"Likewise for me, so let's settle the scores with one last burst!" shouted Minwoo, rushing forward with his black sword.
Ashley instantly shot several more water spells, making Minwoo dodge and swerve the attacks. Then, finally, the Marksman jumped up and started raining bullets at Minwoo.
But the enemy merely smiled and deflected all the shots, unleashing a stream of black Elemental Energy to surround himself.
Ashley broke through the defense with his rifle as a blunt weapon and bashed through, swinging it at Minwoo. The Marquess was ready as he clashed with the gun on time.
"I have never fought anyone who could use a gun like a melee weapon and not get cut by my sword... Your Magecraft from that Valkyrie is truly astounding... But it won't be enough to beat me!" shouted Minwoo as the blade burst into black Elemental Energy again, causing Ashley to pull back.
"Then you are in for a whirlwind of surprises. Because I don't stick to one fighting style. Call me a mad dog, but it's the quickest way to finish my opponent. No rules, no laws. Just death," replied Ashley.
But the retreat lasted only a blink as the Marksman got ready to engage again. This time, Ashley planned to use his last resort to defeat his brother for good. Instead, Ashley concentrated his Elemental Energy on his rifle as he continued running and dodging strikes and slashes from Minwoo.
The gun was already glowing with gold Elemental Energy thanks to Mavislin and now had streams of aquamarine Elemental Energy surrounding the weapon. Finally, the Marksman was far from the imposter and threw his rifle with all of his strength, treating the gun like a lance.
Minwoo quickly changed the grip on his sword and prepared to defend himself against the thrown gun. Ashley followed suit by propelling himself towards the enemy. When he reached, the gun was trying to pierce the sword, as if it was in midair or someone had stuck glue on the weapons.
Ashley said nothing as he punched the buttstock, causing the gun and Minwoo to slide backward. This move created an imbalance, and Minwoo was able to shift the weight. The Marquess sent the gun flying upwards, which allowed Ashley to leap up and grab his weapon again.
Once he got the gun, the Marksman wasted no time blasting off a few shots at the opponent. Now it was Minwoo's turn to be on the defensive and retreat as the bullets were actively chasing him despite being sliced in half.
"It looks like Mordred's way of fighting is truly a good method of pushing back enemies... Maybe I should ask her to train with me after this mess. The Knight of Rebellion isn't too shabby compared to what they said in the books," murmured Ashley, smiling.
The Marksman did not let his guard down as he leaped from wall to wall, trying to find an opening to shoot down the imposter. Unfortunately, the battle had been so explosive and high-paced that Ashley was having a hard time trying to read his opponent's Elemental Stats.
But as he was running about and the bullets were busy distracting the opponent, the Marksman could finally see the weak point and act accordingly. But it wouldn't be easy since this person, as his brothers' memories, would have the talent of a first-class Swordsman.
Ashley insulted Minwoo earlier about being sheltered and receiving a proper upbringing. Still, he couldn't deny that Minwoo died as the head of the Campania Domain and the strongest out of the Five Kings.
Even the Time Mage had to go all out to break through the Marquess's defenses, and he could hold his ground against the likes of Z., So the Marksman was in for a World of hell if he didn't pull this stunt correctly.
"Twilight Encore: Cycle Three. Oblivion's Terror," said Minwoo as he unleashed three slashes toward Ashley.
This attack forced the Marksman to halt his running and use his Triad Starlight to block off the three black slashes. However, this meant his back was opened, allowing the imposter to strike.
But in a feat told for only the immortals and inhuman, Ashley quickly turned his rifle to shoot into the ground and propelled himself upwards using the pushback of the fired shot. Minwoo was too late as he swung his blade at the space, slicing the shield.
The Marquess cursed as the shield broke apart, allowing the three slashes to bust through and wound the angered Minwoo. Ashley smirked as he landed on top of a wall. However, the imposter wasn't backing down as he held up his blade again to strike at the standing Marksman.
Ashley merely held his gun and blocked the strike, causing sparks to fly about in between the two combatants.