Chapter 41

In the center of the Adventurers' Guild, Maris and I stood with our swords at the ready.

This is supposed to be a mock battle, a light test of strength, but I know it's far from that. It's not going to end with just a few exchanges.

This is a duel to prove my innocence... no, to sever ties with the Edvahn family.

"I assume you understand, Maris. Don't kill him. We can't have a corpse here."

In response to Aizas' words, Maris showed no reaction.

"...Nice single-edged sword, Maris."

I looked at Maris' sword.

A single-edged sword, essentially a katana. In "Magic World" and this world, it is often referred to as such.

"Magic Blade Water Crow"... recommended equipment level 40. It is characterized by its long, beautifully bluish blade.

It has a high attack power bonus, and when swung by a Sword Saint with high stats, combined with its reach, it exerts tremendous power. Two direct hits could kill even a heavy knight like me. To be honest, it's quite a threat even when swung carelessly.

"Hehe, Father was secretly preparing it as a gift for you, you know."

Maris twisted her lips into a smile.

"We've been training since we were young. But... to be honest, I didn't realize you hated me this much."

Maris's figure wavered.

In the next moment, she appeared right in front of me, her magic blade closing in.

It's the speed I expected.

But what's different from my imagination is the oppressive force of the blade. Even if I block it with my shield, it will take a significant toll on my life.

"Parry!"

I deflected Maris's strike with my sword and stepped into her range to counter. But the blade didn't even graze me. No, by the time I swung, she had already moved out of range.

"I'm relieved that you seem to be enjoying this, Elma. After all, this is our last playful tussle, and you're in one piece."

Even when I parry, my blade can't reach her. I knew there was a difference in reach and speed, but I didn't expect it to be this significant.

Maris swung her blade. I blocked it with my shield and retreated to avoid the impact.

The reach is a threat, but because the blade is long, it's less maneuverable, and her movements are limited. If I can predict her next move, I can avoid taking damage.

However, I can't launch a proper counterattack. If I get close to where she's standing, I can't respond to her swift slashes. Even if I close in when she finishes her swing, my attack won't reach her in time.

"Hey, what's wrong? Look, look, look!"

Maris attacks unilaterally. I can respond, but I can't find an opening to counter. When my response is a bit lax, I take damage through my shield.

"Stop being stubborn... Maris is just playing around."

I hear Aizas' voice.

But this is fine for now. What I need at this stage is to learn Maris's movements. I want to know not the openings in her playful attacks, but the openings when she's serious.

I deliberately don't evade the impact and block Maris's attacks head-on with my shield. A dull shock runs through my shield.

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【Elma Edvahn】

Class: Heavy Knight

Lv: 41

HP: 61/100

MP: 41/41

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...Already down to 40%.

I quickly lower my shield and raise my sword to strike Maris.

"Too slow... That won't work."

Maris jumps back... and then her body tilts sharply. She looks down at her feet in surprise.

It's the Heavy Knight skill... "Shadow Step." When I blocked her attack with my shield, I stepped on her shadow. If she tries to create distance and start over, her stance will be severely disrupted by the shadow pulling her back.

I close the distance to her exposed position.

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"Mad Demon Shield" (Recommended Equipment Level: 40)

【Defense: +25】

【Market Value: 3 million gold】

A terrifying shield carved with a demon's face. When used to block an attack, it grants a +8 attack bonus to the next attack against the same opponent.

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The "Mad Demon Shield" gives me an attack bonus.

"Body Strike Slash!"

From close range, I aimed for the core of her body and swung my sword like a punch. I felt a dull impact.

"Ugh...!"

Heavy Knights have low attack power. But that blow should have had some effect. I should have been able to at least intimidate the carefree Maris.

Maris swings a wide arc, taking advantage of her reach. She seems to be trying to create distance to regroup, fearing my follow-up attack. I honestly parry and step back, releasing the "Shadow Step."

Maris, holding her chest where she was hit, looked surprised. She seemed shocked to have taken a hit.

"Y-You did it...! Elma got a direct hit!"

"Impossible... There's a world of difference in stats between a Sword Saint and a Heavy Knight, even at the same level..."

Aizas' face was pale.

In fact, such a trick would only work once. The "Shadow Step" wouldn't have worked if Maris hadn't jumped back unnecessarily, taunting me.

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"Upset" [Title]

Proof of defeating the "Lord of Dreams" with a party of two or fewer members and at 70% or less of the recommended level. Increases attack power and speed by 15% when fighting opponents of a higher level.

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Without the speed bonus from "Upset," my counterattack wouldn't have landed. The difference in combat experience, using skills in a serious fight, and Maris's carelessness finally allowed me to land a hit.

"Come at me seriously, Maris. You're not going to back down now, are you?"

Maris's lips curled up.

"I'm glad you're still you. Oh, if you weren't, it would be meaningless. I was worried that this time would end too soon."

Maris changes her stance.

"I'll show you the Sword Saint's skills."

I've successfully provoked Maris. This is where the real battle begins.