Extra: Pincer Attack

After all, if he can't even do this much, how can he possibly overcome his inner struggles and reach new heights?

Clinton seized the moment when his opponent was distracted and struck without hesitation.

The cold, longsword, like an arrow fired from a crossbow, aimed at the back of the Copy's head.

As long as that place can be destroyed, the opponent can be dealt with. Clinton has now pushed his speed to an unprecedented limit. Even the sound of the wind in his ears has become sharp and blurry. Only the figure in his sight has become clearer and clearer.

Bang!!

The loud collision sent shivers down his Copy. The clone's hand, behind its back, held the greatsword and blocked the attack from behind at an extremely tricky angle.

"How is this possible? It should have been completely stunned by my afterimage, so why... how was it able to withstand my attack?"

Clinton found it hard to believe that his seemingly flawless offensive sequence had failed to even scratch his opponent's skin and was still easily blocked, just like before.

It was certain that it hadn't been able to locate me, yet the opponent was still able to parry its attack. This could only mean that the opponent's speed and reaction time were faster than its own!

As expected, after the "sneak attack" from behind, the Copy suddenly turned around and launched a merciless attack on him.

Amidst the chaotic flashes of sword light, several wounds were already left in front of Clinton.

If he hadn't been wearing close-fitting chainmail, and if he hadn't deliberately avoided vital points with each strike, he would have died in this exchange long ago.

Seeing the situation suddenly become critical, Pass, who was standing on the sidelines, could no longer stand still and immediately rushed into the fray to help Clinton was completely in a losing position, share the pressure.

The Copy's movements were stiff and precise, like a machine. Every sword strike was aimed at vital points, and every strike was flawless. The replica greatsword in its hands seemed to be the most deadly weapon in the world. The faces of Clinton and Pass, reflected on the blade, were full of solemn expressions.

Although the two men were fighting so hard their weapons were practically smoking, they barely managed to fend off one wave of attacks.

In order to break back to this stalemate, Pass inevitably got a cut on his shoulder.

Clinton saw an opportunity and slashed at his opponent from the side while the opponent was swinging his sword.

Seeing this, Pass also wanted to cooperate and swung his axe towards the other side of the Copy.

Thanks to the tacit understanding developed over years of fighting side by side, the two reacted very quickly this time, making it difficult for a normal person to react to this combined attack.

Because in such a situation where he is surrounded, no matter which side he chooses to block, he will inevitably suffer a heavy blow from the other side, and there is virtually no way to avoid it.

However, realizing its current predicament, the Copy cleverly chose to roll backward, and in the instant it fell, it even managed to cut a gash in Pass's leg. "Damn! This guy is too cunning!"

Fortunately, the other person struck while he was rolling backward. Although the flesh was cut open, the wound wasn't too deep, and it wouldn't cripple his leg.

Even so, the fact that the Copy was able to turn the tables on him under such extreme circumstances still left him with lingering fear.

"Be careful... I've fought this person's true form many times before... but... I've never been able to defeat him."

Clinton couldn't help but feel a little ashamed to talk about those embarrassing moments in front of his teammates, after all, everyone hopes that their captain is a reliable leader. However, he has become more and more accepting of this matter now.

That last offensive was arguably the most beautiful combo I'd ever unleashed, yet it was easily blocked by my opponent. That means I still don't have the strength to defeat them.

"Is that so...? This guy is terrifying. Someone this strong actually perished in this Dungeon? Damn it, even if we get out this time, I don't think the association can explain itself to the world."

Looking at the Copy that only had some scratches on its body so far, and considering Clinton's own admission that he couldn't beat the other party, Pass was somewhat inferior to this Copy.

They thought that with the two of them working together, they could at least beat him half to death, if not kill him quickly. But after a few rounds, they found themselves at a disadvantage.

Will they rely on Galan for help again this time?

The thought of this made him feel very uneasy.

Even before that, it was Galan who saved his and the captain's lives, yet he treated them this way at the very beginning.

Although he was somewhat reckless in handling matters, he could still distinguish between things that were not based on personal grudges or favors.

He hadn't given the other party any substantial repayment so far; on the contrary, he owed them more and more, which was not in line with his usual character.

"No matter what, the two of us together have to take this guy down!"

He casually wiped the blood flowing from his leg and flicked it towards his mouth.

It's fishy, but very refreshing.

He was using this method to remind himself that if he didn't pay extra attention, he might die here today.

"It's better to be cautious. We absolutely cannot act recklessly again, understand? Don't risk your life again."

Seeing Pass Clinton's solemn expression, as if he were part of a suicide squad, he couldn't help but recall Pascal's previous reckless actions, and quickly offered some advice.

The opponent now is not the same as before. If this guy were to actually go up and create an opening for him, he has no doubt that Pass would die at his hands.

"Hey, in this line of work, who isn't prepared to die?"

Pass simply smiled in response.

But he didn't do anything impulsive, which reassured Clinton a little.

"There's absolutely no chance if the two of you charge in head-on. If you slowly sneak up behind him and create that opportunity, we can launch a pincer attack."

Clinton knew that even if the two of them went head-to-head, they wouldn't gain any advantage. To win, they had to force their opponent to constantly deal with attacks from different directions, and the only way to do that was through a pincer attack.

He stepped forward, constantly twisting the hilt of his sword, ready to adjust his stance at any moment to meet the opponent's blade.

Pass followed slowly behind him, but would always inadvertently glance in another direction.

The Copy didn't understand the two's tactics, assuming they were trying to attack from both sides again.