Side Story: Fatal Weakness II

In the past, Pass had been thinking about how to defeat Clinton. It wasn't that he was resentful about being weaker than Clinton, but for a martial artist like him, finding his shortcomings and strengthening his abilities was the ultimate pursuit in life.

Therefore, it was only natural that Clinton, as the obstacle he had always been unable to overcome, became the subject of his long-term research.

His opponent's swordsmanship was unpredictable and his trajectory was ever-changing, making it difficult to figure out his attack intentions and routes in a head-on confrontation. As a result, he inevitably fell into a disadvantageous position after a brief stalemate. Therefore, he firmly believed that the battle with Clinton had to be quick and decisive. He absolutely could not let Clinton lead him into a rhythm, otherwise all his intentions and methods would be easily neutralized in front of him like child's play.

Even though he grasped this principle during their first encounter, he was never able to put his theory into practice in subsequent battles. The reason was simple: Clinton's speed and strength were superior to his own.

During that time, he almost despaired, believing that unless he could improve his speed and strength to surpass Clinton's, it would be difficult to achieve his goal of defeating the captain. However, after accidentally witnessing the use of Lagging Magic and Burst Magic on fireworks, making them fly faster and higher, he seemed to be inspired and began to try it.

Through repeated practice, he finally developed his own unique move, "Late Tyrant Slash!"

Thanks to the overall boost from the second acceleration Pass finally managed to injure "Clinton" in a head-on confrontation.

Although I haven't been able to switch with the captain for various reasons, I haven't been able to test whether my move is effective.

But the obvious wound on the Copy's face is the best proof of its success.

After all, it is a product that is almost identical to the original. Since my move can hurt the Copy, it can certainly hurt the captain as well.

A fleeting look of surprise crossed Clinton's face as he watched Pass Copy fall to the ground in their first encounter. He hadn't expected his opponent to have devised such a move to defeat him.

But soon he noticed Pass's "revenge achieved" face and thought to himself, "Oh no!" He then rushed forward with lightning speed, sword in hand, and decisively blocked Pass's chest.

Sure enough, a flash of silvery-white light streaked past, instantly sending Pass flying, blood trickling from his mouth.

He was also jolted back by the force of the blow, retreating more than ten steps before finally stopping.

The Copy's move was exactly what Clinton had anticipated. In fact, the moment Pass was overjoyed with his success, he made a mistake.

The opponent is not human; they would feel excruciating pain from a cut on their face, causing them to pause or be defeated.

The Copy are products of magic, emotionless killing machines.

Even if they lose an arm, they will still attack again without hesitation, just like "Pass" did before.

Pass should have understood this principle well, but the joy of finally using his long-held technique made him even more dazed. Pass thought he was perfectly clear-headed and that he was avenging his teammates.

In fact, when he launched an almost "suicidal" attack without any observation or planning, he was already destined to fail.

Battle is not child's play; whoever shouts the loudest will win.

The battle is about finding the path closest to victory among countless inspirations.

The Copy are monsters without any emotional fluctuations, so they are not swayed by emotions during battle, while Pass acts entirely on impulse. Therefore, the difference between the two is evident from the very beginning.

His indecisiveness meant he was destined to lose the upper hand of reason.

... team... captain...

"Stop doing this... I've already lost one friend, I don't want to lose you too..."

Clinton, with his back to him, spoke softly.

His gaze never left his Copy; he was constantly on guard against him.

Looking at Clinton, who had borne everything alone, Pass felt a mix of emotions.

He's clearly a younger guy, yet he acted far more mature than me at a time like this—it's a complete failure.

He gave a wry smile; the move he had just used, which he was so proud of, didn't seem so important at this moment.

Correspondingly, he rallied, roused himself, got up from the ground, and stood beside Clinton, ready to fight alongside him...

After a prolonged stalemate, it was the Copy that made the first move.

This was probably because the Water Mirror Demon had given it the order to kill the intruders, so it was the first to abandon its stalemate and walk towards the two of them without hesitation.

But in reality, it was Clinton and Pass who were the ones who truly lacked composure.

Because they know that if they continue to drag this out, they will only suffer the consequences.

This area still harbors too many unknown dangers; who knows what dangerous Copy might appear next?

Will these two follow in their teammates' footsteps?

Compared to the Water Mirror Demon, they are the ones who are more eager to break the deadlock.

In the current situation, whichever side makes the first move will undoubtedly be at a disadvantage.

Clinton knew himself too well, so even if his opponent was about to make the first move, he had to hold his nerve in order to find the key to victory.

Ten steps... nine steps... eight steps. Just eight steps away, the Copy suddenly sprang up and charged towards Clinton, who, not to be outdone, swung his longsword with great force. The powerful sword energy flew out like a long moon, but the Copy quickly used the same move to collide with him, completely unaffected.

But Clinton didn't seem to care at all. If he could have defeated his opponent so easily, he wouldn't be Clinton.

Without any further communication or tactical planning, the two launched a Copy attack from two directions, determined not to leave the clone any room to maneuver.

Only through constant battles can they repeatedly push each other into a corner, just like before, until victory is achieved.