Chapter 131
Chapter 131 – Conquering the North part 2 ~Foreign Warrior~
[If you want to live, move!]
A single warrior plunged himself into the ranks of the Grants army and rampaged .
Not only was this man wearing unfamiliar looking armor, he’s also wielding a cross shaped spear that is rarely seen in the continent . And yet, he charged through soldier after soldier with ease .
His spear movement was both beautiful and splendid . One could even say that it had reached the realm of art .
[Such a splendid and complete spear technique . ]
[It’s different from Sigurd and Darius… even I can sense its strength . ]
Sigurd would wade through the battlefield so fast like that of a gale . Darius would break through the enemy rank with his overwhelming power .
This man was a different kind .
[Hundreds, thousands, ten thousands or even millions of times… All of his movements have been perfected through rigorous training . At this point, seeing him fight is like watching a masterful dance . ]
He was neither too fast nor too strong . So balanced it’s…
…beautiful .
[It’s hard not to get fascinated . But if we’re not careful, our numbers will be depleted in no time by him… Guess this is it . ]
Having said that, Ares urged his horse towards the foreign warrior .
[I don’t think it’s a good idea to have the commander fighting alone at the front… but stopping that monster will take a lot of our soldiers . No one else here can fight him other than Milord . ]
Shion finally sighed .
[Therefore… Milord, stay safe . ]
Shion murmured… Deciding to see this through under the belief that his lord would win the duel .
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Shu kept advancing forward while dispatching enemies in his path . His target was the enemy commander’s head .
[Once their commander fell, the rest would collapse . They will no longer be an opponent for us by then . ]
That’s when his eyes darted to the center .
Zokuri .
He felt a chill running through his spine .
[Yo . Well done, well done . ]
Looking ahead, there was a young man approaching him while smiling . This young man was probably no older than Batu . But Shu’s instinct told himself
(This feeling, the sign of a ruler…!)
[Hey there, you’re looking for me, aren’t you?]
[…… . the commander of this army?]
[Nnー, actually the commander of the entire Grants instead of only this army, I guess?]
Shu was lost for words after hearing Ares’ reply . But that should be the case . The man before him just openly announced that he’s the commander of the army that Shu had been looking for .
[Are you…a fool?]
[Why…so abrupt?]
[If the commander dies, the army will collapse . And yet here you are, declaring yourself as one . ]
[…… . what makes you so sure that I’ll die?]
Saying that, Ares unleashed his magic power .
[Alright then, foreign warrior . Show me your mettle . ]
[Hou…interesting . I am Shu, hailing from Yashima, a Shiranui sworn to only serve the heir of the Murakumo clan, Murasaki Yuu! Come, I’ll crush you!]
And just like that, the battle that was beyond both Ares and Shu’s expectations began .
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Ares observed Shu from atop of his horse .
(He is extremely calm… is this what they call 『like the reflection on still water』state?)
Sweat started to form on Ares’ palm that was holding Raynard . This man in front of him was definitely 『strong』 .
On the other hand, Shu,
(This is surprising . This man… he is probably the strongest I have ever fought so far . )
But Shu kept that to himself . Despite facing a seemingly smaller man, in his eyes Ares looked like a giant .
(But that is exactly what I wanted . One of the reasons I have travelled far to this continent is to meet strong people like him)
Both horses slowly approached each other . Their distance grew smaller and smaller . Until finally both entered the spear range .
[Haa!!]
Two shadows clashed .
It was Shu who took the initiative . The spear was unleashed at a speed unseen to normal eyes . Ares calmly used his strength to parry the blow while also attempting to disrupt Shu’s flow . But Shu also endured and swiftly launched a second blow, in which Ares also calmly deflected it .
Their spears clashed 20 more times after that . Both had their breathing become slightly harsh in the aftermath .
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Ares moved away after he blocked Shu’s last attack .
[No opening no matter how I tried… truly a strong spearman you are . ]
[That is my line . I have travelled around the continent, but never have I met someone like you . It has been a while since my blood boiled like this . ]
After saying that, Shu rushed in once more . And Ares watched on .
[Hah!]
Strengthened with magic power, Ares attacked with a horrifying speed .
[Mu!]
Shu calmly blocked it . But this time, he was caught off guard by the power behind that attack .
[Guh!?]
Shu’s posture crumbled .
The horse swayed greatly, unable to hold on against such an attack . It was what caused Shu to lose his balance .
Shu therefore quickly disengaged and dismounted from his horse . After calming the horse down, he turned back to Ares .
In response to that, Ares also climbed down from his mount .
Seeing this, Shu could only smile .
[The horse unfortunately cannot keep up . But I thank you for your understanding . ]
Shu shut his eyes momentarily, adjusting himself . And the next moment when he opened his eyes again
[Hah!]
Shu’s whole body was enveloped in silver light .
[Magic Sword Style… huh?]
Ares muttered as he calmly observed .
[No…how was that fellow referred to it back then again… it was 『Wargod’s State of Mind』, wasn’t it?]
Ares quietly spoke to himself, spear poised .
[Enemy army commander . Truly well done . Few have pushed me to fight seriously . So…]
Shu slowly unsheathed the sword hanging in his waist . When it began to shine silver as well, it became clear that it’s a sword crafted in a way so that it could be infused with either magic strengthening or fighting spirit .
[None have witnessed this sword and live to tell the tale . Come!]
That said, Shu dashed in with a speed so much faster than previously .
Ares also didn’t stay still, He thrust Raynard to the ground as he grabbed hold of the sword shaped pendant hanging around his neck .
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[Holy Sword Excalibur!]
A pale white blade appeared in Ares’ hand to meet Shu’s sword head on .
However, Shu wasn’t going to stop there . He proceeded to launch a stream of offense, forcing Ares to be more defensive .
[Dammit! There’s no opening at all!]
Ares jumped back to disengage, but Shu quickly caught up to him,
The exchange lasted for 50 bouts . Both of the combatants were breathing harshly . Right at the 50th bout Shu’s flow was suddenly disturbed, allowing Ares to disengage at once .
If one looked at Ares, they would notice that his body was littered with cuts here and there .
[Impressive… Then how about this!]
Right then Ares’ body, just like Shu, was enveloped in silver light .
[No way… You can also use the 『Wargod’s State of Mind』!?]
[I call this 『Magic Sword Style』 . Alright then, let’s get serious . ]
The two clashed again . The two swords collided with each other, sending sparks and even raised the dirt with the impact .
Up until now, Shu was in advantage… but now the two seemed to be equal . Exchanging defence and offence with neither gaining advantage .
At that point, both sides of the armies had stopped fighting, watching the duel intently .
Only the harsh breathing of the two combatants and the sounds of their swords clashing could be heard echoing through the battlefield .
After 7, no, 80 exchanges, the two finally disengaged from battle .
From the harsh breaths and the rise and fall of their shoulders, it’s easy to see that both had been fatigued .
[I honestly never thought that there is a man capable of matching me for this long . My decision to travel to this continent was correct after all . ]
Shu laughed in satisfaction .
[I’m also pleasantly surprised . You’re nothing like Sigurd nor Darius… I have never met anyone else like you before . ]
Ares also laughed in return .
[But, this duel will end here . This next attack, it is still unfinished… but should be more than enough to finish you]
Shu returned his sword to its sheath and took position . Eerie silence surrounded him .
Seeing that, Ares smirked, finding the situation interesting .
He could see that an overwhelming amount of magic power and fighting spirit were gathering inside Shu’s sword .
[Murakumo-style Special Arts 『Ryuu no Hokou*』] (TL Note: *Dragon’s Roar)
Right after that, Shu let loose of his sword with such a speed that it’s unseen . At the same time, Ares could see a huge dragon-shaped aura barreling ferociously towards him .
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[Wha!]
Ares managed to deflect it… but he was still pushed and knocked back some distance away by the sheer force .
[Milord!]
Shion, who was watching the battle, cried worriedly .
And Ares didn’t immediately get back up once his body landed on the ground .
Only Shu who was still standing among the two combatants… But even he was on the verge of collapsing .
[Murakumo-style Special Arts…that attack just now…took every bit of my energy…]
Seeing Ares didn’t stand back up, Grants soldiers were left silent . Meanwhile the barbarians started cheering .
Batu clasped his hands, praising Shu .
[Impressive, Shu! The enemy general has fallen . Inform the army to…]
[Who has fallen?]
A voice coming from some distance away . Batu, Shion and the soldiers were stunned on the spot . But more than them, Shu was even more shocked .
From where the voice came, Ares rose back up slowly with a smile .
That prompted the Grants soldiers to let out a deafening cheer .
[Impossible…how can you still get up after taking that…]
Shu was so startled to the point that he almost jumbled his words .
[There is no way I could block something like that completely . Damn dragon king . ]
Ares chuckled .
[Never thought I’d see that technique here . 『Dragon’s Roar』turns one’s life force into a dragon-shaped aura, then hurls it towards the opponent . However… as soon as the dragon gains its shape, it also gains an individual will . Unless this will can be controlled…the technique will not reach completion . ]
Ares unsummoned Excalibur, leaving only the handle of Seven Heavenly Sword in his hand .
[Alright…let me show you the complete 『Dragon’s Roar』 . ]
[… . . what, are you talking about??]
Ignoring Shu’s incredulousness, Ares quietly concentrated his soul to the Seven Heavenly Sword .
[This is an ancient sword . A sword of spectre that has bathed itself in blood through countless slaughter throughout the numerous battlefields . ]
Then he raised his hand once more .
[Spectral Sword Murasame!]
A sword with a violet blade, one that gave off dreadful air, emerged in Ares’ hand .