Chapter 301 - 295 : Final Clash

"Die."

-78 (72/150 Mirror Image's HP)

Unlike with most monsters and opponents that would require one to injure them first before their status could be revealed, the duplicate's was different. Being a replica of Sato, there was no need for the original conditions of [Inspect] to be fulfilled before Sato could get a glimpse of its attributes since the two could be said to be of the same body.

"Damn."

After getting hit by the attack from Sato, the mirror image cursed before creating a 10 metres gap between him and Sato. At this point, just like Sato, the duplicate was extremely weak. This weakness wasn't in its physical state but its current condition. Not only was the duplicate currently unarmed but its HP was less than 50%. Considering the attack power of Sato, any one move would be more than enough to take it down. The only reason it even had that much HP left was that Sato had used its sword against it. Despite wielding it, the sword inherently didn't belong to him so the damage he could deal wasn't at its highest. Otherwise, with that strike alone, Sato would have been able to wipe away at least two-thirds of the duplicate's HP.

"I will make sure to finish the job properly with the next one." Sato said without any expression.

With the two of them having less than 50% of their HP left, the one to land the next hit would assuredly be the real winner. Sato had finally managed to push the duplicate to this state and since [Gratitude of Races] was on cool-down for the both of them, his chances had increased. There was also the fact that the duplicate was currently unarmed so not only was its attack power weaker but it was also unable to use a few powerful skills like [Astral Blade] or even the passive [Astral Might]. Sato had at least a 50% chance of victory and if he tackled this with a cautious approach, his chances would be at least 70%. 

No matter how one looked at it, Sato had a chance at victory after more than 14 hours of taxing battles. However, he still didn't relax. Sato believed that it was at this very moment and situation, where the duplicate was pushed to the edge, that it would finally burst out with its full strength. In other words, even though it looked like he had the upper hand, the very second he shows just one flaw, no matter how tiny it may be, he would end up losing. If Sato lost at this point, all his progress would have been for naught and the duplicate would be a lot more cautious in the next round. Because of this, Sato resolved to end this challenge with this battle.

"You…!" The mirror image gritted its teeth in anger.

The person it had been playing with just a while ago had suddenly reached a level where it became a threat to it. To add to the injury, this same person still had the audacity to verbally threaten it. It was like watching a harmless cub grow. At first, it was far weaker than one's self but as it approached maturity, even the owner would have to be cautious around it. From an extremely weak stage to the point where it could threaten one, the change felt a bit unreal but it was there to be seen.

"Don't get your hope sup just because I'm unarmed. This time around, I will show the true difference between us." 

As the mirror image completed its talk, the temperature around it suddenly plummeted. The air around it became strange and surreal, similar to the feeling its attacks passively gave off.

'It's finally getting serious.' Sato took in a deep breath as he tightened his grasp on the duplicate's sword. 

With the current development in the battle, he couldn't retrieve his sword now as that would be no different from exposing a flaw to the duplicate. The other weapons in his arsenal were much weaker than the [Astral Blade] so even though this wasn't the original, Sato still decided to use it. At least, half a bread was better than none.

"I will show you the true strength of a genius of the Caventry." The duplicate superciliously said. Even without a weapon, it seemed to have unshakeable confidence in its ability to defeat Sato.

However, Sato noticed that there was something different this time around. 

If before the mirror image could be described as a reckless young master of a noble family that looked down on everybody, the current duplicate in front of him was like a man of true nobility. It didn't look down on anybody based on its background but its ability. It was like the difference between an emperor and a spoilt prince; the aura of nobility and imperial air around the former easily pushed the latter to the side.

'The true strength of a Caventry genius?' Sato noticed something in the mirror image's speech. However, before he could think more into it, the opponent made its move.

*Stomp*

With a fierce stomp, the mirror image hurtled towards Sato almost like a meteor. The imposing air from its body added with the staggering speed at which the duplicate streaked towards Sato gave it a more threatening feel that prevented Sato from even daring to face off against it. Sadly, it was too late to dodge it so Sato could only try his best to block the attack.

"Die!"

The mirror image suddenly punched out when it was just 3 metres away from Sato. 

[Chain Hit]

*Clang*

The duplicate's fist landed on the sword. Even though it was contending with an Upper-tier Mortal rank weapon, it not only didn't get injured but was actually able to contend with the weapon and cause some minor discomfort to Sato.

'Such strength…' Sato couldn't help but develop a grim look on his face as he proceeded to make some space between himself and the mirror image.

Even without a weapon, the mirror image was still able to land such an impressive blow. It should be known that most of Sato's [Strength] comes from his character's attributes followed by the bonus from [Astral Blade] which was an increase of 10 points. 10 points was not a little number no matter how one looked at it. Yet lacking these 10 points, the duplicate's blow was nothing to scoff at. Sato could even feel a slight numbing sensation from the arm that wielded the sword.

"Again."

The mirror image punched out with the other hand forcing Sato to stop retreating and face it.

Just the force alone from this blow, aroused Sato's fighting spirit as he felt that if he wasn't careful, he would end up dying to it if he didn't react fast enough.

'Damn..' Sato was annoyed by the persistence of the mirror image but he still confronted the attack.