SMACK!!!!!!

A loud slap-like sound echoes as I realize that he is holding my fist in his hand.

For a moment neither of us move... Then his grip tightens.

CRACK!!!!

The pressure around my hand immediately increases.

This bastard... I didn’t expect him to catch my fist like he did. It shows that I’m underestimating him when I shouldn’t be in the first place.

This mistake falls on me after I said I wouldn’t underestimate any of them.

I try pulling my arm back but he refuses to let go and the dark orange aura surrounding him starts to flare up once again.

Even more black is mixed into it now.

The floor beneath us begins to crack.

"He stopped it?" Aria shouts.

"Don’t get distracted Aria!" Velia shouts towards her while still clashing with one of the other guards.

The guard stares directly into my eyes.

For the first time since this fight started I can feel a bit of killing intent coming from him, but not enough to compare to mine.

But enough to tell me that we are both looking to end each other’s lives here during this battle. There will be no mercy from either sides.

SLAM!!!!

His fist crashes into my stomach.

"GAH!" I let out.

My feet leave the ground instantly.

I fly backwards before rolling across the floor.

That definitely had more power behind it than before. He seems to have something similar when it comes to finding more strength later in a battle.

How the hell did King Albus manage to find guards with this kind of power within the realm?

And why would they want to serve him.

You alright?

I’m in a bit of pain but I’ve definitely gone through worse than this.

The guard doesn’t rush me immediately.

Instead he slowly starts walking forward.

Each step causes the floor beneath him to crack slightly. With that happening I slightly shift my gaze towards the king for a moment to notice a smirk on his face.

Interesting. The King really does know how to pick his men, especially when it comes to matching them up against opponents.

It looks like all of the guards aren’t equal either.

What are you talking about Rika?

The one fighting against Velia is stronger than the one Aria is dealing with but you definitely have the strongest one. They might end up needing a hand when you finish this.

CLANG!!!! CLANG!!!!

The sounds of battle continue around me.

I can see Eliza still fighting one of the guards.

Aria seems to be handling her opponent as well.

They’ll be able to hold them off long enough for me to kill this asshole anyway. I’ll rush over as soon as I’m done here.

I slowly stand back up.

The scales covering my arms start to glow even brighter, causing the pressure around us to start increasing again.

The guard lowers his body slightly.

There it is again... That feeling, like he’s preparing something.

FWOOSH!!!!

He suddenly appears in front of me.

Fast.

I barely manage to react.

BANG!!!!

My arm shakes from the impact as I block his punch.

Another follows, then another, then another.

THUD!!!! BANG!!!! THUD!!!!

Each attack comes from a different angle.

He isn’t fighting like a swordsman anymore... Looks like losing the sword didn’t bother him much.

Honestly he seems more dangerous without it. Then again, most swordsmans probably do learn how to fight without one since you can lose it at any time.

I continue blocking and dodging each attack.

Watching.

Observing.

Looking for a pattern.

There, his right side is slightly slower... Even if it isn’t by much.

This should be enough for me to finally make some sort of progress against him in this fight.

I redirect one of his punches and immediately drive my fist towards his ribs.

THUD!!!!

The attack lands and forces the guard to slide back a few steps.

Not enough for me to secure more of an opportunity to get an upper hand.

He recovers almost instantly.

Damn, his durability is ridiculous.

You’re one to talk.

Actually that is a valid point. I’ve proven how much I can endure during my battles as well so this shouldn’t be that surprising.

The guard wipes some blood from the corner of his mouth.

Then he smiles, a small smile.

The kind nobody would like seeing.

The dark orange aura around him suddenly expands.

CRACK!!!! CRUMBLE!!!!

The floor breaks apart beneath his feet.

Even the pressure throughout the courtyard increases.

Across the courtyard I notice King Albus leaning forward slightly.

His smile widens.

Looks like he’s enjoying this even more now that his guard is unleashing more of this damn power. What a creepy bastard.

The guard slowly raises his fists. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

His yellow eyes remain locked onto me.

This might be one of the strongest enemies that I have faced in quite some time. Even the Lord I fought wouldn’t compare to this asshole.

CLANG!!!! CLANG!!!!!

The swords only get louder behind me as the girls continue their fights as well.

I look back one last time to see Aria’s sword slicing across the guards throat, forcing him to stumble back before falling to his knees. At least it is good to know that one of the guards is dead.

Another one immediately rushes towards Aria after the other one hits the ground.

A couple more to go, but if she could kill that one... She can kill the next one too. I have faith in them being able to handle themselves a bit longer while I finish this battle.

"To think you guys are handling my actual guards this well is surprising," King Albus speaks up with a bit of a surprised tone.

I grit my teeth as I immediately shift my gaze over towards him.

Clench. Clench.

I clench my fists as I continue to stare right at him.

"I’m coming for you next motherfucker!" I shout with anger in my voice.

FWOOSH!!!!

Air rushes towards me in the next instant and I realize the guard is about to punch me once again.