Ex rank talent Awakening: 100\% Dodge rate-Chapter 224: BATTLE OF WITS AND INSTINCTS

Emperor Augustus and Greg locked eyes across the tense battlefield, the air thick with anticipation. For several seconds, neither moved, each sizing the other up with the cold, calculating gaze of a seasoned fighter. The world seemed to hold its breath as steel met steel in a silent standoff.

Then, suddenly, as if bent by unseen forces, both vanished simultaneously—only to reappear a heartbeat later with swords raised, their blades crashing together in a sharp, ringing clang that echoed across the clearing.

Greg kept his signature ability, Absolute Resolution, dormant—for now. Though its overwhelming power tempted him, he wanted to savor the purity of the duel, to test himself against Emperor Augustus on equal footing, without relying on his divine edge.

Clang! Clang! Clang! The relentless rhythm of steel meeting steel filled the air as they traded blow for blow, neither gaining ground. Greg's sword flashed wildly, striking with a calculated unpredictability designed to catch his opponent off guard. Yet Augustus was unyielding—each attack parried or blocked, his counters measured and precise, like a master sculptor shaping the flow of battle.

"I have to give it to you," Greg said, a breathless smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite the effort, "you're far more skillful than you let on."

Augustus said nothing, his expression carved from stone, but Greg thought he caught the faintest trace of amusement flickering in those dark eyes.

Then, Augustus's voice cut through the tension, low and deliberate: "Grey Empire Royal Technique: Void."

The edge of his sword darkened, as if absorbing the surrounding light into a void of inky blackness. The air seemed to warp and shiver with the unnatural power coursing through the blade.

Greg's instincts screamed to pull back, and he obeyed—raising no shield, no sword to block. The blade sliced through empty air, missing its mark but distorting the very fabric of space where it passed.

His curiosity piqued, Greg watched intently as the rippling distortion twisted and collapsed slowly, like a wound in reality itself.

Augustus fixed his cold gaze on Greg once more and charged. His sword, still tinged with that dark void, swung in a deadly arc aimed to catch Greg off-guard.

But this time, Greg stood his ground, raising Heaven's Defier to meet the blow.

A flash of surprise crossed Augustus's face, but he pressed his assault relentlessly.

Greg smiled faintly—Heaven's Defier's legendary indestructibility held firm against the shadowy edge.

The clash of their blades was like thunder in a storm, fierce and unyielding. Yet despite his resilience, Greg found himself forced back, the relentless strikes wearing at his defenses.

Suddenly, without warning, Augustus delivered a sharp, precise kick to Greg's side. The impact sent him staggering backwards, skidding across the ground several feet.

Gasping for breath, Greg steadied himself, eyes narrowing as he assessed his opponent anew.

One truth was clear: in pure one-handed swordsmanship, Augustus was the superior.

"It's been a long time since someone forced me to push my sword skills to the limit," Greg murmured with a wry grin.

From his inventory, he withdrew a small dagger, gripping it tightly in his left hand. Now, the duel would truly begin.

In his past life, despite a worthless F-rank talent, Greg had risen to elite status in the apocalypse thanks to his unmatched swordsmanship, honed instincts, and audacious fighting style. But his true pinnacle had been the dual-wielding technique—the deadly dance of dagger and sword that made him a nightmare to face.

Back then, even the strongest players refused to face him once he pulled out that combination.

In this world, Greg had yet to unleash that full potential—until now. Augustus was the first opponent worthy enough to make him reach for it.

Feeling the familiar weight of the dagger in his palm, Greg launched himself forward, precise and fluid.

He parried Augustus's sword strike, then plunged the dagger forward in a swift stab. Augustus twisted away deftly—but Greg flowed seamlessly into a spinning slash with his sword, its longer reach sweeping at the emperor's side.

Caught off guard and unbalanced, Augustus stumbled.

With lightning speed, Greg flicked the sword from his right hand, sending it flying into the air. He caught the dagger as it sailed upward, the weapons switching hands in a blur.

Closing the distance, Greg thrust the dagger toward the emperor's chest—but just as the blade was about to pierce flesh, a shimmering shield of ice erupted, blocking the attack and saving Augustus from a fatal wound.

Greg froze, staring in disbelief at the sparkling fragments of the ice shield hovering between them.

"So you're a magic swordsman after all," Greg said, a mixture of surprise and grudging respect in his voice. "I never expected this from you."

Augustus remained silent, his unreadable expression a mask.

"Let's test your magic then," Greg muttered, tightening his grip on the dagger.

He pressed in again, forcing Augustus to dodge with no room to parry.

Greg moved like a predator, closing the gap to deny Augustus the chance to swing his sword.

The emperor braced, preparing to block a dagger strike with his blade—but Greg surprised him, launching a rapid dagger attack instead.

Once more, the ice shield blossomed between them, stopping Greg's thrust midair.

Frustration simmered beneath Greg's calm exterior. How was Augustus always ready with that shield at the exact moment Greg's attack was about to land?

Unable to contain his curiosity, Greg asked, "How do you keep doing that?"

A flicker of a smile appeared on Augustus's lips. "Would I be a fool to reveal my secrets to my opponent?" he replied cryptically.

Greg's face tightened in thought, realizing Augustus's unwillingness to reveal his techniques only made the challenge greater.

"Fine," Greg said quietly. "I'll just have to figure it out myself."

He surged forward again, speed and determination fueling every step.

But Augustus anticipated this move.

The emperor maintained a calculated distance that rendered Greg's dagger useless—forcing him back to his sword, where Augustus's skill could dominate.

Greg's astonishment deepened. Augustus's quick mind and flawless execution of this strategy made it clear why he was emperor.

This battle was no longer just a test of strength—it was a clash of wits, instincts, and the will to adapt.