Chapter 164
Hrung-ga's massive club slammed down onto the ground.
At the same time, the biting wind swirling around his club whipped up a blade-like gale, scattering a snowstorm in all directions.
― Kwaaaaang!
Balmung blocked Hrung-ga's biting wind with his scythe and retreated.
At that, Hrung-ga's fishy smile turned toward Balmung.
[... You're quite sharp.]
[I'm not falling for obvious tricks.]
Hrung-ga's eyes glowed yellow.
Perhaps due to the various training he had received from Mikhail, Hrung-ga's biting wind now held a much stronger murderous intent than before.
Of course, a large part of this came from mastering another trick during the use of his power.
If, previously, his biting wind only served to increase his weapon's destructive force, it had now reached the point where one could be wounded even if blocking the attack.
The reason Hrung-ga had been able to figure out such applications was, in part, because he had witnessed that Mikhail's abilities up close.
'What matters is how you use your ability...'
Driving your opponent with raw power was effective in its own way, but more than anything, confronting them in the most 'efficient' manner was key.
That was what Mikhail had taught Erich, himself, and everyone under his training.
That was why Hrung-ga's eyes shone more keenly than ever, as he manipulated his aura with utmost precision.
Balmung also seemed to sense Hrung-ga's power was not to be trifled with, and he tightened his grip on the scythe.
And so began their exchange. Balmung kept his distance, trying to avoid Hrung-ga's biting wind as much as possible, while skillfully using his own reach to keep Hrung-ga in check.
― Swaeeeeeek!
Balmung's great scythe grazed several strands of Hrung-ga's hair. Immediately, Hrung-ga's fierce strike swung at Balmung, and the two traded blows.
Soon after, Balmung retreated, wiping the blood that trickled down his cheek from being torn by the biting wind with his finger.
[... I see. I think I understand now.]
[Understand what?]
[You already know my ability, don't you?]
[Who knows...]
Hrung-ga smirked meaningfully. But Balmung was certain: Hrung-ga already knew his ability.
The proof was that even when he had the opportunity to continue his attacks, Hrung-ga never forced in an extra blow.
Even in situations where he could have taken a light wound to land a heavy hit.
Especially for Hrung-ga, the Guardian Warrior of the Wolf, renowned as a fierce combatant.
For such a man to fight so defensively... it was as good as having the answer handed to you.
― Paht!
At that moment, a long greatsword stabbed in from behind Balmung. Hrung-ga's eyes twitched.
― Chwaaack!
[Huh!]
A surprise attack from a barbarian under Hrung-ga's command scraped past and left a shallow wound from Balmung's great scythe.
The barbarian blinked in confusion, greatsword still in hand, at a situation he hadn't anticipated.
But at that instant, Hrung-ga shouted at the barbarian.
[Fall back!]
But it was already too late.
Balmung slowly raised his hand and clenched his fist.
At that moment,
― Chwaaaaaack!
[Keurgh!]
The barbarian collapsed, spray of blood fountaining, his whole body suddenly slashed to ribbons.
Hrung-ga, not startled, simply glared at Balmung.
Balmung curled his lips slowly as he glanced at the fallen barbarian.
[As I thought. Judging by your lack of surprise, you already knew.]
[Would you believe me if I said I was just guessing?]
[That can't be.]
Hrung-ga slung his club over his shoulder. He had already heard about Balmung's power from Erich.
'He said it was a technique of channeling aura into his own blood and the enemy's blood.'
An ability where even a small wound could result in a fatal outcome.
That scythe unique to Balmung was originally a tool used by barbarians to break ice.
It had been enlarged, to widen the scythe's sweep and make it easier to wound enemies. Additionally, the scythe's head was lined with small barbs, to cause even more wounds.
But what remained in Hrung-ga's head was a single clarity.
In short: don't get wounded, and conversely, don't let the enemy's blood touch you. That was all there was to it.
Of course, saying so was easier than actually doing it in the midst of battle...
Hrung-ga glared at his fallen comrade, eyes flashing. On the surface of the torn flesh was a sticky substance.
Examining further, he could see aura flowing through the sticky blood. That must be Balmung's ability.
'Just as Erich said. Quite a troublesome power.'
Rather than the actual strength or skill of the aura, it was the ability itself that was a troublesome type. In fact, it seemed even more difficult to deal with than visible attacks.
Even so, Hrung-ga quietly stepped forward. His face showed fighting spirit.
Now that he understood how troublesome that ability was, his competitive spirit was burning even brighter.
Moreover, Hrung-ga had his reasons for confidence. After all, there was a reason Erich had sent him instead of anyone else to face Balmung.
[... That's an unpleasant smile.]
Balmung suddenly closed the distance. The great scythe swung for Hrung-ga, but Hrung-ga countered with biting wind from a void, blocking Balmung's attack.
Once again, their duel erupted, and the aura of their confrontation was so intense that the surrounding barbarians even stopped fighting to watch.
All eyes, a mix of awe, were fixed on them. As warriors of the barbarians, the two were legendary figures, nearly at the pinnacle by reputation.
Just witnessing their battle was more desirable than any fight of their own.
― Kwaaaaang! Kwaaaaang!
But Balmung's movements grew increasingly frantic.
Hrung-ga's biting wind grew so much stronger that it was now almost akin to a sword aura, erratically blasting toward Balmung.
― Chwaaack!
Yet, even as Balmung bled, none of his blood ever touched Hrung-ga.
Tiny biting winds enveloped Hrung-ga's body, deflecting every drop.
Balmung bit his lip.
He had always thought his power was nothing to be ashamed of compared to Ungrim's, even if his overall strength was not as great.
But the man before him was evading his power as if mocking him, making him no better than a powerless onlooker.
[You cur...!]
Balmung let out a furious shout.
As his wounds increased, so did his impatience, and Hrung-ga gleefully swung his club, amused by Balmung's growing frustration.
But at that moment—
The impatience faded from Balmung's face, and a smirk lifted his lips.
― Wiiiiing.
Balmung's eyes flashed a deep reddish-brown. Hrung-ga, at that instant, realized Balmung's blood was smeared everywhere around them.
[Too late.]
Hrung-ga and Balmung.
From every part of the terrain surrounding them, Balmung's blood began to rise in globules, floating in the air as if time had stopped.
Hrung-ga's eyes darted around. Surrounded on all sides by the man's blood, there was nowhere to run.
― Snap!
Balmung snapped his fingers. The blood droplets shot toward Hrung-ga at tremendous speed.
The bullet-like droplets drew crimson lines through the air as they streaked for Hrung-ga.
Triumph twisted Balmung's raised lips. If even a single drop touched Hrung-ga, he would die on the spot.
― Tatatatatat!
Hrung-ga hurriedly wrapped his whole body in biting wind to deflect the droplets.
But, almost mocking his effort, the deflected droplets reformed and surged at him again.
And then—
― Pabababak!
[Kruik!]
A droplet pierced Hrung-ga's forearm, where the biting wind was relatively weaker.
His blood stained his skin like a crimson spot.
At that, Balmung slowly planted his scythe into the ground.
At this point, he seemed certain that Hrung-ga's fate rested in his hands.
Balmung spoke slowly.
[It was a decent fight. But, compared to your renown, your skill isn't that impressive.]
[... Is that so?]
[Hm?]
Balmung's eyes narrowed. Even knowing the likely outcome, Hrung-ga's face remained utterly untroubled.
A strange sense of foreboding crept down Balmung's spine.
[... Is this bravado?]
[No, I see it now. So this is why Erich sent me here.]
Balmung tilted his head. Hrung-ga smiled, baring his fangs as if he had found the answer.
Hrung-ga spoke.
[He said there was a way to use aura that only barbarians can employ.]
[... What do you mean?]
Just then, Hrung-ga's body began to tremble. A pale yellow light flowed through his entire body.
Balmung felt a strange sensation; he couldn't tell just what the man was about to do.
But, at this moment—
Only Hrung-ga and Erich, who had sent him here, knew what was about to happen.