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nTo hasten his approach, Code 19 abandoned any attempt to conceal his presence, unreservedly releasing his mana sensing.

nThis not only disrupted Ali’s mana sensing but also declared his presence unmistakably.

nAt this moment, Code 19 resembled an arrow loosed from its bow, his high-speed movement causing air pressure to build up in front of him, resulting in a mass of compressed air.

nOnce he halted, this compressed air would explode, generating an initial shockwave to blast away anyone near his target.

nThis technique was the result of years of combat experience, impossible to master without extensive practical engagement.

nCode 19’s silent breach through the air was more intimidating than any noise, the sheer force of his approach far more terrifying.

nIn less than a hundred meters of Ali’s advancement, the distance between them was brutally halved!

nIt’s worth noting that Ali’s mana sensing reached beyond six hundred meters!

nCode 19’s speed was roughly three times her own.

nThis harsh reality did not cause Ali to hesitate or falter; instead, it solidified her resolve to press on.

nHow could I possibly defeat such a monster?

nHowever, when Code 19 closed in within a hundred meters of her, even Ali found herself without the capacity to continue forward.

nAt this distance, Code 19 could launch an assault at any moment.

nContinuing to flee would mean completely exposing her back to Code 19’s attack.

nThe only option left was to confront him head-on.

nAs Ali turned to face Code 19 head-on, her mana surged, surrounding her with a thin mist of color-tinged mana.

nThe first strike was a crucial moment that would dictate the flow of the battle.

nIf Ali could withstand this blow, then Code 19, having hastily advanced such a long distance, would find himself in a brief state of vulnerability.

nEven for an enhancement magus, launching into action so recklessly right after recovery would impose a significant strain on the body.

nConversely, should Ali fail to withstand the strike, there would only be one outcome.

nAnd the story could very well end there.

nThe accumulated air pressure rendered Code 19’s features indistinct.

nHaving faced him in battle before, Ali had somewhat adapted to Code 19’s speed.

nThough her body might not react swiftly enough, capturing his movements dynamically was feasible, even if she were left with just one eye.

nAt most, her field of vision would be limited.

nAs Code 19 reached Ali, covering the dozen meters in a flash, the moment the white wall of air exploded, Code 19’s dagger was already thrust forward!

nAmidst the howling wind, Ali stood her ground, unflinching.

nAlthough the exploding air seemed terrifying, the real danger wasn’t that at all—it was the thrusting dagger!

nRegardless of the situation, everything else was merely a feint for the actual attack.

nDetermining life and death required but a moment.

nMetal clashed against metal, emitting a sharp sound.

nAli didn’t see Code 19’s dagger, nor did her sword make contact with anything.

nBut, she heard the noise.

nA third person!

nFrom a blind spot in Ali’s vision, this third individual had remained concealed until the final second before acting, repelling Code 19 with a single strike!

nWhat precise calculation that was!

nCode 19 retreated instantly, his figure blurring as he seemingly split into three to evade the pursuit of the blurry figure.

nThe skirmish ended as quickly as it began, with the third person stepping back to stand in front of Ali, while Code 19 halted twenty meters away, pressing on his right forearm where blood seeped through his sleeve.

nOnly then did Ali clearly see the third person.

nRoronora.

nYet, this was not the Roronora Ali had known before.

nNow, his eyes were blood-red, his face expressionless, holding merely a small dagger.

nHowever, the bone-chilling intent to kill, reminiscent of a cheetah’s, could not be ignored.

nIf neglected, it would be this unassuming dagger that would find its way into your heart.

n“How did you get here?”

nAlthough Ali initially intended to join forces with Roronora against Code 19, she was somewhat taken aback by his actual appearance.

nThe timing seemed off.

nHadn’t she yet to reunite with Jelia and him?

n“Master… Jelia said, a companion is in danger. I waited outside, to help a companion,” Roronora kept his unwavering gaze on Code 19 in the distance, displaying a seriousness Ali had never seen on his face before.

n“The opponent is strong. Companion, and Roronora, fight together.”

nIt appeared even Roronora doubted his chances against Code 19 alone, wanting to combat alongside Ali.

n“Orc? Half-orc? There are still orc bloodlines of such purity on the continent? If those who clandestinely study such things knew, they’d be thrilled,” Code 19 released his grip from the wound, his injury proving to be a mere graze despite Roronora’s advantage of surprise.

n“It seems, I need to adjust my target.”

nCode 19 raised his hand, pointing the two-foot short sword towards Roronora’s face.

n“You’re stronger than the half-elf. If you have any more tricks or stronger allies and aces up your sleeve, now’s the time to use them.”

nThe desire to battle strong opponents is almost a universal weakness among enhancement magi, perhaps because the mana enhancement takes up the space where brains should be?

n“No more…” Roronora shook his head, “To kill you, my ally and I are enough.”

nWas it an illusion?

nAli felt Roronora’s speech had become a bit more fluent.

n“Get ready…” Roronora’s back arched, like a feline readying to pounce.

nAs if by an invisible force, Ali found herself perfectly synced with Roronora’s rhythm in that moment. .

nShe slightly shifted her stance, positioning herself a half-step behind and to the right of Roronora.

nCode 19 licked his lips, a bloodthirsty smile spreading across his face.

n“Interesting, really interesting!”

nYou want to kill me? Then come and try! Let’s see who falls!

nRoronora took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, his gaze intensifying.

n“Attack!”

nAs the signal was given, all other sounds seemed to fade away, his legs moving as if of their own accord, with consciousness becoming insignificant.

nIn Ali’s vision, only a thin red line remained.

nThat would be the trajectory of his sword swing.

nAlong this path, Code 19’s movements would be severely restricted, providing Roronora with the greatest opportunity!

nThough Roronora spoke not a word, the moment his spirit expanded, Ali found herself completely immersed in his rhythm.

nSuch potent influence she had only observed in Red Eye!

nUnlike Red Eye’s domineering force, Roronora’s influence was subtle, silently accomplishing its mission.

nBy the time Ali became aware, she found no means to extricate herself.

nIndeed, were this an enemy’s tactic, one might never sleep peacefully again.

nFeeling her body surge forward, almost beyond her control, and reaching its speed limit in less than half a second, her muscles groaned as if tearing apart, even her bones started to creak.

nHer physical capabilities were pushed to the brink; Ali broke away from behind Roronora, changing direction on a tree trunk, spinning to shorten the red line in her vision.

nHer sword flipped, hiding the blade behind her, rendering Code 19 unable to predict her move.

nRoronora’s strike was indeed the most lethal, but even the deadliest attack is futile if it misses.

nWithout Ali’s cooperation, Roronora could at best hold Code 19 at bay, unable to pose a real threat to his life.

nAlthough Roronora led the charge, the one who played the most crucial role was Ali, being guided.

nAs her speed intentionally decreased, Roronora positioned himself half a step behind Ali, his dagger beginning to spin.

nFive meters… four meters… three meters… two meters… strike!

nAli, reaching the position first, spun her body, her sword tracing a bright spiral in its rotation.

nThe tip of the sword, whistling with malevolent force, cleaved through the red line, aiming directly for Code 19’s head!

nAlmost the moment Ali launched her attack, Code 19 reacted, his short sword sweeping upwards not to block, but to counterattack, aiming for Ali’s abdomen.

nIf Ali persisted in her offensive, Code 19’s blade would slash her open before she could strike him.

nTrading a severe wound for a life, this was Code 19’s valor and his cunning.

nAt present, the visible advantage lay with Roronora and Ali.

nAlthough Roronora hadn’t fully regained his strength, displaying the capabilities of a level 2 magus wasn’t an issue for him.

nUnder these circumstances, neither Roronora nor Ali would opt for a life-for-life strategy.

nInstead, they would choose a more prudent approach.

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