101 101.Selection of Ilis (1/2)

You want to play me?

”Yes.

Iris nodded at my words without hesitation. Her expression is serious.

It's a mock sword that she's holding, but the blade she's pointing at is filled with determination. It's more than the first time Iris challenged me to a match. ......

I'm not sure what you're talking about, Iris.　This is not the time.

This is the first time I've been challenged to a match by Iris.

When she glanced at Aria, her expression seemed to be somewhat angry. Considering the situation, Iris's comment must have been something Aria couldn't overlook.

--What's the point of fighting me at this time?

It's necessary to do this now.

What are you talking about?

When Iris and Aria were about to argue, I stopped her as if signaling with my hand. There's no need for them to fight right now.

I need to find out the truth of what Iris is asking of me.

”Dr. Alta, ......?

I'm sorry, but you're going to have to step back.

”What?

Aria looks surprised.

After a moment's silence, Aria moves backwards, as if following my words.

As I respond to Iris, I also take out a mock sword from my pocket. I put magic into it and made it into a straight sword - the same as the Blue Armor Sword I use.

”Will you fight for me?

”In the past, I might have refused. Even now, I probably shouldn't have accepted. But if what you're asking for now requires 'fighting,' ...... I'll take it.

”Thank you, .......

Iris released her stance and bowed her head.

It's just a mock sword that we both hold. It's not like they're really trying to kill each other, but what you can feel from Iris is a spirit that's close to that.

If you think about it, there was something wrong with Iris from the moment she met Luino. Did Luino say something to her? ...... I don't know what it was. At least something happened between her and me.

As Iris's mentor, I needed to find out.

”Professor Schweizer, hand to hand--please.

Iris tightened her grip on her sword again, and readied it. The stance is beautiful, straight, and correct.

At first glance, anyone with a certain level of skill would understand. Iris is strong and already close to perfection.

But with ...... that strength, she still won't be able to beat me.

I'm sure Iris understands that. If she still wants to fight me, then I'll take up my sword and stand in front of her for the first time in my life.

Whenever you're ready.

”Okay, I'll come.

Iris stomps her foot on the ground and starts running. She instantly closes the distance between us and swings her mock sword.

The first blow. He dodged it by moving backward slightly.

There was no hesitation in Iris's movements--she took another step forward and struck. This time, she catches the blow.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this, but I'm going to try. ...... I was going to do that, but I was pushed slightly.

I'm not sure what to say.

I'm not sure what to do.

It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything that might help you.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

”Huh!

I let out a breath and struck another blow. She let out a breath and struck another blow, bouncing off my mock sword and slashing down.

But sooner than that, I go on the offensive. Iris immediately noticed this and moved into a defensive stance.

Five strikes in quick succession. In the beginning, Iris was off-balance by the fourth blow and couldn't take it.

But now Iris is different.

With the results of her sword training with me and the experience of her past battles-at least the actual battles-Iris has gained a different kind of strength.

She was able to completely block my repeated attacks, and we engaged in a fierce battle. Our gazes crossed, and our strength was balanced.

Iris grasps her sword with both hands, refusing to move away from me. She's probably wary of my pursuit the moment she steps back.

Iris's sense of fighting is far superior to that of any other swordsman.

She must have understood that if she kept her distance here, she might not be able to prevent my attack.

In fact, I was planning to finish him off with a series of even faster strikes if Iris moved back here.

It's not so straightforward now, is it?

Thanks to Dr. .......

That's good. I'm beginning to enjoy this a little more.

He was enjoying the fight with Iris so much that he couldn't help but smile.

I don't know if I'm genuinely pleased with her growth as a disciple ......, or if I'm anticipating that she'll be strong enough to stand alongside me - but then I also realize one thing.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

In order to obtain the strength to stand alongside me, he is going to sacrifice something - he is getting stronger, but what I can feel from Iris now is hesitation.

”Mr. Iris. I don't know why you said you wanted to fight me for real. If you can get something out of it, I'm willing to help. But what I'm getting from you now is the same thing I got from you before. What are you confused about?

”......

Iris doesn't answer my question.

For a while, my power and Iris's were at odds, but then I broke the balance.

I flicked Iris's sword and closed the distance between us.

As Iris tried to move to keep her distance, I unleashed an invisible blade from my left hand - the Invisible. The wind blade glanced off her cheek and disappeared into the darkness of the night.

Iris' eyes widened and she stopped moving.

It's the attack I'm best at. If you can't defend against this--

”I don't stand a chance, do I?

Iris sighs and relaxes her stance.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.