He is neither a Sword Master nor a noble; he doesn't need honor nor does he enjoy competing. All a warrior requires is battle and victory.
This guy has the ability to transfer damage to these soldiers, so if the soldiers are killed first, he won't be able to convert the damage anymore.
Killing is all...
"I'm just a bandit."
Sipher sliced off a soldier's head on the ground with one blow. "Nobles, armies, I find them all infuriating."
Long ago, Sipher was a bandit wandering the main island of Gares. As for the reason for becoming a bandit... it was because the army at that time wiped out his village, and he couldn't survive, so he became a bandit.
Later, when his reputation rose, the old King defeated him and extended an invitation. Not wanting to die, Sipher followed the old King.
Those were the best days. Although the old King couldn't stop the nobles and army's destruction, he would strive to ensure fairness.
Until the old King died, everything returned to square one.
The reason he chose Tihana was simply because he disliked the army. Even though he thought William might win and should follow the guidance of fate to choose William, he still accepted Tihana's invitation.
But that doesn't mean he likes nobles. Those land-owning nobles are only slightly better than those brutal armies. He has no burden in slaughtering these private soldiers raised by nobles.
"Just beating you is enough!"
Sipher's eyes shone with red light as he grinned menacingly at Hawkins.
Hawkins frowned slightly, the Long Sword transforming again into a Rice Straw Whip, dividing into several strands and encircling them.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
This time, Sipher swung a few blades directly, easily flinging the Rice Straw Whip aside. Compared to before, he seemed much more at ease.
The Observation in his eyes was still ongoing, as Sipher moved around, harvesting soldiers' lives, he said:
"Time's up; I've seen enough... Your attacks can now be mastered by me; your attacks are no longer effective."
"There's no helping it. It's unfortunate that I don't have the convenience of an Ability User. In itself, I don't have other methods; it's just that my senses are sharper, and I've gained more experience. When dealing with formidable foes like you, one must have their own ways."
"As long as someone fights with me for an extended period, once I've figured out their attack frequency, I automatically grasp their rhythm. Your speed, strength, and attack methods have all become familiar. Focus on spirit, master the frequency, which is..."
Sipher's dual blades drew a line across the ground, each slicing off several soldiers' heads, before he lifted his gaze and slowly said, "Martial Arts·Rhythm."
Urouge nodded in surprise as he watched, "I see, it's an exceptionally strong combat experience combined with Observation, creating this technique. Though it requires time, once you master the frequency, you can achieve a power akin to breaking through, how formidable."
Hawkins quietly watched as Sipher continued to harvest lives. In just a moment, dozens of soldiers were slain. Then he extended his hand and pulled out a deck of Tarot Cards.
"My ability isn't just about substitutes... Your technique is indeed impressive, but I said before, our victory rate is 99%, draw a card!"
After quickly shuffling, he swiftly pulled out a card, glanced at it, and a smirk appeared on his lips.
Urouge was momentarily stunned, instinctively saying, "Smashing Jade Excited Cheers?"
Hawkins shot him a glance, "Stop listening to Sage's nonsense. You're a monk, not illiterate."
As he spoke, he showed the Tarot Card to Sipher. Of course, the card wasn't the 'Blue Eyes White Dragon' that Sage often shouted, but rather a skeleton in a black robe holding a scythe.
"Tarot Card, God of Death."
Hawkins said, "My ability is divided into pursuit and support, also impacting the situation and surpassing one's limits with the cards. But against you, surpassing limits isn't necessary, ordinary use is sufficient."
"This God of Death card, upright represents failure, destruction, plague, stagnation; reversed represents a gleam of hope, breaking free from lowliness, healing the body... Simply put, upright weakens, reversed strengthens. The ability is used on you, by chance..."
Hawkins looked at Sipher, "Upright God of Death, Delay."
Buzz!
While Sipher was harvesting soldiers' lives, a purple light descended upon his body, causing his steps to halt and his dual blades' movements to noticeably slow down, as if burdened by a great mountain.
Whether it's the senses, the strength, or inside his body, they all became heavy and sluggish.
Hawkins's ability level overpowered Sipher's Haki, making the drawn cards extremely smooth.
"You bastard..." Sipher turned his head, his face devoid of the confidence it held earlier.
"Indeed, I've taken advantage of hundreds of soldiers. The more small fry there are, the more serious injuries I endure. My ability limit is ten times, but as long as you don't kill me ten times before I activate my ability, I can defeat you before you kill these soldiers."
Hawkins drew another Tarot Card, nodded, and said, "Hmm... According to Divination, before you kill the last hundred soldiers, my victory rate stands at 85%. Before killing the last ten soldiers, my victory rate is 99%."
"But there's no need for verification. We ensure absolute victory; for a competition, if you don't die, there will be opportunities in the future. Urouge, take action."
They... are two people.
Boom!
As soon as he finished speaking, a Breaking the Sky sound transmitted from nearby. Although Sipher sensed it, his sluggish reaction meant that he just raised his hand as the sound reached.