Chapter 144.1 : Nidol Proxia

Rio stared from under his hood at the rock-like man who had suddenly charged towards him.

「What’s the matter? Are you so in awe that you want to pay your respects towards the emperor?　Fine then, I’ll grant you special permission. So, got anything to say in your defence? 」

The self-proclaimed Nidol Proxia spread his arms wide while asking Rio with a haughty tone. His right hand easily lifted a heavy jet-black bladed sword which would normally be used with both hands.

「........ How did you know that I managed to slip through the barrier? 」

Rio completely disregarded the self-proclaimed emperor standing before him and answered his question with another question.

「Fuhahaha, you hide your face before the emperor and even speak in such an ill mannered way...... Oh well, I don’t care about such stiff formalities anyway. But, I also have no reason to tell the truth to a thief like you.」

Nidol laughed heartily and shook his head in denial.

（......... Naturally. Well, that’s a trivial matter anyway. That aside, Nidol Proxia huh? Is this man the emperor of this empire?）

He didn’t expected Nidol to be a good boy and tell him right away, but Rio doubted whether the man in front of him was indeed the true Nidol Proxia.

「If you’re not going to reveal your identity, well I guess I’ll have to make you submit by force. Do you have the resolution, lowlife? 」

After saying so, Nidol took the most natural stance with his sword.

Rio also unsheathed two daggers from his handbag without any hesitation, clasping them with an overhand grip and an underhand grip respectively.

「Fuhahaha, seriously are you really a thief? An assassin? or else...... Oh whatever. I’m in a good mood right now. You’re the first thief who has managed to sneak this far in, therefore, don’t hesitate and come to take your reward here, no?　Splendid, I don’t even care if you take my life as long as you can beat me.」

As soon as Nidol finished his sentences, he rushed right at Rio.

（Fast!）

Rio, surprised by Nidol’s physical abilities, shot himself forward to meet his opponent’s charge from the front. He easily slipped through Nidol’s defense from below while Nidol swung down his heavy sword and slashed his dagger at Nidol’s thigh as he passed. But then, a loud metallic sound resounded and his dagger was repelled as it was about to hit the target.

（He isn’t wearing metal armor. Is it chain mail??　No, the feeling of resistence just now was more like.....）

Rio gasped lightly, but――、

「Fuhahaha, great, great. Moreover, I’ll give you my praise.」

historical

While saying so, Nidol launched relentless attacks leaving Rio no time to think about the previous situation. He kept swinging his compact heavy sword with movement unsuited for someone of his build. The audience seats were being smashed like crackers every time Nidol swung his heavy sword.

But, Rio skillfully dodged every one of Nidol’s relentless attacks with acrobatic-like movements. Their battle soon moved from the audience seats to the arena field below.