Faust could be considered a veteran of many battlefields. After so many fights, the outcome of a battle is often decided in the very first exchange, or perhaps even before the fighting begins.
If there is a significant gap in stats and the mechanics cannot bridge it, victory is usually impossible—but that is only under normal circumstances.
The interference of the hand of fate does not fall into that category; otherwise, Faust would never have been able to defeat the 【Grail Knight】 and would have been crushed by a truck of overwhelming stats long ago.
The so-called beauty of stats is nothing more than crude, simple accumulation!
Faust's original aesthetic for stat strength had become twisted after round after round of the scripts of fate.
"Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang—"
After the first tentative clash of blades, the two began to engage in a fierce exchange.
Because this was not a duel to the death, both fought with restraint. They did not overturn the entire lawn, and the shockwaves barely even reached the spectators.
However, this did not mean they were just playing around. For those of such strength, controlling their power in this way was not difficult.
The crimson blade and the thunderous sword-spear struck each other at speeds invisible to the naked eye. The afterimages of Faust and Alexander flashed across the ruined grass, each collision accompanied by sparks that lit up the dim sky.
Like galloping light and thunder, the mist hanging in the night sky was instantly evaporated, rising into a hazy vapor.
"Boom—"
A clear arc of thunder erupted, and it truly emitted a low, rumbling peal.
The episode I feared most as a child: all technique, no stats!
Though the battle seemed evenly matched, for those experiencing it, the disparity in quality was quite clear.
Every swing from Alexander sent a numbing vibration through Faust's arms, followed by a surging heat wave—a sense of solidified courage, with magic power that shook its surroundings like a beating drum.
Anything standing in his way could be slashed, shattered, or pierced. Such was his unstoppable, unquestionable momentum.
Yet, the mechanics of the 【Great Thunder Mark】 could not surpass the hymns of the 【Blade of Praising Gods】. It was worth noting that in previous battles, the pure, clear golden thunder had always comprehensively suppressed his opponents.
Whether it was various spells or powerful physiques, everything was shattered before the cleansing force of the Great Thunder.
Since acquiring the 【Great Thunder Mark】, Faust had rarely been thwarted in this regard.
【Essentially, both are applications of divine authority within a son of man, so naturally, there is no reason for one to restrain the other.】
Mephistopheles said leisurely:
【The Heroic Hymn possesses many other mysterious traits, such as growing stronger with every battle, surviving in desperate situations, endurance at death's door, immunity to mental control...】
【The traits of a warrior favored by the gods are all poured into the hymn, for only then can one offer the most fervent performance to please the gods.】
Faust broke into a cold sweat upon hearing this: "Alright, say no more. I know how perverted it is."
I thought it was about the beauty of stats, but it turns out the opponent is all about mechanics, too.
That is fine, then, because there are gaps even between mechanics.
Faust clashed blades with Alexander once more, feeling the impact and vibration traveling through his weapon. A sweetness rose in his throat, and he spat blood onto the ground at his feet.
Then, his eyes sharpened, and he let out a low growl:
"I! How could I... be unable to do anything at all?!"
"Hmm?"
Alexander was currently in a state of total concentration. In the midst of such a fierce battle, he had no time to spare for conversation, and he assumed Prince Faust was the same.
But what was the other party suddenly blurting out?
"Prince Faust, do you intend to concede?"
Alexander frowned: "If so, it would save much trouble. There is no need to continue."
"Concede? No, never concede!"
Faust recalled every bit of time spent with his lovers, trying hard to squeeze out some tears—though he could not think of any truly sorrowful images, he still rasped, his voice nearly breaking into a sob:
"For the sake of my beloved, for the sake of my fiancée, I can never concede!"
"If you wish to take Selena and the others away from me, you must first step over my corpse!"
What... what is he doing? Why is he saying such inexplicable things?
Alexander felt a deep sense of confusion. He believed he had not made any unreasonable demands; he had only asked for an apology from Faust, and not even an apology to himself, but simply for Faust to get along with his lover.
Objectively speaking, this was already very decent and restrained. It could even be considered a touching story if it got out. Why was he acting as if he were some morally bankrupt scoundrel trying to steal someone's lover?
However, as Faust's shout rang out, the surrounding crowd erupted into a buzz of whispers.
In truth, most did not know the facts of the matter. They only heard that two candidates for 【Brave One】 had come into conflict and were dueling, and they began to speculate based on Faust's cry:
"That prince of Qingxi... is he dueling to protect his lover?"
"I heard Sir Alexander took a fancy to the prince's fiancée."
"That... is not very proper, is it? Taking a fancy to a commoner is one thing, but as occult nobles, one should observe some decency when pursuing someone else's spouse."
"Beauty is only for the strong to possess. I see no problem with it."
"I know Sir Alexander. He is a rather simple and honest man. How could he do something so shameless?!"
"One cannot judge a book by its cover. Look at that princess from the Midwinter Kingdom. I have never seen such a beautiful girl. If it were for her, losing one's reason is understandable."
"............"
Alexander heard the murmurs around him, his chest feeling stifled.
After tonight, his reputation would likely be ruined.
He glared hatefully at Faust.
I swear, how can this man just spout such nonsense!
What good does it do you to slander my reputation with such crude methods?! Are you not a prince of a kingdom, an illustrious monarch? Is your character really so despicable?!
However, Faust was completely unconcerned with Alexander's indignation. He was currently completely immersed in the miracle erupting within his own body.
Oh my, strength... strength is pouring out endlessly!
In Faust's joyful perception, his nearly exhausted magic power was flowing through his entire body like gushing nectar, and all his senses had become clear and transparent.
The prince knew what this was.
"...The ultimate intent sublimation of a 【martial saint】. If Teacher Mi saw this, she would surely exclaim that it is impossible."
In the path of the 【martial saint】, through years of ascetic practice, if one accumulates enough experience, there is a minuscule chance of entering a state of ultimate intent sublimation.
Enhanced perception, infinite magic regeneration, qualitative change of the physical body... in the state of ultimate intent sublimation, a practitioner of the 【martial saint】 path would exhaust all their effort to comprehend and absorb as much experience as possible.
However, this had never been used for a comeback in the heat of battle, because if one were in an intense state of combat, it would be impossible to enter ultimate intent sublimation.
Clearly, from any perspective, Faust did not meet the conditions to enter ultimate intent sublimation, yet he had suddenly attained enlightenment. There was only one explanation.
Providence had eroded him.
Rate on N.U.
