Ghoul vs. Ghoul②

A discomfort as if pierced through the body.

The ghoul opponent appears to have initiated an assessment simultaneously with me.

Yet the ghoul’s assessment level is 2—should only reveal their name.

In the first phase of information warfare, we hold the advantage.

We know the ghoul’s skills and title; they do not know ours.

This means they cannot anticipate my actions—while I can predict theirs to some extent.

Using accelerated thought and enhanced foresight, I analyze their skill set to forecast their next move.

As expected from a master of the Golden Combo, this evasion capability borders on unfair in their eyes.

The assessment results show their attribute bias: fire and lightning.

I possess resistance to both, though fire remains my weakness attribute.

Lightning is not something I can claim proficiency in either. Must be cautious.

The skills that stand out most are Sword God, Wrath, and Illusory Weapon Forging.

『Sword God: Mastery of the blade. Grants extreme movement bonus when wielding a sword.』

『Wrath: Power reaching n% toward divinity. Expands one's divine domain. Sacrifices rationality for a leap in combat ability. Overrides the W system and grants authority over MA domains.』

『Illusory Weapon Forging: Consumes MP to create weapons. Quality depends on skill level and MP cost. Special effects may be applied to the forged weapon.』

Other skills exist, such as Yama, but I will ignore those—ineffective for me regardless.

As expected, Sword God appears to be the final stage of the skill I possess, "Hero of the Sword."

A skill that enhances sword proficiency—but at this peak level, victory through blade alone seems unlikely.

Moreover, with a slash resistance effect active, I am already at a disadvantage in any sword-based contest.

My weapon is a heavy greatsword; even if it lacks edge, impact damage will still land. There remains a viable method of combat.

Wrath is another skill from the same seven deadly sins series as my envy.

It has not been activated yet.

I do not know how much stats will increase upon activation, but given the master's description—said to be a broken skill—I must prepare for significant gains.

Even without that, my stats are already inferior.

And finally, the last phantom weapon forging.

The blade wielded by the demon, so there were swords in this world after all. If created through skill power, it should possess unique abilities.

Focused awareness on the two swords held in either hand, activating鉴定.

『Blade of Flame, Vermilion Sparrow: Attack 3000, Durability 9973, Special: Blessing, Fire Attribute Attack Added, Auto-Repair, Auto-Healing, Magic Storage: Sword forged through alchemy』

『Blade of Thunder, Azure Dragon: Attack 3000, Durability 9978, Special: Blessing, Lightning Attribute Attack Added, Auto-Repair, Auto-Healing, Magic Storage: Sword forged through alchemy』

Such high performance...

Even my greatsword, crafted by a renowned demon blacksmith, seems inferior in comparison.

The mere presence of five special effects is already abnormal.

Rare enough for any weapon to possess special effects at all.

And judging by the names, there may be a Tortoise and a White Tiger remaining?

Saving the final trump card like that—unfair, isn't it?

Ah?

Sophia: Why do you know about the Four Gods, anyway?

I’ve never heard of such a thing in my world.

Well, never mind.

That aside, we need to figure out how to defeat this monster now.

In short: close combat is suicide.

Even a preliminary strike was effortlessly blocked. Then I saw the status increase immediately afterward. The buff is obvious.

Status values are more aligned with magic than physical combat, yet the skill composition suggests a focus on melee.

Therefore, long-range combat is optimal—using magic and the vampire’s special abilities.

If it engages in ranged combat, my victory becomes likely.

Activate Blood Mist. Red mist envelops me.

Then activate Water Magic. Mix it with the mist.

Red water surrounds me.

Fufu, you're surprised.

This is my devised combat technique—merging vampire abilities with magic.

Magic cannot carry acid effects directly—but once mixed with blood mist like this, the restriction is lifted.

I don’t understand the mechanics, but it’s a workaround.

A tidal wave of corrosive substance—melts on contact.

Shaping it as I wish, it attacks.

Crimson Sea—this technique, named by my master.

One of my primary weapons.

You can’t block it with that blade.

So the oni’s only option is to avoid it and close in for melee.

I prevent that by maintaining distance and countering.

Yes, I anticipated this.

Yet the oni’s action defied my expectations.

Countless swords emerge from empty space.

[Explosion Sword: Attack 2500, Durability 100, Special: Fire-elemental damage, Self-destruct, Flying Sword: Sword created through forging]

Ah, no good, this—

Instinctively cloak my body in Vermilion Sea.

Next moment, countless swords fly in, impaling the Vermilion Sea shield.

Then, detonate.

Vermilion Sea fragments—half blown away.

Like missiles.

Is that not cheating?

Not just close combat—properly strong at range too.

This changes everything.

But why?

Can't stop smiling.

Using only one skill—Phantom Weapon Forging—she outmaneuvers my entire strategy.

What comes next?

Feels like opening a lucky bag.

What will she show me now?