The rapid exchange of blows blurs the line between afterimage and reality, accompanied by the overlapping clang of metal. Amid dozens of clashes, a fluttering sound brushes past my ear.
Before I realize it, I’ve been pushed back to the edge of the arena, where the flag of the Word Religion flutters.
At that moment, Carpeus widens the distance and extends his chain. A hammer studded with eerie spikes hurtles toward my left shoulder.
I dodge with ease, but in the next instant, I sense it swinging back along the same path. The chain has coiled around the flagpole and made a full U-turn.
Such trickery deserves to be turned against him.
With a light sidestep, I sharpen my sense of balance to its peak and leap onto the chain.
I dash toward Carpeus, racing along the chain, outpacing the hammer as it flies back to him.
<You’re insane!>
From his expression, it’s clear he’s impressed.