Ye was feeling a bit nervous.
Sitting on a cliff overlooking a small island by the sea, Ye couldn't help but feel tense.
Since arriving in this world, this was the first time he would be fighting such a monstrously strong opponent. It was only natural to feel nervous.
And this monster was one Ye himself had created. Where was the justice in that?
But this battle was unavoidable.
Because Ye had talked big during his first encounter with Sen'emon in version 2.0, he was now in a difficult position. He had promised to fight Sen'emon when the time came, and now that the time had arrived, if he didn't follow through, he would lose all face.
After all, players on Earth still remembered that scene where Ye had boasted.
If you boast, you have to back it up, even if it kills you.
That said, the nervousness was unavoidable, especially as he watched that figure walking up the path, step by step, the pressure bearing down on him. Ye felt like he could barely breathe.
Maybe I should just let her pass?
Life is precious, after all!
The Traveler should be fine fighting two opponents at once, right?
I can trust her!
—But it was too late.
Sen'emon had already seen Ye.
There was no mistaking it.
Of course.
When she received the news at home that the resistance forces had suddenly invaded Narukami Island, Sen'emon realized it.
The time had finally come.
The moment that man had spoken of had finally arrived.
A smile of joy couldn't help but spread across her lips.
Now, looking up at the man sitting cross-legged on the cliff, looking down at her, Sen'emon couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
With this emotion, she softly spoke, "Do you remember what you said during our first meeting? That you and I would eventually have a battle, but the time wasn't right. So, is the time right now?"
The man looked down at her, his eyes as calm as still water, his expression unreadable.
In a voice devoid of emotion, he coldly replied, "The time has come."
Sen'emon's smile widened with joy. "This time, you won't use a puppet to fool me, will you?"
The man known as the Supreme Bishop of Fontaine replied indifferently, "As you wish."
And then,
"Good. In that case—"
Before she could finish, Sen'emon's figure had already appeared in front of the Supreme Bishop, standing so close that their eyes met.
And her drawn blade—was caught between the Supreme Bishop's right index and middle fingers.
Just like when he had saved the Traveler, and just like when he had saved Scaramouche, this was the third time Sen'emon had been effortlessly stopped by this man.
However, her smile grew even wider. "This strike, I used my full strength!"
As their eyes met, the man once again spoke the words he had said before: "This just shows how far your swordsmanship still has to go."
"In that case, draw your sword and let me see a stronger, higher level of swordsmanship!!"
With these words, Sen'emon instantly withdrew her blade, a flash of lightning, and landed behind the Supreme Bishop. However, she didn't immediately strike again.
Sen'emon turned to look at him, waiting for him to stand up.
—But Ye didn't really want to stand up.
That last strike had been terrifying. Ye had almost failed to react in time.
Letting this alternate account fight automatically was really too dangerous. If he hadn't reacted in time and got killed before even logging in, wouldn't that be a waste?
So should I log in now?
...But that would be too embarrassing, wouldn't it?
Ye had really talked too big earlier, and now he was in a tough spot.
After all, he was a man who valued his pride. Even if he was facing his own alternate account, he couldn't bring himself to cheat.
He had promised to give her what she wanted. He couldn't just take one strike and then log in, right? That would be too shameless.
Maybe... I should hold out a bit longer?
As Ye hesitated between his pride and his life, Sen'emon's smile faded, and her expression turned cold.
Looking at the Supreme Bishop's back as he sat motionless on the cliff, she spoke in a dangerous tone, "It seems the Supreme Bishop still doesn't take me seriously."
This time, without any hesitation, Sen'emon moved her right hand.
"Heavenly Sword."
There was no doubt.
This strike was the pinnacle of Sen'emon's swordsmanship.
This strike was the ultimate in martial prowess.
This strike... was the ultimate sword that could even cut down the gods of heaven and earth.
Facing this strike, the Supreme Bishop finally failed to react in time, failing to raise his hand to block.
The strike descended from behind, aimed at the Supreme Bishop's neck, and... without any suspense, it landed on his neck.
"HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!"
On Earth, countless players watching the animated short were stunned, shouting in disbelief.
Elysia covered her chest with one hand, her eyes wide, her heart racing, feeling both exhilarated and chilled to the bone.
This feeling had happened before.
It was during the scene where the Supreme Bishop had killed the Doctor.
And now, that feeling had returned.
It was the moment when Sen'emon's blade struck the Supreme Bishop's neck, when... the white blade slightly sank into his skin, then suddenly stopped, unable to go any further. Sen'emon's eyes widened in disbelief as this scene played out before the players' eyes.
"Sigh..."
The Supreme Bishop let out a soft sigh.
"It seems your blade is still a bit dull."
With these words, the Supreme Bishop gently raised his left hand and flicked the blade with his finger.
Clang!!
Snap!!
Sen'emon watched in shock as her beloved sword broke in two, the pieces spinning off into the distance.
She held the remaining half of her katana, staring in disbelief as the Supreme Bishop slowly stood up, her body frozen as if paralyzed.
The Supreme Bishop stood up calmly, turned around, and faced Sen'emon. He raised his right hand, his finger poised just before Sen'emon's forehead.
Maintaining this posture, the Supreme Bishop's cold voice softened slightly:
"Don't be afraid, and don't be lost. It's not that you're weak—it's that I'm too strong."
"Even now, weakened as I am, I am still too strong for 'this world.'"
"Your sword is indeed dull, but that's not your fault. It's the fault of 'this world.' It's the 'world' that binds your sword."
"If you remain confined within 'this world,' then with your sword alone, you will never be able to harm me."
"So, in the future, try stepping outside of 'this world.'"
"No, not just 'this world,' and not just 『this world』. To defeat me, you must go to a higher, greater [World]."
With these words, he gently flicked his finger.
Boom!!!!!
The animated short ended here.
The battle between the Supreme Bishop and Sen'emon.
The outcome was decided.