Chapter 83

Para.

Grate.

Fortes.

Bettyta.

The beginning is a parade stance, and the three are preparatory and responsive postures suitable for each situation, as well as transitional motions.

When you swing your sword upward from Para, or move it behind your shoulder, head, or back, it’s generally categorized under Grate.

Conversely, if you pull the sword down so that its tip points diagonally or vertically toward the front, it falls under Fortes.

And then there’s Bettyta. While both hands gripping the sword reach skyward, the blade itself—whether vertical or diagonal—points downward, ultimately aiming at the ground. All movements assume that the arm joints are bent at right angles.

In some cases, even knee joints might be involved. More meticulously, wrist and ankle joints too.

When handling swords or weapons meant for slashing and striking, focus is usually on upper and middle zones rather than lower ones.

Though targeting lower areas like legs or lower body through exceptions or unconventional methods is valid, if the opponent neglects their lower half while directly attacking your upper body…

…you’ll end up with minor injuries, but they’ll likely suffer fatal damage. Anything above the shoulders is invariably lethal no matter what.

That’s why sword-to-sword combat often emphasizes downward strikes, teaching this as a fundamental aspect of offense and defense because it inherently embodies both danger and strategy.

Smashing the head establishes control over upper-body exchanges; whoever attacks first has the advantage, while anyone delayed must either block, dodge, or respond appropriately—or face guaranteed damage.

Proper defense…

…and subsequent counterattacks…

…essentially involve relinquishing initiative to the opponent while being capable of enduring their power.

However, when faced with unconventional tactics or overwhelming strength, there’s always a risk of being subdued or overwhelmed instead.

From the start, unless skill and proficiency have been adequately developed, beginners tend to hold an inherent disadvantage in combat.

Tension, stiffness, excitement, calmness, fear, dread, inhibition, recklessness—all psychological and emotional states must be controlled during battle.

Moreover, responding effectively to enemy feints, psychological warfare, imposing auras, killing intent, pressure, or unintentional openings…

Even during training, rookies and promising talents historically fell victim to the intense atmosphere of real combat, unable to properly maneuver their limbs and dying far too many times to count.

But those who’ve accumulated countless experiences, transcended such stages, and gained sufficient battlefield exposure develop unshakable minds immune to any disturbance.

Or perhaps they were simply unstoppable and overwhelmingly powerful every moment, crushing enemies with sheer force—and thus enter another phase entirely.

“Ridiculous!”

The opponent swings their sword with both hands in full display.

But I…

Clang!

Rather than blocking outright, I deflect the blade with my own, simultaneously pressing forward.

Not just swinging or thrusting but using Bettyta to intercept and drive my body straight into them.

“To where?!”

Their response was more skilled than expected. They leaned in with their shoulder to somewhat cushion the impact.

Just prior, I swung my raised, double-handed grip downwards like a hammer strike—but they dodged by pulling back their head and twisting their body, retaliating mid-retreat with a downward slash.

Clang!

I instantly rotated my waist, redirecting my upper body to repeat the same motion, deflecting their blade again.

Their sword slid along mine, leaving an empty stab in the air.

A sharp blade…

Its tip rushes toward me with alarming momentum, like a hawk diving for prey…

Straight for my neck!

This isn’t something you can half-heartedly block without getting pierced clean through.

Even if I avoid the neck, other critical points like collarbone, solar plexus, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or even the lower body could still get impaled—and that would be game over.

Though I didn’t consciously read their intention, my body reacted instinctively.

Switching to Para, I deflected the blade sideways…

Then pivoted left and right.

Swinging my raised hands from the right side to the left, transitioning into Parata…

Once again, I surged forward deeply.

“Tch!”

Last time, they took one step back.

But this time, they retreated three whole steps.

As I passed by them, anticipating this, they stepped back even further, covering two steps with a quick leap.

Effectively, I’ve won via numerical superiority.

“?!”

Ironically, this distance now makes a downward slash highly effective.

With both hands already raised high…

My sword, positioned nearly horizontal to lift theirs earlier, is perfectly set for a devastating strike.

One downward cut should finish everything…

But I don’t.

My instincts warned me—it’s a trap, bait.

Suppressing my desires…

Here comes Fortes.

Instead of chopping, I pull the sword towards me, pointing it at them.

Though I couldn’t slice their face or upper body,

I cleanly carved a mark into their clothes.

But only superficially.

Clearly, their robe offers protection comparable to mine.

…Did they plan for this?

“Missed THIS?!”

Still, it was a valid opportunity.

Both of us know it.

But whether it truly would’ve worked remains uncertain.

In reality…

Transitioning from Bettyta to Fortes,

Even the process of pulling the sword to waist level in close quarters can result in deep cuts.

However, if I hadn’t subdued them and they retaliated…

Their lifted sword would’ve descended like judgment.

At best, we’d exchange wounds; at worst, both bones would break.

Thus, my response was correct.

Since I had no knowledge of their protective gear’s durability or condition,

Confirming it alone gave me a tactical edge in numbers.

But…

Had I pushed harder despite risks and inflicted serious injury…

That wouldn’t have been bad either.

What good is it if I end up suffering afterward?

This fight doesn’t signify my end.

Perhaps this is merely a prelude.

Ahead lies a grueling battlefield filled with relentless battles.

Would you throw yourself recklessly for fleeting pleasure driven by emotion, excitement, or desire?

Forget it.

In the accursed dream battlefield conjured by the Demon King, no matter how formidable this opponent may seem, they’re ultimately just a cog in an army or legion.

Killing them might not even matter before something else lunges, stabs, slashes, or crushes me from the side.

After taking hits, would I cry out “That’s cheap! That’s unfair!” like a loser?

When I won’t even shed tears after failing?

“Hmph!”

The guy spat on the floor.

Despite this brief exchange, we’ve already gauged each other’s capabilities sufficiently.

‘…Physically, I can’t match them.’

This was evident during our previous clashes.

Strength disproportionate to their build.

This isn’t just brute force in collisions, slashes, or downward strikes.

Speed and reaction times are absurd too.

Muscles aren’t just about pushing, pulling, or lifting—they have specialized functions.

None of these distinctions apply here.

If there’s a weakness in pushing, exploit it.

If gripping strength lags despite solid arm muscles, target that.

There’s nothing to exploit here.

No way around it.

Normally, grappling in close quarters would give me the upper hand, considering our specialties.

We both know this.

Back in the days when mana manipulation was crude, rough physical combat involving grabbing and wrestling proved quite effective.

Such practices were even popular as games or exercises.

But since mastering deeper mana usage, such entangled fighting styles became obsolete.

Human frailty makes attempting such things in real combat suicidal—your body will shatter, sever, or collapse instantly.

Better to focus on mana cultivation, upright combat training, and weapon reinforcement techniques.

Even some races like aquarians or barbaric species favor physical conditioning alongside mana training due to their superior physical abilities.

But in the Empire, such grappling is deemed barbaric.

Because in large-scale battles or wars, such tactics rarely work.

Waiting with locked blades in a battlefield? Seriously? Do you want to die? Get surrounded? Invite snipers?

Do you think opponents will patiently wait for you to waste time?

It’s suicidal behavior in group combat.

Simply put…

Avoid giving opportunities for entanglement or being held back.

Dirty, messy grappling becomes impossible.

Even weapon locks can be broken with overwhelming strength, agility, and dexterity.

Does a stationary tree branch ever get stuck on a sword?

If it does…

Decisively shake it off or cleave through it entirely.

Handle it and move on.

Can’t handle it?

You’re weak.

Feeble.

So…

“You’re watching, aren’t you?”

Grandeous’ bizarre swordsmanship, this strange art and technique…

Completely disrupts, reflects, and negates all effects derived from an opponent’s mana manipulation.

“…”

The stronger the opponent’s mana use, the deeper they fall into a greater trap.

Unless thoroughly familiar with this method…

Most people succumb upon initial contact.

Unless they have exceptional senses and reactions.

But if it merely nullified enemy mana and thwarted them…

It wouldn’t be this terrifying.

For this technique, such neutralization serves merely as a foundation or prerequisite.

Just one stage.

A fleeting process.

While transitioning away from mana reliance is possible…

It suppresses that transition too.

Resultantly, both offensive and defensive capabilities become nullified.

Thus…

Even if clad in heavy armor or protective gear…

This swordsmanship has evolved methods specifically to counter such defenses.

The reason regular swordsmanship separates into standard and armored categories…

This is a technique designed to nullify superhuman abilities enhanced by mana use, their weapon skills, and combat prowess.

Simultaneously functioning as specialized swordsmanship crafted to defeat knights equipped with robust armor.

Ironically, against giant monsters or lesser daemons, this approach is unnecessary and ambiguous…

They have their own dedicated countermeasures.

Wind and water…

Rock and trees, plant growth.

All elements hot and cold have historically been adversaries and predators to primordial forms.

Ultimately, comprehending these principles becomes crucial.

“…”

Venus remained visibly frustrated but adopted a completely different attitude and posture compared to before.

Aware of his physical superiority, he maintains control over the initiative.

Yet recognizing that prolonging the fight might only reveal his own limits…

He’ll likely maximize his advantages, unaware of my true capabilities.

Even managing to respond suggests familiarity with our combat styles.

Ordinarily, at that moment during the initial clash, he should’ve dropped his sword, fallen, or gotten slashed across the chest.

Preventing that showcased his incomprehensibly fast reactions and responses, not lacking in skill.

Had his skill been insufficient, he’d have already fallen into my trap.

This guy has clearly trained harder in swordsmanship than me.

The duration and extent surpass comparison.

He’s surely engaged in countless real battles.

Given his wretched personality, surviving this world required more than mere talent.

“Did you refrain from exploiting an opening? Why? Afraid I’d hurt you if I cut you down?”

“…”

I adjust my grip on the sword once, resting it casually on my right shoulder as the distance widens.

Grate.

“Quite the show.”

“It’s about differing objectives.”

I must endure and win without injury.

Even minor wounds are fatally significant to me.

If I could recklessly throw my life into battle without regard…

What blissful privilege, what excessive conditions.

How envious.

If death or destruction means killing the opponent, that’s enough?

“What a carefree existence.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

If you could kill the enemy purely on impulse…

Would you care if you died or broke in the process?

No…

You believe you’re unaffected, right?

That’s why you’ve survived despite your temperamental nature.

Damn enviable.

Even unleashing your fiery disposition hasn’t led to your downfall yet, proving it.

Those born with robust bodies recover quickly from fatigue or injuries, regaining health almost instantly…

To us fragile types forced into meticulous countermeasures, such resilience must feel frustratingly alien.

And as proof…

The kid grits his teeth.

“Let’s see how chatty you remain with mangled limbs.”

His approach remains remarkably composed despite aggressive words.

Half a step.

Even finer increments.

Yet his upper body and eyes exaggerate wild fluctuations, pretending to wildly gyrate.

If you relied solely on sight or felt psychologically unstable…

Such deception would make you flinch, tense your shoulders, tremble, or otherwise expose weaknesses, potentially offering an unprotected neck to the enemy unknowingly.

“―!!”

He charges with space-splitting intensity.

Mouth agape as if preparing a war cry, but only inhaling sharply.

Meaning: There’s more coming.

Inhaling typically signifies gathering strength.

Exhaling, conversely…

Unleashes and explodes power.

Some twist or distort this pattern, but…

How effective would that be?

Regardless of how swift the reaction…

It’s always relative.

So I utilize distance to allow myself time to respond optimally, even if slightly delayed.

BOOM!

An absurd collision sound for mere metal meeting metal.

At this point, rebound forces should naturally cause swords to bounce apart.

Yet they cling together as if glued.

Pressure intensifies continuously.

However…

One final element remains.

“Graaaah―!”

A roar erupts inches from my face.

Explosive aura manifesting violently, savage energy surging forth.

Illusions of being surrounded by dozens of ferocious beasts assault perception, but…

‘I’m used to worse.’

Not wild animals, but colossal sea monsters, swarms large and small, layer upon layer burying, grinding, tearing, shredding, obliterating me repeatedly until certain death.

Even amidst chaos, resolve never wavers.

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