A Wonderful Aspect of Autumn: Action (26)

The battle between Kanna and Raga had taken a different turn from what we had imagined. Perhaps because they had hit it off before the fight, it had become a straightforward clash, with neither side engaging in mind games or deception.

In a head-on clash, however, the opposing side had an overwhelming advantage over Kanna and Raga. The red-hot greatsword was growing more powerful at an accelerating rate. Although both sides were making full use of martial techniques, Kanna and Raga were being pushed back and forced entirely onto the defensive. On top of that, they continued taking heat damage from the greatsword, which constantly radiated heat.

However, that heat seemed to be injuring the opposing side as well. The armor on both arms gripping the greatsword was gradually deforming, and that was clear from both sides' health bars as well. If they could endure this, surely they would have a chance to win. We cheered for the two of them with all our might.

"Ah...?"

Who had let out that mutter? It might have been me. But that did not matter. The moment we had been waiting for had finally arrived.

Immediately after the greatsword's glow surpassed red and turned white, it suddenly lost its radiance. The blade looked like ash after being burned away, having lost even its metallic sheen. At that moment, the battered Kanna thrust sharply with her fangtian ji, and the opponents blocked it with the estoc and mace instead of the greatsword.

However, it seemed difficult to stop Kanna's thrust with Raga's weight behind it. The opponents reeled backward and fell onto their backs.

Kanna and Raga looked as though they were about to follow up against the fallen opponents, but instead they waited for them to stand. They apparently were not looking down on their opponents; they were simply determined to settle the match in a fair and honorable manner. It was a sportsmanlike way of thinking... Completely different from me, since I would not hesitate to use underhanded methods if they helped me win.

As if answering that sentiment, the opponents stood up. They took up the dull gray greatsword and spread the estoc and mace to either side, making their bodies look larger. Their will to fight did not seem to have been broken yet.

Once Raga saw them take their stance, she repeatedly scratched the ground with her forelegs. Then, in addition to her horn, her golden mane and the scales covering her entire body began to glow. It was obvious that she was gathering power...