Chapter 31: The Cost of Curiosity
"One-Sword Style, Shadow Attack!"
With a whisper, Mio's figure vanished from sight. In an instant, a slash came slicing through the air before Aiden, causing his pupils to constrict. He reacted without hesitation, activating Iron Body.
Clang!
Sparks burst out as the blade struck.
Aiden staggered back, a frown creasing his face as a flash of pain lit up his eyes. He looked down—despite activating Iron Body, a fresh wound was already spreading across his side.
"Damn it... I should've listened to the instructor and trained harder," Aiden cursed silently. Among the six Rokushiki techniques, he was only truly proficient in Storm Kick. His Iron Body was barely passable; otherwise, he wouldn't have taken a hit even after successfully hardening himself.
"I just hope the Brigadier General can get the message back to HQ..."
Aiden knew his role now—stall the man before him. Give the Brigadier General a chance to escape. If they all fell here without delivering word of the attack, not only would the Tenshangjin gold be lost, but their deaths would remain unknown. And when the World Government or Celestial Dragons asked for answers, the Navy would have none.
With this thought, Aiden's gaze sharpened. He inhaled deeply, then charged forward with unwavering determination. Lifting his right leg, he unleashed a series of rapid kicks, so fast they blurred into afterimages.
Slicing air blades erupted and flew toward Mio like a storm.
"Six Powers... quite a decent martial art," Mio muttered, then calmly raised his blade.