Brainwashed Then Woke Up To Find My Childhood Friend a Hero

14. Close-quarters combat, huh?

Gildia and I glare at each other as we engage.

Maintaining his speed, Gildia states, “I have strength.”

Just like before! But the intimidation factor has risen compared to earlier. I strap the shield to my arm, positioning it in front of me as I charge forward.

Gildia seems to think it’s difficult to dodge a shield in the narrow corridor, so he winds up his fist from the front.

The fist and shield collide. Sparks fly, and the shockwave creates cracks in the wall.

I am sent flying backward by Gildia’s punch.

His knuckles are scraped, blood flowing.

A moment of silence descends.

I immediately start running, gripping the shield like a knuckle duster, aiming for his face while trying to kick at his lower body, which is out of his line of sight.

“Don’t move!”

At that, my body momentarily stiffens, causing me to lose my balance and drop to one knee. Gildia seizes the opportunity, winding up his fist to strike my side. I reflexively block his punch with the shield, but I am slammed against the wall.

“Ugh!”

Without hesitation, Gildia attempts to follow up with a kick, but I throw the shield as a pivot. Gildia leaps on one foot in a split second. Seizing that moment, I retrieve the shield embedded in the wall and turn my back toward the open warehouse, where Gildia, having regained his footing, winds up his fist again. I use that to create distance between us, backstepping to reduce the impact while gaining distance.

I am blown away, creating space.

Seeing this as an opportunity, I prepare ＜Shield Slash＞.

“Ugh! I am tough!”

Confirming that Gildia has gone on the defensive, I unleash ＜Shield Slash＞ toward the ceiling of the corridor.

“Hey!”

I hear Gildia’s voice filled with surprise.

As a result, the ceiling collapses, creating a mountain of rubble between Gildia and me.

I unleash a “Shield Slash” towards the pile of debris.

The slash shatters the rubble and strikes Gildia in the abdomen, who was on the other side.

However, the blow only leaves a bruise-like mark on Gildia’s skin; it’s not a decisive hit.

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Did he manage to endure without changing his gift based on instinct?

Damn it. We’ve created quite a distance; at this rate, he can dodge it, and it won’t be effective.

The magical power wrapped around my shield is thinning, and the pitch-black aura is also fading.

Using “Shield Slash” any further will consume too much magic! But I learned from earlier that close combat is not in my favor, so he will come closer! That’s when I’ll counter!!

I steeled my resolve.

Gildia glares at me and shouts,

“I am fast!”

Gildia accelerates to maximum speed in the shortest distance.

What?! He’s on a whole different level of speed!

I take a kick to the abdomen. Unable to brace myself, I’m sent flying back towards the warehouse.

I land on my back.

The kick, released with an acceleration greater than before, dents my dark armor, causing the magical power contained within it to leak out.

The direct hit to my stomach leaves my side aching. I confirm that my ribs are broken.

And I reaffirm one thing:

Is he unbelievably strong?!?!