The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 115: Mikey Vs Drius

[00 Months: 12 Days: 06 Hours]

As I squared off against Drius, I ran a quick analysis in my mind.

The system had assigned him a Danger Level of [Moderately High], and under the current conditions, that was an apt description.

But the truth was that I was intentionally fighting him at a handicap.

Other than my <Upgraded Enchanted Speedos>, I wasn't using any other equipment. My casual outfit didn't have any particular effect, and its durability was poor as well.

All the other buffed effects that usually protected me and augmented my abilities, they were all absent right now.

My cloak, gloves, my weapons, my accessories that each provided unique boosts to my stats - they were all missing from the equation.

'Most importantly, I'm not using any of my Rocks.'

Instead, I had to rely solely on my Skills to augment my physical prowess. I activated <Turbo> to increase my speed, <Immersion> to heighten my senses, and <Elevate> to boost my strength.

That said, I was also keenly aware that this could change at any moment. If I decided to use my items, Drius' Danger Level would drop considerably.

The real threat he posed was only as high as I was willing to allow.

After all, my strength was much more than just my physical prowess. It was a combination of my Skills, my items, my knowledge, and my will.

And right now, I was more than ready to show Drius just a taste of that strength.

'Let's see how far I can push him. How strong a Grand Knight is.'

********

'W-what is happening right now?'

From Drius Xander's perspective, the world had seemingly fallen out of balance.

He could feel the strain of his muscles, the energy pulsating through his veins as he brandished his blade coated in sharp winds, the spell [Wind Blade] creating a deadly edge.

His Martial Art, [Crimson Ogre's Dance], was in full play, each movement an intricate dance of violence and precision.

"Give up, Luke!" he shouted, launching himself forward once more.

His opponent, Luke, remained undeterred.

An invisible barrier protected him, repelling Drius' strikes like water off a rock. Drius' blade met resistance each time he swung, leaving him stumped and frustrated.

Despite his incredible skils, he couldn't land a blow on Luke.

"Your persistence is admirable," Luke retorted, his voice steady amidst the chaos.

Grinding his teeth, Drius poured more power into his blade.

His armor, laden with potent enchantments, added further to his power, amplifying his movements, and quickening his reactions.

But it still wasn't enough.

Drius didn't just stop there; he launched his [Flame Burst] Spell, combining it with his [Wind Blade].

~VWUUUSHHH!~

Big swirling flames came to life, dancing around his sword, turning his weapon into a blazing spectacle of destruction.

But Luke only danced around him, his movements so fluid and fast, he seemed to vanish each time Drius struck.

Finally, Drius decided to play his trump card.

'This time… this time for sure!'

"[Grand Blazing Attack]!" He roared.

His body was immediately engulfed in flames, each of his attacks now carrying the wrath of the blaze.

This intense heat would melt anything that was in range, and its destructive prowess exceeded anything Luke should have been able to produce.

With this… it was his victory!

But when he aimed for Luke, his opponent simply vanished, evading his assault entirely. It was as if Luke could predict his movements before they even happened.

Sweat trickled down his brow, his breathing growing ragged as exhaustion started to claw its way in.

"How...how are you doing this?!" Drius grunted, desperation creeping into his voice.

His vision was blurring, and his movements slowed. He was nearing his limit, and he could tell that Luke was still far from his.

The young man was still standing there, barely a scratch on him, looking as fresh as when the match started.

His calm expression was still in place, but now there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. Drius could hardly believe it.

Just how strong was this man? How was he so effortlessly brushing aside his attacks?

His mind whirred as he tried to think of a way to turn the fight around. But the more he thought, the more he realized the painful truth - he was outmatched.

As Drius stumbled back, trying to steady himself, the harsh reality of the situation began to sink in.

Despite his every effort, his every trick, he still couldn't defeat Luke.

The realization was like a cold bucket of water, extinguishing his fiery determination, leaving him with nothing but a bitter taste of defeat.

'I… I see…'

Luke wasn't just strong; he was on another level entirely.

'But… how can I give up now?'

The answer was that he couldn't. He had to keep fighting until he could no longer lift a single punch.

That was what it meant to be a Grand Knight!

********

[00 Months: 12 Days: 06 Hours]

'Oh? Not bad…'

As I watched Drius from across the training ground, I could see the exhaustion etched in his posture, hear it in his ragged breathing.

It was clear he had given his all in our fight, and he was reaching the end of his rope.

I couldn't help but be impressed. Even in his worn-down state, he was still fighting, clinging to his pride.

I saw him gather what seemed like the last of his strength, his body tensing as he readied for his final onslaught.

"RAHHHHHHHH!!!" His roar echoed through the room, almost drowned out by the rush of adrenaline in my ears.

A final desperate flurry of attacks, as wild and unpredictable as a cornered beast, charged towards me.

But with my Skill <Visualize>, I could see it all.

His movements were in slow motion to me, each swipe of his sword, each fiery blast, as clear as day.

And with my <Turbo>, <Immersion>, and <Elevate> Skills, I was faster, stronger, and more attuned to my surroundings than he could ever hope to be.

Each attack, no matter how ferocious, was met with a dodge or a barrier, my body effortlessly avoiding or brushing off his assaults.

I watched as frustration and desperation flashed in his eyes.

I could almost hear the question hanging in the air between us - "Why can't I hit you?"

A smile pulled at the corners of my mouth as I clenched my fist, feeling the surge of my heightened power.

I dodged his last attack with ease, my body moving fluidly around his sword swing.

Then, I launched myself forward, my fist meeting his chestplate with a resounding crack.

~BOOOOOMMMM!~

The impact of my punch sent Drius hurtling backward, his armor cracked and smoking from the force.

He crashed into the barrier surrounding the training ground, sliding down to the floor with a groan.

"G-guh…"

The room was silent, the echo of my punch still lingering in the air.

I straightened my posture and looked around at the shocked faces of the sisters.

The smile on my face was one of victory and satisfaction. I had proven my strength, and the results were clear for all to see.

"I win."

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[A/N]

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