CHAPTER 287

As Encrid moved to the front of the troops, a sharp-eyed scout spoke up.

"Someone's coming."

Just as the scout said, a figure emerged, walking slowly from the direction of the Viscount's army. The figure was bathed in the dim sunlight filtering through the clouds.

'A big guy?'

He's pretty large, about as big as Audin.

Encrid stared intently at the figure approaching from a distance. The man wasn't on horseback but walking on his own two feet.

He wasn't moving fast or slow, but there was an air of confidence about him.

After all, what else could it be but confidence to walk alone to the center of a battlefield?

"Should we shoot?"

One of the archers asked.

"No." 

Encrid replied.

Despite his command, some archers uneasily raised their hands to their bowstrings before lowering them again.

Starting with arrows fired by archers is the beginning of any battle. It's the basic principle of war.

Growls and barks erupted from several wolves behind the man. The noise was deafening, but the man simply scratched his ear and shouted.

"My name is Laikanos! Send out your best fighter!"

As he stomped his foot, the ground shook with a resounding thud.

How is he that strong?

The soldiers' morale cooled instantly. Rem seemed to have been beaten, and this opponent looked formidable. He didn't seem any less capable than the renowned Encrid.

Breaking the enemy's spirit before a battle begins is one of the most effective tactics.

This was a duel.

If you have a strong hand, it's best to use it.

The Black Blade Bandits had, of course, prepared their own strong hand.

Ragna took a step forward. Audin also reacted.

Encrid drew his sword and brought it down in front of the two.

It wasn't fast, but it was light.

Whoosh.

The blade, glowing with a blue hue, cut through the air, halting their advance.

"He's mine. You two handle something else."

Encrid's gaze remained fixed on Laikanos.

At the same time, Encrid was also contemplating the means to unravel the battle and the battlefield.

How many more battles would follow? And what could be gained today?

The stage was set by Krais, so it was up to him to reap and take what was his from it.

'When did I become so confident?'

A surge of confidence welled up in his chest, urging him to engage in this battle.

Encrid didn't dislike it.

This was the place he had always wanted, the position he had desired, and it was waiting for him.

"Jaxon."

"Yes."

"Look for a chance to take out that boar's head."

It didn't have to be today, it could be in the next battle. It didn't matter when, but what needed to be done had to be done.

"Understood."

Jaxon nodded nonchalantly.

That was reassuring. He wouldn't fail.

"Audin, Teresa. It looks like there's something big among those wolves."

When they infiltrated the enemy's territory, there had been three large beasts, but it seemed only one was left.

No, was it even bigger?

It wouldn't matter. Just another big beast.

However, it wouldn't do to let regular soldiers face that thing. His instincts told him so.

"Brother, it will be as you wish. Let us pray."

Audin clasped his hands together and quietly stepped back, while Teresa knelt beside him and spoke.

"As you command."

Then Dunbachel tugged at her collar.

Ragna was beside her. His expression was cold, but his eyes clearly spoke: I want to fight. I have the will. I can cut that thing down with my sword right now.

Seeing Ragna's determination was more enjoyable than he expected.

He had never felt frustrated watching him laze around before.

But watching someone waste their talent is never pleasant.

Of course, with his solid heart that could brush things off easily, it didn't bother him much.

'A genius's determination.'

It was enjoyable to see Ragna's determination. Just because it didn't bother him to see the opposite, didn't mean this wasn't enjoyable.

Moreover, it was also pleasing to see himself standing beside such a determined Ragna.

"Slash as you please. Cut down everything you see. But only after those wolves are dealt with."

If the enemy had prepared a giant wolf, on their side, they had a beast-man more ferocious than any wolf and a sword that could cut through anything.

If they sent these two into the ranks of the common soldiers, the battle would quickly tilt in their favor.

There was no need to go to greater lengths to boost morale, just having these two step forward would change the course of the battle.

A battlefield dominated by an elite few—this was why it was the truth, and these two would prove it.

That would be enough. Dunbachel nodded and snorted in agreement.

"That will be enough. We'll do it in a way that would make Krimhalt proud."

Krimhalt was the God worshipped by the beastkin.

The God of war and fertility.

To show something to the God meant to display a battle that was not shameful.

It was thanks to Rem. The torment of the barbarians had evolved one of the beast-women into a mad warrior.

"I'll yield."

Hearing Ragna's calm words, Encrid also began to move forward.

"I was wondering when you'd show up. I thought no one there had any balls. Are you staying up all night?"

Laikanos shouted provocatively, tapping his groin.

It was both a taunt and a way to boost his own side's morale.

He wasn't expecting a response.

"Wow, wow! Ball-less bastards!"

"No balls at all!"

"Idiots!"

The enemy soldiers hurled insults.

In response, Encrid's soldiers also raised their voices.

"You're the ones who are ridiculous!"

"We've got them!"

"Biggest ones you've ever seen!"

"Worm-like bandit scum!"

Amidst the jeers and cheers, Encrid slowly walked forward, and Graham asked from behind.

"You think you can win?"

"Yes, even if I die, we will win."

Was he prepared to die? Graham crossed his arms, hiding his unease.

Encrid was simply being honest.

He meant it literally. If the obstacle in front of him was a wall, if that wall was death.

He would surpass it. And by doing so, he would win.

Strangely, Encrid felt no excitement as he stood before his opponent.

His physical condition wasn't particularly good or bad.

"They're there, and they're probably bigger than yours."

After facing off with Laikanos, Encrid spoke, causing Laikanos's lips to twist into a smirk.

"Is that so? Bigger than mine?"

"I've never seen anyone bigger than me."

"…Arrogant bastard. You. You're that guy, aren't you? Encrid, or whatever they call you."

The opponent already knew his name. Of course, Encrid knew his opponent too.

He had heard that Laikanos was one of the influential figures in the Black Blade Bandits.

His stature was as large as Audin's, and the heavy weapon strapped to his back hinted at his fighting style.

Laikanos subtly advanced his left foot.

He stepped inside the distance that Encrid had maintained.

Encrid reacted immediately, drawing the sword from his left hip and slashing it.

Laikanos, despite his size, quickly retreated out of the striking distance.

More than two steps back from where he had started.

Whoosh.

The blade sliced through the air.

Following the diagonal upward movement of the sword, Laikanos swung his weapon.

Wham!

A black shadow seemed to curve as it flew from behind him.

As he watched the weapon descend vertically, Encrid also shifted his position.

Swish!

His feet skimmed the ground as he moved. He sidestepped to the right, circling around to the enemy's side.

The iron mace slammed into the ground where Encrid had just stood.

Bang!

Dirt and stones scattered in all directions. Some of them struck Encrid's body and head, but he ignored the small debris and, as soon as he caught the opponent's flank, drew his gladius and thrust forward.

The first stab, a quick jab learned through repeating 'today', slipped between Laikanos's ribs.

It was a rapid thrust.

Laikanos raised his arm and trapped the blade between his arm and side.

His reaction speed and reflexes were remarkable.

He tried to twist his body to break the sword, but it didn't go as he intended.

"Damned tough!"

The enraged Laikanos swung his mace again.

Whoosh!

The wind pressure from the horizontally swinging mace struck Encrid's face before the weapon itself could reach him.

Encrid didn't need to see it, he judged the mace's trajectory by sound alone.

He immediately ducked.

Even a glancing blow from such a blunt weapon would crush and tear human flesh, but it passed just above his head.

Encrid activated the Heart of Great Strength and twisted his gladius.

Inhale.

With a short, sharp intake of breath, the muscles in his left arm swelled as if they would explode.

Crack!

The blade twisted, threatening to grind through the flesh of Laikanos's side and arm.

Unable to withstand it, Laikanos released his grip on the blade with his side.

"You bastard."

Blood dripped from the inside of Laikanos's arm.

His side armor only bore a scratch, but the inside of his arm was definitely shredded.

"Does it hurt?"

As Encrid spoke, he steadied his breathing and drove the sword in his right hand downward vertically.

At the same time, he withdrew the gladius and sheathed it.

Laikanos stepped back to avoid the incoming strike.

He wasn't just a brute swinging a mace around. His movements were concise and sharp.

He was a well-trained opponent with years of experience in real combat.

The blade sliced through the air. 

Whoosh.

And through the gap created by the swing, Laikanos's gaze remained fixed on Encrid.

His dull, dark brown eyes reminded Encrid of Jaxon.

They looked sinister.

Thud.

Laikanos kicked off the ground again, charging forward. The hardened earth cracked, and solid chunks of dirt shot up like stones.

Encrid placed his left hand on the hilt of his gladius.

He feigned drawing it but then quickly moved his feet.

This time, he pushed off with his toes and stepped back, a backstep.

He evaded all the stone fragments that had sprung up between them.

'Dodged?'

Laikanos wondered as he continued his motion.

He lifted his mace and swung it diagonally from above.

At the same time, he crossed his feet and lunged forward.

Before Laikanos could complete his move, Encrid released the sword in his right hand and swung it downward.

To an observer, it might have looked like he suddenly dropped his sword and swiped at the air.

But in his hand was a Whistle Dagger, and that was a different story.

Whistle!

The Whistle Dagger lodged itself into Laikanos's face at close range.

From the beginning, Encrid had anticipated that his opponent would evade or block the sword, so he had gripped the Whistle Dagger in his right hand while swinging the sword.

Now, it paid off.

He had learned the technique of hiding a dagger in his sleeve from Torres of the Border Guard Unit.

All of these skills came into play.

Laikanos's head snapped back, only to return forward a moment later.

Unfortunately, it wasn't the result Encrid had hoped for.

"You damn…"

The blade was caught between Laikanos's front teeth.

Though his upper teeth had cracked with a sharp sound, he had managed to stop the blade.

"Hey, spit it out. It's not for eating." 

Encrid said. His taunts were always well-timed.

Laikanos spat out the dagger, and flames of fury ignited in his eyes.

"I'll kill you for sure. Before I do, I'll crush that too. You think you're big? I'll grind you down until you can't even be seen."

His words were filled with disdain, but Encrid maintained his composure, not even offering a mocking smile, securing a psychological victory as well.

Whoosh.

The mace came swinging again. This time, Encrid gripped his sword with both hands and deflected it.

It was like a Snake Sword, meant to deflect and strike back.

'Brute strength.'

Even with the Heart of Great Strength activated, Laikanos's strength was superior.

'Willpower?'

The thought crossed his mind.

If there's a 'Will' for refusal, then there must also be a 'Will' that grants great strength.

Unable to fully deflect, the mace and sword clashed and locked together.

Laikanos, in that position, applied more force, pushing the mace forward. He placed his other hand on the opposite end of the mace and took a deep breath.

He intended to crush Encrid with sheer strength. Encrid stepped back with his left foot.

Crack. 

His knee bent halfway.

He was being overpowered.

As Laikanos pressed down from above, he spoke.

"What? You thought you couldn't be overpowered? Hey, you bastard, did you think you were the only one with strength?"

'No, there are plenty stronger than me. Always.'

Not just Audin, but Rem, Ragna, and even Teresa—he still wasn't confident he could overpower them.

"Your front tooth is broken."

Thanks to the force he applied earlier, Encrid could see that the tooth that had blocked the dagger was now broken.

"I bet the women won't like that."

Encrid's well-placed comment was enough to draw out Laikanos's rage.

"Arghhhh!"

The beast roared in fury.

Encrid gathered strength, ready to unleash his own shout.

Was this opponent easily provoked?

The brief question crossed his mind during the battle but was quickly forgotten.

There was no time or room for such thoughts.

The opponent was strong. Very strong.

This wasn't like the half-baked mercenaries who were barely Knight-level.

Locked in the same position, Laikanos suddenly released his left hand, clenched it into a fist, and swung.

Thud!

Encrid tightened his trapezius muscles and turned his head to deflect the blow.

This was the Valaf-Style Martial Arts, using the body to deflect attacks.

He didn't just take the hit.

As he twisted his body to evade, he kicked Laikanos in the shin.

Thud!

A heavy thud echoed against Laikanos's armor.

"That hurt, you bastard." 

Laikanos said, completely letting go of his weapon.

He then tried to grab Encrid by the collar with his right hand.

Encrid used his left hand, drawing his second sword, the gladius, intending to slice off Laikanos's fingers.

But Laikanos anticipated this and withdrew his hand. Their hands and feet clashed repeatedly. Encrid mixed in sword strikes, continuing the close-quarters combat, but no decisive blow was landed.

The exchange was fierce and brutal, but neither could land a killing strike.

Encrid's head was bleeding from a wound, and Laikanos, who had lost his helmet in the fight, had his lip split and his cheek cut, with blood streaming down.

Encrid had also taken a hit to the stomach, making it difficult for him to catch his breath.

In that brief moment, Laikanos managed to deliver a spinning kick to Encrid's chin, executing a move that sent him spinning in the air.

Both combatants were not in their best shape when they finally separated.

"It's been a while since I've faced someone like you." 

Laikanos remarked.

"I see them often." 

Encrid replied.

"First time I've met someone who never loses a word." 

Laikanos retorted.

"Ah, that part I'm used to."

Winning, that is.

Grind.

Laikanos clenched his molars. With his front tooth broken, his face looked somewhat less imposing, but his killing intent remained the same.

"You're one unlucky bastard."

After that remark, Laikanos swung his mace again, but Encrid found it strange.

Something was different, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

There wasn't enough time to dodge and create distance.

So he had to block it. He raised his sword and softly guided it. Instead of withstanding the impact like before, the mace slid off the Snake Sword to the side.

Clang!

Just as the thick metal mace slid off the blade, in that split moment—Laikanos's body moved twice as fast as before.

Encrid's focus flared hotter than ever.

The mace?

It was just a shell. In the slowed-down time, Laikanos had drawn his true weapon.

A thin, rapier-like sword concealed within the mace.

He drew and thrust the sword.

It was faster than any sword Encrid had ever seen.

As soon as he blocked the thrust, it was like a bolt of light shot towards him.

It touched him before he could even register it.

Just before the sword could skewer him like a spit, his hyper-focused state triggered the Sense of Evasion.

Encrid instinctively twisted his body. As a result, the blade grazed his side and dug into his right upper arm.

Every moment passed like a dream, like a fleeting scene.

The sound of the sword being drawn, the sound of it cutting into flesh, and the pain that followed—all of it was absent.

In that fragmented, flowing scene, driven by the survival instincts honed through countless battles, Encrid moved reflexively.

The next movement was the same.

Twisting his body and pulling back his right arm, he raised the sword in his left hand and struck.

The gladius became a fearsome, swift slash aimed at his opponent's face.

Encrid's sword slashed from Laikanos's chin up to his left eye.

Thud, crack!

A different kind of slicing sound echoed between them as both men staggered back.

No, it was more like they were flung apart.

"Fire!"

Someone shouted.

Regardless of whether the two were still standing, both armies began firing arrows.

The duel was over, the full-scale battle had begun.

Encrid wobbled and dropped to one knee.

Someone from behind caught him as he fell.

"We're pulling back." 

Jaxon said.

Encrid nodded.