The Story of Hero Among Heroes ~The Founding Chronicles of Arestia - Chapter 131 – Conquering the North part 2 ~Foreign Warrior~

[If you want to live, move!]

A single warrior plunged himself into the ranks of the Grants army and rampaged.

Not only was this man wearing unfamiliar looking armor, he’s also wielding a cross shaped spear that is rarely seen in the continent. And yet, he charged through soldier after soldier with ease.

His spear movement was both beautiful and splendid. One could even say that it had reached the realm of art.

[Such a splendid and complete spear technique.]

[It’s different from Sigurd and Darius… even I can sense its strength.]

Sigurd would wade through the battlefield so fast like that of a gale. Darius would break through the enemy rank with his overwhelming power.

This man was a different kind.

[Hundreds, thousands, ten thousands or even millions of times… All of his movements have been perfected through rigorous training. At this point, seeing him fight is like watching a masterful dance.]

He was neither too fast nor too strong. So balanced it’s…

…beautiful.

[It’s hard not to get fascinated. But if we’re not careful, our numbers will be depleted in no time by him… Guess this is it.]

Having said that, Ares urged his horse towards the foreign warrior.

[I don’t think it’s a good idea to have the commander fighting alone at the front… but stopping that monster will take a lot of our soldiers. No one else here can fight him other than Milord.]

Shion finally sighed.

[Therefore… Milord, stay safe.]

Shion murmured… Deciding to see this through under the belief that his lord would win the duel.

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Shu kept advancing forward while dispatching enemies in his path. His target was the enemy commander’s head.

[Once their commander fell, the rest would collapse. They will no longer be an opponent for us by then.]

That’s when his eyes darted to the center.

Zokuri.

He felt a chill running through his spine.

[Yo. Well done, well done.]

Looking ahead, there was a young man approaching him while smiling. This young man was probably no older than Batu. But Shu’s instinct told himself

(This feeling, the sign of a ruler…!)

[Hey there, you’re looking for me, aren’t you?]

[…….the commander of this army?]

[Nnー, actually the commander of the entire Grants instead of only this army, I guess?]

Shu was lost for words after hearing Ares’ reply. But that should be the case. The man before him just openly announced that he’s the commander of the army that Shu had been looking for.

[Are you…a fool?]

[Why…so abrupt?]

[If the commander dies, the army will collapse. And yet here you are, declaring yourself as one.]

[…….what makes you so sure that I’ll die?]

Saying that, Ares unleashed his magic power.

[Alright then, foreign warrior. Show me your mettle.]

[Hou…interesting. I am Shu, hailing from Yashima, a Shiranui sworn to only serve the heir of the Murakumo clan, Murasaki Yuu! Come, I’ll crush you!]

And just like that, the battle that was beyond both Ares and Shu’s expectations began.

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Ares observed Shu from atop of his horse.

(He is extremely calm… is this what they call 『like the reflection on still water』state?)

Sweat started to form on Ares’ palm that was holding Raynard. This man in front of him was definitely 『strong』.

On the other hand, Shu,

(This is surprising. This man… he is probably the strongest I have ever fought so far.)

But Shu kept that to himself. Despite facing a seemingly smaller man, in his eyes Ares looked like a giant.

(But that is exactly what I wanted. One of the reasons I have travelled far to this continent is to meet strong people like him)

Both horses slowly approached each other. Their distance grew smaller and smaller. Until finally both entered the spear range.

[Haa!!]

Two shadows clashed.

It was Shu who took the initiative. The spear was unleashed at a speed unseen to normal eyes. Ares calmly used his strength to parry the blow while also attempting to disrupt Shu’s flow. But Shu also endured and swiftly launched a second blow, in which Ares also calmly deflected it.

Their spears clashed 20 more times after that. Both had their breathing become slightly harsh in the aftermath.

Ares moved away after he blocked Shu’s last attack.

[No opening no matter how I tried… truly a strong spearman you are.]

[That is my line. I have travelled around the continent, but never have I met someone like you. It has been a while since my blood boiled like this.]

After saying that, Shu rushed in once more. And Ares watched on.

[Hah!]

Strengthened with magic power, Ares attacked with a horrifying speed.

[Mu!]

Shu calmly blocked it. But this time, he was caught off guard by the power behind that attack.

[Guh!?]

Shu’s posture crumbled.

The horse swayed greatly, unable to hold on against such an attack. It was what caused Shu to lose his balance.

Shu therefore quickly disengaged and dismounted from his horse. After calming the horse down, he turned back to Ares.

In response to that, Ares also climbed down from his mount.

Seeing this, Shu could only smile.

[The horse unfortunately cannot keep up. But I thank you for your understanding.]

Shu shut his eyes momentarily, adjusting himself. And the next moment when he opened his eyes again

[Hah!]

Shu’s whole body was enveloped in silver light.

[Magic Sword Style… huh?]

Ares muttered as he calmly observed.

[No…how was that fellow referred to it back then again… it was 『Wargod’s State of Mind』, wasn’t it?]

Ares quietly spoke to himself, spear poised.

[Enemy army commander. Truly well done. Few have pushed me to fight seriously. So…]

Shu slowly unsheathed the sword hanging in his waist. When it began to shine silver as well, it became clear that it’s a sword crafted in a way so that it could be infused with either magic strengthening or fighting spirit.

[None have witnessed this sword and live to tell the tale. Come!]

That said, Shu dashed in with a speed so much faster than previously.

Ares also didn’t stay still, He thrust Raynard to the ground as he grabbed hold of the sword shaped pendant hanging around his neck.

[Holy Sword Excalibur!]

A pale white blade appeared in Ares’ hand to meet Shu’s sword head on.

However, Shu wasn’t going to stop there. He proceeded to launch a stream of offense, forcing Ares to be more defensive.

[Dammit! There’s no opening at all!]

Ares jumped back to disengage, but Shu quickly caught up to him,

The exchange lasted for 50 bouts. Both of the combatants were breathing harshly. Right at the 50th bout Shu’s flow was suddenly disturbed, allowing Ares to disengage at once.

If one looked at Ares, they would notice that his body was littered with cuts here and there.

[Impressive… Then how about this!]

Right then Ares’ body, just like Shu, was enveloped in silver light.

[No way… You can also use the 『Wargod’s State of Mind』!?]

[I call this 『Magic Sword Style』. Alright then, let’s get serious.]

The two clashed again. The two swords collided with each other, sending sparks and even raised the dirt with the impact.

Up until now, Shu was in advantage… but now the two seemed to be equal. Exchanging defence and offence with neither gaining advantage.

At that point, both sides of the armies had stopped fighting, watching the duel intently.

Only the harsh breathing of the two combatants and the sounds of their swords clashing could be heard echoing through the battlefield.

After 7, no, 80 exchanges, the two finally disengaged from battle.

From the harsh breaths and the rise and fall of their shoulders, it’s easy to see that both had been fatigued.

[I honestly never thought that there is a man capable of matching me for this long. My decision to travel to this continent was correct after all.]

Shu laughed in satisfaction.

[I’m also pleasantly surprised. You’re nothing like Sigurd nor Darius… I have never met anyone else like you before.]

Ares also laughed in return.

[But, this duel will end here. This next attack, it is still unfinished… but should be more than enough to finish you]

Shu returned his sword to its sheath and took position. Eerie silence surrounded him.

Seeing that, Ares smirked, finding the situation interesting.

He could see that an overwhelming amount of magic power and fighting spirit were gathering inside Shu’s sword.

[Murakumo-style Special Arts 『Ryuu no Hokou*』] (TL Note: *Dragon’s Roar)

Right after that, Shu let loose of his sword with such a speed that it’s unseen. At the same time, Ares could see a huge dragon-shaped aura barreling ferociously towards him.

[Wha!]

Ares managed to deflect it… but he was still pushed and knocked back some distance away by the sheer force.

[Milord!]

Shion, who was watching the battle, cried worriedly.

And Ares didn’t immediately get back up once his body landed on the ground.

Only Shu who was still standing among the two combatants… But even he was on the verge of collapsing.

[Murakumo-style Special Arts…that attack just now…took every bit of my energy…]

Seeing Ares didn’t stand back up, Grants soldiers were left silent. Meanwhile the barbarians started cheering.

Batu clasped his hands, praising Shu.

[Impressive, Shu! The enemy general has fallen. Inform the army to…]

[Who has fallen?]

A voice coming from some distance away. Batu, Shion and the soldiers were stunned on the spot. But more than them, Shu was even more shocked.

From where the voice came, Ares rose back up slowly with a smile.

That prompted the Grants soldiers to let out a deafening cheer.

[Impossible…how can you still get up after taking that…]

Shu was so startled to the point that he almost jumbled his words.

[There is no way I could block something like that completely. Damn dragon king.]

Ares chuckled.

[Never thought I’d see that technique here. 『Dragon’s Roar』turns one’s life force into a dragon-shaped aura, then hurls it towards the opponent. However… as soon as the dragon gains its shape, it also gains an individual will. Unless this will can be controlled…the technique will not reach completion.]

Ares unsummoned Excalibur, leaving only the handle of Seven Heavenly Sword in his hand.

[Alright…let me show you the complete 『Dragon’s Roar』.]

[…..what, are you talking about??]

Ignoring Shu’s incredulousness, Ares quietly concentrated his soul to the Seven Heavenly Sword.

[This is an ancient sword. A sword of spectre that has bathed itself in blood through countless slaughter throughout the numerous battlefields.]

Then he raised his hand once more.

[Spectral Sword Murasame!]

A sword with a violet blade, one that gave off dreadful air, emerged in Ares’ hand.