Magic users can wield the magical power within them in the form of spells.

Then, does that mean warriors cannot use magic?

—The answer is no.

Warriors harness the magic that permeates their bodies, imbuing it into their bodies and weapons as they fight.

The collective term for the techniques that infuse magic into the body and weapons to unleash powerful attacks is known as Martial Techniques.

The power of these techniques varies depending on the skill level of the user, as well as the quality of their body and weapon.

Unlike magic, the proficiency of martial techniques differs drastically from one frontline fighter to another.

Rampard’s Grand Severance was an enhanced version of Severance—a single, devastating strike.

After executing hundreds, even thousands of Severance attacks and mastering them, one could finally unleash this ultimate blow.

The sheer power of the attack was evident in the wounded Merman King.

As a second-tier monster—meaning one that typically requires a second-tier party to take on—it was a foe that should not be easily harmed. Yet, Rampard’s attack had managed to land a meaningful hit.

Grand Severance was the strongest strike Rampard could execute, a technique that had supported his solo endeavors.

However...

"Tch! So one hit wasn’t enough, huh?!"

The attack had landed, albeit shallowly.

The force penetrated the creature’s body, tearing its skin and drawing blood... but that was all.

It was far from a fatal wound, and the Merman King showed no signs of faltering.

"GRRRAAAHHH!!"

The Merman King swung the staff in its hand like a club.

The strike cut through the wind, slicing through the air with ferocious momentum.

If it connected, there would be no walking away unscathed.

However, the aftereffects of executing a martial technique left Rampard momentarily frozen.

The time it took to transition into an evasive motion was too long.

At this rate, he wouldn’t be able to dodge—

"Lightning!"

But the Merman King’s strike never reached Rampard.

A bolt of lightning streaked through the battlefield, slipping through the gap between the one-man and one-beast’s awareness.

The lightning struck its intended target—the Merman King’s right hand, which held the staff.

With the electric shock disrupting the attack’s momentum, Rampard was granted a reprieve.

Thanks to Gwimbal’s support from the rear, he now had breathing room.

He adjusted his evasion trajectory.

Rolling forward, he used a somersault to reposition himself closer to the Merman King.

"OOOOHHHHH!!"

Grand Severance was powerful, but it left massive openings.

Thus, it had to be used at a precise moment when landing the strike was guaranteed.

Rampard checked his remaining magic reserves as he swung his axe.

The Merman King raised its staff in response, preparing to counter.

Yet, its movements were noticeably slower than before.

The electric shock had likely left its body paralyzed. Upon closer inspection, its limbs twitched uncontrollably.

The heavy axe and staff clashed violently.

Shockingly, the force behind their attacks was almost evenly matched.

Each of them repelled the other’s strike, both warriors staggering from the impact.

Realizing that a direct exchange would be unfavorable, Rampard immediately shifted his focus.

He switched to quicker, more precise strikes.

Just as he predicted, when it came to speed, he had the advantage.

By employing swift movements and small techniques, he gradually bewildered his opponent.

And between those rapid slashes, he occasionally inserted heavier, more forceful attacks.

"Severance!"

Unlike Grand Severance, Severance had much less of an opening.

Though it dealt less damage, battles against monsters were endurance fights.

Even if he could only deal one point of damage per strike, striking ten times would accumulate to ten.

Persistence would pay off in the end.

"Lightning Blast!"

As Rampard focused on rapid attacks and deception, Gwimbal had the opportunity to unleash a powerful spell.

Since Rampard was well aware of Gwimbal’s techniques, he could position himself accordingly to avoid the spell’s aftermath.

Taking advantage of the shock from the powerful hit, he launched another Grand Severance.

"GIIIEEHHH!?"

This time, the strike landed cleanly.

The Merman King’s chest was deeply gouged, blood spurting out.

But even against such a grievous wound, the monster’s formidable vitality kept it alive.

That said, its movements slowed further from the injury.

By this point, the two warriors were confident in their victory.

Gwimbal focused on recovering his magical reserves while Rampard harassed the enemy with swift attacks.

When Gwimbal was ready to cast a powerful spell, Rampard coordinated his own strongest attack.

By complementing each other’s strengths, their relentless assault continued.

The Merman King’s body accumulated burns and cuts, each wound compounding on top of the last.

Meanwhile, none of its attacks landed on the two warriors.

Gwimbal even took the occasional role of a frontline fighter, swinging his staff skillfully.

But in truth, his proficiency in close combat was not as high as a true frontline warrior.

The only reason he remained unscathed was that Rampard continuously covered for him.

As the damage accumulated—at last, the perfect opening presented itself.

"GRRAAAAHHHH!!"

Now bloodied from head to toe, the Merman King abandoned its ineffective staff and lunged forward with its fanged maw—an attack characteristic of its kind.

As the Fishman King charged toward them, the two warriors exchanged glances.

Without a word, they nodded in unison.

"Grand Severance!"

"Lightning Explosion!"

One was an axe strike aimed at the neck, a fatal blow.

The other was a lightning explosion aimed at the chest.

Taking both ultimate attacks at once, the Merman King...

"Guh...!"

Collapsed onto the ground—motionless.

"Hahh... hahh... hahh..."

"We... somehow won..."

They bumped fists as they stood over the fallen Merman King.

The surrounding monsters were clearly shaken at the sight of their leader’s demise.

The adventurers seized the opportunity, launching a bold offensive.

With their intense battle finally over, the two warriors let out relieved sighs.

But just as they straightened their backs, ready to fight again...

"High Heal."

Fortunately, they had taken little damage, so a mid-tier healing spell sufficed.

"Alright, let’s keep going a little longer."

"Yeah, can’t let this bonus time go to waste."

They reentered the battlefield.

However, their momentum would soon be halted.

The scattered Mermen began to regroup.

"No way..."

"You’ve gotta be kidding me..."

Their expressions stiffened.

Before them stood—

"GRRAAAAAAAAAH!!"

A formation of purple.

Pushing through the Merman ranks, over ten Merman Kings had arrived.