The Passive Income System

KRRRRRA-KOOOM!

Thunder roared as we faced each other in our respective stances. I, being no pro, opted for a relaxed form. I kept the bamboo sword in my right hand, pointing downward. Saeko, on the other hand, was using a new style I hadn't seen before, but given my inexperience, that wasn't all that surprising.

Her bloodlust grew and grew, to the point that I felt the surroundings grow colder. Her cold blue eyes were the very definition of someone in a flow state. Her bamboo sword tilted slightly downward, angled diagonally. Her left foot was slightly forward, with her right hand gripping the handle just loosely enough to react instantly.

She had the aura of a master, but she was only eighteen!

KRRRRRA-KOOOM!

"Busujima-style: Kage-giri!" With a shout that was nearly drowned out by the thunder, she vanished—no, she was just suddenly there, as if the air itself had bent around her movement. A cold gust brushed against my face, the only proof that she had moved at all.

What the—?!

Whack!

I could only react instinctively. It was pure luck that I managed to block her attack.

Pushed back a few steps, I readjusted my body and prepared for her follow-up. Again, she vanished—almost like something straight out of an anime—and reappeared in front of me!

How is she doing that? Watching her move was mesmerizing.

Whack!

Whack!

She attacked eleven times, and I wished I could say I countered her technique, but I didn't. All I could do was block and make sure I didn't end up on my ass. At least, I understood it to some degree. 

"Impressive. Mind telling me how you blocked that?" Her voice wasn't cold like I expected—it actually sounded warmer than usual.

On a side note, our positions had flipped, and we were now standing closer than when we had started. Still, I didn't let the silence linger.

"Honestly, I just struck where it needed to be struck."

"You make it sound trivial."

"It isn't, but I'm sure anyone with fast enough reflexes should be able to block the attacks. As for countering... yeah, they'd definitely need extensive training."

She nodded her head, and at the same time, changed her stance.

'A different method.' Seeing her adjust, I decided to do the same. Remembering Saeko's last stance, I copied it.

Her mouth opened slightly, and she stared at me in amusement.

I tilted my bamboo sword slightly downward, my left foot slightly forward, and my right hand loose enough to react instantly. It felt strange at first, but that was a given.

'This stance seems to rely on a quick, deadly downward slash. So speed and a sudden burst of strength on the swing should be the key to using it.'

My theory was only just a theory, and there was only one way to test it.

"HAH!" A strong shout erupted from me as I burst forward with great speed. It wasn't on the level of Saeko's masterful craft, but it was fast enough to force her to change plans!

Closing the distance in what felt like an instant, my sword descending with a vicious arc, adrenaline and thrill pushing me forward.

WHACCCCK!

"Da—GUAH!"

She caught my swing with her sword and redirected the force, countering with a quick horizontal sweep. The impact sent me flying a few feet to the side, and a sharp, burning pain assaulted my left side.

I couldn't falter, though!

I stomped on the ground and executed an instinctive spin-swing.

Catching her off guard, I parried her follow-up—a diagonal slash aimed at me. She didn't lose her sword or grip and quickly readjusted, but I didn't relent. With sharp reasoning and heightened awareness, I moved with what I felt.

No copied stance.No reluctant thoughts.I just moved with the flow of my body and mind!

Drip~

Drip~ Drip~

A cold sensation touched my skin at some point, and my vision began to distort.

The rain soaked through my clothes, the fabric clinging uncomfortably to my skin. Each movement felt heavier, the damp weight of my shirt restricting the freedom of my arms. My sleeves stuck to my forearms, pressing against my muscles like a second layer of skin, cold and suffocating. Drops slid down my face, mingling with sweat, blurring my vision with a mix of water and exhaustion. Even my grip on the bamboo sword felt weaker—the slickness of the rain making it harder to maintain control.

Seizing the opportunity, I strode forward with another surge of speed. I needed to claim this before the increased weight and exhaustion could make me any weaker. I was already outclassed in skill, if I lost something I was decent in then I really stood no chance. 

"Hmph!"

With a muffled shout, I swung horizontally at her position. The sheer force behind my strike split the rain and wind as I closed in. The closer I got, the clearer I could see her—and, more specifically, her blue eyes.

She stared at me with a frigid gaze and a light smile that was unmistakably mocking. I didn't take it to heart, but I couldn't deny the slight irritation bubbling within me.

"Busuj—"

She said something, but the sound of the now heavily pouring rain drowned it out.

I barely registered her movement.

Then, sharp, searing pain.

"Holy fu-"

I couldn't say much—only feel it. The sheer difference between us in this final moment. Through the rain and my blurred vision, I could still see her—standing tall, unshaken.

She truly is amazing.

But admiration didn't last long. My knees buckled; my vision constantly pulsed with the pounding of my heartbeat. I tried to hold myself up, but my body was too heavy!

Darkness swallowed me whole as I collapsed onto the ground.