Chapter 16: [V] Third's End
Walter continuously blocks and cuts all the arrows that come into him as he circles around his enemy. He is still not used to see first which kind of arrow the enemy shots at him, so there are times when explosions just suddenly go out, making a mess out of him when he is unsuspecting.
It's been like this for quite some time now, and Walter just couldn't take this repetitive action going on anymore.
[ Tsk! ] with a click of his tongue, he showed his distress.
*Swoosh!
And just like that, again, an arrow came flying towards him, leaving him with two choices: to completely dodge it or to block and cut it with his sword. Having the instinct of a trained fighter, he cuts it off in half since it was only a single one, but soon, many again followed.
[ There's just no end to his arrows...! Just how many does he have!? ] he complains as he dodges them all, only for them to come back seconds later.
( I guess I should've expected something like this from the sons of the man who taught me my techniques, but... Yes, battle-wise, they're almost at the same level as me. ) he ponders as he continues to circle on his enemy, trying to find a way to get close to him without getting shot and exploded.
[ Right... If they will use magic, the only way I can easily defeat them is to use mine too. ]
There are many differences in this world and Walter's previous Earth. Practically, this world would be called a 'fantasy world' by him in his previous life, if this didn't turn out to be his new reality. Either way, the largest difference between the two would be the knowledge of the people living in this world, and its system known as magic.
'Elements' - is what they are commonly called. Attributes of magic one inherit and maybe learn through training and many trials. There are many elements that exist, and four of the most common would be the element of fire, water, earth, and wind - which are also called 'the four basic elements of magic'.
Earth and fire... his current and previous enemy has the basics, which are easier to learn, improve, and control. That is also the reason why their movements and coordination of attacks were well performed and ultimately, almost perfect.
But how about Walter's....? Many would have guessed that it was the wind element, but no, his swings were really just that strong enough to send waves of cutting winds. But then, what is his real magic element...?
Well, it isn't really a question of what, but of how many.
[ I haven't used my magic for weeks now; it might get dull. ] with a small grin on his face, he pulls his sword back, ready to perform a large swing.
And as his eyes turn ahead to where his enemy is, he decided to go rush directly towards him again, only now, he has his body bent low and his gaze focus on the arrows that are about to be launched towards him.
With much anticipation, the enemy really did let loose many of his arrows, as he should - throwing them into Walter with the speed that won't shy against a flying bullet. However, with his brows furrowed, he notices that Walter is planning something different, making him both anxious and afraid.
He just couldn't help but add more numbers to his arrows. Putting at least five of them with each pull of the bow's string, but when he let's go, he doesn't exactly point them to go in one direction, but to all different angles which will definitely make them miss. But his arrows are not normal, as they're like 'homing missiles' that follow their target - so they bend their directions, circling towards Walter, making sure that he won't escape them easily.
Of course, Walter was not just surprised, but shocked to see how many of his arrows accumulated in his endless shots - almost reaching a hundred that will soon reach him, their target.
Really, if he won't use his magic, there will be no way to escape.
[ Unbelievable... ] he whispers as he finally moves his sword in a rather slow manner.
But - with just a millisecond, the tip of his sword starts to spark in blue lighting, which then soon engulfs its blade whole with it.
Everyone gasps in surprise seeing this unknown thing. Is it magic? Yes, it is, but it's something that they never witnessed before.
And with a large sneer, Walter waited for the arrows to get close, and when they finally did, he stopped to his tracks and swung his sword sideways, sending a flash of light into the stage that blinded everyone.
[ [ !!! ] ]
Everyone's eyes surely blinked at that moment. The second when a banging, thunderous sound escapes Walter's sword, then, when lighting itself escapes it - blue lighting which connected through all the nearby arrows - sending waves of aura - as it fries them all to dust. It was like numerous thunder from a wicked storm suddenly struck him down to clear all of his surroundings.
[ ... ]
And just after, everyone turns quiet.
None were saying a word in the audience as every one of them can't really find the right word to express their shock, added to them too are the Brunhild's and Walter's current enemy.
Every single one of them has the face that asks the question, "What just happened?", as they watch Walter who is now only standing without moving, with his sword still covered in living blue thunder. It was one of his magic elements: lighting.
The lighting element is not really the kind of element that is neither rare nor common, it's just something that everyone knows exists but a few witnesses.
But this magic of Walter is something he did not really inherit, but rather, invented. It is something that is original; only his: this blue lighting. And, just as always, seeing it for the first time, everyone was out for words.
Then, when he figured that everything and everyone is too quiet, Walter decided to be the first one to speak so that the fight will continue. So with a voice that makes sure everyone would hear -
[ This isn't over yet, right... - ]
*Swoosh!!!
But before he could finish what he was about to say, an arrow came rocketing towards him again, only to be blocked by his sword without him even looking, it's as if the sword itself is alive. And because it was still covered in melting lighting, the arrow that hit with it turns immediately into dust.
[ Hmm... I guess I shouldn't have said that... It's still obviously isn't over yet. ] Walter spoke again as he turns his eyes to the enemy and calmly strolls towards him, not really underestimating him, but he needed a few seconds to prepare after the silent minute they all had.
He walks normally, only then to be shocked by the next words he hears as he continues.
[ No, it's over, Ainzach-sama; you already won. ] his enemy said in a very respectful manner, as he guesses to come from the sons of Arthur.
But, he can't really process it yet. Is he really forfeiting or is he just trying to lower his guard just as he did just now? He doesn't know, so he ought to ask -
[ What do you mean? You're not just trying to make me lower my guard, right? ]
[ That's not it, Walter-sama. ] he responds as he took off his quiver and shows it to him.
[ Ah... Right... I guess with that amount, you really won't last long. ]
The quiver, where his arrows are stored, is now completely empty. And just like that, the announcer finally announced his win. Walter has reached his second win.
And with the fight over, the enemy bows to him while giving his thanks.
[ I will surely learn from this defeat. ]
( There is really nothing to learn from that... ) Walter wanted to speak but he knows that it will be too disrespectful. So instead...
[ Just make sure that you have something to use when you somehow empty your arrows. If this happens in a real battle, you will definitely end up dead. ]
[ I will remember those words. ]
Finally, he went away, leaving him alone again in the spacious stage.
( I'm pretty tired now... Well, the next would be the last so I guess it's still fine... )
He relaxes his body and finally lets go of his guard - but just when he did that, a crack suddenly appeared on his practice sword, and a moment later...
Pieces of it came landing on the floor.
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