第１１１５堀：倒れない (Part1)
**Chapter 1115: Unyielding**
**Side: Deryu**
*Whoosh.*
The one unleashing a flurry of punches accompanied by such gusts of wind was Wazfi, a powerhouse ranked second in the Academy.
I was surprised when I first heard that a mage would choose to fight with their fists, but upon reflection, it wasn't all that strange. After all, I am the same. My own fists, reinforced by magic, have always been the weapon that suited me best. To be perfectly honest, it’s also because I never really held any other weapon.
Wazfi’s physical enhancement through magic was likely beyond what anyone expected. This is a matter of individual talent; for some, it is simply far more efficient to bolster one's own body to crush an enemy than it is to cast spells.
However…
"What’s the matter? You haven't landed a single blow."
"That’s because you keep darting around! Damn it!"
Hmm. Unfortunately, his technique is failing to keep pace with his raw physical ability. Or perhaps I should praise him for having attained such strength through his own self-discipline?
Well, it is time to conclude my assessment of this one. To have let him attack this long and still not have landed a single strike—it shows that this is the extent of his capability. I had hoped he might have some hidden trick up his sleeve, but there was nothing. He was merely swinging his fists with all his might.
I wonder, has he never faced someone who could endure this long, or is he perhaps a counter-style fighter by nature? Regardless, I won't learn anything unless I take the initiative, and there are others waiting. I shall make the first move.
*Tap.*
"Eh?"
Oh, look at that surprised expression on Wazfi’s face. Well, he was putting his entire being into those punches, and with just a light tap of my palm, I sent him stumbling backward.
Of course, I didn't use my level to overpower him with brute force. I used only as much strength as a small child might exert. The trick was simply timing the push to coincide with his attack rhythm—which only goes to show how predictable his movements are.
"Why the blank look? You know better than anyone that your technique is lacking, don't you?"
The person fighting me should know it best of all. How many times has he thrown a punch, only for me to evade them with ease—not even needing to take him seriously? That is the measure of the gap between us.
"When you show me a gap this overwhelming, it makes me want to call it a joke! That’s why, at the very least, I’m going to land one hit!"
"That spirit is commendable. But I wonder, how many hits can you endure?"
Now, I shall test his defensive and evasive capabilities. Given that he couldn't even dodge that light tap from earlier, I don't expect much, but it is a necessary trial. It is for the sake of determining his future curriculum.
"If I can just... *Guh!*"
"Indeed. I shall strike without reservation. Here is the first."
I didn't put my full power into it, of course, but I had no intention of pulling my punches, either. Still, he lives up to his focus on physical enhancement; he managed to endure my blow. He staggered back a few steps, but he didn't collapse or clutch his abdomen like Kagura and the others might have. He is worthy of having chosen the path of the fist.
"K-keho... Are you serious? One hit and I’m already..."
"Oh, you have defensive power from your physical enhancement, certainly. But your evasive ability is, at present, utterly hopeless. Now, let us see if you can consciously guard or dodge."
"Damn it!"
Hmm. Realizing he couldn't defeat me this way, he’s switched to a hit-and-run style, becoming more serious and creating distance. He seems to understand that a close-quarters brawl is disadvantageous, but every time he comes in, I land a counter, leaving him increasingly battered. Still, it is impressive that he can still move after taking so many of my strikes.
However…
"Haa... haa..."
He has reached his limit; his feet have finally stopped. He is covered in red welts, but the fact that he is still standing on his own two feet is admirable.
"Very well. I have seen the extent of Wazfi’s ability. Your grit is second to none."
"What are you... I’m still... I can... fight..."
"You say that while gasping for air. For now, just get some sleep."
"Who’s... going to sleep..."
*Snap!*
With that sound, my fist connected with his jaw, and Wazfi collapsed backward with a heavy thud. He had reached his limit. I should praise him for holding out this long.
"So, Yuki. How was it?"
I turned to see Yuki and Enola approaching to tend to Wazfi.
"Oh. He had more grit than I expected."
"Indeed. He certainly had the spirit. But as for his fists, he is self-taught and lacks any real technique. He just thrusts his fists forward. There is no hip rotation, no foundation at all."
"What are you saying? Just lasting this long against Deryu is an incredible feat."
"Well, those technical aspects can be taught in due time. Wazfi likely never had anyone to teach him the fundamentals of hand-to-hand combat. Still, the physical damage from a brawl is severe. His right knuckles are half-broken."
"And his chest, where he took those hits undefended, has some fractured ribs. He really does have guts. Most people would be in agony by now."
"Hmm. It is a fundamental rule to properly channel physical enhancement into one's internal organs, but that, too, is a lack of skill."
"Well, he probably never had an opponent who forced him to learn that. Now that we've checked his condition, shall we use healing magic to fix him up? Before that, Enola, did you notice anything?"
"Hmm, let's see. He took a beating, but he didn't receive any fatal blows that would have incapacitated him, so I suppose that’s impressive? Or did you go easy on him, Deryu?"
Enola asked me, but I shook my head honestly.
"No. I certainly held back in many ways, but if his openings had been too egregious, I intended to break his limbs to render him immobile."
I have a role to play in teaching the severity of combat. If one treats battle lightly, it is my job to hammer the reality into their body. However, he defended against those fatal blows quite well; that, too, is a point worthy of praise.
"I see. He has the nerve to keep biting back even against an opponent he cannot defeat."
"Indeed. He clung to me with such tenacity. Exploring the Great Sea of Trees should not be a problem. Naturally, I will be training him further."