The Chronicles of a Man Who Aspired to Be an Unparalleled Character with Hidden Weapons - The Explorer Who Conceals His Power Becomes the Strongest When He Wields a Sword - Chapter 12: Angel's Wings

Chapter 12: Angel’s Wings

Holding an Unparalleled Blade in my hand, I face Sumeragi directly.

Truth be told, even though she’s a famous figure, I don’t really know much about how she fights. All I know is that she uses swordsmanship like me and possesses a rare sense of magic.

(…So she can use both sword and magic. Truly, a magic swordsman.)

While it’s not that I can’t use magic, when I hold this sword, no matter the situation, I don’t feel the need to use magic – in fact, my thoughts don’t even consider magic as a necessity.

This means that the sword, with its power to cut through everything, makes anything extra unnecessary.

(Well, it’s straightforward, and that’s good. Without resorting to magic, I just need to cut down the existence before me… That’s the end of it.)

Wondering who would make the first move, Sumeragi acted first. 

She dashed soundlessly and swiftly approached me, launching a sharp thrust at my torso with her sword. I calmly dodged her strike, but she quickly followed up with more attacks.

(I can see it… And I’ve realized one thing. She seems to have swordsmanship skills too, probably at level 9.)

Maybe it’s because we have similar skills, but somehow I instinctively knew this. 

However, her level is almost 10, indicating that with a little more growth, she’ll reach the ultimate limit of her level.

Facing her myriad sword techniques, I step in at the right moment and parry her sword.

“…Wind!”

Right after parrying, she uses wind magic, wrapping herself in the created breeze to instantly leap backwards. 

However, I’m faster than that, Sumeragi!

“This is it.”

“Eh?”

That was Sumeragi, taken aback by surprise.

The reason was simple: my body still appeared to be in its original place, and from her perspective, it must have been puzzling to hear my voice coming from behind. The answer was straightforward: I moved so swiftly that an afterimage was left behind.

Never having engaged in a mock battle like this with a girl before, I briefly considered holding back. But then, thinking it disrespectful to her, I decided against it and delivered a considerably strong strike to her back without any preliminary movement.

“Ugh!”

My strike was momentarily blocked by a shield of ice she conjured, but my sword sliced through it as easily as a knife through tofu. Sumeragi’s body was blown away effortlessly, hitting a wall of magical energy and causing a large cloud of smoke.

So far, she had only used magic for movement and defense, but I knew she was capable of large-scale destructive magic as well… Well, in a one-on-one battle like this, she probably wouldn’t have the chance to use it.

“This isn’t over yet… right, as expected.”

Just as a faint light emanated from the smoke, and the smoke cleared, Sumeragi lunged forward, thrusting her sword.

Her speed was incredible, as if this strike was meant to end it all. But what caught my eye wasn’t just her attack, but something on her back.

“Angel’s… wings?”

They were pure white wings. Like those of an angel from legends, resembling the beautiful wings often seen in paintings hanging in the dormitory.

“Yaaaaaaah!”

Her eyes shining silver, she charged forward with the wings.

The thrust was precise and pure, but I caught the tip of her sword with my sword, feeling an immense impact… However, as I’ve said before, with this sword in hand, losing is absolutely not an option.

“This sword is an absolute proof, therefore defeat is not an option.”

“What are you…!?”

She must have anticipated her sword being caught, as she activated two spells simultaneously. 

They were water and ice magic, covering my lower body to restrict my movements. But when I poured more strength into my hand holding the sword, it transformed into a boost for my entire body.

“It won’t work!”

The magic that had reached up to my waist shattered, and her surprised expression was reflected in its fragments. I pushed back with my sword and swung it with all my might. Now it was my turn to launch an attack on her, who had completely lost her balance.

“Dark Moon Spiral!!”

With a spiral motion, this secret technique slices through the target in a flash. By the way, this is a technique of the Legion Knight, whom I admire.

She tried to cover herself with her wings to block the approaching strike, but they were powerless against my sword that could slice through anything.

“…Ah.”

Her wings, a mass of magical power, were torn apart, and Sumeragi, now without her wall of defense, received my strike and was blown away like before. She fell against the barrier, and I, wondering if I had gone too far, panicked a bit.

(I had no idea… I never actually used it!)

I quickly rushed over to her, and she stood up while coughing.

“I never thought someone could stop a strike in angel form… I lose, it’s my loss.”

“Angel form?”

While there were things I was curious about, it seemed that I had won the battle. 

Suggested to take a break, I was handed a drink that had been prepared in advance by Sumeragi and let it slide down my throat.

“…This is great. Carbonated drinks after a workout are the best.”

“They’re not good for your health, though.”

I laughed and said, “If it tastes good, that’s all that matters.”

“…It’s my first time, you know. Losing like this.”

“Nah, but you weren’t using your full power, Sumeragi.”

I thought about it earlier; she’s capable of large-scale destructive magic. I might not lose against it, but it’s hard to be sure. But, I guess I’d finish it before she could even cast it.

“I heard you can use destruction magic?”

“What are you talking about? I’d be sliced up while chanting. I always wonder why the villains don’t attack heroes while they’re transforming.”

“Ah, practical.”

“Isn’t that the reality?”

“Well, yeah.”

But that’s just a convention in hero stories. 

After a brief silence, she set down her drink and said,

“I realized something during our fight. You’re not overwhelmed by your power, but rather use it purely as your own. And when I felt the strike of your sword, I sensed a strong emotion… That’s your true power, isn’t it?”

“…Don’t say it so seriously, it’s embarrassing.”

“…Fufu♪”

She chuckled and then lay down on her back. 

I averted my gaze from her but continued to speak.

“Losing… I really didn’t expect to lose, especially not to a boy of the same age. It’s frustrating… very frustrating, but at the same time, I’m glad. Glad that there’s someone like you around.”

“Really? But why do you look so happy about losing?”

“Who knows, why indeed♪”

I don’t get it… but can I say something?

“Hey, Sumeragi.”

“What is it?”

“When you lay down, your skirt flipped up, and I could see your underwear.”

“…!?”

She quickly sat up and covered her skirt. She looked at me embarrassedly, but it’s not like I did anything wrong… I hope!!

“…Pervert.”

“It’s not my fault!”

But, feeling guilty about having seen it, I properly apologized.

The black underwear with a floral pattern was quite sophisticated for a high school student… I probably won’t be able to forget it anytime soon.