So began the counterattack.

The men of the Royalist Faction surged up their mana and began attacking the guards.

Triple Tornado Slash!!

They shouted out their special move names like the above. This one apparently required you to spin in the air three times before swiping down your sword.

The whole thing looked extremely retarded, but thats what magiswords be.

The guards werent falling behind much either.

Swayback Spin!! Yelled another man, dodging a thrust from a guard. Right, good dodge, Ill give you that.

But do you have to keep spinning like a ballerina?

Both offense and defense seemed to involve lost of dance and rhythm.

I mean, sure, as an enterprising power in the shadows, I too put value in the performance, but too much is careless and unnecessary.

Butterfly Step!!

Death Spiral!!

It seems shouting out the name each and every time is also part of it.

Lets just say its like the Men, dou, kote!! in kendo.

The type of strength Im going for is completely different from what they consider strength, but actually witnessing it is sort of refreshing in a way. Just goes to how that everyone has a different way they see fighting.

As a matter of fact, even though it looks to me like theyre messing around, theyre all completely serious.

But along with actually winning, they also try to present beauty in their sword.

For them, true victory consists of also beating the opponent in style.

They have mutual rules that both parties agreed to adhere to.

So honestly, I shouldnt make fun of it too much.

Anything goes in a fight, and might is right that is my way. That is how I choose to fight.

But that shouldnt mean I can just deny any other forms of fighting.

Its been a long time since I had a chance to observe a style so different from my own. Its exciting.

Go for it!!

Yeah, you too, enemy team!!

Nice, now, a swift kick to the balls!!

What are you doing spinning there, go for the nuts!!

Argh, fine, then stab the eyes, nows your chance!!

Stop spinning already, what the hell man!!

Sink your teeth in, right in the jugular!!

Daamn, he keeps spinning fine, you do you.

Hey, maybe striking the crotch and eyes are forbidden or something. Cant you like, bend the rules a bit, and do it stylistically?

This kind of reminds me of the martial arts tourneys I used to watch on New Years TV. I was young and immature back then.

Oh, huh, its almost the end of the year here too

As I was ruminating in my thoughts, the tide of battle had once again shifted in favor of the Royalists.

Most of the guards are down. They arent all severely injured but mostly exhausted of their stamina.

With all that spinning, why am I not surprised.

Also, the Royalist guys arent delivering any finishing blows to the downed enemies.

What, is that supposed to be some kind of chivalry on their part?

Like medieval knights, or sengoku samurai? I dont really get it, but they seem to have a way of the blade dancer.

Perhaps these blade dancers have developed a style of fighting much more civilized that the rest of the world.

If all wars were fought this way, world peace mightve been a lot less of a problem.

I wouldnt like it though.

I love the kind of world where pure and unadulterated violence beats all. What I was witnessing currently was frankly a bit too white dove for me.

Okay, looks like its over.

Victory for Oriana! Now, you shall stand aside.

D-damn you

We won, we really won Clara sighed in relief.

Yup, alls well that ends well. Wait, now that I think about it, I didnt get much time to shine.

Ah well, its just a concentration camp event. Ill be sure to get more chances once outside. Maybe

So while I was considering making a forced appearance anyway, one man made his move.

This farce has gone on long enough

He, one of the Royalist guys, muttered and then suddenly cut down one of his allies.

The middle aged man who was slashed down his back collapsed to the ground.

Batt!! Stay with me, Batt! Clara screamed and ran over to the downed man.

Guin!! What, why She thundered at the man who cut one of their own.

He was an obstacle for my goals. That goes for you too, milady

Guin, I dont understand

Then let me show you.

He then pointed the tip of his sword at Claras neck.

I dont plan on giving my life for a clueless lass like you.

N-No, Guin, you told me, you said that you believed in me

Well, I lied. You dont have the right to rule over others. Didnt you know? All your so-called subordinates laugh behind your back every time you look at their faces for confirmation. They call you the idiot yes-girl.

After listening to his jeers, Clara held her head down in shame.

Right, I should come out sometime soon.

And then.

Good work, Guin.

Said the gray haired man Maximilian.