Next, he extended his right hand. Jet Black resided at its tip.

The next moment, darkness swelled up as if to blot out the light from the illumination, closing in on me as I pressed forward.

In response, I imbued my blade with magic power and unleashed a sweeping strike.

What emerged from the sword’s tip was light, opposing the darkness. It was Holy Scarlet, a high-level light attribute magic sword technique. As its name suggested, a crimson light bloomed as if resisting the darkness, pressing forward towards the opponent.

Then, I raised my left hand as if to counter him. In an instant, the space above my head began to distort.

“–Light Attribute Supreme Magic, huh?”

He muttered from beyond the darkness. Just as he said, I used Ragnarok. My intention was for Holy Scarlet to cancel out the darkness, and then Ragnarok to deliver the finishing blow in one swift move.

First, the crimson light dispelled the darkness as I had planned. Immediately afterward, a giant light sword assailed the enemy before me–!

“Now then, what shall I do?”

The opponent’s voice was leisurely. His face, peeking out from a gap in the light, showed no intention of avoiding anything.

The next moment, the sword pierced him. A heavy *Gowa* sound erupted, sending the enemy flying and a flash of light illuminating the surrounding darkness.

I wasn’t holding back. While I wasn’t putting my entire being into it and had some strength left, this attack would likely annihilate most existing monsters without leaving a trace.

However,

“That’s an incredible attack.”

When the light faded and I could see him, the opponent still had form.

“There are only a handful of beings among humanity who can unleash such an attack.”

“Can I take that as a compliment?”

My teasing words. Then he laughed.

“Do you want to be complimented?”

“No, thank you.”

“I thought so.”

He spread his arms wide. Magic power overflowed from his fingertips, preparing for the next attack.

However, it didn’t feel like he had the same momentum as before… he was definitely exhausted.

And at the same time, I thought. He, who remained unfazed by my attack—

“It seems you’re pondering how to defeat me.”

The opponent began to speak in a calm tone.

“You… will eventually bare your fangs at me, won’t you?”

“Fangs, huh?”

I shrugged. Then Garuku, who didn’t care about my intentions, spoke up.

“Fangs? Are you saying Lord Ruon’s goal is to defeat the enemy in front of him?”

“I don’t know if that’s what I’ll do. But one thing I can say is that it would be wise to have a counter-strategy prepared.”

“A counter-strategy? Can you do that?”

The magic power in his arms converged. He seemed to have allocated it to body enhancement.

“Well… it’s true that I was unsure what to do, as I didn’t know how much power you possessed.”

In response, I also gathered magic power in my arms.

“But your appearance like this is the most valuable information.”

“Perhaps.”

“…You said earlier that you had no intention of doing anything?”

I asked, seeking confirmation.

“As for me, I’ve lost my playmate, so I’ll attack. But other than that, you won’t do anything if humans don’t interfere?”

“…I’m sure you know, but both the Demon Race and the Angels have interfered with me.”

He stated clearly to me.

“As long as such information exists, humans will undoubtedly intervene. No matter what strategy you employ, this much is absolute. Humans are creatures who will touch even when told not to. If they discover overflowing power, they can’t help but investigate, can they?”

“Were you in existence even when the Angels dominated this world?”

Garuku asked. Then he smiled.

“That’s right. Although, even the Angels couldn’t grasp my true identity. But you seem to know something.”

He turned his face towards me. I remained silent.

“Honestly, I don’t even know who I am myself. I’m not interested. I just use my overflowing power to play a little. It’s always been like that, and it probably always will be.”

“What happens if humans interfere deeply?”

He shrugged at my question.

What to do… that depends on the Humans, doesn’t it?

I understand now.

I gripped my sword tightly. I’ll finish this with one strike.

Perhaps he also understood, as he, too, infused both his arms with Magic Power. Seeing the nature of that power… I made my move.

A full-strength strike—there are three most Advanced Techniques in Longsword Arts, and the one I’m about to unleash is one of them. It’s a single-hit technique that surpasses all others in power.

Its name is Darkness Water Lily. The strongest technique that crushes and destroys all.

And he responded by crossing his arms, taking a defensive stance. Immediately after, my sword struck. The impact traveled through his arms and flowed into the ground.

Cracks appeared in the surrounding ground, then spread as fissures. Countless cracks formed in the ground with a rumbling sound and rapidly expanded.

The impact reached the wall in an instant, and a roar echoed. The sound of rocks being crushed and falling to the ground. The ground split, unable to withstand the impact, and shattered.

Amidst that, he—and I—struggled with our swords.

What tremendous power.

He declared.

How did you manage to gain such power… No, Humans sometimes exert power far beyond imagination. So perhaps your power also falls within the realm of Humans.

Is that all you have to say?

My sword gradually pushed him back. I don’t know how much more power this guy in front of me has—but I instinctively understood that the match would be decided soon.

Ah. That’s right. I can’t defeat you as I am now.

Are you saying, ‘with the power I can exert within this Cave’?

That’s right.

A meaningful smile. It was an expression that could be taken as composure, but perhaps it was more like he found me interesting.

We might meet again.

I’d rather not, to be honest.

Oh? Well, I’m looking forward to it.

My slash finally broke through his arm. The full-strength strike that then cleaved his body in two created a Shockwave that reverberated through the Cave.

Amidst all that, his presence vanished. The Shockwave enveloped the surroundings and swept through the Cave—leaving behind the echoing sounds of rocks and ground shattering, and the battle was decided.

I stared ahead. He had disappeared as if he had never existed in the first place.

…Good grief, it’s confirmed, isn’t it?

I muttered with a sigh.

Until now, I had been speculating about the nature of the Mysterious Magical Power, but this conversation made it definitive.

Lord Ruon, what in the world was that guy—

Garuku asked. I was about to answer when I noticed something.

A report from the Familiar observing outside. Sofia was waiting at the entrance, but… she’s fighting.

A Dragonkin trap?

Lord Ruon, what’s wrong?

Sofia is fighting a Monster. We’ll talk later. I’m going back immediately.

When I was fighting him earlier, I didn’t have time to check the Familiar’s report… Conversely, that means I was exerting that much power.

His unexpected appearance was a surprise, but I’ll consider it one of my gains.

My sword, which I had thrust in—wait, it’s lying on the ground. Did it get dislodged by the Shockwave earlier? After checking that the blade was intact, I immediately used Magic and headed towards the light.

Lord Ruon, regarding the enemy from earlier, can you explain?

Garuku asked. I had been evasive until now, so he must be curious.

In response, I nodded.

“Yes. After the battle is over… yes, let’s talk with Richard too.”

“Alright.”

After Garuku replied, I went back the way I came and rushed to the Cave entrance at full speed.