Chapter 100

Rin made a quick decision just before launching an attack on Yan.

Earlier, when she had swung at Yan, she had not felt the special effect of the unnamed sword activate.

From this, she deduced that Yan's level was probably between 10,000 and 13,000.

However, it was clear from the fact that Yan had managed to dodge the attack that the movements were genuine.

The fact that Yan was wielding two daggers in his hands suggested that he was a speed-type fighter.

Given these points, Rin concluded that the unnamed sword, which required large movements, was not suitable for this situation.

"Switch weapon"

Using the item box, she changed the weapon in her right hand from the unnamed sword to the quick sword.

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【Quick Sword】

- A short sword created using the Smithing skill.

- Recommended level: 6000

- Attack power +5000

- Speed +3000

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In this battle, what was important was likely speed, not attack power.

Therefore, Rin decided to fight using a dual-wield of the magic-stealing sword and the quick sword.

With her preparations complete, Rin launched a fierce assault on Yan.

"---Tch!"

Yan, on the other hand, was completely preoccupied with responding to the two short swords wielded by Rin.

Even though he was also using a dual-wield, he was mostly on the defensive.

(Fast, and each strike is heavy! What the hell is this guy?!)

After a few exchanges, Yan had realized that Rin had superior physical abilities.

This led to even more questions.

(Impossible, impossible, impossible! He was only around level 5000 just ten days ago! Could he have a unique skill that boosts his physical abilities several times over?! But if not—could he have really doubled his level in such a short time?!)

Even Yan, who boasted an overwhelmingly fast level-up speed compared to others, found it hard to believe.

His mind and heart strongly asserted that such a thing was impossible.

But of course, he couldn't ask Rin the reason.

The only thing he knew was that if things continued like this, he would be defeated without a chance.

Something.

He needed some other means.

A way to turn the tide of this situation!

Yan, who had stolen many excellent skills from looters, had the means to do so—so he thought.

However, what caught the corner of Yan's vision was the three-colored short sword in Rin's left hand.

"Damn! If it weren't for that cursed short sword!"

Of the skills Yan had stolen, more than half were unique magical skills.

They boasted the power to turn the tide of battle with a single move, but as long as that short sword existed, they wouldn't work.

Worse, it could even become a weapon for the other side.

The more he thought about it, the more abnormal and unrealistic its performance seemed.

Perhaps there were limitations to its activation, but he had no time to verify them.

In the end, all Yan could do in this situation was dodge Rin's attacks by a hair's breadth and sometimes block them with his short sword.

The only saving grace was that, if he focused on defense, he could barely keep up.

As long as he didn't cast magic, he wouldn't lose any more to Rin.

He should be able to find an opening and counterattack.

Thinking this, Yan realized that the precarious balance wouldn't last forever.

"---Release"

"Shit!"

Perhaps too focused on Rin's blade, his response was too slow.

An ice spear released from the magic-stealing sword pierced Yan's right leg.

"Ugh!"

He couldn't help but kneel on one knee.

Without hesitation, Rin swung the quick sword at Yan's heart.

(---Not yet!)

But Yan didn't give up.

Even if he couldn't dodge, he could still block with his short sword!

He raised the short sword in his left hand in front of his chest.

He managed to block the attack at the last possible moment—

The next instant, the short sword in Rin's hand disappeared.

"Sage"

"---What?"

Then, with an incomprehensible mutter, a powerful punch struck Yan's chest.

"Ugh! Kaah!"

Rin's fist easily shattered Yan's ribs and sent him flying.

He crashed into the dungeon wall at a speed too fast to see, and more intense pain followed.

In the corner of his vision, where sparks were flying, his HP had dropped by nearly 30%.

(What was that? A punch? Did he punch me with his bare hands? If so, that's an abnormal level of power! What's going on?!)

Holding his chest with his left hand, he desperately tried to think.

But before he could come up with an answer, Rin was already running towards him, having kicked off the ground.

He was holding two short swords again.

Even if he tried to stand and dodge, his body wouldn't move properly.

(Is this the end?)

If he took the follow-up attack, Yan would die.

As he faced this reality, the flow of time in his vision slowed down.

Conversely, his thoughts accelerated.

(Am I going to lose to someone like him?)

That was impossible.

(Am I going to be stolen from again?)

That shouldn't be allowed.

(I will... I will do whatever it takes to survive!)

And with that, he made his decision.

"---One-Winged Flight"

He was about to use his last resort.

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One-Winged Flight LV6: +60% speed (1% of maximum HP decreases per second)

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A unique skill that was more detrimental than beneficial.

The Gale skill, which anyone could obtain, was far superior to this.

He had never wanted to use this.

The decrease in maximum HP would affect him forever.

But if he died here, everything would be for nothing.

Since even the Gale skill at LV10 wasn't enough to match Rin, this was the only way to break the deadlock.

(That's why I will do whatever it takes---)

"---I will kill you! Tensound Rin!"

Enduring the pain, Yan ran at full speed.

"---Take this!"

"What!?"

Using One-Winged Flight, Yan far outpaced Rin.

Rin couldn't keep up with his movements.

(I can do it!)

Yan's short sword approached Rin's side at an unprecedented speed.

At this moment, there was no time to dodge or block.

Just as Yan was certain of his attack's success, the next instant—

There was a high-pitched sound, like a blade bouncing off something hard.

"---What the hell!?"

Even if Rin's body were incredibly tough, this sound was impossible.

There was only one explanation.

An invisible wall surrounded Tensound Rin's body.

The despair of his all-out attack being deflected.

But Yan, who had made his decision, didn't hesitate.

"I'm impressed, Tensound Rin. You even have defenses against physical attacks. I'll see how long that lasts!"

With a limited time until his maximum HP reached zero, Yan launched a relentless assault.

He circled Rin, attacking with his two short swords.

The situation had completely changed.

Yan was now on the offensive, and Rin was on the defensive.

The only difference was that Rin's defenses were failing.

He could barely see Yan's movements, but he couldn't keep up.

Yan was striking Rin with his swords one-sidedly.

And finally, the moment arrived.

When Yan's all-out attack struck Rin's back, a sound like something cracking echoed.

"So, there is a limit! I'll shatter it with my next strike!"

In response to Yan's words, Rin opened his mouth slightly.

"---Release"

"!"

He narrowly avoided the flame burst released from the magic-stealing sword.

Although the interruption was troublesome, this left Rin with only one spell left.

There were fewer things to consider.

Now, it was time to finish him off!

Yan kicked off the ground and approached Rin with his fastest speed ever.

"This is the end, Tensound Rin!"

Rin kept his gaze on the approaching Yan but didn't move.

Had he accepted his defeat and given up on resistance?

Or was he feigning defeat to make Yan complacent?

(I won't let my guard down. I know your strength is real. That's why I will stop your breathing with all my might!)

Yan accelerated even more.

But then he felt a sense of unease.

(---What?)

What caught Yan's vision was Rin's eyes.

In this situation, where death was imminent, there was no fear in his eyes, only a focused gaze.

(No, it's just my imagination. I've already won! This one strike will end it!)

Yan raised his short sword high.

Even if Rin's stats had doubled, he couldn't possibly dodge from here.

Yan was confident.

But he didn't know.

---The essence of Tensound Rin.

If there was one miscalculation on Yan's part,

it was that he didn't know the true nature of Rin's unique skill.

And the time needed to activate it---

was no longer necessary.

(Dungeon Teleport LV20---)

Rin whispered one last time.

"---Instant Teleport"

And the devastation began.