Black energy began to seep out from the gaps in Luciano’s armor. Sir Zion focused on dodging the deadly swings of Luciano’s greatsword rather than meeting them head-on.
‘Could young master Raul’s words really be true? I thought it was improbable, but to think he actually resorted to forbidden techniques!’
While young knights might not be aware, those like Zion, who were born at the end of the great war waged by the Empire, knew well.
The Emperor’s Brand.
A forbidden technique that, by activating tattoos etched into the body, temporarily grants overwhelming strength beyond the user’s natural limits.
No one could deny that the Empire’s knights, despite their smaller numbers, dominated the continent due to the power of these ominous tattoos.
‘But the drawbacks are severe and unmistakable.’
It was essentially a self-destructive technique that burned through the wielder’s life force and mana to temporarily unleash latent potential, causing severe side effects.
Post-war research led to many derivative and inferior versions of the tattoos, but they remained an implicit taboo for good reasons.
Repeated use would cloud the purity of one’s mana, making it coarse and transforming the user into a violent and brutal person.
Moreover, in the long run, it hindered growth, making it difficult to reach higher levels of mastery.
Nevertheless.
‘In short-term combat, it’s truly devastating. Such an absurdly powerful technique!’
Despite having the upper hand a moment ago, Zion was now constantly being pushed back. Enhanced physical abilities and explosive mana allowed Luciano to overpower Zion’s skill with sheer force.
If not for the simplification of his movements, even someone as skilled as Zion would have faced grave danger.
Bang! Boom! Crack!
The relentless attacks were wrecking the battlefield. Luciano’s darkened mana blades flew everywhere, making it clear to anyone that he had gained the upper hand.
Yet, even as his armor accumulated more damage, Zion’s eyes gleamed with determination, searching for an opening.
‘I trust young master Raul! An opportunity will definitely come.’
Raul had predicted this situation perfectly, and there was no reason not to follow his advice. Finally, Zion’s eyes lit up with a sharp focus.
***
A short distance from the plain where the knight duel was taking place, about twenty knights from both sides were stationed around the battlefield, prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Raul watched the duel with calm eyes from among them. Despite being roughly 30 meters away, waves of mana and fragments constantly flew in their direction.
Of course, none of it reached Raul.
Philip and Jake were standing by his side, diligently protecting him. Thanks to them, Raul stood with arms crossed, appearing like a mere spectator.
But in reality, it was far from that.
‘Phew, I’m finally getting the hang of it.’
Raul meticulously organized the barrage of incoming sensations and information in his mind, forming a three-dimensional understanding.
Having internalized the achievements from the Jeinack Dungeon, Raul’s psychokinesis had reached intermediate-level 9.
The range of his psychokinesis had expanded to 70 meters, and the explosive growth in power and control allowed him to attempt many things previously unimaginable.
‘Good, analysis complete.’
The duel had tipped in Luciano’s favor after activating his tattoos. Even as Zion seemed on the verge of collapse, Raul remained unfazed. He had anticipated this scenario.
‘Shall we test it now?’
Raul’s eyes turned golden as he activated his analysis vision again. With enhanced control and precision, every movement of Luciano became a three-dimensional image in Raul’s mind.
Focusing his energy, Raul directed it at Luciano’s right arm.
Whomp, bang!
‘Oh, interesting.’
Though subtle, the arm’s movement slowed, altering the sword’s trajectory.
‘Next, let’s try this.’
Concentrating energy on Luciano’s ankle, Raul saw him flinch slightly, disrupting his sword path. A faint smile appeared on Raul’s face.
The advantage of psychokinesis is the ability to exert force invisibly from a distance. However, even this seemingly perfect power has its limitations, particularly in the amount of spiritual energy required depending on the target.
In Raul’s case, using ‘Psychokinetic Reinforcement’ to strengthen his own body didn’t consume much energy.
Similarly, for non-living objects, only the energy equivalent to their weight was needed.
But projecting psychokinesis onto other sentient beings was a different story.
Since spiritual energy (靈力) is a supernatural ability based on the power of the soul, exerting it on someone with a soul required more force.
This was especially true for those who wield mana, making direct psychokinetic projection difficult and something Raul had avoided until now.
‘But things have changed.’
With the growth in his psychokinetic power gained as a reward, Raul confirmed it could now affect knights to some extent. Combined with enhanced control, this opened new possibilities.
Whoosh.
‘…Hmm?’
Zion’s eyes flashed. Brief though it was, Luciano’s greatsword had slowed down. Clearly, it wasn’t an illusion as Luciano’s movements continued to slow. It was as though he was wearing water-soaked clothes, his actions slightly hindered.
‘What’s this? Why suddenly? The activation time should still be far from over.’
Luciano himself seemed puzzled, tilting his head slightly, but it didn’t change anything. On the contrary, Zion’s movements grew lighter and faster. Was it an illusion, or did Zion appear more agile than before the duel started?
‘It’s like the wind is pushing me from behind.’
His sword felt lighter, and his movements gained power. The changes in both knights decided the outcome.
“Hah!”
Clang! Swoosh.
Zion’s greatsword, appearing to clash head-on, subtly twisted, deflecting Luciano’s blade diagonally. Twisting his wrist in a beat, Zion redirected his path and severed Luciano’s forearm.
“Aarrgh!”
Even as blood sprayed from his right arm, Luciano didn’t give up, swinging his greatsword with his left hand.
Clang.
Easily deflected, Zion’s sword plunged into Luciano’s chest.
Shunk.
“I… I… ugh.”
Luciano muttered weakly as he looked down at the greatsword impaled through his chest, then collapsed helplessly to the ground.
“Phew.”
Whirr.
Zion exhaled a sigh of relief, then lifted his sword towards the sky.
“Whoaa!!”
“Zion! Zion! Zion!”
A massive cheer erupted from Conford Castle as the soldiers chanted Zion’s name. With his other hand clenched into a fist, Zion responded to the cheers, then slowly walked over to Raul.
“Young master Raul, I’ve returned with victory in the first duel as commanded.”
“You fought a magnificent duel! On behalf of the Count Ashton’s family, I commend you for your efforts.”
The surrounding knights crowded in to congratulate the veteran’s victory and express their respect for their senior. While Raul watched with pride as Zion returned like a hero surrounded by his juniors, he turned his gaze to the enemy camp.
He wanted to see the frustrated expression of Viscount Jaden after losing the first duel. However, they were already turning their horses to head back to their camp.
‘Hah. What will you do now, Viscount Jaden?’
Raul smirked and turned his steed towards the castle gate.
***
The second duel knights stepped forward.
“I am Carlo de Ashton, commander of the Silver Bear Knights!”
“…Raider.”
Carlo, feeling irked by the opponent’s curt introduction, drew his sword immediately and shouted.
“You dare challenge the Count Ashton’s house without even revealing your full identity? Blame your foolishness in hell!”
“…Quite the tongue. I’ll go first!”
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Throwing off his cloak, the opponent charged, dual-wielding two swords.
For a moment, Carlo was pushed back by the torrent of lightning-fast strikes, but he soon began to parry the attacks more steadily.
Watching the duel from a little distance, Raul smiled.
‘It’s been a while. I wondered when you’d show yourself.’
With golden light filling his eyes, Raul activated his analysis, revealing the status window of the opposing knight.
『Name』: Graham (46 years)
『Level』: 89
*Class: Knight (Sword Expert, Advanced)
『Affiliation』: Baron House of Hound, ruben Kingdom // Delamain House, brennan Republic
『Title』: Red Executioner
『Stats』: Potential Ability (A-Grade)
『Strength 83』 『Agility 73』 『Stamina 84』 『Intelligence 63』 『Mental Power 69』 『Magic Power 72』 『Perception 77』
*Unique Traits
Unyielding Body (A), Melee Combat Specialist (B)
This knight was present when the incident occurred at the capital mansion. He was clearly an ally assigned by the Delamain House of Brennan Republic to assist Viscount Jaden.
Though his level had increased by one and his stats had risen slightly compared to before, his overall growth seemed minimal.
‘Back then, you were quite a formidable opponent, but now….’
Honestly, he seemed much easier to handle. The duel proceeded more evenly than expected. Given the nature of their weapons, the dual swords seemed to have an advantage, but Commander Carlo’s skills were not to be underestimated.
Although he was known for his pride and stubbornness, his prowess was undeniable. Being one of the top ten knights actively serving the Count’s house meant he was far from weak.
Strict adherence to principles and respect for chivalry and honor had elevated him to the position of the Silver Bear Knights’ commander.
‘Though he and I don’t quite see eye to eye.’
As someone rigid in his ways, Carlo had refused any blessings or buffs. He demanded a fair and honorable fight, and it wasn’t something Raul could force upon him.
But that didn’t mean Raul was going to leave everything to chance.
‘This knight duel must end 3-0 with our complete victory.’
For the sake of future plans, an overwhelming win was necessary, so Raul intended to assist in the duel subtly, despite Carlo’s wishes.
He planned to help without Carlo noticing.
Clang, clang!
If the previous duel was a heavy clash of greatswords, this one was dynamic and fast-paced.
Graham’s mana blades struck rapidly, targeting any opening, while Commander Carlo adeptly countered with precise slashes and thrusts.
However intense the duel, it would eventually reach an end.
Carlo gained the upper hand.
Whizz! Slash!
Deflecting both of Graham’s swords simultaneously, Carlo’s dual-wielded greatsword emitted a long mana blade that then split into four, enveloping Graham.
Like the claws of a bear, sharp, yellow blades of mana sliced through the air and curved around to strike Graham, bypassing his defenses.
Sizzle!
Though not a fatal blow, two deep gashes appeared on Graham’s armor.
“…Tsk.”
Frowning in dissatisfaction, Graham activated his tattoos. He acknowledged he couldn’t defeat Carlo with pure skill alone.
‘But this is where it ends.’
Unlike the foolish Luciano, who couldn’t control his power and self-destructed, Graham was confident in his abilities. With the burning energy filling his body, he believed he could even take on a master.
‘Die already!’
Graham launched an intricate and flashy assault, trying to bewilder Carlo with his rapid steps and swordplay. The already impressive dual-sword trajectory seemed to speed up, expecting Carlo to reveal an opening in confusion.
But the situation didn’t unfold as Graham anticipated.
Clang, clang!
“What’s this sudden pretentious swordplay? How disappointing.”
‘Wh-why?’
Despite his overwhelming energy and the stronger mana blades, his moves felt sluggish, like swinging a sword underwater. This momentary confusion was disastrous.
Slice!
With a displeased expression, Carlo swung his sword upwards and turned away.
‘Where are you going—’
Graham tried to strike at Carlo, who turned his back to him, but his strength failed him. The world seemed to split in two as Graham’s consciousness faded.
Slash.
His bisected body fell, blood spilling onto the ground.
Cheers!
A tremendous roar from Conford Castle marked the end of the second duel in the Count’s house favor.
(To be continued)