Chapter 69 - #68 Sparring (1/2)
*Clang* *Clang*
The sounds of clashing swords resounded in the air while 2 figures were constantly moving and performing attacks at inhuman speed.
Those 2 figures were me and Taeko, we were currently improving both of our techniques.
”Taeko, that should be enough, do you want to try it for the last time?” I jumped some distance away from Taeko and asked with a calm smile.
”Yes, please!” She nodded her head with a bright smile, it was apparent that she was having fun despite having her clothes soaked wet of sweat.
”Alright, don't forget that I am your enemy.” I said with a serious expression and Taeko just nodded while taking a deep breath.
She got into her usual stance while gripping her katana with only 1 hand. Her legs were spread and her other hand was positioned in a perfect position so she could shift her balance much faster or grip her katana with both hands extremely quickly without losing any momentum.
Her eyes became completely dull and lifeless as if she was looking at someone already dead.
”Let's do this.” I said with a smile and sprinted to her.
When I felt like I am about to enter her zone, I used all my strength to punch the ground.
*Bang*
Making curtain of dust appear and a lot of rubble fly around but I also deliberately kicked some of them towards Taeko with all strength those stones could handle without completely crumbling apart.
I didn't waste any time and quickly followed after the rubble I kicked at Taeko while having my upper body leaning forward, resolved to rush at her without stopping. This allowed me to have higher speed but I also lost the ability to dodge backward.
Even I didn't see her exact position due to the dust in the air but I could see a few flashes of the blade so I completely knew where to strike. However, when I was about to slash my own weapon, I suddenly felt something coming my way from my right side at an incredible speed.
Not gonna make it! I thought with wide-open eyes, surprised at Taeko's improvement.
I gritted my teeth and suddenly a red spark once again escaped from my vertical pupils.
*Whoosh* Someone's sword flew numerous meters away before stopping by landing and burying itself into the trunk of the tree, completely scaring a bird that was relaxing around.
”Huh?” Taeko looked down at her empty hands with a confused expression before raising her head.
”?! Akashi? That's...” Despite believing me, she was still speechless when she saw my enlarged vertical pupils, completely focused eyes with lips slightly apart, making it look like I wasn't in reality with her.
I blinked and my eyes returned to a normal state.
[+3 XP for practicing swordsmanship] x5
Class: Blade Master (Lv. 3; +5 Str, +5 Agi, +2 Const) 38/40 XP
Hmm, looks like I can level up this class by practicing in advanced swordsmanship with someone who has an equal level of skill.
”If I wouldn't use the Limit Removal, you would have won. You improved a lot, you are really talented when it comes to swords.” I praised her with an honest smile while gently ċȧrėssing her cheek with my hand.
To be honest, I still don't completely understand that ”Limit Removal” state but I am slowly getting some understanding. This time, my resolve to win practically forced me to enter that state.
”Mm! Thank you for helping me. I have feeling that with this improved technique I would be able to take care of those 2 ȧssassins much faster.” Taeko nodded her head with a bright smile while rubbing her cheek against my hand with closed eyes.
”No need to thank me. I will be always here for you and even if not physically, I will still be here.” I said with a teasing smile while pressing her area near her heart with my index finger.
I could feel that her heart started beating a bit faster than before.
”Ehm, Taeko...” Chelsea approached us and cleared her throat to announce her presence while holding Taeko's katana that was sent flying away by me.
She was behaving quite awkwardly while looking at both of us so I just released a teasing smile.
Chelsea's cheeks immediately blushed a little bit while averting her gaze.
”Thank you, Chelsea” Taeko took her weapon back and thanked Chelsea with an oblivious smile.
”Taeko, Mera-sama wants to talk to you. I just came to inform you...” Chelsea informed Taeko with a forced smile.
”Oh? I see, I should get going then. Akashi, let's meet in the late afternoon!” Taeko said with a slightly disappointed expression when she received the news but when she directed her gaze at me, she immediately smiled.
I just nodded with a gentle smile and didn't keep her here any longer.
”I am sorry and I am also not sorry...Nevertheless, I was forced to do it. Hehe” Chelsea suddenly said while looking down with an expression that was changing between guilt and satisfaction.
---
'Finally, I will be able to get back at him for everything he had done to me. I still have one half of my buŧŧ red because of him!' Chelsea thought with a resolved expression and tears in her eyes.
---
Has she gone mad?
”Little boy! What a coincidence to meet you here.” I heard a female's voice behind me so I instantly knew what was going on and I couldn't help but smile.
I guess I have some time to entertain her and she will also be a good practice partner if she is really that strong.
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Special Class: Yato (Lv. 5, +16 Str, +16 Const, +16 Agi, +5 Int) 19/160 SXP
[Agility: 50 (91)]
[Intelligence: 41 (55)]
[Constitution: 48 (77)]