The training ground where Adam stood was circular and enclosed by walls, its flat terrain devoid of obstacles. Spectator stands surrounded the arena, providing an unobstructed view of the combatants.
With no terrain features to exploit, tactical advantages would be limited.
Yet victory wasn't his true objective — he simply wanted to duel and acquire the Divine Protection.
Besides, defeating Reinhard was impossible at this stage. To overcome the "Strongest", he would first need to steal all of Reinhard's Divine Protections.
"Reinhard, let's not use wooden swords."
As Reinhard reached for a wooden longsword from the rack, Adam gestured toward the crowd.
"It would be such a letdown... look at all these people expecting a real show."
The Knights in the stands watched with eager anticipation. A mere wooden sword match would surely disappoint them.
"But... this one is rather willful — I can't make it move." Reinhard patted the Dragon Sword at his waist with an awkward expression.
As the 『 Sword Saint 』 blade, the Dragon Sword Reid would only unsheathe for worthy opponents — otherwise remaining completely unresponsive.
That made sense. Though strong, Adam knew he hadn't yet earned the right to face the Dragon Sword.
However, there was another way.
"You're so inflexible — why not just use a standard kingdom longsword?"
"But... is that really okay? You could easily get hurt."
"We'll stop before that happens. Besides, I know Healing Magic, so injuries aren't a concern."
"Oh, that's a good point." Agreeing, Reinhard selected an iron Knight's sword.
Meanwhile, Adam drew his Nichirin Longsword and silently activated Demon Slayer Mark state.
◈ Water Breathing, Slayer Mode ⫸ Demon Slayer Mark ◈
Solemn blue patterns appeared as his magical power surged, creating a subtle pressure before the 『 Sword Saint 』.
Reinhard's eyes showed a hint of curiosity and surprise, but no panic. He remained confident — certain of his own strength.
"Are both sides ready? Salute!"
"Yes! Please guide me!" x2
The moment the Knight referee finished speaking, Adam launched his attack!
The spectators' vision blurred as they watched the "Madman" materialize before Reinhard, Nichirin Longsword raised to strike at his throat.
The watching Knights whispered in awe. The speed was beyond human sight — Adam's display of overwhelming power left them stunned!
This was precisely what he had planned.
To prevent Knights from challenging him, he had two options: rely on Subaru to keep peace, or become so formidable that none would dare face him.
He and Subaru had silently agreed on the latter approach.
This thrust wasn't mere brute force — it was a calculated probe. No need to risk disrupting his rhythm by changing breathing techniques yet.
As expected, Reinhard stood motionless before the sudden attack, not even attempting to dodge. One might think he hadn't reacted in time.
But impossible! This was the 『Sword Saint』!
His Divine Protection granted such composure — knowing the first strike would miss, he had no reason to defend.
The sword thrust forward!
No blood painted the training ground. Just as Adam's Nichirin Longsword neared Reinhard's throat, an invisible force deflected the blade.
The powerful impact forced his thrust aside, missing the neck by a hair's breadth.
The target remained untouched!
But he wouldn't yield!
Using his forward momentum, Adam smoothly transformed the thrust into a horizontal slash.
◈ Water Breathing, First Form ⫸ Water Surface Slash ◈
His Nichirin Longsword, wreathed in blue Magical Power, slashed toward Reinhard's neck with lethal intent!
Yet Reinhard, wearing a serene smile, simply raised his Knight's sword. With one vertical block, he negated both the strike and its magical power.
Such might! Reinhard's blade now carried magical power equal to Adam's own!
Though impressive, it only highlighted Reinhard's insurmountable strength!
With his technique expended and momentum gone, any follow-up would be weak and leave him exposed.
Adam had no choice but to retreat.
First Attack Complete!
"As expected of Reinhard! The true heir to the Sword Saint title!"
"However... that Madman is no weakling — he surpasses us all."
"Indeed. Though I hate to admit it, that's the truth."
The watching Knights murmured their admiration for both fighters, even while disapproving of the Madman's earlier behavior in the royal hall!
Adam gave a light smile.
Such power! As expected of the 『Sword Saint』! "Strongest Sword Saint in History" and "Knight Among Knights" were no mere titles!
He had casually blocked his surprise attack. Though Adam hadn't used his full strength, having it blocked so effortlessly was frustrating!
Some people are — even knowing they can't win, they still give it their all. Everyone has this gambler's mentality, and Adam was no exception. He knew that while Reinhard had many Divine Protections, he had one fatal weakness.
If the second attack was strong enough, you could defeat him!
Of course, there would only be this one chance!
Should he try it? Without a doubt!
'Next strike, I'll put everything into it!' Adam made his resolution.
〘Divine Protection of Magic〙squeezed out all his magical power, while 〘Divine Protection of the Sun〙sought causal correction!
An enormous amount of magical power burst forth from his body, transforming into a pillar of light shooting skyward. His Black Nichirin Longsword vibrated violently, the magical power wrapped around it nearly shattering it to pieces.
The earth trembled and the air froze! Sunlight shone down directly, making Adam gleam brilliantly. An intense pressure enveloped the small training ground, causing the spectators' hearts to pound violently!
At this point, even those Knights had to take him seriously.
So strong! Stronger than most of the Royal Guard!
In their view, Adam's arrogance must have stemmed from his own strength.
However! Today, that arrogance would be completely crushed by Reinhard!
Why, you ask? Need they say it? He was the kingdom's strongest 『 Sword Saint 』!
They eagerly anticipated what would happen next.
Reinhard politely waited for Adam to finish charging up. But to others, this seemed more like absolute confidence in his own strength — a dismissal of his opponent, allowing him to use his full power.
Well, I'll accept your kindness!
◈ Water Breathing, Twelfth Form ⫸ Transformation of Time Rain ◈
◈ Water Breathing, Tenth Form ⫸ Constant Flux ◈
This was probably Adam's strongest combination of sword techniques.
Strongest domain technique + strongest combo technique! Magical Power wrapped around the Nichirin Longsword, and from his tight grip, the blade carried a subtle red tinge!
The Water Domain created by the massive magical power enveloped Reinhard, but slash after slash was easily blocked.
Relaxed, completely at ease — his whole being radiated this message. Even though he was in a domain that should have slowed movement, he wasn't affected at all!
An existence beyond the rules — a true cheat character!
Not finished yet! Forcibly changing breathing technique!
◈ Thunder Breathing, Slayer Mode ⫸ Demon Slayer Mark ◈
The water-blue patterns on his face switched to golden yellow in an instant!
Fast! Ultimate speed! As if transcending time and space!
Adam's Black Nichirin Longsword didn't clash with Reinhard's Knight sword, but instead crossed paths with it, creating a momentary opening.
◈ Thunder Breathing, First Form ⫸ Thunderclap and Flash ◈
A drawing slash aimed straight for Reinhard's neck!
A clear metallic clang rang out as sparks flew. The standard Knight's sword had blocked his strike perfectly!
Though Adam had anticipated this outcome, disappointment still gnawed at him. With his current strength, he couldn't even scratch Reinhard, let alone defeat him!
Having spent his one chance at victory, he ceased his assault and retreated.
Reinhard tilted his head slightly, puzzled by the sudden end to Adam's barrage of attacks.
"Hey, Reinhard, why do you swing your sword?"
"I sense nothing from your blade. Perhaps it's arrogant of me to say, but you swing your sword like a machine — just relying on raw power, like a soulless puppet."
"Reinhard, show me your true power as Sword Saint. Let me witness your real strength."
"..." Reinhard remained silent.
Instead of answering, he raised his Knight's sword. His Magical Power erupted skyward in a brilliant pillar of light, creating an even more crushing pressure across the training ground than Adam's earlier display.
Pure, overwhelming force that left no room for resistance. The Knight's sword, now wrapped in immense power, needed only a single ordinary slash to overwhelm any opponent.
As white light filled his vision, Adam fell with satisfaction.
A victorious smile spread across his face.
〘Divine Protection of the Sword Saint〙, come to me, baby!
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