Chapter 64 Rematch

　Afterward, we tested other skills, but ‘Deformation’ couldn’t be embedded in the ‘garnet stone.’ It seems that different skills have various constraints.

However, depending on how we use them, they will undoubtedly expand the range of our skills.

When we have spare time, diligently embedding skills in the ‘garnet stone’ can also save SP.

“For now, let’s conclude the verification of the ‘garnet stone’ and skills and focus on devising a plan to defeat the Demon King. Of course, while embedding skills in the ‘garnet stone.'”

　Mia was a bit reluctant, but the basic idea is to use many new skills, to develop them and reduce their activation time. Because sometimes we can’t rely on “garnet Stone”.

　◇

“——”So, have you created any new skills?”

We have arrived at the Demon King’s mansion.

“Yes. We have made progress in both skill development and ‘garnet stone’ verification to a certain extent.”

“Oh… so you’ll show me the results in the next battle?”

I nod, and the Demon King smiles slyly.

　◇

　——We returned to the section of the underground cave where we were conducting tests.

Using the skill ‘Scan’ in the Demon King’s mansion, we already obtained information about the Demon King.

During the time it took to move here, we created two ‘garnet stones’ containing ‘Ping’ targeting the Demon King—one for me and one for Mia. We made each stone with an SP amount of 12, so it will last for 120 seconds. In other words, the ‘Ping’ buff will last for two minutes.

“Well, are we ready?”

We nod and assume a combat stance.

The Demon King signals us to come at him with his finger.

“Let’s go!”

　Mia and I use ‘Ping’ from the ‘garnet stones’ in our left hands.

Since we can’t keep holding the stones during the battle, we use all the SP12 stored in the stones at once.

As a result, we enter a state where the skill is active for 120 seconds.

“What is this sensation…? You’ve definitely used a skill.”

　It seems that the Demon King found out right away, but it doesn’t matter.

　Just like in the previous battle, Mia and I launch our attacks.

The Demon King continues to evade while observing something.

“You used a skill, but nothing has changed. Is this all you’ve got…?”

　The moment the Demon King’s figure vanished, a red haze in my mind shifted to the left rear.

As soon as I used my left arm and leg to assume a defensive stance, the Demon King’s kick came.

I managed to block it with my left arm, but the force pushed me backward.

“Oh, you managed to defend against that… I don’t know what kind of trick you’re using, but it seems you’ve grown a bit. However, even if you defend yourself, you’ll still take damage if I increase the power of my attacks.”

　That is certainly true.

That ‘s why you have no choice but to increase the power of your attacks.

“It ends here.”

In that moment, the Demon King closed the distance between us in an instant and threw a punch towards my face.

I crossed both arms and assumed a defensive posture.

With this, if it’s a half-hearted attack, I won’t take any damage.

　A punch launched from outside my guard struck my face with a dull sound.

‘…….What just happened? My head is confused by this unexpected turn of events,’ the Demon King thought

‘My vision is flickering. It’s dangerous. Stay calm.’

…The Demon King was on the verge of collapsing to his knees, but managed to endure somehow.

‘Am I , the Demon King , exposing such an unsightly appearance?’

　The Demon King glared at me, while I was standing calmly in front of him.

“What the hell did you do?”

I used the skill ‘Router’ to change the trajectory of the Demon King’s punch to himself.

It’s a skill with various conditions, but it worked well.

He’s quite disoriented now. This is our chance.

We launch our attack.

It’s okay, Mia’s preparations are complete.

Perhaps due to his agitation, the attacks that were previously evaded were now hitting the Demon King. Well, I say hitting, but they’re still being defended against.

　The Demon King remains cautious and doesn’t attack.

　That face punch from earlier must have had quite an impact.

After all, it was a powerful punch from the Demon King.

It must have been more effective than any punch I could throw.

The Demon King took a step back to create distance between us, matching his retreat with a punch aimed at my body.

“What…?”, the Demon King shouted with surprise and opened his eyes wide,

　He should have moved backward, but he ended up moving forward.

“Ugh… What’s happening…!?”

And the punch he aimed at my body struck the unprotected abdomen of the Demon King.

He sidestepped to the left this time, but he returned to my front again.

The Demon King, realizing he had fallen into my trap, jumped backward in a big leap.

For now, I think I’ve settled the score from last time. Next is Mia’s turn.

◇ [Demon King Enzo’s Perspective]

I jumped backward, drawing a large arc.

By reaching a height of about 10 meters, just barely avoiding the ceiling in this area, I buy myself some time to gather my thoughts.

I don’t know what kind of skill it is, but it’s troublesome.

　From the sensation, it seems to be a trap-setting type of skill.

For now, I don’t think the skill can be set in mid-air.

I thought he would come up with an attack-type skill… As expected of Takumi, he’s interesting.

First, should I change the battlefield? That place isn’t doing me any favors.

When I looked around to decide where to land, I suddenly found that the ground where I was going to land had disappeared.

“Wh-What…? What’s happening?”

There was a huge fissure where I was supposed to land.

　When did it… It’s impossible to create such a fissure without making any noise.

This must also be a skill, but without confirmation, I can’t just fall like this.

I converted my SP and released a fire magic spell backward. Utilizing the recoil, I land on the other side of the fissure. 

When I tried to look back at the fissure, I suddenly sensed Mia’s presence.

Mia was standing there in a surprised posture.

Was that skill hers?

　Before anything happens, I have to defeat her for now.

I approached Mia, who was standing still, and lightly kicked her leg.

Immediately, Mia’s leg shattered.

“What!?”

How ridiculous. I only kicked lightly.

I hurriedly looked at Mia.

What used to be Mia has transformed into a rock.

Petchi!

　Huh? What was that?

Something touched my back.

When I turned around, Mia was driving her fist into my back.

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