Chereads / Path Of Knights / Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: Maleficarum, Stacked Odds

Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: Maleficarum, Stacked Odds

"He certainly has good form. Seems he's learned quite a lot from you Daisuke. On top of that...he's made your Samurai Style his own..." Director Clara Narukami spoke causally, as her eyes never moved away from the collision of blades sparks flying everywhere with each hit but clearly the Two Competitors weren't truly giving it their all contrary to what was stated before. "Looks as if their simply sizing each other up...theirs a Vague familiarity from Dante's Mana. Despite it being natural it's a perfect counter to the Cursed Mana radiating from Rin Tora..."

"Hm. Dante's form has been honed over the course of several years. None stop training..His Mana control needs work but at the very least he can utilize it how he needs to for now..." Daisuke replied as he was also watching with a serous gleam in his eyes, but it seemed his line of sight wasn't on his nephew but on The Tora Sibling fighting with Twin blades. "What do you know of him? His blades are identical in form, but two different colors.."

"Rin Tora....The Unbeatable. He has never lost a battle according to many. Though nobody knows for certain what his abilities are...unlike the other two that have lost. His marks and grades we're perfect, unmatched. He was even given the opportunity to join in the Grand Academy of Nobility which as you know is only given to those with remarkable talent, even Nobles find it difficult to get in; the likes of him we're offered. Strangely, he turned it down. In a compromise Rin Tora stayed at the Royal Academy instead but once he finished; him and his three brothers went off the radar not even their clan could find them. Several months later they we're connected to a series of crimes and hit jobs, using their Wicked Talents for Mercenary work..." Clara explained what she knew pulling out a cigar from her pocket and lighting it up as she continued to spectate with intrigue "but those blades...you know what they are Daisuke. They we're part of 'That' project."

"That project?....you don't mean Project Overlord....." The Black haired veteran glanced at her for split second before looking back at Rin Tora whom had an extremely emotionless face of solid stone as if not really amused by Dante. "So...he got his hands on those. The question is how?..."

"Does it matter? That Weapon's already bonded with him...look at his eyes. Their the same color...It seems his Cursed Mana has allowed him to utilize them with no problem. Though only someone of the R&D division could tell you how he was able to procure such Swords....since that project was terminated and locked up....Even so. Their has been no information on what sort of ability they have.. most blades are made to enhance the individual's output of Mana. That's why Mana Alchemists are held in such high regards as they can contract a weapon of Incredible power to add to their own...Regular Swordsman are forced to really train and fight their way in learning the Arts of Mana and Battle. Nobility have the upper hand of being naturally gifted. Their are rare cases like Rose but she is a Dark Elf. And elves have always been more dominant in Mana control than humans. Project Overlord was meant to compensate the gap between Humanity and other species. Weapons made of Technology in secret...that could Enhance the users Power while also having their own abilities. In simple terms...through the basis of Alchemy. The idea was to make our own 'Weapons of the Underworld' though it was deemed as to dangerous and placed under wraps..." Clara explained with a puff of smoke truly interested in what this Rin Tora could really do. 'I suppose we'll have to see what this village kid can do against that...'

The grunts of Dante echoed behind every swing he took; his single Broadsword with focused Mana continued to collide with Rin Tora's Twin Blades. This sibling was much more elegant in his fighting style, moving in a flow like motion as he countered his strikes with ease "Why do you keep fighting? Isn't it wiser to step back and think on how you should approach me...."

"What are you talking about- I-...." Dante shoot his head staring at Rin with a confused look, what's his deal? So far he hasn't gone on the offense only countering. Stepping backward pausing their clash of blades his eyebrows narrowed. "Your not taking me seriously huh....you haven't been trying at all!...is this some sort of game to you?! You and your brothers are just screwing with us. Your not serious about becoming knights at all! I can see it in the way you all act!....if your going to fight me! Fight like you mean it!"

"You really are an Idiot...." Rin said shifting his blades to his sides as he lifted the blue one at Dante "Anyone that's come here. To become a Knight....are a bunch of fools! Aspiring to dreams given to them at bedtime as children. The Great Knights of Old defending the Human Realm...stopping Corruption. Defending our great Nation of Bushido. The First line of defense against the Necrosis Plague, stopping it every other Decade. When the King of Aragoto waged war on Bushido. Wanting to conquer this land...it was The Great Knights that ended the War. It was the Legend Kisuke that ended his reign of Terror. Forcing Aragoto into a Treaty of Peace as they reformed their government...to be more Democratic.."

"I'm not here for a history lesson! Get to the damn Point Tora..." The White haired males patience was running thin, if it's one thing he hated is being lectured during a fight. Albeit from someone close to his age didn't make it any better. "So your here to mock the Exam?....is that it?...to Mock what being a Knight is?"

"My siblings and I...we are here. Because by the end...we'll show all of the citizens attending. And the world...how a worthless attempt this all is. Look at you all...striving to become Symbols. Of an Old Era...living up to the expectations of those before you. Us...we're born of a cursed clan...nobility despised us. We we're at the bottom of the totem pole..but Fate had a cruel way of changing winds. We...are here to not just mock the Order...but to win." Lowering his weapon as he spoke in riddles, and explaining the reason they we're there to begin with. "And. The Tora Clan being knights?....how unrealistic. If we are to join the Order...we would take control. Bring Bushido to the Max Advancement it deserves..by toppling all the enemies. And our Names...the Tora Clan will wipe every other historic event off the map...your struggle is meaningless. Just as your worth.." Rin Tora looked around at the other Competitors with a cold gaze, before looking around at the crowd as his attention came back to Dante "Your a Village boy. Stuck in a small world..you don't know a thing. Your blinded by your Ideology. It isn't realistic. You will always be a Pawn...playing on a small board in a small game...under the grand schemes of those your greater. And right here...Right now. I'm going to make you learn your place."

"Shut Up!!" Dante yelled angrily, as his hands trembled gripping the sword as his Mana leaked out further "You can say what you want. You don't know a thing...about dreams. About wanting too do what's right. If anyone's blind here. It's you!....don't you realize! Even if you win. You'll always be looked at as Evil! Nothing more and nothing less! I don't know what your smoking. But I want none of it!..Your egotistical. A bunch of self-centered jackasses!...I've had enough. Of your- BULLSHIT!!"  Rising forward he slammed his Sword downward with mighty strength, missing by only an inch as Rin returned the gesture by slashing with both of his own weapons, forcing Dante to block as they we're neck and neck. Pushing each other back, at this point it wasn't just a clash of blades but a collision of Resolves.

"D-Dante's a pretty good swordsman...." Cole mentioned out loud as he was really into the battle. He had a hint of confidence in himself thanks too Dante's presence and attitude so naturally he'd be rooting for him. "Their really a good match for each other...but I hope he wins this one."

"If only being good with a sword was enough..." Kira replied to his comment, arms crossed as she was watching their movements and analyzing them both with expert precision "you haven't noticed. Dante's breathing...it's heavier than Rins. He's already breaking a sweat and their match hasn't been going on for that long....it's like his physical energy is being drained with each clash."

"H-huh?..." Cole was baffled at her deductions as he hadn't noticed it at all, before looking more closely for several seconds his blue eyes widened "W-wait. Your right...but how. E-even if he had an ability, we should be able to see if his Mana is doing something like that...."

"Hn. That's because it's not a natural ability at all. It's those Twin swords. As a Mana Alchemist. I can see with clear eyes...his Blue sword is the culprit. It's every time that one swings...Dante's movements become groggy. Your also wrong...Narukami. Respectfully of course. It's not affecting his Physical Energy directly." Yuma interrupted their Analysis giving his own straight answer, his eyes glowed as if enhanced. "It's easy. Use your Mana's and really try to feel the battle. Rin Tora's blue Sword...their's an unseen slash behind it. Every time Dante blocks it still hits his Spiritual Core. Where his Mana is coming from?..."

"His S-spirit core?...but Yuma-San!....an ability that attacks the core isn't normal at all. And Dante's so focused he's not noticing...." Cole gripped his fists as he continued to watch unsure of what to do. If he would be able to explain it simply to Dante or not from this range?.

"Calm yourself. Cole....Dante may not be aware. But I think he has something in his mind as well....something more Practical...." Rose voice cut through his worries as she was watching with curiosity as well. 'Just what is this Airhead planning?....theirs no way he hadn't noticed...'

Dante was truly feeling fatigue, as he breathed heavily with each storm of sparks that flew from the friction of their swords, it's as if a chunk of his stamina was lowered 'What the hell?.....what's happening...I'm so tired. Already?...the more is use my Mana. The more tired I feel...' he thought to himself, countering Rin once again only to leave his right side open as the Tora sibling threw a straight kick in quick succession making the White haired knight wince in pain as he was pushed backward. "Your.....using some sort of trick. It's one of those blades....what?...what are you?..."

"Doesn't matter if I explain it in detail. You'll still lose. But I'll give you the courtesy of telling you. My Blue blade is the spirit half of the pair. As Mana is concentrated into it. With each swing, a slash of hidden energy follows that does not attack you physically...it hits your core...where your Mana dwells. It is why as you use Mana to boost your movements and strength. You're feeling more and more Fatigue." Rin explained coldly, as he motioned to his sword and in a sudden swing the wind is pushed away as the pressure of Mana flies toward his opponent. Dante lifted his sword and tried to block, but his breathe was practically taken as he embedded his broad sword into the floor to hold himself up. "Eh?!...that's...that's insane....attacking my mana flow. So. You have to- use cheap tricks to wear me down so you can beat me easily. You really...are just a coward. All that none sense you we're spouting before. It's just pillow talk. You didn't mean any of it. A reall Warrior. Actually gives it his all....don't think. That just because. You're making me tired. That I haven't prepared for this!....I've trained my whole life. To ensure until the End!!...I'll show you!!...."

Lifting his sword overheard, his Mana Bursted outwardly again causing Rin's eyebrows to furrow "I admit your...Mana is vast. But how is this possible? I've hit your Core plenty of times. You should barely be able to even protect your skin...." Dante smirked as his blade glowed with a blue hue "I don't know much. I was told. My Mana is Vast and Massive. Even if I'm tired...I can still-....Tch. Rock the World! Ryu no Ikari!!!" In a single slash of incredible energy, it rockets forward at his opponent like a blazing blue blast of flames.

"Damn. Show off....ain't no need for all of that firepower!....." Regis commented angrily annoyed that The farm boy is able to have such a technique. "Just who the hell is this guy anyway?...."

Rin Tora sidestepped the blast as it blew past him, and exploded several meters behind causing him to scoff  "A high level technique. Wasted in the hands of an idiot. How pathetic? Is that all-?...." His words we're cut short as he was forced to dodge once again, not noticing Dante having slashed twice 'When did he?....huh?...' and again, the black haired male dodged to the left, the explosions we're becoming more intense with each attempt. "You should barely be able to use one or two...but three?...your a freak of nature. Despite being tired out to still be able to move with such proficiency. Takes integrity. You perhaps could best me. If one of those blasts really hit...unfortunately. You've miscalculated..." disappearing in the blink of an eye, the Tora brother appeared only inches away from Dante and this Time swinging his other pair, The Magenta colored blade. "Don't blink!"

Dante's eyes widened as he couldn't react in time, forcing his foot down to try and push himself backward Rin's sword still slashed him in the right shoulder with a gash of blood "Agh!!! Tch...Dammit!..." ignoring the wound the white haired knight apprentice, grabbed Rin's collar mid movement and in a single forceful move head butted him with an impactful strike causing the Male to see stars as he stepped away from Dante. 'Y-you fool?!...'

Dante huffed, as the stinging of his shoulder rushed through him "Damn. It feels like my right arms on fire...all the way up too the shoulder...what did you do?!...I know it wasn't spirit damage!!" Blood trickled down his own forehead from his reckless attack.

Rin grunted placing his hand over his own wounded head, eyebrow twitching "What sort of cowardice act is that?....you damaged yourself you idiot!" He cursed under his breathe as he also felt a stinging over his head, glancing at his second sword blood dripping from it as he smirked to himself "no matter. I have you...where I need you..."

A sudden shock rocked Dante's body, as his right arm shut down in fact as he looked down a small gasp escaped his lips at the sight of His entire limb up to his shoulder where the wound was made was the color of Magenta "P-poison?!...y-your insane?!...your trying to kill me!"

"Are you deaf?...that's what I told you before..." Rin spoke coldly sending chills down Dante's spine, as the heterochromic eye'd male dashed forward again not giving him any time to breathe with incredible speed he began to slash in several unorthodox movements throwing The white haired swordsman into a frenzy of blocks and counters "what kind of poison is this??!....is their a cure?!..."

"It'll only make any limb that's been cut numb and paralyzed for several minutes. Unless I strike you in the same area more than twice...Three times. In three...it can harm you permanently...." Rin explained as he continued his assault, his concentration was on Dante's right arm which was the most vulnerable at the moment. "Counter all you like. It's useless to fight only with one arm when your trained to use both!...just give up! You can't win!..."

"Screw that!...Cut me all you want!...I'm not quitting now!...I've worked to hard! To lose to the likes of you!!...This entire thing is more important to me. Than you!..."

"You don't know what your talking about!..you don't know me. What I've been through. you have no idea?!...what it's like to be hated because of your last name? To be looked at as monsters!!....we've spent our whole lives in the gutter! Doing whatever we needed to do! To be stronger!!!...where we're you? Having a happy life!!! Me and my brothers have come to far!! To lose to someone as stupid as You!" Rin was aggravated to say the least, Dante's constant deflections of his reasons and meanings we're starting to get under his skin. "You think you get it. Huh?....but you don't. You never will!!" With one more Epic Clash, their Mana's exploded against each other in a colorful firework like performance making the crowd gasp and cheer.

"When Swordsmen..cross blades. They understand each other better than anyone else. Don't they? Tora?...." Dante commented softly as his eyes we're no longer filled with anger and frustration but with sadness. "I can...feel your pain. Your loneliness....I can see. What you've been through?....All of your lives have been..tough...but I'm telling you now. Your goals..their misplaced. You should be working to bring your clan into a New Light. Not keeping it in the dark....just look at the crowd. Their not just cheering for me or you. Their cheering because in their eyes...we'll be the ones to defend them. Open your heart to them...let yourself shine through..."

"Let myself...shine through?..." Rin's eyes darkened at his words, their was truly a cloud of corruption in his soul. As memories flashed into his mind, one specifically was greater than the others.

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"Onii-San!....please. Let's just go!!....." Rei Tora yelled at him, it was several years in the past. The four siblings we're mere children at the time. Battered and beaten, by older Noble kids picking in them.

"Pfft....look at them. They think their special. Coming to the school because you've got a clan. Bunch of freaks.....you'll never compare to us....and this one. Likes to fight. Aww..he's protecting them. How stupid?...you can't beat us. We're more blessed than you...." One of the shady kids talked down to Rin, having the boys hand around his neck aggressively "what are you going to do?....just drop out already. Nobody wants your kind here. You'll just plague our school..."

Rin gritted his teeth "Go...screw yourself. We worked hard. To get here....we didn't cheat." He said softly hocking up and spitting in the nobles face "We're Tora's!...we deserve to be treated as equals! Agh!." His words were silent at the sound of fist cracking his jaw as he fell backward beside his three already beaten brothers. They we're at the center of a Schoolyard surrounded by nobles that we're dressed better.

"As long as your alive. Your clan...will never be more than what it is!...failures. A bunch of Cheats!...." The Noble said angrily wiping his face with a handkerchief rushing forward and forcing it into Rin's mouth before punching him several more times. "Look at yourselves. You don't 'deserve' anything....haha! Can't even stand up to us! How do you expect to be treated anyway! When your a bunch of weaklings?!..." the nobles face had blood spattered on it with every single punch before finally teachers arrived to break them all apart.

Rin was losing consciousness, his Eyes staring at his brothers being tested so cruelly 'I...hate this....I hate these nobles.....we'll show them. We'll show them all.....That We. Are not to be fucked with!...' he thought as he drifted into despair and darkness.

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"We we're treated like garbage by everyone. Even some our clan didn't want to deal with us, we we're the defective bunch. we didn't want to cheat like them. We didn't want to use Cursed Mana. Or dark rituals...but we we're promised power. Power to beat them all. To show everyone what we can do!.....Your preaching. It's falling on deaf ears....it's useless..." Rin commented softly as his anger raised once again, slashing at Dante's left leg after their conversation shifted this time practically paralyzing it.

Dante grunted at the feeling of his leg going numb, and feeling less. Uncaring, the male kept forward as he allowed himself to get hit "Just because you've had a bad life. Doesn't mean you have to continue it! Your older now! You can change the direction of your future can't you?....change the way your siblings think. Feel. They follow your example! You don't need to be criminals! That's only going to continue the cycle! even if I so happen to lose here....you can use your position as Knights. To elevate your clans status! Yes! Our lives are way different...but. Their is always going to be good deep in your heart...just like me. Look into my heart! The Fire in me. Its the sort of thing you simply need to ignite in you...."

"I feel nothing from you! Just your stupidity!- your words are hollow...Dante!-....what is this?..." Rin paused as he started to feel Dante's Mana during their collision. "This...warmth. This...Happiness...."

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"Oi...Kids! Stop playing around and get over here. Angil's cooking is going to get cold on you...." Daisuke spoke up as he sat at a bench arms crossed, it was a small clearing within the Village of Eden. Many families we're having their picnics there, though the Veteran was more on his phone on business than anything else.

"Listen to him Dante! And tell Yuuki to stop playing with those leaves before she gets Poison Ivy! Her parents won't be happy!..." Angil was there as well, Bright blue hair as she continued setting the table/bench with plates and food before clearing her throat "You know Kisuke would use his phone a lot as well. I assume you took that up because of him?....I'll tell you like I told him. When surrounded by those you care for, put it down and enjoy the moment! Life doesn't last forever..."

"Hn...fine. Your much more of a nag nowadays. How did you get him to fall for you I have no idea?....out of all the girls he had to pick you.." Daisuke sighed pinching the bridge of his nose "This is a bit ridiculous. Why do I need to be here? I'm not the kids Father. Just an uncle. You should've told him already."

"Relax. I promised Kisuke I would tell him when the time was right. Now is not the time. Hush! And get to eating...." Angil shook her head at his statement, as she looked over her smile brightening the area as the Two kids ran toward them ecstatic.

"Hai! Okaasan!....she was taking her time!..." Dante yelled happily, a small and frail white haired boy no more than 5 years old at least. Wearing a kid sized brown jacket along with a blue bow tie.

Beside him stood an unknown girl

About the same age. Burgundy Red colored hair, and Purple eyes to barely match as she followed along with a childish smile plastered on her face, blue and aqua dress "...we're coming now!! S-sorry! Angil-sama!....I-I swear it wasn't me! Dante was trying to build a castle with sticks and leafs!..."

"Now, now. No blaming each other...come. Sit and Enjoy the meal...." Angil sighed at their banter, how those two became friends is beyond her. "And Dante! You know better than to try and blame it on her! Remember! Share the blame if your both at fault..."

"Ugh!...Fine. Mom...I won't do it again!"

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"Life....it's too precious. Their are so many memories you can still make. New. Bright. And positive....Just try! Try your hardest to make it a reality!..." back in the present Dante practically scolded Rin as he stepped back and away from him, right hand gripping his broadsword 'I-I've got one more shot at this. I can win...Just have to it him with everything....' He thought with his final burst of Mana, it exploded with a Roar of energy; the silhouette of a Beat-like Dragon appearing within it. "Give it a shot!...Rin! Acknowledge the fact! That you still have a chance!!! Try me. Give me all you've got! And I'll prove that you still have time!"

"Y-you...." Rin grunted as he lifted both of his swords in an X stance, both energies melding together. Eyes glowing with intensity as a small smirk reached his lips 'Maybe...I can-...no. No?...' his thoughts straightened as he spoke "Enough. Talk. I respect what you've said....I respect you. Village boy. So because of that....I'm going to give this all I have as well. You deserve that much. For shaking my thoughts..." within his own Mana stood the silhouette of a basilisk, the Two Roaring at each other as the Competitors yelled in a battle cry. The anticipation was making the crowd and the others anxious, all of this Mana being thrown around was incredible.

"Daisuke...how can a clanless boy....have such polished Mana? The force behind it. It's beastly...just who is he?....." Director Clara questioned finally having grown tired, as she was quite impressed and taken aback by the magnitude of power he was outputting. "And don't lie to me!...that color! That Dragon like Roar!....only a fool couldn't tell."

Daisuke himself had a huge smirk on his face, as he watched gripping his fists in excitement "Fine...since your so Anxious like everyone else. I'll tell you....Everyone's been talking about that Legend of a Man for a long time. So it's only fitting...that his 'Son' would be here following that path..." he revealed suddenly and proudly 'Go on Kiddo! Impress them!'

Dante's powerful continued to swirl around him, veins on his right leg and left Arm bulging from the pain of being paralyzed but he didn't care about it. He had to force himself through. It was now or never after all. The White haired apprentice with an implosive crater dashed forward at intense speeds "Rock the World...Ryuu no Īkari!..."

Yuma Sweatdropped as the ground began to tremble around them 'This...Amount of Mana. Only a High Noble. Or Mana Alchemist with an Underworld Weapon could output this much!...it's completely countering the Cursed Mana Rin is putting out...this is insane! So..this is what he's got?...' he thought even he had to gulp at the feeling as he suddenly glanced at Regis 'if they had fought before-.....In that small room. We would've been toast...'

"D-Dante San!!!!...G-give it your all!!!!!..." Cole yelled lifting his fist, feeling this power from Dante gave him a bit of courage and he wanted to show his support the best he could. He didn't realize that he had started a trend as the waves of citizens watching followed suit and lifted their fists in the air. "Dante! Dante! Dante! Dante! Dante!..." they we're cheering for this unknown with tons of energy.

The Blonde Haired Kira Narukami had her gold eyes bewildered at Dante's sheer Mana imploding this way, lifting her hand over her heart as the Roar escaped his power "this is-...he is-...Blessed with Mana?!..." she commented making the others freeze at the revelation "Only very few in a millennium could possibly have so much Mana at such a young age.....he is the same as you. Rose..."

Rose glanced at Kira as she explained herself making the Dark Elven girl grip her fists 'A Human....like this exists....his body has taken a beating. His Spirit Core was taking hit after hit and yet....he could still release this much.' She thought as her emerald colored eyes was also caught off guard glancing at Daisuke and Director Clara she could clearly hear them due to her sharp hearing despite the wind flowing past everyone. she hid her ears under her Red hair but couldn't help but think 'he doesn't care that I'm an Elf....and is powerful. He's the son of-...a Legend?...'

"This is...Bullshit!..." Regis's fist was balled up so hard it drew blood from his palm, as he was enraged "Who the heck is he?!!!!"

Dante was moving like a fired rocket launcher, as he was inches away from Rin Tora he decided to slash his attack at point blank range "this!!!! This is my!! My RESOLVE!!!! TORA!!!!!!" In a single swing his attack released all of his built up Mana; Rin eyes widened as he hadn't anticipated Dante to move so close in a single bound 'h-...he's fast....Tch!' The ensuing effect was one for sore eyes, as a sphere of explosion occurred their Mana's merging and exploding in a colorful pillar of Teal, Magenta, and Neon Blue.

The accumulating Dirt and dust blew past everyone with a furious blow, making every competitor and spectator close their eyes 'The..Son of Kisuke The Dragonknight!!! Is here?....' Clara thought covering her own eyes, the revelation was crazier than she expected.

'This entire fight. It's incredible. Young contestants! It was as if watching a battle of an Old Folktale...' Ibuki the Proctor thought as he stepped back several feet 'their energies!! Their exploding beside each other! Doubling the pushback!...'

Finally, after several minutes the dust settled their was a Giant crater at Ground Zero. Dante stood on the other side and Rin on the other 'I-I can't believe...this....' Several gushes of blood poured down.....from Dante. A dozen slashes over his body as he fell to his knees and onto his face completely drained and beaten. 'I-I lost?....'

Rin Tora stood tall as he sheathed his twin blades, though not without wincing as their was a giant slash and burns from his left shoulder down to his Abdomen 'He....would've killed me had I not...their was no control behind his attack. Only unadulterated power...' the black haired male thought as he glanced at the downed Dante that was breathing heavily "You...almost had me. Dante. Almost. I suppose I should tell you. When I combine the abilities of my blades, my third power emerges....My Blades are named Chronos for a reason....."

"C-chronos?..." Dante Breathed as he was in serious critical condition after their final clash of blades, one eye open. "What does that-...even mean?...It's like. I was frozen when I attacked. You moved past me..."

"Chronos...allows me. To see 125 seconds into my own future...anything that occurs around or to me. I can counter to perfection...to you it was an instant. To me..it feels like time was frozen." Rin Explained the true power of his blades to Dante as it made no difference to him. "Though I admit....if I hadn't used it in time. You would've won.....in fact. Nobody had ever pushed me to use 30 seconds....the max I've ever used...is 10....the reason I rarely use it. Is because the cost of such an ability.....is high. With each second I use....I see the deaths of my brothers...Hn?.." the male suddenly dropped to one knee, as the burning sensation of his wound rushed through him "even now...your power...leaves a lasting impression. You're more than I expected. Dante Kudo....I-....you've earned my respect...."

"The Winner of this battle...." Ibuki suddenly walked forward towards the the center of their battle where Dante laid in pain. 'So....that's his true ability. The Tora clan seems to have a blooming flower among their Dead Gardens....' He thought shocked looking down at Dante "I hate to admit it. But it seemed all that power still wouldn't have beaten him. RIN TORA!!!!! Is the Winner of this Match!!!"