Thud.
This time, Aster pushed Ludovic back with his sword.
It was a perfect opportunity for him to land a blow, and yet.
“Such words are unbecoming in a spar.”
[…You, how…]
Ludovic wasn’t angered by being pushed back by the sword. He knew Aster couldn’t harm him in his current state.
However, the way his attack had just been deflected was perplexing. It was a blow that should have split Aster’s face in two.
Aster hadn’t dodged. Nor had he blocked.
By process of elimination, that meant he had deflected it.
But even if he had deflected it, how could it be so quiet?
‘…I’ve seen something like this before…’
The God possessing Ludovic. Even he, a being beyond human comprehension, knew of this renowned technique.
Aster twirled his sword, examining its blade, and muttered, “…Is this how you do it?”
Aster had no intention of hiding it.
“Falling Edge, that is.”
[!!]
Ludovic’s eyes widened.
[You can use Falling Edge?]
“Is that so surprising? A human learning and using a human technique.”
Aster tilted his head.
It wasn’t even perfected yet. Ludovic hadn’t let go of his sword.
However, Aster was one of the few who had experienced Falling Edge firsthand. As a warrior, he couldn’t help but be interested in the technique.
It was only after researching it that he realized how high-level a technique Falling Edge truly was.
‘The problem with Falling Edge isn’t just landing it, but what comes after: defense, evasion, parrying, deflecting. It’s something you only attempt after completely neutralizing the opponent’s attack.’
Falling Edge was a technique that involved disarming the opponent. Therefore, it was often perceived as a preemptive strike. However, its essence lay in its highly sophisticated defensive nature.
Aster rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought.
With Ludovic standing right before him.
‘How in the world did Frondier manage to do this in such a short time?’
Since it was a technique developed by Azier, he wasn’t surprised to see Azier use it, only impressed. He could gauge the amount of effort and time Azier had invested in it.
But Frondier was different.
Even if he was Azier’s younger brother and received training from him, it was still remarkable how quickly he had mastered Falling Edge.
‘Mr. Azier, he might not have shown it on his face, but he must have been shocked to see Frondier successfully execute Falling Edge.’
[How dare you get distracted!]
Ludovic charged at him once again.
Aster raised his sword and said, “It’s customary to signal before engaging in a spar.”
[You wretch!]
Clang! Clang!
And so, the battle resumed. Each clash of their swords ignited sparks, their movements consuming the distance between them.
Within a few exchanges, Ludovic realized.
[You dare to do this to me…!]
“I don’t understand why everyone has the same reaction.”
Ludovic was experiencing the same thing Aster’s previous opponent, the Manggot Shepherd Notker, had faced.
Aster, adjusting his level to match his opponent’s skill.
In other words, a “matched” fighting style.
He responded appropriately, whether the opponent was weak or strong.
Aster didn’t know the best course of action in this situation. Should he push himself and try to defeat Ludovic quickly, even if it meant injuring him? Or should he disengage from this fight and help others? Or should he keep searching for a way to subdue Ludovic without harming him?
Aster wasn't Frondier, nor was he Dier. His judgment and calculations were merely average.
Therefore, he didn't know the answer in this situation either.
Because he didn't know, he chose the most familiar method.
His fighting style was to keep fighting until his opponent revealed their hand.
[Ugh…!]
But then, Ludovic made an unexpected move.
Thud!
“…?”
He created distance from Aster with a bewildered expression.
“Are you thinking of unleashing your aura again? That wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
Aster assumed a stance, prepared for a ranged attack.
Despite this…
[…..]
Ludovic didn't move.
Aster’s face contorted in confusion.
Ludovic wasn’t contemplating his next attack.
He was clearly hesitant to attack at all.
‘…Was his goal not to tie me down?’
Aster couldn’t comprehend Ludovic’s sudden change in behavior. Ludovic had come straight to him, even though he could have been the first to cross the continent. He must have considered him the most important target.
If Baldur succeeded in possessing Aster, they would gain a powerful ally. If not, it was crucial to deal with Aster as swiftly as possible.
Indeed, time was ticking by, and the situation was worsening for Aster.
Aster had chosen this fighting style with that in mind. To avoid injuring Ludovic and to prevent his own defeat, he relied on his most familiar method.
‘So why is he suddenly hesitant when it’s what he wants?’
Aster couldn’t understand why the God, who should be pleased with this time-consuming battle, was now acting this way.
[Could it be that…]
Aster silently observed Ludovic, who was muttering something incomprehensible.
“…Hm?”
And then he felt it.
It was faint, but it couldn’t escape Aster’s senses.
“Your aura, it weakened slightly.”
[…!]
Ludovic’s face contorted noticeably.
“….”
Aster looked up, trying to make sense of the situation. Ludovic’s aura had weakened. Judging by his reaction, it wasn’t intentional.
He replayed their recent exchange in his mind, analyzing every detail. The clash of swords, the distance, Ludovic’s expression, and the subtle weakening of the divine power. He traced the cause and effect, searched for a connection…
…He had no idea.
“Ah.”
But then, something else came to mind.
“Right, I remember now. Apollo.”
Aster nodded.
“It’s you, isn’t it? Apollo.”
Even after figuring out his identity, Aster’s ability to get under his skin didn’t waver. He thought he was being perfectly polite.
“Aren’t you the ‘God of Truth’?”
His ordinary expression and casual tone were infuriating.
“Yet you seem to be hiding quite a bit. Or have you perhaps forgotten about upholding the truth because you're spread so thin?”
[Aster, do you even know the meaning of blasphemy?!]
“….”
Aster’s enigmatic expression peaked at that moment.
“I do, but why bring that up now?”
Read ahead by supporting me on Ko-fi. Tiers starting at 10$ per month and you can access upto 40 advance chapters! Choose your tier by clicking the 'Support me' button! Join our discord server for latest release updates and novel discussions. Rate and review this novel on NU to help people find this novel. Bonus chapters on reaching milestones. Happy reading!