Chapter 254 - 248 : The Face Behind The Mask

"It's been a while." Sato smirked.

Xue Yan's eyes were widened in shock, and amidst that shock was a tiny feeling of fear and surprise. However, she hurriedly calmed herself down and eliminated that fear, only leaving behind the shock in her eyes. Sadly though, her speed of response was much slower than Sato as he had caught that look of fear in her eyes.

'She's the one.'

That glance was enough for Sato to confirm that the Xue Yan in front of him was the one who attacked him. This canceled out the possibility of there being 2 Xue Yans and also confirmed the fact that the person in front of Sato right now, was the very same one that attacked him in the Cavern. All that was left now was to confirm whether this was the original Xue Yan who got possessed or an illusory monster copy.

"What are you doing here?" Xue Yan asked with surprise as if she never anticipated Sato's arrival or presence.

"What do you mean what am I doing here? I have a mission to complete. Don't tell me you've forgotten? You were the one who almost caused my death after all." Sato smiled as he took slow steps towards her, his sword still in hand. 

All these added together -his reply, his smile and the sword in hand- made Sato look like a scary grim reaper who reaps souls with a smile on his face.

"What do you mean?" Xue Yan asked with a confused expression that contained a hint of surprise. It was  as if she was hearing this for the first time and felt that Sato's statement was incomprehensible and illogical. 

"I haven't seen you before now. The last time we met was back at the hall. Right before the Entry trials."

"Oh?" Sato paused. What she said was right. Ignoring all that had happened, the last time Sato met up with Xue Yan was at the Entry trials ground which Saimon claimed to have been the main trial grounds hall.

This left Sato a bit confused. There was no way a monster born here would know that unless it somehow went through his memories. But with his prior experience from the Entry trials and the eerie nature of this place, who said that couldn't be possible. Realising this, Sato resumed his motion.

"True. But sometime ago, I got attacked by someone who looked exactly like you. Right now, I'm not sure whether you're the real one or a fake so I need further confirmation."

"Further confirmation? Fine. Ask me anything." Xue Yan replied with a calm tone, just like she usually did.

"Oh no. Asking you a couple of questions isn't a fool-proof method. I think I have something better." Sato smiled.

"Something better? Like what?" Xue Yan frowned a bit but soon relaxed her facial muscles.

"The system interface. It's capable of revealing the identity of any creature despite their current appearance. All I need to do is just to make a tiny mark on your body and we are good to go." Sato replied calmly. He wasn't bothered about revealing the existence of the system interface to a possible monster. This was a game. Even if the monsters knew about it, since they had no way to access it, they would eventually forget it. Simply because this feature was only limited to the use of players.

"I don't think you need to go so far as to injure me. Even if you want to, why don't you wait for me to heal and get back to form before you do so." Xue Yan suggested calmly. It was as if she never had anything to hide.

"No. The earlier the better. I don't want to take any risk." Sato shook his head.

*Sighs* "You're really too stubborn. Alright, here." Xue Yan stretched an arm out.

"You can make a mark but don't overdo it."

"Alright." Sato nodded at her.

Just as Sato was only a metre away from Xue Yan, she suddenly swung her other hand at him and with it was a fireball that blasted towards him. At the same time, Xue Yan hurriedly retreated backwards.

At such a close range, the fireball was very difficult to avoid and one would undoubtedly get hit by it. With their position thrown off balance, the tide of the battle would turn to the opponent's favor. Such a decisive move was very impressive and an amazing display of battle tactics from Xue Yan.

Sadly, it seemed as if Sato had expected it as he dodged to the side and swung his sword at her.

Similar to how Xue Yan's attack was unexpected, Sato's was even more unexpected**. Xue Yan was too slow to avoid the sword and with the unique angle Sato hacked at,

The blade of his sword came down on Xue Yan and the sword seemed to faintly lockdown and escape route. While Sato had slashed out without any skill, the attack itself was filled with his thoughts and opinions about the sword.

'Damn.'

As the threat of the sword loomed closer to her, Xue Yan was caught in fear on what to do. Sadly, since she never expected Sato to attack her, Xue Yan wasn't prepared to receive it. In simpler terms, she had been caught in a bind and without any thing on the scale of a miracle occurring, the results were decided.

"Ahh!"

Sato's attack was in no way subtle or skilful. It was straightforward and simple; lacking the novelty of a master swordsman. Nonetheless, this brutal way of attacking was one of the best way possible for him to bring about results. Sato had unleashed his entire strength in that slash and because of this, the unguarded Xue Yan had to face the full brunt of Sato's attack,which contained his more than 20 points of [Strength].

-136 (???/??? ????)

*Thud*

Xue Yan got hit and was forced backwards, flying through the air before landing violently on the ground. Even then, she couldn't pick herself up as she first coughed out black blood before finally finding the strength to raise herself backup, although slowly.

In just one move, Sato had dealt severe injuries to her and at the same time gotten the advantage in the battle. However, Sato didn't push forth for another attack but instead used his [Inspect] skill on her.

"Time to see who you really are."