Only I Am A Reader

'No!'

Shaking himself awake from the trance of cowardice and complacency that overflowed his mind, Leo glared fiercely at the typical confrontation between a protagonist and an antagonist taking place. Wasn't it for the sake of changing this that he wholeheartedly devoted himself to climbing upwards?

It was true that he was shaking from reaching this point as a 'reader', but it wasn't purely from being nervous, he was also excited to change the certain! This was the finale he was raring to participate in, his chance to transform from a scapegoat to a true player!

In a battle between his accumulated emotions, negativity always took the first battle. However, Leo had no plan to let it destroy everything at this decisive moment. If cowardice and complacency were overflowing, then he just had to let his bravery and excitement overtake him as well!

'It's time to jump in!'

He hadn't stopped the Sword Demon from making his first move because he got cold feet. Rather, trying to stop the final boss from activating the Progenitor Sword was impossible. Direct contact made it simple, but he could still do it regardless. In order to really crush his plans, Leo had to let him start the preparation for his 'final phase' so he could best use his identity as a reader!

It was time for the former mid-boss to make his appearance!

"You, how do you know-"

Having already taken a turn around the arena to arrive behind the Sword Demon, the maskless Leo took a stable stance to make full use of 'Force Conduction', throwing his fist at the unprepared antagonist!

"Well said, brother."

"Aaa… Arthur?"

It would be only natural if he couldn't recognize his brother's face after so many years, especially considering Arthur's mutation. However, the protagonist showed his impeccable ability to observe by immediately calling out his brother's name!

"What…"

The supposed main character who had just been confidently facing the novel's ultimate boss was suddenly thrown into a fluster! He already knew that his brother had also taken on the sword path, it was also true that he had been growing in an abnormal manner. Even then, he just couldn't imagine him appearing by his side at this very moment!

The younger brother that used to follow him around was already much taller than him. He had grown to be quite the handsome- Wait! This definitely wasn't the time for a proud reunion!

His Sword Heart could tell him that Leo was already at the peak of the path just like him, he was even slightly higher? However, it couldn't explain why he was throwing fists at his opponent unarmed!

Ray's mind had many questions, but there was no second sword to tell him about everything. Most importantly, it wasn't the time for questions either!

"Another one? Just who was that free to interpret the lineage technique?!"

Sishh!

Holding his sides as he rose by stabbing a sword to the group, the Sword Demon exclaimed in anger. He was already upset that a trash 'crop' had stood up to him, but there was already another?

"Not everyone is busy falling for your trap, you know?"

Leo calmly smiled at the Sword Demon's irritated complexion. Ray's Sword Heart wasn't the reason behind his resistance to the Progenitor Sword's recall, and that was most certainly the case for Leo's mutation as well. The only reason they were both able to stand up to this final boss was Rain's foresight!

Just like the Progenitor Sword's blade recorded 99 subservient Sword Breathing Methods, it also held a lone method that stood above all. Leo originally had no idea what its name was, but that was no longer the case!

Universal Sword Breathing, that was the name of the only Sword Breathing Method with the ability to 'produce' personal breath. Unlike other Swordsmen, only those who practiced Universal Sword Breathing had the ability to make the breath they absorbed theirs. Through imprinting it with their own 'produce', it was possible to escape the source's restraint!

"So what?"

This wasn't a loophole in his plan, rather, this was a risk that the Sword Demon had already calculated. It was only natural for a founding artifact to have a lineage technique for those who could be trusted, and he particularly made sure not to add its translation keys in his 'bait'. Still, it seemed like someone was stubborn enough to try and decipher it…

Rain's thoughts had been practically head-on, his 'treasure' was the only cheat key that could give access to the final battle dungeon. It was just another part of Ray's plot armor, but Leo made sure to make good use of it!

"You think this is enough to change anything?"

The Sword Demon's irritation only resulted from the slight imperfections that deviated from his plan. Even an artifact that was practically made to nurture had its limits, the Progenitor Sword Could only support practitioners up to the 9th stage, even two Swordsmen who produced Innate Breath couldn't hold a candle to him. If he hadn't been careless just now… hm?

Confusion suddenly appeared on the Sword Demon's face. Even though he didn't especially practice any tempering techniques, his body should have been stronger as an actual 'practitioner'. How did…

"Interesting, I will make sure to study you well after your death."

Swish!

Deciding to end this first and find answers later, the Sword Demon gestured forward with his hand as a sword suddenly rose from the ground, flying towards Leo's neck! That was one pest taken care of!

"Don't worry about that…"

Klang!

However, the sword didn't make contact with its target! Forgetting the sword that was deflected away, the Sword Demon's eyes widened as he witnessed Leo's arm turn back to its original form!

"...You will find us to be more than enough."

However, the sword didn't make contact with its target! Forgetting the sword that was deflected away, the Sword Demon's eyes widened as he witnessed Leo's arm turn back to its original form!

"You are… Eleven!"