A terrifying aura erupted from Jelas's body; strands of blue mana wrapped around him like flames as he looked at Illustrious with contempt. "My apologies! I thought you were just a child—hardly impressive even as a dual Professional—but you've pushed me this far."
"I have to admit you're formidable, yet don't get cocky. That was only a warm-up. Now witness my true strength."
"What? That was only a warm-up? Impossible! You're just trying to shake my confidence—I won't fall for it!" Illustrious cried in disbelief.
"Then let me show you how wide the gulf between us truly is." Jelas roared like a wild beast. "Warrior Skill—Bloodburst!"
Bloodburst is a warrior buff learned at mid-tier Professional rank; it doubles the user's power for ten minutes, then enters a twenty-four-hour cooldown.
After activating Bloodburst, Jelas's aura surged to at least twice its previous might. The pressure was so fierce that cold sweat beaded on Illustrious's brow; though yards away, she felt the terrifying weight bearing down.
"So strong… this is his real power—terrifying! But I won't yield." Gripping her sword, Illustrious set her jaw.
"Interesting woman. Faced with such might you still stand unshaken—good! A worthy opponent; I'll personally send you to your grave." Jelas nodded in approval.
Jelas stamped his right foot. The recoil cratered the earth two feet wide, and with a boom he shot toward Illustrious.
He moved so fast that after-images trailed him; a low detonation followed each step, like muffled blasts rumbling beneath the ground, heavy and frightening.
"So fast!" Illustrious gasped, watching the streaks Jelas left behind.
He swept his greatsword in a diagonal slash; the fierce edge cut the very air, and with a sharp whistle the blade flashed down like lightning.
Before the sword even landed, its wind-press flattened Illustrious's dress against her skin, outlining her petite, almost child-like frame—so delicate that Jelas felt a pang of regret: such cuteness would soon be pulp beneath his blade.
The strike was too swift to dodge; the Thief's blade came faster than anything she had faced. With no room to evade, Illustrious poured every ounce of strength into a desperate parry.
She braced, her body wreathed in wind-magic. Her one-handed sword blazed white—Weapon Reinforcement, a basic Professional swordsman skill that multiplies the blade's power tenfold.
She angled the sword; it rang clear, then crashed against the descending greatsword.
Boom! Steel met steel with thunderous roar; a shockwave erupted, flattening grass and flowers beneath its terrible ripple.
The force was overwhelming. Illustrious held for two seconds before she was flung backward, slamming into a boulder. Half her body imprinted on the rock, spider-web cracks racing outward.
A metallic taste filled her mouth; blood trickled from her lip. She wiped it away with a trembling hand and stared at the soaring Thief, her face grave.
Mana surged through her; with a burst she tore free of the stone, landing unsteadily, pale and shaking—clearly gravely wounded.
She cast Appraisal: her life-force had fallen to twenty percent. One more strike like that and she would die.
Seeing her weakness, Jelas laughed. "Behold my true strength! You look so pained—let me grant you another blow, out of mercy."
With a stomp he launched again, crater blooming beneath him, greatsword leveled for the kill.
Faster—far faster than before. Illustrious could barely track him; Jelas had resolved to end her, knowing that if this prodigious foe escaped, death would haunt him later.
He channeled every last mote of mana into his body, determined to pour it all into this single lethal strike.
Facing that unstoppable rush, Illustrious felt despair bloom. She would die here. Her only regret: never again seeing Aircraft Carrier, never fulfilling their promise to watch the sea together.
A soft smile touched her lips as she recalled that vow—Aircraft Carrier had been just as bright and lively then.
"Big sister, what's the ocean like? I heard it's beautiful. Can you take me someday? I want to see it with you—will you grant my wish?" Aircraft Carrier had blinked her big eyes and asked in a childish lilt.
"The ocean? I've never seen it either, but if chance allows, I'll take you." Illustrious had smiled.
"Really? Thank you, sister! A reward!" Overjoyed, Aircraft Carrier had kissed her cheek.
-------------------------------
Hope you enjoy this fanfiction if you do and would like to read the next 30 chapters in advance, pls do check out my Patreon.
patreon.com/TLScarlet
Also don't forget to give me a Power Stone if you do like this fiction. Your support really motivates me to continue doing my best in translating, Thanks!!