If Ray goes on the defensive then beating him with my sword will be difficult.

Me not moving is certainly disadvantageous.

But Im bored with that now.

At the same time as his words Initeios tip blurred and grazes my cheek at a speed that cannot be followed with your eyes.

In order to separate us I swing my sword at Rays left hand.

I had thought that Ray would avoid it but he steps forward and our bodies come into contact forcefully stopping my arm.

At this range its impossible to swing my sword.

Fuu..!

What kind of technique is this? In the small area that impossible for a sword to strike a fist approaches my chin.

Pulling back to dodge it, the snow-white blade approaches my face as Im off balance.

If I receive that Ill be torn up.

In that case

.!?

Rays sword cuts into my left arm. My flesh tears and the blade reaches my bone where it stops.

Im sorry to say but my bones are very hard.

Your body is as random as usual Arnos.

Ray pulls Initieo out and retreats setting up his stance again.

Looking at him his left arm is hanging unnaturally.

Thinking about it Ray was also slower than usual and he only used one hand. If hes used both he would have severed my arm.

Whats with your arm?

Ray smiles.

I want our match to be as equal as possible.

Did you cut the tendons yourself?

Yeah. Its pretty painful though.

Ray holds Initeio in his right hand like its nothing.

Is that okay?

Giving up on playing for time and cutting his own arm are both acts of betrayal against the royal faction. The contract to treat his mother will be broken.

Arnos. In the group competition I thought Id finally met you. The opponent I cannot beat even if I stake my all on this sword. I wanted to clash against you with everything I had.

He keeps his guard up as he continues talking quietly.

However, as long as me and my mom are held hostage you cant give it your all.

Ray is surely being watched. The mazoku who implanted the contacted demon sword is surely aware of what hes saying.

I thought a lot but all I have is the sword.

Ray speaks in a determined tone.

I betrayed the contract and now the contract sword is cutting into my origin.

As expected, however, an ordinary person would have already been destroyed at this point after having their origin cut. Its still only a matter of time for Ray though.

Ill be dead soon and my mother cant be saved either. You dont have to worry anymore.

Ray points his sword tip at my left arm.

I will win to protect my friendship with you.

If Ray destroys the bracelet he wins and if the owl was telling the truth then the loss of magic will kill Sheila.

If I dont break it it will continue to absorb my magic forever.

He must have judged that I wouldnt abandon Sheila so he will end his own mothers life himself.

To protect me you offer your own life then?

Wont you ask for my help? (A)

You might die. (R)

I wont die. (A)

Maybe, but maybe not. No matter how much of a transcended being you are, what type of friend would I be if I keep putting you in danger? (R)

Ray laughs.

This is the best solution for me as well. I get to finally beat you and protect you. (R)

So that it. Its a story based on me losing on purpose though.

If this bracelet is destroyed then Sheilas safety cannot be assured, however, the owl said nothing about my sword getting broken.

In other words their purpose is my magic power. They dont care about who wins this tournament.

I could lose on purpose, pull out the contracted demon sword from Ray and fight again after crushing this plot by Avos Dillheavia.

A smart person would do this.

But I cant do it.

Even in this situation where his origin is being cut Ray wants to fight me.

He wants neither fame nor status he only wants the sword. In his last moments Ray is giving his all to the sword.

You might think him a stupid person but its what he wants.

If I put it off then Im not qualified to be this mans friend.

Dont surrender to the enemy and dont rely on me, just stick to your beliefs. Thats what my friend does.

I take one step forward.

You dont have to think about anything anymore Ray. Unification faction or the royalists. Forget about your mother even. Theres only me and you now.

Ray smiles a genuine smile.

Now come. Lets play.

Ill get in the way of whatever Avos Dillheavia is planning later.

My parents are supporting me, I promised Misha Id win and Ray is challenging me to a fight.

This has nothing to do with the reborn demon king of tyranny. This is the final match between us two.