Drettonus(English Version)

34. Crossing blades

    Hiroshi's body is covered in purple flames from head to toe. After a few seconds of concentration, his body also begins to change after absorbing the flaming aura. His skin gradually turns purple, his hair turns brown, and his worn-out clothes begin to flutter as purple flames overflow from his sleeves, stretching them with a fabric created by the same flames.

    A translucent purple flame begins to glow in his hand. The flame forms in his hand into the shape of a sword. As he closes his fist, he causes the flame to materialize, giving rise to a detailed shadowy sword with a black blade and purple hilt.

    With his transformation complete, he opens his eyes, which glow purple, with a thin, shimmering mist of the same color exuding from his pupils. Opening his mouth, he reveals that his canine teeth are larger and more pointed.

    Not knowing how to react, Katsuo just stares in horror at the result of the transformation:

   "It's like the time Vektor was possessed... No, it's a little different. His appearance is more affected, he seems further away from a human. However, at the same time... he seems more stable...?"

    Unable to predict his opponent's actions, the swordsman reluctantly positions himself for combat. Surprisingly, Maken manages to react naturally, saying with his own mouth:

   "Trembling as always... Do you really think you can defeat me this time, Katsuo?"

   "I- I didn't spend this entire month playing around! Now that I've mastered my swordsmanship, I have enough power to surpass you!"

   "Hehehe, I'm getting curious... Not that it'll change the outcome."

    The creature Maken energizes the blade of his sword with purple flames and also positions himself for combat, while the swordsman Kder wields his sword.

    The legendary swordsman and the creature the evil servant has transformed into are about to begin a short duel unlike any other duel between the two sworn brothers. Now the battle is between hero and monster.

    The two stare at each other as they prepare to attack, Kder with a nervous look and Maken with a dry but insane look.

    While Maken is currently just setting his mind on winning, Kder finds himself mentally at a dead end.

   "The truth is, the difference between us is more than obvious. If this were truly a deathmatch, I would definitely die. However, this battle is merely a test of endurance. From his point of view, this is a battle against time. My only goal is to survive as long as possible. If I can stay alive until Vektor is summoned back, victory is mine!"

   "...!"

    The two advance towards each other and then cross their swords, generating a powerful impact between two beams of blue light.

   "Two-dimensional slash!"

    After saying this simultaneously, the two begin a contest of strength. It doesn't take long for Kder to feel the disadvantage, dodge the course of the swords and jump back. However, his enemy doesn't give him time to breathe and runs towards him.

   "Two-dimensional slash: Blue satellite!"

    With this technique, he cuts the space in front of him and keeps it as a way to protect himself. Maken receives a serious wound on his arm because of this technique, causing him to jump back to his original position, without appearing to feel much pain:

   "Oh...! You hurt me, that's new! Looks like you really learned some new tricks while I was away, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm the most experienced."