32-a fight (2/2)

My sixth sense was ringing an alarm bell.

Instincts tend to come true in times like this.

”Ice Shoot!

Eleanor's left hand shot out an ice bullet as she mouthed the chant.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

I blocked it with my shield just in time.

The ice bullet froze the shield.

It tried to erode from my shield to my wrist. I threw down my shield in a panic.

...... That was close.

If I had reacted a little later, I would have been an ice statue by now.

...... You surprised me. I thought I had you all figured out. Great response. You're certainly more than just a guard.

”Ice magic - you're a mage.

Yeah. Unusual, isn't it?

Swordsmanship and sorcery are two very different fields. It's no small feat to master them. Especially when they're both at the top level.

Eleanor is definitely a top-notch swordswoman. In addition to that, the ice magic she just used was that of a top-notch wizard.

It's easy. You just have to make a bloody effort.

”I see. Then I could be one.

Eleanor put a smile on her face.

The knights were buzzing when they saw it.

”Vice Commander Eleanor is smiling. ......

She's usually as expressionless as an iron mask.

Are you enjoying the fight with those guards?

”Oh, by the way, I haven't heard your name yet. If you're so good, why don't you tell me your name?

Zeke.

...... Zeke. It's been a long time since I've had an opponent I could fight with all my might. But it's over. I'll beat you with everything I've got!

Eleanor said, and held up her left palm. The ice magic goes into effect.

The next moment--.

A pillar of ice came out of the ground at my feet.

”d*mn it!

I can't escape!

I run around and dodge the icicles as they come one after another.

After a while, I realized.

--I'm surrounded.

Before you know it, you're surrounded by icicles.

Well... Eleanor wasn't shooting ice magic to attack me. Her real goal was to prevent me from escaping.

I look above me.

Eleanor was descending from the vault of the icicle. She swings her sword at me, hoping to kill me.

I can't dodge.

I can't dodge, but I don't have a shield to protect me.

It's over!　--Haaaaah!

Eleanor struck a blow at me with all her might.

The air trembled.

The impact shattered the icicles surrounding me.

”What ......?

Eleanor had a look of disbelief on her face.

She had indeed sliced through my torso.

But the sword had been broken in half.

”Oh no ......!　I'm pretty sure it was a direct hit. ......!

Yeah. But my defense outweighed your attack power.

That's all I'm saying.

...... I see.

Eleanor's mouth twisted into a wry grimace.

I finally understand. The only reason you were able to annihilate the undead army was because of your unbelievable defense.

That's what I mean.

I thrust my sword at the unarmed Eleanor's neck.

Eleanor giggled.

...... I'm losing. I have no means to defeat you.

She raised her hands in the air and announced her surrender.

...... But I've never been so utterly defeated in my life. Zeke. I'm interested in you as a person.

Eleanor had a soft, thawed look on her face.

The way she was looking at me was fervent.