GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 31.3: Perturbation Vector

"They're isolating the remaining sword user," Vel observed, leaning forward. "Classic pincer movement."

Marcus and Jana circled Eldon like predators, coordinating their movements with practiced accuracy. They attacked from opposite sides, forcing Eldon to constantly pivot between threats.

"He can't maintain defense against both," Tomas whispered.

Eldon's hesitation vanished, replaced by a hardened resolve in his gaze. He dug his boots into the sand, widening his stance, and raised his sword until it stood vertical before him. A vortex of wind immediately coiled around him, kicking up a spiral of dust.

To the audience, Eldon seemed to stand perfectly still—but every attack that neared him, whether dagger or sword, met an invisible blade that appeared and parried at the exact moment of impact. The clang of metal rang out again and again as Jana and Marcus tried in vain to land their strikes.

"A defensive sword art!" Celia exclaimed, her eyes widening. "I've heard of this technique but never seen it performed."

"Fascinating tradeoff," Janos commented, his voice carrying over the din. "Sacrificing mobility for near-impenetrable defense. But this stance takes a toll—the user cannot hold it forever."

Just as on cue, the stream of air around Eldon began to slow, his face straining with effort.

"Gaia Slam!"

Marcus slammed his sword downward. The ground split and surged, a wave of jagged rock jutting up toward Eldon. The final strike knocked him upward, breaking his balance. He crashed back down onto one of the stone spikes left behind by the attack.

Eldon's protective charm broke with a loud crack, glowing fragments dispersing into the air. A protective spell instantly materialized, shielding him from further harm.

At that same moment, Sylwen knelt down and drew her bow with extraordinary focus. Her stance shifted subtly as she nocked three arrows simultaneously.

"That's—" Vel began, but fell silent as Sylwen released.

The arrows flew in different trajectories—one straight toward Marcus, while the other two arced widely to either side. Marcus deflected the center arrow with a casual swing of his sword, smirking at what appeared to be a desperate final attempt.

Jana, seeing an opportunity to finish the match, pivoted sharply and dashed toward the now-exposed Sylwen.

"Jana, watch out!" Marcus shouted, suddenly realizing the trap.

But his warning came too late. The two arcing arrows had completed their circular flight path, curving back toward Sylwen.

On their return, Jana was now directly in their path. Both struck her squarely in the back as she charged. She collapsed face-first into the sand, just paces away from Sylwen.

"ASTONISHING!" Janos bellowed. "A perfectly executed Circling Volley! Jana Farlight is ELIMINATED! This match has come down to a one-on-one duel between Marcus Valenne and Sylwen Wyvell!"

Vel leaned forward, enthralled by the duel unfolding before him. With both teams reduced to a single combatant, the match had become a true test of skill—steel against precision, endurance against grace.

Marcus wasted no time, sprinting toward Sylwen with his blade held low. The strategy was clear: close the gap and crush the archer's range advantage.

"He's not giving her any breathing room," Vel observed, analyzing Marcus's advance.