Chapter 83: Opening My Eyes Again

Para.

Grate.

Fortes.

Betita.

The beginning is the Opening Form, and the other three are preparatory and responsive stances, as well as connecting movements, tailored to each situation.

If the sword is flicked upward from Para, or shifted behind the shoulder, behind the head, or behind the back, it is generally defined as Grate.

Conversely, if the sword is pulled down so that the tip points forward—whether diagonally or vertically—it is defined as Fortes.

And then, Betita.

The two hands gripping the sword soar high toward the sky, yet the blade itself points downward, whether vertically or diagonally, eventually indicating the ground.

All movements are predicated on the arm joints being bent at right angles.

Depending on the case, even the knee joints.

And in finer detail, even the wrist and ankle joints.

In the handling of swords and weaponry, weapons that strike down or slash generally focus on the upper and middle sections when divided into high, middle, and low.

While targeting the lower body or legs as an exception or anomaly is certainly effective…

What if the opponent ignores their own lower body and aims directly for one’s upper body?

The opponent might end up with a mere injury, but for the victim, it would lead directly to a fatal wound.

Anywhere above the shoulder is a fatal wound without exception, regardless of where it is allowed.

That is why, especially in sword-versus-sword combat, despite some exceptions, the focus of teaching and preparation for each weapon is on the downward strike; this is because the essence of offense and defense, along with the inherent danger, are condensed within that single motion.

The method of striking and hitting the head is, in itself, a way of seizing and shaking the initiative of the upper-body exchange.

The one who attacks first is unconditionally dominant, and the one who hesitates is forced to take damage unless they block, evade, or respond appropriately.

An appropriate defense.

And the counterattack that follows.

Strictly speaking, this is a tactic that is only possible if one can withstand the opponent’s capabilities after handing over the initiative.

However, if the opponent presses on with unconventional methods or overwhelming power and capacity…

There is a high probability of being helplessly suppressed or overwhelmed.

From the start.

Unless a certain level of skill and proficiency is attained, the attacker always holds the advantage in battles between beginners and novices.

The tension and rigidity caused by combat.

One must be able to control and manage disparate psychological and emotional states: excitement and composure, fear and dread, shrinking and audacity.

Furthermore, one must handle the deceptive tactics and psychological warfare the opponent employs.

The effective way to respond to the opponent’s momentum, bloodlust, hostility, intimidation, intent, or even unintentional sloppiness.

History is littered with countless recruits and promising talents who soared during practice and training, only to be consumed by the razor-sharp atmosphere of actual combat, unable to even move their hands properly before they died.

However, if one has accumulated countless experiences, transcended such stages, and undergone sufficient real combat to possess an immovable mind that does not waver under any circumstance…

Or, regardless of such things, if one was simply strong and powerful at every moment, overwhelming and crushing enemies with immense martial force…

Then, the battle enters a different phase.

“Pathetic!”

The opponent strikes down with the sword held in both hands for all to see.

But I…

Clang!

Rather than blocking, I parry the sword away with the concept of glancing it off, and simultaneously…

I press forward.

I am not striking down or thrusting the sword.

I counter with Betita and slam my body directly into him.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

The opponent’s response was more skillful than expected.

He thrust his shoulder forward in advance to somewhat mitigate the point of impact.

Just before that, as if whipping the two hands raised high, yet using the lower body and waist as a center to pull, I struck his face with the pommel.

However, the fellow pulled his head back and simultaneously retreated, and in the process of withdrawing, he immediately struck down with his sword.

Clang!

I immediately twisted my waist, leading my upper body to block the blade again with the same motion as before.

At the same time, the opponent’s sword slid down along my own blade.

In an instant, the tip of his sword traveled down the length of the blade and thrust into the air.

A sharp sword.

The tip carried an ominous momentum, lunging forward like a hawk’s beak.

Aiming for my neck.

If I responded clumsily just to block it, his intention was to simply pierce right through.

Even if he missed the neck, the sword could simply be driven into the collarbone, the solar plexus, the chest, the upper or lower abdomen, or even some point on the pelvis or lower body.

I didn’t consciously read that intention.

But my body and intuition responded as if judging ahead of time.

I transitioned to Para, glancing the tip of the sword away with the flat of my blade.

Then, a left-right transition.

The two hands that had flicked upward to the right were now switched to the left, returning to Partita.

And likewise, this time too, I pushed my body deep inside.

“Tch!”

Last time, it was only one step.

But this time, it was as many as three steps.

As I advanced as if passing right through the opponent’s body, the fellow—who had anticipated this and retreated—had backed away even further than before, leaping back about two steps.

In terms of the mental game, this was effectively my victory.

“?!”

Because of that, a trajectory and distance were now formed where a downward slash would be effective.

My hands were already raised high toward the sky.

Since my sword had already risen nearly horizontally to sweep away the opponent’s sword…

A downward strike would finish everything.

However.

I do not slash down.

My intuition warned me that it was a trap, a lure.

Suppressing my desire.

Here, Fortes.

Rather than slashing, I pull back and aim the sword.

Thanks to that, I couldn’t cut his face or upper body.

But I cleanly carved a sword mark into his clothes.

However, it was merely a mark.

That garment was clearly an artifact no less impressive than the robe I wore.

…Was he aiming for this?

“You missed this?!”

Nevertheless, it was clearly a valid opportunity.

A fact known to both him and me.

However, it is uncertain whether it would have actually worked.

In reality.

The transition from Betita to Fortes.

Even the process of pulling both hands down to the waist to aim the sword can, in the concept of ultra-close combat, lead directly to the result of a deep cut.

But if I had failed to suppress the opponent by slashing there…

The opponent’s sword, which I had painstakingly swept up, would have fallen like a judgment, seizing the opportunity.

For example, instead of giving flesh to take bone, it could have led to a development where both parties lost their bones.

In that sense, this response was the correct answer.

Since I was unaware of the durability and condition of his protective gear, simply confirming it was enough to be considered gaining the upper hand in the mental game.

However.

What if I had boldly suppressed the opponent, even if it were a gamble? What if I could have inflicted a severe wound?

That also would have been a decent choice.

But what meaning would that have if I were hit immediately afterward?

This battle does not signify my end.

Perhaps even this is just a prelude.

A grueling battlefield, where a tedious and fragmented battle continues endlessly, may be waiting for me.

And yet, I would throw myself away, intoxicated by emotion, swept up in the heat, unable to resist desire, just to enjoy a moment of pleasure?

Forget it.

In that damned battlefield within the dream the Demon King threw me into, no matter how powerful the fellow in front of me was, he was ultimately just a single component of a legion or army.

Even if I killed him with everything I had—no, before I could even kill him—there was no telling what would pop out from the side, what would stab, slash, strike, or lunge.

After being hit, would I burst into tears like a loser and complain like an idiot that it was unfair, a foul, or too much?

I wouldn’t even be able to squeeze out a tear once I’m dead and sprawled on the ground.

“Ptooey!”

The fellow spat on the ground.

It was only a momentary exchange, but with this alone, we were able to sufficiently gauge each other’s capabilities to some extent.

‘…I’m no match for him in terms of physical ability.’

As was the case in the previous clash, indeed.

His muscular strength is absurd compared to his physique.

That strength doesn’t just refer to the power of clashing, slashing, or striking down.

His speed and reactions are also absurd.

Muscles usually have aptitudes depending on the direction—pushing, pulling, lifting.

But for him, there is no such distinction.

If pushing is weak, one attacks that point.

If pulling strength is lacking, or if the arm strength is solid but the grip of the hands and fingers is insufficient…

One could similarly attack that area.

But he has no such weaknesses.

In this case, there is no way.

Normally, if I were to invite or draw him into ultra-close combat and get entangled, I should have won easily.

That is our specialty.

Both he and I know this.

In the past, during the days when Mana was handled clumsily, it is said that a barbaric style of combat—clashing body to body, grabbing and seizing each other—was quite effective.

I heard that such exercises and matches were popular as games and training.

However, since the deep mastery of Mana, the clumsy method of tangling and binding has long since devolved.

With a fragile human body, if one attempted such things ambiguously, their body would be shattered, sliced, broken, and ruined in an instant during real combat, leading to death.

Instead, people spend their time on Mana cultivation, standing combat training, and researching how to strengthen and handle armaments.

Of course, the Beastmen or some barbaric races, as well as a few with overwhelming physical abilities, still continue physical training and Mana cultivation for that purpose.

But at least in the Empire, the act of tangling together was treated as barbaric.

Because.

In small-scale melee or chaotic skirmishes, it might be different.

But in large-scale battles and wars, such things are rarely applicable.

Waiting with swords locked in real combat? On a battlefield? During a fight?

Do you want to die? Do you want to be surrounded? Are you trying your hardest to get hit by a sniper? Do you think the opponent will just accept that? Have you not thought about the idea of being held and wasting time?

In formation warfare or group combat, this is a suicidal act.

In other words.

If one does not create the opportunity to be grabbed or held back by the opponent…

It is impossible to tangle or cling in a dirty, wretched way.

Even when weapons tangle, one can simply overcome it by exerting overwhelming power, skill, agility, and nimbleness.

Can a sword really tangle and cling to a stationary branch?

Even if it does.

One can simply shake it off decisively.

It’s a problem solved by simply cutting through the whole thing.

For example, you just deal with it.

Unable to do that?

That is weakness.

That is fragility.

…That’s why.

“So you’re looking down on me, are you?”

Grandeus’s strange swordsmanship—in fact, this strange skill and technique…

Completely dismantles, reflects, and repels the opponent’s Mana operation capabilities and the resulting enhancement effects, rendering them useless.

“…….”

Rather, the stronger the opponent is, the deeper they fall into the trap.

Unless one is already familiar with this method…

Generally, the moment the first clash occurs…

Unless they have an exceptionally good intuition and outstanding reactions…

They have no choice but to be defeated.

But simply neutralizing the opponent’s Mana utilization? Pranking the opponent with that?

If it ended there, it wouldn’t be this vicious.

For this technique, that process is neither the foundation nor the prerequisite.

It is one step.

A passing process.

If Mana utilization becomes impossible, a transition to another direction would eventually be possible.

But it suppresses even that transition.

As a result, not only the attack but also the defense and response capabilities are neutralized.

Therefore.

Even if one were wrapped in armor and protective gear…

This swordsmanship has made it so that the methods and specialties for dealing with them are mastered.

Ordinary swordsmanship and Plate Armor swordsmanship.

Why were the two separated?

For example, this is a technique that neutralizes the weapon skills and combat abilities of superhumans who utilize Mana.

And at the same time, it is a specialized swordsmanship designed to defeat knights, developed so that those with sturdy defensive armor can also be dealt with.

Rather, when dealing with giant monsters or a mere Magic Beast, there is no need for this, and the countermeasures are ambiguous.

…But there are separate ways to deal with those.

Wind and water.

Rock and tree, the growth of plants.

Everything hot and cold has been the enemy and natural predator of everything that has taken shape and form since the beginning of time.

Ultimately, the reason why one must realize this essence emerges here.

“…….”

Venus.

He was still indignant, and though he was huffing, his attitude and posture in responding were completely different from before.

Since he recognized that he held the advantage in physical ability, he still held the initiative of the attack.

However, since he realized that the responses and counterattacks were not easy, and that giving time would only reveal his own shortcomings…

Ultimately, he would try to make the most of his advantages.

Because my shortcomings would still be largely unknown to him.

Still, the fact that he can respond means he is already proficient in our way of fighting.

Normally, at that point—in the opening clash—he should have dropped his sword, been sprawled out, or had his chest slashed.

But what made that impossible was not necessarily his skill, but his absurd reaction speed and response capability.

No, it’s not that his skill is lacking.

If it were, he would have been caught in my trap long ago.

He has certainly trained his sword more desperately than I have.

The duration of his training is beyond comparison.

He must have fought countless real battles.

I may have faced all sorts of trials in the form of dreams thanks to the Demon King, but he must have struggled desperately in his own way.

…If he intends to live in this world with that wretched personality and temper, being merely ‘pretty good’ wouldn’t be nearly enough.

“You saw an opening and yet you refrained? Why? Were you afraid you’d get hurt if you cut me?”

“…….”

I spin the sword once and regrip it.

Taking advantage of the widened distance, I lower the sword as if resting it on my right shoulder.

Grate.

“You certainly do a lot of things.”

“Because our goals are different.”

I must fight and win while protecting myself.

Because even a single injury is fatally critical for me.

If I could throw my life away without thinking of the consequences, how overwhelming a happiness, how overwhelming a condition that would be.

I am envious beyond words.

As long as I can kill the opponent even if I die, that is enough?

“You really live a carefree life.”

“What are you babbling about?”

If you can kill the opponent according to your emotions…

You don’t care if you die or are broken?

No.

Isn’t it because you feel you’ll be fine regardless?

…I’m dying of envy.

The fact that he’s still alive and well despite unleashing his temper to his heart’s content proves this, doesn’t it?

Those born with robust bodies—those damned bastards who recover quickly even when exhausted, and heal quickly even when injured…

To them, the thorough response method of a weakling like me must feel frustrating and crude.

And as if to prove this.

The fellow grinds his teeth.

“Let’s see if you can talk this well after your limbs are crushed.”

Despite his words, his approach is utterly calm.

A quarter-step.

Even more subtle than that.

However, he acts as if his upper body and gaze are agitated, performing a large, exaggerated rhythm.

If I had relied on sight, or if I had been psychologically unstable…

I would have flinched, tensed my shoulders, or trembled, voluntarily creating an opening.

Without even knowing that I was defenselessy offering my neck to the opponent.

“—!!”

He lunges forward with a momentum that seems to cleave the air.

He opened his mouth as if about to let out a shout, but what came out was instead the sound of an inhalation.

That means there is still something to follow.

Inhaling is usually the stage of storing power.

Conversely, when exhaling…

Power is poured out and exploded.

Among them, there are those who twist or tangle that pattern.

…I wonder how it will be.

No matter how keen the reaction is.

Even this is relative.

That is why I used the advantage of distance so that I could react.

So that even if I respond a step late, I can respond as much as possible.

Boom!

An absurd collision sound for metal clashing.

At that point, the swords should have bounced off each other due to the recoil or repulsive force.

But they cling together as if glued.

Then, the pressure pushing down consecutively grows stronger.

However.

There was still one more thing left.

“Aaaagh—!”

A shout erupts before my eyes.

An explosive momentum and a fierce aura bursting out all at once to prove it.

It feels as if I am surrounded by dozens of wild beasts, a whirlwind of pressure.

‘I am used to even that.’

Not beasts, but giant monsters and flocks large and small, being crushed, buried, chewed, torn, smashed, and ground down by dozens of overlapping layers.

Having died like that for free…

Even if I wanted to be shaken, the will to do so does not even arise.