Chapter 23

As Vlad and Smith stood in the arena facing each other, they had already figured out that this fight was preplanned.

'Seems like the judges already know the Winner, so they matched up against each other, who were of relatively equal strength.' Vlad thought.

The man in black just stood beside the arena, showing little to no interest.

Ding Ding Ding!!!!

The initial clash between them was quite fearsome, both displayed excellent use of battle strategy and strength.

The battle went on for a while without anyone getting an upper hand, loud noises of metal clashing reverberated in the arena.

Smith was a relatively quick fighter, because of this Vlad wasn't able to perform the dodge and attack technique he used in the previous match, Smith would always use the small delay in Vlad changing his technique to dodge or either attack him.

Vlad stopped using his 3rd stance of the Wrathful demonic arts and switched to the 2nd stance, although the power fell drastically, Vlad was able to converse a huge amount of stamina.

'I can't attack him, but it is the same case for him, this battle is going to be one of attrition, but I already have previous injuries, he doesn't even look injured in the slightest, I need to gain an upper hand else I will lose.'

Suddenly a thought occurred in Vlad's brain.

Vlad continued to attack his waiting for the moment Smith would dodge and it didn't take long, as Smith dodged Vlad activated his counter attack stance, trying to judge his position.

Vlad was surprised as he saw a clear pattern of his dodge and saw where he would land, this was the first time Vlad had used this counter-attack stance like this and it worked wonders.

Immediately not giving up this opportunity, Vlad activated his 3rd stance and attack at Smith's landing position.

Smith was also caught off guard as he saw a spear already headed towards his position, immediately Smith placed his katana to block this attack.

Clang...

A loud boom echoed as the weapons collided.

Vlad using this time again attacked Smith hoping for a finish, but Smith was already prepared this time as he further increased his speed and evaded Vlad's attack.

Even though Smith had excellent speed and his attack was good, but he was lacking in defense, this was the main reason he always dodged or counterattacked.

This attack had damaged his quiet severely as blood flowed out his mouth, Smith coughed blood as he barely let out a few grunts.

"You fuck.." Smith let out a few words.

"Well that is rude, did your mom teach you that." Vlad tried to agitate him.

But it seemed like Smith straight out ignored him as he prepared his next attack.

Vlad also knew his opponent was severely lacking in defense but his speed was too great, his only option was to outspeed him or catch him off guard, and Vlad knew the first option wasn't viable.

Vlad had successfully caught him off guard, but Smith once again increased his speed, rapidly moving, Vlad had a hard time following him.

Vlad knew he wouldn't be able to catch him off guard, so he placed his trust in the judge's judgment, Vlad activated his counterattack stance as he studied every movement of Smith waiting for a small opportunity to strike.

....

Time passes and it was almost 10 whole minutes, Vlad continued to study Smith's movement unable to find any opportunity.

"You are too scared to face me directly if this was a real fight, You would be dead!." Smith told Vlad.

Vlad didn't even hear him as he continuously studied Smith, noticing Smith suddenly stop only then did Vlad relaxed a little.

Vlad was already mentally exhausted, his basic sword technique required a lot of mental power, and continues to use it exhausted him.

Right the moment Vlad let down his guard, he felt a bizarre feeling of pure terror and horror, that moment Vlad felt like he was dead, his whole body ready to be devoured by a beast shaking and sweating.

Vlad's eyes blacked out, but they returned to normal after a short while, noticing Smith who was already approaching him with full speed.

Noticing Vlad unfazed by his killing aura, Smith was a little shocked and he immediately stopped.

Ding Ding!!

Right at that moment the Bell again ringed, signaling the ending of the fight.

"So this is killing intent.....Interesting," Vlad muttered as he looked at his sweating and shaking body.