Kirito’s aim was, of course, Chief Elder Chudelkinw who controlled the fiery clown. However, there was fifteen mel to where the enemy stationed himself. No secret move could possibly reach him as long as one still used a sword.

Chudelkin did not look towards them the moment Kirito released his thrusting skill. His eyes were pointed towards the back end of the hall where the ice arrow shot by Eugeo had passed by mere seconds ago.

He had poured all of his knowledge and inspiration into that art, but it was ineffective on Administrator as expected, shattering upon a single breath from her. However, Chudelkin had turned back and warned in his shrill voice instead of ignoring the attack targeted at the ruler as Eugeo predicted, so he should have fulfilled Kirito’s request to divert his attention.

Perhaps at ease after the ice arrow died out without any difficulty, but Chudelkin turned his face back while still on his head.

His narrow eyes widened as much as they could in that instant as they filled with a hectic jumble of emotions.

The first was shock, towards the flash and roar let out by Kirito’s sword as it thrust forth in that very moment.

The next was relief, towards how it was a mere thrusting skill that could not possibly reach him.

The last was fear, towards the blade of crimson light extending incessantly before his eyes as it lavishly let out that metallic roar.

He forgot to breathe from as surprise overtook him; the same went for Eugeo. The light in the shade of blood passed by Alice’s left as she guarded against the flaming clown in front of Kirito, dashing through a distance of fifteen mel in an instant—

Easily stabbing through the exact middle of Chudelkin’s torso, thin as a pole, while he stood on his head.

(Alicization Uniting, 121)