Chapter 28: Battle Against Rank 1

『Based on the data recorded in the Academy, it is predicted that Lady Zeldigard will likely close the distance from the front and execute a downward diagonal slash from the right. Against first-time opponents, this has inflicted damage with a 70% probability. However, there is a possibility that Verdandi, supporting the opponent, has advised her that I am conveying this information to you, Lady Nero, so the probability is somewhat lower.』

No, so which is it ultimately? Is she coming with a diagonal slash? Or not? I rack my brain over Skuld’s explanation. Hmm, what would I do if I were Zelda-senpai? Even if they read that I’d start with a diagonal slash, I’d probably still go for it. If they dodge, then I’d just factor in a follow-up attack at that moment.

『Here she comes.』

Holding swords in both hands, [Swordia] dashes toward me. It seems countermeasures for the frozen ground have been taken, as her feet don’t seem to be slipping. Just as Skuld predicted, she raises the sword in her right hand and initiates a downward diagonal slash. Matching that, I blocked it with the axe in my left hand. Then, in quick succession, [Swordia]’s left sword flashed horizontally, aiming for [Windia]’s flank—or rather, the cockpit. I knew she’d come like that! Firing the front verniers on my legs and shoulders, I moved backward instantly to dodge it. Whew, that was close?! What incredible sword speed! Countering, I stepped forward and swung the axe in my right hand down toward [Swordia]’s head. But she moved sideways and dodged it easily. Tch. Firing the head vulcans, I retreated further. I must keep my distance. I have the advantage in mobility. As long as I don’t attack carelessly, I shouldn’t take a counterattack so easily. …Well, I can’t attack from my side either, though. Against the chasing [Swordia], all I can do is run. Even I know this is no good. If this were a real [Star Duel], I’d be receiving a ‘Yellow Card’ from the referee right about now. There’s no such indication so far, probably because this isn’t an official match? It’s strictly a test to see this machine’s performance, after all. That said, just running away like this is meaningless. I know that. I am running to win. Amidst [Swordia]’s pursuit, I finally reached that place. Turning toward the onrushing [Swordia], I hurled the axe in my right hand with all my might. Without getting flustered by the suddenly flying axe, [Swordia] deflected it with the sword in her right hand. That split second of distraction from me was what I wanted! In that instant, I picked up the ‘Spell Caster’ that was at my feet, aimed straight ahead, and pulled the trigger. [Swordia] tried to dodge the shot to the head, but couldn’t dodge completely, taking a hit on the left shoulder that blew off part of the armor. Dammit, just a graze?! I pulled the trigger in succession, but [Swordia] dodged them sideways with skillful machine handling. She’s dodging, but I think closing in on me has become difficult. At that speed, she won’t be able to dodge if the distance between us closes. It seems I’ve managed to escape the situation of being unilaterally chased around. Now, conversely utilizing [Windia]’s mobility, I repeated attacks with the Spell Caster while running from [Swordia] and looking for openings. However, every single shot was dodged by a hair’s breadth, failing to deal decisive damage. Kuh, if I knew this would happen, I should have practiced shooting more! I’ve been practicing mainly for close combat, so I can’t handle it as well as I’d like. Fortunately? My magic capacity is on the higher side, so at least I don’t have to worry about running out of ammo…

『Lady Nero, I will display a target mark on the monitor, so please aim and shoot there.』

“Eh?”

Along with Skuld’s words, a target mark appeared on the screen, switching ‘pat, pat’. Eh? Shoot at this? It’s appearing in totally wrong places, though… Isn’t this off or something?

『It is fine. Please aim and shoot the moment the mark appears.』

“O-okay!”

Eei! I’m desperate now! Aiming the Spell Caster just as Skuld said, ‘pat’, a target mark appeared in a spot slightly off from [Swordia]. Here goes nothing! Just as I pulled the trigger aiming at that target, something surprising happened. [Swordia] jumped right into that target mark.

“Eh?”

Although the gunshot wasn’t a clean hit, it grazed the machine and shaved off a part of the armor.

『Please continue.』

“Y-yeah!”

Following Skuld’s words, every time a target mark appeared, I aimed and shot at it, and it hit [Swordia] without fail. Even so, perhaps because my accuracy is low, the damage was small, mostly grazes. Presumably, Skuld is predicting [Swordia]’s movements and putting the target mark in the direction she moves.

『Excuse me, but since you seemed to not be very good at shooting, Lady Nero, I took the liberty of supporting you.』

“No, you saved me. It’s pathetic, but I really can’t hit properly even with that.”

『Lady Zeldigard’s reaction speed is terrifyingly high. She maintains a distance where she can dodge after seeing the attack.』

Dodge after seeing?! What kind of reflexes does she have… As expected of Rank 1. Or rather, I’m hitting less and less…

『Lady Nero’s shooting is foolishly hon… no, straightforward, so I suspect it is easy to read. Other than that, it is simply a difference in skill.』

Did she just say foolish? Somehow, this girl is becoming less reserved… My attacks are starting to miss more often, but conversely, I’ve started to be able to dodge her attacks too. With Skuld’s support and this machine’s speed, if I stay calm and watch the movements, dodging isn’t difficult… or so I thought.

“Hm?”

[Swordia] pulled back the sword in her right hand, dropped her hips, and took a strange stance. That is…?

『────Warning. Evasive action immediately!』

“Eh? Woah… Hieee?!”

Reacting to Skuld’s words, the moment I reflexively moved the machine sideways with the verniers, a thrust released by [Swordia] passed right beside [Windia]’s head. That was close?! If I was just a tiny bit slower, my head would have been pierced! What was that speed just now?! Moreover, something like a shockwave was released from the sword tip, and [Windia]’s frame is creaking loudly. I opened the rear thrusters fully and put distance between me and [Swordia].

『That was the Lestia Style Swordsmanship, “Fifth Form: Spiral”. It is a swordsmanship transmitted only to the royal lineage and close aides in the Knight Kingdom of Lestia, and as far as records go, only three people including Lady Zeldigard have been able to reproduce it with a Frame Gear.』

Lestia Style Swordsmanship…! Even I’ve heard of that. Master said it. That when it comes to handling swords, it’s a school that rivals for the top one or two spots on the Eastern Continent. [Swordia] moved the sword in her right hand slightly, as if flicking the wrist. The next moment, an impact ran through [Windia]’s frame. I was attacked?! How, from that distance?! Shupit, as the sword was swung again, damage was inflicted on [Windia]’s legs in the same way.

“What on earth…?”

『That is likely the Lestia Style Swordsmanship, “Eighth Form: Lightning Flash”… It is a technique that launches small slashing shockwaves from the tip. The damage is small, but at that speed, dodging after seeing it is impossible.』

Impossible to dodge, you say… That’s bad…

『Anyway, let’s move. If we keep moving around, the chances of being sniped will decrease.』

“O-okay!”

It’s quite a passive strategy, but if I stand still, I’ll just be turned into a beehive. However, [Swordia]’s wrist moved at incredible speed, and dozens of slashing attacks flew at me like rain and hail. No matter how I move, I end up taking a few hits. Even if the damage is small, taking this many hits is making the machine’s movements progressively worse. If she had used the [Floating Swords] ‘Fragarach’, this would have been over instantly… Damn, to be in such a sorry state even with a handicap. If Master were watching, he’d definitely be laughing at me. At this rate, my mobility advantage will eventually disappear, and she’ll close the distance and cut me in two. Before that happens, should I take an all-or-nothing gamble, charge through that rain of shockwaves, and land a blow on the main body itself? If I use ‘Battle Spirit Method’, maybe…?!

『It is reckless. With [Windia]’s defensive power, there is a nearly 90% probability of ceasing function before getting close to the main body. Betting on a mere 10% possibility is not a wise move…』

“No, I don’t intend to just charge in.”

I told Skuld the strategy I had been thinking about for a while. It consumes magic like an idiot, but it’s not impossible… I think.

『In that case… I believe the probability rises to 50%. However, it will undoubtedly be a Kenkon-Itteki attack, you know? Are you really sure?』

“Of course I am! …………Umm, what does Kenkon-Itteki mean…?”

『It means staking one’s fate on a single all-or-nothing great gamble.』

All or nothing. Sounds good; I can’t defeat the Rank 1 without that kind of spirit!

“Let’s go, Skuld!”

『Understood.』

I poured the magic and fighting spirit surging through my whole body into [Windia] through the control stick. The Ether Liquid circulating through the Frame Gear’s whole body should carry it to every corner of the machine and raise the output to the very limit. Alright, here we go!