Clink, clatter~
The sound of the sword breaking into several pieces and hitting the ground.
"Impressive swordsmanship. You actually kept up with my Moonless Style."
Ikaruga slowly sheathed her sword. "But your sword is too ordinary. It couldn't withstand my strikes."
Erza dropped the broken sword in her hand. Ordinary weapons really weren't enough to go up against a powerful swordswoman like Ikaruga, but weapons were the one thing she never lacked.
Requip Magic: Black Wing Armor.
In the blink of an eye, the ordinary knight's armor on Erza was replaced with black armor sporting a pair of wings. She pointed the Black Wing Sword at Ikaruga.
Seeing the Fairy Queen bring out her true strength, Ikaruga didn't dare let her guard down.
She held her sword at her side with her left hand and lightly rested her right hand on its hilt. Ikaruga leaned forward slightly, then unleashed a sword technique capable of cleaving through space.
Moonless Style: Sword Flash!
The technique was so fast that it left no trace. Even Simon and the others, who had been watching Ikaruga vigilantly, couldn't see how quickly she drew her sword.
The Moonless Style's defining trait was speed—fast enough to strike a target before they even noticed, and, at a higher level, to sever their nerves without harming their body.
In the past, Erza would have struggled to defend against such a terrifyingly swift sword technique.
But times had changed. Erza had improved both her swordsmanship and physique, and her eyes easily caught the dazzling flash of the blade.
The Moonless Style was indeed fast, but Erza was faster now!
A sharp metallic clang rang out. The surging sword energy carved a huge hole in the hallway ceiling.
The kimono-clad figure drifted backward. Since completing her training, Ikaruga had never before