Yolma, a seasoned veteran among the B-rank adventurers of this city, was a formidable force. With a level surpassing 40, he was considered the strongest in this town, where only B-rank adventurers resided. His experience was vast, and he hadn't been appointed raid leader for nothing.

Despite witnessing Ryujiin's incredible power just moments ago, Yolma was confident he wouldn't lose if they fought seriously.

Sure, Ryu's superhuman strength was terrifying, but there were countermeasures if he knew about it beforehand.

If he went all out… he could defeat Ryu.

…No, he could kill him.

Yolma discarded his wooden sword and drew his steel blade.

"If you really want to fight me, I'll accept your challenge. You might end up dead, but if you're okay with that, I'll fight you. What do you say?"

If he was found guilty of murder, he would be sentenced to death. Of course, adventurer conflicts within dungeons usually lacked evidence, increasing the chance of acquittal. However, even rumors of such an incident could be detrimental.

He had to make it look like an accident and kill Ryu. It was for the sake of the guild, and ultimately, the town.

If it was an accident during a match, it could easily be covered up.

The man was supposed to be dead in the dungeon anyway.

As if reading Yolma's thoughts, Ryu said:

"Dead men tell no tales. You think you can just kill me and make it look like an accident?"

"I just want to see your full potential."

"I don't mind, come at me with everything you've got. But those who seek to kill must be prepared to be killed."

Ryu looked towards Daniel.

"Right, Daniel?"

"N-no! You can't kill him. You'll be disqualified if you do!"

Ryu shrugged.

"Oh, come on, he can kill me and it'll be an 'accident.' But you tell me to go easy? This is unfair. I don't even know who the examiner is anymore...

…But alright, 'this time' I won't kill you. It's not like I planned to anyway."

Ryu looked at Yolma and grinned maliciously.

"You think you can underestimate me? You'll regret it in the afterlife!"

Yolma exuded killing intent.

The tension in the air thickened instantly.

And without a signal, the battle began.

Ryu, unfazed by the changed atmosphere, nonchalantly closed the distance between himself and Yolma.

He lowered his wooden sword, not attacking but simply closing the gap, completely undefended.

This often lured opponents into reckless attacks. Yolma, too, panicked and swung his blade at Ryu.

But Yolma's hasty strike ended up cutting through empty air.

Ryu dodged Yolma's attack with a single half-step to the side.

Simultaneously, Ryu's wooden sword thrust towards Yolma's side.

However, Ryu didn't actually thrust. He simply extended his sword forward, using it like a brace to gently push against Yolma. It caused no damage.

Yolma hastily retreated, creating distance. But Ryu, once again, effortlessly approached him.

This time, Yolma thrust.

His sharp, deadly blade lunged towards Ryu's chest.

But Ryu dodged the thrust with a slight twist of his body.

The thrust narrowly missed Ryu's side, and once again, Ryu's wooden sword pressed against Yolma's throat.

He didn't actually thrust this time either. The tip of the wooden sword dug into Yolma's throat, but of course, it caused no fatal damage.

Yolma jumped back.

Ryu closed the distance again, nonchalantly. But this time, Yolma didn't attack. He simply retreated. When he realized the wall was behind him, he evaded laterally, changing their positions.

"What's wrong? Is a B-rank about to cry? Or did you earn your rank through foul play?"

"Hmph, I guess I have to show you some real skill."

Yolma realized he had been rushing, attacking without any plan. This wasn't his usual self. He had to calm down and fight his way.

Yolma took a deep breath and, with a sudden step forward, swung his blade in a horizontal arc, a sweeping attack.

Against a horizontal swing, the only options were to jump back, leap upwards, duck under, or block it.

But while Yolma was using his real sword, Ryu still wielded his wooden blade. A wooden sword couldn't withstand a real blade.

(Yolma knew Ryu was still using a wooden sword, but he deliberately didn't ask him to draw his real blade.)

Yolma's sword was a forged masterpiece. If someone tried to block it with a training sword, the wooden blade would shatter easily.

There was no time to dodge upwards or downwards.

The only option was to retreat and break the distance… but in that moment, Yolma intended to unleash his signature magic sword attack.

Yolma was a magic swordsman, after all.

Suddenly, flames erupted from his sword. This attack had never been dodged before, and it was Yolma's winning move.