Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

My body bounced several times on the ground before finally coming to a stop after rolling around. As I got up, I looked up and saw Nina slumped on the ground opposite me.

I immediately realized the reason.

Half of the platform we were on had been neatly cut away.

The terrain was so badly damaged that it was unrecognizable, revealing a deep fissure.

"...Mr. Ota's 'magic'..."

—So you still can't be as free as Leon?

The whisper that he casually uttered when I joined forces with Miss Liu and the other two to fight against him has only now become truly understood by me.

This "severing light" is the source of everything.

Compared to Mr. Ota, who possesses "absolute defense," Professor Leon's skill is "absolute attack."

"Wa ...

Ibri's howl drowned out the cries of agony that echoed throughout the circular arena.

The cheers that were originally for the boy have now turned into trembling and fear of the knight. This scene is simply a nightmare reenactment of the "factional war" where he witnessed the heroic figure of the "fierce warrior".

"He is renowned for his unparalleled skill in 'splitting a city with a single sword,' and his extraordinary strike is that of the 'knight among knights'... This is why he is revered as the strongest knight, and it is also his signature move!"

After finishing their representative matches, the three rushed to the circular arena. Upon witnessing this extraordinary phenomenon, Asifi couldn't help but groan.

Leon has repeatedly joined forces with the "School District" to save the lower realms from peril on behalf of Orario, earning him the title of "Hero of Our Time." Among his many legendary deeds, this astonishing "Slash of Light" undoubtedly holds the central position.

Ryu and Aisha, who were less informed about news from outside the city than Asifi, could only stand by her side and witness everything in silence.

"Aside from the gods and goddesses, the only thing that could directly penetrate Otana's 'absolute defense' was Leon's slash..."

"Damn it... How did that mad knight get even stronger again?"

Even the first-class adventurers—Herdin and Allen, who were calmly analyzing the battle—had to admit the knight's strength.

If judged by the standards of the world, Leon is undoubtedly the closest "hero candidate" to the throne of "the last hero".

"...Don't look so stupid, you silly rabbit. You're being tested right now."

An agitated Hedin scolded his "stupid apprentice" who was standing there dumbfounded in the "mirror".

"I call this move 'Afterglow'."

Cold sweat, like ice water, slid down my cheeks.

In one corner of the field of vision, the enormous slash of light was clearly etched into the earth.

The thunderous pounding of his heart was deafening, pounding right in his head. Meanwhile, Professor Leon, wielding the Battle Axe of Light in one hand, strolled over with an air of nonchalance.

"Originally, Ota and I could only use our 'enhancement magic' to increase the strength of our bodies and weapons. We couldn't unleash slashing attacks like artillery fire."

The knight's figure happened to cross my line of sight, but he didn't look at me; he simply spoke in a calm tone.

His footsteps were heading towards Nina, who was still unable to get up.

"However, as long as it's paired with this 'Afterglow' move... it can close the distance and kill the target."

「!?」

"These are the special skills we, who have been tormented by male and female gods, learned like thieves."

The "moves" of male and female gods...!?

This is a technique from the two major factions that have reigned supreme in Orario for a thousand years!?

As I fell silent, I realized that what he said was true.

The golden lion-shaped slash released by Teacher Leon was extremely similar to the "Golden Slash" that Mr. Ota had once used.

If this happened fifteen years ago, when the two major factions were defeated by the "Black Dragon," and the two who were still fighting in Orario at the time learned and mastered this "move"... then everything makes sense!

(Moreover, even though it's the same move... Teacher Leon's is more ruthless and terrifying than Mr. Ota's!)

Comparing the attack just now with the scene during the faction war, I vaguely felt that Mr. Ota's side seemed to have forcibly completed the 'move' with superhuman strength.

This means that in terms of proficiency with the "moves", Teacher Leon is superior.

Abandoning defense and choosing offense—no, embracing the specialization of 'slashing' is precisely the domineering nature of this 'knight'.

This is a "Light Slash," also known as "Residual Light," that even a mage's, and a first-class adventurer's, can't match.

This is the true reason why he is hailed as the "Knight of Knights" and a "Hero of Our Time"!

"To master this 'Residual Light' technique, I believe several conditions must be met. First, and naturally, one must be a warrior who uses slashing weapons such as swords or axes. As for the other condition—"

The honest knight stopped in front of Nina, reached out to help her to her feet, and then gracefully walked around her to the luggage that was on the ground.

"-- This means you must possess a 'magic' or 'skill' that is a form of 'enhancement'."

Pulled from the backpack, revealing itself through the untied white cloth, was a greatsword.

It was given to me by the goddess; it's a weapon crafted by Welf.

"In other words, Bell, you are also qualified to master 'Afterglow'."

"!!"

Before I could even understand what that sentence meant, Professor Leon had already waved his hand upwards.

With just this one movement, the spinning greatsword flew high into the air, and then with a 'clang,' like the sword of destiny, it pierced straight into the ground in front of me.

"This is not a suggestion, it's an order. Pick up that greatsword."

"...!?"

"Prove to me that I haven't misjudged you."

I glanced at the greatsword, then looked back at Professor Leon.

Seeing that I still looked confused, Professor Leon continued to speak.

"Before the city's competitive festival was finalized, I went to negotiate with a black-clad magician and watched the recording in the crystal, which allowed me to witness your fighting spirit in the 'faction war'."

"!"

"I also visited Ota and asked him for his opinion on you. Taking all of this into account, plus the 'bell' you rang... I am finally convinced that the 'Hero's Pass (Hero's Wish)' you possess is enough to reach the other side of 'Afterglow' just like us."

Immediately afterwards, Mr. Leon vanished without a trace.

When that figure reappeared, it was right before my eyes.

The Light Axe came crashing down, and my instincts immediately went off. I instantly drew my greatsword and deployed my defense.

"Ugh!?"

I barely managed to block the first and second blows, and as I staggered, I switched positions with Teacher Leon, when the third blow came.

The upward slash, seemingly intent on unleashing everything, easily sent me flying.

After tracing a gentle arc through the air, I barely managed to land. Behind me stood Nina, who looked utterly astonished.

"Use your 'skill'. I'll wait for you to finish charging."

"Varied……!?"

"With Nina's healing, let's ring that 'bell' to our hearts' content. Let's fight with all our might!"

Upon hearing this proposal, I was completely stunned.

A direct clash... using "Afterglow"?

Me and Professor Leon!?

"What exactly do you want me to do...!?"

Can I really reproduce a move that I don't even know if I can use? Did Lady Hestia foresee all of this when she prepared the weapon for me?

A multitude of questions welled up in my mind like bubbles, only to burst and intensify my confusion. And the only question I could utter was this one.

"Let me first speak frankly about my ugly inner self... I want to cultivate this 'residual light' to its ultimate level."

That gaze that pierced through me was as straight as a sword, unwavering in the slightest.

"I have cleaved hills and severed cities. Now, I must use this move to slay that 'dragon'."

「!?」

"According to the teachings of the gods and goddesses... I must confront the one who stole this 'residual light' head-on, hone our skills, and devour each other. Only in this way can my sword reach a higher level."

There is not a single falsehood in these words.

I finally understand. Professor Leon was serious.

Otherwise, Nina, who has known him longer than I have, wouldn't be trembling behind me right now.

The story I told last night, about that "bad kid who didn't fit the identity of a knight," seems to have traveled through time and is reappearing before my eyes.

"Bell, raise your sword."

"..."

"I've made up my mind. This battle is the only way to bring things to a close."

Teacher Leon gripped the Battle Axe of Light with both hands, as if nothing more needed to be said.

His posture is natural, ready to strike at any moment.

Just as the declaration stated, it was the demeanor of an absolute powerhouse patiently waiting for me to gather my strength.

--Is this the only option?

--I have no choice but to go for it.

After a brief moment of hesitation, I made up my mind as I navigated through the chaotic jungle of thoughts.

In this exam called the Urban Sports Festival, the examiner, Mr. Leon, had already provided the answering methods and conditions.

What I should have done was neither to stand up from my seat and question them, nor to tear up the answer sheet in a fit of anger.

Instead, they faced the difficult questions head-on, answering them with their pens until the bell rang signaling the end of the exam.

Decipher the question setter's intentions to find the path to the answer.

The spirit of learning that I had acquired in the "school district" revived in my heart, and I slowly lowered my posture, my uniform swaying in the wind.

As the bell rang, I began to gather power for my greatsword.

"Bell-senpai...!?"

"I'm sorry... Nina. Please help me out."

While keeping my eyes fixed on the knight before me, I whispered an apology and a plea to the girl behind me.

"I want to meet Professor Leon's expectations."

If given the chance, I would even like to surpass him.

Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Nina, who had been silent, hesitated for a moment before nodding gently.

She stepped back a few paces so as not to get in my way, and then I heard her raise her long cane directly behind her.

"..."

As the pure white light particles converged on Welf's greatsword, the equation called entanglement kept flashing through my mind.

No matter how much power I charge up, my slash will definitely not fly out.

This was true whether he was fighting against Goliath, the floor master, that rival, or Mr. Otto.

Whenever I charge up my greatsword, I have to strike at close range to deliver a fatal blow.

Why not just take inspiration from Mr. Leon and Mr. Otto and imitate their moves on the spot?

Impossible. Bell Craney isn't that capable. Failure is indeed the primary premise.

If it's just about eliminating distance, can't we just use magic? Can't we just charge up the flames and lightning?

I'm afraid that won't work. Professor Leon explicitly wants me to use his "Afterglow".

He made no secret of using me to hone his skills, nor did he ever hide the fact that magic was not his forte.

The pinnacle of slashing skills seeks only the "slash that slays the dragon".

Ultimately, quick-attack magic is inherently weak, and even after charging, it can never reach the power of that slashing light.

If I had to say, I would have to multiply the 'Strength' stat by the strength of the Welf weapon to achieve the desired slash.