An overwhelming force surged back through Ray's arms. The recoil slammed his own hammer into his stomach, sending him flying backward.
In that moment of extreme concentration, Ray's mind was crystal clear. He knew that if he continued retreating, the hammer in his left hand would never reach his teacher.
So he made a split-second decision.
He released his grip.
The heavy hammer tore free from his hand and flew straight toward Alfred like a cannonball.
Alfred casually flicked his wooden sword sideways, brushing against the incoming hammer.
His martial soul was a sword. His path was the realm of One Sword Cleaves All Techniques. No matter the opponent or the attack, he responded with a single sword.
This time, however, that confidence wavered.
The instant the hammer and sword collided, a terrifying wave of force surged through the wooden blade. Alfred hadn't released his martial soul and had only used a fraction of his soul power. Even so, his expression changed.
