Striking Only the Face

Before Allen could fully prepare himself, Ulbato, unable to contain his impatience, struck first, burning through his inner energy and launching a full-force attack. With the blade and body fused as one, he blurred into a fleeting shadow, charging towards Allen with the tip of his sword aimed directly at Allen's heart. A crescent arc of sword energy surged forward with a sizzling sound, sharp enough to cut through the air.

Half-Moon Slash!

From the outset, Ulbato unleashed his most formidable technique, intent on victory. His speed, strength, and relentless assault were on full display as his razor-sharp sword barely missed Allen, slicing through a few strands of his hair. With a howl, the crimson blade whistled back, appearing before Allen once more, launching a flurry of rapid, vicious strikes.

"A First-Rank Swordsman at his peak—truly formidable!"

"No matter how powerful magic may be, if there's no time to cast the spells, what use is it? I'd wager this newly arrived cleric is as good as dead!"

…

The crowd murmured as they watched Ulbato's relentless onslaught.

The power of a First-Rank Swordsman was beyond compare. No one had expected this reckless young man, Ulbato, to possess such strength, having quickly ascended to the peak of his rank! His attacks were fierce, as though driven by a deep personal vendetta against Allen.

Bolstered by the might of the Morgan family, Ulbato had always acted with impunity within the settlement, his reputation sullied by arrogance and cruelty, yet his power was undeniable. As they watched Allen dodge narrowly time after time, some found amusement in his plight, while others sighed in silent sympathy. Even the usually composed Ophelia couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. She muttered a few incantations, urgently summoning the Knight Templar of the convent for aid.

"What a fool, to be made a cleric—what a joke!" Ulbato sneered, his face contorted with malice as he laughed. "Come on, Lord Allen, let's see what this mighty cleric of yours can do!"

As Ulbato's attacks rained down with the force of a storm, his triumphant laughter echoed. With every strike, he mocked Allen, who he believed was destined to fail. Ulbato swore to himself that, even if he couldn't slay Allen outright, he would at least ensure the cleric suffered grievously—no cost too great to expend his energy and spirit in the process. As Allen danced between life and death, narrowly escaping his strikes, Ulbato felt a twisted satisfaction in his own growing dominance. But soon, his exhilaration turned to frustration and impatience.

Despite Ulbato's ferocious barrage, Allen remained standing, unwavering. The sword skimmed past him again and again, even slicing through several strands of his jet-black hair, yet it could never find its mark!

After a fierce series of attacks, it seemed as though Allen had fallen into the disadvantage, but his composure remained unbroken. He moved with an ease that suggested mastery, while Ulbato, having expended great amounts of energy and aura, found himself flushed and panting, his vitality waning. A subtle shift began to take place on the battlefield.

"Your speed is impressive, but your strength is still lacking!"

Dodging another determined strike from Ulbato, Allen cast a cold smile as he watched his opponent's wearied state. Although a typical mage's physique would never match that of a swordsman, particularly a Swordsman dedicated to close combat, Allen was no ordinary individual. He was the Lich King—Ovissus, the undead monarch!

After inheriting the powerful magic crystal of the Lich King, Allen's body had been dramatically enhanced. His blood surged with vitality, and his physical strength surpassed even that of most demons. Drawing on this natural prowess, he effortlessly evaded Ulbato's savage onslaught!

Only defending, Allen observed his foe's techniques and endured, waiting for the right moment to turn the tide. It was now time for Ulbato to taste defeat!

With a chilling smile, Allen reached into his dark ring, drawing forth a small vial adorned with a dragon-shaped relief.

Roar...

As the ancient vial opened, a powerful surge of energy erupted, accompanied by a heavy pressure that filled the air. A deafening dragon's roar reverberated through the void, as if an ancient dragon had awoken, exuding an aura of supreme authority.

Dragon Blood Vial!

Even without summoning the Lich legions, Allen was more than confident in his ability to dispatch Ulbato in an instant. After slaying a Twelfth-Rank Dark Knight, what could a mere First-Rank Swordsman hope to accomplish? However, in order to conceal his true power, he had refrained from casting overtly powerful spells.

Ulbato prided himself on his formidable body, so Allen chose to outmatch him in that very domain. He drank deeply from the Dragon Blood Vial, unleashing a torrential surge of energy. His muscles bulged, quivering violently, the very air vibrating with his explosive power. Each tremor echoed like a violent demon's roar, suffused with overwhelming killing intent.

The Dragon Blood Vial, a one-time artifact left by Ovissus, contained the essence of a giant dragon's blood, sealed with ancient magic. Ordinary beings could gain tremendous strength from even a single drop, capable of tearing apart tigers and leopards or casting powerful forbidden spells. To drink the entire vial was madness.

"My gods, I didn't just see that… Did he really just drink the entire Dragon Blood Vial?"

"A madman! Does he not fear the immense power will tear his body apart?"

…

The crowd gasped in shock at the sight of Allen's incredible act. Even Ulbato stood stunned, never having expected Allen to possess such a terrifying artifact.

"Ulbato, you wanted me to teach you? Then watch carefully!"

Allen grinned wickedly, tightening his grip on his magic staff. Just as the spectators anticipated a high-level spell, an unexpected twist occurred. The staff, embedded with a crystal and emanating waves of magical energy, rose high. With a sweeping arc, it descended swiftly, striking Ulbato's face with a resounding crack.

Smack!

The crisp sound echoed far and wide as a deep mark appeared on Ulbato's face. Dizzy and disoriented, he was struck again, the pain blurring his senses. Before he could even react, another resounding smack echoed, this time on his right cheek, accompanied by a faint, almost imperceptible dark aura seeping into his body.

Dark Corrosion!

Silently, Allen unleashed a powerful dark spell, subtly dismantling the aura Ulbato had carefully built within his body, eroding his strength and vitality, and slowly consuming his very soul. Despite his modest rank as a Magic Apprentice, Allen's understanding and control of the magic's primal essence surpassed that of most wizards. His dark spell went unnoticed by all, as no one suspected that the holy cleric in red robes was, in fact, a wicked Lich!

In an instant, Ulbato's limbs grew numb and stiff, his consciousness fading as he watched Allen's staff descend again and again, each blow landing with a sickening crack. The once-proud face he had taken such pride in was soon swollen, twisted into a grotesque mockery of its former beauty.

Specializing in Face-Strikes!

While others might avoid striking the face, leaving room for leniency, Allen did not. He focused solely on Ulbato's face, hitting hard and hitting repeatedly! This arrogant, spoiled noble needed a lesson in humility, and Allen was more than happy to oblige.

"I'll kill you, Allen! The Morgan family will never forgive you!" After a screeching, anguished cry, Ulbato screamed hoarsely, his words fueled by fury and humiliation.

Who was he?

The son of the Morgan family's head, born with power and privilege, fed by wealth and luxury. He was accustomed to wielding the whip, never the lash. To endure such public disgrace was beyond what he could tolerate. He stood before the crowd, seething with shame and rage, his face now a symbol of his utter humiliation.

Looking around at the spectators, who were clearly entertained by his misfortune, Ulbato felt his anger flare. The mixture of old grievances and new wounds filled him with a burning hatred for Allen, like a wounded beast with bloodshot eyes, ready to exact vengeance.

"Enough with the empty threats!"

After delivering a thorough lesson, Allen had intended to walk away, but Ulbato's mention of family vengeance pushed him too far. With a sneer, he struck again, this time with such force that the staff snapped in two, and Ulbato crumpled to the ground, bloodied and unconscious.

"Ophelia, my apologies for breaking your staff!"

Turning to the shocked Ophelia, Allen offered a sheepish smile, dusted off his hands, and walked away with a confident stride, not even glancing at the fallen Ulbato.