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The sounds of two swords colliding against each other reverberated throughout the floor. The Nameless Sword that I wielded engaged in a fierce clash against the Mirror Sword of the enemy.

The Mirror Knight was the dominant one in this clash while I, on the other hand, was gradually being pushed back.

"Strong…!"

Since the start of the battle, I have given my all by using [Superhuman Strength] and [Gale] which has increased my attack power and speed by 60%. So, even fighting the Mirror Knight who had all statuses increased by 56%, I should have exceeded it at least in those two statuses.

And yet, in reality, I could merely defend against its assault just like now. There was only one answer that could be derived from this situation. The Mirror Knight also used [Superhuman strength] and [Gale].

Although when I used [Appraisal] on the mirror knight, there was a description which said ‘some skills failed to be replicated', it's not about those two skills it seems.

"I can't believe being surpassed in terms of speed was this troublesome!"

Involuntarily, I cursed. I have confronted many superior enemies such as the Nameless Knight and the Orc General, but I always had an advantage at least in terms of speed. And by making use of that advantage, I managed to win against such powerful enemies.

However, I can't exploit that advantage against the Mirror Knight. That's why I have to find some other ways to defeat it.

But before I could think about that, I have to stop this onslaught first!

"This is going to be a little weird, but it can't be helped–Flashsword!"

_____-

【Flashsword】

・A dagger created by using the [Blacksmithing] skill

・Recommended level to use: 4150

・Attack power +3150

・Speed +1600

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An irregular dual-wielding stance with the Nameless Sword in my right hand and the Flashsword in my left hand. A form that was normally impossible to use yet the most suitable form for the current situation.

Skill and weapon have two main types of effects–Passive and Active. Passive effects will be active invariably while active effects only activated in certain situations.

Using the Flashsword as an example, the ‘Attack power +3150' is an active effect. In other words, it will only be activated when attacking with the Flashsword while the power of my kicks won’t be increased.

On the other hand, ‘Speed +1600' was a passive effect which could be activated by just equipping the Flashsword.

Although there was a demerit where different swords have a different reach and attack power which made me harder to attack, I'll just ignore it for the time being. Because I’ve got no time to attack in the first place.

At any rate, by equipping the Flashsword, the difference in speed between the Mirror Knight and me was reduced.

Although the enemy’s speed still far surpassed me, it doesn't mean I couldn’t fight if I devote myself to avoiding its attacks. Because I've become able to at least find a gap and fight back while defending after all.

Now the problem was how to counterattack.

Because not only attack power and speed, the endurance of the Mirror Knight was also increased. Thus, half-baked attacks won't work…!

Is there anything I could do or use? Even if it's only one, an aspect of me that could beat the Mirror Knight. Something–

"–There is"

–one possibility emerged in my mind.

Intuitively, I understood that this possibility was the only way I could beat the Mirror Knight. Then, right after I avoided the Mirror Knight's attack, I put my plan into action right away.

"Try to eat this."

"_–!?"

In exchange for the Nameless Sword, I took an explosive magic stone from the item box and activated it. Thanks to the white smoke that was hated by monsters, the Mirror Knight quickly retreated.

Magic items were something that the Mirror Knight doesn't have and one of the weapons I could use. There was nothing better than using them effectively, and it's not like I wanted to win in a direct confrontation fair and square after all.

And then, from inside the smoke, I quietly chanted.

"Stealth"

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Stealth Lv 4: Use MP to disappear from the surrounding people or monster’s perception. (The amount of MP required to activate the skill and the range of stealth will differ depending on the skill level)

_____–

Skill [Stealth]. A skill that I rarely got a chance to use because of the low success rate when the enemy's sight is on me and the fact it is often ineffective against beast-type monsters with an excellent sense of smell. However, this was the most suitable skill for the current situation.

When the smoke cleared, the Mirror Knight looked around its surroundings as if it had lost sight of its enemy. Looks like the [Stealth] was successful this time.

Now, it’s time for a counterattack.

With that thought in my heart, I sprinted in the opposite direction of the Mirror Knight.