Chapter 30: Opposition

Chapter 30: Opposition

The one-armed swordsman ran down the hallway, drawing his sword and swinging it in one smooth motion.

Finden Ai, who anticipated it, struck first, blocking the sword right before it moved along its proper trajectory.

Clang!

A strange sound echoed as iron clashed against iron. Sparks flew, illuminating Finden Ai's face.

"Oh?"

The swordsman was clearly right-handed, as evident from the sword sheath hanging on his left waist.

However, for some unknown reason, there was no right hand, and yet he was able to engage in a fierce battle with Finden Ai, wielding the sword with his left hand.

[Krraaaa!]

With a cry, the skeleton pushed Finden Ai away with force.

Naturally retreating, Finden Ai grinned and shouted, "Bring it on!"

Kwang!

[Kyaaak!]

As soon as she landed, Finden Ai infused mana and leaped forward again. A violent shockwave surged around her, causing Erica, who was standing nearby, to stagger.

Qua-aang!

The two monsters clashed once more.

Windows throughout the entire third floor shattered, and shards poured down like rain, but their confrontation showed no signs of stopping.

They exchanged blows, advancing and retreating.

Even Erica, who had only studied magic, could tell how skilled their combat was, by the dazzling movements they displayed.

"Come on!"

However, Finden Ai began to be one step ahead.

If this were a game, she would probably have possessed the characteristic of a berserker. As the battle prolonged, her body heated up, making her faster and more adept at combat.

Eventually, as the battle dragged on and gained momentum, Finden Ai grew stronger.

Qua-aang!

The swordsman managed to block the swinging ax with his sword, barely defending himself, but his back touched the end wall of the hallway, forcing him to kneel on one knee.

"Junk."

Finden Ai coldly examined the now dulled ax. Nevertheless, she twirled it around and approached the kneeling skeleton.

"It seems persuasion isn't my forte after all. Even if I listen to your story, the result will still be a defeat for you, right?"

The one-armed skeleton remained still, bowing his head.

He seemed to have expended a great deal of strength.

[Kki, kigigig!]

The man, who had been hit and thrown into the wall by Finden Ai, soon forced himself to stand up.

Rather than launching another attack, he looked pitiful.

[Kigigigigig!]

He started to cry, seemingly pleading for something, and then the whole hallway resounded.

"What?"

"What is this again?"

Erica was taken aback, while Finden AI found it amusing and laughed.

Suddenly, numerous evil spirits arrived on the third-floor corridor as if responding to a summons, sticking to the walls and floor, observing the battle between Finden Ai and the skeleton.

"Did you come to watch?"

Realizing that they were not participating but merely observing, Finden Ai clicked her tongue in disappointment.

"...!"

In an instant, feeling the pressure from the front, she hastily raised her ax.

With a chilling sound of wind and a ripple in space, the sword quickly swept past the spot where she had been.

'All the evil spirits harbored grudges.'

Those were the words of Deus, Finden Ais master, and now she finally understood those words on a visceral level.

A peculiar sword infused with grudges and mana. A purplish aura emanated from the skeletons worn-out sword, which had lost its teeth.

For the swordsmen, it was a kind of ultimate technique called "Sword Aura."

Seeing the cleanly severed upper part of the ax blade while blocking the sword, Finden Ai let out a bitter laugh.

"Its growing even after the crazy bastard's demise."

[Grr, huff.]

The staggering skeleton, crying and twisting, slowly regained his posture.

Since I felt that the atmosphere was unusual, I responded without hesitation.

Understood.

"Hoo."

Another deep breath.

I could tell how nervous she was.

"You..."

Very cautiously, her mouth opened.

"About the time when you behaved like a scoundrel."

I instantly knew what kind of hope she held and what kind of future she envisioned, but...

"Was it all because you were possessed by an evil spirit?"

I couldn't give her the answer she wanted.

"..."

Unable to lie, I remained silent, and Deia swallowed anxiously.

Eventually, I couldn't avoid answering.

"It's the opposite."

"What?"

Deia could hate me. She could despise me as the monster who took away her family and insult me, but...

I had no intention of building a relationship based on lies.

If she rejects me, I will simply accept it humbly.

I took over Deus body.

I honestly explained the current situation.

what?

Deia, who stared blankly at me with a shocked expression, couldnt say anything more.

She was just stepping backward, trembling in bewilderment.

Seeing her like that, I was calm and continued to speak.

It must be scary for you. But I just want you to know that I struggled only to survive.

"..."

"If you feel repulsed, it's okay to feel repulsed. If you hate me, resent me, or hold a grudge against me, it's fine."

"..."

"But I will continue to live as Deus until the moment a blade is plunged into my throat."

Deia was just staring at me blankly, seemingly thinking, Could it be possible?

Carefully, I reached out my hand.

Was it because her mind was paralyzed by the shocking situation?

Or was it because she was immobilized by fear?

Or perhaps it was another emotion?

I didn't know, but...

Deia stood still, seemingly firm, without avoiding my touch.

My hand gently touched her black hair.

"Perhaps this could be our last."

The chance for me to speak to her. There might not be another chance after this. A bitter smile of regret appeared on my face.

"I... I..."

Without even considering removing my hand, Deia stammered.

I calmly continued speaking to her.

"It's probably very complicated for you right now. Take your time to sort out your thoughts. On the day we meet again, I'll be waiting for your response."

"Ah."

And that will determine our future.

Slowly retracting my hand, I passed by Deia and climbed into the carriage.

Soon after.

With the shout of the coachman, the carriage wheels began to roll.

--- End of The Chapter --

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