Albert the GOAT II (V20)

The one-on-one battle between Albert and Glassord had intensified. The area around them was wide open in a circle, as if nobody else could be caught in the middle of it. But that kind of thing did not matter to them. They recognized each other as their rivals and were enjoying the battle.

“Kukakakakaka! I am impressed with your skill. To be able to cross swords with a man of your caliber is a credit to your military prowess!”

“This power is not mine. This armor given to me by our god Rimuru-sama lends me strength. If I had remained as I was before, I would have already been defeated, unable to withstand the pressure of your sword.”

“Hah! Don’t be modest! Even among the titans, there are few who can match me. To be able to use that armor is proof that you are first-class.”

Albert coolly accepted Glassord’s compliments. In fact, it was Albert’s own ability that was bringing out the performance of the mythical-grade armor. The fact that Albert was not prideful because of it proved that he was not satisfied with his skills, and it was also a strength of his that he did not get disturbed by the words of his enemies.

Hm, as expected of him.

Glassord was also impressed. In a momentary battle of swords, the one whose mind was disturbed first would lose. Deceiving the enemy with words was simply another fine tactic. Then, as if moving on, Glassord continued his words.

“Nevertheless, why do you follow such a man?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“If you have built up that much strength, there is no need to follow a weak immortal skeleton king. It is true that his necromancy is superior, but the true strength of a warrior is in his own body.”

He chided Albert in an agitated manner while brandishing his greatsword. His words were never meant to be true but were intended to provoke Albert into a fit of rage. Emotional turbulence would lead to mistakes, which would immediately lead to death. This was also a tactic of Glassord. Albert was not pleased to see a true warrior go to such lengths. And yet, his expression did not change at all.

“You seem to have misunderstood. It is true that I am Adalmann-sama’s escort and the one in charge of the vanguard. However, you have forgotten something, haven’t you? Adalmann-sama is one of the Twelve Chaos Guardian Lords recognized by our god—”

“Huh?”

“Don’t you see? In other words, he is stronger than me.”

Albert’s attitude was one of straightforward honesty. With his own words denied, Glassord grunted and raised an eyebrow. However, he said nothing more and held his greatsword up in a poised position. He recognized that Albert was not someone he could play tricks with. If so, that was a pity.

“It seems unavoidable. Although I have found a wonderful opponent, this battle is not a game. I have a duty to perform as well, so it’s time to get serious.”

Glassord was not insulting Albert by holding back. He had been making full use of little tricks to enjoy the momentary battle with Albert, but he was also fighting for his life. But now that all the tricks and deceptions had failed him, he had to put aside his obstinacy and defeat him head on.

Glassord made up his mind with simple and clear thinking. He was a warrior by nature, and his skill-level was that of a master. This was because he had honed his skills without relying on just his strength. It was not because he had been weak from the beginning, but rather because it was what he desired. In other words, his true power had been sealed within his beloved sword, the greatsword. Now, it had been released. The change was instantaneous. The sword was now a part of Glassord. Albert had no way of knowing it, but Glassord’s existence value, which was less than 2 million, had then swelled to 10 million. Even Albert was blindsided by this change.

Kuh, I should have tried to win the battle earlier, even if I had to force myself…

Albert thought bitterly as soon as he saw Glassord’s swordsmanship. However, he also understood that it would have been a mistake. If he had done so, he would have been defeated before even seeing Glassord’s true aura. There was only one correct answer. He would have to repeat the same battles they had been fighting, head-on and honestly.

“There is no shortage of an opponent!!”

“That should be my line.”

The fierce clash of swords began once again. Albert was overwhelmingly at a disadvantage. Like a willow caught in a storm, Albert could only fend off Glassord’s fury. However, Albert’s eyes showed no signs of giving up. The battle began to heat up, and soon the two of them were paying no attention to their surroundings, focusing only on their swords.