Chapter 17

Barbarotto and Jex crossed swords numerous times. Their skills were evenly matched, and the stalemate continued.

"Huff... huff..."

While taking shallow breaths, Barbarotto re-evaluated Jex.

(He's even stronger than the rumors suggest. My swordsmanship is superior, but his physical abilities and reflexes are better. He's a talented one, almost to the point of making me jealous...

But I can't afford to lose. If I lose here, the morale of the Fangs of the Hungry Wolf will rise, and we'll be at a disadvantage. I must prevent that at all costs!)

Once again, Barbarotto and Jex clashed. The intense sound of their swords echoed through the midnight forest. The determination and intensity of the two, who had something they couldn't give up, silenced those around them.

Many people were captivated by the fierce battle between the two. Barbarotto's skillful swordsmanship and Jex's bold sword techniques had many spellbound. Although it wasn't a joy to be captivated by the men, neither of them had the luxury to care about their surroundings.

Their skills were evenly matched, and both understood that even a single mistake could break the stalemate and lead to defeat.

They engaged in a blade lock, facing each other at close range.

"Why, despite having such strength—"

"I've heard that enough times!"

"Ugh!?"

Barbarotto, who was pushed back, looked pained. Jex, whose breathing was ragged, seemed displeased with Barbarotto's words.

"Do you understand? The feelings of those who are exploited! The feeling of being deceived because you can't read or write! The feeling of being suddenly taken and ravaged by strangers, even though you just wanted to live in peace!

Do you understand that!!!"

"That's..."

"You wouldn't understand! You've lived a life of luxury as a noble, so there's no way you could understand our anger!

We are the embodiment of anger! That's why we take revenge for those who have no power, even if it's not asked for! We can't stop, we can't afford to stop!

I'll make the country understand. I'll engrave our existence in the rotten nobles!

For that, I don't mind sacrificing my life!"

"That much resolve..."

"You have something you can't give up, right? It's clear when we cross swords.

So, I don't need any more talk.

From here on, you know what's at stake, right?"

Jex, who had exposed his inner turmoil, repositioned his sword. Barbarotto, who had his own thoughts but didn't voice them, also repositioned his sword as if in response to Jex.

"Let's go, fairly—"

"—I'll come at you!"

The shockwave from their clash hit those around them, causing some to fall over from the impact.

The two, who had been engaged in a fierce battle, now fought with the precision of finely honed needles. They communicated through their swords without words, and the onlookers watched in tense silence.

The sound of metal clashing echoed. The onlookers, forgetting to breathe and even blink, were captivated by the sword dance of the two, despite being enemies.

The two had fallen into a delusion that only they and their opponent existed in the world. Their heightened senses had stripped away all distractions.

There was no noise, no obstructive obstacles. In a pristine world, the two crossed swords.

However, this moment couldn't last forever. The two, who had been in a state of extreme concentration, stepped back and panted heavily. This was evidence that their strength was nearly depleted.

"Ha... ha..."

Although their physical strength was almost gone, their fighting spirit hadn't waned. They showed that they could still fight by charging forward.

After countless clashes, they poured more strength into their swords, determined not to lose. They engaged in a blade lock, and just as the stalemate seemed to continue, Barbarotto kicked Jex's feet.

Jex, who jumped back in a split second, avoided the kick but lost his balance.

"Rude knight!"

"I use whatever works!"

"Fine then!"

Jex, who had lost his balance, complained about Barbarotto's attack, but Barbarotto didn't care. As Barbarotto prepared to launch a full assault, Jex smiled.

"I wanted to keep it hidden, but it seems I have no choice."

Jex thrust his sword, showing the flat of the blade, and Barbarotto furrowed his brow.

(What is he planning? I don't know what he's going to do, but this is a good opportunity. I can't let it pass!)

Just as Barbarotto raised his sword to deliver the final blow, Jex shouted.

"Blow away!!"

As Jex shouted, his sword emitted a thin green light. In the next instant, a gust of wind hit Barbarotto.

"What is this!?"

Barbarotto, who didn't understand what was happening, was blown away by the sudden gust of wind. The knights were shocked by the gust of wind that easily blew away a fully armored adult man.

"Alright, who's next?"