Instant Defeat

Iga said, “The young man talks about visiting a friend over here where the Ogre was discovered. It was unclear whether he’s being deceived or brainwashed.”

Kouga said, “He is good enough to win a game of Go against young lady, no mere brat, that’s for certain.”

They seemed to be wary of me when I rose up and used flicker step. In front of me poised in the flicker stance, the masked man named Iga stepped forward. Iga said, “However, based on the circumstances we should avoid excessive violence if possible. I will hold him down here.”

Such bloodlust, also that weird transformation technique he used to dodge my attack, but it won’t work this time. 

Enuma said, "Do not let your guard down, boy. these may be free hunters, but the reality is different."

I was confused, "Enuma?"

Enuma said, "He is from Insei. Furthermore, the transformation art he just utilized—"

I understood that they’re not mere warriors. What Enuma felt from these guys as they were saying something earlier. To be that negligent, I still have too much confidence in myself.

Kouga said, “I have no grudges, but young man if you don’t retreat, I will force you down.”

I said, “Oh, that’s right. You guys say you’re hunters, but who are you, really? You’re a war veteran.”

Then, Iga puts his center of gravity slightly lower. My senses tell me he gathered enough force in order to nimbly jump out at me.

That is, nothing like this has occurred in the academy mock battle I’ve had so far, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen this posture. Although he seems calm, he is also exuding killing intent.

Iga said, “I’ll say it once more. Will you stand down?”

I said, “You’re not going to listen to me, only to words convenient for you.”

Iga replied, “It appears so. In that case, then sorry!”

The moment I refused to answer his final warning, Iga moved. He used his Insei Running Art straight towards me. 

No, it’s not. The speed itself is probably not that much. It’s just looks fast due to the sharpness of the run, the pace and the steps. As he runs, he steps forward by raising the heel without bending the knees in the middle and accelerates suddenly as you think he slowed down.

It’s a feint. If I can understand the theory, don’t panic and calm down.  I said, “It’s slower compared to Reval.”

Anticipate the opponent’s movements and counter with a left jab to the jaw the moment he jumps in. 

Iga takes the shot “Ah!”

Kouga calls out “Iga!?”

This time it’s not a transformation. Iga himself eats a pinpoint blow to the jaw and collapses like a puppet with a broken string. The blow is obviously a shock to Kouga and Vin.

Vin surprised and stammers, “Ah, hey, hey, why!?”

Kouga spit out, "Iga?”

Instant defeat. Now is the time! Run towards Kouga and cut the steps just before. Using the same Goose Step feint technique. 

Kouga, who is still shaken, is further delayed by my feint. “What?!”

At that moment, I jump into Kouga’s chest and clench my left fist. I said “I can do it, too.”

Even though he was in a panic, Kouga managed to move his body and raise his fists. He said, “Fast, then, from below, or, defend!”

Vin called out, “Kouga, get back!”

It’s too late. While rushing in at the step, hit straight out from the position between the hook and upper. I didn’t particularly reveal it in the match with Reval, but it’s a punch different from straight, hook, upper and body.

I call out my combo, “Fly to the end! Heavenly Comet • Supreme Annihilation Fist”

Vin was astonished, “Eh!!??”

Enuma mocked me, "Why would you name a smash launched from below a comet?"

The words of Enuma, who has no sense of naming, don’t bother me, and the strikes land on the opponent’s arm as he tried to defend his face. There was a response!

Kouga eating punches said, “Gah, tch, goho…”

Vin replied, “Kouga”

Kouga said, “I-I’m alright, young lady, step back! This one is not normal.”

However, it was not enough to knock him out because he guarded to some extent. 

Still, his nose was crushed and blood flowing out, but Kouga gazes at me with sharp eyes as if he is resolved rather than dismayed and begins a strange hand movement at high speed. “Time to get serious! It’s rough, but with my art, I’ll have you!”

Enuma noticed and warned me, "That, like a mage’s chant, it is a seal."

I asked, “Seal?”

Enuma explained, "Yes, that is the warrior from the Kingdom of Insei. He is using a shadow assassin technique Ninjutsu!"

Ah, that it was among yesterday’s topics. 

Kouga called out his attack, “Wind Art Spiral Maelstrom!"

To be honest, I was still cool and calm, but my eyes shine with admiration. It seems to be a different type of attack than our magic, but in the end it’s a wind attribute attack.

The whirlwind turns into sharp blades, blows all around and attacks me.

I used my defensive magic, “Terra Spell Kilo Mud Wall!”

The wall made from soil appears from the ground and blocks wind magic attack. Vin shocked said, “You, magic!?”

At the same time, I slam my fists against the clay wall, destroy it, and launch the fragments at Kouga.

I start the name the attack but forgot what I called it, “Stars Crust, um, eh!”

Enuma mocked me, "To forget the name of your own special attack. This is why I said you should employ the skill name that I put forth."

I feel a little embarrassed by Enuma's quip, but the power is still the same. Kouga took the mud wall fragments head on and suffered damage.

Kouga is shaken with a wounded knee. “Gah, c-curses. Boy, who are you?”

Enuma said, "I would impress on you to not get carried away, but far from it. At first, I wondered how you would fare, but these ones are at intermediate level. Originally, it is the height of folly for warriors who specialized in stealth and assassination to engage in battle head on. Unless you are at the mercy of an unknown technique, they are no match for the boy whose power already surpasses a senior warrior."

Then, at Enuma’s words, my dominance turns into conviction. Should be fine. If this is the case, I’ll be at Aka’s place soon.

At that time, Vin who had fallen back a little from our attack and defense, came out with a smile that I couldn’t imagine from her expressionless face when we first met. Vin said, “Amazing! You are a surprise peach on a shrub tree.” 

I was stunned at her reaction “Huh?”

Vina continued, “To defeat Iga with a single blow and overwhelm Kouga. Not only Go, but also unexpectedly strong. You are my ideal man.”

Two of her companions were down, so I thought she would be more distressed, but Vin, to my surprise, came forth with some joy. 

I said to Vin, “I’m sorry, but now I’m a man who prioritizes friendship over women. Don’t interfere!”

She replied, “It’s fine. Even if I desperately give it my all from now, I can’t reach my ideal bust size.”

Even so, this girl, to tell a joke in this kind of situation, it is very different from the bored doll appearance she had in town.

In the past, Sadie and the Princess would scold me. Warnings to be careful of the woman who seduces you as the son of the hero in her aim for money and status. The Honey Trap and such. I’ve been told not to be deceived by the words of such women, and that I have a soft spot for girls with such allure.

However, she doesn’t know that I’m the son of a hero.

This girl, might be flat as a board, but she has a pretty face, and if she’s really interested in me. What should I do….

Enuma brought me back, "Oi, why the agitation. Never mind that. You best believe the crucial moment comes after this."

“Oh?”

No, I thought by some chance my time really came, but I got Enuma’s advice in a slightly serious tone.

Vin said to her comrades, “Back away with Iga, Kouga. I’ll handle this.”

What? She wants to go one-on-one with me, even though the two old men were defeated by me. A girl the same age as me. No, well, even though she is a woman, if her power is the same class as the princess, she sure is confident.

Vin said, “You’re proud of your ability to defeat those two. Then, next don’t want you feel the power of even stronger warrior?”

Saying that, Vin takes out a small sword and takes up a sword stance. saying “I may have been overwhelmed on the board, but it will not be that easy with combat.”

I again get ready with the Flicker Step as well. Now then, we will communicate through a fight instead of on the board game. It’ll be accompanied more or less with pain.

I said, “Ah, scary. Would the pain of your first time hurt more, I wonder. Would you like to receive lessons in both?”

Making Vin blush and stutter, “What? Wh-Who knows. I-I am not bothered by such matters. More important is friendship. Handholding, exchange diaries and such.”

I smirked, “You are still trying to be amusing.”

The real player of the previous game was Enuma. So, this is the first real showdown between me and Vin.

But first, I have to try to disrupt her pace. Knock her down fast, end it quick. As I have to get to Aka’s place!