Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 37: Desire, Reward, and Illegal Working Hours

Alex fires his revolver, but to his utter despair, Beatrix actually manages to deflect the bullet with her sword.
"What kind of bullshit is this? This is a frigging bullet, how can she deflect it with such a thin sword? Is this the Matrix world?" he thinks, barely suppressing his frustration.

He cocks the revolver repeatedly, only for Beatrix to deflect bullet after bullet with irritating ease, until he fires his last round. She deflects it too, but not without consequence.

[Mr. 5's .44 Caliber 6-Shot Revolver] effect activates: Explosive ammunition!
You have dealt 19 damage to Beatrix.

Taking advantage of her momentary shock, he quickly conjures another Annihilation Grenade lvl 1, ducks low, and throws it close to the ground, knowing she can't deflect it from that angle.

Beatrix, with her lightning-fast reflexes, leaps into the air. She avoids not only the explosion but even deflects the flying shrapnel, her blade moving so quickly that it forms an arc in front of her.

Out of options, Alex decides to show his grit, reloading his gun as quickly as possible while Beatrix is still airborne. He draws his saber in his other hand, determined to face her at close range.

As soon as she lands, Beatrix lunges forward, reaching Alex with almost supernatural speed. Testing him with a series of rapid, calculated strikes, she gauges his skills while he struggles to parry. Barely holding up, Alex uses every ounce of focus to dodge and parry her attacks. He could almost swear he saw a hint of surprise, maybe even respect, on her lips.

"You nearly had me there... now let me show you what I can really do," she says with a steely glint in her eyes, clearly irritated by his previous, vicious surprise attack.

The next five minutes are nothing short of brutal. Beatrix rains down a torrent of expertly placed kicks and punches, humbling Alex repeatedly. She doesn't use her sword, instead, beating him down with her fists and feet, each impact leaving him gasping for breath.

Refusing to collapse, Alex somehow remains standing through sheer willpower. But finally, after a devastating knee to his stomach, he falls to his knees, coughing up a bit of blood.

Alex Kerber: Lvl 1
HP: 12/80, MP: 44/80

He struggles to his feet, managing to stand, albeit shakily, with an angry glare set on his face.

Beatrix slowly approaches him, a slight smile flickering across her face. Suddenly, a voice echoes through the training hall.

"General Beatrix, I think that will suffice."

Beatrix turns to Queen Brahne and bows. "Yes, Your Highness."

The Queen shifts her gaze to Alex. "Your abilities are certainly unique. Though I don't quite understand that weapon of yours that fires bullets, especially those that explode. I sense the magic in the round metallic object you can conjure though. It's somewhat like a fire spell, but with a weaker flame and a far more deadly combination of explosion and metal shards. I can't say I'm not intrigued. Your ruthlessness and courage impress me as well. You fought with all you had and didn't back down once. I can feel your ambition. However, your sword skills are mediocre at best, but still above those of the current knights, who seem to use their swords more as decorations."