The situation couldn't have been worse. My fears had become reality. At first, when I accepted a duel with Mitsurugi, I hadn't thought about the serious consequences of it — all just so I wouldn't look like a coward in front of Aqua.
Somehow, fate took pity on me and the duel in question turned out to be a competition to see who could kill more monsters.
But that was as far as my luck went.
Because just when I thought I was at least going to force a tie with the swordmaster, he — after witnessing Kronos's abilities — decided to challenge me to a combat in order to decide this competition.
"To be honest, challenging you to a direct fight was my idea from the beginning," Mitsurugi admitted. "But I decided I first wanted to see what you were capable of. And you've far exceeded my expectations, Kaizer Prester."
"Oh, really?"
What's wrong with this guy? Does he think we're master and disciple or something?
Still, I had come this far, so I couldn't refuse his request. Even though I knew my chances of winning were practically zero.
But once again, I didn't want to show weakness in front of Aqua. It was already enough that she had been the one to deliver the finishing blow to the demon Demian.
"Eeeey! Is it necessary for me to stay for this?" a very familiar voice complained. "I've already had enough of being eaten by one of those toads. I want to go back and take a bath."
Yes. There she is, ladies and gentlemen. The main reason I agreed to this madness, far from showing any concern for my situation, was acting as if all of this was nothing more than an inconvenience for her.
Shifting her weight from one leg to the other with her arms crossed, the Goddess of Water looked bored and irritated.
"My lady, I beg you to have a little patience," said the hero of the cursed sword. "This duel is crucial to determine whether this man is truly worthy of protecting you."
"Hey, Kaizer!" Aqua called out to me, completely ignoring Mitsurugi's words. "I really don't care if you win or lose, but finish it already, will you? My feet are killing me."
Aaargh, how can this woman be so inconsiderate? Isn't she supposed to be a goddess??
"Ahem… How about we start already?" my opponent asked with a certain discomfort after being ignored for the second time in the day.
"Whenever you're ready," I replied, hoping my nervousness wasn't showing.
Please, Eris-sama! Have mercy on me and help me win this duel, because the goddess I have with me is useless!
Just as I expected, Mitsurugi's movements were fast and precise. To the point that I could barely defend myself against his relentless attacks.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
The sound of steel against steel echoed across the green plain. Barely managing to repel his attacks, all I could do was keep retreating, waiting for some opportunity to counterattack.
"Come on! You're not going to tell me that's all you've got, are you?"
"Ha! Of course not!" I lied. Both swords had locked against each other, and my face was pressed right up against Mitsurugi's. A drop of sweat slid down the young man's forehead, but beyond that, the hero of the cursed sword seemed to be in top condition.
However, in terms of physical strength I believe I had a slight advantage. So I used that in my favor to throw all my body against him, intending to make him lose his balance.
The two of us were so focused on each other's movements that for a few moments the only sound was the metallic screech caused by Gram and Kronos violently grinding against each other.
Then it happened.
"Ngh!"
Mitsurugi forced out a groan and staggered backward.
I have more strength than him! If I can land a solid close-range hit, I can win this fight!
With that in mind, I pulled my weight back, causing Mitsurugi to stagger even further. A fraction of a second that allowed me to free my sword, raising it as high as I could.
"Gaaaaaaah!"
I let out a roar that shook the entire plain as I brought Kronos down with all my strength.
I've got him! I screamed inwardly, tasting victory already.
But the best adventurer in Axel wasn't going to fall that easily.
With spectacular control of his body, Mitsurugi performed a backflip, managing to dodge my strike by a hair.
A piece of his white cape floated through the air like a sheet of paper. Before it even landed on the grass, my opponent had already increased the distance with a second leap.
How can he move like that with such heavy armor? I wondered as I watched him land almost without a hair out of place.
But there was no time to think about that now. Suddenly, the edge of Gram began to shine with an extremely intense yellow light.
"What the he—"
"LIGHTNING SLASH!"
Mitsurugi's blade moved rapidly, leaving trails of sparkling dust. The next thing I saw was a beam of light racing toward me at full speed, tearing up the earth.
The first thing that came to mind was to try to dodge it by throwing myself to one side. But the attack was coming so fast that I didn't think I'd make it in time. So, to avoid being cut in half, the only thing I managed to do was raise Kronos in front of me, gripping the hilt with both hands as if my life depended on it.
***
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