Chapter 170
Childe had made use of elemental transformation and Hydro Vision to enhance his strength during his rampage.
He would strive to use the least amount of force to conserve as much energy as possible.
Yomite, on the other hand was particularly skilled in applying pressure with the minimum effort needed to end a strike.
Like picking a lock, Yomite often took a shortcut by focusing his strength into a single powerful blow instead of applying repetitive thrusts, sacrificing accuracy in exchange for efficiency with his huge chunk of enchanted metal.
This led to counter moves, which allowed Childe to quickly read his movements.
Though neither of them deliberately went for the vulnerable parts of each other, and by default tried to keep each other alive, both of them had a different objective in mind regarding this fact.
Yomite was focusing on capturing him alive, while Childe wanted to prolong his battle as long as possible.
If there was anyone who proved to be more lethal in battle than the other, it was Childe.
He rarely missed a chance to finish someone off; usually using his speed to catch up to someone when the latter was hesitating or at a disadvantage, then closing the gap within mere heartbeats before delivering the killing blow, allowing him to land another one with equal or greater severity.
But Yomite lacked such advantages, thus he had to find a suitable opportunity to strike, as it would likely result in fatal wounds to the enemy and result in nothing but death.
That ruthless efficiency served him well in combat, where he dominated the scene despite being outmaneuvered by much faster opponents.
In terms of defense, Yomite was quite flexible and agile with his hips, which allowed him to easily block most of Childe's attacks as well as keep the pressure steady.
Whenever he blocked an attack, he would show resistance, keeping Childe's blood pumping to show that he was making an effort to fight back. This was crucial in denying Childe enough time to unleash his full arsenal.
But there was no denying that despite all of the difficulty, and this foggy weather, the tension of the fight remained fierce and very palpable.
"What a pain." Childe grumbled in irritation, slight smile painting his lips.
He dusted off his hands, giving himself a few seconds to cool down. "There were some really strong people in Liyue, but no matter how good they were, I always managed to come out on top within minutes. Not today though. Today might just be my favorite day."
His words caused Yomite's eyebrows to raise.
He didn't comment, choosing to use the time to gather his breath.
Without any other words, they resumed, their attacks were greeted with thunderous shouts.
As their swords met with deafening clangs, faint sparks lit up the quivering blades.
This persistent disturbance caused a slight tremble in the air.
It was almost like listening to the sound of two waves crashing together on the shore.
The noise echoed throughout the valley, bringing a tense silence to the plains, but also managed to attract unwanted attention…
"Yomite Hissha, you're special. I'll let you experience something good. Prepare yourself!" Childe said to him, he pushed forward once again, moving towards the final phase of battle with great vigor, leading Yomite into close range and ready for a critical moment.
Childe grasped a purple amulet of some sort in his palm, unknown power lying within…
"Now! Let's enjoy ourselv—"
However, at that moment, a shadow swept across both of them…
"My Lord!"
A voice suddenly came from behind.
Both Childe and Yomite turned around to face the unseen figure.
The man was covered from head to toe in black with occasional streaks of red— A black vest worn under an assassin themed slitted overcoat with a hoodie, streaks of metalic grey running along the the edges, complemented by a fur collar covering his shoulders and neckline revealing slightly pale skin and sharp features.
Black and red themed boots with, grey-colored, metallic shin guards covered up his lower thighs.
The gloves adorning his hands were also of a same theme as his boots and they held a crescent blade with two curved edges, ready to slice any opposition apart. Finally, a red colored, pyro empowered, gem was clipped, at the ends of his fur covered neckline, in the middle of his chest, and a crimson red mask adored his face, completely hiding his features from the view.
Overall, the man looked intimidating.
However…
"How dare you disturb me in the middle of my battle!? Do you not value your life!?" It almost sounded like a furious snarl, more so than a question. "I could end you before you even realized what happened! Get out of my sight!"
The slender blade of the Hydro element was raised in a straight line, as a hammer to strike at those insolent enough to disgrace the grounds of a duel.
"I-I'm terribly sorry, Lord Harbinger!" The man immediately bowed his head and bared his tongue in apology. His lip quivered nervously for just a second. He looked frightened, like he would cry if given the chance.
The man turned out to be a complete pushover when it came to his Lord, maybe because he was aware of his might.
His gaze lowered to the ground in submission, showing just how terrified he was of Childe. "It won't happen again! This subordinate wouldn't dare!"
"…Tch…Speak. What do you want?" Childe snorted coldly, narrowing his eyes ever so slightly as he relaxed his stance from the threat he had issued.
"I brought a letter from Her Highness!"
The servant bowed deeply again, handing him a fancy envelope with a letter hidden beneath it.
Out of all of the Harbingers, Childe was surprisingly the most merciful and direct to his underlings. He never tortured or killed any of his subordinates who were assigned to him, nor did he hurt them in any way.
He even gave them the privilege of sparring against him as a form of a training, so that even his subordinates could grow in strength, not only him. Even going so far as rewarding them hansomely with Mora if they managed to impress him.
That was why it was so surprising for the subordinate to see the rage in his eyes.
He knew their Lord must have been really furious that his match was interrupted, yet there was nothing the servant could do as Her Highness gave an order to deliver the message as swiftly as possible.