World-Class Epic Duel

"Your Grace, are you sure you don't need a rest... I mean, perhaps you could get a new shield..."

Piloga said hesitantly.

Standing before him was Tales, who had just gotten up in a sorry state, covered in dust and grit, with quite a few tears and stains on his clothes.

"No, but thank you, Logistics Officer Piloga."

Tales took a deep breath, rotated his wrist, and felt the balance and center of gravity of the practice sword.

"Your attitude is much better than Exeter's instructors. Of course, it's also much better than that of certain Starfall people."

Piloga forced a smile.

Around the Training Ground, the Royal Guards who had gathered again were somewhat more impatient than before. However, Marius's silence made them quiet down in unison, and none voiced further objections.

The pressure returned to the arena.

Tales clenched his left fist.

Abandoning his shield had made his left arm much more comfortable, but the numbness and pain from the earlier heavy blow had been so real that he could not forget them.

That last exchange...

What had happened?

Tales's expression darkened.

He remembered that his attack had been as swift as thunder. Whether in power or speed, he had not been at a disadvantage.

However...

Tales began moving around Piloga.

The Sin of the Hell River roared within him again, rising and falling in waves that joined together, yearning for a second assault.

But this time...

After suffering a setback, they gave Tales an increasingly intense illusion...

It was like a raging beast that, no matter how badly wounded, still wanted to tear out its enemy's throat.

But Tales held them down with all his might.

Like a beast tamer pulling a chain taut.

As he moved, Piloga changed his footing and turned in an orderly fashion,