Necromancer 18

 Test

18. The Hero's Battle

At that moment, the Blood Claw approached again.

Mirage stepped forward to confront it.

Clang!

This time, it extended its left arm to attack, but just like before, Mirage blocked it with the shield.

—No.

"...Huh!?"

Mirage stepped back in confusion.

"The power's increased...!?"

I furrowed my brow.

So it was just testing us before...?

The Blood Claw extended its left arm again, thrusting its claws like a sword.

Clang, clang!

Mirage blocked with the shield, but was clearly being pushed back.

It’s losing in power—

"Mirage can't handle this alone. In that case—"

I drew my sword.

I used to rely on a knife due to my lack of strength, but now that my physical stats have increased, I brought a regular longsword this time.

"Mirage, I'm coming!"

I faced the Blood Claw head-on.

Its attacks consist of the 'extending arms' and its sword-like claws.

I need to read the changing attack range—or I'll be defeated.

"Come."

I spoke to the Blood Claw.

"A mere human?"

The Blood Claw sneered, raising its right arm.

Here it comes—

In the next instant, the left arm shot forward.

"A feint!?"

The timing of the attack was off, and I reacted too late.

Even though my stats had increased, I was still lacking in the art of 'real battle tactics.'

The Blood Claw's left arm extended rapidly, its sword-like claws coming straight at me.

"Ugh..."

Just in time, I stopped the claws with my sword.

Screeeech.

A harsh metallic sound rang out.

"You...!"

With all my strength, I deflected its left arm upward.

Good, it looks like my power is greater.

"In that case—"

I kicked off the ground and closed the distance.

"You..."

"When we're far apart, your 'extending arms' confuse me. But if I close the gap—you'll have no choice but to attack without extending them."

The 'extending arms' only work because of the distance between us.

So, I just have to get close enough to prevent that.

It’s a simple concept, but whether you realize it quickly or not—that’s probably what 'battle instinct' is all about.

I’ll learn that from this fight.

"Uooohhh!"

I closed in at close range and unleashed a full-force slash.

The Blood Claw tried to backstep to avoid it.

I pursued, stepping in further.

Slash!

"Gahhh...!"

The Blood Claw screamed as I slashed across its chest.

"Wh-what is this power...? No matter how much of a hero you are, these stats are impossible...!"

The demon groaned in disbelief, glaring at me.

"Could it be... you're not a hero of 'light,' but of 'darkness'...!?"

"Huh?"

"In that case, you're one of us, a hero for the demons! Come, join us."

The demon beckoned me.

"I don’t understand what you're saying."

"Your skill is the proof. That skill born from 'darkness'—there’s no reason to use it for the humans."

"I have no idea what you're talking about. I simply use this power according to my own will—"

I raised my sword.

A pale blue light enveloped the blade.

It was the same technique Mirage had used.

"My will is..."

I swung down.

"To protect those who are hurt in front of me!"

The demon was cleaved in two by my sword.