Kays Translations

Chapter 45: It's Out of Character

"Gah!!!! Haa, haa... Why?"

About five minutes into the match between Philip and Ornes, the tide of the battle was leaning in Philip's favor.

(Why is that? I know Philip's speed and reaction time are superior. However... it shouldn't be to this extent.)

Since the start of the match, despite some close calls, Philip hadn't taken a single hit from Ornes' slashes, and he hadn't even raised his guard.

"Why can't you land a single hit on me? You're looking at me like it's a mystery."

"Well, your speed and reaction time surpassed my expectations... or so I thought."

"No, that's not it."

"Huh!?!?"

His own thoughts were quickly refuted by the person he was currently fighting.

"Guu!!! Then!! If that's not it!!!! What's the reason for this much difference!!!!!"

Though he felt a bit sad saying it himself, Ornes still couldn't admit the fact that none of his attacks were landing.

"Well, that's... I wonder what it could be?"

"Guuu!!!! That grin of yours is as annoying as ever!!!!"

A smile that seemed to mock others.

Some young ladies found it somewhat charming in a way.

However, the reason why that grin appeared now became clear with a bit of calm reflection.

Currently, Philip was fighting Ornes.

It wasn't a simulated battle within the school grounds; they were fighting on the grand stage of the Fierce Battle Festival, carrying with them pride and various experiences.

It was unclear why Philip, who generally seemed lazy and carefree, had taken on such a resolve to stand on such a grand stage, but he wasn't foolish enough to send taunts during the match.

Furthermore, even if he understood the reason why his attacks weren't landing and how Philip could easily dodge and avoid without even raising a guard, it didn't mean he could handle it with absolute ease.

(I may not be able to laugh arrogantly, but still!!!)

A power-type man wielding a greatsword had learned the art of prediction and technique. 

That was certainly formidable.

Due to the nature of the Heavy Knight profession, improving in aspects such as stats and technique was challenging to achieve solely through level-ups and skills.

It was a weapon that Ornes could only acquire by accumulating harsh experiences himself.

In a battle, such a weapon was crucial, but from Philip's perspective, the current Ornes had become an opponent he could relatively easily handle.

Power is a straightforward and clear-cut weapon. 

The stronger it is, the greater the damage it can inflict on the opponent, and depending on its strength, it can even break through the guard and deal damage.

If Ornes believed in his own power and relentlessly pressed with the continuous strikes of the Great Slash... Great Slashing Blade, the situation became a sweat-inducing battle for Phillip.

Even if the surface of the battle seems to be progressing advantageously, there is a possibility of being crushed and suffering a painful damage when attempting to guard.

If taken directly, a single blow could easily determine the outcome of the match.

However... now that Ornes has learned reading and countering, there was not full determination behind each swing.

Thoughts on how to respond if the opponent counters his full-power attack, how to follow up if they choose the option of evasion... such considerations were reflected in his eyes.

That, in itself, is undoubtedly powerful. 

An average student would likely be defeated without a chance.

However, Phillip is different from the typical student. Despite not having undergone serious training for a long time, he possesses top-notch reading skills and, through training with Ishud and others, has already reached a level where he can apply them in real combat against monsters.

(But, well, my stamina isn't infinite. I should wrap this up soon.)

The current Ornes, from Phillip's perspective, was terribly incomplete.

"Ngh!!? Gah!!??"

Not a single attack had landed since the start of the match. Ornes, feeling that Phillip had complete control over the course of the battle, became anxious. Approaching on his own, he unleashed his powerful technique, the Thunderous Annihilation Flash.

The technique that can be learned at Skill Level Four of the Great Sword skill, and very few first-year students in the high school section can acquire it.

The Thunderous Annihilation Flash, unleashed by absolute experts, is said to be an attack that can cleave through mountains. Even if it doesn't reach that level yet, Ornes's blow, if it lands, would cause even Ishud to grimace at the damage.

However, Phillip easily dashed away in a low-flying posture, evading the Thunderous Annihilation Flash.

"Not bad... it wasn't bad at all, Ornes. But, for me, it was still incomplete."

Ornes, who had his Thunderous Annihilation Flash evaded, hadn't given up yet. He discarded his great sword and, utilizing the flow of the Thunderous Annihilation Flash, twisted his body and delivered a back fist.

"Heh... still too naive. That's how it goes."

However, even after Ornes unleashed the Thunderous Annihilation Flash, Phillip anticipated that he would do something from there. He avoided the back fist, simultaneously tripped him, and placed a blade near the position of his heart.

"That's it!! The match is over!!! The winner is Phillip Gergios!!!"

With the referee's declaration of victory, the arena erupted in applause, creating an illusion of the venue shaking once again.

"I don't usually say this kind of thing... Ornes. Right now, it might be better to pursue movements that are more like you."

"Moves that are more like me..."

"Farewell."

While thinking that he had done something uncharacteristic, Phillip descended from the ring with unchanged steps.

"Heh... You really did something out of character, Phillip."

Despite himself thinking it was an uncharacteristic move, a small smile appeared on Ornes's face.

By the way, Ishud, instead of just praising Phillip after the match, was giving both participants a hearty round of applause.

"Tadae~ma~"

"Welcome back, Phillip. Looks like a flawless victory."

"Somehow or another..."

Upon returning, Phillip stared intently at Michela.

"W-What is it? Do you want words of consolation from me?"

"It's not like that... well, maybe. It's like, 'Even if it's gone bad, it's still something.'"

"What!!? What do you mean by suddenly looking at someone and saying it's gone bad!!!"

It was a very rude way of speaking, but even so, Phillip couldn't figure out what was good about this barking young lady, Michela.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter