Vol 1 Chapter 9 (1/2)

1st Volume, 9th Chapter 【The Spear Master, Bays】

It’s a scheduled post.

First place in the daily interest ranking has been taken (stolen) but I have no regrets.

I received many comments in regards to the need of a ‘heroine’.

After thinking over various options, I have finally decided on one.

Youna Oudou, an old Weekly Shounen Jump series, is the author’s favorite. (Author’s note) (TN: Never heard of such a series)

——Now then, how do I attack?

To be honest, I’m tensed for it’s my first PvP battle.

I’m glad, though, that it’s a mock battle.

As for injury……Although it’s a practice weapon, the other side possesses highly skilled martial arts.

There’s no use mulling over it.

I must strike first——with all my power.

After letting out a short breath, I bounded off and closed in.

To counter any line of attack, I was holding the sword waist-high. In one bound, I covered more than 5m.

It was the other side, however, who took the initiative.

Carrying the two-handed short spear in one hand, he lashed at me without any hesitation.

From the front, the short spear, the speed of which was fast to begin with, looked long just as well.

……How could its reach be this long?

The attack was more pointed than lined.

Because it was difficult to trace the trajectory of the attack, it was difficult to dodge it.

……However, it’s all good. I can dodge it.

I s.h.i.+fted half my body, reducing the body surface area, letting Bays-san’s attack pa.s.s by my side.

An air-tearing sound brushed my ear. Disregarding it, I slip into his bosom.

The other side was slightly surprised at my evasive maneuver. However, immediately after, he regained his calm. With a flick of his wrist, his spear rotated. In but a moment, the b.u.t.t-end of his spear came stabbing.

「Uoa!」

I avoided it by diverting its trajectory with the help of my sword.

After coming under attack twice, I was thinking of gaining some distance……No, I must not retreat.

Once more——Break!

「Ooo!」

I pushed my body once more, putting all my power into the fist which was grasping the sword.

I adopted a low posture, with the lower-half of my body rotated like a spring, adding more strength to the attack.

The strike, which contained all my power, aiming for the back of his shoulder, was received by him through the shaft of his spear.

A dull metallic sound clanged.

Before I knew it, both of his hands were now on the short spear, making it considerably difficult for me to penetrate.

He was attacking with one hand and defending with two. It was troublesome.

The short spear, held in both his hands, scythed down but I dodged it.

Furthermore, he slanted and sw.a.n.g it down, mowing at my feet but I jumped, dodging it.

While I was airborne, I slashed my blade down from above——

——Even that was neutralised by the short spear.

Negating power with power.

*gichigichi* When the sword and the short spear clashed, I uttered a roaring cry.

My only option is pure power.

However, it was easier said than done for I was wielding a long sword in one hand while the other side was holding the short spear in both hands.

I always use my left hand for plundering. However, if I did it now, it would leave a bad aftertaste.

In times like these do I feel the need of something that I could proudly use.

I wish I had magic but I don’t.

To break the deadlock, I slid the sword from the top of the short spear’s shaft, aiming for the opponent’s fingers.

Having noticed it, Bays-san let his hand on the spear’s shaft go and parried the attack. Using the only hand, placed firmly on the b.u.t.t-end, he stabbed at my body.

Due to my posture, I wasn’t able to completely evade the attack. However, I mitigated the impact by jumping backward.

It still hurt.

Although it hit the armor, it hurt.

Bays-san might be superior in terms of martial arts but I held the advantage in terms of physical abilities. It might be the game changer.

——It wasn’t over yet.

We had two-three more exchanges.

I had no idea that fighting a strong opponent would be so nerve-racking.

Nevertheless, one of my attacks penetrated his defense. Although it was shallow, it hit his shoulder.

We were now even.

……I’m probably a character who hates to lose.

「——That’s it for now.」

Thereafter, Bays-san withdrew his short spear.

「It was inappropriate of me to say that you’ll pa.s.s the exam if you defeat me; I apologize. Seiji-san, you pa.s.s the primary exam with the perfect score. It’s unfortunate that we can’t finish this contest for there still are some examinees left.」

「Ha……Haa……Fuu……Got it.」

I was still feverish inside.

Clouded with excitement, I might look like a war-monger.

My right arm, I couldn’t control my right arm.

Fuu……Somehow, it settled down.

Loosing the grip on the hilt, I reclined the sword against the wall.

It’s so tiring~.

「To have such a sword technique at such a young age……I wonder how you train.」

The one talking to me was the scary, beast-faced Arnold-san.

Having been admired, I was embarra.s.sed. However, I did work hard at training (stealing), so I nodded in acknowledgement.

「Thank you very much. You are?……」

「I’m Arnold. She’s my daughter, Lim.」

「I’m Seiji. You two are beastkin?」

「Aah. Lim, where are your manners?」

Having been urged by Arnold-san, the daughter, Lim, called out, peeking from behind her father.

Did I do something?

「……I’m- Lim.」

She whispered. I expected her to continue but she didn’t.

「——Next, please.」

「Fumu……Lim, you go ahead.」