Tensura Alteration: The Accursed One

Disasters

-"He is truly a sight to behold.. The way he swings his sword so effortlessly...

How experienced can one man be..?"

Those words left Rimuru's words as he saw one man sparring with Benimaru and Shion.

It was Artorias.

This was them preparing for the upcoming battle against the Orcs, as planned.

Shion and Benimaru usually fight each other a lot as tests of strength, but this time, they had asked Artorias to join in.

Artorias by himself could probably take Rimuru in a straight match, and that was no exaggeration.

I shouldn't get on his bad si-

Before he could even finish his thought, a massive sword-clanging sound rung throughout everyone's ears, which made Rimuru jump back a little bit, that took him out of focus.

Woah! That made me move back a little..

Benimaru and Shion both used their swords to block an enormously heavy downwards strike coming from Artorias, normally, this wouldn't be anything of notice, but this was something remarkable for Benimaru and Shion.

Being able to develop synchronization like this is key to winning many future battles.

-"Good job Sh-"

-"Nic-"

And there they go...

A loud crashing sound was the prevalent noise now, as both Benimaru and Shion were sent smashing into the ground, the second they took their focus off of Artorias thinking they had him blocked, he somersaulted and broke through their unfocused guard.

It seemed all so unreal, and way too quick to Rimuru.

Artorias scolded the two for even thinking about talking during a spar, let alone facing each other when the foe is right there in front of them.

The two seemed so surprised to be getting scolded, again, they weren't used to such things.

Looks like he'll make a good counter-balance to my spoiling... Eheh..

Rimuru could only sigh, but, this was still a good moment to keep in mind for the future.

Other people started to come toward Artorias, but he stopped any attempts at getting a spar, as he wanted to finish the preparations for the upcoming battle.

Walking alongside him, Rimuru, Benimaru and Shion moved at equal pace to that of Artorias'.

-"You're harsh.. But.. A good leader is wary for his subordinates..

That is what made you great, I presume..?"

Benimaru asked a very good question about Artorias' past, and he answered truthfully.

-"My men... I wish I had any.

I was known mainly for being a loner, of course, along with my good buddy over here."

Artorias patted Sif before continuing.

"Now that I think of it deeply.. I'm grateful I didn't have any.

I am thankful there weren't any further slaughters in the abyss.. Besides me and.."

He looked at Sif, regretful of what arrogance he had to venture in the heart of enemy territory brimming with confidence..

Rimuru stared at Artorias, although not visible, he can feel the sadness from Artorias' tone, very hidden as it may be.

Shion and Benimaru were also listening closely, but chose to keep quiet instead, which was very rare to see.