169　Issenza Match Part 4

　Saint Raspberry Bell. She was, no matter how you spun it, just too strong――

　The enthusiasm of the audience reached a climax.


"…………"

　One man stared at it in a bored manner.

　It was Rave. He did not care that his own father was devastated by the cruel defeat and just stared coldly at Raspberry Bell, who was being applauded by the cheering crowd.

　He had one thought―― I wouldn't have fallen for it.

　All he could think was that it was crazy to fall for such a blatant misdirection.

　It was the obsession with the Issenza title. After all, Rothman was out of his mind. In order to regain his former glory as soon as possible, he devoted six months of his life exclusively to working on countermeasures for Second, which was, to say the least, foolish. Rave calmly analyzed that his impatience and narrow-mindedness were no doubt the cause of his falling for Raspberry Bell's trickery.


"……Easy win, I guess."

　He was not as careless as his father.

　Raspberry Bell had too low of status. This was even crucial in a Swordsmanship match, such as a low STR that could not entirely cut down his HP even if Rothman was hit with seven hits of 《Silver Swordsmanship》 could prove problematic.

　Even before the game started, Rave had an overwhelming advantage.
　In other words, you could think of the game as starting with a handicap of two pawns (no use of Dragon King, Dragon Horse, Rook, or Bishop) or more. So much was the status difference between the two of them.

　Rave, not doubting his victory in the slightest, muttered as if it were a foregone conclusion.

"I'll be the one fighting Second Triple Crown."





　Final match of the tournament to determine the Issenza challenger.

　Rave vs. Raspberry Bell.

　There was a cold silence between the two opponents as they faced each other in the center of the arena.

　On the one hand, a bored, dull, and cold expression.
　The other side had a cold stare as if observing a fish on a chopping board.


"Senpai was saying you were amazing. Like a genius."

　Raspberry Bell was the first to open her mouth.

　Rave instantly understood that when she said senpai, she was referring to Second Triple Crown.

　It was a statement that came as a surprise to him.

"What? Really? "

　The boy, who had been cold to everything, showed a response for the first time.

　Seeing this, Raspberry Bell opened her mouth with a smirk.

"Well, that I wonder."
"…………"

　In an instant, Rave's grumpiness returned.

　Raspberry Bell's words were undeniably true, but Rave thought it was a lie to poke fun at him.


"I saw your first and second games. You're pretty good for a young man."

　What came next was a compliment from herself.

　Rave, however, was unable to take it at face value.


"Because I'm a genius."

　Without showing any modesty at all, Rave replied matter-of-factly.


　……Genius. All his life, he had grown up being told that by those around him.

　In fact, he was probably a genius. The fact that he stood here at the young age of sixteen was the best proof of this.

　However…… He had yet to truly know the weight of the word 'genius'.

　He had never yet been exposed to real genius.


"You've never trembled yourself."
"……? "
"You've never cried."
"……No."

　In response to Raspberry Bell's question, Rave scoffed, "Isn't that obvious?".


"Because I've never lost."


　There was no need to shiver, no need to shed a tear.

　That has been and will continue to be the case.


"I guess so."

　After all, he has never known defeat in a serious competition.

　Raspberry Bell, who was right in her prediction…… grinned and said.


"That's the first thing you have to learn, kid."

　A gesture that clearly looked "down" on him.

　Rave frowned silently and took his position.


"Bow to each other!　Get ready! "

　At the referee's order, he bowed languidly and held his long sword loosely.

　Raspberry Bell, after a graceful bow, pulled a sword from her inventory―― a "mithril longsword".


　No matter what comes, my advantage will never wane……He thought. Rave remained undisturbed and just focused on the person in front of him.



"――Begin! "

　As soon as the match was signaled to begin, both sides began to close the gap between them.

　Raspberry Bell was not stupid enough to try the same trick two games in a row. Rave knew that…… but still wondered why she didn't bring out her great sword, which would have compensated for her weakness, while the distance between the two sides was still open.

"…………"

　Still, what Rave must do remained the same.

　When the gap between the two became narrow, he unleashed a 《Soldier Swordsmanship》 and 《Knight Swordsmanship》 Combine, as if to thrust at her right foot.

He did not know the name 『Seven System』 and called this series of game plans 『Second's Formula』.

　Six months ago, he was taken by his father to watch the Issenza match, as he had always done.


　Since that time, he became a captive of Second's Formula…… or rather, of Second himself.


　He felt that his own father was somewhat of a trivial figure. The world might call this rebellion, but his case was different. The reason was that his talent far exceeded his father's.

　Indeed, Rothman possessed a first-class technique. For Rave, however, it seemed to be a rather boring Swordsmanship that was all about the techniques.

　That was not limited to Rothman. Everyone competing in Issenza was a bore. They all used only boring Swordsmanship. Indeed, that's what he thought, until…… six months ago.


"Over."

　At the moment you entered the state of the Second's formula, your own victory was decided.

　Rave was sure of that.


　――There is no way I can lose. My admiration, my goal, the Swordsmanship of that strongest man, Second Issenza, cannot be defeated.



"I don't think so. It's just the beginning."

　Raspberry Bell calmly chimed in with a tsukkomi, and at the same time, she went into her Game Plan.

　In the second move, Raspberry Bell took a big step back and dodged.
　For the third move, Rave aimed Raspberry Bell's hand, which was thrown out into the air, and slashed it with 《Soldier Swordsmanship》.
　Fourth move, evasion. The slightly larger evasion in the second move gave her plenty of room to maneuver here.
　On the fifth move, he prepares 《Rook Swordsmanship》 and releases it to thrust into Raspberry Bell's bosom.

　Then, the sixth move. Raspberry Bell combined 《Bishop Swordsmanship》 and 《Knight Swordsmanship》 to thrust into Rave's face.

　《Knight Swordsmanship》 had the special effect of vital points, and hits to vital points had 200% more firepower at the 9th grade. The vital point determination came out primarily in attacks from the face to the neck or heart if a human opponent was involved.


"I knew."

　This turnaround, Rave had expected.

　This is where the difference in power came into play. Even though 《Knight Swordsmanship》 has a special effect on vital points, the difference in status between the two players now would not be enough to overcome the power of 《Rook Swordsmanship》.

　If that were the case, the right thing to do would be to attack each other, not daring to dodge.

　It's decided―― Rave was convinced of his victory.



"Idiot."

　Raspberry Bell leaked a single word.


　――At that moment, everything went into slow motion.

　Then, her sword tip, like a frame-by-frame motion, slowly, carefully, dropped downwards to aim at…… Rave's hand.



"……u……"


　A shudder. In an instant, he broke out in a cold sweat.


　It was a really dumb oversight. Just because 《Knight Swordsmanship》 had a special effect on vital points did not necessarily mean that one would always aim at them.


　Raspberry Bell swung her mithril longsword down into Rave's hand as she lowered her left leg to duck her body.

　Rave's long sword was deflected slightly out of Raspberry Bell's bosom and made to swing into an empty space.


　Immediately after, he felt a severe pain at the tip of his left hand.

　Numbness enveloped his entire arm, and he involuntarily let go of the long sword.



"　"


　……A lie.

　Rave felt like screaming.


　It was too dumbfounding.

　Such an easy way to lose.

　It was, above all, an unforgivable humiliation.


　But…… no matter how much he regretted it, it was too late.

He might explain it away in his mind, "Normally I wouldn't make such a dumb mistake".

　However, he had been careless. That fact was inescapable. There was no taking it back.


　Clang―― The long sword dropped to the ground.

　When Rave looked up, he saw…… Raspberry Bell holding a great sword, wondering when she had taken it out.


"……I have trembled and I have cried. Do you know why? "

　Raspberry Bell spoke to Rave, who was unarmed, as she began ruthlessly preparing her 《Dragon King Swordsmanship》 in front of him.

"Why……"

"Because I want to win. There is no reason for it. I want to win. I definitely want to win. I want to win, I want to win, I want to win, I want to win even if it kills me, to the point that I will do everything in my power in order to win."

　The preparation for 《Dragon King Swordsmanship》 was completed.

　Rave forgot to pick up his sword and just listened blankly to Raspberry Bell's words.


"A genius is not a cold person who can do everything with ease, as you seem to think. They are people who can risk everything to win, no matter how much they lose or how frustrated they feel. Someone stronger, mightier, and more determined to win than anyone else."

"……! ! "


　At that moment, Rave was tremendously ashamed of himself.

　Thinking back, he had never worked so hard to have risked everything.

　He thought it was somehow uncool to try so hard without any leeway.


　Now, at this time, he must feel remorse for himself for not taking the second long sword out of his inventory.
　Now, at this time, he should be ashamed of himself for not picking up the long sword that was knocked off in desperation.


　He was mistaken.

　Second Triple Crown was not a genius because he could easily do anything he wanted.
　He was a genius because he wanted to win more strongly than anyone else, and he was willing to bet everything on it.



"So…… now it's over."

　Raspberry Bell uttered one last comment and swung down the 《Dragon King Swordsmanship》 with her great sword.

　No matter how much difference in status there may be, a direct hit by one of these would be a mortal blow.


　His loss.

　It was the first time he had lost in a serious competition, in front of a large crowd.

　A very unbearable feeling of being denied everything about yourself.

　Frustrating. Ashamed. And it hurt like hell.

　After a few hours, he will cry. After a few days, he will tremble.

　And yet, somehow…… he felt so refreshed.


"Thank you very much."

　――She let me meet him. Indirectly, she let me meet the person I longed for.


　Thus, his first Issenza battle came to a close with words of gratitude.

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Thank you for reading.

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Cheat sheet

Status Details

HP　Hit Points
MP　Magic Points
SP　Stamina Points
STR　Short range attack skill power, strength, physical power.
DEX　Long range attack skill power, dexterity, hit rate.
AGI　Quickness, avoidance rate.
INT　Attack Magic skill power.
LUK　Good luck, critical rate.
VIT　Simple defense.
MGR　Magic defense.

Skill Ranking

From lower (16th) to higher (1st) class, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade

• 16th class
• 15th class
• 14th class
• 13th class
• 12h class
• 11th class
• 10th class
• 9th class
• 8th class
• 7th class
• 6th class
• 5th class
• 4th class
• 3rd class
• 2nd class
• 1st class
• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5
• Grade 6
• Grade 7
• Grade 8
• Grade 9 (Can challenge Title when all related skills are at this level)

Types of combat skills

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

1. Pawn/Soldier (Fuhyou)
2. Lance(Kyousha)
3. Knight (Keima)
4. Silver General (Ginshou)
5. Gold General (Kinshou)
6. Bishop (Kakugyou)
7. Rook (Hisha)
8. Promoted Bishop/Dragon Horse(Ryuuma)
9. Promoted Rook/Dragon King (Ryuuou).

List of Swordsmanship skills

【Swordsmanship】　Damage： STR Dependent.

《Dragon King Swordsmanship》　Powerful ranged attack forward + stun.
《Dragon Horse Swordsmanship》　Powerful ranged attack in all directions.
《Rook Swordsmanship》　Very strong single-target attack.
《Bishop Swordsmanship》　Quick and powerful penetrating attack.
《Gold Swordsmanship》　Ranged attack in all directions.
《Silver Swordsmanship》　Strong, single-target attack.
《Knight Swordsmanship》　Precision attack＋added damage against vital points.
《Lance Swordsmanship》　Penetrating attack.
《Soldier Swordsmanship》　Normal attack.

(Rook＋Knight, Silver＋Knight, Lance＋Knight, Soldier＋Knight are possible for Combine)

List of Jojutsu (cane) skills

【Jojutsu】Thrust・Strike・Sweep

《Dragon King Jojutsu》　Extremely powerful wide-area attack
《Dragon Horse Jojutsu》　Wide range defense + knockback
《Rook Jojutsu》　Very powerful ranged attack
《Bishop Jojutsu》　Rush piercing attack
《Gold Jojutsu》　Very strong defense
《Silver Jojutsu》　Powerful ranged attack
《Knight Jojutsu》　Rush attack
《Lance Jojutsu》　Piercing attack
《Soldier Jojutsu》　Conventional attack

List of Spearmanship skills

【Spearmanship】

《Dragon King Spearmanship》　Extremely powerful single-target attack
《Dragon Horse Spearmanship》　Powerful long-range attack (shockwave)
《Rook Spearmanship》　Rush attack (charge thrust)
《Bishop Spearmanship》　Powerful ranged attack (Cleave)
《Gold Spearmanship》　Counterattack (Counter)
《Silver Spearmanship》　Powerful single-target attack (charge thrust)
《Knight Spearmanship》　Forward leaping attack (leaping thrust)
《Lance Spearmanship》　Ranged attack (Cleave)
《Soldier Spearmanship》　Normal Attack (Thrust)

List of Archery skills

【Archery】

《Dragon King Archery》　Powerful on-impact ranged attack.
《Dragon Horse Archery》　Powerful piercing ranged attack.
《Rook Archery》　Very strong single-target range attack.
《Bishop Archery》　Strong piercing range attack.
《Gold Archery》　Range attack with added knockback.
《Silver Archery》　Strong single-target range attack.
《Knight Archery》　Precise sniping range attack.
《Lance Archery》　Piercing range attack.
《Soldier Archery》　Normal range attack.

List of Shieldmanship skills

Shieldmanship

1. 《Soldier Shieldmanship》　                  Normal defense.
2. 《Lance Shieldmanship》　                    Piercing deflection.
3. 《Knight Shieldmanship》　                   Defense + knockback.
4. 《Silver Shieldmanship》　                     Defense +chance to parry
5. 《Gold Shieldmanship》                           Ranged guided defense + knockback.
6. 《Bishop Shieldmanship》                       Reinforced defense (Temporarily boosts VIT and MGR)
7. 《Rook Shieldmanship》　                      Rush attack
8. 《Dragon Horse Shieldmanship》　    ???
9. 《Dragon King Shieldmanship》　       Powerful shield attack, takes time to prepare

Types of Magic skills

They use the “Form” or “step” system of martial arts. From lower to higher.

1. First Form　      　      Regular attack
2. Second Form　      　 Extended range attack
3. Third Form　      　    Strong single target attack
4. Fourth Form　      　  Strong extended range attack
5. Fifth Form　      　      Extremely powerful extended range attack

• Their cast time becomes longer in this order First→Third→Second→Fourth→Fifth.

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 ToC    

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