Chapter 115
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Chapter 115: Transcending Speed
Surprise, shock, fear, unease, pain, and… anger. A storm of emotions flooded Martin’s mind. His nerves burned as if scorched, the agony igniting the wounded genius’s rage.
This fury erupted into a wild, reckless flurry of the Thunder Whip. Though unfocused, the chaotic strikes weren’t futile—the blade’s vibrations confirmed Martin had blocked at least three of Midi’s attacks. His experience in blind combat within the shadows had saved him.
When the searing pain on his face subsided and his vision cleared, Martin froze. Midi stood over a dozen steps away, leveling his jet-black longsword directly at him.
This time, no familiar magic waves emanated from the blade. Instead, it radiated a bone-chilling aura—a mutation enhanced by Ultimate Intent, spreading like an ancient glacier creeping down a mountain peak.
What technique was this?
Even Martin, well-versed in Demon Swordman arts, couldn’t immediately grasp it. But as phantom shadows flickered around Midi’s figure, realization struck. This wasn’t one move—it was four layered together.
The Demon Swordman’s basic skill: Continuous Stab.
The Ghost Cry skill: Demon Shadow Step, followed by Demon Shadow Flash.
The Sword Soul’s ultimate strike: Fierce Dragon Slash.
Combined, these high-speed techniques propelled Midi faster than the Thunder Whip—fast enough to outpace bullets.
Powered by Ultimate Intent and overlapping skills, the black-haired boy shot forward. His sword gleamed as he crossed the distance in an instant, the air shrieking in his wake. Though invisible to the eye, steam exploded along his path—proof he’d shattered the sound barrier.
Had Martin blocked this magic-metal hybrid assault, he’d have proven himself worthy of competing with Fina for the Hamilton family’s leadership. But he fell far short.
No time for fear. Survival instinct made Martin abandon his slim sword and dive sideways. To Midi’s enhanced perception, the evasion resembled a snail’s crawl. Yet this was a Battle for Honor—no killing blow would come. Midi held his course.
They passed each other in a blur. Midi halted behind Martin, swinging his wavy sword backward with seamless precision. The blade cracked against armor before slicing the man’s right arm. Blood sprayed in a crimson arc.
Martin kept rolling across the sand, only registering the pain after skidding dozens of steps. The crowd roared—this was a heavy injury. The blood gushing from his arm meant unconsciousness within minutes.
Though spectators supported different factions, their Hamilton loyalties ran deep. They’d expected their “top swordsmanship expert” to overpower the outsider “genius commander.” Even a Midi victory should’ve been a desperate, tear-jerking struggle.
Instead, the duel ended abruptly. After initial probing, Midi had exploited a flaw and struck decisively. The mighty Thunder Whip became a snake pinned by its neck, powerless.
Midi’s victory came not from flashy tricks but raw speed and skill—a King’s Path domination.
Even stoic old steward Pipin nodded approval.
Only the red-haired girl on the family head’s dais had foreseen this. She alone knew Midi’s journey—from the spoiled brat she’d once scorned to this unstoppable force. Through countless battles, he’d clawed past every obstacle, always shielding others, until his genius outshone all.
You had indeed grown stronger.
Watching the familiar figure in the arena, the girl murmured in her heart.
“Acting family head, this should suffice,” a seasoned voice interrupted—the leader of the Scroll branch. With Fina’s guardian knight securing a decisive victory and the challenger’s crushing defeat, it fell to this veteran leader to mediate.
“Agreed. One is a guardian knight, the other a promising talent—both are pillars of the Hamilton family. Let this end here,” another branch leader proposed.
Voices of agreement followed, free from dispute or objection. All praised Midi’s restraint as the guardian knight and emphasized unity for the greater good.
Their stance was unmistakable.
If Midi’s opening strike had intimidated the crowd, his overwhelming display during the Battle for Honor now solidified the loyalty of Rose Mountain City and the Hamilton family in one decisive stroke.
Fina’s reputation soared to unshakable heights. Challenging her now would be as foolish as moths flying into fire.
With the balance of power settled, the branches would cease their scheming. Their only path forward was cooperation, mirroring the order upheld under the Iron-Blood Duke’s rule.
Yet amid this consolidation, one man lingered in the arena’s shadows, teeth clenched.
Domingo Hamilton, deputy leader of the Scroll branch.
“Useless,” he spat, icy gaze fixed on the arena. “So-called ‘top expert in swordsmanship’—I expected you to weaken Midi, not grovel in defeat. Pathetic, Martin.” His fingers tightened around a glowing gem. “This ‘Battle for Honor’ must become a death match. Just as the Sais and Hamilton families must destroy each other… How else will Queen Skadi claim the Belmar Duchy?”
The gem shattered with a faint crack.
Amid the crowd’s roar, no one noticed the sound—or how Martin suddenly jerked upright as if pulled by invisible strings, unleashing a bestial howl that drowned all noise.
“What’s happening?” Fina frowned, halting her approach to the stands. The defeated challenger shouldn’t have been able to rise—let alone advance on Midi with such eerie determination.
“That youngster’s too hot-headed,” a branch leader scoffed. “Announce the results now, Acting Family Head. End this farce.”
Others nodded, rising to lend their support. To them, this was mere wounded pride—the “top swordsman” clinging to dignity after public humiliation. A united declaration from the Golden Branch and leaders would crush any protest.
But Fina hesitated. Something felt wrong.
On the arena floor, Midi stared at the shambling figure. Where there should’ve been anger or shame, he sensed only pure killing intent—sharp as winter steel, raising goosebumps across his skin.
