was filled with words of praise for Anne, not the curses that had filled it before the match. This was the moment Anne Oakleer was officially recognized as the bearer of Kval Best.

...Congratulations, Anne.

I murmured in my heart and sent my best applause.

I decided that when she returned, I would hug her tightly.

This concludes Chapter 2.

The next chapter will begin a new arc!

Thank you for your continued support of Cheater Magic.