348. Bonding
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Those who reached the extremes in their field were called adults, the strongest individuals within the continent.
Among them, the legendary swordsmen, known as the best of the best, were said to be transcendent beings within the myths – capable of facing heroes and demons, albeit to a limited extent, as the famous stories go.
Of course, as indicated by the term ‘limited’, even they found it impossible to fully confront such beings. It was absurd to think of directly facing and overwhelming them.
In that sense.
“It’s impossible.”
The scene unfolding at this moment was undoubtedly far from reality.
With calm voices, the two strongest individuals, heroes and vessels, simultaneously bounced off from the spot.
‘He’s a real monster, isn’t he?’
In the ongoing competition, Elijah, whose breath had risen to just below his chin, was panting without even thinking of wiping the sweat running down his forehead.
If we consider it again, she is also a strong figure that can be counted on one hand even on a continental scale, and she could even be considered the strongest occasionally within the category of ‘humans.’
And yet, the existence that even she couldn’t guarantee victory against even at the cost of her life, was Elnog, who was currently collaborating with her in the fight.
However, it’s not like they are facing two humans at the same time, but rather, what kind of being is ‘overpowering’ these humans?
‘I don’t feel anything at all…!’
She didn’t know what kind of ability she was dealing with, but at the very least, she couldn’t sense anything.
No magic, no divine power, no spell!
“Are you not coming anymore?”
“…”
“…”
At the direct question that was put forward, both Elijah and Elnog remained silent.
Even a human with considerable courage should rethink provoking these two, but even so, it was clear that they were not launching another attack hastily.
The reason was obvious.
Compared to the composed demeanor of the leader who didn’t shed a single drop of sweat, it was clear that they were the ones being pushed back and suffering all kinds of wounds.
Even though it was clear that the other side didn’t seem to have any intention of actively launching an attack, the situation was truly desperate.
“…Shall we try to synchronize the timing again?”
“You know it’s not just a matter of that.”
In response to Elijah’s muttering, Elnog replied in a low, subdued voice.
Setting aside how terrible their usual relationship was, their coordination at the moment was not only far from being strained, but was clearly proceeding very smoothly.
When you consider it, it’s more than just smooth; it’s close to perfection.
And yet, even though both of them are clearly aware of this fact.
There seems to be no way to strategize.
“The basic difference in abilities is unbelievable. This is-“
The sentence was cut off midway, but Elijah couldn’t help but silently agree with the intention implied between the lines.
Even with the combined strength of the hero and the gray demon.
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This is impossible to win. It feels like fighting against a mountain.
“I’ve been a hero for at least 10 years. How many times do you think I’ve fought the guys designated as the enemies of the world?”
The enemies of the world.
Those who carry the ominous signs that could bring about the destruction of the world.
As a hero designated as the hope of humanity, there was a duty to fight against such beings and protect the world, and the pioneer of the “other world” who was also a hero had never lost in such a fight even once.
The pioneer, with a single smile, leaned forward.
“A hero, a gray demon-“
And in an instant, his body accelerated.
Primarily in a defensive stance, but sometimes, unexpectedly, he would swiftly switch to an offensive position.
“In my eyes, they’re both just inexperienced.”
“Gah!”
“Ugh!”
And every time this happened, Eleanor and Elijah’s bodies would simultaneously recoil, each accumulating a new wound, a pattern that had never once been deviated from.
It would be strange if it weren’t strange. It’s not just the speed, nor the transcendental power in that sword strike, but above all, the fighting style is one that Elijah himself, or Eleanor who has faced such things countless times, is extremely familiar with.
Sure.
Nevertheless.
Simply, it overwhelms in its ‘perfection’.
The ability to find the most ‘correct’ movements in each and every moment, as a warrior, is a sight that surpasses the combination of those two, reaching into the realm of the pioneer themselves.
And the bigger issue is that there is no way to oppose such a person other than the ‘orthodox method’.
“…Manipulation of time, freezing time, you know how to do those. Is there nothing you can use right now?!”
Eliyagya, who saw the blood flowing through the veins and the wounds on the thighs, immediately burst out with a voice that indicated frustration.
“Do you think it’ll work?”
“…It won’t work, right?”
In truth, it is more of a question already knowing the answer.
Eliya narrowed her eyes and glared at the pioneer who playfully twirled the weapon in her ‘hands’.
She knows better than anyone the effect of the holy sword held in that hand. Nullification of ‘all abilities’. Including magic, everything.
‘And it’s not the only one.’
In one hand, there was a holy sword identical to Eliya’s, and in the other hand, there was a weapon that seemed to be made of a different material, just like the holy sword.
However, the length of it was clearly so short that it barely surpassed the range of a dagger. In contrast, the handle and pommel resembled the original form of a longsword, an unbalanced appearance.
‘What on earth is that.’
Eliya gritted her teeth and glared at it.
It was certain that it was the strange object that was giving them the most trouble, despite being a weapon in a form she had never seen in her entire life.
Not only does the timing get completely messed up due to the attacks that stab and strike at unprecedented moments, which she has never dealt with before, but also her resistance to magic is almost twice as strong compared to Eliya herself because of that thing.
Even the gray devil with immense power is unable to wield its power against it.
“I’ve been watching it since earlier. I’m curious about what this is.”
In front of her, the pioneer chuckled as he twirled the dagger within his grip.
Even with its peculiar appearance, the motion conveyed an affection, as if handling a lifelong companion.
The following sentences would likely elaborate on that.
“This is also a Holy Sword. Strictly speaking.”
“…What?”
“It was once completely shattered. Broken to the point where it was unusable. I salvaged what remained, forged a weapon using the salvageable parts.”
…”
“Aren’t you curious why the Holy Sword was broken?”
Facing the silent Eliya, the corner of the pioneer’s mouth twisted a little more.
While moments ago, he had a cheerful laughter as if Eliya was her usual self, now her face bore a mockery akin to a frostbitten sneer.
“-Killing all the demon forces.”
With those words, the pioneer leaped at them once again.
Before Eliya could react, she was kicked by his foot, flying and rolling for a while. To counter, Elnor raised her sword for an attack, which the pioneer deflected with the long Holy Sword.
The short Holy Sword emitted a fierce aura.
“-!!!!”
In the next moment, sparks flew before Elnor’s eyes.
The blade, broken and bent, was lodged into her left side.
“Yet, your mental strength seems to have improved a bit.”
The pioneer, grinning mockingly at Elnor, who glared back while gritting her teeth, continued speaking.
“In the past, as soon as you were slightly pushed back, you’d just take a beating and lose. Now-“
While spitting out those words, the pioneer lowered his gaze coldly and followed Elnore’s movements.
“Isn’t just taking a beating not in your nature?”
Indeed.
Even in the midst of the pain of flesh being sliced away, Elnore was pulling the other arm that held the sword.
The fist, tearing through the air, shot out like a launched missile. If it landed a direct hit, it would likely explode a person’s body and deliver a fatal blow, but the pioneer calmly twisted his body and evaded it.
“It had quite an impression on me.”
Elnore replied, spitting out a mouthful of coagulated blood.
Fortunately, it seemed that nothing had come up from inside the body. The sound of the sword not piercing the internal organs.
“You were trying to kidnap Dowd in front of me.”
Thanks to that, he had put in a lot of effort. No matter what the situation, he couldn’t let that man appear weak in front of him.
It was clear that this was the place to see the fruits of that effort.
“Well… Can you see that?”
“…”
Of course, in the face of such words, there was nothing to do but remain silent due to the immense gap.
“Perhaps… you might not be able to see it alone.”
“…?”
“I’m envious. That you’re not alone.”
Elnore’s eyes narrowed at the sudden words from the pioneer.
What nonsense was this guy suddenly spouting?
However, without being bothered by such a reaction, the pioneer raised his sword with a wry smile.
Facing the impending “something,” as if determined to defend against it.
“The timing is just incredible. This person.”
And then.
“Well, I’ve always been at a disadvantage anyway.”
Accompanied by a man’s voice from nearby.
“Don’t I have to come to the rescue at least once?”
In the position of the vanguard, an overwhelming physical force was thrust with formidable power.
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