CHAPTER 202

—At the very least, it is death…

Jin couldn't stop thinking about the horrible death he'd face, but there was no way he was going to die at Vanessa's hands on this day.

However, if he didn't prove his worth, he would pay the price of losing all of his privileges as a provisional flag-bearer.

Jin drew Sigmund.

"It sounds like my life would end in a flash with one wrong move."

"It all depends on how you react."

"I'm sure I don't have to defeat you, though?"

Vanessa laughed. 

Although he was flat-out ignored, Jin didn't react at all.

Not too long ago, Jin killed a few White Wolf assault-generals and destroyed both Kal Zipfel and Chukon Tolderer.

However, Vanessa hunted dragons as if they were farm animals. She was a monster among monsters.

The world would have known her name had she just publicized herself. 

On the other hand, Jin was only seventeen. He had been rapidly growing, but still had a long way to go. Hence, defeating Vanessa would be an exaggerated request.

"Do you think that's even possible? Your father would never make such unreasonable decisions."

"Thank goodness. Then what is my objective?"

Vanessa twirled her sword in her hand. A cheap steel longsword from a blacksmith.

"If your sword touches me even once, you pass. I'll even count grazing my clothes a touch."

Swoosh!

Jin immediately swung his sword. The gap between them was about six feet. Blue crackles and particles flew everywhere from Sigmund. 

'Tch!'

Clang!

Vanessa deflected Sigmund like it was nothing. Due to that, Jin flew backwards, and Vanessa smirked.

'I don't think it's possible… That was too easy for her…'

At first, he hadn't been too sure, but when Vanessa stopped suppressing her aura, he sensed it.

10-star.

That was where she stood. Not many could duel her. Her strength was impressive, but it was just one of her quirks. 

If his swordsmanship were at least half her entire skill set, there may have been a chance. However, the difference in skill was too big.

"I knew you were a little rat, and I guess it's true. I didn't think you'd make a move before I even said so."

"I only thought of it as an opportunity."

"Then you already missed it. Hm, was that Illustrious Bladeworks just now? Fascinating. I'm curious about your magic and spiritual energy."

"Father told you a lot. I haven't told him about my achievements yet."

"When you return alive, go find the spy that Lord Cyron planted in your crew."

Vanessa knew all of the strengths that Jin had, hence making it challenging to pull unexpected strategies. Creating an unfair advantage like that was probably his last.

Which only left charging straight at her.

'10-star… Making such variables against her is plain impossible even if she didn't know anything about me.'

Wooom!

Vanessa channeled a howl within her sword. An immense amount of aura seeped into the blade.

And just like that, a cheap steel sword became more dangerous than any Illustrious blade. The bright light filled the already-lit savannah. 

Pzzzt!

Jin dropped lightning before she made a move. But before the lightning could strike the ground, a strong wind blew, swirling into Vanessa's sword.

'My lightning is distorting?'

Pz… ZZZZT!

The lightning merged with the wind and lost its way. It got swept away by the wind, only leaving behind blue sparks. 

Thooom!

Before Jin could prepare his next swing, the ground beneath Vanessa shook. Rocks rose from the ground and got sucked into the whirlwind on Vanessa's blade. The energy from the sword vaporized everything it touched, and it spewed a few energy chunks towards Jin.

Jin didn't even have time to blink. If he blinked, then he'd get vaporized just like the rocks. 

Dodging each supersonic projectile, Jin glanced at where Vanessa stood. But he could only see the ash of the vaporized stones. 

She had pushed towards him with the projectiles. Jin was forced to cast Photon Cannon. 

Vanessa must have seen the ancient light spell for the first time. Well, she must have seen light spells, but Photon Cannon had been a first for her.

Despite this, she dodged it as if she were used to it. Either it was her 10-star instincts or Kashimir's information.

Jin assumed the former. If she knew about Tzenmi's magic, then Jin wouldn't have blocked her attacks. 

Clang!

Jin barely parried the attack. He created two icicles and shot them towards her chest. 

Of course, a 3-star spell would do nothing, though his objective was to make space for himself. He thought that if he created space between them, he'd get an opportunity to strike. 

The icicles disappeared as they touched Vanessa's aura-covered body. 

'A magic swordsman. Fascinating. A completely different battle than that against a knight.'

Her eyes flashed with intent to charge in, but she realized that the battle was a little more challenging than she thought. She didn't know what he would do next; maybe something would suddenly appear from his hands, like an assassin; ranged magic attacks, like an archer; gimmicky spells, just like a magician.

He also had the monstrous strength inherent in the Runcandel bloodline. 

'An average 9-star would struggle against him, and he hasn't even used his spiritual energy.'

She instantly knew why Cyron had quite some interest in him. However, it wasn't enough to believe that Jin would survive one blow from Cyron.

"Keuph!"

Vanessa's previous attack left Jin with internal damage, causing him to spit out blood as he stumbled backwards.

"You're seventeen, right? I can't believe it. Enough to compare with Luna."

"Complimenting me all of a sudden?"

"However, her talents are more polished since she just uses the sword. With your spiritual energy, magic, and physical prowess, you lack quite a bit in each."

"Was Elder Sister Luna capable of surviving one blow from Father at seventeen?"

Vanessa shook her head.

"No. She could probably do it when she was eighteen, though."

"I shall brag when I return. Tell her that I am better than her."

"Your battle skills are phenomenal, but it seems you haven't learned how to walk your talk. I guess it can't be helped, since the Runcandels' education is deeply flawed." 

Hope had steadily been lost ever since the fight started. 

But Jin felt very proud of how far he came.

'I haven't even used half the cards up my sleeve, but I've survived this long against her…'

Of course, Vanessa had been using a cheap sword, which prevented her from going all out, yet she had been easily parrying Jin's attacks. 

Prior to leaving Lafrarosa, Jin found it hard to exactly pinpoint his skill level. He succeeded the mission a little too easily, aside from the exit plan.

People truly face reality only when they hit a wall.

On that note, Jin knew that he had come very far. He, his crew, and his enemies would've never expected it. Just like Vanessa.

And Jin slowly became more certain.

'At this rate, cutting her clothes is a piece of cake. I just have to brace myself for the injuries.'

It wasn't a true duel to the death, so Vanessa wouldn't give it her all. With that in mind, their battle wouldn't be a test at all.

Continuing his train of thought, Jin arrived at a conclusion.

'If I just charge towards her, when will her blade stop?'

After it cleanly cuts through the throat? Maybe it would freeze in front of him? Or perhaps she'd just induce a brutal injury?

He couldn't predict any of that. Vanessa never swore to not kill him, so Jin still had to be cautious.

'If I choose to go for it, then I'm betting my life on her morals and orders. The chances of her killing me are low, but she can still cut my arm off.'

In reality, that was what Vanessa had been thinking of doing. If Jin didn't pass the test, she planned on taking his right arm.

Cyron Runcandel initially believed that it would be an adequate punishment. 

Jin made his decision. 

'First, I need to show something even more surprising. Enough for her to value me and not give me a fatal wound.'

And he had a lot to show. 

Vanessa waited, since she came to see just that, and Jin was certain that he could impress her.

Pzzzt!

Sigmund roared with lightning. Jin was making preparations for Divine Onslaught. 

And as expected, Vanessa smiled.

"If that's your last resort, it better be flashy."

"Please watch and be amazed. I've got a few more coming."

Flash!