Chapter 46 - Vesteria Kingdom and Elite Guard [9] (2/2)

That’s enough.

That’s enough reason for me to fight.

「…Here I come, Claude-san.」

「Kisama, are you for real…?」

「Yes. I will win against you – and live together with Ria. Absolutely, no matter what…!」

No matter how hopeless the situation may be – I will never give up.

After experiencing over a billion years of hell, I know more than anyone the importance of not giving up.

「…Although my opponent is unarmed, I will not hold back.」

「Yeah, that’s what I want.」

My and Claude-san’s gaze crossed – she quietly shook her head sideways.

「…It seems that I have been quick to judge. Let me withdraw my previous remarks – you deserve respect as a swordsman, and above all, as a『man』! 」

As she openly praised me,

「In response to your heart – I will unleash my strongest sword!」

The long sword was held horizontally and the point was directed towards me.

A tense air permeated the Great Arena.

And then,

「UOOOOOHHHHHH!」

「HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!」

I and Claude started running at the same time.

「HAA!」

I unleashed a straight right with all my might.

「High King Style Secret Technique – High King Dragon Blade!」

She made full use of the advantage of the long sword and unleashed a diagonal slash from the shoulder

The blows which carried our emotions, intersected.

However,

(…Dammit.)

As expected… it doesn’t reach.

My right arm and her long sword – the difference in range is obvious.

Her sword will cut me down before my fist reaches her.

「ALLEN…!」

I heard Ria’s scream.

(Not yet… It starts from here on…)

Stretch your arm.

Kick the ground.

Squeeze out all the power…!

(Faster, Quicker, Swifter…!)

Even a fraction of a second earlier…!

I will definitely win…!

「UOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!」

「!? (That’s absurd, he accelerated in this situation!? Evasion – Impossible. Defend? Impossible …Death? -No, not yet!)」

The moment our blows met.

「Burst -〈Avio Troop〉!」

She exploded her soul dress of her own volition.

「Kuh!?」

「Gaha…!?」

A sudden big explosion caused us to be blown away.

I’m already used to the explosion,

「…Otto」

So, I quickly performed ukemi and reorganized my posture.

Claude-san, on the other hand, probably couldn’t perform ukemi because of the impact.

She rolled across the cobblestone like a ball.

「Guh…」

She managed to stand up with trembling legs, while breathing heavily.

(Why did you blow yourself up there…? Was it a miscalculation..?)

She should know well that explosions are no longer effective against me.

In fact, I’m almost unharmed even after that explosion.

On the other hand, Claude-san, who was exposed to the heat wave and blast, seemed to be gasping for breath.

Her body had quite a number of lacerations, and it was clear that she had suffered considerable damage.

And above all – her long sword had broken in half.

(Anyway, this is a chance…)

The moment I clenched my fists in order to make the most out of this once in a lifetime opportunity,

「…I surrender.」

「…Eh?」

「…You win, Allen-Rodore.」

Claude-san said, and let go of the broken sword.

Immediately after that,

「This is the end! Claude-Stroganoff has declared surrender! Therefore, the winner of today’s special match is – Allen-Rodore!」

When the commentator declared the results loudly – a small round of applause broke out from the audience.

It grew bigger and bigger, eventually turning into a thunderous applause.

「Unbelievable…! It was an incredible fight…!」

「Aa, there’s no doubt! This was the best duel to date!」

「Way to go, Allen-Rodore!」

There was a huge cheer of applause and finger whistles.

Thus, I succeeded in defeating the three swordsmen of His Majesty Gris.