Conquering The Novel

"Cross-Sword Thunder Blitz!"

Ares invoked, channeling Mika's Signature skill but altering it with his own electrical prowess, generating a frenzy of charged blades aimed at Eris.

Crackle— Crackle—

Electricity crackled through the air as the blades zipped toward her in a flurry of electrifying strikes.

Zap— Zap— Zap

The charged blades hurtled toward Eris at incredible speed, aiming to engulf her in a torrent of electrifying strikes.

"Hm?" Eris scoffed, her stoic demeanor unshaken.

BOOM—

As Ares's attack connected, a deafening explosion erupted, shrouding the entire arena in a veil of smoke and debris.

Amidst the fading smoke, Ares discerned Eris's voice breaking through the remnants of the blast.

"Not bad," she calmly remarked, emerging unscathed amidst the lingering haze. Her sword, poised defensively, shielded her from Ares's attack, leaving scorch marks on the surroundings.

"But you lack the true essence of that skill," Eris critiqued, conjuring another sword into her grasp.

Intertwining her blades in a cross formation reminiscent of Ares's attack, Eris's demeanor shifted.

Shudder— Shudder—

The atmosphere transformed; wild winds howled, whipping debris into a frenzy. The ground trembled violently beneath their feet as if unable to contain the surge of power. Flames erupted around her swords, spiraling upwards in a vortex of searing heat, engulfing them in a scorching inferno.

!?

Ares widened his eyes in shock. 'How can she replicate my attack after witnessing it just once? —no, her power surpasses mine... It's the same as Mika's,' Ares mused, envisioning Mika's stance reflected in Eris's posture.

Lost in thought, Ares remained oblivious as Eris unleashed her fiery assault.

Swoosh— Swoosh—

The scorching blaze hurtled towards him, its intense heat warping the air and scalding everything in its path. Flames danced with an ethereal glow, an otherworldly luminescence that consumed the surrounding space with its ferocity.

"S-Shit!" Ares muttered, bracing himself for the inevitable impact.

KABOOM—

The unleashed destruction painted the landscape in ruins and flames, leaving nothing but smoldering remnants in its wake. Pillars of fire danced high into the sky, casting an eerie glow on the desolation. Amidst the chaos, Ares cautiously withdrew his hand and opened his eyes, finding himself unharmed amidst the devastation.

"What?"

He surveyed the aftermath in disbelief—everything lay in ruins and cinders as far as his eyes could see, engulfed in the inferno's wrath, except for the small area he occupied, untouched by the cataclysm.

!!

He marveled at Eris's astonishing precision—her mastery over power was beyond comprehension. Even with such destructive might, she had managed to avoid harming him, showcasing unparalleled control.

'Her mastery may even surpass Mika's,' Ares pondered, beads of sweat forming as he recognized the extent of Eris's abilities.

"The techniques you use—or rather, your mentor uses—are not as straightforward as they appear," Eris interjected, snapping Ares out of his daze.

Capturing his attention, she continued, "...To amplify the power behind these techniques, one must sacrifice their vitality."

!?

"Although they can be used without consuming vitality, the resulting power won't be as potent," Eris clarified. "And that's why the destructive force behind your attacks doesn't match your expectations."

'Isn't sacrificing vitality the same as using life span? Could it explain why I couldn't fully grasp Mika's skills?' Realization dawned on Ares as he absorbed Eris's explanation.

"...What a ruthless technique. I'd advise against using it recklessly unless you intend to shorten your lifespan," she cautioned.

'Ah, it all falls into place now. Knowing Mika's personality, she deliberately kept this crucial information from me to prevent me from shortening my lifespan by recklessly wielding her techniques,' Ares contemplated, his thoughts turning solemn. 'But... just how long has she been sacrificing her life span while using those skills?'

"...."

While contemplating this, Ares realized this could also be one of the reasons why Mika hadn't taken on any disciples before.

'Back then, when I recklessly fought an A-Rank monster upon arriving in this world, she might have seen potential in me to practice her techniques. But as we grew closer, she likely chose not to reveal the secrets behind her techniques,' he murmured, a subdued chuckle escaping his lips.

"It's... so like her," Ares remarked.

"...I don't want you to squander your life on such a technique. Although it possesses destructive power, there are many other skills equally powerful," Eris stated firmly, tossing a skill scroll toward Ares.

Grab—

Ares instinctively caught the scroll, his eyes scanning its contents as he vocalized the skill's name.

"Celestial Sword? What a mundane name," he scoffed, his gaze fixed on the scroll's contents.

"...."

"...Don't underestimate it just because of its name," Eris countered, her expression darkening.

"You don't have to pretend to care by offering some random skill to me. I don't need your sympathy," Ares retorted dismissively.

"...Huh? Random skill, you say? Fine. What if I challenge you? Block this skill of mine, and I'll aid in freeing you from this illusion," Eris proposed.

A sly grin spread across Ares's face, hearing her. "...Sure then, bring it on."

"Very well. Try to evade, as I'd rather not witness you die here when you have so much left to accomplish," Eris stated, raising her right hand skyward. Her eyes began to glow, emitting a faint but discernible light.

Thudle— Thudle

Instantly, the once-clear skies darkened and dispersed, unveiling a colossal translucent golden sword looming overhead. It emanated an ominous aura capable of dwarfing even entities of SS-Rank or transcendent power.

...!?

'Haha, this is unbelievable. Is she even human?' Ares chuckled nervously, the sight of the massive sword bearing down on him unnerving.

Without delay, the sword surged toward him at a blistering pace, resembling a speeding meteorite.

Swoosh—

As it approached, the immense pressure pinned Ares in place. He fought against it, but the sheer force immobilized him, rendering his legs useless.

"Ugh!" The oppressive weight forced him down onto his knees, struggling against the overwhelming might.

"How do you plan to dodge when you can't even move?" Eris queried, her voice devoid of emotion.

'If he can't handle this much pressure, how will he fare against Them?' Eris pondered, her face impassive.

'Is she truly trying to end my life now?' Ares thought, gritting his teeth in response to Eris's cold demeanor.

"Don't assume I won't kill you. If you can't handle this, it's better for me to end you here than to let 'Them' seize the opportunity," Eris sighed, disappointment etched on her face as she shook her head.

However, amidst her dismay, she suddenly noticed a wide smile creeping across Ares's face.

!?

'...What? Why is he still smiling? Does he still believe that I lack the resolve to kill him?' Eris mused, perplexed by Ares's reaction.

Just as the sword neared its imminent collision, Ares muttered, "Swap!"

To be continued...