NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17
『Harpoon Storm』
This is a combination skill that emerges when “Storm Slash” and “Ravenous Strike” are fused together.
It’s a wide-area burst damage skill that unleashes a heavy and fierce blow from a great sword, shattering the surrounding area like a storm.
Given its broad attack range and impressive power, it was a combination I frequently employed.
‘To think I’ve already unlocked the “Sword Technique Combination.”’
Even I am surprised by such talent.
My growth speed is so swift that I can’t even gauge how much potential lies within me.
“Sword Technique Combination”
It’s a sort of combo that sublimates sword techniques into skills.
The combinations are so diverse that experimenting one by one and crafting a combination that suits me was quite enjoyable.
‘Maybe it’s because we’re in the same squad, but all three of the sword techniques are great.’
The “Sword Technique Combination” is a skill obtained only after performing a mid-range combat maneuver.
The reason is simple.
It would be too overpowered to use at the beginning.
“GRAAAAH!”
“Ugh?! What kind of attack is this all of a sudden…?!”
Members of the Yan family, composed of skilled fighters, were swept away in an instant.
KWA-BOOM-!
The outer wall of the building collapsed, revealing a bright moonlit landscape.
The aftermath of the storm left deep claw-like scratches across the ground.
“Phew…!”
A heavy sense of tension settled upon my body.
I had just drained about half of my energy with that.
Gah!
“Tch.”
The dagger cracked as a bonus.
Well, the sword technique was originally based on a sword suited for it.
It wasn’t a high-quality dagger, and I used a dagger for a sword technique that should have been executed with a great sword and dual swords, so it’s only natural that its durability wore out quickly.
I tossed aside the broken blade and swiftly grabbed the sword I had brought outside.
Surely, the power of “Harpoon Storm” itself is immense.
“Uuuugh…”
“AAAAAH…!”
Even those who were barely caught in the aftermath were still dazed.
But…
“…Ah. You startled me, pretty girl.”
She’s not the kind of person to end things at just this level.
Marcelyn Yan is no ordinary woman.
“Attacking out of nowhere… quite the feisty one, aren’t you?”
KWA-BOOM-!
She emerged from the rubble of the collapsed building, smashing through it effortlessly.
Despite taking such a powerful hit right in front of her, her body bore not a single scratch.
If anything, she looked refreshingly lively, as if she had just woken up from a drunken stupor.
“Who are you? A killer sent by someone? Or are you after my bounty on your neck?”
“…Is there any reason to answer that?”
“Pwahaha! Fair point.”
As Marcelyn clenched her fists, a weak current coursed through her body.
The extreme tension elevated my focus to its limit.
I instinctively understood.
“If you want to find out, just hit me.”
Soon, her punch was coming.
THWACK!
As Marcelyn stomped her foot, the sound of air bursting accompanied the disappearance of her doll-like figure.
“What kind of speed—!”
Before my eyes could even follow her movement.
“-!”
A tingling sensation shot through the back of my head.
‘If I don’t move now, I’ll die.’
My body reacted automatically without needing to process it through my brain.
SSSSSSSSSSS…!
Blue and soft energy resembling waves wrapped around my sword, solidifying into a rapier form.
“Slash Technique”
Like creating ripples on a calm lake.
A quick thrust automatically turned towards her.
CUT-WHOOSH!
The tip of my sword collided with Marcelyn’s fist.
“…You reacted to that? You even blocked it?”
She seemed genuinely surprised, her mouth forming a perfect O.
The “Slash Technique” was designed for defense and protection.
While it could also be used offensively, if utilized purely for ‘defense,’ it would not be impossible to block Marcelyn’s assault.
“Huff….”
But it wasn’t entirely effortless.
After blocking that one punch, I felt all my energy drain away.
How powerful could a single punch be to sap this much of my strength?
“What the hell, are you some kind of trained agent?”
Her title switched from “pretty girl” to “you,” just like that.
That’s a good sign.
It means I’ve gone from just being a plaything to something she truly desires.
However, this alone wouldn’t be enough to truly enchant Marcelyn.
If I settled for just this, she would utilize all kinds of dirty tricks to obtain me.
That would become quite bothersome.
So, I needed to firmly establish the notion.
That I am an equal to Marcelyn.
“SSSSHH…”
I took short, thin breaths.
Squeezing out my remaining energy, I utilized my sword technique.
“Storm Slash: Chaos”
An enhanced sword technique of “Storm Slash” that randomly swings the blade, swept up by the direction of the wind.
As my mastery of the sword technique improved, enhanced versions like this would be unlocked.
WHOOOOOOO-!
I stirred the air, sweeping up dust and debris.
“Oh?”
Marcelyn smirked as she protected her eyes.
She probably thought I would attack her eyes, which she considered her weak spot.
However, my target was different.
Taking advantage of the brief moment her vision was obscured, I swiftly approached and placed my hand on her abdomen.
“Sorry, but I’m taking a little bit.”
Just a little to spare.
“Star Absorption Technique”
The roots of the structured magical energy in skill form quickly traveled down Marcelyn’s core.
Gulp!
“Ugh?! What are you doing right now…?!”
The energy came rushing in like a wave along the roots.
Hot energy filled the empty core in no time.
‘…Incredible.’
It filled much quicker than when I absorbed Angela’s.
Perhaps it’s because Marcelyn’s energy isn’t in a rampaging state like Angela’s.
It was much easier to draw the flow toward myself.
‘The better one is at handling energy, the easier it is to absorb?’
What kind of OP skill is this?
“…Hah.”
With a third of her energy suddenly taken away, Marcelyn caressed her lower abdomen while laughing.
“Wait… you’re taking my energy right now?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this. Where did you learn it?”
“…….”
“You’re not telling me again.”
Marcelyn clashed her fists together, her cheeks turning red.
“You know just how to drive me crazy.”
WHIRL-!
A red energy flickered in her hand.
A technique that surrounds her fists like a gauntlet to enhance their power.
“Demon Fist”
This is Marcelyn’s identity, the skill that made her the boss of the Yan family.
‘Does that mean she’s done holding back?’
I pointed my sword at her and spoke casually.
“It would be dangerous to charge in without even using any foundation at that state.”
The insane durability of powerful foes typically lies in surrounding their bodies with energy for defense.
Thus, the less energy they have, the naturally weaker their defense becomes.
Moreover, “Demon Fist” is a skill that consumes energy significantly.
“Pffft! Are you worried about me, dear? I’m so happy I could cry.”
“…….”
“No need to worry. I can block your sword with the energy I have left.”
Oh, really?
“Then let’s go. Let’s end this.”
“Sounds good.”
The energy converged around Marcelyn’s fists.
“Demon Fist, First Form.”
First Form.
The fundamental technique of all movements.
‘If the basis of martial arts with punches is…’
It’s a technique that’s all too easy to anticipate.
WHOOSH…!
Her fist blurred like a mirage for a moment.
In the blink of an eye, her hand shot out directly towards me.
“‘Straight Punch’”
A giant’s fist.
That massive clump of energy rushed at me, crushing everything in its path.
KUA-GOOGOO-!
‘Damn, if that hits me directly, I’ll die.’
At the very least, my bones would be crushed to powder or my insides turned to mush.
Naturally, I have no intention of taking it like that.
“……”
Focus.
And recall.
That which wanders about in my body.
[The latent power responds to the user’s call.]
[Using “Soul Bond: Ornika Ferron”!]
A woman’s figure overlapped with my entire body.
“Soul Bond” is a special skill originally obtained by marrying the respective heroine.
As two fates become one, it’s a mechanism that allows one to borrow the power of their spouse.
‘Well, I gained it through hidden pieces.’
Originally, it’s an OP skill that can only be acquired after going through the tremendous event of marriage.
[The power of “Ornika Ferron” temporarily manifests in the user.]
Without hesitation, I unleashed her sword techniques upon my sword.
Not in an immature form, but showcasing ‘perfect mastery’ of sword techniques.
“Blood Moon Technique: Break”
A crimson trajectory smoothly traced over Marcelyn’s straight punch.
It sliced through with ease, almost like cutting tofu.
CRASH!
“Uh… huh?”
Her multitudes of shattered fists shattered like glass.
Unlike the “Defensive Slash Technique,” which counters attacks with a counterattack, this one slashed through the offense, erasing it completely.
‘What insane mastery.’
Was Ornika seeing the world through such a lens?
Next time we meet, I better keep my mouth shut.
“You said you could endure even without the foundation, right?”
I tried to match Marcelyn’s laughter as closely as possible.
I lifted one side of my mouth to flash my fangs.
“Then give it a shot.”
Marcelyn looked at me with dazed eyes.
I couldn’t help but swing my sword.
[“Blood Moon Technique” and “Ravenous Strike” are being activated simultaneously.]
[Skill, “Moon Surface Destruction” is activated!]
A strike that shatters the moon.
A massive, crimson-hued slash resembling a tide surged toward the direction where Marcelyn stood.
“Ahhh…!”
Before experiencing that strike, the expression filling Marcelyn’s eyes.
“A man who can gain the upper hand against me… thrilling…!”
Was sheer ecstasy.