Chapter 214: – The Fist

Chapter 214 – The Fist

After introducing Katana, the chatroom went wild, filled with excitement.

[???????? Why is she here????]

[Unexpected figure. Fuck hahahahahaha]

[Mango Stick x Katana collaboration, is this for real? Egostic is a legend...]

[Who’s that Japanese girl??]

[Info) Katana is Japan’s top-ranked villain, the leader of Japan’s largest villain organization, SamHyupPa. She has fallen out of favor with the Japanese government and the Association to the point that she is now practically considered a hero by the Japanese public. With rumors circulating that SamHyupPa has taken control of the Association, she’s currently a major player in Japan.]

The chatroom was abuzz with comments and information, and I didn’t have time to keep up. However, I couldn’t afford to be distracted.

“........”

Stardus, who had been smiling just moments ago, had a blank expression on her face now. The atmosphere became heavy, and a palpable unease began to spread.

Soon, even Katana noticed the change and looked around nervously. The air was oppressive.

“....Haha.”

Despite the situation, I forced a smile. I couldn’t understand what was happening. I had followed my instincts, yet the mood had suddenly shifted. It seemed like everyone could see that something was wrong with Stardus.

What have I done wrong? I did everything as my instincts told me. Why is the atmosphere like this? Is it because I brought a foreign villain? That seems to be the most likely reason. What should I do?

‘No, this might actually be a good thing.’

I changed my perspective. Crisis meant opportunity. If Stardus was angry right now, it meant she was more committed to the fight. That meant she could potentially grow stronger. However, I couldn’t help but worry about Katana.

‘...I’m worried more about Katana.’

Well, Katana was at the top among Japanese villains, so she should be able to hold her own against Stardus. If not, I could always tell her to run away.

Having made a quick judgment in my mind, I smiled again and addressed the camera.

“Yes! As you all expected, today my long-time friend, Katana, has graciously agreed to fight for us. She’s here to showcase her incredible Japanese swordsmanship skills. Katana, please show them what you’ve got!”

“...Yes, I will do my best.”

In response to my words, Katana awkwardly nodded her head, her movements almost robotic.

...She should be fine, right?

As if telling me not to leave already, the tense gaze of Katana, who had been watching me, I offered my support and quickly teleported away from the scene. Since a while ago, the air around Stardus had been getting heavier...

Now, I had let go of my hand. All I could do was to offer my support...!

After leaving, how much time had passed since I took my position in a hidden spot on the rooftop of a nearby building.

-Kabooooooom.

From where I had left, a loud noise suddenly started to ring out. It seemed like it had begun.

***

‘...This is annoying.’

It’s annoying. That was the thought going through Stardus’s mind.

...Egostic hadn’t caused terror in a long time, and now he brought a Japanese woman along. Holding her hand tightly. Referring to her as a friend. It was all irritating. It wasn’t anger, just plain annoyance.

Her smile had disappeared a long time ago. All that remained was the image of Egostic holding hands with that woman right making her dizzy.

...Ha, really. It was unbelievable. Why on earth were they holding hands as if they were in a romantic relationship while conducting terrorism?

Of course, when looked at rationally, it was obvious that he had brought her with teleportation, and they had to hold hands. But still, Stardus was angry. She didn’t even know why, but she was furious.

On the other hand, Stardus fought using only her fists, which put her in an advantageous position if she could block all of Katana’s attacks with her sword.

However, there was a difference between them. Katana could jump high into the sky from the ground and use the building’s walls to fly, while Stardus could freely maneuver in the air using her own abilities.

Nevertheless, this advantage didn’t necessarily favor Stardus.

“...This is so frustrating.”

In the sky, her hair fluttering, Stardus thought quietly. Despite a fight that had been going on for several tens of minutes, the situation was ambiguous. Trying to attack while avoiding Katana’s sword was not easy. In fact, Stardus had only applied pressure so far, without landing a direct hit.

While Stardus was undoubtedly strong, the situation was different when they had similar abilities, and the sword was a dangerous factor. Trying to attack while Katana could retaliate with her sword was challenging. Stardus had to dodge Katana’s attacks and find a solution, which she was still contemplating.

‘Wait a moment, why am I so afraid of that sword?’

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Stardus’s mind.

***

“Phew...”

With her martial arts uniform fluttering and her tied-up hair swaying in the air, Katana felt it.

Swish-

Continuing to press Stardus and looking for an opening...

...Just one hit. If Katana could land just one successful attack on Stardus, she would win. Originally, the situation was in her favor. While Stardus was busy avoiding her sword, there would eventually be an opening. All she had to do was find that loophole and strike.

Of course, the same applied to Katana. If Stardus managed to land one hit, it would be over. However, Katana was no ordinary opponent, she had taken down thousands with a single blow before. She was an expert at finding loopholes.

With that in mind, Katana continued to aim for her opponent’s openings while flying through the air.

And then, at that moment...

“Ugh-!”

Stardus thrust herself forward with a straight punch directed at Katana.

And then...

‘...Found it, loophole.’

Katana calmly regulated her breathing. She didn’t know why her opponent suddenly acted that way, but it was an opportunity. She planned to redirect the punch with her sword, disturbing the balance, and then strike from the side.

‘...It’s not a matter of life and death, so I just need to be reasonable.’

With that judgment in mind, Katana prepared to deflect the punch with her sword.

Suddenly, an intense light emitted from Stardus’s fist.

“...What’s going on?”

“Urgh!”

Kabooooooom.

Stardus changed direction abruptly, not aiming at Katana but sending her fist diagonally toward the sword itself.

Before a bewildered Katana could react, her sword shattered into pieces, accompanied by a brilliant light.

Katana was taken aback.

***

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[Anticipated title for tomorrow’s Korean Patriotic TV video) [Shocking] [Horror] Can Korea’s K-Punch defeat Japan’s thousand-year-old swordsmanship? Japanese Swordmaster decides to learn Taekwondo and tears shed! What’s the reason behind the tearful Statement, ‘Starting today, I’ve decided to abandon the sword and learn Taekwondo’?]

ᄂ[She seems to be in trouble;]

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