The Return of the Iron-blood Sword Hound
chapter-258

Chapter 258: Sword Tomb (4)

“See for yourself.”

Vikir released his aura.

The dark aura of the demonic sword Beelzebub extended, and a rapidly a rotating aura on its surface ignited in a fiery red hue.

A robust solid aura, a symbol of someone in the Swordmaster Realm

It was the embodiment of not just Vikir’s strength but also the souls of monsters inside the demonic sword Beelzebub.

[…!]

Cane Corso’s eyes widened slightly. In the darkness filled with emptiness, a slender flame flickered.

Certainly, it would spark curiosity.

Soon, the elderly figure on the Iron Throne stood up. As he rose, the already stifling atmosphere within the Sword Tomb seemed even more suffocating.

Cane Corso spoke up.

[Kid, you doesn’t seem to have a good temperament. Who is your father…?]

“No need for small talk, old man.”

Vikir raised not only the aura of the Swordmaster but also the power of monsters in Beelzebub.

Flash!

Baskerville 4th Style, Vikir’s most confident form revealed itself, having gone through two lifetimes.

Although Vikir could currently use the 7th style, it seemed that, for now, he only unleashed 4th Style, perhaps finding it most effective for wielding the sword in a mindless manner.

[…Hoho, at this level of proficiency. He still looks quite young.]

Cane Corso tilted his head slightly backward, effortlessly evading all of Vikir’s attacks.

[It’s clear that you’re a Baskerville, but whose descendant are you? Boston Terrier? Great Dane? No, your appearance is quite different. Perhaps Hugo, that kids?]

And indeed, Cane Corso also showcased Baskerville 4th Style.

Crack!

The space shattered.

Cane Corso’s formidable aura and Vikir’s crimson aura clashed fiercely, causing the atmosphere to break into fragments. Sharp fragments of air scattered in all directions, creating a whirlwind of blades.

Vikir clenched his teeth and continued to swing Beelzebub.

Cane Corso looked at Beelzebub emitting a red light from Vikir’s wrist and opened his eyes wide once again.

[Is that the cursed demonic sword, Beelzebub…? In the past, even the exceptional Cain and Abel twins spent three years in vain pursuit of it. How do you, a child, possess it?]

However, Vikir remained silent.

Bang!

Because, before Cane Corso’s sword could touch his neck, Vikir flipped the black mask tied behind his neck.

[Mask of Many Faces ‘Picaresque’]/ Mask

-Tribal Grudge +0

-Human Heart in a Beast’s Form -On

In an instant, Vikir, now transformed into a black dog, evaded the sword with his smaller body. Simultaneously, he leaped between Cane Corso’s legs, removed the mask, and turned back into a human. Then, he swung the sword.

[…What is this?]

Cane Corso could only widen his eyes at Vikir’s attack method that surpassed common sense.

A dogfight.

A battle that didn’t focus on dignity or pride, just the fight. It was like facing a dog.

[Haha, it’s been a while since I had such a fight.]

Surprisingly, Cane Corso seemed to enjoy this chaotic battle.

…Tang!

An aura blade soared towards the lower abdomen, but Cane Corso blocked it near the hilt of his greatsword and promptly sent Vikir flying.

“Thank you for the distance.”

Even in mid-air, Vikir reached out and retrieved the black bow from the space.

The majestic black bow Anubis.

Pung!

A fierce snipe streaked towards Cane Corso, 5 arrows were simultaneously flying towards Cane Corso.

[…Is archery your specialty this time? It’s the first time I’ve seen a Swordmaster skilled in acrobatics.]

Cane Corso dismissed Ballak’s archery as a trivial skill.

Kwagikigik!

The black aura he created formed a spherical shield, crushing all the arrows flying in from all directions.

Simultaneously,

Kwakong!

With tremendous leap, Cane Corso swung his greatsword. However, he could only pause momentarily in mid-air.

…?

Invisible threads seemed to entangle Cane Corso’s body.

Hak-hak-hak-

Baby Madam, perched on Vikir’s shoulder, wore a triumphant expression.

“Well done.”

Vikir patted the baby madam once and then leaped towards Cane Corso.

This opening, this only chance, could topple the pillar of the previous generation.

“If I can defeat him, perhaps the solution to the next stage will be revealed.”

And capturing ghostwood would become easier.

Flash!

Finally, the true power of Baskerville 7th style unfolded.

Cane Corso, seeing the seven vivid fangs before him, widened his eyes in astonishment.

[Baskerville 7th style!? Moreover, the ‘Twin Ambush Fang’ sword technique!? How can a kid…!?]

Surprisingly, Cane Corso recognized Vikir’s swordsmanship. It was something even Vikir hadn’t anticipated. Having eradicated all the original swordsmanship manuals, how did this old man know about it?

However, there was no time to solve the mystery.

Vikir didn’t miss the opportunity created by the combination of Picaresque Mask, Ballak’s archery, and threads of Baby madam.

Kwakwakwakwakwa-kwak!

Sharp Fangs, seven in number, ruthlessly attacked Cane Corso’s entire body.

“I got you.”

Vikir momentarily felt a sense of relief in the victory he obtained too easily.

…But only for a moment.

“…!”

Vikir was momentarily startled by the strangeness of what touched the tips of his fangs.

As the fragments of the aura, wind, and dust cleared, something unexpected appeared before his eyes.

Surprisingly, Cane Corso was unscathed, without a single scratch.

All seven fangs of Vikir’s onslaught were blocked by the mysterious, heavy armor Cane Corso was wearing.

Simultaneously.

…Kok!

Cane Corso’s massive hand seized Vikir’s neck, holding it tightly. The black armor enveloped his fingers, just like the material comprising the Sword Tomb, leaving its composition unknown.

Vikir attempted to sever Cane Corso’s arm, but the thick and sturdy armor thwarted his efforts.

To think that there was something the aura of a Swordmaster couldn’t cut through!

Finally, Cane Corso glanced down at Vikir with an intriguing expression.

[To climb into the realm of swordmaster at such an age doesn’t seem fitting. Quite surprising. It seems a genius has emerged in the family.]

“…”

Vikir furrowed his brow.

No matter how much strength he exerted, he couldn’t break the armor that Cane Corso wore. It encased his entire body below the neck, leaving Vikir helpless.

At that moment, Cane Corso spoke.

[However, even in the realm of swordmaster, there are divisions.]

“…!”

Vikir widened his eyes.

At this level, a single word from a superior being could be profound.

From Cane Corso’s mumbled words, Vikir obtained the hint he had been waiting for. The achievement of a reckless challenge was bearing fruit.

…The only problem was that ‘he might die right now’.

Eventually, Cane Corso thrust Vikir into the ground.

Kwak! Woojijijik-

Even in the midst of being pushed backward, Vikir twisted his body in mid-air, touched the ground with his hands, and landed. Though the leather on the palms of his hands was mostly stripped away during the recoil, he managed to prevent his neck and spine from breaking.

Casually, Cane Corso opened his mouth.

[Even in the realm of swordmaster, there are distinctions, like High, middle, and low tiers for Experts and Graduator. Swordmaster also has such distinctions.]

“…”

[You’re just a little chick who has one foot in the realm]

Cane Corso faintly smiled.

[I can see the expression on your face, clearly revealing what you’re thinking. I had similar thoughts when I first entered this tower. Of course, back then, I was much older than you are now.]

Then, he added with a slight whisper.

[Perhaps. Maybe you could make it. Given your age. You might be able to see the last page of ‘that swordsmanship manual’…]

“?”

Perplexed by the unfamiliar words, Vikir furrowed his brow. In response, Cane Corso laughed brightly, almost disturbingly.

[All right, then, I’ll show you. It’s the least I can do for the man who will be the next Tower Lord]

He muttered incomprehensible words.

…Kurururururur! Buggle-buggle-buggle-buggle-

A black aura began to cover his entire body.

“…”

Vikir, in an instant, felt a chilling sensation enveloping him.

Drdrdrdrdrd…

The entire Sword Tomb was shaking.

Simultaneously, his instinct of a seasoned veteran, sent warning signs as if it’s gone mad.

Saying ‘Get out of here immediately!’

Cane Corso’s heavy greatsword ascended. And…

Flash!

Descended straight to the ground.

A single streak of black lightning.

This simple movement split into several trajectories and charged towards Vikir.

And Vikir witnessed it.

“…9th Style?!”

‘Twin fang ambush or Lurking Ambush,’ the ultimate technique of the Baskerville family that he thought only he had mastered.

This swordsmanship, having nine fangs, was tearing the entire world apart.