"
Master, dodge!
"
"...Got it."
The moment the World's Master pointed their hand toward us, the one-eyed monster let out a panicked shout.
Even though I could see their Silveit threads thanks to
True Sight
, the sheer speed with which those threads shot past my head sent a chill down my spine.
Their magic threads had a range spanning several kilometers, similar to mine. The moment one struck a distant tree, the wood rotted instantly.
The complex attribute combination of water, wind, and wood—
Corruption
. The tree trunk turned pitch black, bubbling as it released an acrid stench. Just imagining what would happen if it hit me sent a shiver down my spine.
"Master! I'm here! Stop using magic!" the one-eyed monster wailed in desperation. Tears welled up in his single large eye, unnervingly massive and glistening.
"...They're not listening," I remarked.
"That doesn't mean I shouldn't try!" he shot back indignantly.
Despite his protests, I had no reason to believe his words would reach their target.
"
You're strong!
" the World's Master roared.
"
A demon praising a human? How unusual,
" replied Raikou Douji, with a booming laugh.
The two clashed, their voices thunderous, fists crashing into each other in raw combat. Both were enveloped in
Body Reinforcement
, and each impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, scattering sparks of magic into the air.
The terrifying part? Despite being locked in melee combat with Raikou Douji, the World's Master continued hurling magic in our direction.
How could they detect us when we were concealed by the magic of
Harunaga of Adashino
?
"
A well-forged opponent deserves to be acknowledged!
" Raikou Douji bellowed as he unleashed a right kick.
The Master deflected it with a combination of their left arm and leg, a faint smile on their lips.
"
What an odd sentiment.
"
With a flick of their hand, the Master extended three threads of Silveit, entwining them around Raikou Douji's leg. In an instant, the threads activated
Corruption
, and his obsidian armor began to bubble and dissolve like melting cheese, releasing dark smoke.
However, Raikou Douji didn't flinch. He used
Attribute Shift
to transform his corrupted leg into pure lightning, eradicating the damage in an instant. With a sharp pivot on his left foot, he delivered a kick to the Master's torso with his healed right leg.
BOOOOM!
The force of the kick launched the World's Master skyward, pulling the air—and us—up with them.
"
...Not enough.
I knew it. My strength alone wasn't enough. Compared to my father or Renji-san, I lacked the physical power to deliver a decisive blow.
Of course. They were both over 180 centimeters tall, with muscular builds exceeding 80 or 90 kilograms. My small, elementary school frame couldn't measure up.
But that wasn't a reason to give up.
I had magic. I had Silveit.
With magic, I could compensate for strength. With threads, I could extend my reach.
This was what I had worked so hard to master.
"I won't let you escape!"
I charged again, targeting the retreating Master.
They had given me an invaluable piece of advice: long-range magic was ineffective when both sides could see it.
...But that only applied to long-range magic.
This was where my father's lessons ended and my own ingenuity began.
I extended Silveit, aiming for the Master's torso.
They dodged effortlessly, a faint shadow crossing their face.
"
I told you already. Long-range sorcery is ineffective.
"
"I know. I heard you."
The extended Silveit passed the Master and wrapped around Raikou Douji's right arm in the distance.
Raikou Douji, understanding my intent, yanked his arm back with incredible force.
The sudden acceleration propelled me forward. My lightweight frame offered no resistance, allowing me to hurtle toward the Master at breakneck speed.
I channeled Silveit into both hands, shaping the threads into twin invisible blades with
Attribute Shift: Blade
and
Attribute Change: Wind
.
This was the first spell I had mastered:
Wind Cutter
.
I combined it with Night Blade Style's sword-drawing technique:
"
Wind Cutter!
"
The spell reached its apex.
This was
Star Runner
.
THWACK!
A sharp, wet sound filled the air as the strike connected.
Black blood sprayed from the Master's torso. Despite the injury, their lips curved upward again.
"
Marvelous,
" they said.
I nodded. It was exactly as they said. If long-range magic was useless, I could simply incorporate it into close combat.
I wasn't certain yet.
But for the first time, I felt like I was getting the hang of it.