The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 36

### Chapter 36: Adversity

(Aria’s side)

“Ha!”

Dodging the rapidly fired water serpents, Hilco slashes at Ruskdite in a straight line. Sliding on the ground to avoid, Hilco once again releases the water serpents.

The water serpents, curving and penetrating the air, have the power to create holes in the body if not defended against, piercing through the surrounding flames.

(This man…)

He doesn’t use flashy techniques, but he can’t be ignored. He skillfully avoids attacks, and there’s a firm conviction that if I try to unleash a major technique, he will undoubtedly exploit the opening.

It’s not that he’s strong in battle, but he’s skilled; it’s a fighting style I’ve never encountered before.

“Your sword is a divine weapon, right? Impressive… Even though you’re young, you’re quite something for wielding it so well.”

Hilco said this in a languid voice.

“This exquisite weapon… ‘Kō’ can control water, but it lacks the power to handle hundreds or thousands like your sword. I don’t have the firepower like Lord Shion or the mighty sword like Fudou. In other words, I’m a weak piece.”

While holding a spear, Hilco spoke. As expected, he didn’t advance to attack.

“So… even if I can’t defeat you, if I can hold down a strong piece like you, it’s sufficient achievement for me.”

―――――

(Rakul’s side)

“Nu!”

“Ha!”

Fudou blocks Rakul’s downward swing with his sword. Despite the increased weight of the strike, they remain in balance. As they create distance, they manipulate the surrounding soil into earthen walls to encircle.

“Ha!”

As Fudou swings his sword, the earthen walls collapse. Rakul takes the opportunity to close the distance and swing down.

Fudou extends one arm, receiving the blow with his gauntlet. At the moment of the attempted cut through the gauntlet, the strike is deflected with minimal movement.

While in the stance of swinging down, the sword approaches. Sensing something within the blade, Rakul lightens his weight to the extreme, avoiding the attack by propelling himself away.

Repositioning, Rakul faces Fudou again. Fudou also readies his sword, watching him closely.

“… It’s not just a sword.”

“Indeed, ‘Kongō Yasha’ is an exquisite blade… A sword of the King of Wisdom that cuts through evil and breaks magic.”

Understanding from Fudou’s words why the magic was neutralized, the sword likely has the power to nullify magic by cutting through it.

Moreover, the technique used to deflect Rakul’s attack, the ability to discern the opponent’s attack and divert the flow of power with minimal movement, reflects Fudou’s skill and experience on the battlefield.

“Rakul, you’re strong… but”

Fudou said this while jumping low and closing in.

“You lack battlefield experience.”

―――――

(Berg’s side)

(Did Aria and the others get stopped?)

Grinding his teeth while watching the flames and dust rising on either side, Berg considered it a possibility, but there were indeed users of exquisite weapons among Shion’s subordinates.

However, the events on either side caused the attention of the rear mages to slacken. If he flew with full force now, he could cut through to the main camp.

“You’re my opponent.”

Just as he was about to spread his wings, a blade imbued with flame and lightning attacked from above. He jumped back instinctively, and the place he had stood was cut in a cross shape.

A man descended in front of him, clad in even sturdier armor with golden designs than the soldiers, wielding twin blades. His eyes gleamed with a warrior’s light.

“Since this is our first time speaking like this, let me introduce myself… I am Shion Fuwa, the commander in this battle.”

“… Berg Leesh Mildrea, I am assisting Gomon for a reason.”

Upon hearing his name, Shion’s smile deepened, and he began to speak while holding his twin blades imbued with flame and lightning.

“I know your aim… Announce to the entire army! No matter what happens to me, continue to pursue the Gomon forces!”

As Shion shouted this, the surrounding soldiers split into those who would act and those who would deliver the message. While trying to stop the messenger, Berg was held back by Shion’s attack.

“Gomon does not have the luxury of troops or supplies. On the other hand, Ozuma is regrouping and can fight again… which means you must defeat me, the commander, in a short-term decisive battle to win.”

Shion spoke while engaging in a sword lock, his eyes scrutinizing Berg.

“However, no matter how strong you are… without soldiers, Gomon cannot fight, can it?”

“You’re…”

It seems he has read Berg’s intentions. Berg was aiming for a short-term decisive battle to minimize damage and leave the minimum necessary strength for the next battle.

Shion, seeing this, chose to reduce the number of soldiers. Even if he could defeat Shion here, if the army was destroyed, it would be a losing battle.

(I have no choice but to…)

With full body reinforcement, Berg blasted Shion away and called his troops to stop the Ozuma army from attacking Gomon.

“Found a strong one.”

The Ozuma soldiers, who had seemed out of place, were blown away with an unexpected voice.