『Neizan: Let's finish this. 』
Without a second's hesitation, Neizan charged toward the dark knight with overwhelming speed. His sword carved a lethal, precise arc; the enemy's blade barely managed to rise in a desperate attempt at defense, but it was futile. With a metallic snap, the dark knight's sword shattered in two, leaving him completely disarmed and vulnerable. Seizing the moment, Neizan drove his sword into the knight's chest with such force that the tip protruded from his back. The knight coughed, blood beginning to spill from his mouth.
With both of them mere inches apart, the dark knight, in one final effort, spat his own blood onto Neizan's face, causing him to close his eyes for a second. In that brief instant, Neizan felt a sharp prick at his neck, and when he opened his eyes again, he realized the knight was biting him.
Feeling threatened, Neizan reacted instantly: he wrenched his sword from the knight's chest with a pull, stepping back as he pushed him away with his left hand. Not satisfied, he launched a front kick that made the knight stagger back. Neizan placed a hand on his neck, trying to comprehend the pain that bite had left him with.
『Neizan: What have you done? 』
In front of him, the pale-skinned dark knight looked at him with a completely different expression. He cleaned the blood from his lips with his tongue, and a malicious smile formed on his face, revealing two long, sharp fangs that stood out among his teeth.
『Dark Knight: Hahh. Much better. 』
A chill ran down Neizan's spine as he observed the knight's elongated fangs, and his eyes beginning to take on a crimson red color, as if ignited by life in that transformation. Only one word crossed his mind.
『Neizan: «A vampire?» 』
Shedding the heavy pieces of his armor, the dark knight was left wearing only a white shirt, now stained with the blood from his wounds. However, what caught Neizan's attention was how the cuts on his skin began to heal quickly, blood coagulating and flesh sealing in an almost immediate process of regeneration.
『Vampire: Did you think you'd won? 』
The vampire unsheathed two smaller swords, one in each hand, and took on an offensive stance, his dark smile still visible on his blood-stained lips. Neizan, still feeling the pain in his neck and the effect of the bite, understood that he now faced an enemy with strength and abilities far beyond any ordinary human.
『Neizan: You should get yourself an umbrella or something; wouldn't want you to get heatstroke with that pale skin of yours. 』
『Vampire: Huh? Don't be ridiculous. Now you're going to feel the pain you've caused me for yourself. 』
With a flash of fury, the vampire launched himself into the attack, sliding his two swords toward Neizan in a fierce assault. Neizan managed to block the initial strikes, but something was wrong. His own techniques no longer seemed to have the same impact as before. He realized something wasn't working as it should... or could it be...?
『Vampire: Come on, what's wrong? Having trouble breathing? 』
The vampire began to overpower Neizan, landing superficial cuts that tore through his clothing. What started as grazes quickly turned into wounds, and his skin began to stain red as his blood slowly dripped. With every move, the vampire seemed to take full control of the fight, giving Neizan no chance to recover.
『Arthur: «This looks bad...» What's happening to you, Neizan? Why are you losing now when you almost had him? 』
Arthur frowned, his gaze fixed on the battle, unable to hide the worry in his voice.
『Miguel: They really are a problem... He's copying Neizan's exact moves. 』
Miguel observed the vampire with a grim expression, crossing his arms firmly.
『Everyone: «What did he say...?» 』
The others' faces filled with confusion, exchanging quick, incredulous glances.
『Lina: What do you mean? 』
『Miguel: I heard a rumor... they say there are humans with sharp teeth, pale skin, and light-colored eyes who, if they bite you, their eyes turn red. They are known as descendants of the demon—called vampires. 』
『Lina: But how is it possible that he's learned to use the same moves as Neizan? 』
『Miguel: Before he bit Neizan's neck, his sword technique was completely different. But after that, his wounds healed, and he started wielding the sword as if he were Neizan himself. 』
『Arthur: What...? 』
『Miguel: Vampires have the ability to copy the techniques and skills of those whose blood they absorb. That's why Neizan can no longer break his sword using the technique I taught him. 』
『Lina: That can't be... 』
『Miguel: However, that ability in his eyes will only last for a limited time. Neizan just has to hold out long enough for the effect to wear off. 』
Miguel looked at Arthur and Lina, trying to give them a glimmer of hope, though his own uncertainty was evident.
『Meilia: «How do you know all that?» That doesn't make sense.』
Meilia looked at Miguel, narrowing her eyes, her voice tinged with skepticism as she crossed her arms.
『Everyone: ...? 』
The others turned their gazes toward her, their faces reflecting confusion.
『Miguel: What doesn't make sense? 』
『Meilia: I mean... if that thing can mimic Neizan, why is it using two swords? 』
She replied, raising an eyebrow and fixing her gaze on the vampire.
『Miguel: You're right. Maybe that means Neizan already knew how to use two swords. 』
Miguel rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his gaze refocusing on Neizan.
『Meilia: Then this only makes the situation more difficult for him... and why has Neizan never used two swords until now? 』
『Miguel: I think it's because he hasn't completely mastered it yet. 』
『Meilia: Huh? 』
Asked Meilia, showing a face between curiosity and confusion.
『Miguel: Neizan still hasn't mastered the mana-enhancing technique he uses on his sword. That technique consumes a lot of energy, and handling it with two swords at the same time would be even more difficult. 』
Miguel explained in a low, serious tone, his expression showing a glimmer of admiration and concern for Neizan.
『Arthur: I've never seen him practice that. Did you teach it to him? 』
Arthur furrowed his brow, looking at Miguel with a mix of surprise and intrigue.
『Miguel: No. I only taught him my own sword technique and how to channel reiki into it. But knowing him... he'd never settle for just that. He's probably tried to go beyond, training in secret to use two swords and create his own unique style. 』
Miguel gave a slight smile, full of respect for Neizan's indomitable spirit, though his concern didn't fade as the sound of swords echoed across the field.