LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 283.1
Chapter 283.1. Sword Saint
The abandoned building collapsed with a thunderous roar, sending plumes of dust billowing skyward. Debris scattered all around, smashing into nearby buildings and homes, leaving holes and shattering structures in its wake.
Nobuhiro gazed at the scene dispassionately from the rooftop of a nearby abandoned building.
At first glance, Nobuhiro, with his somewhat plump physique and gentle, good-natured face, appeared to be a harmless, friendly man. His usual demeanor exuded an air of tranquility, making him the kind of person one wouldn’t notice during a leisurely stroll or whom lost children would approach without hesitation.
But now, his eyes were narrowed like those of a bird of prey, watching the vanishing building intently. Around him, residents rushed out of their homes in a panic, causing a commotion.
“Humans with lower levels than the monsters they face are more troublesome to fight. The difference in intelligence and experience is massive,”
came a casual voice from behind him. Nobuhiro turned slowly, unperturbed, and replied in a calm tone.
“That depends. There are plenty of cases where brute strength is enough.”
He raised a blaster in his hand and pulled the trigger, aiming at his opponent. A red-hot beam shot through the air, distorting it, and hit its target: Sakimori. It was the same beam that had effortlessly reduced Tobikato to ashes moments earlier.
However, just before it could strike Sakimori, the blaster’s beam was stopped as if by an invisible wall. It dissipated without so much as causing a sting.
Sakimori stood leisurely on the weathered concrete floor, cracked, with holes here and there, sprouting stray weeds brought in by the wind.
“So, the blaster doesn’t work, after all.”
Nobuhiro stowed the blaster in the holster hidden at his waist. As expected, physical attacks were ineffective.
“You’ve done your homework.”
“Your reputation precedes you. I don’t even need to investigate anymore. Being famous must be tough.”
“And yet, here you are trying so hard to keep your name unknown. That’s gotta be rough, too.”
The two exchanged light banter as they locked eyes, tension and murderous intent spreading in the air. Birds resting on the rooftop flew away in a flurry.
Nobuhiro moved first.
[Sword Saint’s Armor, Awaken.]
Mana flowed into the ring on his finger, activating it. The ring shone brightly, instantly equipping Nobuhiro with a splendid haori reminiscent of those worn by ancient swordsmen, faintly glowing with contained mana.
[Sword Demon Transformation]
His body began to glow red, reshaping itself. His plump belly tightened into firm, chiseled muscles. His limbs swelled like logs, transforming into masses of strength.
The kind, middle-aged man from moments ago was gone, replaced by a fierce swordsman exuding an aura of unparalleled might.
“Kaha~. This is the [Sword Saint].”
Exhaling deeply, he gave a light swing of the katana in his hand. The blade sang through the air, gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight.
“This blade’s name is True Muramasa. It’s a masterpiece, capable of cleaving mountains and splitting the heavens.”
“You’re quite talkative, Nobuhiro.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve had a proper fight.”
The distance between them was about ten meters. Nobuhiro, watching Sakimori carefully, smiled ferociously like a beast.
[One Slash]
Sliding forward, Nobuhiro brought his blade down from above, aiming at Sakimori’s head with the speed of a gale.
[High Accelerator]
[Counter Accelerator]
Sakimori activated a combat technique to enter a world of super-speed. Nobuhiro followed suit, accelerating as well. While it was clear Sakimori’s technique was superior, Nobuhiro calmly activated another move.
[Two Slashes]
Closing the distance with Sakimori, who was retreating, Nobuhiro swung his blade upward diagonally. Sakimori accelerated further, but Nobuhiro didn’t let up.
[Three Slashes]
Despite Nobuhiro’s efforts, his diagonal slash missed, cutting through empty space.
[Four Slashes]
He twisted his body, following up with a horizontal strike, but again failed to catch Sakimori. However, Sakimori was now cornered at the rooftop’s edge, his movements slowing.
[Five Slashes]
Without pause, Nobuhiro’s blade swept sideways again, grazing Sakimori and drawing a small spurt of blood.
“You’re not accustomed to acceleration techniques, are you? I’ve got you!”
[Blinding Storm Blade]
Nobuhiro’s figure multiplied into countless afterimages, creating a whirlwind of glowing trajectories. His katana became a storm, assailing Sakimori.
[Dark Strings]
In response, Sakimori raised his palms and unleashed a dark magic. Threads of darkness shot out, aiming to snatch Nobuhiro’s blade. But Nobuhiro widened his eyes and poured mana into his katana.
[Clear Mind]
[Residual Void]
[Armor Piercer]
Using techniques in quick succession, Nobuhiro enveloped himself in a bluish-white aura, slicing through the encroaching threads and erasing them. Alarmed, Sakimori used teleportation to escape, reappearing elsewhere. Nobuhiro sensed the shift and turned, readying his blade.
For once, Sakimori looked surprised.
“Incredible. So, the Sword Saint has [Combat Energy Conversion Efficiency], does he?”
Sakimori seemed to deduce Nobuhiro’s skill from the rapid use of techniques. But his guess was only half right. Nobuhiro had one other unique skill—one that prevented him from acquiring any other abilities but made an exception for this: the [Sword Saint] skill.
“Indeed. And I also have [Magic Energy Conversion Efficiency].”
“What?! …I’d heard you were strong, but this is an ideal skillset. Don’t tell me—you’ve reached Level 6?”
Level 6—the miraculous level said to be unattainable. A level that, if achieved, granted the strength to defeat even A-class monsters.
“That’s right. I was the strongest in Tokyo—or perhaps, the world, at least as a lone warrior.”