Extra's Descent

While Brandon accepted Claire's invitation, Rachel had a different idea in mind.

"Wait, I was gonna ask him…."

She wanted to spar with Brandon first.

But she didn't get the chance to speak since Claire cut straight to the chase.

"You can go next, Rachel."

"Fine…."

"I have an idea."

Brandon alternated his gaze between the two as his lips parted open to say,

"Why don't I spar with the two of you at the same time?"

Immediately, the two's brows raised. Rachel had a look of astonishment, while Claire on the other hand, looked skeptical.

"Oho…? Just what kind of secret training were you doing when you were gone?"

"His words hold some value, Claire. He was able to beat Raven unharmed."

Amy chimed in from the back, resting her head on the back of Rachel's seat.

"Can I join in, Brandon?"

"Sure."

Brandon nodded his head.

It was not as if he wanted to show off in front of everyone. But because, in the first place, he was here to evaluate how strong they had gotten.

For that reason, it would be way more efficient if they fought him all at once.

Now that Brandon thought about it, he could feel subtle glances come his way.

Looking to the side….

"....?"

He definitely saw it.

Cyrus was stealing eager glances at him and looked away the moment Brandon turned his head.

"You can join in too, Cyrus?"

"Huh….?"

Cyrus tilted his head looking perplexed.

"Three at once is already difficult. Can you even manage four?"

Then, Cyrus covered his mouth as if he had said something he shouldn't have.

Cyrus waved both of his hands in repetition.

"Wait, wait. It's not like I'm underestimating you—"

"I know."

Brandon cut him off decisively.

"It's fine. If I fight all of you, I can go all out. Maybe show a few tricks or something."

As those words left his mouth, Cyrus' eyes glimmered.

What a fanboy.

Next, there was only one person left who seemed to be looking away.

They all turned their heads to look at her.

"What about you, Sarah?"

Brandon asked.

"Uh? You're fighting four people at once already. You sure you want one more? Besides, compared to them, I'm not that strong. From Raven's words, I'd only be a fodder."

"Fodder….?" fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

Brandon shook his head.

Another Raven brainrot it seems.

"Anyway, join us. It'll be fun."

"Fun for you…. Okay, but please go easy on me."

*

"Hey, you've made it!"

Raven ran up towards Brandon.

Then, he tilted his head to the side, noticing the crowd behind Brandon.

"Where are you guys going?"

"To spar."

Raven flicked his eyes back towards Brandon.

"Spar? All of you together?"

"All of them against me."

"Oh."

Raven stood frozen. Then, he neared him, wrapped his arm around Brandon's shoulder, then whispered something in his ear.

"I get that one of them won't be enough for you. But you might traumatize one of them…."

Noticing the subtle glances Raven was giving, Brandon had an idea who he was talking about.

"Are you talking behind my back?"

Of course, it was Sarah.

"No, he's talking behind Claire's back."

Brandon greatly informed.

Snap!

Something snapped from behind.

"Oh? Is that true…?"

They didn't need to look to know who it was.

"No, Claire! We're talking about Reinhard!"

Even Raven seemed frightened as he completely shifted the topic.

"The hell?"

After speaking with Raven, he and Reinhard walked back towards the audience seats and stared at the arena with anticipation.

Brandon stood in the middle. Each and every one of the participants encircled him a few distances away.

"Ready when you are, Brandon."

Claire, who stood right in front of him, announced.

Brandon closed his eyes as he went on to say,

"Assimilate."

At that moment, he felt [Curse] affinity course within his veins, a sudden increase in his efficiency in using his techniques occurred.

Slowly opening his ink–black eyes, he took in the sight of each and every one of them.

"Go."

As soon as his voice rang, giving the signal, he felt Claire and Rachel's figures blurred in an instant.

No, not just them, Cyrus was upon him as well.

Feeling their presence close, Brandon muttered indifferently.

"Dominion."

As the word left his mouth, he felt them pause mid–attack. There were three figures upon them.

Cyrus, who stared at him wide eyed, grabbing his own neck. Claire, who stopped her attack as her rapier slowly trembled. And Rachel, who's hand was raised, her snow–white hair fluttered a gentle breeze.

Seemed like she too had activated her [Elemental Assimilation].

Bang!

Brandon kicked the ground and began moving. His first target was the startled Claire, who took in the full brunt of his fist.

"Ukeh!"

Brandon didn't plan on using his sword. Now that he thought about it, it was quite funny how he's using Lumian's sword.

The same bastard who was the sole reason for his sister's death.

It was out of taste.

But it couldn't be helped.

It was a good sword.

He couldn't let it go to waste.

Claire was sent hurling away upon impact. Impaling her rapier on the ground, Claire managed to stop herself mid–flight and recovered, taking one knee.

However, Brandon paid no heed to her.

There were other important matters.

Just like the icicle that was about to reach him.

Swoosh—!

Swiftly dodging to the side, Brandon appeared right before Rachel, who seemed startled as well by his speed. Unlike in the past, Brandon relied on the [Lightning] affinity to increase his speed.

But now, it was pure mana temperament.

To enhance his body with mana, in the same manner as duelists.

Bang!

With no hesitation, Brandon's fist struck Rachel, and was sent hurling away the same way as Claire.

His eyes swiftly flicked to the side upon noticing Cyrus appearing before him.

"Hm…."

It seemed like Cyrus had improved tremendously. In fact, it became clear to Brandon that Cyrus had become a deviant, awakening his second affinity.

But that affinity….

It was the same as Lancelott's.

The [Quantum] affinity.

But still, he was lacking.

Clearly, he still had no control over his newfound ability.

Bang!

Twisting his body to the side, Brandon narrowly dodged Cyrus' attack and kicked him on the side.

At the same time, water bullets headed towards him. However, as Brandon tried to get away, he felt his senses disorient all of a sudden.

Swoosh—!

One of the water bullets grazed his shoulder, but Brandon had managed to dodge in time, skidding his body back several meters.

He looked around.

Claire had gotten back up to her feet. Rachel was rubbing her abdomen, and Cyrus was massaging his side. While Amy and Sarah stood on opposite ends with their hands stretched forward.

Step—

Taking a step forward, all eyes fell on him. Their guards were up, most probably waiting for what Brandon was about to do next.

At that moment, mana began to gather around him. Gathering his thoughts together, his lips parted open.

"Phantasm."