Chapter 126: Clash

Swords clashing, we stepped back, locking eyes with the Black Knight.

Looks like Leo and the others settled things.

Time to try what I planned for the Black Knight… I shouted toward the beast hiding in the building’s shadow.

"Go! Chimera!!"

The divine-speed beast lunged forward, claws and fangs tearing at the Black Knight. I’d summoned it before the fight started. But—

"Dimension Slash!"

The Black Knight’s slash tore the Chimera apart, shredding it into black smoke that vanished. Not as fast as usual…

Even the Chimera’s unique skill—Divine Speed—doesn’t work against the Black Knight.

I’d kept the Phoenix on standby, hidden from the Black Knight… I canceled the summoning spell. Let the Phoenix fade.

Against the Black Knight, even the Phoenix’s unique skill—Immortality—won’t matter. If I’m killed, the whole point of taming it while alive vanishes.

Face-to-face with the Black Knight again.

I have to finish this myself. We both stepped forward at the same time, swords crossing midair.

"Dimension Slash!"

A grid-like slash collided in the air—shockwave rippling out.

Even match… I should be stronger in power and speed, even without the "Light’s Blessing." Still, he’s keeping up.

Not a difference in physical ability. Maybe experience?

I’m just an average person. He moves like a pro fighter. Fluid, effortless slashes—every time I try to block, his blade shifts in unpredictable ways.

I can’t match him in swordsmanship… but!

Blocking his blade with my sword, the metal screeched, barely holding. I kicked through his abdomen with my left foot wrapped in qi.

He tumbled backward, collapsing to his knees, unable to stay upright.

I’ve got three ways to fight up close—sword, magic, and physical blows. But the Black Knight only has two: sword and magic.

Even if he hits me with a punch, it won’t matter.

Now I finally get it. What my real strength is. Closing the distance, I charge forward—ready to end this.

At that instant—my body went cold.

The Black Knight’s sword began to glow, radiating an overwhelming aura. I slammed my left foot into the ground, barely stopping myself.

The sword blazed brighter, a single beam of light piercing the sky. Without hesitation, it came down straight at me.

"Unleash—Calrevulf—!!"

The flash severed my right arm, split the earth in two.

"—!!"

Damn… if I’d reacted a second later, I’d be cut clean in half.

I swung the sword free, then drove a brutal punch into the Black Knight’s chest. The impact exploded with qi—his black armor cracked, creaking and groaning.

Flying back dozens of meters, I used Healing Magic on my right hand, regenerating it… That power—just for a moment—was on par with full-powered Balumunk.

So why didn’t he use that earlier? Is there some kind of condition?

The Black Knight quickly regained his stance. He’s hurt, definitely…

I’ve got the Thief class skill “Steal,” so every time I deal damage, I heal the wounds. But he’s not using any Healing Magic at all.

The longer this goes, the more I’ll have the upper hand.

The Black Knight charges at me, sword raised. His right hand’s fully regenerated—he picks up the fallen blade and blocks me.

I parry his downward slash with my own sword, locking blades in a tight, grueling clash. I’m close enough to see his face, but the helmet covers it completely. Can’t see a thing.

And this sword… insane hardness, insane sharpness. Could be equal to Leo’s Durandal, maybe even better.

I’m channeling Qi into the Dragon Ash Blade I got from a student, barely holding it together. Still, it’s no match for the Black Knight’s sword.

If we keep clashing like this, my blade will break eventually… I push his sword aside and kick upward with my left foot—but he guards with his right hand.

And this armor… even at full force, I can’t seem to break it.

Seriously tough defense…?

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

Gojo and the Black Knight are fighting at lightning speed.

“Leo! Maybe we should team up!?!”

Freyja says, worried. But…

“With that fight? We’d just be in the way. If we interfere, we might end up slowing Gojo down instead.”

Gojo already lost once. I don’t think he’ll lose again—but I get why she’s worried. I glance at the kids. Their eyes are locked on Gojo’s battle, dead serious.

They don’t even think Gojo could lose… not for a second.

Yeah... we just have to believe and watch it unfold.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

Each time our blades clashed, the gap in skill was slowly closing. I’m learning Black Knight’s techniques through mimicry.

With “Assassination Art,” I spot a tiny opening—then strike hard.

My backfist cracks against Black Knight’s helmet. Can’t see the face, but blood spurts out with every hit.

Staggering now, but still charging straight at me, swinging the sword down—no more of that sharp edge from before.

"Let’s end this... Black Knight!"

I channel spirit, lightning, and flame into my blade. Three forces unite—golden fire erupts from the steel.

Black Knight pulls back his sword, and it blazes with a dazzling glow.

We each take one step forward—our ultimate sword techniques clash.

"Combined Magic Sword—Divine Bird Annihilation Inferno Slash—LEAVATHEIN—!!!"

"——KARETOWLF—!!!"

Our swords collide violently, shattering the air itself.

My Ryujintou shatters under the impact, reduced to fragments. Black Knight’s sword flies from his grip, sending him flying backward.

I don’t hesitate—step forward, lunging straight at Black Knight.

"Let go of your sword… you’re done!"

My left fist drives deep into Black Knight’s solar plexus. His body folds in half—spewing blood everywhere.

I drive my foot deeper, grab his arm, and kick straight up with my right leg. Hits his jaw—body launches into the air.

I leap, wrap my left hand around my right fist, and swing it high—then bring it down hard at his chest. He crashes into the ground, rolls desperately to escape.

I don’t stop. Close in. He scrambles up, draws his short sword from his waist. ...Still had a weapon?

But it’s too late.

He dodges my punch—jabs my arm with his sword. The blade pierces through, blood sprays.

I don’t flinch. I brace my left arm, lock it in place, and yank the sword out—then swing my right fist with everything I’ve got. Smash into his face.

He lets go of the sword—crashes back onto the ground.

I rip the sword from my left arm, toss it aside. Step toward the fallen Black Knight.

He sways, barely standing.

I kick off the ground, accelerate—close in. He throws a fire spell, then charges. But that’s nothing. Just a cheap trick.

I unleash the “qi” inside me. It floods through both arms and legs—power surges, body heats up, burning hot.

My fist cracks part of his helmet—his head snaps back so hard, it’s like his neck’s being torn clean off.

No time to breathe—another torrential rush slams into him. Chest, shoulders, belly, arms—his armor shatters one after another.

Headbutt him hard—his helmet cracks open, and part of the Black Knight’s face is exposed.

Grab his arm, toss him like a judo throw—his back slams straight into the ground. He spits blood violently, can’t move anymore.

I channel every ounce of “ki” into my right hand.

From above, I swing my right fist down—delivering the final blow. For a split second, I feel the Black Knight’s emotions flood into me through telepathy.

‘…Thank you…’

My fist connects straight to his stomach. The impact cracks the earth beneath us.

His legs kick up—then, once back on the ground, he doesn’t move. Dust swirls into the air. Silence wraps around everything.

‘It’s over…’