I let out a sharp war cry while activating the most advanced sword skill for one-handed straight swords, «Nova Ascension».

Backed by an unseen force, my body soared into the air at an extreme speed. The first hit was a rapid downwards slash that bested almost all other sword skills in terms of speed. There was no skill that exceeded this speed for one-handed straight swords.

The slash had half a second before it would dig into Administrator’s left shoulder.

My sensations accelerated and in that time, where all seemed heavy like immersed in jelly—

The silver long sword turned its end straight towards me.

A steel silver flash traced out a cross-shaped brilliance.

Dokakakakakaa!! Six thrusts stabbed at divine speed first vertically, then horizontally on my body.

“Gah…”

Fresh blood scattered from my mouth.

My ten-hit skill, interrupted on its initial hit, halted with its ice-blue glow futilely dispersing.

I could not even register what had conspired in my mind, let alone make any guesses at the cause. Overwhelmed by pain and fear, I stared at Administrator’s sword, drawn from my stomach, as I staggered away.

Six consecutive hits consisting entirely of thrusts.

(Alicization Uniting, 239)