Chapter 125: Tick Tock Tick Tock (1)

Theo's eyes were bloodshot as he faced off against Noctar.

He swiftly dodged the oncoming axe while simultaneously launching a counterattack.

Clang!

The axe and longsword clashed.

The axe grazed the collar of Theo's shirt, while the longsword brushed against Noctar's thigh.

"Heh, hahaha!"

Theo's ragged breaths and Noctar's wild laughter resonated throughout the arena.

Neither yielding an inch, the two warriors continued their fierce exchange.

At that moment, their sole desire was clear: to bring down the opponent in front of them.

Ever since the start, Theo felt as if his mind was on the verge of breaking.

The amplified [Overload] increases its effect, but the backlash is just as intense.

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

It had been about 30 seconds since he activated it.VịSit no(v)3lb/!n(.)com for new novels

He had already used it during his duel with Julia, and that felt like ages ago.

His eyes were so bloodshot they seemed ready to burst, and every muscle and joint screamed in pain.

Nevertheless, Theo drew upon the most beautiful and powerful swordsmanship he'd ever witnessed.

Techniques inspired by Piel's elegant swordplay, and other unparalleled swordsmen, melded into his improvised style.

'Damn, he's an absolute monster.'

Noctar seemed to have no weaknesses.

And he was smart.

He actively utilized his [Hard Skin] trait, allowing attacks on non-lethal areas like his forearms and chest, then instantly retaliating with his axe.

A real blade might have penetrated Noctar's thick skin, but a dull training longsword?

Highly unlikely.

But for Theo, even one hit from Noctar's axe would spell the end.

...But there's no point in whining.

Instead of wasting time on such trivial thoughts, it would be wiser to figure out how to bring Noctar down.

He was getting tired.

He had to find a way to defeat him, and fast.

"Ha... ha... ha..."

His breath was short, almost choking him.

He felt like collapsing right then and there.

He wanted to abandon everything, even his [Twisted Noble's Dignity].

His low tenacity was tempting him, saying he had done enough and deserved a break.

'But I can't stop now.'

He bit his lip so hard that he tasted the rich iron tang of blood.

Giving up would mean the end of everything.

Words weren't necessary.

Only actions and results mattered.

The belief he held since childhood was that one's actions were the true measure of virtue.

He cast aside childish self-comforts like, 'I've done enough, I've tried my best.'

He also discarded the idea of conserving energy for the next match.

After all, if he couldn't bring down the mountain-like presence that was Noctar, there would be neither victory nor a next match.

Theo was already in a battered state, looking as though he was just moments away from collapsing.

His legs wobbled, and blood poured from his nose.

'I have to use it.'

For a long time, it remained incomplete and unusable.

But not being able to complete it is no longer an excuse for not using it.

'I have to save Theo...!'

It's clear why Theo was pushing himself this hard.

He must want to win that badly.

Irene wanted to respond to Theo's determination.

Does she still have the strength to use it?

Dashing towards Noctar like a shot arrow, Irene used her sword.

"Haahhhhh─!"

Like Theo's swordsmanship, it didn’t have a name.

But the name didn't matter.

Not if the technique encapsulated over a decade of her insights.

And if it could save Theo.

That unnamed 13 rapid thrusts pierced Noctar’s thigh.

Not all 13 landed, but 3 strikes were 'precisely' on target.

"Kuaaahhhh─!"

Noctar let out a ferocious roar.

Due to the aftereffects of her technique, Irene couldn't land a follow-up blow.

But Theo wouldn’t miss such a brief opening.

“I’m sorry, Noctar. But this isn't a 1v1 duel. You truly fought well; now rest."

With that─

Thud!

Theo’s longsword struck Noctar's head.

The first match of the round of 16, between Team Theo & Irene and Team Noctar & Gulrik, had come to an end.

A hushed silence fell over the stadium; not a single voice could be heard.

All eyes were wide, silently observing the scene before them.

On the field stood Theo, his attire slightly disheveled but still retaining an air of dignity.

Beside him, Irene gazed at Theo with a face full of concern.

Next to the two humans, Gulrik knelt on the ground, defeated, while Noctar stood still, frozen in place.

...Noctar had passed out while still on his feet.

And so, the victors of this intense match were Team Theo & Irene.

[Wha, what just...?]

The commentators were at a loss for words, their eyes just as wide as the spectators', both stunned by the unexpected turn of events.

The only ones to break the silence were the orcs.

TL: the title is insipired by a song (째깍 째깍 째깍) of the same name by Akdong Musician

Toggle New Ads

The title is inspired by a song (째깍 째깍 째깍) by Akdong Musician. I also saw 'Hype boy', 'call me maybe', 'I got a feeling' as titles for later chaps. Haha interesting name choices

5/5 Enjoy the chappy!

Click here!