Chapter 186: Demon Beasts Moving South (4)

Crack- Crack-

The crackling fire was the only sound filling the air. Most of the people at the training grounds had already left, but Julie and her colleagues remained.

“…”

Gwen watched Julie; her head held down. Raphael and Syrio did not move as they looked at each other.

“…Wasn’t that a trick of magic? No, what kind of knight kicks their opponent in the first place… oh, he’s not a knight.”

Gwen broke the silence, then looked to Raphael and Syrio for help.

“Magic… I don’t know. I mean, I watched how Deculein wielded his sword. That guy looked like he had a lot of weaknesses, but that wasn’t the case at all. If it were me, I’d probably be hit at least once. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen such skill.”

“Hey, man. What is that?”

Gwen’s eyes drilled holes into Syrio.

“I’m just saying he was like the wind. Of course, he’s not faster than me. Ahaha.”

Deculein’s swordsmanship was as elegant as a waltz and as graceful as an aristocrat. He broke Julie’s sword as if he were dancing.

“That’s right.”

Raphael cut in.

“Also, Deculein’s physique is strong even at a glance. Even for you, Julie, it’s a physical difference that would be difficult to overcome without mana.”

It was difficult, even for a knight, to overcome a distance of 20 cm without mana.

“…I’m fine.”

Yet Julie said the words in a voice that didn’t sound fine at all.

“I admit it. I lost the fight. The Professor accurately and thoroughly analyzed my movements.”

Julie closed her eyes for a moment, recalling their fight. His every movement, down to the trembling of his sword and fingertips, were all-natural. Her blade was predictable, and her movements were easily thrown off balance.

“…Haah.”

Gwen sighed as Julie rustled in her pocket and pulled something out. It was the document covering all of Deculein’s points.

“She’s obsessed with standard rules. At first glance, she seems to mix variations, but even that is regular if you look closely. For example, after a simple sideways slash, her only option is the upper left or the upper right.”

Julie recited one of the paragraphs. Gwen, Syrio, and Raphael trembled.

“Also, she can’t give up on that Freyden style, especially that of Zeit’s. So she just rushes, charges…”

“Ah~, that’s really true. Knowing that in advance, Deculein put his shoulder out to block you. I knew his response was too quick. Did that hurt? Haha.”