The assassin whom he was facing appeared to be looking for an opening so that he could escape. However, Brain did not allow it and fought as if he was toying with him. No, rather than calling it that, it looked as if he was using a wide variety of attacks to try and remove the rust from his body.
He did mention something about an idle period. And it seems that the reason he’s not attacking seriously is because he’s worried about Climb and wants to be ready to jump in and help at any time. He’s more considerate than I thought.
Sebas moved his eyes from Brain to Climb.
This side should be fine as well.
An exchange of blows, although the poisoned weapon caused a bit of unease, the situation wasn’t bad enough that he had to go and help immediately. It pained him that a friendly stranger was dragged into a mess that he caused. However—
Had you not told me that you wished to grow stronger, I would have gone over to help you. A battle with one’s life on the line is also good training. I will help you if it becomes dangerous.
Climb used his sword to redirect the opponent’s thrust.
Cold sweat flowed down his back. It had almost managed to stab into his armor. A look of disappointment flashed across his opponent’s face.
Climb placed his sword out in front of him and measured the space between them. His opponent on the other side shifted back and forth to stop him from measuring the distance.
Normally, Climb would block with his shield and use his sword to attack. His current predicament of fighting with only his sword shaved away at both his mind and body. Not only that, the poisoned weapon also placed a great burden on him. He knew very well that mail breakers were specialized for thrusting, and as such, that was the only part that he had to be cautious of. But even so, as expected, the thought of being unable to sustain even a scratch dulled his movements.
He could feel his mounting fatigue, not only of his body, but his mind as well. His breathing grew ragged.
It’s the same for my opponent. I’m not the only one who’s exhausted.
Like him, his opponent’s forehead was slick with sweat. He was agile, using quick movements to throw the enemy into disarray, it was a style well suited for an assassin. That was why inflicting even a single wound on the arms or legs would make the assassin lose his advantage and destroy the balance of power between them.
The battle would be decided in a single attack.
That was the reason for the restlessness that flowed between them. Of course, this was what a fight between those of similar skill was like. Regardless, it was even more pronounced in this particular battle.
“Haa!”
With a heavy breath, Climb attacked. It was a small swing with little power behind it. A wide swing would open him up to a huge blind spot if he were to miss.
The assassin easily dodged his attack and thrust his hand into his shirt. Predicting his next move, Climb became cautious of the assassin’s hand.
Climb blocked the dagger that flew at his eyes with his sword.
It was fortunate. Luckily, he was able to deflect the attack because he had carefully focused his attention.
But without even giving him a chance to breathe a sigh of relief, the assassin charged in low.
Oh no!
A shiver crawled down his spine.
He had no way to block this additional attack. The fear from the dagger had made him deflect it with a large swing. Because his sword was still in the air, he could not bring it back fast enough to match the timing for a counterattack. Although he wanted to focus on dodging, the assassin had him beat in agility.
He was cornered. At the very least, use his arm as a shield and—
As Climb made his resolve, the assassin who was charging at him suddenly covered his face and leapt back a great distance.
A small stone the size of a pea came flying and struck the assassin’s left eyelid. Pushed to his limits, Climb’s accelerated mind confirmed it.
Even without turning around, he knew who had thrown it. As proof, he heard Sebas’ voice coming from behind him.
“Fear is a precious emotion. However, you must not be overcome by it. I was watching from a bit earlier, but this is quite a dull and half-hearted battle. If your opponent had the resolve to sacrifice an arm, it would have certainly meant your death. If your strength leaves you, win with your head. There are times when the mind surpasses the body.”
Yes!
Answering in his head, he was surprised that he had regained his composure. It was not a feeling of security from relying on someone to help him. Rather, it was because someone was watching over him.
He could not completely wipe away the fear that he may die. However—
“If… I die, please tell Renner-sama, please tell the princess that I fought well.”
He let out a long sigh and quietly raised his sword.
Climb noticed that the light in the assassin’s eyes was different than before. Although their time was brief, perhaps their hearts had found a connection through this battle with their lives on the line.
Like how Climb found his resolve, the assassin seemed to have noticed and found his as well.
The assassin stepped forward. Needless to say, he closed the distance without a word.
Confirming that he had entered his range, Climb brought down his sword. In that instant, the assassin leapt back. He had read the speed of Climb’s sword and used himself as a bait to try for a feint.
But there was one thing that the assassin had missed.
Without a doubt, the assassin had seen through most of Climb’s sword techniques. However, that was only excluding just one attack, the vertical slash that Climb was confident in. It was heavier and faster than any of his other attacks.
The sword that lodged in the assassin’s shoulder was stopped by the chain shirt and did not completely cut him in two. However, it easily broke through his collarbone, cut through the flesh, and even shattered his shoulder blade.
The assassin thrashed about as he rolled around on the ground. The pain was so intense that his scream was silent, spit dribbling from his mouth.
“Splendid.”
Sebas appeared from behind and effortlessly kicked the assassin in his abdomen.