Chương 76: Chapter 46:”Inea of Qi Sword Arts VS The Hero Clam Selenberg 2″

I clicked my tongue. It was the correct answer after all. The worst possible correct answer. I said he manipulates time, but to be precise, it seems he can do two things. One is Time Stop. This is what he used when he aimed at my heart or when he stepped out of the barrier of knives. The range is about eleven meters around him. If one steps into this domain without any countermeasures, instant death awaits. The other is Time Erasure. This is what was used when the knife passed instantly behind him.

This too can probably erase the same amount of time, and whatever happens during that time has absolutely no effect on him.

"You are the first. Until now, not a single person has been able to see through this magic. After all, its use is completely imperceptible."

"Hmph. Do you intend to praise me?"

"Ah. It is just as Master Megil said. You cannot be underestimated." While being vigilant with his words, he exudes an air of superiority and laughs happily.

"Kukkukku. I am very satisfied right now. To have met such a strong enemy. If I defeat you, I will be able to reach even greater heights."

"I'm amazed you can use such magic." I said, ignoring his worthless desire for status. I have no interest in heights or whatever. He doesn't seem to mind much that I didn't engage with him. He answers in a tone as if intoxicated with himself.

"Indeed, I am poor at almost all magic. But this one alone was miraculously compatible. It was truly the will of heaven. To aim for heights with this power. And so, I became a hero." I see. I understood well. The reason why this man is strangely incongruous. The reason why this man, who should be no match for a dragon no matter how you think about it, was able to instantly kill the strongest Black Dragon. It's a simple story. While stopping time, he pierced the heart with a single thrust. That's all there is to it.

If such a cowardly attack is used, it is decided that even a tough and mighty dragon can do nothing about it. In other words, he didn't win by ability. It is merely that the Time Manipulation Magic was amazing. It's not that his swordsmanship is wonderful. This man is just a half-baked person sitting cross-legged on powerful magic. To be praised as a hero for that is laughable. Don't you feel empty? I asked with contempt.

"Are you satisfied winning against a dragon with such an ability? Are you satisfied being called a hero?" Perhaps I hit a sore spot, he frowned. His voice of rebuttal also becomes somewhat rough.

"Silence. A 'have' like you doesn't understand the suffering of a 'have-not'. The suffering of one who never reaches those overflowing with talent no matter how much he swings his sword. The suffering of one who never reaches the heights!"

"Quite exposed, aren't you. Is an inferiority complex your origin?"

"It's different now. I have become strong!... That's right. I became a hero recognized by everyone." A false hero clinging to his own fame to regain composure. Only insatiable ambition is bloating.

"But I am not satisfied. If it is to become stronger, I will seek any power. I intend to use even the Master to aim for further heights."

"I don't entirely lack sympathy for your past suffering. But let me tell you one thing." To the man who went mad with the desire to be a hero and became distorted. As a senior in life, I tell him with at least some sincerity." Such a thing is neither true height nor strength." This is a heartfelt advice to him who lost the pride of a swordsman—to a fellow kind who once tried to live by the sword.

"It's a cheat. You are just cheating. If you are a full-fledged swordsman, you understand, right? Where is the pride in such power? Wake up already!" However, he was too grown-up to accept the advice obediently. He was too dirty. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. He just trembled his shoulders as if he had been humiliated. Finally distorting his mouth in indignation, he raised his voice even more. There is no longer the initial calm and majestic appearance.

It was the moment the mask named "Hero" fell off.

"You should say such arrogant lines after defeating me! Though it will be impossible anyway!" Abandoning himself to anger, he raised his sword and approached furiously. While keeping a distance so as not to enter the range, I think of a strategy. The same trick of luring him in and using a bomb won't work a second time, as expected. As he says it's impossible, the situation is certainly severe. I can't think of a way to directly counter the outrageous ability to manipulate time.

I have no choice but to aim for the opening when he is not using that magic somehow. Judging from the situations where it was used several times, it seems his magic cannot be used continuously. It is necessary to take some interval each time. Then, bring it to a situation where he has no choice but to use it. And attack immediately after use, before he can catch his breath— Alright. Let's go with this assembly.

To make him manipulate time, I have no choice but to hit him with unavoidable long-range attacks other than that, but... Three bombs left. Two knives left. These will be the lifeline. If throwing weapons run out, I have no chance of winning anymore. Moreover, if it drags on, the risk of entering the range increases that much. I have to decide with the next move. I made up my mind. Exceeding the normal limit, I apply [Qi Reinforcement]. [Burst]. This won't last long.

A double-edged sword where the whole body rattles from the recoil after use. But whatever the case, if I don't decide it here, I lose. I won't spare anything. It probably won't be visible to him who doesn't know Qi, but clad in a powerful white aura, I trifled with him at a speed that the eye couldn't catch. Calculating the opportunity, I drop bombs and knives generously. It is a form realized by my own high speed this time, what I did earlier by poking a gap and making an attack with no escape.

If he had the same raw ability as me, naturally he couldn't do such a stunt, but... It worked well against this half-baked person.!? Just when I cornered him, time flies away after all. If I know the trick, I won't be shaken. Confirming his destination again, raising the gear further, I go around to his back at maximum speed. During this time, not even a second. It takes a little more time to manipulate time now. I put maximum Qi into the Qi Sword in my right hand.

The blade changes from white to a dazzling pale white. I will surely finish him off with one blow! [Senkraze]!? When I understood that recognition flew. In my eyes—. The figure of him already turning towards me and swinging down his sword was reflected. In the midst of confusion, the blade bites into my shoulder as I jump back in a panic. From there to the flank, I felt the sensation of flesh and blood being torn. Impossible...!? Why...? Slashed, I couldn't hold my ground there, collapsed, and fell on my back.

Perhaps it was a barely-there timing for him too, a fortune amidst misfortune. The slash is relatively shallow and doesn't seem to have reached the internal organs. But, it's the same as a fatal wound... I could no longer stand. If he adds another blow, this life will surely be cut off. It is nothing more than life being extended just a little. While feeling the unpleasant stickiness of dripping blood, I couldn't help but regret that I couldn't save Yu with these hands. Suddenly, my Master's face came to mind.

My Master, who always wrapped me with kindness and warmth even amidst strictness. I wanted to meet you at least one more time. And I wanted to tell you. Even though you protected me risking your life. I am... pathetic. I can't even save my beloved disciple with these hands. I'm sorry. Master. I was a truly poor disciple. Clam Selenberg had completely returned to his original hero-like tone. He says while triumphant." Continuous use of Time Manipulation Magic can only be done once a day.

To think you made me go this far. I'll admit it. You were the greatest enemy of my life."

"......"

"Now. I could finish you off as is, but... You probably can't move anymore anyway. I'll have you die in despair at the entertainment prepared by the Master. The sin of mocking me is heavy. You won't die easily."

"... Entertainment, you say. What on earth do you intend to do?" He sneered while looking down at me.

"You'll know soon. In short, it means you were checkmated the moment you barged in here. Well then, it's almost time. Farewell." Turning his back leisurely on me who is hurt and fallen, his presence is trying to go away. Although I was saved for this occasion, there is nothing I can do. Despair was about to dominate my heart— it was then. Unbelievably, Yu's reaction returned. Moreover, he started moving energetically. I don't know why. Anyway, Yu was safe. Ah. Thank goodness... Really thank goodness.

Is it possible to be saved so much just by knowing he is safe? In my heart, the light of hope was lit again.

"Wait. I'll tell you just one more thing."

"What is it." He looks back with a dubious face. I told him the honest thought I felt in this battle. This man relies too much on time manipulation. There is a fatal opening there.

"Remember this. If you rely solely on such an ability, one day your feet will be scooped." Hearing that, he smiled wryly with a face looking truly amazed. Probably he thought I was just being a sore loser.

"Hoh. How on earth will they be scooped?"

"You'll know in due time."

"Is that so, is that so. That is something to look forward to! Hahhahha!" Raising a loud laugh, he left this time for sure. While staring at his back figure, I thought about the possibility of reaching him. For me, who focuses on close-range attacks, the compatibility was hopelessly bad. But if it's Yu. Or perhaps cooperating with friends, he might be able to find a chance of winning. That guy has weak and pathetic parts, but his core is strong.

That guy has the courage to confront boldly no matter how superior the opponent is, and the tenacity not to give up easily at the bottom of his heart. With a cute face, he is naturally unyielding. That has sometimes produced unexpected growth and explosive power. I, who have been watching that guy's figure all along, understand. Even if he is weak now, he is a splendid FabL just like the Master. He has a splendid heart that can overturn the logic of this world.

Even if any difficulties await ahead, he will surely struggle until the end. And no matter how hurt he gets, he will struggle. That's right. He is always clumsy and tries his hardest, and there are parts I can't bear to watch. That's why I want to be of help. Even leaving aside the promise with the Master, because he is already my beloved disciple. I started to close the wound using the remaining Qi. It will take considerable time to be able to move, but it's better than doing nothing.

Yu is moving, so what's the use of me, the master, giving up first? Whatever the form, he spared me. I don't know what will happen from now on, but don't give up until the last moment. Let everyone escape safely from here. Do my best for that.