Bout.

Fatima had decided on a location for the battle, the field behind their building.

Rolo and Archibald made their way to the spot, both ready to clash swords.

Rolo drew out his colossal blade, which was called <<Windbreaker>>, from its scabbard and held it forward.

Archibald materialized his sword with a hand gesture and then pulled it out of its scabbard.

He decided to use <<Ver-Ather>>.

"Prepare to get a taste of my <<Windbreaker>>..." (Rolo)

"T-The name's wind breaker?" (Archibald)

"It is, is there a problem?" (Rolo)

"N-No, no problem sir." (Archibald)

Several fits of laugh exploded from Archibaldʼs mouth but he quickly comported himself.

"(This guy's weapon is a literal fart machine... Who the hell names their weapon wind breaker? Gosh, who comes up with this stuff..)" (Archibald)

The spectators watched from a distance as the wind blew back and forth.

The two swordsmen stood a distance of three meters between them, their eyes like blades focused on each other.

Their swords shone brightly as the sun rays touched them.

Rolo broke the deafening silence and told Archibald, "If you can survive my attacks for thirty seconds, then you're the winner."

Archibald was taken aback by his words. "If that's how it's going to be," he replied with determination, "then I'm ready."

"Before we touch swords, you should know I am ranked Advanced in all three sword arts and Disciple in the [Thunder God Arts]... this is your last chance to reconsider this battle." (Rolo)

「Rolo Gromtite's ranks are as follows:

[Thunder God Arts] :: Disciple

[Black Moon Arts] :: Advanced

[Sky Lord Arts] :: Advanced

[Sword Saint Arts] :: Advanced」

...

Naturally, Archibald was impressed by his stats.

Archibald was ranked Advanced in all four sword schools by the time he was 10 years old.

Conversely, one could say they were technically the same thing, but with Rolo being higher in the [Thunder God Arts].

But, just that alone could determine the victor of this bout.

[Thunder God Arts] focused on the theory that: "He who strikes first wins."

This theory held through until the development of the [Sky Lord Arts] by Gregnar Zergack.

If the [Thunder God Arts] was the ultimate attack, then the [Sky Lord Arts] could best be called its antithesis; the ultimate defense.

Rolo was preparing to clash with Archibald. He glared at Archibald and warned him, "Brace yourself, because I don't plan on holding back."

Archibald only smirked, still tightly grasping his sword. "It wouldn't be much of a challenge if you held back," he replied confidently.

Rolo smirked in response. "Don't get too confident," he warned.

Archibald replied, "Confidence is the first step to becoming the best in the [Thunder God Arts]. If you believe no one can block your attack, then no one will."

Rolo chuckled at his analogy. "Where did you get such an absurd idea from?" he asked Archibald.

Archibald replied, "My master was the one who told me."

As they talked back and forth, Lamperogue watched them with an inexpressive face.

Turning to Rumia and Lutessa, he said, "This is why the idea for both of them to fight it out was the best choice."

Lutessa agreed, "They're almost talking like they're friends now."

Rumia, the green-haired elf, silently nodded in agreement.

Felinela asked Larc, "Who do you think will win?"

Confidently, he replied, "It will be Rolo, as expected. Although Archibald has talent with a sword, Rolo has experience."

Lamperogue interjected calmly, "Don't underestimate Archibald. He may surprise you."

"Is that so?" Larc smiled and replied, "We'll see."

"Begin!" shouted Fatima, and with that, the battle commenced.

Archibald, moving like the wind, darted towards Rolo on a rectilinear path.

His sword swinging vertically, he approached Rolo with frightening speed.

Rolo, however, was ready for him.

With a powerful swing, he deflected Archibald's blade.

Archibald was blown back by the force of the impact, but he landed skillfully on his feet.

Undeterred, Archibald charged forward again, this time in a zigzag manner, hoping to confuse Rolo.

He drove his blade forward, but Rolo deflected it once again.

Archibald's blade bounced off, causing him to stumble slightly.

In that moment, Rolo used his left fist to aim for a punch at Archibald's solar plexus, but Archibald moved so quickly that it was almost like he vanished.

Suddenly, Archibald appeared behind Rolo, putting some distance between them.

Rolo smirked and said, "Is that the best you can do?"

Archibald felt a bit insulted by the statement and replied, "This isn't even me being serious."

Their swords clashed once again, and the sounds of clashing metal filled the air.

Rumia, watching from a distance, shouted to Archibald "You better win this battle, or you're dead!"

Archibald nervously chuckled and replied, "Don't worry, Rumia. I will make sure to win."

The two Swordsmen continued to battle fiercely, with Rolo slowly gaining the upper hand.

"(This guy's really good..)" (Archibald)

Just as Rolo was about to deal the finishing blow, Archibald pulled off a tricky maneuver.

By using [Excellent Angel's Defence] to reverse Roloʼs strike, it allowed him to gain the upper hand.

He struck his sword powerfully against Rolo's, sending him staggering backward.

Rolo quickly regained his footing, though, and continued to fight fiercely.

As the battle raged on, both Swordsmen were covered in sweat and dirt, but the fire in their eyes burned brighter than ever.

"I'm surprised Archibald can last this long against him.." (Larc)

"It's like Roloʼs forgotten that thirty seconds are up." (Fatima)

"He does enjoy battles like these." (Larc)

Fatima chuckles, watching the two as they moved.

Both utilizing all four sword schools to their advantage.

They moved with deadly precision, their swords a blur in the air.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Rolo decided to get serious.

"Prepare yourself, Archibald Melvis Pendragon.." (Rolo)

Archibald had his sword at the ready.

"What I'm about to show you, is the clear difference in our sword play." (Rolo)

For some reason, these words sent chills down Archibaldʼs spine.

He was wary.

On the other hand, Larc smiled having heard Rolo say this, "This match is about to end," he said.

What does Rolo have up his sleeve?