Chapter 44 - Vesteria Kingdom and Elite Guard [7] (2/2)

Even when rolling across the ground, she performed ukemi and completely killed the impact.

Soon after that, she got up and held her sword into position – but I do not miss this huge opportunity.

「First Sword – Flying Shadow!」

As a follow-up attack, I shot Flying Shadow that is unilaterally fired from a long distance.

「A flying slash…!? High King Style – Strong Strike!」

She managed to counteract the impending slash but – it was just a feint.

「He vanished…!?」

「I’m behind you.」

「Wha!?」

I used Flying Shadow as a front and moved behind Claude-san.

「Sakura Blossom One-Sword Style Secret Technique – Mirrored Sakura Slash!」

Like a mirror match, four slashes from left and right each – eight slashes assailed her.

「Guh… kyaa!?」

She shot down five of the eight slashes with an astounding reaction speed and sword speed, but…

It was not possible to cut down every slash from that posture, and the remaining three slashes struck her right shoulder, abdomen, and thighs.

However,

(…As expected)

All three cuts were shallow.

She gave up on cutting down the three slashes at the last minute, and twisted her body to avoid a deep wound.

「K-Kisama…」

Claude-san jumped far back and distanced herself.

Blood seemed to rush to her head for a moment, but she took a deep breath and regained her composure.

「…It’s frustrating to admit, but you’re not just a crook with a mouth.」

She grumbled with a really sour look on her face.

「…I am not really a crook in the first place.」

I corrected her, but… I don’t think it will have much effect.

「It is no exaggeration to say that you as a human being are the worst pervert worm -『the enemy of all women』. But, the『Swordsman』called Allen-Rodore – is deserving of respect.」

「…Thank you.」

Am I being praised or being slandered? …I honestly don’t know.

「It is that much more disappointing… Allen. You don’t have『talent』. To the point of being hopeless even.」

Claude-san declared as such.

「…You’re pretty blunt.」

I know best that I don’t have the talent for swordsmanship.

However, when it is said directly to my face… It’s a bit tough, after all.

「It’s unfortunate, but that’s the truth. -I have been leading the Elite Guard since I was ten years old, and the number of swordsmen that I have taught so far is slightly over 50,000. That’s why I have confidence in my eyes that can see through the talent of a swordsman. -I assure you, it’s impossible for you to attain soul dress.」

She said as though delivering the final blow.

「It is true that your『effort』is amazing. Despite being untalented, your body has been trained to the limit, and you are able to match someone like me in swordsmanship, surpassing me even. You probably endured hellish training for a dozen years or so. The mental power that deviates from that common sense – it can only be called『monster』」

To be precise, it’s over a billion years… Well, that’s fine.

「But, you’re never going to be a great swordsman.」

Claude-san continued in a matter-of-fact tone.

「The ability of a swordsman depends largely on the power of the soul. This is the common sense in this world.」

「…Yes, I certainly do know of it.」

「You, who can’t attain soul dress will probably have to keep putting in effort until you die. It’s an agonizing road full of strife, but… I’m sure you will carry through with it. However, at the end of the road, there will be『nothing』. Even if you wage a lifetime, you would just be waiting for the hopeless reality of『I couldn’t attain soul dress 』.」

「…You could say that.」

Only a handful of excellent swordsmen can manifest their soul dress.

And I’m… surely not in that handful.

「If you’re going to walk down that hell, then let me eradicate your sword sooner.」

Saying so, she pushed her right hand forward.

「Breathe -〈Avio Troop〉!」

At that moment, a sword appeared from the empty space.

The blade of the sword was so long, it could even be called a halberd.

「…Soul dress.」

「Aa, this is『talent』」

She answered briefly, and slashed the cobblestone of the stage three times quickly.

Then, three emblems that emitted a pale light appeared there.

(…What’s that?)

At that moment, a part of the cobblestone made a crackling noise and changed form.

The stones which were about the size of a clenched fist, turned into a swallow and a crow.

The stone that was as big as a sake barrel, transformed into an owl.

「Chi- ChiChiChiChi!」

「Guwaaー…!」

「Furororo…!」

They chirped as if they were alive, and flew around her freely.

「Is this… a manipulation-type ability…?」

「Fufu, I wonder? I’m not naive enough to tell you my abilities.」

Then, Claude-san pointed the tip of the long sword towards me.

「Here I come – Allen-Rodore!」

「-Come!」

The real thing starts from here on.

This is the final battle…!