Chapter 3: A Test of Strength
Kazuki swung the sword, the blade whistling through the air as he aimed for Elara's midsection. But she was faster.
Clang!
Elara's sword intercepted his strike with ease. The force of the clash reverberated up Kazuki's arms, nearly causing him to drop the weapon.
"Not bad for a beginner," Elara sneered, pushing him back. "But you're ten years too early to take me on."
Kazuki gritted his teeth, steadying his stance. The basic sword techniques he had just copied rushed through his mind. Grip the hilt firmly. Keep your feet grounded. Watch your opponent's movements.
"Again," he muttered, taking a deep breath.
Elara's eyes gleamed. "Oh? Still have some fight left in you? Let's see how long that lasts."
She lunged forward, her sword a blur of silver as she aimed for Kazuki's shoulder. Kazuki barely managed to parry, his arms trembling under the impact.
'Damn it... she's strong,' Kazuki thought, his breathing ragged. 'But if I can just land one hit...'
[Skill Copy - Active]
[Analyzing Target's Combat Style...]
Kazuki's eyes widened as more information flooded his mind—Elara's stance, her breathing rhythm, her subtle shifts in balance. It was as if he could predict her next move.
'Left swing. She's going for my side,' he realized.
Elara's sword came in low, a sweeping arc aimed at his ribs. Kazuki sidestepped, the blade narrowly missing him.
"What?!" Elara gasped, eyes wide.
Kazuki took his chance. He surged forward, slashing at her exposed side. Elara brought her sword up just in time, but the force of Kazuki's strike sent her stumbling back.
"Not so useless now, am I?" Kazuki said, panting.
Elara's jaw clenched. "You... how did you..."
Kazuki smirked, but the victory was short-lived. Elara's expression hardened, and in the next instant, she was charging at him with renewed ferocity.
"You little...!" she shouted, bringing her sword down in a powerful overhead strike.
Kazuki raised his sword to block, but the impact was too strong. The force knocked him to the ground, his back hitting the grass with a thud.
"End of the line," Elara said, looming over him, the tip of her sword pressed against his neck.
Kazuki swallowed, sweat dripping down his face. 'Damn it... I almost had her...'
[Skill Copy Complete. Blade Mastery - Beginner Rank successfully acquired.]
[Skill Integration in Progress...]
Elara's gaze softened slightly, her sword lowering a fraction. "You're not like the others."
Kazuki's eyes narrowed. "Others?"
Elara sheathed her sword, her expression unreadable. "Get up. You've passed the test."
"Test?" Kazuki said, struggling to his feet.
Elara crossed her arms, a smirk playing on her lips. "You're in the Western Plains. This territory is under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Estoria. All men found wandering here without purpose are either criminals... or potential recruits."
"Recruits?" Kazuki echoed, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Elara nodded. "You've got some skill for a man. But skill alone won't keep you alive in this world. If you want to survive, you'll need allies. And lucky for you, I'm in need of a new subordinate."
Kazuki frowned. "Subordinate?"
Elara's smirk widened. "Yes. Unless, of course, you'd rather be thrown into the dungeons as a vagrant. What'll it be, boy?"
Kazuki clenched his fists. 'A subordinate... or a prisoner. Looks like I don't have much of a choice.'
"Fine," he said, meeting her gaze. "I'll join you."
And just like that, Kazuki's life in this world took its first step forward.