That man holds the authority to kill or harm every student equipped with the slave collars. We cannot return him to the enemies. Nee-chan is best suited for this role, because she specializes in long range magic, so she can support the other students while keeping Golia down.
“Leave it to me, Nee-chan. It will be alright, the enemies aren’t Aniki or Lior-Jiichan.” (Reus)
I turned to face the leader, who was heading here with his sword drawn.
I’m going to defeat him, I’ll win this time. The failure in the labyrinth rings clearly in my mind, and I won’t allow that situation to repeat.
I absolutely… must win.
“… Understood. You must succeed, and have Sirius-sama praise you.” (Emilia)
“Yeah! If that’s the case, I’ll be praised even more than Nee-chan, right?” (Reus)
“I wouldn’t say that, since I’m the leader here, everyone thinks my contribution is greater.” (Emilia)
“Stop it, both of you.” (Reese)
It’s dangerous, it’s dangerous. If Reese-ane didn’t stop us, we would be quarrelling. As expected, Reese-ane is indispensable for us.
“Reus, you’re injured. Here.” (Reese)
“Thank you, Reese-ane.” (Reus)
“Good luck.” (Reese)
“Ouu!” (Reus)
After Reese-ane healed my injuries, I stepped forward to confront the man. He was looking for a one versus one fight, as he patiently waited for me, standing with his sword out. He was ready for me to attack.
“Here I come!” (Reus)
I took a quick step. First, let’s try to cut him down with my sword.
The leader took it head on with his sword, but my strike was stronger than he anticipated, and he was forced back slightly. I was going to continue applying pressure, but I heard my sword make unpleasant noises, so I kicked at him and reluctantly retreated back a few paces.
Damn it. I expected it, but his sword is much better than my own. Mine will definitely break if we keep exchanging blows..
I intended to catch him off guard and hammer him down with [Flame Knuckle], but before I began my attack, the man rested his sword on his shoulder and let out a big laugh.
“Really, there’s such a guy in a school of all places. To drive even my employer into a hard place, I’m certainly not bored with this situation!” (Mercenary Leader)
“You won’t have the chance to be bored, I’ll crush you!” (Reus)
“That’s good, those words were filled with nothing but confidence in your strength. Will you tell me your name?” (Mercenary Leader)
“It’s courtesy to give your name before asking someone’s name, that’s what Aniki said.” (Reus)
“Is that so? I am the leader of the ‘Gigantes’ mercenary corp and my name is Dominique.” (Dominique)
“I am Aniki’s top disciple, Reus!” (Reus)
Taking a step forward again, I used another skill, [Hard Break – One Hand Sword Style – Break Thrust]. This skill isn’t designed for the sword I’m using, but that’s no problem. Dominique jumped into the air, evading it. Then, while he was trapped in the air, I leaped at him with [Flame Knuckle].
“Haha! That’s great! That attack really had no hesitation at all, I like this more and more!” (Dominique)
While still in the air, he threw a knife at my face, with no regard for the incoming [Flame Knuckle], and I was forced to use the shockwave created to cancel the momentum of the knife. Without pausing, he threw another knife, and I blocked that with my sword as he safely landed back on the ground.
“Now it’s my turn!” (Dominique)
I received the assault from Dominique, but if I continued to block with this sword, it would snap and I would be cut. Therefore, I borrowed a technique I saw Aniki use frequently, and I slanted my sword to direct the momentum away from myself. It requires a bit of skill to use, but greatly reduces the stress on my blade. I use this technique many times against him before he tries to change up the pace of the battle again.
“Oh oh, the sword technique is good too! But, how about this!?” (Dominique)
I thought he would use the opportunity to retreat away from me and try another attack, but instead he reached into his armor and tossed a small bag my way.
I was about to cut it immediately, but I remembered my training with Aniki, so I squatted down and avoided it instead. After it sailed past me, I stood up once more and prepared to pursue him, but he was standing still. He clapped with an amazed look on his face.