380 Chapter 380: Warrior versus Gunner (1/2)

\”Go, Lily!\”

\”You've got this!\”

\”You're doing great!\”

Cheers erupted from the male portion of the crowd, as well as the significant Jing Tian Academy contingent who had traveled all this way to support us. They were all on their feet, throwing up their hands and screaming their hearts out.

As if inspired by their encouragemnt, Lily appeared to accelerate, weaving through the stage to avoid more of Gunther's shots.

\”Oho!\” the commentator sounded thoroughly impressed. \”This armored warrior is using a skill similar to Flash Steps!\”

Seriously? Flash Steps? Might as well just rip off the name and call it Shunpo. It wouldn't be the first time we were ripping off Bleach. Lily was actually disappearing from spot to spot, and reappearing in a totally different place a millisecond later.

Across from the arena, at the Adorno Academy team's technical area, their captain, Cain, was studying her movements with a grave expression. Even though he didn't show it, it was clear that he was impressed with Lily's movements. Using my privilege as a fourth-wall breaking protagonist, I read his mind.

Compared to the previous recordings and her performance from last year, she has improved tremendously. Not bad at all.

However, I could detect a smirk in his thoughts. Well, smirk was perhaps too much when describing his emotions or lack of them. He wasn't mocking her or anything, but just making a matter-of-fact observation.

Unfortunately, it's all the same to Gunther.

\”Oh!\” the commentator gushed when he saw the Adorno Academy vice-captain cease firing and raise his heavy cannon. \”Gunther is aiming his gun toward the ceiling!\”

\”This is…!\”

A bead of perspiration dripped down Lily's face when she realized her opponent's intentions. She tried to move, but it was too late.

\”!!\”

Boom!

A pillar of violet light descended upon her from above, slamming into her back and causing her to double over.

\”How did that shot hit Lily in the back?!\” one of the spectators cried out in disbelief and outrage. \”That has to be cheating!\”

The guy next to him gave him a smack. \”What cheating? He's just casting a spell to fire an arced shot and alter the angle and trajectory of his shot! We have people throwing fireballs and icicles around, and you complain about a relatively simple spell used to arc a mana beam is 'cheating'? Have you not been keeping yourself up to date on the latest magic developments?! Even so, such basic combat spells have been around for a long time! Where have you been? In hibernation somewhere?!\”

\”It's over!\” Gunther sneered. Well, sneer was too strong a word. I swear, all of the Adorno Academy students completely lacked emotions. They were fighting like…I don't know, robots or something. In any event, Gunther unleashed a barrage of shots like a Terminator, his volley arcing in various angles and crashing upon Lily from different directions.

Obviously Lily wasn't going to take this lying down, unlike a certain character in Battle Frenzy so that the first year students could show off how much better they were than the second year students. She managed to raise her shield to deflect several of the shots, while using her sword to scythe down those that she couldn't block with her sword.

What, you thought her shield was for show or something? This wasn't Battle Frenzy. I didn't know why the artist bothered drawing the characters with shields when they never used them…even once.

\”It's over!\”

I had no idea why Gunther thought so, but he relentlessly bombarded poor Lily with a barrage of shots that continued to pummel her from all the different directions. Lily crouched down grimly and raised her shield, casting a defensive spell. A shimmering purple barrier enveloped her, protecting her on all sides as the mana projectiles crashed against the glowing screens.

\”?!\”

Gunther raised his gun, needing to stop firing and recharge his gun and spells for a moment. Lily couldn't help but giggle from underneath her forcefield.

\”What? Did you think I would be taken out immediately just because you fired a couple of arced shots? I don't exist just to be cannon fodder just so the protagonist can show off with his brilliant tactics by employing the more talented first year students to steal the spotlight from us old guard. Well…I say that, but we don't have any first year students in our team…\”

\”…huh? What the hell are you talking about?!\” Gunther spluttered, perplexed. Lily shrugged playfully.

\”Who knows?\”

That girl…she really knows how to wage psychological warfare. Having thrown her opponent into confusion, she could force out an opening.

Taking a deep breath, she drew a circle with her sword and muttered an incantation. Gunther aimed his cannon at her, and she waited for him to attempt to bombard her again. Throwing her shield, she somehow reinforced her defenses, while still continuing the casting of her spell.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Despite Gunther's relentless bombardment, Lily's barriers held strong. Even so, Yue Chu fidgeted restlessly beside me, his fingers growing white as he clasped his hand anxiously. I smiled at him reassuringly.

\”Don't worry. Lily knows what she's doing. Trust her.\”

\”I believe her, but that still doesn't make it any easier.\” Yue Chu glanced down and chewed on his lip. \”That Gunther Schalke guy is quite the fella…you've watched his previous matches, haven't you? He's really powerful.\”

As Yue Chu pointed out, Gunther's strength was formidable. His relentless bombardment was slowly but surely wearing down Lily's crumbling barriers. She was breathing heavily, sweat pouring down her pretty face, as she struggled to cast her spell and maintain her defenses simultaneously, but it was clear that the violently trembling screens wouldn't last long against Gunther's tireless onslaught.

However, given how powerful his spells are, Gunther couldn't cast them forever. Even he needed a breather, and some time to cast the next bombardment spell. His cannon, still glowing hot from the earlier firing volley, spluttered to a stop. Inhaling, Gunther began his \”recharge\” by beginning to cast another spell.

That was all the opening that Lily needed.