章節 43: CHAPTER 202
—At the very least, it is death…
Jin couldn't stop thinking about the horrible death he'd face, but there was no way he was going to die at Vanessa's hands on this day.
However, if he didn't prove his worth, he would pay the price of losing all of his privileges as a provisional flag-bearer.
Jin drew Sigmund.
"It sounds like my life would end in a flash with one wrong move."
"It all depends on how you react."
"I'm sure I don't have to defeat you, though?"
Vanessa laughed.
Although he was flat-out ignored, Jin didn't react at all.
Not too long ago, Jin killed a few White Wolf assault-generals and destroyed both Kal Zipfel and Chukon Tolderer.
However, Vanessa hunted dragons as if they were farm animals. She was a monster among monsters.
The world would have known her name had she just publicized herself.
On the other hand, Jin was only seventeen. He had been rapidly growing, but still had a long way to go. Hence, defeating Vanessa would be an exaggerated request.
"Do you think that's even possible? Your father would never make such unreasonable decisions."
"Thank goodness. Then what is my objective?"
Vanessa twirled her sword in her hand. A cheap steel longsword from a blacksmith.
"If your sword touches me even once, you pass. I'll even count grazing my clothes a touch."
Swoosh!
Jin immediately swung his sword. The gap between them was about six feet. Blue crackles and particles flew everywhere from Sigmund.
'Tch!'
Clang!
Vanessa deflected Sigmund like it was nothing. Due to that, Jin flew backwards, and Vanessa smirked.
'I don't think it's possible… That was too easy for her…'
At first, he hadn't been too sure, but when Vanessa stopped suppressing her aura, he sensed it.
10-star.
That was where she stood. Not many could duel her. Her strength was impressive, but it was just one of her quirks.
If his swordsmanship were at least half her entire skill set, there may have been a chance. However, the difference in skill was too big.
"I knew you were a little rat, and I guess it's true. I didn't think you'd make a move before I even said so."
"I only thought of it as an opportunity."
"Then you already missed it. Hm, was that Illustrious Bladeworks just now? Fascinating. I'm curious about your magic and spiritual energy."
"Father told you a lot. I haven't told him about my achievements yet."
"When you return alive, go find the spy that Lord Cyron planted in your crew."
Vanessa knew all of the strengths that Jin had, hence making it challenging to pull unexpected strategies. Creating an unfair advantage like that was probably his last.
Which only left charging straight at her.
'10-star… Making such variables against her is plain impossible even if she didn't know anything about me.'
Wooom!
Vanessa channeled a howl within her sword. An immense amount of aura seeped into the blade.
And just like that, a cheap steel sword became more dangerous than any Illustrious blade. The bright light filled the already-lit savannah.
Pzzzt!
Jin dropped lightning before she made a move. But before the lightning could strike the ground, a strong wind blew, swirling into Vanessa's sword.
'My lightning is distorting?'
Pz… ZZZZT!
The lightning merged with the wind and lost its way. It got swept away by the wind, only leaving behind blue sparks.
Thooom!
Before Jin could prepare his next swing, the ground beneath Vanessa shook. Rocks rose from the ground and got sucked into the whirlwind on Vanessa's blade. The energy from the sword vaporized everything it touched, and it spewed a few energy chunks towards Jin.
Jin didn't even have time to blink. If he blinked, then he'd get vaporized just like the rocks.
Dodging each supersonic projectile, Jin glanced at where Vanessa stood. But he could only see the ash of the vaporized stones.
She had pushed towards him with the projectiles. Jin was forced to cast Photon Cannon.
Vanessa must have seen the ancient light spell for the first time. Well, she must have seen light spells, but Photon Cannon had been a first for her.
Despite this, she dodged it as if she were used to it. Either it was her 10-star instincts or Kashimir's information.
Jin assumed the former. If she knew about Tzenmi's magic, then Jin wouldn't have blocked her attacks.
Clang!
Jin barely parried the attack. He created two icicles and shot them towards her chest.
Of course, a 3-star spell would do nothing, though his objective was to make space for himself. He thought that if he created space between them, he'd get an opportunity to strike.
The icicles disappeared as they touched Vanessa's aura-covered body.
'A magic swordsman. Fascinating. A completely different battle than that against a knight.'
Her eyes flashed with intent to charge in, but she realized that the battle was a little more challenging than she thought. She didn't know what he would do next; maybe something would suddenly appear from his hands, like an assassin; ranged magic attacks, like an archer; gimmicky spells, just like a magician.
He also had the monstrous strength inherent in the Runcandel bloodline.
'An average 9-star would struggle against him, and he hasn't even used his spiritual energy.'
She instantly knew why Cyron had quite some interest in him. However, it wasn't enough to believe that Jin would survive one blow from Cyron.
"Keuph!"
Vanessa's previous attack left Jin with internal damage, causing him to spit out blood as he stumbled backwards.
"You're seventeen, right? I can't believe it. Enough to compare with Luna."
"Complimenting me all of a sudden?"
"However, her talents are more polished since she just uses the sword. With your spiritual energy, magic, and physical prowess, you lack quite a bit in each."
"Was Elder Sister Luna capable of surviving one blow from Father at seventeen?"
Vanessa shook her head.
"No. She could probably do it when she was eighteen, though."
"I shall brag when I return. Tell her that I am better than her."
"Your battle skills are phenomenal, but it seems you haven't learned how to walk your talk. I guess it can't be helped, since the Runcandels' education is deeply flawed."
Hope had steadily been lost ever since the fight started.
But Jin felt very proud of how far he came.
'I haven't even used half the cards up my sleeve, but I've survived this long against her…'
Of course, Vanessa had been using a cheap sword, which prevented her from going all out, yet she had been easily parrying Jin's attacks.
Prior to leaving Lafrarosa, Jin found it hard to exactly pinpoint his skill level. He succeeded the mission a little too easily, aside from the exit plan.
People truly face reality only when they hit a wall.
On that note, Jin knew that he had come very far. He, his crew, and his enemies would've never expected it. Just like Vanessa.
And Jin slowly became more certain.
'At this rate, cutting her clothes is a piece of cake. I just have to brace myself for the injuries.'
It wasn't a true duel to the death, so Vanessa wouldn't give it her all. With that in mind, their battle wouldn't be a test at all.
Continuing his train of thought, Jin arrived at a conclusion.
'If I just charge towards her, when will her blade stop?'
After it cleanly cuts through the throat? Maybe it would freeze in front of him? Or perhaps she'd just induce a brutal injury?
He couldn't predict any of that. Vanessa never swore to not kill him, so Jin still had to be cautious.
'If I choose to go for it, then I'm betting my life on her morals and orders. The chances of her killing me are low, but she can still cut my arm off.'
In reality, that was what Vanessa had been thinking of doing. If Jin didn't pass the test, she planned on taking his right arm.
Cyron Runcandel initially believed that it would be an adequate punishment.
Jin made his decision.
'First, I need to show something even more surprising. Enough for her to value me and not give me a fatal wound.'
And he had a lot to show.
Vanessa waited, since she came to see just that, and Jin was certain that he could impress her.
Pzzzt!
Sigmund roared with lightning. Jin was making preparations for Divine Onslaught.
And as expected, Vanessa smiled.
"If that's your last resort, it better be flashy."
"Please watch and be amazed. I've got a few more coming."
Flash!
章節 44: CHAPTER 203
All of the lightning gathered in his sword, then shot up towards the sky.
A giant pillar of divine light illuminated the dark savannah.
Jin chose to execute the fourth form of Divine Onslaught.
Disintegration.
Jin pierced Sigmund into the ground, and the pillar of lightning dispersed into it.
Vanessa began swinging her sword. She wanted to know what would happen when he had rendered his weapon useless for a split second.
However, she was forced to back off.
Sparks flew everywhere from the ground and air, tasing her throat every time she breathed.
Blue sparks filled the air as lightning pillars spewed from the ground in a circle around Sigmund, creating an arena for the two.
Even Vanessa had to withdraw.
It was possible for her to break through it, but within the 'Lightning Arena', she couldn't predict what would happen next.
She chose to keep her distance and not play into Jin's hands.
'This feels more like magic than a sword skill.'
Although the shocks in her throat weren't pleasant, Vanessa honestly expected some kind of Runcandel Decisive Killing Move with all of his effort poured into one ability. But she was met with the Bladeworks of those who ruled the world five thousand years ago. A sketchy spell like that…
'He mentioned a little more, so I guess I'll play along. If it continues like this, I'll be very disappointed…'
Vanessa immediately looked at the ground.
PZZZZZT!
The small sparks danced around her feet. She had been sure that she escaped the lightning domain. The sparks beneath her feet looked miniscule, so it felt irrelevant to the domain placed by Jin.
However, her instincts told her to evade.
Vanessa immediately jumped away. Her instincts were never wrong.
KZZZZT!
At the spot with the dancing small sparks, a massive lightning bolt came crashing down, leaving behind a crater.
The ear-ripping thunder had left Vanessa startled.
'The earth shook from that?'
Right after the impact, an earthquake occurred.
She identified the root of the quakes. The initial lightning bolt energized the earth, which then caused ruptures. Countless sparks arose from the ground, and if all of those sparks could summon a bolt from the sky…
Imagining the outcome brought goosebumps up her spine for the first time in a while.
'There's no way he can invoke such power. He'd be a God if he could cast such spells. If that were the case, I'd be the one challenging him, instead of him challenging me.'
On the other hand, Jin's mind was occupied with other thoughts.
'Punishment, Judgment, and Disintegration… They're nothing compared to what the Battle Goddess showed me.'
Disintegration cast by the Battle Goddess would match Vanessa's expectations. Lightning falling from the sky without pause, rendering anyone below 9-star unable to parry.
At the moment, Jin couldn't call down hundreds of lightning bolts, but he could at least call down dozens at a time.
KZZZT, PZZZT!
Explosions aside, Vanessa by herself was a force to be reckoned with.
Cyron didn't trust her for nothing.
Despite the infinite locations of a strike, she could easily react to the attacks with her instincts.
Normal people would call it coordination, while warriors would call it foresight, which was realms beyond the average fighter in her case.
All of the attacks were predicted somewhat effortlessly.
'She's going to dodge them, so she probably concluded that parrying is dangerous.'
Jin had already finished the preparations for summoning Tess. In addition to the lightning domain, a blue-flame domain would add pressure to the battle.
Tess's bright blue wings stretched open from the dimensional portal. Jin then pulled Sigmund out of the ground and charged towards Vanessa.
He planned to strike while she was focused on dodging the lightning. Even a 10-star had to have an opening when their attention was diverted.
However, when Jin approached her—
'Did you think I'd dodge?'
Although it was unspoken, Jin knew what she was thinking the moment he saw her face. Vanessa didn't have enough time to dodge the next lightning strike.
So, she was going to show him what a 10-star knight was capable of.
Krrrrr…!
Jin's Heart of Light roared and burned brightly as Tess's Pressure swallowed Vanessa whole.
As if the sky were ripping apart, dozens of lightning bolts fell down onto Vanessa.
She could definitely get out safely. Evading all of the attacks would be impossible, but she could just parry a portion of them.
However, instead of taking the most optimal course of action, she channeled her power into her sword.
'So you'll parry all of this?'
Jin gulped.
Within the blue lightning and flames, one crescent slash shone.
However, while only one could be seen, in reality, hundreds of individual slashes generated such an attack. Some pushed away the blue flames, some ripped the lightning bolt apart, and some prevented Jin from freely attacking.
This time, Jin felt a chill up his spine. He didn't even blink, since he charged in for an attack, so he knew what would happen.
'Madame Vanessa is going to perfectly evade all my attacks…!'
The lightning and fire would all disappear without Jin leaving even a scratch on her clothes.
His calculations were incorrect, caused by him underestimating the one who made the world fear her.
"Kahaha!"
Vanessa laughed, generating a shockwave around her.
Jin's alternative attacks stopped, and Tess spewed blue flames to protect him, yet the crescent slashes pierced through and charged towards Jin.
Tess couldn't help him at this point, and Jin had made zero progress.
However, there was no need to back off after one miscalculation.
'If this also fails, I will admit defeat.'
Fwoooooom…
Spiritual energy seeped out as Bradamante was unsheathed, enclosing the once bright-blue-energy-filled air in a dark fog.
Shadow Blade 1st Form—
Jin lowered his stance.
—Soul Slash. The skill he tried to master even before he went to Lafrarosa.
As usual, Jin chanted to himself, 'Cut. Cut her sword. Cut that monster…' From his chants, the spiritual energy awoke from his blade, emitting a thicker dark smog.
"So this is the finale."
"Did you have fun so far?"
"Don't disappoint me now."
Vanessa's steel sword lost its sharpness. It did have the aura of a 10-star knight, but it was the limitations of the material.
'I should've brought a better sword. This is outrageous, phew.'
As such, Vanessa already admitted defeat. She couldn't take the final blow with a faulty weapon, hence this wasn't a duel, but a spar. Still, even without a sword, she could easily take Jin's life, but she already concluded that he passed the test.
Jin didn't reach her or her clothes with his sword, but Vanessa already went way beyond her initial limits whilst dodging all of the ranged spells he had.
Therefore, taking the final attack head-on would just be bonus points. An opportunity for Jin to earn a spot for his name in the Runcandel Mausoleum.
Jin charged forward.
He couldn't attain 'slashing through the soul', but his swing was completely silent.
The ghostly blade would slice through the opponent. If he believed enough, there was nothing in the world that he couldn't cut through.
All of his focus diverted into breaking her sword.
'Impressive.'
Bradamante barely swiped across Vanessa's cheek. Red droplets flew, and Jin celebrated his victory.
As a knight, he felt a little disappointed that this was all for his evaluation. However, as Cyron's son, passing the test was an achievement.
Basically, he was deemed capable of surviving one blow from Cyron.
Clang…!
Vanessa's steel sword shattered, steel shards falling to the ground.
To Jin, it was the greatest sound he had ever heard.
"Jin Runcandel, I have one question."
"Ask away, Madame Vanessa."
She shrugged and looked at Jin.
"Do you think you can produce the same results if I used a little bit more of my power?"
To Vanessa, Jin was definitely capable of clashing swords with Cyron. Though, only once. As a knight who couldn't experiment further, she asked out of curiosity.
Would twice be possible?
"…Hmmm, well, I had one more thing up my sleeve."
"What? There's one more?"
"Well, it isn't a sword skill or magic, so it's hard to describe it."
"Neither sword nor magic?"
Jin didn't clarify and smiled.
He didn't want to spoil his secret. Vanessa could only shrug.
"I guess it's my loss today. Your father told me to punish you, but at this point, rewarding you is the only option."
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