I'm going to fight Commander Bolton one-on-one.

"Am I allowed to attack this time? I ask.
"Yes. There are no restrictions. It's a tit-for-tat. You can't fight or you can't surrender. The fight goes on until you either lose or give up.
If I win, do I pass the recruitment test?
Huh. That's right. I'll bow down to you. I have no intention of losing, though.

　Commander Bolton gives me a belligerent look.

"I see. Then I'll fight to protect the balloon.
You don't think I'm good enough for you, do you?
No. In fact, in a defensive battle, you'll be protecting the people of the city. It's less likely to be a tacit fight where you don't have to worry about anything.
So you're always expecting a fight. That's a great attitude. You're always expecting a fight. That's a great attitude, but it's only good if you're good.

　The soldiers who had been watching us opened their mouths.

I'm not sure what to make of this.
I'm not sure what to make of it. He's probably as good as an A-rank adventurer.
He's going to die. ......!

　Commander Bolton and I keep our distance and look at each other.
　I saw his foot move slowly.
　Next thing I know, he's gone.
　The next thing I know, he's right in front of me like a puff of smoke.



"Ah!

　I catch the downed sword with my shield.
　It's heavy. My feet feel like they're going to sink into the ground.

Aah!

　The Bolton Commander immediately spins his body around and unleashes a second blow. If I had reacted just a little too late, I would have been hit directly.
　By the time I was ready to counterattack, I was already out of range.
　I see. I guess he's not just a captain.
　This man is strong.
　Commander Bolton steps in again. So fast you'd think he'd disappeared. But he can't let a move he's seen once get him down again and again.
　I time the blow with the rotation.

　Squeak!

That's ridiculous. ......!　You parried it. ......!

　You can't dodge it.
　It was impossible for him to duck.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few.

There is no one among the guards who can keep up with my movements. ...... Honestly, I'd let you pass here, but--

　I'm not sure what to make of that.

I simply wanted to see how strong you were. I thought I was long dead, but it seems I still have some fight left in me.

　I had a feeling something was coming.
　I guess it was just a test until now.
　The Bolton Commander is still hiding his inner workings.

"I know how good you are at defense. You're a good parry artist. But you can't prevent a thousand sword fights at once.



　When he kicks the ground, he flies like a wolf.
　When he drew his sword back, the blade took on a white light.
　It's a skill!

Try to block the Thousand Lashes!

　The sword opened like a flower petal.
　The sword opened like a flower petal and countless sword fights came at me at once.
　I'm not making one look like a thousand. There are a thousand fights coming down on me at the same time. Surely it's impossible to parry.
　There's no escape...
　Then you'll just have to take it.

"Iron Target.

　I sit down and activate my skill.
　It's not a good idea if the balloon breaks.
　All the sword fights that were dispersed will be concentrated to me. No tricks. Just the power of the other side versus my defense.
　My whole body was hit by a rain of sword fights. The ground is punctured one hole after another.
　But I stood my ground.

"Unharmed. ......?

　Commander Bolton looked at me in disbelief.

"I can't believe you took that many sword fights and didn't get a scratch. ....... Zeke. You're not the only one with an unbelievable defense,......!
I've always been confident in my defensive abilities.
I've always been confident in my defense." "I've always wondered why you can perform dangerous parries without hesitation. ....... I'm sure you're not afraid of a few scratches if you have that kind of defense.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　He put his sword in his waist.
　He smiled bitterly and pressed his neck.



"Ha. I'm completely defeated. No matter how many times I fight, I can't win.
So you'll hire me?
Yeah. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. From now on, you'll work with us as one of us to protect this city.

　I shook his hand, and we shook hands.
　...... wind. For now, it looks like I've got a job. From now on, I'll do my best as a guard to protect this city.