Raikiri 5 vol 4

In the middle of that sword fight, Touka displayed her technique. In the instant that the two sent sparks from their steel, she used the impact of her parry to angle for Stella's wrist. In a movement reminiscent of Aikido, Stella's body leaned over greatly. The shock was evaded, and the sword blade glided past.

"Kuh!"

Naturally, Stella was also a top-grade knight. Though her blade was pulled in, her balance did not break. Her well-trained lower body held Stella firmly to the earth.

However, the move certainly created a gap between them. That gap―Raikiri didn't overlook it.

Immediately, Touka returned her Device, Narukami, to her black scabbard, and she took a wide stance, pouring lightning energy into her scabbard.

In that moment, a shudder ran through Stella's spine. What attack would shoot from that posture? She knew.

The Noble Art―Raikiri.

Touka's trump card that destroyed the enemy with the unsheathing. Although it had suffered one loss, Raikiri could boast of overwhelming power in close range.

Although she was called the Crimson Princess, Stella had no technique that could be used against Raikiri. If might and range counted, she could win grandly with Katharterio Salamandra, but with speed as the main determinant, she would lose.

So when Touka took the stance for Raikiri, Stella could only fall. But….

This is what I was waiting for!

Not succumbing to the shudder that raced through her spine, Stella kicked against the ground to dash out of close range.