World's Fastest Level up!

T/N: According to a comment from Scott-san, in the latest chapter (173) the author announced that this web novel will be made into a Light Novel (Note that I didn’t read ahead, so this is the first time I know). And it seems there is an illust for this, here it is:

From left: Rei, Rin, and Yui.

Thanks to Scott-san for the information!

___-

Right before attacking Yanagi, Rin made a momentary decision.

When he slashed Yanagi earlier, he didn't feel the activation of the Nameless Sword's special effect. From there, he estimated that Yanagi's level was around 10,000-13,000.

However, just like what could be seen from how Yanagi was able to evade Rin's attack, his movement itself was quite fast. And even from the fact that Yanagi has a dagger in each hand, it can be predicted that Yanagi is a speed-type.

From these points, Rin concluded that the Nameless Sword which inevitably needs a large movement wasn't suitable for the current situation.

"Switch!"

Hence, using the [Item Box], Rin changed the weapon in his right hand from the Nameless Sword to the Flashsword.

______-

【Flashsword】

・A dagger created using the [Blacksmithing] skill

・Recommended level to use: 6000

・Attack Power +5000

・Speed +3000

______-

The status that was going to be key for this battle was most likely not attack power, but speed. Therefore, in this situation, Rin decided to fight with two daggers, Greed and Flashsword.

And after finishing his preparation, Rin initiated his onslaught against Yanagi.

"–Chi!"

On the other hand, it took all of Yanagi's focus just to deal with the two daggers swung by Rin. Although he also fought with one dagger in each hand, Yanagi mostly could do nothing but defend.

(Too fast, and each blow is heavy! What the hell, is this guy!)

After exchanging several blows of the blade, Yanagi found that Rin had better physical abilities than himself. Because of that, even more questions arose in his mind.

(Impossible, impossible, impossible! 10 days ago, he should have been just around level 5000! Don't tell me he possessed a unique skill that could raise his own physical abilities by several times?! If that's not the case–Did his level really more than doubled in just a short period of time!?)

Even Yanagi, who boasted an overwhelming leveling-up speed compared to the others can hardly believe it. His mind and heart insisted that there was no way such a thing was possible.

But of course, there was no way he could ask Rin. Thus, the only thing he knew right now was the fact that at this rate he would be killed without being able to do anything.

Was there something else?

Another means was needed.

A means for him to recover from this situation!

Yanagi, who has plundered a number of excellent skills with [Plunderer], naturally possesses a skill that could make it possible–or that's what should have been.

However, what was reflected in the edge of Yanagi's vision was the dagger that shined in three colors that was held in Rin's left hand.

"Shit! If only that damn dagger wasn't there!"

Among the skills that Yanagi has plundered so far, more than half of them were magic-type unique skills. Although those skills were powerful enough to overturn his current situation, as long as that dagger was still there, it would never work. Not only that, there was even a risk that those skills would become fighting assets for Rin.

The more he thought about it, the more he thought how extraordinary the ability of that dagger was. Perhaps there might be a limit to its activation but, he has no leeway to confirm it.

In the end, all Yanagi could do in this situation was just evading Rin's attack by a hair's breadth and sometimes stopping the blade with his dagger. The only salvation was the difference of ability that he still, albeit barely, could cope as long as he focused on defending.

As long as he didn't cast any magic, Rin also won't be able to plunder any more magic. Which means, it should be possible to secure a chance and launch a counterattack.

That's what Yanagi thought. However, the balance that was like standing on thin ice didn't last that long.

"–Release"

"Shi-!"

Perhaps because his focus was too divided on the blade that Rin brandished, Yanagi's reaction was delayed and the ice spear released from the Magic-Plundering sword pierced his right foot.

"Kuh!"

And made him involuntarily kneeled on the spot.

Against such Yanagi, Rin swung the Flashsword toward Yanagi's heart without hesitation.

(__-Not yet!)

However, Yanagi does not give up. Even if it was too late to evade, defending with his dagger should still be possible!

Yanagi held the dagger in his left hand in front of his chest and somehow succeeded in defending at the last minute–

However, just after he had thought so, Rin's dagger disappeared from his hand.

"Sage"

"_-Ha?"

Then, along with an incomprehensible mutter, a full-power blow struck Yanagi's chest.

"Gaha! Kha!"

Rin's fist easily crushed Yanagi's ribs, and splendidly blew his body away. The back of his body crashed into the wall of the dungeon at a speed faster than the eye could follow, causing more intense pain to assault him.

From Yanagi's corner of the field of vision where the sparks were flying 1, his HP bar was reduced by nearly 30% at once was displayed.

(What the heck, was that? Bare hand? Was I struck by his bare hand? If that's the case, what an abnormal power! What's going on!?)

While holding his chest with his left hand, Yanagi desperately racked his brain. However, faster than he was able to come up with an answer, Rin kicked the ground powerfully and rushed toward him. And there was a dagger held in each of his hands once again.

Even if he wanted to get up and try to evade it, his body couldn't move very well.

(Is this the end for me?)

If he was rained with Rin's follow-up attack just like that, he would undoubtedly die. But when faced with such a reality, the flow of things reflected in Yanagi's vision was slowed down. On the contrary, his thinking accelerated.

(Am I going to lose to that guy?)

Such a thing is not possible.

(Am I going to get plundered again?)

There is no way such a thing was allowed.

(That’s why, I…. To survive I will, risk everything)

Then, he made up his mind.

“–One-Winged Flight!”

And he threw his last resort right here, right now.

________–

One-Winged Flight Lv6: Speed +60% (Maximum HP decreased by 1% every second)

________–

It was a unique skill that produces a greater negative effect than a positive one, which wasn't really worth it. Even [Gale] which could be obtained by everyone was several times better than this.

Yanagi never wanted to use this skill as the decrease in maximum HP will last forever.

However, if he died here, then everything will come to nothing. Because if even after activating [Gale] Lv 10 his speed was still nothing like Rin’s, he has no other way but to utilize this to break through the current situation.

(That's why, I will bet everything here–)

"__I will kill you! Amane Rin!"

While enduring the pain, Yanagi rushed with all his might.

"_-Eat this!"

"Wha!?"

The speed of Yanagi who used [One-Winged Flight] far surpassed Rin, causing Rin to be unable to respond with Yanagi's movement.

(I can do this!)

The dagger that Yanagi swung approached Rin's flank at a speed that exceeded its limit. At this timing, Rin won't be able to evade or defend timely.

But right after Yanagi was convinced of the success of his attack, something happened.

*Clank*

The only thing that returned was the sound of the blade being deflected by something hard.

"_What the!?"

It was an unbelievably high-pitched sound that wasn't possible to resound no matter how sturdy Rin's body was. This means, there was only one answer. There was an invisible barrier surrounding Amane Rin's body.

Which means it was a very hopeless situation where an attack that contained all his power was deflected. However, Yanagi, who has resolved himself, didn't waver.

"You surprised me, Amane Rin. Not only magic, you even have a defense measure against physical attack. But I wonder how long it will last, allow me to test it!"

"_–!"

Yanagi, who has a limited time until his maximum HP reaches 0, launched an onslaught without stopping. He kept slashing his two daggers while endlessly running around Rin.

It was a completely different situation than the previous one. A situation where Yanagi single-mindedly attacks while Rin defends was born. The only difference was that Rin's defense lagged behind.

Although it seems Rin's eyes could follow Yanagi's movement, his body couldn't. Thus, toward Rin who could neither evade nor defend, Yanagi one-sidedly rained him with sword attacks.

Until finally, the moment that Yanagi has been waiting for comes. When a blow that contained all of Yanagi's might hit Rin's back directly, a cracking sound was heard.

"As expected, it looks like there was a limit! I will definitely destroy it in the next attack!"

In response to Yanagi's words, Rin opened his mouth a little.

"–Release"

"tsu!"

However, Yanagi succeeded in evading the emission of fire released from the Magic-Plundering Dagger at the last minute.

Although it was troublesome that his attack was interrupted, with this Rin only has one magic left. Which means, he has fewer things to consider.

Then, all he has to do is give Rin a finishing blow!

Yanagi strongly kicked the ground and approached Rin with the fastest speed he could ever muster.

"This is the end, Amane Rin!"

However, while looking at Yanagi who was approaching him, Rin didn't move. Did he stop resisting because he realized his impending defeat? Or he might pretend to be like that to make Yanagi let his guard down.

(Do you think I will let my guard down? Even I understand that your ability is real. That's why, I too, will use all my might to end your life!)

With that thought in mind, Yanagi accelerates further. However, at this point, he felt a sense of discomfort.

(__The hell?)

What's reflected in Yanagi's field of vision were Rin's eyes. In this situation where death was approaching, his eyes showed no fear and were just looking ahead.

(No, it must be just my imagination. My victory has already been decided! With this blow, it will be over!)

Yanagi greatly raised his dagger. Even if his status was doubled, Yanagi was sure that Rin wouldn't be able to evade this in time.

Yes, that's what Yanagi was convinced of. However, he didn't know.

_–About the true nature of a man called Amane Rin.

If there was a miscalculation on Yanagi’s side, it must have been the fact that he didn't know the true identity of the unique skill Rin possessed.

And the required time to activate that skill–wasn't needed anymore.

(Transfer Within Dungeon Lv20–)

Right after, in a low voice, Rin chanted.

"_-Time Zero"

Then, the trampling has begun.

Footnotes

1. It is called Photopsia. It seems to be the result of temporary physical pressure on the eyes from rubbing the eyes, sneezing, or a blow to the head.