A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5278

“Jared,” Hendrix said, solemn now, the earlier arrogance erased. “Your sword technique commands my respect. But this match bears the honor of my entire sect. I will not—cannot—hold back.”

Jared bowed with measured courtesy, his voice calm yet edged with anticipation. “Please, Hendrix—show me what the Seven-Star Sword can truly do.”

Hendrix answered with no more than a flick of his wrist. The Seven-Star Sword thrummed like tempered thunder, its seven embedded gems lighting in unison with a cold blue shimmer.

“Seven Shooting Stars—first form, Starry Chess!”

The shout cracked the air. A galaxy of blue swordlights burst from the blade, each sliver a pin of starlight that sealed every exit around Jared, hemming him inside a tightening constellation.

Though scattered to the eye, every single light resonated with the other, an invisible array craft covering Jared in a net woven from pure strategy.

Spectators leaned forward until the arena blurred, jaws slack as the intricate storm unfolded.

“That's Starry Chess! Hendrix has sharpened it again!”

“Its light is so dense. There's no gap to dodge! Jared may be in real trouble this time!”

Yet Jared stood utterly composed, not a ripple disturbing the surface of his focus.

He drew Dragonslayer Sword into a slow spin. Metal sang in widening circles until a sword wheel of gold-edged light formed before him.

The sword wheel brightened. The sword intent was compressed to a razor's edge, gold against the incoming blue.

Clang after clang hammered the arena as every blue shard struck the wheel, ringing off harmlessly and falling away like sparks from an anvil. Not one ray pierced the golden barrier.

Hendrix's brow tightened. He had not expected a defense that stout.

He called out, “Seven Shooting Stars—second form, Starry Rebound!”

His left hand traced a rapid hand seal, and the longsword in his right hand swept up. The scattered blue lights reversed mid-flight, boomeranging from every angle toward Jared with twice the cunning of the first strike.

The shift came so fast it felt like lightning changing its mind.

However, Jared was already moving, Traceless Move flowing beneath his boots. His outline blurred—a phantom threading needles of light.

Dragonslayer Sword flicked in quick silver arcs, each parry shaving danger by a hair and forcing Hendrix to parry in turn.

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