"I will prioritize protecting your retreat," said Succulent to the frail man beside him.
"I absolutely won't let you pass through here!" Climb shouted at Succulent, trying to boost his confidence.
Climb charged forward, swinging his sword at Succulent.
However, when their weapons clashed, Climb's sword seemed to pass through thin air, and a bloody gash appeared on his shoulder.
"Your weapon... so that's it. Your entire arm is fake!"
"I simply studied both illusion and swordsmanship. Once you understand the principle, it's actually quite simple," Succulent replied.
"But can you tell the difference between reality and illusion?"
"Multiple Shadows."
Succulent's figure split into three, all charging toward Climb with swords raised.
"Villains always die because they talk too much," muttered Peroroncino casually, though Succulent didn't understand the comment.
Martial Skill: Power BoostMartial Skill: Enhanced Perception
Using his enhanced senses, Climb focused on identifying Succulent's real body by sound.
Martial Skill: Slash.
"Impossible!" Succulent exclaimed, staring in disbelief at Climb.
Hit by Climb's strike, Succulent collapsed to the ground.
"I won!" Climb said with a mix of relief and joy.
"Not so fast," Peroroncino said nonchalantly.
Looking at Succulent lying on the ground, Climb suddenly realized his opponent had vanished.
With a sharp sound, a blade pierced Climb from behind, driving through his stomach. He coughed up blood and collapsed.
"Mr. Cocco, you leave first. I'll hold them off," Succulent instructed.
Turning to Peroroncino, Succulent said, "Changing opponents now isn't a wise choice."
Peroroncino replied, "Oh, really?" with a casual air.
To everyone's surprise, Climb struggled to his feet.
"How is this possible? I delivered a fatal blow!"
"Die!" Succulent rushed at Climb again, only to be struck down by a single counterattack.
"Impossible!"
Just as Climb prepared to land a finishing blow, he collapsed from exhaustion.
"So, it was just a desperate effort," Succulent sneered.
Healing.
A green light emitted from Peroroncino's hands, and Climb's injuries healed instantly.
"You bastard!" Enraged, Succulent slashed at Peroroncino.
Multiple Shadow Clones.
Five figures of Succulent lunged toward Peroroncino.
Truth Sight.
With his skill active, Peroroncino could see Succulent's real body clearly.
Leisurely, he walked among the shadow clones, unbothered.
"Watch out!" Climb shouted.
But the clones passed harmlessly through Peroroncino.
"Climb, he's behind you!"
Hearing this, Climb quickly turned around.
"How do you know my position?" Succulent appeared, shocked, and attacked Climb.
Succulent knew that attacking Peroroncino first might deplete his energy, leaving him unable to finish off Climb. Judging from the healing magic, Succulent assumed Peroroncino was a priest or support mage, making Climb the main threat.
Yet when their swords clashed, Climb's strength overpowered Succulent's.
"Curse you!"
Splitting into two, Succulent's real body dashed toward Peroroncino.
"If only I had killed him first, none of this would've happened," Succulent muttered.
When he got within three meters of Peroroncino, a size-42 boot suddenly appeared in his view.
"What is this?" Succulent's mind barely had time to register before the boot connected.
Boom!
Succulent was sent flying, crashing into nearby crates.
"Unbelievable! Succulent actually lost!" the frail man exclaimed.
"Who are you?" Succulent, coughing blood, glared at Peroroncino.
"Just an ordinary adventurer," Peroroncino replied, casually showing his Adamantite-tier adventurer badge.
"Adamantite-tier?!" Succulent spat out blood and lost consciousness.
"Amazing! Lord Peroroncino, how did you see through Succulent's illusions?"
"In the priest-based skill tree, there's a skill called Truth Sight that nullifies illusions," Peroroncino explained.
"Incredible!" Climb said in awe.
At that moment, Brain emerged from inside the building.
"What happened here? I thought I heard Climb shouting for help."
"Using his own strength, Climb defeated Succulent," Peroroncino said casually.
"Well, everything's settled. We'll leave the rest to you," he added.
Sebas and Shalltear suddenly walked past Brain without him noticing.
Brain was stunned. These two hadn't emitted any presence at all.
"Understood," Climb said, bowing to see them off.
Climb then recounted the battle to Brain in detail.
"Adamantite-tier adventurer, huh?" Brain muttered to himself.
After leaving, Peroroncino asked Sebas for the intelligence he had gathered in the capital.
Taking the documents, Peroroncino used a magical tool to make a copy, returning the originals to Sebas.
Browsing through the information, he noted how capable the princess seemed—despite being confined to the palace, she appeared to know everything happening in the kingdom.
[Message]
"Momonga, what's going on?"
"Just now, Solution sent me a private message without informing Sebas. She claims she has evidence that Sebas has turned traitor."
"Sebas, a traitor? That doesn't seem likely. I just saw him, and he was very respectful to me."
"Do you want to come and take a look?"
"Alright, I'll head over."
End of chapter
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