Chapter 57

Stepping back to avoid a powerful sweeping attack, he quickly launched a rapid bamboo staff strike. Ignoring the high-pitched wailing of the wind, the vice-captain swung his iron sword sideways and used its centrifugal force to fly sideways. Blocking Gorge’s counterattack with the iron sword he had just pulled back, he barely managed to parry it, and then, by deflecting it, he switched from defense to offense and launched a counterattack. Despite taking a step back due to his light armor, Gorge’s iron sword left a small scratch on his leather chest plate. This clearly showed the difference in their abilities. No matter how fast or sharp the wooden sword was, it would only prolong the battle against such overwhelming strength. Gorge was not unaware of this, yet he continued to attack bravely. Every second he gained was directly linked to Sora’s lifespan. Therefore, he harbored no despair or solemnity, only an unwavering resolve to protect. The sounds of clashing swords, which had once filled the air, were now heard only sporadically. Due to the continuous dropouts among the guards and the royal guards, only six people, including Gorge, were still able to fight. Among the fallen guards, those who still had consciousness were struggling to get up, trying to continue the fight. Their bottomless fighting spirit and demonic expressions were more terrifying than the jailers of the fiery hell. Despite the ground, which had been burning due to the influence of the fire bottles, now showing no trace of fire, they did not release their weapons and their eyes burned with raging fighting spirit. Staring at them, Chaf felt as if a cold hand was touching his spine. – They are a horde of monsters. Chaf was also breathing heavily from swinging his long sword, but he was unsure if it was due to fatigue or hyperventilation from fear. His goal was to annihilate them quickly to avoid tarnishing the Trienen family’s pride. It was supposed to be a time attack where there was no chance of losing. But the reality was far from that. The elite members of Chaf’s team, the fiery hell, and the invincible jailers were lying on the ground, groaning in pain. To end this hell, Sora Kleinzelt had to be defeated. Nearby, a royal guard and a guard fell to the ground, having fought each other to the death. Chaf searched for Sora. He found a slender, small boy standing next to the storm of sword lines created by the vice-captain and Gorge, and he started running. Only the vice-captain, Gorge, Chaf, and Sora were still standing. Since Gorge was fighting the vice-captain, Sora was defenseless. Given the physical difference and the sword skills he had honed as the heir of the Trienen family, he should be able to defeat Sora. Even as Chaf raised his long sword and approached, Sora did not flinch.

“It’s over, Sora Kleinzelt!”

Chaf swung his sword with a deep step, putting his weight behind it. The long sword, roaring in the wind, was supposed to crush Sora’s head. – If a wooden sword with a scar had not appeared in the path of the descending long sword. The wooden sword, which intercepted Chaf’s strike, remained steady, covering Sora’s head. Chaf’s eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the wielder. He thought the appearance of the wooden sword meant the vice-captain had lost. But he was wrong. Gorge, the wielder of the wooden sword, had blocked the vice-captain’s iron sword with his gauntlet and chest plate, and thrust the wooden sword to protect Sora, sacrificing himself. The vice-captain was also shocked by Gorge’s actions.

“...As promised.”

A deep voice escaped from Gorge’s throat.

“I’ve lured Chaf. The rest is—”

“—Leave it to me.”

By the time Chaf realized Sora had taken over from Gorge, it was too late. Utilizing the blind spot created by Gorge’s wooden sword, Sora swept Chaf’s left leg with a wooden sword. Chaf, lowering his left leg behind him and turning his body, tried to counter with his long sword, but Sora aimed for his left eye and threw the wooden sword. Despite being caught off guard by this choice to discard his weapon, Chaf twisted his upper body to the left and narrowly avoided it. While doing so, Sora hooked his fingers into the gaps between Chaf’s gauntlet and arm, and the edge of his chest plate, and placed his left foot next to Chaf’s right foot. Then, he quickly raised his right foot and twisted his waist. In the next moment, Chaf was slammed to the ground. The impact made Chaf gasp for breath, but Sora ignored it, straddling Chaf and pressing a spare wakizashi to his neck.

“Don’t move.”

Chaf held his breath at the quiet but intimidating command.

“Witness! I have won the match, but it would be a waste to kill Chaf Trienen. Announce the winner. Otherwise—”

Sora declared that he would kill Chaf.

“W-Winner, Sora Kleinzelt! The match is over, put away your weapons!!”

The witness, who had been watching the match with bated breath, came to his senses and quickly announced the winner. Sora stepped off Chaf and sheathed his wakizashi. Noticing that Chaf was still lying there in a daze, he extended his hand. The hand was wearing a glove with a non-slip grip.

“How long do you plan to lie there? There are more injuries than expected. Since you can move, help carry them.”

Staring at the slender hand and thin arm, Chaf slowly opened his mouth.

“How did you throw me just now?”

Despite being taller, heavier, and stronger, Chaf was easily thrown. He could not mistake the unique sensation of floating and accelerating in mid-air.

“It’s called ‘Ouchi-gari,’ but it seems you don’t have this technique here...”

Sora readily revealed the technique, which he had learned as an elective in high school in his previous life. He had reviewed it multiple times with Gorge, preparing for today. Knowing that he had no chance of winning with sword strikes, he had to lure Chaf into a close-range fight where he could use his unarmed skills.

“I’ll teach you eventually. ...We’ll be working together for a long time.”

Sora smiled mischievously. Even though Chaf did not understand the meaning of the words, he looked as if he had bitten into a bitter bug after being toyed with.

January 10th, 2023, revision