Chapter 146 : Chapter 146

Chapter 146: Chaser Idna

Even kids who were called geniuses in their respective regions would realize they were frogs in a well upon coming to the Academy.

Because there was a wall there.

A single cadet who stood out exceptionally even in the Academy where talents gathered and naturally drew everyone's attention.

Typically, in the 890th class, there was Ivan.

And the person in front of me.

He was one of those people.

Chaser Idna.

A swordsmanship genius who had been famous since his time at the Academy.

Even now, there was no one in the younger generation who could match him and he was already being mentioned as the next commander of the Central Knights, the position of the best swordsman in the empire.

Besides that, there were many other words that described him.

A divine talent who would soon reach the Master level, and the nickname 'Knight of Flowers', given to him for his charming appearance, had now become a nickname that completely represented him.

However, the nickname 'Knight of Flowers' was not just because of his looks.

It was said that watching his dual swordsmanship, which unfolded with speed that was hard to follow with the eyes and was both gorgeous and dazzling, reminded one of a vast flower garden made of colorful flowers.

Beautiful from a distance, but containing dangerous things like poison and thorns when you get close.

I had not forgotten these descriptions used in the character's setting.

To think I would confirm that reality with my own eyes like this.

‘I really didn’t want to confirm it.’

It goes without saying, but I had no choice.

Chaser's appearance, as he scanned my attire with sharp eyes, seemed to be full of the will to never let me go.

‘Chaser with his eyes open…….’

I gripped Raven in both my hands and the staff, which was now a scabbard, tightly.

Dry saliva naturally went down my throat.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't nervous.

The opponent in front of me, Chaser, was stronger than any enemy I had fought so far.

The strongest among the enemies I had fought was Papamus, so he was the only one I could compare, but…… Chaser was above him.

In strength, level, fame, and influence in the world.

Was he scouting me out?

Chaser, holding a sword in each hand, did not move.

Only the tips of his swords, which were pointing at the ground, swayed in the wind like limp branches.

‘The length is shorter than a longsword.’

Even so, it was longer than an arming sword.

The width was also wide.

It was Chaser's exclusive artifact for dual-wielding.

I didn't know its special ability.

Because it hadn't appeared in the original work.

But I didn't really want to know.

I didn't want to find out either.

As I was also scouting him out, Chaser suddenly moved.

Tadat!

Just as the thought that he had disappeared from his spot came to my mind, his face appeared in front of me.

At the same time, the sound of the air being torn from the left.

Taaaang──!

I blocked it by raising Raven, but another blade was splitting down from above.

The blade was gleaming with a blue energy due to the Aura Sword.

So I raised my staff without hesitation and blocked it.

Kiiing, a short frictional sound and sparks flew.

The staff, which seemed like it would be cut by the sharp Aura Sword, deflected Chaser's sword very naturally.

“……!”

Chaser's eyes, upon seeing that, were saying that he couldn't believe it.

But for me, this was a natural result.

Because 'Raven' was a unique-grade artifact and the one and only sacred object of the Shadow Master.

The staff that became its scabbard was also a part of this Raven.

No matter how powerful Chaser's Aura Sword was, it was impossible to split it.

“It's not easy, I see.”

Chaser, who had muttered, suddenly grinned.

And a fierce battle of offense and defense began.

Tadadadang!

My eyes and hands moved frantically and sparks flew in all directions due to the friction.

Even with the dynamic visual acuity of someone with over 100 agility, I couldn't see anything properly.

The dual swordsmanship I was facing for the first time was dazzling and confusing, making it difficult to predict.

I was just swinging my sword and moving my legs as my instincts led me.

I was being pushed back like crazy, but…… it wasn't something to worry about much.

Thanks to the thief's characteristics, my agility stat was far higher than my level.

However, Chaser, who was not a thief, was showing a similar speed.

It was easy to guess that Chaser's level was much higher than mine.

I was inferior in everything except agility.

So, this result was natural.

‘But the outcome of a fight is not decided by simple numbers like stats or levels.’

Things like your condition on that day, your mindset, the state of the ground you're stepping on, the presence or absence of an artifact, or the compatibility of your swordsmanship can become variables.

And.

The combat experience engraved in your body and the senses thus created can also affect the battle.

Right, combat experience.

What was the difference between Evan's crazy dual axe swinging and Chaser's dual swordsmanship in front of me?

Both were a threat to my life.

And it was the same during the life-and-death struggle with Evan, where I couldn't predict where an attack would come from, be it a kick, elbow, shoulder, or even a headbutt.

‘The only difference is that Evan exuded ferocity and even killing intent recklessly.’

What I want to say here is that combat is relative.

Compared to the life-and-death struggle I had with Evan, this was a walk in the park.

In short, it was quite manageable.

“……”

Chaser, too, seemed to have realized something was strange, as his lips, which had been full of leisure, were gradually hardening.

“As expected, you Skull Mask is not an ordinary thief……”

And I.

[Telekinesis]

I used magic around that time.

Click!

From the dagger sheath tied to my waist, a single dagger slides out and floats in the air.

Chaser did not notice it.

I immediately threw the dagger at him.

Swaeaek!

A dagger secretly rushing in.

However.

Ttaang!

Chaser easily parried it.

“You can’t beat me with such cowardly tricks, Skull Mask.”

His eyes narrowed.

Can't beat him.

Well, I know that much.

In the first place, I had no desire to beat Chaser.

To win, I would have to kill Chaser, but why would I?

My enemy is the cult, not the Academy.

And my purpose right now is to escape.

[Dagger Shift]

A short feeling of floating enveloped my body as if brushing past it, and the surrounding environment changed.

To the spot where the dagger Chaser had parried had fallen, inside a nearby bush.

My dagger is right in front of me.

I immediately retrieve it and then unleash [Dark Sprint].

“[Spatial Leap]?”

Chaser's cry of astonishment follows me as he spots me.

And he tries to chase, but at this distance, he can never catch up to my [Dark Sprint]…….

‘Huh?’

I look down with a puzzled expression as the vision fails to activate.

I see that something strange that has shot up from the ground is holding both my ankles.

This is a tree……root?

A single magic comes to mind.

‘Binding.’

Following that, a woman who seemed to have cast the binding appeared in front of me.

“It's not [Spatial Leap]. The flow of the formula I felt was different.”

“Oh, Ronica!?”

A welcoming Chaser.

But I, on the other hand, have a grim face.

‘Damn it. Ronica Jasmine.’

No wonder I didn't see her.

The situation I had feared had occurred.

“Skull Mask. Did I catch him?”

Ronica smiles faintly at Chaser.

Did she think she had caught me perfectly because I was bound by the binding?

So I broke the binding with the ability of ‘Daybreak’, [Unbinding], as if to show off.

As the tree roots that were binding my body melted away with a halo of light, Ronica's eyes widened.

“……No way. My binding was broken that easily?”

“Get out!”

Chaser, who was behind, charged.

Staring at him, I put the blade of Raven back into the staff.

Raven, becoming one.

At the same time, I use the best method to overcome this predicament, the best skill I have.

[Power Seizure].

Whose I would steal was already decided.

Kaaaaaak!

The raven head at the end of the staff cries out at Chaser.

Almost simultaneously, Chaser's sword moved with invisible speed.

Pabat!

At that moment, I fell into an illusion as if time had stopped.

An enormous number of sword shadows, which had already filled the space around me and him without a gap.

It wouldn't be just my delusion that it looked like a flower bud before it bloomed.

“……”

It felt as if I was trapped in a vast flower garden.

I realize instinctively.

Ah, this is the advanced vision that Chaser possesses, the epitome of his dual swordsmanship.

“It’s over, Skull Mask.”

A cold death sentence and the tightening flower bud.

But then.

Flower buds began to form around me too.

……And seeing that, Chaser's face filled with astonishment.

Kiiiing!

And so, the two worlds collided with a dazzling halo of light.

Kwagwagwang!

The light disappeared, and a thick dust cloud rose.

Gravel and small particles were pouring down like rain.

In between.

“Proffessor Ch-Chaser!”

I heard Ronica Jasmine's voice.

When I glanced over, I could see Chaser kneeling a little distance away, in the dust cloud and Ronica supporting him.

Chaser was covered in blood, with cuts all over his body.

In that state, he was looking at me with disbelieving eyes and it was doubtful if he could even chase after me, let alone fight.

It was a relief.

If there was a problem.

‘That goes for me too.’

Damn it.

My whole body is sore.

Especially the pain in my left arm is quite intense.

I glance down to check my condition.

A long sword wound from my upper arm, past my elbow, to my forearm came into view.

A wound that clearly couldn't be healed immediately with ‘Agnis’.

‘So this is what it’s like to use a stolen vision.’

No matter how great a skill you steal, there was bound to be a difference in proficiency.

‘At least I’m glad my legs aren’t injured.’

I painstakingly turned my body and left the place.

Was it because the shock hadn't subsided?

Chaser did not chase and neither did Ronica.

***

The retreating Skull Mask.

Chaser just stared blankly at the figure with disbelieving eyes.

‘……It was definitely my [Dual Flower Sword].’

Of course, it wasn't perfectly identical.

But whether it was identical or not, the point that surprised Chaser was that he had copied his own technique, which he had seen for the first time today.

He had heard of it.

The man who was called the king of the night when he was a cadet.

That the Master of Shadow had such a power.

‘I have to catch him.’

Chaser said to Ronica, who was supporting him.

“Chase him quickly.”

“……Eh? But sunbae, you’re injured.”

“They’re all light scratches and cuts. More importantly, catching him is more important. Chase him quickly……”

Chaser's voice, as he urged Ronica, trailed off.

His eyes were moving, following a red flare that was soaring into the dark night sky.

Peong!

A flare that exploded with a flash, illuminating the world in red.

That was the direction the Skull Mask had just fled in.

“Looks like they caught him.”

“……Hmm?”

“Over there. The Guard Captain and the guards are there.”

With a faint smile, Ronica continued.

“Is that all? This whole area is surrounded. The professors who were exam proctors and the professors who hadn't left work yet. And the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd-year cadets. Skull Mask? He can't escape.”

***

‘So it ends like this.’

I stare blankly at the crowd that is filling the surroundings.

The Academy guards, the faculty, and the cadets.

It seemed that everyone remaining in the Academy, except for the personnel who had gone home and those above the rank of Section Chief, had gathered in this place.

“You can see the situation, Skull Mask. There's no point in struggling needlessly. Surrender quietly.”

The Guard Captain says, looking at me.

In this state, I wouldn't be able to beat even that old man.

It was the worst possible situation, but strangely, my lips were smiling.

“Heh heh.”

“Why are you laughing?”

I ignored him and continued to laugh.

So it ends like this.

I don't think I've ever been cornered this much.

Even though I struggled so much, in the end, I couldn't prevent this situation, the death flag.

A sense of futility washed over me.

But that was all, and I raised Raven.

Even if it was unfair for all my efforts, I couldn't see the end here.

I squeeze my brain.

I recall all the visions, special abilities, and artifacts I currently have.

And I think about what methods there are to overcome the current situation with them.

In addition, I even bring in the settings of the ‘original work’.

What was the Guard Captain's weakness?

What is that professor's weakness?

If I go that way, which path did it lead to?

‘I will not die here.’

The Guard Captain whispers with the professors next to him and they exchange glances.

The flow of the quiet air gradually quickens.

The temperature heats up, and in the explosive tension, my heartbeat quickens.

My senses sharpen.

My muscles contract tightly, and all the hair on my skin stands on end.

In between, there are things that feel strangely out of place.

It's only natural.

Because in my eyes, it stood out alone.

If all those surrounding me were a light color, it alone was black.

Also, in the hostility that filled the surroundings, it was the only goodwill, and in the midst of so much unfamiliarity, it alone was familiar.

And.

‘……The scent of grass.’

“Catch…… Heok!?”

The Guard Captain, who was just giving the order, let out a cry of bewilderment at the suddenly rising black smoke.

And soon, the area was completely covered in a black fog cloud.

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