Chapter 236: 236 That bolt of lightning
As a descendant of the Bolelei family, a family renowned as a lineage of Sword Saints, and rated as a talent surpassing all his ancestors, the weapon used by Albert was naturally extraordinary.
The sword he wielded was a standard-style two-handed knight sword, with a golden hilt and a pristine blade, its tip glinting with a cold and sharp luster. A gemstone was also embedded at the top of the hilt, making it look extremely grand and noble. It was clearly a Divine Weapon that had been meticulously crafted.
Of course, the sharpness was secondary, the main thing was the extraordinary origin of this sword.
It was not just any famous sword, but a bonafide Magic weapon.
The gemstone inlaid at the top of the hilt of this Magic weapon was not an ordinary gemstone, but a Magic crystal. The materials used to forge the sword were also extremely precious Magic metals, making it extremely costly.
It was said that among the swords kept in the Bolelei family vault, this one was a rarity among rarities, having once been the personal sword of one of the Swords Saints of the Bolelei family.
This Sword Saint had once used this sword to slay a demon that had caused trouble for a long time. The demon’s blood stained the blade, and the Magic metal absorbed the power of the demon, making the sword incredibly sharp. It could cut through rivers, diamond-made armor, and even barriers of Tactical Level Magic. Its power was one of the strongest in the entire kingdom.
If this sword were placed in the Earth Mistake World, it would undoubtedly be a top-tier special armament, one that prioritized power, unlike Reiger’s The Fool and The Hermit, which, because they focused on indestructibility, had slightly decreased offensive capabilities.
Albert was also granted this sword by his family after defeating 500 true swordsmen, signifying the family’s expectations for him.
Now, Albert had drawn this sword, allowing the Magic crystal at the hilt to gleam faintly, and a layer of Magic Power light to appear on the blade, highlighting its extraordinariness.
In contrast, Reiger did not take out the two weapons lying in his storage space.
He neither used The Fool, which was as thin as a cicada’s wing and extremely fast, nor The Hermit, which could melt steel and cut through anything. Instead, in front of everyone present, he constructed a knife using construction Magic.
Yes.
Reiger’s weapon was a knife made by Magic, a Tang-style horizontal blade with a sheath.
He did not draw the knife in front of everyone either, but held it in his hand, at his side, standing there casually.
Although the audience did not know the quality of the sheathed knife, seeing the ease with which Reiger crafted it, surely it could not be a very powerful weapon?
"What’s happening?"
"Is he planning to concede?"
"Using that kind of weapon against Knight Captain Albert? Isn’t that an insult?"
In the spectators’ seats, people began to talk at length.
"Reiger..."
Yuri was also puzzled by Reiger’s actions.
She knew Reiger had weapons, and they were quite extraordinary ones at that.
When fighting Gil Datis at the Battle Festival, Reiger had used a thin, light sword that was almost ephemeral. Yuri had seen what that sword was capable of and how powerful it was.
Now, Reiger was using a plainly made Magic weapon. Why exactly was that?
Yuri couldn’t figure it out.
"Let’s keep watching."
Even King Hemulinp’s eyes flickered for a moment before returning to calm.
Standing opposite Reiger, Albert, who had not exchanged a word with him from the start, furrowed his brow imperceptibly.
"Where is your weapon?"
Albert asked Reiger.
In his eyes, although Reiger was not a noble, his background was certainly not ordinary; it was impossible for him not to have a good weapon.
Indeed, Reiger was not without a good weapon.
But...
"I will use this one," Reiger said indifferently, "We are not fighting to the death here; this weapon will suffice."
"Is that so?" Albert fell silent for a while before nodding slightly, "In that case, suit yourself."
With that, Albert surprisingly sheathed his signature weapon, thrusting it, scabbard and all, heavily into the ground.
With a "thud," the sword scabbard pierced the earth and stood erect beside Albert.
Only then did Albert stretch out his hand towards the sky and called out.
"Bring me a sword!"
As his voice fell, a knight in the spectator’s stand immediately tossed a sword towards Albert.
It was an ordinary training longsword, evidently used for regular exercise and quite common.
Albert caught the sword and raised it, pointing it towards Reiger.
"Are you sure about this?" Reiger was somewhat surprised by Albert’s move, raising an eyebrow as he spoke, "An excellent weapon is part of a swordsman’s strength; there’s surely no need for you to take a step back."
"Indeed," Albert nodded in agreement, yet smiled and said, "If this were a formal challenge, I definitely wouldn’t do this. But as you said, we’re not fighting to the death; it’s merely a duel. So, it doesn’t really matter."
"It doesn’t matter to me." Reiger observed Albert and after a moment said, "Just as long as you won’t regret not using your preferred weapon after you lose."
"Don’t worry," Albert’s expression was relaxed as he spoke, "If I do lose, it’ll be because my skills are inadequate, not the weapon’s fault."
He said this, but the ease on Albert’s face made it clear he didn’t believe he would lose at all.
This was not arrogance or conceit, but a natural confidence.
From a young age, he had trained in the sword. Once he became a formal Swordsman, he immediately embarked on the path of challenging the strong. He had now consecutively defeated 982 formal Swordsmen, including some very experienced renowned Swordsmen, thus cultivating ample confidence.
He trusted in his own strength, in the sword in his hand, believing he would secure victory in this duel just as he had in previous ones.
Compared to the formidable opponents he had faced in the past, Reiger might be considered a senior Swordsman, yet he was far too young in Albert’s eyes. Albert did not think he posed more of a challenge than the other true powerhouses he had confronted.
Thus, Albert didn’t believe he would lose, nor did he think there would be any chance for regret afterward.
He even had a fleeting thought whether he should hold back a little, to show mercy.
After all, his opponent was still young. He was a full ten years older than the lad, who had already become a ranked swordsman at such an age, obviously possessing great talent and ability. Perhaps in the future, he could even become a Sword Saint.
If the blow he dealt was too great, causing the young challenger to lose confidence, the fault would be his.
But then, Albert dismissed that thought.
"The duel between swordsmen is sacred. Even if this is not an official challenge but a prearranged bout, as a swordsman, I must show my opponent enough respect."
"Believe in the sword in your hand, and swear to be worthy of it."
"Even without a sword in hand, be worthy of the sword in your heart."
Reminded of the education and cultivation from his family, Albert immediately adjusted his mentality.
If it was a test of swordsmanship, he had to give it his all.
If his opponent was shaken by him and could not even overcome this hurdle, then he could never aspire to the position of a Sword Saint.
"If he falls at this and cannot advance further, then it proves he’s not cut out to walk the path of a swordsman. That’s all there is to it."
With this in mind, Albert’s expression turned serious and somber.
All of this was witnessed by Reiger.
"Interesting," said Reiger as he addressed Albert, "You’re better than I had imagined."
"I’m flattered," replied Albert quietly, "Now, let’s begin."
These words made Reiger crack a slight smile.
"Very well."
Uttering that, Reiger stepped forward with one foot, pressed back with the other, his body leaning down, as one hand rested on the hilt of his blade at waist height.
That was the stance for Iaijutsu, the art of the quick draw.
Albert’s eyes narrowed, sensing an unusual atmosphere emanating from Reiger.
"Hoo—Hah—"
Reiger closed his eyes, changing the rhythm of his breath.
Albert’s hand on his sword tightened ever so slightly, as he unconsciously entered a state of total concentration.
The two, one with closed eyes and breathing deeply, the other fully focused, were wrapped in an eerie calm for a moment.
"Begin!"
From the stands, a sudden shout from a civil officer rang out.
And in that instant...
"Boom!"
A violent surge of lightning erupted from Reiger.
The next scene to unfold would remain etched in the memory of all present for the rest of their lives.
As ferocious lightning sprang from Reiger, people witnessed a flash of lightning.
A streak that seemed capable of splitting the entire arena thundered across the field.
The lightning flashed for but an instant, and the thunderous boom and the shockwave of sound that followed swept across the entire venue.
When the lightning faded and the thunder ceased, Reiger could be seen.
He had already positioned himself behind Albert, his back to him.
Electricity was flickering around him.
The blade, wrapped in electric light, had been sheathed, shattering the scabbard into fragments that broke apart.
Albert stood motionless, with a vacant expression and trembling pupils.
"Lightning Breath, First Form..."
Only then did Reiger’s voice slowly reach everyone’s ears.
"Thunderclap Flash."
With those words, Reiger turned and walked away.
Leaving Albert still standing there, dazed, long unable to snap back to reality.
"Snap!"
It wasn’t long before the sword in Albert’s hand... broke.
The blade, as if cleaved in two, fell to the ground, emitting a crisp sound.
His clothes had also split at the same time.
A tear appeared on his garment.
Located right at Albert’s neck.
"————"
In that moment, all present were rendered speechless.
Including King Hemulinp.
Including Yuri.
Even though Reiger had already left, their minds had yet to recover.
In their thoughts lingered that single streak of lightning, impossible to erase.