391. Country of Sakura, Cherin and the Seven Holy Swords [162]

「HaHa”Ha, I’m gonna kill you!」

I tore through the herd of whales with Dark Shadow and closed the distance with Von.

The troublesome Whale Mochi and Whale Bullets no longer posed a problem.

「Eighth Sword – Yatagarasu!」

My black slash branched into eight and bared its fangs at Von’s flesh.

「Don’t think you’ve got the upper hand just because you defended “Mochi” and “Bullets”.」

「What the hell!?」

My attack, which broke the sound barrier, was perfectly defended by Von’s short sword and shield.

Unleashing Yatagarasu causes a very small gap in my defense which doesn’t last for more than even a fraction of a second, but Von was able to capitalize on it.

「True Heart Style – Consecutive True Slashes!」

A series of unparalleled attacks with machine-like accuracy targeted parts of my body which were difficult to defend and to dodge.

「Guh…」

A storm of slashes that I couldn’t even follow with my eyes cut away at my body.

The core of Von’s swordsmanship was simply “precision”. His swordsmanship was thoroughly “basic swordsmanship”, without any originality or trying to be flashy.

If the “Holy Knight’s Swordsmanship” textbook was a person, it would be Von. He had completely mastered it.

(I need to get out of this…)

I jumped far back and prioritized recovery with darkness.

「Hmm, what’s wrong? Weren’t you confident in your close combat abilities? Is this the extent of the rumoured darkness of House Rodore?」

「Kuku, don’t worry… I’m still here!」

I released the spiritual power hidden inside me and closed the distance with Von again.

The intensity of our battle continued to rise.

「HAAAAAAA”A”A”A”A!」

「–Naive!」

The battle was completely tipped in his favour. I was being pushed back.

Von Mustang boasted unimaginable strength.

What was even more amazing was his defense.

A true soul dress that can be used in any and all situations. Swordsmanship with a short sword and a shield which doesn’t allow any gap in defense. An iron wall combination.

Black Sword, dark slashes, bare hands – none of my attacks had any effect on him at all. Only the wounds on my body increased every time I attacked him.

But still… It was fun!

「Gyahahahaha! You’re amazing! This is the first time I’m dancing with such a strong guy!」

Crossing swords with him was exciting.

「True Heart Style – Truest Thrust!」

Von’s thrust pierced my left shoulder, inflicting burning pain.

「Aa”h! That feels good! What a sharp thrust!」

I took a big step towards him while his short sword was still lodged in my shoulder, and swung down my black sword.

However, he blocked my blow with his shield.

「Get away from me!」

A strong kick pierced my side, and I was blown back greatly.

「Kuku, as expected of a Seven Holy Sword. In addition to your swordsmanship and true soul dress, even your physical strength is perfect!」

I was being pushed back, slashed, and being kicked away like a rag doll.

(But I wonder why… I don’t feel like I’m losing at all!)

(Strange… I am certainly the one who is in control of this battle right now… and yet, why… Why am I… so scared of the swordsman Allen Rodore!?)

Confidence gradually faded from Von’s expresion.