1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

102. The Hunt for the Instructor (5)

Pure mana is akin to photon energy.

A force that does not remain in one place, but stretches out in all directions.

Given this nature, the moment mana is channeled into a staff, it scatters like light.

Thus, when drawing a spell, one must continuously emit mana until it is complete.

However, there exists a technique to bind such photon energy, preventing it from escaping.

That is the mana blade, forged from concentrated mana.

‘The mana blade is a technique that can only be wielded by those who have first awakened their sense of smell among the five senses of mana and have mastered their aura. So, Hessel, you would not be enough even if you bowed a thousand or ten thousand times to that man named Henderson.’

As Donathan said, Henderson’s influence was immense.

The hundreds of gold possessed a quality that absorbed mana, and thanks to the magic he taught me, I too could replicate it.

So, to illustrate just how remarkable the mana blade is…

Yes, it’s like this from some grand film.

The lightsaber from Starx.

“So what? I have no aura that could be called the Force.”

‘What is this Force you speak of?’

“It exists, that sort of thing.”

Though it was mere imitation, its power was nearly genuine.

It could even slice through rebar.

* * *

The murky gray ground appeared to be formed from hardened slime.

As I scanned the front, I kept my eyes on Vermi.

While locking gazes with him, the mage crawled on all fours and clutched at Vermi’s pant leg.

The mage looked unwell, as if breathing was a struggle.

“Breathe…”

Vermi looked down at him coldly.

“Looks like the slime has entered your lungs.”

There was not a hint of compassion in his voice.

The bloodied sword of Vermi struck down upon the wizard’s neck.

Kwahk!

It was a brutal scene, yet inwardly I cheered.

With this, the curse of the explosion must be lifted, and the only opponent left is Vermi himself.

I nudged Professor Gyomon, who sat beside me.

“Professor, let us rise.”

No answer came.

“…Professor?”

Calling again, I glanced at him, only to find him with eyes closed, a face of utter comfort.

A second later, the sound of his snoring crinkled my brow.

“Grrrrooor.”

…What a waste of an antidote, this man.

I withdrew my contemptuous gaze and surveyed the other forces.

All of them were bound by a viscous substance, their lower halves frozen, offering little help.

It seemed only the knights were in such a state; the magic department would likely think they could just wave their wands and be done with it.

…But then.

“Ah, we survived…”

Leading the way, Rix was the only one to exhale a sigh of relief.

The only ones casting suspicious glances were the knightly duo, Leana and Belman.

As I sent a desperate look for help to Belman, he turned to Rix and asked.

“You seem too relaxed all of a sudden. Is there a guarantee we will win?”

“Ah, you must not know much since you’re from the Adel faction. Hessel is a man who defeated his senior, Emerick, with just a finger. He shattered even the sword wrapped in aura.”

“W-what? With just a finger? What nonsense…”

“Professor Gyomon said the same. He told Hessel to handle the rest. Surely, he has that much confidence?”

No, you devil.

Belman, to listen to that devil’s words…

“Indeed, that is true. If Professor Gyomon has guaranteed it…”

You are mistaken.

With arms crossed and adjusting his glasses, he seemed to have no intention of helping me.

In the meantime, Vermi shook the blood from his sword and glared at me.

“Just as I thought… Even caught in a trap, I recognized it from the moment you were still standing. You are far stronger than any of those professors.”

I swallowed hard.

The creature from my memories had appeared so relaxed during our first encounter.

But now, with his stance firmly set, it was clear he intended to give his all from the very beginning.

He wants me to face that alone?

This is dangerous.

I must devise a new plan.

I sought to ignite the “Embers of Noble Blood” to escape this crisis.

“Lower your sword. Our only goal was to lift the curse of the explosion. With the sorcerer dead, further fighting is meaningless.”

As I set the tone, Vermi listened in silence.

Next, I needed to preserve his dignity just enough.

“Isn’t that right? The Bloodstained Viper, Vermi. I’ve heard of you. I know well that you care little for the death of your comrades.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“You have no reason to fight. You bear no thirst for vengeance.”

I spoke thus, feigning nonchalance as I scanned Vermi’s entire form.

His attire was marred with rips and dirt, a testament to his struggles.

“And I, too, do not wish to fight the you of now. From the looks of it, you’ve been battling the professors, and you seem a bit weary? Yet if you truly wish to fight…”

I trailed off, locking my gaze onto his eyes.

“Come prepared. Even if you die, do so without regret, with your best self.”

Had my bravado truly struck a chord?

Vermi slowly began to lower his sword.

Indeed, the “Embers of Noble Blood” serve as a splendid defense.

But then, an unwelcome voice intruded upon this favorable tide…

“Ah, just as Hessel said. If you want to live, why not flee like a coward?”

Good heavens.

Limberton, even you?

I mentally peeled away the praise stickers I had affixed to Limberton.

Could it be that this one, too, had fallen under the influence of that frizzy-haired demon…?

“There are few occasions when he shows mercy. So, quietly apologize and seize your chance. Hessel can be quite relentless when angered.”

Everyone nodded at Limberton’s words.

Leana felt the need to add something unnecessary.

“If you know his past, you’d think this situation is a miracle. Just a little poke, and his savage nature would reveal itself…”

Belman chimed in as well.

“Indeed, Vermi. There’s hardly a soul in the Empire who doesn’t know of Hessel’s infamy.”

It was in that moment, when the words I wished to suppress rose to my throat.

I could hear Rix and Belman whispering softly.

“That’s enough pride scratched. He won’t run away.”

“You’ve played your tricks, Rix. As you say, it’s right to eliminate the bloodstained serpent here. It could become a threat in the future.”

Was it Rix’s doing, that devil’s scheme?

I sensed that if I didn’t purify that demon and its minions soon, my end would come swiftly.

I needed holy water, enough to drown them all.

Not just Rix, but everything here, to be submerged completely…

“Khkhkh.”

Vermi laughed.

Drip.

Cold sweat trickled down my forehead.

I cautiously studied Vermi’s expression, my heart racing with unease.

“Listening quietly brings laughter, does it? Did you think I was retreating? I merely needed a moment to catch my breath. Now, let’s begin.”

It seemed he had no intention of backing down from the start.

So, if you ask whether the antics of those fools had no effect, that would be untrue.

Vermi had helped himself to the vial of pills!

In this dire situation, Donathan was foolishly spouting irritating remarks.

“As I’ve said time and again, the words of a conman are never to be trusted.”

I lacked the strength to retort.

Vermi was swallowing the potion meant to be his trump card from the very beginning.

And it was a potion that would truly harness his nature, granting him the power of an ogre…

Gulp.

Vermi’s veins began to writhe, his muscles swelling once before compressing back to their original state.

Steam-like breath escaped between his sharpened fangs.

“Haah.”

Vermiga plunged his sword deep into his own belly.

The ogre’s strength is immense.

Moreover, it possesses a resilience that allows it to survive unless its neck and heart are carved out.

Gurgle.

As it pulled the blood-soaked blade from its wound, the injury began to close up instantly.

“It has been a long time since I’ve stained my sword with so much blood.”

x It’s over.

The opponent was a creature that had slain countless Pathfinders and was now under the influence of some foul enhancement.

In this dire moment, the only thing I could trust was the Mana Blade I had intended to unleash while fighting alongside Donathan and Professor Gomon.

I drew my sword, acutely aware of the chasm between us.

···Given how things have turned, I had no choice but to fight.

Swoosh—

I activated the spell I had prepared, dyeing the blade a ghostly white.

Vermiga, too, grinned as he summoned an aura blade.

Boom!

As he leaped into the air, a heavy tremor rippled from the ground beneath him.

In the midst of finding my stance, Donathan spoke.

“Do you remember the day we first met? Hursel.”

“This is not the time for idle chatter. Focus…”

“Then listen in silence.”

There was no room for distraction.

Even now, Vermiga was descending, sword poised to swing horizontally.

“Back then, you were so weak you could barely grip a sword. Your arms were like twigs, unable even to lift a short sword.”

Clang!

As I blocked his strike with my bare body, the recoil sent his arm soaring above his head.

I seized the opportunity and launched the Mana Blade straight at his heart.

“But now, it is different. Your body has grown strong enough to wield a longsword with one hand.”

Thud!

Regrettably, Vermiga twisted his waist, and the blade only pierced through his lung.

—

‘Thus, now I can do it. One of the sword techniques of the Sword Master.’

A single chance ended in failure.

As I sensed death approaching with the follow-up strike, it was then that I felt it.

Crackle!

Electricity coursed through my entire arm.

Before I knew it, my sword was gripped in one hand, its tip halted before Vermi’s throat.

He stepped back, eyes wide with disbelief.

“Gah!”

It was a natural reaction, with the mana blade igniting near his vital points.

‘Do you see your arm? Hessel.’

Only then did Donathan’s words begin to echo in my mind.

Seeing my outstretched arm, as he had said, a spear came to mind.

The difference in reach between Vermi and me was stark, a clear contrast.

‘This is why I do not abandon my swordsmanship. Even if I cannot wield aura. Your long arms and legs are a physique close to an ideal for a swordsman.’

It was a statement that reminded me anew of what coursed through my veins.

Aol Ben Tenest, hailed as the strongest swordsman.

My very skeleton resembled his.

‘Hessel, let me be frank. I have trained just as you have. Every night, I have honed this body, enhancing my flexibility. I have no words for breaking the contract, but know this: I will never give up on wielding my sword.’

A smile spread across my lips.

‘Finally confessing, are we?’

As I uttered those weighty words, Donathan responded with surprise.

‘Could it be, you knew all along?’

I, who had studied magic countless times.

It had long been clear to me that the phenomenon of the body training itself as a side effect of the spell was impossible.

I had simply remained silent because it was beneficial.

‘Ignorance is foolishness.’

But more importantly, we were in the midst of battle.

Since earlier, Vermi had been lurking, seeking an opportunity to advance.

Each time I pressed him back with the tip of my sword, I was inwardly astonished.

‘Is this what they call the technique of a Sword Master?’

—

‘Indeed.’

Vermi moved with a speed that was almost blinding, darting this way and that as he wielded his rapid strikes.

The reason I, unable to use aura, could still keep pace was quite simple.

While I merely swung my arms, he had to move in meters.

Tatata-tak!

To illustrate, it’s easy to shine a flash at someone.

Yet, evading the light of that aimed flash is exceedingly difficult.

The distance one must cover is simply too great.

‘What is the name of the technique?’

‘Endless Shadow. You’ve already showcased your mana blade, and you’ve withstood his strike with your bare body. The condition was met when he recognized you as a formidable opponent. Right now, he won’t dare to attack recklessly. This is a high-level defense perfected through psychological warfare.’

Endless Shadow.

The naming sense is a bit off, but it fits nonetheless.

Even as Vermi charged toward the opening, the tip of his blade followed like a shadow that would not fall, aiming for his throat.

“······.”

But isn’t this just an aimbot?

An illegal program that only targets the head in an FPS game······.

That b*stard, the sword master, was a hacker.

* * *

With each approach, Vermi’s eyes flickered at the pressure of the blade aimed at his throat.

Even as he used rapid strikes to evade, shaking off the blade aimed at his uvula, the outcome remained the same.

No matter what he tried, the opponent was always one step ahead.

It was as if he could foresee the path Vermi would take, moving to intercept him before he even arrived.

‘He reads my movements like an open book.’

In truth, it would be simple to parry and slip through.

Yet, there was a reason he hesitated to do so.

‘I can’t predict his full power at all······.’

So far, all he had confirmed was an absurd level of invulnerability.

He had never once used the strength to enhance or the rapid strikes he wielded with such speed.

The reason for this was a mystery.

‘···No, it doesn’t matter why. The level of his aura manipulation must be commensurate. It’s impossible for him to excel in just invulnerability alone.’

Bermy hesitated to recklessly breach the creature’s defenses for this very reason.

If he stepped into the realm of attack, the same would hold true for his opponent.

A mere change of heart could lead to a swift severing of his throat.

Yet, turning his back to flee was not an option.

—There are few instances when it shows mercy. So, quietly apologize and seize your chance. Hessel is relentless when angered.

According to the small-statured one, the creature would not let him go easily due to its nature.

Even if he retreated, it would catch up in no time.

In this predicament, Bermy resolved to strike boldly.

‘The conclusion must be reached before the effect of the potion wears off.’

He squeezed every ounce of aura from his body.

Then, he plunged the blade into his abdomen, coating it with thick blood.

Crack!

What he prepared was the final blow that would seal his fate.

‘The odds are in my favor.’

He channeled all his aura into a body that transcended human muscle.

Moreover, he wielded a blade laced with deadly poison.

A mere scratch would secure his victory.

No matter how resilient the creature’s defenses, there are limits.

With this overwhelming strength, inflicting such a minor wound was well within his grasp.

‘The creature must aim for my throat or my heart. In contrast, I only need to graze my palm to emerge victorious.’

Bermy’s muscles began to swell.

As the magic and aura surged forth, creating a sharp wind, Belman, who watched, swallowed hard.

“This… this is dangerous…”

Rix asked with a voice laced with unease.

“Why is that? Hessel took a blow from it and emerged unscathed.”

“Why do you think knights wear armor?”

“What?”

“Even the strongest defenses have their limits. If a blow combines the creature’s strength with that much aura, even Hessel would sustain at least a minor wound. That’s why it’s dangerous.”

Belman pointed at the decapitated corpse of the sorcerer.

The blood, which should have been red, had turned black, bubbling ominously, while the skin had necrosed to a pale hue.

“To deliberately stab oneself with a sword and stain it with blood, it is certain that the blood itself is a deadly poison.”

“It seems like a reaction to the toxin… but when exactly did he coat it?”

“When he struck the sorcerer, the blood from the fight with the professors must have remained on the blade. Regardless, even a small amount of blood can cause such devastation. A mere scratch would surely be fatal.”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Vermi lunged at Hessel.

The speed was beyond the eye’s grasp, yet the ground trembled beneath the force of his charge, a thunderous roar echoing through the air.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

As Vermi closed the distance in an instant, Hessel thrust his sword forward.

Thwack!

The blade merely pierced Vermi’s shoulder.

In the same breath, Vermi swung his sword in a wide arc.

His arm twisted at an unnatural angle, appearing to wield the weapon like a whip.

Swoosh—

The sword descended upon Hessel’s neck.

Crack—

The shockwave was enough to ruffle the hair of those watching.

With a strike of that magnitude, he should have been cleaved in two.

Belman squinted, his eyes narrowing.

But then, the sound of breaking bone forced him to widen his gaze.

Vermi’s once-mighty arms hung limply, severed below the elbows, dangling like marionette strings cut loose.

In stark contrast, Hessel stood unscathed, his gaze cold and indifferent as he regarded Vermi.

“It is over, Vermi.”

Hessel swung the mana blade embedded in Vermi’s shoulder.

Slick!

The sound of severance faded, and the head rolled away, landing with a thud on the ground.

Thump!

Vermi’s head tumbled, leaving a heavy trail of crimson as it came to rest before Belman.

All held their breath, unable to tear their eyes from the grisly sight.

Hessel wiped the bloodied sword clean and sheathed it.

Clink.

The clash of metal shattered the silence, and the eyes of those watching trembled.