To Be a Power in the shadows part 2

chapter 165

"Is that your p-plan, to intimidate me? Foolish, you don't stand a chance–!"

Maximilian braved the out-of-this-world bloodlust and rushed at Shadow.

His sword followed a straight path to the man at incredible speed. Its tip surely to pierce the throat.

— Yet.

"– WHAT!?"

That tip was caught between Shadow's fingers.

"Let me bestow you some advice..."

Shadow spoke in a soft voice.

"Let, go...!"

Try as he might, Maximilian couldn't dislodge his sword from between the man's fingers. It was as if the blade was stuck into a boulder. It moved not no matter how much he pushed and pulled.

"Show me all your power– if you don't wish for a swift death..."

Shadow released the sword, causing Maximilian to pitch over and fall.

He quickly stood up and glowered at Shadow.

"You will not underestimate me...!"

He then pulled out a red lozenge and swallowed it.

"Now you'll pay for that attitude. I will have you know despair."

Maximilian's mana surged and his eyes were dyed blood red.

"Behold– It is your death that will be swift!!"

Maximilian blurred.

He was suddenly behind Shadow.

"– An afterimage."

A slash faster than sound cut Shadow from behind.

It wasn't able to cut through Shadow's longcoat.

Shadow turned around.

Faster than that, Maximilian once again blurred.

"That too– an afterimage."

Yet again, Maximilian cut Shadow from behind.

"As I thought, you have no means of reacting to my speed. Yes, that is inevitable. I am not your average Awakened I'll have you know..."

Seeing how slowly Shadow was turning back, Maximilian spoke.

"I am no 3rd– I am a 2nd." He sneered and blurred once again.

"Slow! You're too slow, Shadow!! Now taste the power of a true 2nd of the Order!!"

Maximilian's voice came from all directions.

Relentlessly, he made slash after slash upon Shadow.

His afterimages seemed to be everywhere at he did.

"This is my sword– the Coldblood Kaleidoscope!"

The myriad Maximilians in the fierce blizzard truly appeared as if he came out of a cold and deadly kaleidoscope.

"Soon enough, that artifact of yours will be exhausted! That will be your end!!"

The endless slashes had numbered to more than a thousand now.

Shadow couldn't do a thing, he just stood there and took it.

Each slash caused the snow to jump, turning everything white.

And finally, it ended.

"Huff... huff... fool."

Maximilian wrested control of his breathing.