Infinite Realm

[Passive skill : Gale-maker] [1]

Invisible air blades hid within the gale as they all moved as one following the trajectory of Han's broadsword. Even though he couldn't exactly see the blades, Sato could sense their existence as he glanced at the approaching sword.

[Shadow Movement]

Sato disappeared from the spot, appearing a couple of metres away and effectively dodging the wide range attack.

*Boom*

Han's sword collided on the floor where Sato originally stood. Pebbles flew out from the area as fissures were made on the spot. The air blades had made slash marks in a 3 metres wide area while Han's broadsword was the main culprit for that explosive sound. 

'It's that skill again.' Han frowned. 

While he didn't participate with the others in the first subjugation round against Sato, Han had stood by and watched, keeping in ind all of Sato's skills and attack patterns. He had seen when Sato had used [Shadow Movement] to dodge the joint assault of Yukino and the others but he still wasn't able to figure out any counter to the skill. The only thing he managed to think of was that the skill definitely had a long cool-down so Sato couldn't continuously use it. That was why he had forced him to do so using his wide range skill.

Despite expecting Sato to use the skill, Han was previously hoping that Sato wouldn't be able to escape its range but his hoped were all for naught.

'No matter. He's done for.'

Without any delay, Han lifted his broadsword once more and dashed towards Sato. This time however, he was surprisingly faster than before.

[[ Hidden effect : Lightweight : Passive :

Decreased air resistance and lighter body weight. Movement speed increase by 30%. ]]

In exchange for their strength, [Berserkers] lost out in terms of speed when comparing them to [Swordsman], much less the [Assassins]. The broadsword Han held was a special Upper-tier Mortal rank weapon that was catered to solve this issue. It suited both [Guardians] and [Berserkers] as it would not only increase the damage of their attacks but also improve their movement speed.

The hidden effect was unlocked when Han had stumbled upon a wandering [Appraiser] around the vicinities of Letion Plains, which was a high level map. Originally, Han was unaware of the NPC's role as an [Appraiser] and had only discovered this after the NPC offered a free service in exchange for Han aiding him in locating a special plant in the Plains. Since he didn't have to go in deep, Han had agreed and succeeded, gaining the [Appraiser]'s help in unlocking a hidden feature of his broadsword.

With this, Han's sword had a total of 3 skills; 2 passive and 1 active skill. The active skill was [Seven Wind Illusory Slash] while [Gale-maker] was one of the passives. As for the last skill, that was the hidden effect that increased his movement speed, [Lightweight]. It was quite contradictory for a broadsword to do so.

Sato had just appeared elsewhere when he noticed Han speeding towards him. In his opinion, the last skill used by Han was an active skill with either a really long cool-down or long preparation, or maybe even both. Considering that he had already used it, Sato believed that he was safe from harm.

He also considered the speed Han moved at and reached the conclusion that it was probably the effect of some skill. In that instant, Sato deduced the three skills as 2 actives and a single passive skill but he was just off by one. Nonetheless, the information was pretty helpful to him as Sato felt that he could now face Han upfront without much caution.

*Clang*

The duo collided weapons once more and just like before, Han only moved 3 steps back.

'He's shaving off the force from my blows.' Sato thought.

Logically, Sato's [Strength] should be higher than Han's thanks to the 4 level difference but this didn't seem to be so during the battle. Han could still hold his ground a bit despite clashing head-on with Sato. Therefore, Sato felt that there was a trick behind it. It was either that Han had a Low-tier Rare-Steel rank strength-type equipment somewhere or he was using some kind of technique to do so.

As for the answer, Sato was quite right. In fact, Han used both methods to hold his own against Sato. He has a Low-tier Rare-Steel rank necklace that increased both his [Endurance] and [Vitality] while he used a special martial arts technique that targeted certain points in an opponent's attack to mitigate the impact upon collision. By doing this, Han was able to hold off quite better than the others as he faced Sato.

[Chop]

Sato decided to use a skill to force Han back but Han managed to dodge the attack by just a hair's breadth. He then brandished his broadsword with both hands as if tried to land a hit on Sato.

Sato reacted quickly enough by side-stepping as the broadsword cut through thin air. However, before he could take any further actions, Han attacked immediately, intent on not letting Sato have any breathing space.

Each time Sato dodged, he would be greater by another blade and whenever he blocked, a chain attack would follow by. Despite having the upper hand in terms of attribute points, Sato was surprisingly being suppressed by Han.

"As yoo would expect from someone of the General's capabilities." Silver Wolf said with passion.

Azure Dragon however, was just frowning. From Han's arrival to his reveal of his level as well as this battle, Azure Dragon realise that he had underestimated the ability of the man who held the title 'King of the Hill'. This was a future opponent of the guild and if he couldn't come up with some way to counter him, Emperor's Might would lose Black Rock province to Battle Wolves and this would be a stain on Azure Dragon's reputation.

'If he dies here though, it would affect him even if it's just a bit.' Azure Dragon thought as a strange glint flashed in his eyes.

In the end however, he didn't go through with his insane plan as the consequences would be too disastrous.

'If only this swordsman was strong enough.' Azure Dragon glanced at Sato with annoyance but he knew that Sato couldn't be blamed. Han was a player on an entirely different level. A task such as jumping level wasn't something new to him.

*Clang*

Sato managed to spot a chance to retaliate as he struck out with the full strength of his arms, sending Han back by more than 5 steps. At the same time, he also retreated, increasing the space between them.

"If this goes on like this, you will die." Han suddenly said.

It was strange that he had paused his attacks just to talk to Sato but Sato didn't take this chance to attack either as he needed a breather.

"You showed me some potential back when you were ganged up on. Where has that gone to? Don't tell me that you're holding back. Because if you are, I promise to make this a lot more worse for you." Han frowned.

"Holding back? Could it be?" Chesces questioned with a low voice. He had also felt that there was something strange with Sato's movements. Compared to the Sato he had fought alongside, the one before him looked like a player that only relied on his attributes and external help; nothing like the Sato from before.

"Who know?" Sato replied nonchalantly with a question.

Actually, Han was right; Sato was indeed holding back. The main reason to this was simply because he didn't want to reveal too much. While they had seen his face, no one recognised who he truly was and Sato wanted things to remind that way. Chesces might not but the chances that Han would recognise him was quite high. Hence, Sato had to hold off on using any martial arts technique and only relied on his reflexes and attributes to hold Han back. However, against the King of the Hill, that would only make killing him harder and not impossible. If the battle were to continue like this, Han would eventually be victorious if he goes all out.

"I see. So, you have chosen death? I'm really disappointed. I was expecting a good fight but it seems you're not interested. Nonetheless, you shall die." Han grabbed his sword with one hand.

Sato was just to react when a voice sounded in his head.

"Sato, we're done here."