The weakened left hand melts into the air. Reaching from relaxation to maximum speed in a second, it disappears.
However, I did not miss that initial movement. Like a snake that blends into darkness, the concealed Adamant(ine) whip lashes forward.
If I had received a direct hit, my bones would probably break due to the blade inside the whip. Even poison would have been more preferable to that.
However, anticipating the snake-like movement, I give up the first move and let the whip coil around my glove.
It’s a metal plate but by using arm movements, I utilize the wrist guard to its maximum potential.
Even then, my wrist guard was scratched and shaved. Even if it’s a good blade, that should be impossible.
A slight pain runs through my body, but since he fell for my trick, then it is a cheap price. Using my left arm, I direct the force towards him.
However, this old man is reluctant to raise his arm. Even after moving from a defensive stance to create an opening… Also if my body was larger I might not have been able to dodge so easily.
Well, even though I took so much effort, it wouldn’t be enough just to launch a bold move.
Originally, the whip lashed to the ground, but I redirected the direction of the fast motion of the whip towards the sky.
(I merged these 2 sentences. Also I’m not too sure what the 1st sentence is talking about 本来ならばニヤけた面の一つでも地面に叩きつけたいところではあるが──私は、添わせた手を僅かに逸らした。)
With a small force, the fast whip flies towards the sky.
「Geh (exclamation of disappointment)」
A small voice leaks from Chester, who is sweating.
As expected, his left hand is pulled up. His defenseless stance is still tight. It’ll be bad if I rush.
Leaving my hand with the whip coiled around, I concentrate Mana into my left hand. Let’s see if it’s effective on him.
Shijima Style, Palm Bottom 「Valiant」── A technique which involves concentrating explosive mana into the palm, twisting it and then striking.
Chester, at best, could only stop the strike due to his bad stance.
Chester leaps back, but not before I strike his flank.
As if it is a raging bull flying, the old guy’s body flies horizontal to the ground.
If he was an average martial artist, I might have suspected an instant death. But he was once the man who united all of the underworld martial arts. Putting aside whether he was serious, the previous strike probably only woke him up.
「You don’t seem to have dulled.」
(Not sure what’s he referring to here: 鈍っておらんようだな. Might be the attack being dull)
「Bullshit. It’s a piece of cake.」
Even though the edge of his mouth is bleeding, he smiles.
Aah, this is fun. Since when was fighting so fun?
It’s like tasting an exquisite food. I don’t want to stop, no, there’s no way I’ll stop.
Both Chester and I are laughing so hard that our cheeks hurt.
Without any need for words, we start the second bout at the same time.
Being very careful, Chester was frustrating but strong.
That left arm which can bend like a whip is troublesome.
It can instantly accelerate from the relaxed and limp state to maximum speed.
Yet the fact that it can freely move in that crafty trajectory, is very reminiscent of a snake. It’s power can probably easily shatter steel.
Blessed with a long reach, the distance he creates is huge. Having been burned before, the distance, especially with my small body, feels tremendous.
However, with such a light body, I gain maneuverability.
Even then I probably won’t be able to change my disadvantage, but I already knew this from the start.
To win against him now, it’s necessary to be prepared to set foot in the netherworld.
That guy too probably knows all of this. Having a good grasp of his strengths, he developed the battle in such a way to take advantage of his reach.
Chester is strong, hence I take some measures.
The moment I got close, this guy would completely overtake me.
……..The steel snake lashes out. It’s even faster than I thought!
If I hadn’t been targeting his defense since the beginning (assuming はな is 端 here), I don’t think I would’ve been able to defend.
In response to the precise aim towards my temple, I try to defend by bringing up by arm. I mustn’t break my stance, if I do it’s all over. Getting hit in my vitals is out of the question.
Within an instant, I make the decision to meet the blow.
It’ll come, it’s coming, it came!