CASE 215: REALM OF GODS.

''...''

Just because I use the Sword of Nihility... it doesn't mean I'll magically get better at swordsplay or techniques.

Evidently, even if my opponent has become considerably cautious now, I can't get a meaningful hit on her. Perhaps I'm too used to fighting large targets that are easy to hit and reckless idiots who only know how to charge forward.

If anything, fighting in this confined space is helping me. Otherwise, this clever enemy of mine would definitely come up with some sort of guerrilla tactics against me, which is annoying.

Either way, I seriously need to think of something fast.

A few more moves are exchanged as I run through the possibilities.

Having the power of Nihility on my side serves both offensive and defensive purposes, allowing my nerves to finally stabilize somewhat.

''I see why that phony goddess chose you. What an abundance of potential.''

Still keeping a calm countenance, Buezrith remarks, ''If you were there instead of her at that time, perhaps things would have turned out differently.''

''That's a stretch,'' I reply.

As if truly contemplating my words, the woman ponders for a moment, even halting her attacks, ''I'm rather sure of it, though. Your approach is wholly distinct from that of Neveah. She chose retreat, while you would most likely choose to press forward, no?''

''You talk as if you know me personally.''

''I don't, but I like to speculate—it's human curiosity in the end, isn't it?''

''What a pain to listen to.''

Don't claim humanity in front of me... with that kind of putrid magic around you.

Clutching my sword, I once again take a step forward. Since spatial interference is heavily restricted here, I cannot blink or teleport to build momentum.

Raw speed and techniques it is.

As I close the distance, sharp bolts of dark magic rain on me, yet their trajectories are rather simple, as if Buezrith is still playing with me. Splitting through them is simple enough, but I can't shake off this ominous feeling when I approach her.

''Still naive.''

''...!''

And, with that comment, a flurry of dark chains spontaneously materializes around me, threatening to ensnare my movements. 

But I even expected that trap.

With a wide swing, those chains crumble.

So... what is it? What is this still-looming pressure pushing at the back of my neck? After battling for so long, I finally have a vague answer to this unsettling foreboding.

It's her composure.

A feeling as though I am being read openly, yet I can't ever pry back. Those oozing blood-red eyes are analyzing me constantly. This is definitely a first.

''...That's strange. Even at higher output...''

''...''

Suddenly, Buezrith's expression turns a notch colder, with a hint of annoyance as well, ''Is this all? From you, I mean. How did you... how did you defeat Yggdrasil and Efil, then?''

...What?

Does she not know that the other me intervened? Even the cosmic serpent that devoured the Heavenly Demon's moon?

The question of 'How is that possible?' briefly floats in my mind, but right after, I belatedly remember Aurora's casual remarks some time ago... regarding her actions.

''Time traveling is both dangerous and complicated. To avoid the attractor fields converging events of this world to those of mine, I had to prepare countless things. In those times, I also had to avoid being 'noticed' by the universe and cause a time paradox.''

I remember asking about the other effects of time traveling at that point. She listed many theories with enthusiasm, some of which were confirmed, but one stands out in this moment.

''I already said it before—you and I will become one independent entity at some point. That convergence is the universe's utmost effort to reinforce its laws, hence the flawless nature it possesses. Everything, and I mean everything you and I are, will be, or did... will be attributed to just one person—Aurora Heathcliff.''

I am seeing the first consequence of Aurora's time traveling.

This isn't just something trivial like Buezrith's so-called 'reality-altering' ability. That sort of mental manipulation is nothing but mere childplay before time's vastness itself.

''...''

And the moment I acknowledge that fact, something boundless seems to already swirl inside my being—something so insatiable it might as well swallow reality whole.

Something familiar.

Is this... her power?

''You...''

Buezrith's trembling voice snaps me out of it.

When I finally realize my surroundings again, a hazy figure has already knelt before me, showing unequivocal solemness.

Goatman extends his arms, on which a single blade lies cautiously. Its slender and long figure perfectly matches my preference for a sword. Right off the bat, my instincts tell me this isn't a real sword.

As I pick up the weapon, my conviction grows.

For a blade of this size, not a gram of weight acts on my arm. Glancing closer, the whole sword is made from a somewhat translucent, bleach white material. An acquainted hunger oozes from its edges.

''It seems I made the right decision.''

Meanwhile, powerful dark energy swells from the other side of the room. Buezrith, now visibly tense, continues to fuel more and more power into the whirls of magic around her,

''You truly need to die here.''

After uttering those spiteful words, the woman hurls everything she has at me.

And in that split moment, the world seems to have calmed down in my eyes. With unfounded composure and a heart as stable as clockwork, I take in the incoming threat and step forward.

If it's now, if it's this power I'm wielding, then...

I can split the heaven and earth.

''...''

In the same stance, the same trajectory, the same technique... yet the force is so astronomically different. My blade cuts horizontally through the air, blasting a tide that resonates violently across the room. Every ounce of dark energy subsequently dissipates, returning to nothingness.

Suppose the Blade of Nihility is a hyper-concentrated, razor-sharp technique that helps with focused targeting. In that case, this feels as though I am wielding a literal black hole—unimaginably destructive and endlessly ravenous. 

''Ugh...''

Buezrith, on the other hand, clutches her bloodied chest in astonishment. 

As I calmly stride forward, my opponent gradually stabilizes her mental state. Dark red blood drips onto the wooden floor, yet her attention remains wholly on me.

Clack.

Clack.

The sounds of my footsteps ring in the air. Buezrith slowly backs up toward the entrance, keeping her nerves tense.

Eventually, her body hits the wooden door dully. Her hands scramble to reach the knob...

''Are you trying to escape?'' I ask, raising my sword. ''One move, and you're dead.''

''...Hahah.''

But just as I prepare to fire off the power again, Buezrith unexpectedly reinforces the door with her own magic instead of fleeing. With an ambiguous expression on her face, she mutters, ''I guess there's no other choice.''

''Ah?!''

''?!''

In sync with a girl's yell behind me, my reflexes run off. In half a moment, my body twists to the side, narrowly avoiding whatever it is that attempted to pierce through my back just earlier.

When my attention returns to Buezrith right after, I can't help but be stunned.

''Time for round two, yeah?''

In Buezrith's hand is... the holy sword.

With Neveah's furious divinity burning through the blade, no less.