I Became The Rankers’ Number One Pick [EN]: Chapter 217

217.

To assess Bachelot’s capabilities, Seo-ah observed the fight, ready to use her skills.

Clang!

The blue blade of Ruin Blade crashed against the hammer’s handle, sending Bachelot sliding backward.

‘He’s being pushed back too easily.’

Yoo Ji-ahn’s movements seemed effortless, not even using his full strength. The difference in skill was obvious.

Seo-ah noticed Bachelot’s pupils dilating.

Bachelot was undoubtedly a top-tier hunter.

But Yoo Ji-ahn was simply stronger.

Normally, no one could match him in close combat, and his stats reflected that. Consecutive raids had only amplified his strength, and meeting Seo-ah had further accelerated his growth.

His combat sense, honed over four lifetimes, was unparalleled.

Witnessing his strength, Seo-ah felt a surge of ambition. She wanted to help Bachelot win.

“[Fighting], 20% increase.”

She cast a basic stat boost on Bachelot.

Bachelot’s muscles bulged with newfound power, and his speed increased.

Now, instead of being pushed back, he could parry Yoo Ji-ahn’s attacks, though he remained mostly on the defensive.

The terrified expression he wore earlier had calmed.

Watching him, a question arose.

‘How did he even consider challenging him on the street before?’

Without Camilla’s intervention, he would have lost instantly.

Swish-

The blade slipped past Bachelot’s defense, cutting his side.

“Kuh.”

Seo-ah quickly cast [Ironclad Pine Tree] [a defensive skill]. Fortunately, Bachelot was both a close-range fighter and a healer.

He could use recovery skills on himself during the fight.

Thanks to Seo-ah’s defense buff, Bachelot wasn’t afraid of taking hits and occasionally launched attacks.

However, Yoo Ji-ahn dodged with ease, then leaped back to create distance.

“Hah, hah….”

“Bachelot.”

Yoo Ji-ahn spoke to the panting Bachelot in a neutral tone.

“You’re putting too much strength in your wrist, preventing your arm strength from transferring, resulting in a lack of power. Your body is too stiff; you’re overthinking. You still have room to think.”

Yoo Ji-ahn dispelled the Ruin Blade and clenched his fist.

Instinctively, Seo-ah used [Teleport] to stand in front of Bachelot.

Yoo Ji-ahn hadn’t teleported, yet he appeared before Bachelot almost simultaneously with Seo-ah.

Seo-ah felt him hesitate as their eyes met.

Seo-ah seized the moment and used [Teleport] again, grabbing Bachelot.

Yoo Ji-ahn’s fist swung through empty air and slammed into the ground. Had he not paused, that fist would have hit Seo-ah.

Escaping with Bachelot, Seo-ah clicked her tongue and examined him.

‘He’s too tense.’

Bachelot wasn’t usually like this, but the psychological pressure was hindering his performance.

“Hunter Bachelot, snap out of it.”

[Skill ‘Silent Night’ is activated.] [A skill that calms and focuses the target.]

“I’ll help you; these opportunities are rare. Weren’t you waiting for a chance to fight Hunter Yoo Ji-ahn?”

“…Ah.”

As if realizing something from Seo-ah’s words, Bachelot’s expression cleared.

Seo-ah looked at Yoo Ji-ahn, who offered a subtle smile.

Thankfully, he had waited for Bachelot to regain his composure.

That alone could be considered his victory. In a real life-or-death situation, he wouldn’t offer such leniency.

Seeing Yoo Ji-ahn empty-handed, Bachelot also sheathed his weapon.

“I will fight properly now.”

Seo-ah increased all three of Bachelot’s buffs to 40%, deliberately holding back for fairness and security.

Even that made Bachelot’s jaw drop.

“I’ve never heard of such a powerful buff skill. Even a legendary item wouldn’t be this effective.”

“Go quickly; it won’t last long.”

Bachelot nodded and refocused on Yoo Ji-ahn.

The fear he felt earlier had vanished. With a stable mind, the magic power within him also stabilized, making it easier to exert strength.

Bachelot’s eyes shone sharply as he stared at Yoo Ji-ahn.

Yoo Ji-ahn, standing across from him, raised his hand and flicked his fingers a few times—a simple taunt.

Bachelot soared into the air, then descended upon Yoo Ji-ahn like a tidal wave.

He was much faster. Yoo Ji-ahn deflected Bachelot’s descending blade with the back of his sword.

As Bachelot landed, their weapons clashed fiercely.

Clang, clang! Clang!

With each exchange, Bachelot was surprised. He thought he could overwhelm Yoo Ji-ahn with his enhanced power.

However, Yoo Ji-ahn calmly blocked every attack with a single sword.

Despite feeling superior in strength and speed, Bachelot couldn’t break through Yoo Ji-ahn’s defense due to some subtle difference.

Bachelot possessed many combat skills, but lacked a decisive finishing move.

‘It’s especially frustrating at times like this.’

He had no choice.

Bachelot deliberately left his chest exposed. Yoo Ji-ahn seized the opportunity and thrust his dagger into the gap, but Bachelot grabbed Yoo Ji-ahn’s wrist.

Splat-

Blood splattered as Yoo Ji-ahn flipped over and fell to the ground.

Bachelot pinned him, the tip of his sword aimed at Yoo Ji-ahn’s eyes.

The sword stopped just short of contact. A moment of silence hung in the air.

“Okay, stop! That’s enough.”

“Haa.”

At Camilla’s voice, Bachelot exhaled and stood up.

A long scar marked his chest, courtesy of Yoo Ji-ahn. It was a true sacrifice play.