Chapter 29: "Ostberg-Vaya"

Roslov swung his sword in a slash, blocking the thrust.

Thierry was startled; the opponent actually blocked his fierce strike.

Roslov frowned. He noticed a small scorch mark on his chainsword. Although it was only the size of a grain of rice, it showed that the weapon he had taken from the officer was inferior to Thierry's heirloom power sword.

A glint flickered in Thierry's eyes, and his wrist twitched.

"Ostberg-Vaya," Form #2: Backhand Thrust. The power sword coiled like a snake, sliding past the chainsword and aiming straight for Roslov's arm.

Roslov didn't dodge. His weapon was inferior, so he had to end the fight quickly.

He stepped forward, withdrew to avoid the thrust, and launched a practiced strike, the 23rd Form of "Ostberg-Vaya", one he had trained tens of thousands of times.

Even though he didn't know which form it technically belonged to, he had fully mastered the art of overcoming strength with skill.

The roaring chainsword came down toward Thierry's shoulder. Thierry's eyes lit up, this was the first time he had met someone who had mastered the 23rd Form to such an extent, even breaking from traditional interpretations.

This slash not only struck at his weak spot, it also anticipated Thierry's own movements.

Realizing this, Thierry's eyes ignited. Roslov was no longer just a warm-up opponent, he was now a rival who required his full strength.

He used "Ostberg-Vaya" Form #6, twisting his arm and raising his power sword to parry the chainsword.

Dressed in bulletproof armor and standing behind Nareth and the company commander, Szesny watched the brilliant duel closely with sapphire-blue eyes.

Every strike from Regiment Commander Roslov aimed straight at the vital points, fierce and precise.

'So this is the Regiment Commander's true strength. When I challenged him before, he didn't go all out. If he had, I wouldn't have lasted even a minute.'

What surprised Szesny more was that Roslov's ferocious offense wasn't enough to dominate. His opponent's sword seemed alive, its fluid attacks forming a web that constantly forced the commander to adjust.

Realizing this, he couldn't help but worry.

Nareth, on the other hand, had already deduced the outcome. He had also gained a clearer understanding of the power of a Sequence 9.

'A Sequence 9 transcendent can push an ordinary human to their limits. But among humanity, there are already many who surpass the ordinary, they are no mere mortals. If Roslov had fully digested his potion and become a true "Warrior," he might have had a chance. But right now, he's not Thierry's match. Also, his weapon failed him. That one charged strike didn't land, he's lost his chance.'

Nareth's superhuman mind captured every move Thierry made, every strike he delivered.

Within ten minutes, he had absorbed the culmination of thousands of years of Vostroya swordsmanship, Ostberg-Vaya, and even advanced it to an unmatched level.

'Roslov has lost.'

Nareth heard the wail of the chainsword as it began to give out. As he sighed inwardly, Thierry seized the opportunity, executing Ostberg-Vaya Form #33, a lethal combo. The power sword pounded like a warhammer, launching relentless strikes.

Roslov, using what he had just learned from his opponent, applied Form #6 to desperately defend.

But Thierry's furious onslaught was like a legendary tide, wave after wave crashing into the chainsword.

With a loud explosion, the finely crafted weapon shattered.

Fragments scattered, and Roslov showed a bitter smile.

"I've lost."

He silently walked back. The warriors of the Vostroya First Regiment all looked downcast, their commander had been defeated.

Thierry opened his mouth and took a few deep breaths before recovering.

Though it had only been ten minutes, the stamina and energy he had spent exceeded that of a full-scale battle. If Roslov's weapon hadn't broken, the duel would have continued.

After a few seconds, he silently picked up a laser pistol. A commanding voice rang in his ears:

"I'll give you thirty minutes to rest."

"Understood," Thierry replied. If this had been before the duel, he would've declined, but now he found himself doubting.

'Nareth's nameless subordinate was this strong... and the man himself seems even more proficient in battle. Can I really defeat him?'

Ten minutes later, Thierry approached the giant. His eyes were resolute, his confidence restored.

At the fourth step, he suddenly charged forward.

Nareth didn't move. He saw clearly that Thierry was about to enter the halberd's range, then suddenly shifted directions, leaping rapidly around him.

Nareth understood, Thierry had anticipated that he'd use brute strength when Thierry entered range. Thierry wanted to catch him off guard during a turn.

Nareth moved, and the halberd thrust forward. Surprisingly, it wasn't a wild blow, but a precise stab with the tip.

Thierry's expression changed. This strike contained the swift thrust of Ostberg-Vaya Form #1 and the pinpoint accuracy of Form #23.

He couldn't block it, he had to roll awkwardly on the ground to dodge.

Just as he got up, the halberd came sweeping in. Gritting his teeth, Thierry raised both arms to meet it head-on.

The expected impact never came. Nareth's wrist twisted, and the halberd spun like a windmill, its momentum disrupting Thierry's sword stance. The spear tip darted straight for his chest.

Thierry leapt back. A cold sensation spread across his chest, his armor had been slashed open.

'That was Form #2...No! It also included Form #23. How is that possible?'

As Thierry retreated, shock filled his heart. The giant hadn't relied on brute force. He had seamlessly fused Ostberg-Vaya into his strikes.

He used Vostroya swordsmanship, but surpassed it.

Landing on his feet, Thierry ignored the blood trickling from his chest. He lunged forward, sword flashing like a silver storm.

After 33 continuous strikes, Thierry was flung away like a kite with a broken string.

He landed on one knee.

"I admit defeat."

Thierry gave a self-deprecating smile. He now knew, Nareth could have defeated him in a single blow, but instead dismantled every single technique of Ostberg-Vaya.

'He wanted to break every skill I mastered! He wanted to make me realize that the gap between us wasn't just strength—it was skill!'

This was a complete defeat. Thierry accepted it wholeheartedly.

"King Nareth, I swear by the honor of the Vieira family and my soul: as long as you slay Puhachi, I will serve you for all eternity!"

"I accept your loyalty."

Nareth replied deeply, "Tend to your wounds, then lead the way."

"As you command."

As Thierry walked toward his subordinates, the soldiers of the Vostroya's First Regiment finally came back to their senses.

Their morale surged. Especially the new recruits, having witnessed Nareth's divine power, they now believed this battle could be won.

Szesny gazed up at Nareth's back, eyes filled with admiration.

Five minutes later, Thierry's wounds were treated with medical gel. He changed into a new set of armor in a military tent, then stood before Nareth.

"My lord, please follow me."