Echoes of Fire and Shadows

Chapter 79: The One Who Lives by the Sword.

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—Neris’s POV—

“Phew… I’m tired.” A young boy with short brown hair slumped onto his seat. The boy had just won his duel in a very spectacular fashion.

The crowds had cheered so much for him that it almost seemed that the masses had lost their voices afterward.

“Congratulations, Julius. You have successfully made it to the finals,” I didn’t forget to congratulate the boy, who also happened to be my now fiancé. “You’re the youngest person to ever make it to the finals in this tournament.”  I couldn’t help but feel admiration towards the one who had won my heart.

“Thanks, Neris.” He smiled weakly. “Though, I must say that it was not an easy victory. After Renard used that transformation to become some sort of dragon, his spells reached a whole new level of danger, especially that dragon breath of his.” He said before grabbing a cub with fruit juice and quaffing down its contents.

“You didn’t seem that troubled back there. You looked very confident that you’d win.” I said while patting his back.

“Well, I was confident that I could win. With Dying Scarlet with me, it would have been difficult for me to actually lose,” He said while pointing to his scythe. “But I made some very fatal blunders back there, mainly because I am still not used to using teleportation. And as for my abundance in confidence, well… You could say that I was trying my hardest to piss off Renard. After all, it is easier to win against an angry opponent than a calm one.” He explained while laughing awkwardly.

“Hmmm… And here I thought you were a perfect person who never makes any kind of mistakes.” I couldn’t help but tease him a little.

“I’m only human, Neris. When even the gods can make mistakes, how could I not?” He responded in a playful manner. “In my defense though, I was told not to use teleportation until I actually manage to dominate the spell. You could say that I took some unnecessary risk since the situation required that of me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to dodge Renard’s attacks.” He said while rubbing his chin, almost as if he was analyzing his previous battle.

“That’s something that bothers me. When were you planning to tell me that you were a Spatial Magician? You are not supposed to hide things from me!” Again, I just couldn’t help myself and decided to tease him in an overly exaggerated manner.

“To be fair, I just found out that I could use it just three days ago. I am also studying summoning and spirit magic. Both Sarana and Laura are good teachers.” The boy said happily knowing that I was teasing him.

“Wait… You learned how to teleport in three days?” I was incredulous.

Of course, my disbelief quickly went away as I realized that I was talking with Julius, the charming boy who kept pulling off ridiculous stunts.

“Pretty much. It is still not perfect though, seeing as I graciously teleported straight into one of Renard’s attacks…” The boy averted his gaze. “Ah, what a failure that was! Imagine what would have happened if that attack had destroyed my bracelet?! How would I face my parents after such a blunder!” He looked extremely embarrassed.

Yes… As usual, that embarrassed expression of his is really cute.

“But luckily for me, no one saw that,” Julius said before letting out a sigh of relief. “Don’t tell anyone about it, otherwise I might have to take you out.” He said in a deadpan tone.

“On a date? Or are you going to kill me?” I asked before I started to giggle uncontrollably.

“The former, most definitely.” He nodded to himself.

“I better tell everyone about your secret quickly then!” I smiled at the boy after I managed to calm down.

It didn’t take long before I found myself hugging Julius and even giving him some pecks on the cheek for being so charmingly cute.

“So? How are you feeling? Ready to face Alberis?” He asked while trapped in a bear hug given by yours truly.

“Honestly, I feel like I am not ready in the slightest,” I spoke awkwardly. “But I must say that I am no longer afraid of having to face him. It must be because your presence is so comforting and reassuring.” I decided to pinch his cheek just because I felt like it.

“Is that so?” He looked a little embarrassed again.

“Wow, the guy who somehow snatched the hearts of several of the most important noble maidens in the Empire and has single-handedly won all of his matches in the tournament is suddenly feeling embarrassed? What a sight to behold!” Usually, it was the other way around but I simply couldn't stop teasing him now. It was more fun than I thought.

"I'm not embarrassed. I'm simply tired, that's all." He said while blushing.

"Right. I certainly believe you." I ended up giggling again.

We continued relaxing with our friendly/flirty banter for a while until it was time for my match to begin.

<It is time for the next match to begin. Neris Shtrel and Alberis Nebandia, please head to the center of the arena with haste.> Professor Dante called our names with his usual tired tone.

"Well, I suppose it is finally my time to shine. I'm not sure if I can be as flashy as you were in your duel, but I'll give you a spectacle to behold!" I said with excitement even though I was starting to feel a pit forming in my stomach.

As I was preparing to put down Julius and quickly take my leave, he suddenly stood up and grasped my cheeks before looking at me straight into my eyes.

With him doing something like that all of a sudden I just fell silent and blushed furiously.

He is not going to steal a kiss just like that, is he…? I mean, I don't mind but I would like to be in a better and more private setting and wearing something nicer than this plate armor and…-

"Neris, you got this. I will be rooting for you, so do your best," He continued to look me directly into my eyes. "As long as you do your best, the rest is irrelevant. Whether you win or lose, it won't matter as long as you can stand proud afterward." His voice was filled with conviction.

"Ah…" I got so nervous that I ended up averting my gaze for a moment. "I suppose I have no other choice then. I would really like to face you in the finals and punch those squishy little cheeks of yours." I had to force myself to make eye contact with Julius, but I agreed with what he was saying.

"I think that's the most romantic thing I've heard all day!" He chuckled in response but became serious again a moment later. “Consider this a good luck charm.” He said before giving me a kiss on the forehead.

Needless to say, I was so unbelievably embarrassed that my whole face was beet red. I couldn’t think of anything to say in this situation.

“I usually don’t do this kind of thing, so consider yourself lucky,” He winked before grabbing my hand and helping me stand up. “Now go out there and do your best! I’ll be here rooting for you!” He said with excitement as he pushed me toward the center of the arena. His tired look from before now seemed like a long-forgotten dream.

I was too embarrassed to say anything so I just nodded before taking my leave. Of course, I didn’t forget to take some quick glances at him before reaching my destination.

There, my uncle the Vice-Principal, Zoe’s uncle Professor Dante and my cousin Alberis were all waiting for me.

“Cousin.” Alberis greeted me with an uninterested and cold tone as he usually did.

His uniform looked seemingly perfect with his sword [Sunbringer] hanging on his right side. Alberis’s blue eyes were focused on me as he stared at me with a stern expression.

“Long time no see, Alberis.” I replied before bowing politely. I was met with a quick nod in response.

“You definitely took your sweet time, dear niece,” The Vice-Principal said with interest in his voice. “I never imagined that you would have that sort of relationship with the son of the Skull Crusher of all people.” He said while messing with something in his pocket.

“It is a bit of a long story… I don’t want to bore you with the details.” I was too embarrassed after what happened to share any details of what had happened, though I felt extremely happy about it.

“Please do tell. I intend to interrogate my niece about her own relationship with the Skull Kid later,” Professor Dante was looking at me with a somewhat malicious look. “Seeing how the recent events have played out, you better hide your daughters, hide your wives, and most importantly hide your nieces because the Skull Kid is coming for them! This is simply so amusing!” For the first time ever, I was seeing the usually depressive Professor bursting out with laughter.

I was a little taken aback by that but I didn’t let it show on my face.

“Gradisia, Shtrel, Smotia, Estner, and even Oriana… The guts of that little boy. To shamelessly seduce the daughters of several prominent houses… I can only smell trouble in the future for that boy. The child of the Skull Crusher, who has undeniably proven his strength and worth, will most certainly become a source of conflict for all the houses in the Empire. Perhaps there are several nobles starting to plot how to bring him to their house as we speak.” In contrast to the Professor, my uncle shared the worries in his mind.

“If that is what comes to be, then we shall take care of it ourselves, dear uncle!” I said with conviction. Even if I was not officially engaged to him, I was not going to allow the problems of high society to affect my loved one. “Also, I believe that is a topic to discuss another day. Today, we are here for the tournament.” I tried to scold my uncle as a way to change the topic.

“I suppose you’re right. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable with a what-if, I was merely making a harmless observation,” My uncle said before letting out a fake cough. I had the feeling that he was telling me to be prepared to face the consequences. “Very well, let us continue. Are you two prepared to choose your battlefield?” He asked while rubbing his chin.

After that question, I immediately made eye contact with my cousin. I was left paralyzed for a moment due to the coldness of his gaze, but I quickly forced myself to regain my composure.

You can do this, Neris. Julius is watching and said that he will be cheering you on. You just need to do your best, the result is irrelevant as long as you can stand proud afterward.

As I looked into my opponent’s eyes, the source of his might, the [Evil Eyes of Foresight], there was only one place that came to my mind to fight him. It was the only place I could think of where I may be able to overwhelm him.

“The Valley of the Stolen Edge.” Both my cousin and I spoke almost at the same time, choosing the sacred training grounds of my family as our battlefield.

We both then stared at each without saying another word.

“Interesting choice… Of course, there’s no better place for the children of Shtrel to do battle.” My uncle nodded with satisfaction. He seemed eager to see how our battle would play out. “Very well, your choice has been confirmed. Dante, if you may.” Uncle Raphael tapped Professor Dante on the shoulder to get his attention.

“Gods, I haven’t laughed that way in a long time! That was a really good one! I definitely love other people’s drama.” Until a few moments ago, Professor Dante was still laughing at his own joke. He was clearing his tears and all. “Alright… I have calmed down a little. It will be The Valley of the Stolen Edge, right? It shall be done. May the best of you win this match.” The professor smiled with amusement before snapping his fingers. He was in a really good mood.

I was invaded by a familiar sensation once more, almost as if the entire world was trembling uncontrollably as a powerful light stole my vision.

As soon as I opened my eyes I was welcomed by the sight of an endless valley with tall pillars of stone raised from the ground into the sky. The whole valley was covered with those pillars, making it seem like a huge maze.

This place is known as The Valley of the Stolen Edge due to those very same pillars. It is said that the pillars were actually the result of an enormous magical attack during the Thousand-Year War against the Demon King.

After the great war was over and my family was officially established as a noble household, we used this place as our sacred training grounds since wild beasts and other people tend to avoid this place like the plague. And since it is also close to my family’s state, I used to come to this place to train with my parents or aunt when I was little.

“This ominous feeling… It is like I am right at home.” I muttered as I basked in the cold air of the valley.

It has been months since the last time I was home… How nostalgic. 

Hmm… Now that I remember, Father said that He and my mother would come with my little sister to see the tournament, but I haven’t seen them in the private boxes. I wonder if they decided to sit with the crowds. Hehehe, they might have seen the moment where Julius and I… Ah.

While having those thoughts in mind, I had a terrible realization. There was a high chance that I had been acting all lovey-dovey with a boy in front of my parents.

“How am I supposed to look them in the eyes now…? Father will surely want to duel Julius for the sake of my honor… My mother will surely be delighted and my sister will definitely be jealous about it… This is terrible.” I couldn’t help but hide my head in shame as I blushed furiously.

“The most talented Shtrel to ever live… That is what they call you, don’t they, dear cousin?” I heard the voice of my cousin as he approached. “That statement must be true if you have the time to have such worries on the battlefield.” Alberis said as he stopped just a few paces away from me.

Right… I don’t have the time to worry about such things…

“I suppose I have been called that sometimes,” I replied as I grabbed the hilt of my sword. “Would you like to find out if it is actually the truth?” I said while trying to hide the fact that I was nervous.

“There’s no need as I do not doubt the veracity of your father’s words. Perhaps I might be considered the strongest in this academy by our peers, but I am aware of what I lack. When it comes to the sword, there’s no one here more talented than you. As much as it pains me, out of the two of us, you’re just better with the sword.” For some reason, Alberis closed his eyes and chuckled to himself.

“Is that so? I can think of someone.” The image of a young black-haired boy came to my mind.

“Ah yes, I suppose we could count the Skull Kid in there.” His expression soon turned serious. “I have only seen him once with a sword, and while his performance was impressive, I still think you’re the best swordswoman here.” Alberis said with a serious tone as he unsheathed his sword, Sunbringer.

Me? Better than the one who could easily surpass our family style and put it to shame? As much as it pains me, I have to disagree.

The Blade of Tranquility… I was content before with my current level, but after witnessing Julius using Sublime Heaven, there is no way I could consider myself the best sword fighter in this tournament.

In fact, it makes me happy that a superior swordsmanship style can be achieved beyond Bright Star. The mere idea of that makes me excited beyond belief.

Julius said that I almost managed to pull off Sublime Heaven during my last match after he gave me some advice, but I am convinced that I wasn't even close. Compared to his beautiful performance, mine could only be considered sloppy at best. 

But that only means that I can still grow. I can still go beyond the limits of my family's style. I still can further improve my ability with the sword. And… I can still impress Julius even more by fully dominating The Blade of Tranquility.

“We should agree that we disagree, Alberis. Just like you, I also know where I am lacking, and I know that I am not the best with the sword here. By far.” I replied humbly as I steeled my resolve to improve.

"No matter what you say, I still think of you as the best." He chuckled once again.

"Why are you being so unusually talkative and nice, complimenting me out of all things? You're usually the quiet type, cold to everyone around you." I was feeling curious about his sudden change in attitude.

"Beats me. I might have decided to wake up like this today." He smiled softly before raising his sword. "But, you know? This really takes me back, Neris. Back to when we were learning the path of the sword beneath your lord father." His expression then turned serious.

Due to his words, I couldn't help but be reminded of the time when the two of us were young children. The times in which Alberis was a warm and sweet boy instead of the cold man obsessed with strength in front of me.

"It does take me back as well." I nodded. "It reminds me of the time you stopped training with me and talking to me after you went overboard and almost killed me." Now I was the one casting a serious glance at him.

That incident, the one that made me fear having to face my cousin in battle, happened when I was 9 years old. It was then that Alberis's obsession with surpassing the Skull Crusher became apparent to me.

I still remember the incident vividly. I had bested Alberis in a mock battle, but just when I was about to turn my back to him, he decided to attack me with magic despite my father's angry shouts that the battle was already over.

I was able to survive with considerable injuries, but only because my father knocked out Alberis before he could do more damage.

What was his excuse for doing that? Well…

"Ah… You still remember that." He scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I thought you would know by now that everything is valid in war. You’re a Shtrel, you should be the first to know that the strong have the right to do whatever they want." Alberis said as if those words were the law.

I have always been shy, even back then I was a very timid child. But even then I was very confident in my skills with the sword and in my ability to defend myself. More importantly, I trusted Alberis because he was one of the few close friends I had back then. As a result of that incident, I lost all of the confidence I had in myself and my abilities. I also grew resentful of him and dreaded the idea of having to face him in battle again.

I was terrified of the idea.

"Just like I thought… You're unhinged," I shook my head with disappointment before unsheathing my sword. “Your obsession has gone too far… Give me back my real cousin.” I looked at Alberis hoping that his words were only lies instead of his true beliefs.

"Hmm. Isn't it a bit rude to insult me after I gave you a compliment, especially after we talk for the first time after so long? I didn't take you for someone who would hold grudges for something so mundane." He scoffed.

"If you genuinely believe that I am being rude for pointing out the obvious or that almost killing me was mundane then there's no more words to be shared between us. Let us begin this duel." I said before taking a deep breath. I was ready for what was to come.

Even if I am still somewhat afraid of facing him, I can't back off now. Today I made a lot of good friends and told the one I like how I feel about him, so I might as well conquer this fear too.

All I needed to do was to deal with Alberis’s foresight. There was only one way to do so, I had to overwhelm him just like Julius had advised me.

Without missing a beat, I immediately dashed at Alberis and prepared myself to attack my opponent. Or at least that’s what I wanted him to think.

Now… Focus, Neris… One of heart and mind, one with the sword, one with the world.

After reciting the words Julius had taught me, I was easily able to enter The Zone. It had become so much easier after learning that mantra that it was almost unbelievable.

Everything around me had slowed down considerably, including my opponent. Alberis was holding Sunbringer in a defensive stance in preparation for my seemingly incoming attack.

I waited until the last possible moment to make my move. Instead of launching an attack on Alberis, I decided to attack one of the larger stone pillars nearby.

I slashed at the pillar as many times as I could until it was nothing but hundreds of pebbles, all raining in the direction of Alberis.

“Winds, heed my call!” I shortened my chant in order to use the most basic wind spell I knew. The wind pushed the remaining dust and the stones that previously made the stone pillar toward Alberis’s face.

This was my plan to overwhelm his senses.

Unlike Julius or Zoe, spellcasting is not my forte. It takes me way too long to cast any spell beyond Grade 3 to the point that they are useless in battle. Though, I can shorten the chant of any spell below that grade. 

Just like I thought he would, Alberis used his foresight to predict the direction of the incoming pebbles, thus dodging them effortlessly, almost as if he was dancing around them.

That was my real opportunity to strike… I was going to give him no quarter.

In the blink of an eye, I coated my entire body in a powerful aura of Fighting Spirit before launching myself at my opponent with all I had. As I entered The Zone once more, I prepared myself to strike, aiming at his neck and bracelet.

Let’s try it again… I can do it! I know I can pull it off!

I slashed several times at my opponent trying to imitate Julius’s Blade of Tranquility. I was certain that if I could perform his technique, Sublime Heaven, victory would be assured. 

I only needed to land one attack. That’s all I needed.

Despite my best efforts to overwhelm his senses and take him by surprise, Alberis was still able to predict each of my attacks, swiftly dodging them all barring the last one which he blocked with Sunbringer.

While I had not managed to defeat him in one strike like I wanted, I had forced him to use his Fighting Spirit, which served as proof that he was going to take me seriously.

“Damn… And here I thought I had finally gotten it right. It was another failure, it seems.” I clicked my tongue before smiling from ear to ear. I was starting to get really excited all of a sudden.

“Odd… Your sword… Your technique… Something has changed. This doesn't feel like the usual Bright Star,” Alberis looked puzzled. “Your skills with the sword have vastly improved since your last match. Is this due to the Skull Kid interference? Your moves somewhat resemble his but still maintain some of the Shtrel style… How peculiar.” He seemed interested in my new style.

“I wonder about that.” I gave an evasive answer before preparing myself to strike again. As I slashed at him from above, I was starting to feel more and more convinced that I could win. “Do you want to get a taste of what I can do now?” My smile grew wider as my heart started beating wildly from the excitement.

The result of this match is irrelevant. All I need to do is to do my best. I have to do my best to conquer the fear I’ve carried for far too long. I have to do my best to break my limits and push my abilities with the blade to its absolute limit.

I will break through this!

Little by little, the intensity and speed of my attacks increased so much that Alberis couldn't block them fully. He had to resort to his foresight to dodge or deflect my attacks.

Still, no matter how hard I tried to overwhelm him with my speed and might, my blade couldn't physically reach him. It was almost like he was always three steps ahead of me.

"Impressive. As I thought, your ability with the sword is getting better by the second…" Alberis mumbled as he parried my blade. "Still, you won't ever defeat me like this. I have seen through you and your attacks. I can predict them all." He said before slashing horizontally at me.

Before Sunbringer could reach me, I stopped it with my own blade. Unfortunately, by doing that I opened myself up for a follow-up attack.

Alberis had immediately launched a kick toward my stomach after I stopped Sunbringer.

Unbeknownst to him, however, he was doing exactly as I wanted. His attack landed, but it came at a price. Due to my armor, much of the power behind his kick was mitigated which allowed me to catch his leg with my free hand.

Had it been someone else, that kick alone would have been sufficient to send them flying or worse.

Still, I had to sacrifice a bit of the durability of my own bracelet for my plan to come to fruition.

"Wind blades, come forth!" I shouted a shortened chant, casting a spell right behind Alberis.

Without even thinking about it, Alberis spun his upper body as much as he could to destroy with his weapon the small wind blades that had appeared behind him.

This was a blunder on his part. As soon as he decided to counter my magical attack, I aimed my sword at his leg and slashed with as much power as I could muster.

Noticing he had been played, Alberis quickly used all of his strength to pull his leg away from me, barely avoiding the attack.

"I thought you were all about chivalry… Where's the honor in that kind of attack?" Alberis complained after jumping a few paces away from me. He took a quick glance at his leg before shifting his gaze back to me. He was unamused.

"Honor, you say? Weren't you the one that said that everything was valid in war?" I couldn't help but smile due to his indignation. "Also, I am not fighting for my honor this time. I am fighting to defeat you." My smile grew wider as I was welcomed by a wonderful sight.

I was able to see it clearly, the moment when Alberis's bracelet cracked a little. That alone meant that my sword had managed to reach him.

Felicia and Julius were right. His foresight is a very troublesome ability, but it is not unbeatable. Little by little, I can do enough damage until Alberis's bracelet breaks.

With this, I know for certain that Alberis can be defeated.

"Defeat me, you say? It is going to take a lot more than this for that to happen, cousin. I am no longer the same young boy you used to beat effortlessly." A prideful smile appeared on my cousin's face.

"Indeed. You're not the same young boy at all…" I said with sadness. "I suppose I'll just have to try harder then." I pushed aside my feelings to focus on the match.

I immediately dashed forward to face him head-on.

Again… I must focus again… 

One of heart and mind, one with the sword, one with the world.

Using the mantra I had been taught, I was easily able to enter The Zone once more. The whole world suddenly slowed down all around me.

Without the worry of either victory or defeat in my mind, there was only one thing I wanted to do… I wanted to dominate The Blade of Tranquility. I wanted to pull off Sublime Heaven at least once.

As I approached my opponent, I swung my sword at him dozens of times in quick succession aiming at several of his most vulnerable spots. 

Of course, even while I was in the Zone, due to my cousin's ability, all of my attacks save for one were either blocked or deflected. Even if he was not a Shtrel in name, he and I shared the same blood. He had learned the family’s style even earlier than I did.

Yet despite his skills with our shared style, if it wasn't for the academy’s bracelet, the attack I managed to land would have cut Alberis's sword arm off if this had been a real battle. The attack caused sufficient damage to make the bracelet's cracks more visible.

That's it! Little by little! I am slowly getting close to pulling it off! I just need a bit more time and I'll be able to do it!

With that thought in my mind, I pressed the attack and continued to swing my blade at Alberis, preparing myself for yet another attempt to perform Sublime Heaven.

But, before I could even attempt to do so…

"Tsk. I suppose you're more dangerous than I initially thought… I'll have to take this more seriously." Alberis clicked his tongue before launching a fierce attack with Sunbringer. 

The aura from Alberis’s Fighting Spirit surged like a violent explosion the moment he swung his sword.

I was barely able to block Sunbringer's horizontal strike. The attack had so much power behind it that I was pushed several meters away from him. Even though I had blocked the attack, I still suffered some damage. The cracking sounds my bracelet made were proof of that.

Of course, as expected, my cousin immediately gave chase and launched several follow-up attacks. He was not going to show me any mercy, so our roles as the attacker and defender were quickly swapped by him.

Heavy… His attacks are heavier than I expected…  If I don’t block them all, then I… No, I must not allow this to deter me… As long as I am still standing, I shall continue to fight no matter what.

I just have one objective here… I have to do my best. The rest is irrelevant. Neither victory nor defeat matters in this match. 

Until I overcome this obstacle, my swordsmanship will not grow, so I have to give my all in this match!

Even though the speed and power behind Alberis's attack were overwhelming, his technique left much to be desired, something that I didn’t forget to use to my advantage. I could more or less deflect or parry his attacks without leaving myself too open.

But naturally, since I had my full attention on defending against the incoming attacks, there was little room for me to concentrate. I couldn't enter The Zone.

I must put an end to his attacks somehow… I just have to wait for the right opportunity.

I was fortunate because that opportunity I was waiting for quickly presented itself. Alberis made a risky attack that I was able to parry effortlessly.

"Hardened spikes, heed my call!" I decided to cast a spell behind Alberis using the opportunity I had gotten. 

Immediately after, several stony spears were launched from the ground toward Alberis’s back. As soon as he noticed the attack, he swung Sunbringer and struck down the spears with ease. It didn’t take a genius to know that he had foreseen the surprise attack.

But that was fine by me. He could predict all of my attacks if he wanted to, but even he would not be able to stop them all. Even if I just managed to land one attack each time, that would be plenty enough for me.

One more time! I am getting there! Just one final push and I will be able to pull it off! I know it! I can feel that something will happen this time!

One of heart and mind, one with the sword, one with the world… Empty your mind of all thoughts as you become the sword!

Just as I thought of the words I had learned from Julius, the world slowed down once more. This time, however, everything felt wildly different from all my previous attempts…

There was a sense of overwhelming serenity and peace in the world around me. Everything had been painted in a deep shade of blue, almost as if everything had been submerged in a bottomless lake.

The only sound that reached my ears was that of water dripping onto the surface of the imaginary lake. Such a common yet beautiful sound immediately made my heart feel at ease like never before. You could say that my heart started beating at the same rhythm as that sound.

I could see my opponent, Alberis, moving so slowly that I thought it would take until the end of time for his sword to reach me as he spun his body around to attack. Not only that, I could see all too clearly. From the drops of sweat that flew away from my forehead when I activated my technique to the fine grains of dust peeling off the stone pillars all over the valley.

But the most peculiar thing about this was the sensation my body was experiencing. I could feel everything vividly, yet my body somehow felt foreign to me, like I was no longer in control of it. 

No… I could still control it, I could still decide how to move and when to do it. It would be more accurate to say that I had become part of this imaginary lake.

I’ve done it, haven't I? Is this what Julius feels like when he uses this technique? Was he always able to experience such wonders like these? I’m so envious… It is beautiful.

I had finally understood the real meaning of Julius’s mantra… ‘One of heart and mind, one with the sword, one with the world’ In other words, everything must be aligned before becoming one with the flow… Before flowing with the world around you.

This is it! This is all I needed! I shall put an end to this match! My next attack will decide it all! Father, Mother, Sister, Zoe… Julius… Watch as I overcome this wall! Watch as I overcome my fears!

“Heavenly Azure Star.” Those words escaped my lips as my whole body moved to attack. Like a wave, nothing could put a stop to my relentless advance.

As my arm moved fastly to swing my blade I realized that my sword was not the only thing I was attacking with, no… I was swinging the entire weight of this imaginary world against my opponent.

That was the truth behind the power of Sublime Heaven… A blade that holds the entire weight of the world on its edge as it is swung down to crush the enemy.

A blade that holds the very essence of its wielder.

After finally uncovering the mystery behind the powerful technique, I swung my blade as fast and as many times as my body would allow me to. Each strike flowed with the serenity of a morning tide while the power behind was that of a powerful wave.

In this world where time flowed so slowly, I saw how my sword was easily able to cut down my opponent countless times as I continued to strike. I would not stop my onslaught until I was sure Alberis was defeated once and for all.

At least that was what I intended… Since I was lost in the satisfaction of managing to perform such an unbelievable technique and all the sensations that came with it, I was unsuspecting of my own demise.

I swung my sword until my dominant arm couldn’t move anymore, until the weight of my weapon was too much for me to bear until I didn’t even have any more mana to coat my body in Fighting Spirit. The moment when my blade fell to the ground was the moment when the world recovered its original colors.

Everything had resumed its normal flow, including my opponent… Who was unscathed even after I had given my all in my last attack. The red-haired young man was standing casually surrounded by a wall of pure ice.

The wall of ice melted in the blink of an eye and the water it left behind began boiling just as fast as the ice had melted until there was nothing more than a cloud of steam surrounding Alberis.

“To think that you would force me to use Spirit Magic… And to force me to call a superior spirit on top of it all…” Alberis spoke as if he found the situation amusing. “As I thought, you have really improved by leaps and bounds, Neris. You really are the best sword fighter I know. I am aware that as a swordsman, there’s no way I can defeat you while only using a sword. I had to use my spirit magic to survive that attack.” Alberis looked at Sunbringer with disappointment.

I couldn’t help but cackle as loudly as I could due to the fact that even after all I had tried, I wasn’t able to defeat my cousin.

“If I had to say, you were definitely the most troublesome opponent I’ve had in a long time. Even after witnessing many of your potential choices and many potential futures with my foresight, I still couldn’t predict that you’d achieve that kind of swordsmanship in such a short duel. You have my congratulations.” He said as he showed me his crumbling bracelet. It was barely holding itself together.

That sight made me stop cackling, yet I couldn’t stop myself from smiling from ear to ear.

“Well… It seems I am left with no choice but to finish what I started, dear cousin. As you say, the strong can do what they want, right?” I grinned as I reached for my sword with my left hand. My entire right arm was paralyzed from the strain caused by my attack.

Though, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t pull out my sword from the ground. If anything, I was the one leaning onto it to avoid falling to the ground. My strength was rapidly leaving my body.

I was in a really bad spot, yet I still couldn’t stop smiling. After all, I had managed to complete my objectives in this match.

“You’re correct.” He said after nodding. “I never thought that I would almost be defeated twice. To think that I would survive this time by a simple feeling of doom that led me to summon a spirit… It might appear that I underestimated you, just like I did with Felicia.” Alberis spoke with a mix of annoyance and respect.

“And you almost paid that price dearly. That's some poetic justice, don’t you think? If it hadn't been for the fact you can use this rare spirit magic, you’d be crying in the infirmary about your defeat in Aunt Ophelia’s arms.” I said in an attempt to annoy him just like I used to do when we were younger.

“I’m afraid I haven’t done that in years, cousin. But if the spirits had not been on my side today and I was truly defeated, I would have accepted the result since that only meant that you were stronger than me.” He laughed off my attempts at mocking him. “Yet here I stand undefeated, while you are barely able to stand.” He said while casting a severe glance at me.

“You can come here and try me. Let’s see who shall be left standing afterward.” I was defiant even though I knew I was powerless in this situation.

“You have no more paths available to you in this match, Neris. Your defeat is already a certainty.” Alberis said as he returned Sunbringer to its sheath. “If you stay quiet and accept your defeat, I can make it quick.” He pointed his hand at me, ready to use a spell at a moment’s notice.

“And what gives you the right to decide that?” I asked with contempt toward my cousin. “As free as the sky and strong as steel… For as long as I live I will honor my family’s words, especially now seeing that I no longer fear you, cousin.” Even though I had pushed my body to its limits, I used whatever little strength I had to stand back up.

I am in huge debt to both Julius and Zoe. Because of them, I can stand like this today. 

Because of my shyness and fears, Zoe decided to block all of the negativity and hurt just to protect me. She allowed me to become the person I am today. There’s nothing I can do right now to pay her back for her friendship and her sacrifices.

She showed me what real friendship is.

As for Julius, he also gave me something invaluable that I might not even be able to repay in a lifetime alone…

He showed me the way forward for me…

I can’t disappoint them now of all times… They have already given me so much, yet in return, I have offered so little… I can’t let it continue this way. Even if it takes me all my life, I will repay them both.

“You have no right to decide anything for me, Alberis.” I smiled once more as I prepared for my last move. “I AND ONLY I SAY WHEN IT ENDS!” I pulled my sword from the ground and made a run towards Alberis, even while my muscles burned from the strenuous effort.

“Stubborn to the very end, I see. I should have expected as much from you.” Alberis said before letting out a sigh. “You fought well, cousin. Farewell.” The steam surrounding Alberis soon became a storm of deadly icicles aimed in my direction.

It was the end for me. I no longer had the strength to counterattack, let alone to deflect or avoid the incoming attack, yet I continued to advance with my sword in hand despite knowing that my fate was inevitable.

And thus my defeat in the semifinals came with a storm of ice, but I was satisfied. No longer was I afflicted by fear from my past. I stood against it and cut it down with my own hands. I could finally hold my head high with pride again because I had fought to the bitter end.

Though, even after being teleported to the infirmary, due to my enormous fatigue, I would not be able to wake up until the finals were well underway.

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Chapter 79: The One Who Lives by the Sword.

END

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EXTRA: Neris’s Status

Name: Neris Anastasia Shtrel

Race: Human

Age: 14 years old 

Ability Points: 7,209 points

Titles: Noble / Honorable Esquire / Shy Maiden / The Most Talented Shtrel / Angel of the Sword / Aspiring Apprentice of the Blade of Tranquility / The Sword of the Stars.

Jobs: Swordmaster Lv.1 - NEW / Fighting Spirit Expert Lv.6 / Esquire Lv.7 / Knight-in-Training Lv.4

Level: 40

EXP: 46,002 / 47,325  

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Attributes

HP: 10,910

MP: 7,345

DEX: 421

STR: 802

VIT: 8,501

DEF: 281

RES: 274

LUCK: 160

SPD: 580

INT: 210

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 Common Skills 

Advanced Cleaning / Level 2

Cooking / Level 6

Hunting / Level 8

Riding / Level 10 

Dancing / Level 5

Singing / Level 3

Enhance Mind / Level 8

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Combat

Archery / Level 5

Combat Tactics: Knight Order / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!

Combat Tactics: Command / Level 1

Masterful Swordsmanship / Level 1 - NEW

Superior Footwork / Level 1

Superior Fighting Spirit / Level 2

Unarmed Combat / Level 4

Second Wind / Level 5

Enhance Attack / Level 9

Enhance Defense / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!

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Magic

Mana Manipulation / Level 7 

Mana Perception / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!

Magic: Earth Element / Level 2

Magic: Fire Element / Level 2 

Magic: Wind Element / Level 3

Magic: Water Element / Level 4

Magic: Light Element / Level 1

Magic: Dark Element / Level 1

Enhance Aura / Level 1 - NEW

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Resistances

Charm Resist / Level 2

Elemental Resistance: Earth / Level 7

Elemental Resistance: Fire / Level 6

Elemental Resistance: Wind / Level 7

Elemental Resistance: Water / Level 8

Elemental Resistance: Light / Level 2

Elemental Resistance: Dark / Level 1

Pain Resist / Level 5

Paralysis Resist / Level 3

Poison Resist / Level 2

Fear Immunity / Level 1 - NEW

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