563 Utterly Outmatched
That said, I'm not gonna overwhelm him with Acceleration.
I can imagine him pressing me on the kind of training I do to accomplish that.
Guy looks like he's seeking strength. Aiming for the top. He'd likely use any possible means to try and get it out of me.
I don't want him follow me around. There's no way I could tour this city in peace if that happens.
I haven't had enough with this city yet. Having someone so famous coil around me will only draw unnecessary attentions.
(Ah, he can easily hide himself with that magical mantle huh. But, it's still gonna be tiresome if he follows me everywhere and keeps throwing questions.)
I don't like boasting about my power or its origin.
That doesn't sound convincing considering my actions thus far. But that doesn't mean I want to give a lecture about this power, a demonstration of this aberrant power is faster.
Doesn't mean I plan to flaunt it in the streets either.
"Allow me to have this strike!"
Balgaranda is on the offensive this time.
He slowly inched in before rushing ahead when he deemed it the right moment.
Shield Bash, he pushed his shield hard.
I took that on with my left hand. A loud thud of a wooden shield hitting my left palm echoed.
They're hitting for real but it does nothing to me.
Balgaranda pulled his shield away once he confirmed he couldn't make it budge.
It was immediately followed by a slashing attack with his sword in one smooth flow.
Figured it'd be a downward diagonal slash using his shield to block my vision.
(I'm one, two grades inferior in techniques and experience compared to this champion.)
I had anticipated chained attacks. Hence, I took half a step back without Acceleration.
I then stepped forward and pushed his chest with my palm. Lightly.
"Nuuu!? ...Kuh! You made fall back. I've never come across someone as strong as you!"
There was no frustration in his voice, it was filled with joy. He looks delighted too.
I said lightly but I still put my weight behind the push. I felt the resistance since I pushed with my arm and waist.
I should be able to adjust my power right next time.
I had never tested with someone this big.
Hence, even the slightest bit more power seems to be damaging.
Balgaranda is breathing roughly while holding his chest.
"Are you okay? Should we take a break? Or maybe we should stop now..."
"I see that you're more proficient with your fists over a sword. Perhaps you should go bare handed instead. But then, that would make me the only one armed..."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
He's not listening. He really won't let me go till he's satisfied.
"Well, I'd say it's more a katana than a sword. I did learn a bit martial arts though."
"Martial arts... Oho, katana is it. That's quite an unusual weapon. Curious, and curiouser. To think a young one like you is in the possession of a katana. Fumu, do you mind if I take a look later? Truly intriguing indeed!"
Geez, I really should do something about my blabbering mouth. It's like putting my head on a platter.
"Fumu, I'm sorry but let's go with spears now. Well, the tips are unattached so they're more like sticks. How long do you prefer? Pick one."
Apparently we're changing weapon after every clash.
I've prepared myself to go along till the end. Doesn't look like he'll let me drop out midway.
I took a 150cm stick. Meanwhile Balgaranda chose a 2m one.
I'm at a disadvantage already. But he is taller than me in the first place.
Choosing a longer stick just to close the gap between us would only make it unwieldy.
I point my stick's tip at my opponent, put my hands on waist level, loosen up my shoulder, slightly bend my knee and take a stance.
(What was it again, Ran, naa, cha? Which way is it again, left, to right? Then you thrust...)
I've never used a spear in my life. But every weapon has a roughly similar basis.
Same with spearmanship, I think. I lightly swing my stick while recalling the name of a basic spear move.
"Allow me to go first. I see that you're not accustomed to wielding a spear. How will you deal with my attack, I wonder? Here I come!"
Looks like Balgaranda has changed his mindset into that of a challenger after the two previous bouts. He took a heavy step forward.
He's fast with a better reach than me. A furious lunge.
He only rushed in after reading my breathing, barring me from dodging.
BAM! The sound of Balgaranda's attack hitting the ground.
I used Acceleration. The lowest stage to match his stick's tip with mine.
Afterward, I spun my stick and twirled his to change its trajectory.
Then I undid Acceleration. It was a success.
'Wha!? What the!' Balgaranda shouted while backstepping away.
I went after him. Not a lunge like he did. Walking step by step while gauging the distance.
"You won't go after me? I was sure you were gonna charge in."
"I saw you put a composed look on your face when you stepped away. Rushing there would be rash of me."
My opponent has the upper hands in spears no matter how you slice it. I have no chance if I don't keep my calm.
The best I could do is maintaining the distance. I mean my opponent is better at fighting and techniques.
I'm utterly outmatched in a spear combat. At least without Acceleration in the picture.
Posts
