Chapter 162 - 26 - King’s Game, Part 2 (1)

Earlier

Shredica's POV

I noticed Leon sneaking out of the cave, so I decided to match his sneakiness. I waited until he was out of sight and then crept out myself. Just as I emerged, I heard the unmistakable sounds of a scuffle nearby. Were there people fighting?

Without hesitation, I headed toward the commotion. But as I approached, I saw a white-haired woman with a wicked grin, leaning against a tree with a dagger in hand. She looked like trouble, and I drew my sword without a second thought.

"Good," she purred, a wicked glint in her eyes. "This won't take long." With a sinister smile, she flashed her sword and ran her tongue along its edge, sending shivers down my spine.

I tensed, my senses heightened as I realized this woman was different from those we faced last night.

As I braced myself for what felt like a showdown, beads of sweat formed on my skin, each one a testament to the mounting tension. My heart raced with anticipation, the thrill of the impending confrontation coursing through my veins like a drug.

I focused all my attention on her, feeling a surge of intense concentration envelop me like a cloak. She stood with deceptive nonchalance, her blade dangling lazily at her side, as if daring me to make the first move.

"You know, you look sexy. I might have put you in my collection of bodies that I've killed and displayed in my room, but since I wasn't allowed to do that, it's a shame," she said, her intentions clear as day.

She then positioned her sword at mid-level, her movements calculated and predatory. Her face twisted into a grotesque expression, a feral grin stretching across her features.

"Hmm?" Suddenly, her smile faded. "Hey, why are you grinning like that?"

Was I smiling? Oh, right. I was. My mouth stretched into a grin.

"Oh, I see..." she chuckled. "Heh heh... You're quite the twisted woman, aren't you?"

"You're one to talk," I retorted. "You're even more messed up than I am."

Her grin vanished completely at my words, like I'd struck a nerve.

"Who the hell are you calling messed up?!" she snapped, then lunged forward.

I sprang into action just a fraction of a moment after her. We closed in on each other simultaneously, moving at breakneck speed. My senses heightened, time seemed to slow down, allowing me to perceive every subtle movement as she unleashed her attack.

However, I made a grave mistake...

In the frenzy of battle, I often let arrogance cloud my judgment. I've always fancied myself as unbeatable with a sword, my prowess in martial arts second to none. Underestimating my opponents has become a dangerous habit, as evident in this moment.

"Raaaaah!"

I bellowed, trying to banish those thoughts. I refused to succumb to despair. I'd been through worse in my childhood; I could overcome this.

Swiftly, I raised my sword horizontally, blocking her swing. Our blades clashed with a resounding clang. For the first time, I felt the full force of her ridiculous strength. The impact nearly shattered my wrist, but I gritted my teeth and held on, enduring the blow with both hands. Through the pain, I caught a glimpse of smugness on her face.

"Your blade skills are mediocre," she taunted.

Before I could react, she spun around and delivered a powerful kick to my abdomen.

"Gaha...!"

The breath was knocked out of me, and I was sent flying backward, crashing into a tree. Her strength was astounding. It was almost surreal, considering we were both women, or even human for that matter. Blood gushed from my mouth, and I wiped it away with the back of my hand, staring at the crimson stain.

"Heh..." A dark smile crept onto my lips, though she couldn't see it with my head lowered.

I quickly cast healing magic on myself, feeling the wounds close as I rose to my feet. Assessing the situation, I noticed the woman hadn't followed up with another attack after her kick. She lazily hung her blade by her side, stretching her body with a nonchalant air.

"Ahhh~, this is getting dull. I expected an easy fight, but she's proving to be disappointingly simple," she remarked, cracking her neck.

Taking advantage of her momentary distraction, I dashed forward, seizing the opportunity...

"Huh?"

Before she could react, I was right in front of her. With her blade unprepared, she struggled to respond in time. Though she managed to evade, it cost her a few strands of hair.

"Heheheheheh!" I chuckled, a surge of exhilaration coursing through me. It was the first genuine laugh I'd had in a while.

"You're one twisted woman," she remarked, her tone tinged with a mix of admiration and disdain.

I suddenly felt a thrill like never before, surpassing even the most intense moments I'd experienced in the Zone. It was a rush unlike anything I'd felt before, a surge of power coursing through me.

Sensations began to blur as if I was tapping into some latent energy within myself. I could sense lines of power weaving through me, igniting every fiber of my being. A chill ran down my spine, spreading through my body until it flooded into my head. My senses heightened to an almost supernatural level, everything around me becoming distant and surreal.

Perhaps my senses had been heightened beyond their normal limits.

I licked the blood from the back of my hand, a dark chuckle bubbling up from within me. It was a strange feeling, but I welcomed it nonetheless.

And then, I laughed.