Chapter 94: The burning abandoned factory

Lets speed up. Try to dodge.

From that point on, Nick/Sem played with White Mask, drawing a path like light reflecting off a mirror. Their movements were absurd, in contrast to Olivias precise technique.

D-damn you

White Mask missed a sword swing, and rather than punching him in his wide open chest, Nick/Sem sped up, went around him by moving diagonally upwards, and attacked his back. These phantasmagorical attacks continued, and now it was White Mask who was covered in wounds.

It looks like thats all you have, so how about we finish this?

Dont make fun of me boy! Enemy Search!

White Mask extended his hand in an unexpected direction, and chanted a spell.

There Guided Fireball!

About ten fireballs were shot from the palm of his hand. They started gently floating, but suddenly flew upwards quickly and in different directions.

Ah, this isnt good.

Suddenly, small explosions occurred when the fireballs seemingly hit something invisible.

I knew it You created something similar to Thought Armor and spread it around. Youve been using it as a foothold to make it seem like you were floating.

Good job figuring it out. And to add to that, Ive made it so theres recoil when I step on them. Its a simple trick really.

And what controls it Its that sword!

White Mask glared at the Sword of Bonds as it hovered in the air, raised his sword, and jumped.

Dammit! Just kidding.

Nick/Sem smiled.

Hmph, we knew you were going to target me sooner or later!

Said Bond before he started spinning in place, so fast it became hard to see, looking like a disk of light.

The sound of the Sword of Bonds cutting through the air echoed throughout the factory.

Shah!

That was when White Mask fearlessly slashed.

When the two swords clashed, a light so bright and hot that it almost seemed as though it could burn the eyes of the people watching was released.

The speed was so high and the impact so strong, it was no different than a bomb exploding.

Dont forget about me.

Nick/Sem did not miss the way White Masks posture crumbled as he was pushed back by the impact of the swords clashing, and attacked his limbs and elbows with the same force as a cannonball. The moment White Masks attention was turned to Nick/Sem to try to evade their attacks, the Sword of Bonds drew a parabola and attacked him. Nick/Sems range of attack was 360, and no matter how strong White Mask was, he could not hope to handle this.

Nick/Sems heel hit the crown of White Masks head, White Mask cracked the factory floor as he crashed onto it, and remained sprawled on the floor.

Is it over?

A brief silence fell over the abandoned factory, as Nick/Sem were torn between hopes of victory and the feeling that it could not possibly be over already.

And then, White Masks laugh echoed, confirming that the latter feelings were correct.

Kukuku Ill have to give it to you, its been quite a while since Ive been in such a pinch!

White Mask said as he slowly got up.

Red light started leaking from the gaps in his black armor, and then, like a balloon being inflated, he started swelling up.

Bond, whats that?

If that truly is a sacred garment, I believe he activated the emergency evacuation mode.

His speed will double, but that is not all. His cerebral nerves will be accelerated, and you can expect his skill with the sword to also double.

Hey hey You sound way too non-nonchalant about that!

Ready yourself Im holding nothing back now!!!

From that point forward, it was a total stalemate.

With the sounds of a thunderclap, a bright light painted the abandoned factory. The walls and floor were all cracked, and it looked as though the building could collapse at any moment. The battlefield remained contained inside the magic barriers, but it felt as though if even just the shockwaves of their attacks slipped through it, it would blow away surrounding buildings and people.

This dangerous deadlock was about to end.

Fufu What do you think!? You should be proud of having kept up with me this long!

Nick/Sem were starting to get pushed back.

Their Thought Armor was popping off due to the pressure, the light coming from the Sword of Bonds was becoming dimmer, and they were starting to feel their magic energy being depleted.

Most people wouldnt endure my attacks for so long. Youre pretty good.

Hmph. I dont need some kids compliments, but I will remember you.

As will I Well then White Mask. You were defeated because you focused too much on trying to outlast me.

Ah? What are you

White Mask stopped, and suddenly there was an unnatural swelling in his chest armor.

Gaha Wha You!?

Not bad for an impromptu combination, if I may say so myself.

The pressure coming from White Masks back spread throughout his body, and exploded through his chest.

The source of this pressure was a blow that Olivia delivered with all her strength. She pretended to retreat, but instead recovered, refined her magic energy, and waited for the perfect opportunity to deliver one final blow.

I know the smart move is to stand by and watch until the fist fight is over. Youre covered in a magic item, locked your enemy in a magic barrier, and made absolutely sure the conditions would be overwhelmingly favorable to you, so you really cant say its not fair.

Nick/Sem had the same mean smile that could sometimes be seen on Sems face.

You sophist!

Here I go! NickHum, Sem?

Whatever!

Olivia landed several blows on vital areas and, as if to make sure he really would go down, Nick/Sem punched a stumbling White Mask in the jaw.

The mask shattered, and its pieces made a quiet sound as they landed on the floor.

Nick! Sem!

The reddish-brown area The barrier created by white Mask, vanished. Tianna and Karan ran towards Nick/Sem, just as Union was undone, and their bodies collapsed on the ground.

Both had their stamina and magic energy completely depleted, and were gasping for air.

I-Im so tired I thought I was gonna die.

This time I really was ready for death as well

You over-did it.

Said Karan as she extended her hand towards Nick, who struggled to get up.

Sorry But its not over yet.

Nick looked at the man that was completely immobile and appeared dead.

Beneath the white mask, was a bearded man with black hair. His very masculine features were dirtied by blood, and he seemed to be on deaths door.

I thought he was a monster or something, but hes actually just a regular human. Wait no Hes dying isnt he?

Lets remove his equipment and magic items and heal him. Gag him too so he cant chant any spells

Sem was about to move, when something happened.

Eh?

With incredible speed, something flew while making a high pitched noise.

Gufuh

Nargava!?

Something pierced the area around Nargavas heart, leaving a very small hole.

Without anyone realizing, a strange iron pipe stretched from White Masks sleeve, seemingly tempered iron with no gloss.

It did not even have a jewel like a sorcerers staff.

I cant believe I had to rely on such a cheap trick, but this is my contract.

White Masks voice sounded not like someone who had completed their duty, but instead was overflowing with disappointment.

Hes alive! Everyone, shields up! Sem Is out of gas Dammit!

Got it!

Here! Ice Shield!

After being startled by this strange attack, Nick mustered his strength to give directions, Karan jumped in front while holding her sword as a shield, Tianna cast an area defensive shield, and Sem approached them to use healing magic, only to discover he had no magic energy left in him.

Everyone was impatient as they saw the situation turn sour once again, but White Mask did not follow-up with another attack. Instead, a strange, androgynous voice came out of his mouth.

Heroic Soul Soemon Kataokas abrasion confirmed. Initiating disposal.

At the same time, the face of the man that looked as though he could die at any moment started simmering, and disappeared behind smoke.

When the smoke was cleared, all that was left was a skull.

Everyone watching was in a state of complete confusion, but in the middle of this confusion, White Mask stood up.

W-what is this guy Is he dead? Is he actually a monster?

Who knows? Im not sure myself. In any case It seems my turn as White Mask is over. Goodbye, strong adventurers.

A voice filled with anguish spouted from the skulls mouth, but its movements were very unnatural in contrast to the emotion that was felt in its words. It could even be said it was like an insect.

The fluent movements that could be seen from top to bottom during the fight were nowhere to be found now.

Self-destruction will now be activated to enforce secrecy.

White Mask opened the chest portion of his armor, and a white jewel could be seen inside.

He turned it with his finger, and it was lit with an ominous crimson color.

Self-destruction Is that

What do you think it means!? This amount of magic energy can very well blow up the entire building!

Said a panicked Bond.

Seriously!?

This way!

Tianna pointed to the collapsed iron pots, and everyone rushed towards them. Nick and Sem carried the fallen Nargava where Tianna pointed.

Stop It Im already Dead

Shut up! If you die here we dont get our reward. You can die in a cell after we get paid!

Shouted Nick before jumping behind the pots.

Seconds later, a tremendous roaring sound was heard.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep