〈Blue Ice Spear Ice Lance〉.
The spell unleashed by Duke Felix.
Magic is divided into ten levels based on its strength. Among them, 〈Blue Ice Spear〉 is a fourth-level spell.
It's usable in combat—weak enough monsters can be taken down with it. But once the monsters grow stronger, there's no point in even using it. That's the kind of spell it is.
In contrast, the 〈Judgment Sword〉 I used is also fourth-level. Meaning, they're evenly matched.
The clashing sword and spear. The radiant sword grows brighter, while the ice spear emits a misty vapor like dry ice.
The light sword and ice spear vanish, leaving behind only smoke and fading brilliance.
Duke Felix is no warrior. I've heard he holds considerable influence in the kingdom, but I've never once heard tales of his martial prowess or monster-slaying exploits. In other words, this is the extent of his strength.
That said, I think the duke is doing well for himself. Most nobles can't even use magic, after all. In that sense, he's plenty strong.
On the other hand, the strongest light-attribute spell I can wield, 〈Cross Sanctuary〉, is seventh-level. A three-level difference makes the gap in power painfully obvious.
It's nowhere near enough to fight the Demon King or delve into dungeons, but it's more than sufficient to overwhelm the duke here and now.
"I see. It seems I stand no chance like this."
I haven't even used my strongest spells yet, but the duke appears to have grasped the difference in our strength. He mutters those words while observing the remnants of our magic.
"Then… how about this?"
With those words, Duke Felix draws the sword hanging at his waist.
A beautiful longsword adorned with blue gemstones.
That sword—could it be…?!
"Release—Magic Sword Fuls."
As he speaks, the duke's sword emits a blue light. A swirling torrent of water erupts from its tip, spreading outward in all directions.
In this world, there exist two special types of swords.
Magic Swords and Holy Swords.
Their power is overwhelming.
They reign supreme as humanity's ultimate strength, surpassing all magic.
But Magic Swords and Holy Swords are exceedingly rare, and those with the aptitude to wield them are even rarer. And even among those with aptitude, not all possess such blades.
It's common to hear of nobles keeping Magic or Holy Swords as trophies—displaying them like ornaments despite being unable to use them, boasting of their might.
"Duke… you can wield a Magic Sword?"
"Well, I only have the aptitude for Magic Swords. Holy Swords are beyond me."
A noble who can wield a Magic Sword is a rare case. I've never heard that Duke Felix had the aptitude for one.
"Wash everything away—〈Torrent〉."
As the duke swings the Magic Sword, a massive surge of water rushes forth from behind him.
Like a flood. An overwhelming volume of water crashes toward me, sweeping away everything in its path—including the duke's mansion, which was by no means a small structure.
"...Ah."
There's no dodging this.
No matter how much I struggle now, there's no way to withstand the tsunami-like wall of water.
I brace for death.
Instantly, I retreat, putting distance between us. I lean against a tree behind me, turning my back to the water.
An unavoidable deluge. The only path left is to endure it.
"GAAAAAAAAAAAH—!"
I drive my sword into the ground, desperately bracing myself against the current. The muddy water drags along uprooted trees, debris from the mansion, and even boulders—all crashing into the tree I'm clinging to.
"..."
I endured. I held on desperately, refusing to be swept away. And at last, the storm seems to have passed.
Slowly, I open my eyes.
The surroundings are drenched. Muddy water drips from the grass and trees, and the ground is littered with the scars of uprooted plants.
Somehow, I managed to survive.
An overwhelming force.
No doubt the damage extends beyond just me—nearby villages around the duke's estate must have been affected too. I feel deeply guilty for dragging innocent villagers into my fight.
Meanwhile, Duke Felix isn't even slightly damp—not a single hair out of place. Of course, the water spawned by the Magic Sword Fuls wouldn't harm its wielder.
I spit out the filthy water I swallowed. There's nothing I can do about what I've already ingested, so I suppress the urge to retch.
Disease is a concern, but for now, I've survived the attack. I'd love to go home and wash off, but the battle isn't over yet.
Once more, I raise my sword toward the duke.
"...Guh."
The pained groan doesn't come from me—but from Duke Felix. The trembling in his hands worsens, and the blue Magic Sword—Fuls—clatters to the ground.
This is…
"...Seems I've reached my limit."
Aptitude for Magic Swords varies in strength. The higher it is, the longer and more powerfully one can wield it—and vice versa.
Simply having the aptitude to wield a Magic Sword is rare enough. Duke Felix's aptitude must not have been very high, but even so, he's one in a hundred thousand.
Time's up, huh? What an unsatisfying conclusion.
"Your precious Magic Sword is spent, and your magic can't match mine. Give up, Duke Felix. Hand over Tsugumi and come quietly."
"...No, Takumi. The stalling ends here."
The duke's gaze remains composed, brimming with confidence. There's no way he intends to surrender.
What's with this confidence? Stalling? In this state, how does he plan to beat me?
A flicker of wariness rises within me—and then, I realize.
"Your Grace, are you unharmed?"
Behind me, figures stand.
Not just one—but seven.
The elite warrior girls among Tsugumi's entourage. Some are even my classmates.
I know they bear hostility toward me because of my strained relationship with Tsugumi. But for them, the duke Takumild have been an even greater enemy.
Yet now, they kneel before him in perfect loyalty, as if pledging fealty.
"How dare you defy His Grace?! You deserve death, Takumijo Takumi!"
Stepping forward as their representative is a ponytailed girl.
Kashiwagi Riri. I remember her well—she always adored Tsugumi like an older sister and openly despised the duke.
And yet, here she is. Baring her fangs, pointing her sword at me.
A stark reminder of the power of 〈Mind Control〉.
"Allow me to introduce them, Takumi. My subordinates—bound to me by 〈Mind Control〉."
As if proudly displaying his prized collection, Duke Felix makes his grand declaration.
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