«Avalanche» (アバランシュ, Abaranshu?) is a high-level, 1-hit, Two-handed Sword category Sword Skill in Sword Art Online, New ALfheim Online and Project Alicization.
Description
«Avalanche» is a dash skill that is executed from a jōdan (overhead) stance [1] and consists of a single[2] downward[3] vertical slash.[4] As it is a two-handed Sword Skill, it cannot be deflected by just one hit from a one-handed sword.[5]
Even if the attack were blocked, the defender would be unable to transition to an effective counterattack due to the strong impact of the skill, while if the attack were dodged, the attacker would have plenty of time to prepare for the opponent's move due to the distance gained from the charge.[1]
In preparation for this skill, the user bends their lower body a little,[1] assuming an overhead position with the sword. Once the sword is dragged a bit back, the Sword Skill is initiated.[2]
Usage
| Instance | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Novel | Anime | Manga | |
| Volume 1, Chapter 7 | Episode 08 | Aincrad Manga Stage.004 | Kuradeel used this skill in his duel against Kirito. However, Kirito countered the skill by using Sonic Leap aimed at Kuradeel's weapon’s weak point, breaking the sword in the process due to its low durability. |
| Volume, 10 Chapter 4, Part 5 | Uolo Levanteinn used the skill against Kirito in their spar. Kirito was able to stop the skill and launch a counterattack by using the 4-hit Sword Skill Vertical Square. | ||
| Volume 11, Chapter 5, Part 4 | Raios Antinous used this Sword Skill in an attempt to kill Kirito. However, Kirito used «Whirling Current» to counter the skill and severed both of Raios' hands in the process. | ||
| Volume 14, Chapter 13, Part 5 | Quinella attempted to use this skill against Kirito, but it was blocked by his «Cross Block». | ||