Chapter 82 (1) - A Depressed Kendo Player Possesses a Bastard Aristocrat

Bonus chapter thanks to '@Talosfanboy' for subscription to 'Iron Will' tier on Ko-fi.Three minutes had passed since the start of our desperate duel.

My arms were littered with shallow cuts, and my clothes were soaked in blood.

—SWOOSH!

Recus’ spear shot towards me, leaving a trail of silver light in its wake.

He aimed for my heart.

I parried desperately, the clang of steel ringing in my ears.

—CLANG! SCREECH…! THUD!

I parried desperately, my blade a blur of motion as I struggled to keep up with his relentless assault.

My lungs burned, and sweat, or maybe blood, dripped down my forehead.

“Not bad!”

Recus chuckled, his voice a raspy whisper.

“You’re tougher than you look.”

His single eye glinted with amusement as he circled me, his movements effortless, almost bored.

“Come on, Hero”

“Don’t disappoint me now. At least try to entertain me.”

Recus lunged, his spear a silver blur.

—Recus Style Spear Arts, Seventh Form—

—Lion Slayer—

The spear whizzed past my cheek, the force of the blow ruffling my hair.

A deafening roar filled the air, and I felt a blast of wind as the spear cut through the air just inches from my face.

That was too close…

I barely had time to register the attack before I was forced to backpedal furiously, putting as much distance between myself and Recus as possible.

But he was relentless, his attacks coming in a never-ending wave of silver death.

—Iron Body—

I gritted my teeth, my muscles screaming in protest as I struggled to maintain my footing.

Even with my enhanced physical abilities, I was being pushed back.

“Getting tired?”

“Is that all you’ve got?” S~ᴇaʀᴄh the NøvᴇlFirᴇ(.)nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“Shut… up… and… fight…!”

I gasped, my lungs burning.

I twisted my grip on Sorrow, shifting my weight so that the flat of the blade met his spear instead of the edge.

The impact sent shockwaves through my arms, but I held my ground.

“Oh?”

Recus raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

Now!

I seized the opportunity, my body moving on instinct.

I channeled my mana into Sorrow, the blade humming with power as I unleashed a flurry of blows.

—Shing!

Recus, caught off guard, barely managed to block my attack.

I didn’t give him a chance to recover.

I pressed my attack, my movements a blur as I unleashed a relentless barrage of thrusts, slashes, and parries.

—CLANG! SCREECH…!

The air crackled with energy as our blades clashed, the force of the impacts sending shockwaves rippling through the forest.

The ground beneath our feet cracked and splintered, unable to withstand the onslaught.

Faster.

Stronger.

I pushed myself harder, my muscles burning, my lungs screaming for air.

I had to win.

I had to protect them.

Yes! I can do this…!

For a moment, I allowed myself to believe that I might actually win.

That I might actually be able to defeat this monster.

But hope, as always, was a fickle mistress.

And arrogance… arrogance was a killer.

“Enough of this.”

Recus’ voice, cold and devoid of emotion, sent a chill down my spine.

—Recus Style Spear Arts, Fourth Form—

—Stillness—

—Thump…

A searing pain ripped through my abdomen.

I looked down, my eyes widening in horror as I saw the spear protruding from my stomach.

“Gah…!”

I choked, blood gushing from my mouth.

Recus grinned, his single eye gleaming with sadistic pleasure.

Blood filled my throat, choking me.

I could feel my lifeblood draining away, my vision blurring at the edges.

…Damn it.

My legs buckled, and I collapsed to the ground, my body wracked with pain.

***

Meanwhile, on the roof of the Academy annex…

The Golden Boy watched the scene unfold below, his lips pursed in disappointment.

“He’s down already? How boring,”

He muttered, tossing aside an empty bag of popcorn.

He stood up, stretching languidly.

“Should I help him?”

He wasn’t particularly invested in the outcome of the fight.

He liked Raiden, sure.

The kid was entertaining.

But he wasn’t about to risk his own neck for him.

“Then again… someone like him doesn’t come around very often.”

He mused, a sly grin spreading across his face.

He tossed the empty popcorn bag over his shoulder and cracked his knuckles.

“I was hoping for a better show…”

He began, his voice trailing off as his eyes widened in surprise.

Something unexpected had caught his attention.

The boy, who just moments ago had been lying on the ground, bleeding to death, was now slowly getting back to his feet.

“Oh ho… So you’re not done yet?”

Golden Boy murmured, his eyes gleaming with renewed interest.

What was this?

The boy had been beaten, stabbed, left for dead. And yet… he was still fighting?

He watched as Raiden, his body trembling with exertion, slowly raised his sword, his gaze fixed on Recus.

It was as if… as if he didn’t even care that he was about to die.

“Now this is interesting”

Golden Boy chuckled, a hint of admiration in his voice.

“He’s like something out of a play.”

He settled back down on the ledge, a predatory gleam in his eyes.

“The show’s not over yet, is it, you little maniac?”

“Let’s see what you’re really made of.”