Chapter 10

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I stand facing Tony, waiting for the signal to start the match.

(The audience is large)

Probably people working in the royal palace, nobles, and those broadcasting to the citizens with magic are here.

"Don't be so tense. This is a mock battle. It's not a life-or-death struggle. Besides, I'm just an old man."

"Hehe... I'll do my best."

Just as we finished talking, the exam began. We both started by observing each other...

(Oh no...)

There's no opening. At this level, it's this intense... Even a slight movement on my part is met with a slight movement from Tony to counter me.

(Can I really win?)

I was complacent. Before the exam started, I thought I still had a chance to win. But facing him, I realize how difficult it is to win. As I consider what tactics to use, Tony speaks up.

"What's wrong? Aren't you going to attack?"

"... I'm still thinking."

"I see... Then let's start with a light probe."

Suddenly, he closes the distance. The attack I thought would come from the left comes from the right, and I barely manage to deflect it. But another attack follows immediately. This time from the right, then the left, with feints from above.

(Danger!)

Unable to deflect the continuous attacks, I focus on dodging. I manage to dodge by a few millimeters, but another attack comes. The next attack comes after feints from the right, left, above, and below.

"!"

I can't avoid this attack and end up injuring my arm. Realizing the danger, I jump back to create some distance. Tony smiles.

"I'm impressed that you can fight this well at your age. Young people still have potential."

"..."

I don't even have the time to talk. This strength, what is it? Can someone his age move like this...?

"Are you done thinking?"

"!"

I was barely managing to defend... I hadn't decided how to attack yet.

He attacks from the front without a signal. A sharp strike. My intuition tells me that if I don't avoid it, I won't get away unscathed.

"This feeling..."

Using the water magic and the footwork I used with Shuri, I create a water clone to avoid the attack.

(Why did I forget...?)

"Can you do that too!"

"..."

Why did I forget...? When I fought Shuri, I said something grand, but I forgot it.

An assassin is someone who kills their target without being noticed in the dark. If that's the case...

I attack Tony with a wind arrow.

"That won't hit."

I know. But what if I do this? Last time, I only fired one, but this time I fire them in succession.

"That won't hit either."

I know. I don't expect them to hit. But I should be able to draw his attention. Then, I vary my pace and create afterimages.

"!!"

He probably knows my position.

The real exam begins from here. And the rapid advance starts.

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