Kapitel 349: -345- [ Duel Blades ]
So, when the two strongest members of the Crimson Wing clash with the three strongest members of Laughing Coffin, how will the situation unfold?
Logically speaking, it should be one-sided.
And it should lean towards Laughing Coffin's side.
The reasons are quite simple.
1. Numerical disadvantage.
2. Tactical disadvantage.
The first one is easy to explain: one side has two members, while the other has three. Even though the numbers are close, when both sides are top-tier players, that one-person difference becomes substantial.
As for the second point, it was explained before. One side's players are players who are clearing the game to survive, while the other side consists of players specialized in PK and killing. When these two sides clash, the former is at a disadvantage compared to the latter and is likely to be suppressed or even killed.
Based on these considerations, it seems that Rozen and Kirito don't have much chance. They are expected to be suppressed, or even killed,
That's why Black and XaXa were fearless.
Only PoH had a vague sense that something wasn't right. Given PoH's understanding of Rozen, he couldn't believe that Rozen, who had maintained a legendary status in leadership and command until now, would ignore such obvious disadvantages.
However, he still ventured into the Labyrinth-like forest alone and only allowed Kirito to support him. It's definitely not just a matter of taking risks.
So, why would Rozen confidently do this, even taking the initiative to launch an attack?
The answer is actually quite simple.
Disadvantage in numbers?
No problem.
Disadvantage in tactics?
No problem.
As long as there's an absolute power advantage, none of these matters.
From an outsider's perspective, Rozen and Kirito are indeed strong, but PoH, Black, and XaXa are equally formidable. The strength of this group of five is almost considered top-tier in this world. Besides Heathcliff, who possesses strength on another level due to his unique skills, there's hardly anyone who can confidently claim absolute victory against them.
Considering this, even if there's a slight gap in the strength of this group of five, that difference can be considered negligible and not worth mentioning.
With that said, in a situation where they are disadvantaged in both numbers and tactics, Rozen and Kirito naturally won't fare well.
But he was wrong.
In fact, he was outrageously wrong.
All because, in this world, having power on a whole other level wasn't exclusive to Heathcliff.
If there was anyone in this world who could rival Heathcliff, it was undoubtedly Rozen and Kirito.
Yes.
These two brothers also possessed power beyond normal bounds.
"Clang!"
As the resounding clash of steel echoed through the forest, a massive cleaver-shaped short sword was deflected with force, sending a gust of wind.
Facing the Maken swung directly at him by PoH, Rozen also swung his weapon, deflecting it.
"Whoosh!"
In the next moment, a poisoned dagger shot out, carrying the unique effect of sword skills, hurtling toward PoH after he had been knocked off balance by the previous attack.
As Rozen deflected PoH's weapon, he simultaneously released a concealed projectile from behind him.
The power of the maxed out sword skill was unquestionable, causing the dagger coated with Level 5 paralysis poison and Level 5 damage poison to shoot forward like a shooting star, aimed directly at PoH.
"…!?"
PoH's pupils shrank involuntarily, and just in the nick of time, he instinctively tilted his head, causing the poisoned dagger to graze his cheek.
"Swish…!"
Accompanied by a faint tearing sound, PoH's cheek was cut, leaving a wound effect that emitted a glow signifying blood.
While it was just a minor cut, PoH's HP still decreased. He immediately retrieved a green antidote crystal from his pouch, crushing it and enveloping himself in a green glow.
If he didn't do this, the Level 5 paralysis and Level 5 damage poisons would take effect, potentially killing PoH. The former would immobilize him, and the latter would continuously chip away at his HP. In a high-stakes battle like this, these effects could easily determine the outcome.
However, PoH didn't know that Rozen had predicted his move.
"Clang!"
Rozen suddenly closed the distance, appearing right in front of PoH. He clenched his fist, letting it radiate light.
This was the basic technique of single-strike thrusting in martial arts - "Senda(Flash Blow)."
"Leaving your front wide open, huh?"
A voice, lazily tinged with a hint of a smile, entered PoH's ears, causing his expression to change.
But by this time, PoH had no time to react.
Using "Mind's Eye," Rozen could see PoH's weak points and deduce the shortest, quickest, and most powerful attack trajectory. By utilizing the twisting motion of his entire body to concentrate power into his fist and leveraging his core strength, Rozen maximized the power of this martial arts sword skill. He struck PoH's chest with it like a phantom.
"Thud!"
Amid a resounding, muffled impact, Rozen's full-force strike hit PoH's heart, triggering a critical hit.
"Guh…!?"
PoH immediately groaned and was sent flying, colliding with a tree trunk before sliding to the ground. His HP bar plummeted drastically, shifting from nearly full green to yellow in an intense downward trend. It only stopped when it was on the brink of entering the red zone.
"Fuck…!"
Realizing this, PoH couldn't help but curse angrily.
The most formidable killer hadn't expected that, after just one exchange, he would be so completely overwhelmed by Rozen, leaving him no chance to retaliate.
"When did he become this strong…!?"
PoH was genuinely shocked and furious.
It's important to note that in the past, PoH had fought Rozen before, but back then, while Rozen was strong, he wasn't at this level of strength.
In comparison to the past, Rozen had made leaps and bounds in terms of movement, technique, body control, footwork, and attacks.
Could players really become this powerful?
"Boss!"
Black witnessed this scene and shouted in surprise as he prepared to rush over, but he was intercepted.
"Gu!"
"Gu!"
Saichou and Hanachou flew over, sprinkling phosphorescent powder over Black, causing him to curse and hastily dodge.
Saichou and Hanachou were relentless in their pursuit.
After nearly a year of training, these two familiars had also undergone changes. Even without Rozen's direct guidance, they could still hold their own against top-tier players. The various action patterns instilled by Rozen had given them substantial combat prowess.
Once the phosphorescent powder from these two beautiful butterflies landed, there was no doubt that the target would fall to the ground.
Even the aggressive Black didn't dare to be careless and could only dodge incessantly. Even if he wanted to attack, he couldn't; given Saichou and Hanachou's speed, Black was basically left to gawk, unable to launch any effective attacks.
As for XaXa, he naturally faced off against Kirito.
However, just like PoH, he found himself being overwhelmed by Kirito.
That is, being unilaterally dominated.
"Die…!"
XaXa let out a low growl, his rapier raining down like a torrential downpour, turning into countless sword shadows that enveloped Kirito.
Facing this overwhelming assault, Kirito made a single move.
"Clang..."
His black sword tightly gripped in his right hand, like a shadow.
"Clang..."
His white sword tightly gripped in his left hand, like a beam of light.
At this very moment, Kirito held two swords in a tight grip, releasing a ferocious cross-shaped slash forward.
"Clang!"
The torrent of attack was deflected by the intersecting sword light and dissolved into nothingness.
Kirito muttered under his breath.
"Dual Blades... «Double Circular»."
This was Kirito's trump card that placed him on another level.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein