Chivalry of a Dark Knight [Batman x Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry]

CH11: Dark Knight's Debut (prt 4)

The spectators erupted in confused murmurs as Tsukuyomi's voice sounded off.

"WHA!? Wayne just dismissed his Device! What's going on!?"

The match referee, who observing from distance away, ran up to the edge of the ring.

"Contender Wayne! Are you officially forfeiting the match?" he asked.

Without turning his attention to the referee, Bruce got into a martial arts stance with one hand closed into a fist and the other with an open palm.

"Who said anything about forfeiting?" he said.

Saijou's eyes widened as he balked on the spot and he wasn't the only one flabbergasted.

"He's not seriously thinking of fighting Saijou-senpai unarmed, is he!?" Stella gasped.

Stella didn't know Saijou that well but from what she had witnessed so far, she could tell he was quite strong. Of course as an A-rank, she'd have no problem overpowering him and she was confident that Ikki would out-speed him with his superior sword skills and Ittou Shura. But Bruce...

"No magic and no weapon...he's basically a Non-Blazer now. How could he possibly win? It's like trying to fight a tank!"

"He's clearly gone mad." Shizuku said. "At least with his Device, he would've had a way to defend himself."

"You're both wrong."

The girls turned their heads towards Ikki who suddenly spoke.

"In a way, the sword was only holding him back. This..." Ikki continued with a relieved grin. "This is Bruce Wayne's true power."

"We've seen a similar situation happen yesterday when Ikki Kurogane defeated Shizuya Kirihara." came Tsukuyomi's voice. "In that case, both opponents were disarmed and Kurogane saw through Kirihara's Area Invisible but this is totally different!"

The girl commentator turned to address Nene.

"Contender Wayne is going unarmed against not only a powerhouse but a weapon that can cleave rocks, trees and wipe out a squad of armed soldiers! What is he thinking, Saikyou-sensei!? Is he crazy!?"

Nene, who had already returned to her seat, leaned back and chuckled while wagging her folded fan in an all-knowing manner.

"Fufufu. You kids are about to see something real special."

"Th-this is absurd!" Saijou exclaimed with outrage. "How long you intend of make of mockery of this-"

"Just shut up and fight." Bruce curtly interrupted.

This brought a fresh wave of anger enveloping the bald lad and with grit teeth, he hefted his weapon up like a lance, ready to charge.

"Have it your way!"

With a roar, Saijou attempted to rush him tip first but Bruce simply side stepped out of the way with his expression unchanging. Saijou quickly swung at him and Bruce stepped just out of reach, prompting him to slash and again and again but only to be evaded expertly.

To Saijou, the mysterious transfer student's dodge game suddenly seemed a lot different compared to earlier; he reacted more efficiently, effortlessly, with no fear in his eyes, only razor sharp focus. And his stoic expression did not waver in the least, like he wasn't even concerned.

With his anger and frustration stoked, Saijou kept up his attacks recklessly, growing more winded with each swing.

"Hold...(huff)...Still!"