The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

Chapter 164: Duel with Aoi Hiroshi

Klaus clashed with Aoi, their swords meeting in a sharp clang. Neither of them was using any active skills; it was a pure test of skill with their blades. Klaus felt the force behind Aoi's strike, but he didn't panic. Instead, he adapted for the second clash. When their swords met again, he found the force was more manageable this time.

Aoi lunged forward with her sword, aiming to stab him. Klaus sidestepped and parried her attack, using the momentum to twist his wrist and strike back. But Aoi was one step ahead; she moved her sword to block his attack. With a swift motion, she spun on her heel, her waist twisting gracefully as she struck forward.

This movement sent her long, silky brown hair swirling in the air, making her look even more enchanting. Klaus shook his head to clear his thoughts—he had to focus. Still, he couldn't deny that she had a certain charm.

Seizing the moment created by her spin, Klaus struck forward, aiming for the blind spot. Yet, just like she had eyes in the back of her head, Aoi defended against his attack with surprising skill.

The duel had just started yet the two had already started showing great skill with the sword, especially, Aoi who seemed to have the sword as an extension of her arm.

Klaus pressed on with a sharpened determination. He feinted left, drawing Aoi's attention, then swiftly changed direction, aiming for her right side. Aoi reacted instantly, her instincts sharp. She pivoted, her sword moving to intercept his strike with fluid precision.

Their swords clashed again, sending vibrations up Klaus's arms. He could feel the intensity of the duel rising, and he relished the challenge. Aoi was no ordinary opponent; her skills matched him at least that was how it looked like, and the thrill of the fight energized him.

As they exchanged blows, Klaus noticed Aoi's breathing—a steady rhythm, controlled and focused. It impressed him. He decided to push her further. With a sudden burst of speed, he unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one meant to test her defenses. Aoi parried and dodged, her movements a dance of grace and agility.

Then, in a surprising twist, she countered with a spinning slash, aiming for his shoulder. Klaus barely managed to duck in time, feeling the rush of air as the blade swept above him. He could see her determination shining in her eyes, and it made him smile.

"You're stronger than I expected," he called out, his voice filled with excitement.

Aoi smirked, her confidence growing. "I could say the same about you, brother Klaus!" With renewed energy, she charged at him again, launching a series of precise attacks that kept him on his toes.

Klaus adjusted his stance, feeling the rush of adrenaline. He met her strikes with equal fervor, the sound of metal ringing through the arena. The others are watching with both fascination and awe. Just the simple clash is saying a whole lot.

Even Klaus facing Aoi could tell this wasn't just a simple duel. The way she was handling her sword said all he had to know, Aoi is a genius with the sword.

Suddenly, Aoi feinted to the left, then quickly spun to the right, attempting to catch him off guard. Klaus was ready this time. He sidestepped and launched a quick thrust, aiming for her side. Aoi reacted just in time, deflecting his attack with a flick of her wrist.

They both paused for a moment, breathing heavily, exchanging glances filled with mutual respect. The duel was far from over, but Klaus could feel the bond between them growing stronger with every clash.

"Beautiful and skilled, what a tempting combination," Klaus said, gazing at Aoi with admiration.

Aoi blushed slightly, a smile creeping onto her face. "Flattery won't save you in this duel, Klaus," she replied, her eyes sparkling with challenge.

Klaus laughed. "Maybe not, but it makes the fight more enjoyable," he said, raising his sword once more. He was enjoying the duel, but most importantly, he was learning.

With renewed energy, Aoi lunged at him again, her movements fluid and confident. "Let's see if you can keep up, then!"

Klaus met her charge head-on, their swords clashing once more. Each strike felt electric, the connection between them charged with competition and camaraderie. The arena around them faded as they became absorbed in their duel, both pushing each other to new heights now.

"Is that all you've got?" Klaus teased as he parried her strike, grinning.

Aoi responded with a playful glare. "You're going to regret saying that!" She spun around, attempting to catch him off guard again.

Klaus's heart raced as he dodged, feeling the thrill of the moment. Aoi's movements had shifted. At first, it felt like she was mapping out her next steps, but now she seemed to glide through the air as if dancing with her sword.

'She is skilled,' Klaus thought to himself, trying not to let it overwhelm him. He focused on adapting to her rhythm. The Hiroshi family was known for their swordsmanship, so it made sense that Aoi was so talented.

But even if she is the daughter of Ryo Hiroshi, the sword king, she seems a little too skilled, and Klaus, without any formal training in the art of swordplay, is starting to try to keep up with her evolving technique.

As Aoi twirled and struck, Klaus realized he had to tap into his instincts. He shifted his stance, watching her movements closely. Each strike was a challenge, but also an opportunity. He could learn from her, even in this fierce exchange.

With a sudden surge of determination, Klaus decided to push himself. He anticipated her next move, stepping into her path as she lunged forward. Their swords clashed again, the sound echoing in the arena. Klaus felt the weight of her strength behind her attacks, but he stood his ground, matching her pace.

Aoi paused for a brief moment, surprised by his response. "Not bad, Klaus!" she exclaimed, a hint of admiration in her voice.

"Thanks! But don't think I'll go easy on you!" Klaus shot back, a grin spreading across his face.

With renewed vigor, they resumed their duel, both pushing their limits. Klaus felt the thrill of the fight coursing through him, and he realized that, despite the gap in their training, he was holding his own.

Klaus's brain functioned like a digital camera, recording every move Aoi made and implementing them into his next clash.

'He is copying my skills,' Aoi realized, her keen instincts as a skilled swordswoman quickly picking up on Klaus's actions. But instead of feeling frustrated, a smile spread across her face. 'He is a genius.' She said inwardly

With each strike, Klaus adapted, mirroring her movements and refining his technique. Aoi found herself impressed—not just by his quick learning, but by the style he was using to learn it.

"Is that all you've got?" she teased, her voice light, even as she lunged at him again.

Klaus chuckled, feeling the thrill of the challenge. "Not even close!" He sidestepped and countered, using the technique he had just observed.

The duel evolved into a captivating exchange, each of them pushing the other to improve. Aoi found joy in the spar, appreciating how Klaus embraced the challenge. She was learning a new thing from him, the thrill of battle and he was stealing...*cough*...learning from her.

"You're picking this up faster than I expected," she admitted softly, a hint of admiration in her tone.

"Just trying to keep up with you!" Klaus replied, grinning as they clashed again.

However, no matter how she wanted to continue the battle, she knew it had to end. Klaus was learning her techniques and skills, something he first had to ask for permission from Ryo Hirosho before doing. So she knew she had to end the battle somehow even if he had just learned a fraction of her technique.

The duel continues like usual Aoi not knowing how to end it. She could win any moment she wanted, but she didn't want to. So she continued to repeat her techniques over and over again hoping Klaus would notice, and he did. He knew what she was trying to communicate.

So in one swift move, he parried her attack, then, using the momentum, he drove the hilt of his sword toward her, disarming her with a surprising twist. In a graceful motion, he spun her around, catching her like a princess in a tango dance.

Aoi blinked in surprise, caught off guard. Klaus had won in a rather peculiar manner, and for a moment, she was speechless, her cheeks flushing.

======

All around the arena, nobody uttered even a single word looking at Aoi in Klaus's arms, not even the Hiroshi sisters noticed anything. However, in a dimly lit room, a man with a sword tattoo on his forehead smiled as he watched the scene unfold.

"This kid is terrifying," he muttered to himself.