I Was Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble Who Gets Killed Midway Through the Story but It Looks Like I’ll Be Executed as a Traitor if I Try to Do Good Deeds

93: The Wall to Surpass

After fighting Hanna once, I’ve been challenged multiple times. Each time, I sense her growth. Her sword count has increased, her hardness has improved, and she can strike quickly. She’s truly a remarkable talent. It’s rude to say, but it’s only natural for an original party member.

It’s a shame that she mainly uses magic alone. However, opponents like Camilla are special cases. Prioritizing magic is normally correct.

In other words, combining martial arts and magic is rare. If that’s the case, it’s possible that focusing on magic alone will lead to faster growth. I won’t interfere too much, then.

“Rex-dono, let’s fight again today!”

“I’m not tired of it, and it’s a chance to show you my power.”

I’ve grown accustomed to it, so I quickly summon the Oathkeeper’s Sword (Hope of Tribe) and prepare for battle. Hanna also focuses her magic and launches an attack.

“Let’s go! Tempest Blade!”

A three-layered sword that spreads across the sky comes crashing down. If I recall correctly, it was a single layer with the same density before. It’s incredible. The power and speed have increased, making it terrifying.

Since Hanna has grown so much, I want to show her a new technique. It’s something I’ve used before, but this is the first time I’ll use it against her. Let’s unveil it.

“Is it the same every time? You lack creativity. Fatal Blade!”

The magic blade I released heads towards the center of Hanna’s magic sword, causing an explosion. As a result, the Tempest Blade is blown away.

Hanna’s mouth drops open, and she looks shocked.

“Impossible… Your defense is too strong…”

She’s clearly in shock. Her previous determination is nowhere to be seen. Did I go too far? However, if I were to comfort her, it would only hurt her more. It’s better to push her to her limits and make her rise to the challenge. That’s the only way to play the role of Rex.

“That’s the difference between you and me. But I can even surpass Filis, so it’s only natural that I’m beyond you.”

“I’m not getting close to you, Your Highness… Becoming a knight is a far-off dream, isn’t it?”

I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would give up easily. If she were, she would have already surrendered when she first saw my power. She’ll definitely get back up. Then, I’ll become her enemy and push her to her limits. That’s what I should do.

“Will you give up if I tell you to? Is that the extent of your resolve to become a knight? That’s foolish.”

“I won’t give up! I won’t back down! I’m here to protect Miya-sama and Lina-sama, so I won’t lose!”

Hanna’s eyes and voice convey a strong determination. She’s the kind of person who can get back up no matter how many times she falls. She’s amazing. That’s why I respect her. I want to see her future.

“Do you have time to waste on me? If so, do as you please.”

“I understand. I’ll protect the princess, no matter who the opponent is!”

“Come on, then. Show me your determination.”

Hanna faces me again, gathering her magic. But the atmosphere is different from before. It’s as if she’s going to pierce through my defenses. That’s right. With the power of her will, she can surpass her limits. That’s what makes her worthy of being a knight. She’s a shining hero.

“I’m going! This is the new form of my Tempest Blade! Can you defend against this, Your Highness?”

A single sword is born from Hanna, and it’s pointed at me.

“This is a sword bound by magic! Then, I’ll show you my trump card! Silent Blade!”

I hold the Hope of Tribe sword and overlap it with the Fatal Blade. Then, I further concentrate my magic. This is a sword technique that can cut through any defense, the greatest technique ever created.

It’s a combination of Filis’s magic and Elina’s swordsmanship, with even more refinement. No one can beat me. Now, I’ll show you my power! That’s the courtesy I owe to the amazing technique before me!

“I won’t lose! I’ll put everything on the line and defeat you!”

“Then, I’ll take it a step further! Show me the power of your dark magic!”

Our swords clash, and for a while, we’re evenly matched. But gradually, Hanna starts to fall back. That’s to be expected. The difference isn’t just about surpassing limits. Even so, the fact that we’re still fighting gives me a sense of exhilaration.

“Aaah…!”

“Good! Show me more! This is my power! Try to surpass me!”

Hanna tries to push back, but I invade her magic with my dark magic. Then, my power increases, and Hanna’s power decreases. The balance is completely broken, but Hanna still persists.

“Not yet…! More…!”

Hanna tries to fight with her spirit alone, but soon reaches her limit. Her sword disappears, and I point the Hope of Tribe sword at her neck.

“Have I lost…?”

“That’s right. But it was a good fight.”

“Hehe, yes… I’ve certainly surpassed my limits…”

That’s true. If it were the Hanna from before, she wouldn’t have been able to do that. I’m impressed. It’s amazing.

I think she can definitely protect the princess sisters. That’s the feeling I get. And the princess sisters will rely on Hanna. A good relationship can be built, and I understand that in my heart.

“I may not be able to reach you, but you certainly have power. I acknowledge that.”

“Your words are comforting, even now…”

“You’re a strange guy with a weird interest. Come on, get up?”

I offer my hand, and she takes it. I help her up, supporting her as she stumbles. She’s not the kind of person who would give up easily, after all. It’s not like I can just leave her there. She looks pretty pathetic, but that’s okay.

“Thank you, Rex-sama. I think I understand why you’re close to the princess…”

“Think whatever you want. I’ll do what I want.”

“I’ll defeat you someday. But for now, I’m happy to be under your guidance. That’s how I feel…”

Is this what it means to open up to someone? I’m genuinely happy, even though I was prepared to be hated. If we can get along like this, that’s ideal.

“Have you developed a loser’s spirit? Ha! I’ll get even stronger. You can try to keep up if you want.”

“That won’t happen. I still have a long way to go.”

I have a long way to go too. To reach that point, I need to keep working hard. I need to surpass Hanna’s current growth, and even more.