"It was a failure," I muttered as I returned from death.
Leaving Hero Eligion and attacking Holy Knight Canaria had been a clear failure. For Hero Eligion, Holy Knight Canaria was a trusted comrade, while I was someone he had just met and didn't trust.
If the two of us were in a fight, it was obvious which side Hero Eligion would support.
To avoid making the same mistake, I needed to guide Hero Eligion to the location where Demon Lord Zoga was first. During the battle between the Hero and the Demon Lord, I could then target Holy Knight Canaria. So, I needed to carefully follow this plan to avoid making the same mistake.
Dealing with Hero Eligion was relatively easy.
The real question was whether I could defeat Holy Knight Canaria with my power. Based on the feeling of our previous fight, it was clear that Holy Knight Canaria was stronger than me. My rank was Platinum, while Holy Knight Canaria's rank was one level higher at Diamond.
Nevertheless, giving up was premature.
After all, I had the ability to "Save & Reset." I could repeat it as many times as needed until I could win.
◆
Challenging Holy Knight Canaria for the second attempt, I began by sending Hero Eligion to the location of Demon Lord Zoga.
"I've come to settle the score," Hero Eligion joyfully exclaimed when he found Demon Lord Zoga. After witnessing their fight, I hurried back along the path.
Now, with Hero Eligion out of the way, I could finally attack Holy Knight Canaria without any interference.
"What are you planning?" Holy Knight Canaria yelled angrily, and I responded with a swift attack.
"I know that you are a traitor," I shouted.
After repeating my attacks several times, I was eventually slain by Holy Knight Canaria. This time, it seemed like I had been defeated.
However, I never expected to succeed right from the beginning. My battle had only just begun.
◆
On the third attempt, I died from a thrust by Holy Knight Canaria, crushing my heart.
On the fourth attempt, severe damage to the brain from a sword strike led to my death.
On the fifth attempt, after having my sword knocked out of my hand, I was stabbed in the throat and died.
On the sixth attempt, after having my legs severed and becoming immobilized, my head was cut off, leading to my death.
On the seventh attempt, my heart was stabbed just before the battle started, causing my death.
On the eighth attempt, after having my eyeballs impaled, my chest was slashed, and I died.
On the ninth attempt, despite fighting valiantly, I bled to death due to a stab in the side.
On the tenth attempt, I died.
Death, death, death, and so on, for about 100 attempts.
Once again, I was about to challenge Holy Knight Canaria.
◆
I already lost count of how many times I've died. Maybe it's been close to a hundred times that Holy Knight Canaria has killed me. However, with each repetition, my battles have been getting closer. A few more attempts, and I'm certain I can defeat her.
Holy Knight Canaria is approaching from the other side. She hasn't noticed my presence yet, so there's only one thing to do: a surprise attack in place of a greeting.
"Nghh!"
Holy Knight Canaria is startled by my sudden appearance. I don't hesitate and swing my "Blazing Sword." I aim for her knee, so I make a low swing.
As intended, she loses her balance, but I can't afford to be careless. I know she'll retaliate with a vertical swing; after all, I've battled her hundreds of times.
I take a big sidestep and follow with a vertical spinning slash. I know there's a gap in her armor around her shoulder. I also know how to position myself to exploit it.
"Ugh!"
She groans and falls backward. This is it! This is the most significant opening I've had so far. I can't let it slip away.
"Acceleration!"
Using my skill, I temporarily increase my speed. With this speed, I swiftly cut off her right arm.
"Crash!" Her right arm, along with the sword she was holding, falls to the floor. I did it! Inside, I can't help but feel a sense of joy. A swordswoman without her right arm is practically defenseless. This victory is now assured.
"Youuuuuuuuuu!!"
Holy Knight Canaria shouted as if her throat didn't matter, her expression full of bulging veins, clearly consumed by rage.
"In your face!"
I, on the other hand, wore a confident smile. However, no matter how consumed by anger she was, there was no way this situation could be reversed.
"Do it, Puppeteer."
In a normal situation, there would be no chance for a reversal.
"Huh?"
From where her right arm had been, a dark, shadowy entity was growing. The dark shadow expanded significantly and transformed into a massive jaw.
"Go ahead and eat."
Holy Knight Canaria gave the command emotionlessly. In the next moment, I was devoured by the puppeteer.