Moto Sekai Ichi – 175 | Sousaku – 創作

175　Reiou Match Intermission

"How do you feel now that you were not able to win the championship?! "
"What do you think was the cause of the large difference?! "
"What are your aspirations for the next competition?! "

As soon as the Summer Reiou Tournament was over, Vogue was interviewed by a large number of newspaper reporters in the corridor leading to the waiting room.

Six months ago she could still afford to ignore them.

However, at present she……

"It just so happened that my strategy didn't click. If Salamandra had been able to move more properly, who knows what the outcome would have been? I've been a little busy the past six months, so I'd like to be better prepared for the next challenge. But he has a very bad personality, so I'm sure he'll come up with some nasty maneuver that will prevail only against me. "

Excuses and slanders poured out of her mouth.

One could say, "She had no choice".
Those questions could only be answered with "because I was inferior to Second in everything" if one were to speak of the facts. But the pride of the former Reiou would not allow such miserable words.

Her mental state was on the edge. She was supposed to be intelligent, but now she couldn't even realize that the lie was slowly strangling her.

One hundred years of effort was totally negated, and rightly so. Rather, she was remarkably strong. Second must have seen through that strength. Hence, he crushed her to such a level.

"Second is coming! "

The excited press crowd around Vogue quickly quieted at the journalist's words, who had come running in a hurry.

Immediately after, the door on the arena side was opened and Second entered the passageway.

"Second Triple Crown! Congratulations on the defense! What are your feelings now?"
"Now that you have defended your second title, how do you feel about your third?"
"How many titles do you intend to win this season?! Please tell us about it!"

The reporters moved on at once. Not even a word of appreciation for Vogue.

In the end, every single reporter was gone from in front of Vogue.

"What the hell……"

Pathetic. That was the only word to describe it.

Vogue forgot to even walk away and could only stare blankly at Second as he was surrounded by reporters.

"Huh? Hey, did you guys even interview Vogue?"

Then Second, noticing Vogue's demeanor, asked a question in turn to the reporters.

"Ehh."
"What kind of interview?"
"You know, the causes of defeat and all that."
"You're joking, right? "
"Eh? No……"

In an instant, the atmosphere turned cold.

They all sensed it―― he was angry.

"Whoever interviewed Vogue, honestly raise your hand."

Second said, but no one raised their hand.

……No. Only one reporter raised his hand in fright.

"You are?"
"From the Vince's Newspaper."
"Ahh, that one."

Second nodded and then looked around at the reporters surrounding him.

"What question did you ask? "

"……My apologies, it appears I misheard you. No one raised their hand, so I assumed that it was someone who hadn't asked for an interview who should raise their hand."

At that moment, the rest of the reporters had an expression as if saying " We've been had".

In fact, Vince's newspaper did not conduct an interview with Vogue. Because the editor-in-chief had given him a no-go.

This reporter, who raised his hand, did not understand the reason when he was first instructed by the editor-in-chief, but just now he understood it all. And it was because Second would be angry.

If so, this could be an opportunity to outsmart the other newspapers. With his wits, he was able to fool all the reporters present.

"Is that so? Then everyone but the Vince newspaper should go away."
"…………"
"What are you doing? Go away."
"…………"

The reporters were baffled and would not move.

"What, you got a problem with that? You guys interviewed Vogue, didn't you? I have no use for such inconsiderate people. I'm telling you to get the hell out of here because you're just an eyesore."

Second said as if to explain from the ground up.

The reporters could not lie now and say that they had not covered the topic. Because Vogue herself was watching in the background.

"I don't mind, but you can't complain about what is written about you."

In the crowd, one of the reporters uttered such a desperate remark.

That was a threat against Second. However, Second did not seem to care, saying, "Yes, yes" dismissively.

Then, the reporter from the Vince newspaper blurted something out.

"Ahh-aa."

Yeah, ahh-aa indeed.

He knew. Almost certainly, those newspapers would be visited by that dreaded military strategist.

He let out a small victor smile as he thought about this while watching the reporters leave with disgruntled expressions on their faces.

"Well, let's hear it then."
"Yes. Let's start with the characteristics of the newly unveiled monster in this match――"

"I had no idea that Miroku-sama was a monster……"

A corner of the spectator area.
A group of people dressed in kimonos and with katanas pulled to their waists were talking to each other with shuddering expressions on their faces.

"You only realize that now, Mr. Kanbei? I've suspected that for some time now."
"I'm amazed....... He looks totally human. But the fact that Second-kun is not disqualified proves that Miroku-sama is a monster……"

Either Spirits or Monsters could be summoned in the Reiou battle. As soon as any other party participates in the match, the player will be disqualified. In other words, this was the best proof that Miroku was a monster.

"But what surprises me more is Second-kun. Don't you think that he is head and shoulders above the rest in both the Issenza and Reiou battles? Furthermore, Sword-drawing…… isn't that too much? I mean, isn't this foul already?"
"Masamune-dono."
"What? Akaneko-chan."
"Teacher will not stop with just that."
"……Well, yeah. I know, but I don't know if I want to think about it that much."

Masamune muttered, "I realize I'm not going to be able to catch up with him".

Akaneko chuckled at this and opened her mouth.

"If it is you, Masamune-dono, you will be able to catch up someday. That talent, which made you the head of the school at the age of 16, is not a lie. Miroku-sama must have recognized your talent, Masamune-dono, and that’s why he gave you the name Benzai. "
"I hope so."
"When the time comes, you can ask teacher to teach you directly. For Masamune-dono's sake, teacher could easily make a day trip to the Land of the Eight Swords."
"I-I'm glad to hear that……ahem! By the way, Akaneko-chan. You call Second-kun teacher, don't you?"
"……There were twists and turns. I usually just call him by his name."
"Ohhh! You've become very close."
"That's not the reason! Not at all, when it comes to Second! Seriously! "
"……Haha, well, you seem to have a lot on your plate."
"If you see that man's mess every day, you will have a good one or two thousand complaints! "
"Oh, so many complaints.……"

Akaneko suddenly erupted in a torrent of complaints about Second. Masamune listened to her with a kind face and a "uh-huh" here and there.

"Bai da wei, where is Azami-dono? Me has been rather worried about it ever since we parted ways six months ago."
"Ah, Azami-neesan. I heard that things have become so prosperous that she can only afford to come on the day of the Bishamon battle."
"Ai si. Sankyuu, Masamune-dono. I feel relieved."

Azami's bakery was having a wonderfully busy season in the big event that was the title tournament.

Looking around, one could see a few spectators with Azami's bread in their hands.

"Akaneko-chan, have you eaten it yet? "
"Well, I'm still working on that. I spent most of my time in training."
"You're so diligent."
"No, that's not what I meant. If I could, I wanted to enjoy it with everyone from back home."
"I see……I'm looking forward to it."
"Yeah……"

This was the first event of its kind in the long history of the Land of the Eight Swords.

Everyone was very much looking forward to this summer, although in different ways.

"Akaneko-san, would you like me to go and buy some bread? If you're thirsty, I can get you something to drink....... Oh, and if it's too hot, I can get you a fan."
"No, thank you, Kanbei-dono."
"I-Is that so? Oh, if there is any inconvenience, please let me know."
"Don't mind me."
"I-Is that so……"

Masamune's sympathetic murmur of "Hang in there, Kanbei," was followed by a disappointed Kanbei's slumped shoulders.

"Hey, isn't that person......"
"Eh? If I remember correctly, she's……"
"Es-san, right?"
"Do you know her, Vice-President!? "
"Firstest's servant, one of the legendary maids who is said to be part of the Ten Great."
"As expected of Vice-President Aroma, your knowledge is so great it borders on the creepy."
"Well, I knew that too. I just couldn't remember on the spur of the moment."
"What? That's……What?"
"Way too obsessed."
"Are you bragging about your knowledge? Good, try again."

The Reiou battle was over and the raunchy group was on its way home.

The girls were met by a red-haired, side-pony, orthodox maid, Es, of the Ten Great.

When Es noticed the girls, she bowed beautifully and then slowly walked up to them.

"S-She's coming over here."
"Oh my god, oh my god……"
"Did we do something embarrassing? "
"As far as that's concerned, we do that every day."
"That's......"

To the girls' sudden confusion, Es quietly opened her mouth.

"Thank you very much for your support of Master today. I hope we continue having your support tomorrow."

"Eh!? "
"Eh, no, it was our pleasure! Thank you very much."
"It-it ha-has be-been our greatest joy! "

The fan club members responded to the unexpected words with excessive nervousness.

Es smiled broadly and continued to speak.

"Is Aroma-sama here? "
"Eh, ah, yeah. That's me."
"May I have a word?" "
"Y-Yes! "

The person who was called was the vice president, Aroma Vanilla.

When both of them left for a bit, Es cut to the chase.

"The fan club of Prince Tenmouza seems to be having a rough time as of lately. Did you get caught in the middle of it? "
"……! Ah, yes. Yesterday, on the way home."
"Has something been done to you? "
"They just told us to cry and be frustrated, and to put on a big face."
"Is that so……?"

Es nodded with an "I knew it" expression on her face.

"Is there something wrong? "
"Yes. These women are now in a state of internal fragmentation. I heard that about 30% of the members have left the association in the past six months. Even now, there seems to be no end to the number of people who have left their group."
"…I see."
"Yes, it is as you might have expected, Aroma-sama."

Aroma's prediction was a switch from being a "Prince fan" to a "Second fan.

In fact, the trend was quite noticeable. Therefore……

"They resent Master's admirers. Our servants are doing their best, but please take care, Aroma-sama."
"Es-san Thank you so much for your efforts and your advice. I will also be careful to keep everyone out of harm's way."
"Yes, please, and thank you. If anything should happen to any of you, Master will be saddened."

When Es finished speaking, he bowed gracefully and left.

Aroma looked off in a daze at the trailing figure.

"What the hell were you talking about, Vice President? "
"……Firstest……What a wonderful group of people……"
"Oh no, they got her!"

＊ ＊ ＊

"I can't believe it! "

Capito, a dog-eared young man, was sobbing.
Perhaps it was because he was drunk, but his voice was very loud.

"Second-san! You saw it, right!? That evil bitch actually tamed an Aqua Dragon as if she was trying to get at me!? "
"Why don't you just go out and get yourself a more awesome monster?"
"Gah! As expected! The man who won a complete and utter victory over that woman really speaks on another level! "

That should be a compliment, but it kind of pisses me off.
Okay, I was going to comfort him, but I'll give him a sermon.

"Earth Dragon, Flame Wolf, and Kamikaze Eagle, huh?"
"That's right."
"Good choice. But do you see how you can't beat Vogue like this? "
"I bet. Even I think that's hopeless."
"What do you think you're missing?"
"……A spirit, is it?"
"And? "
"And……? Uhmm, also, a stronger monster? "
"And? "
"More……? Ehー……Ah, status! "
"And? "
"Uh, is there still more!? Uhhh……"
"No, that's about it."
"What's about it? "

Yes, a spirit, a monster, and status. That meant......

"You are inferior in every way. To Vogue."
"……Please don't say that……"

He dropped his dog-eared head and slumped down.

Chérie, who was watching this pathetic situation from the side, opened her mouth.

"In other words, you're all but overwhelmingly outclassed by Second, which had a crushing victory over Vogue."
"Ugyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! "

Capito covered his ears as he shouted.

Actually, how does it make sense to cover the human ears and not cover the dog ears……?

"Or rather, Chérie. You can't speak for others either."
"Hmph, I'm fine. After all, I have a lot of room to grow! "
"You're not discouraged?"
"Of course not! I'm not going to stop until I beat you."
"Good. Keep it up."

Then, when the time comes to challenge me, Chérie will also experience the same despair as Vogue.

Before that, the problem is Capito. Let's see if he can overcome this latest defeat.

"……Yeah, Chérie-san is right! I can't stay depressed forever. Yes, I'll grow! Ah, good words~!"

……Nah, he looked all right. You're a simple man, Capito……

"Oh, by the way, Second-san. That monster, or is it a demon? What in the world is that? I've never seen or heard of it."
"Oh, I'm curious too. Well, if you say it's a secret, I'll let you enjoy it until the next competition."

When the party was at its peak, they suddenly asked me.

Miroku, huh? Surely, they wouldn't know what kind of monster he was, since he remained in human form the whole time. Or rather, I don't know if he'll ever be back to his old form……

"I'll just call him out."

I activated 《Monster Summoning》 and called Miroku.

"――Lord, I need to talk to you."

Immediately after, Miroku started talking, cutting off the flow of the conversation as soon as he appeared.

"Oh, what happened out of nowhere?"
"I had never seen so many people in my life. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for preparing this grand stage for my first appearance."
"No, I didn't put that many people together."
"No. I was happy to be able to show off my sword drawing in front of a large audience. This opportunity would never have come to me if I had remained a permanent resident on the island. Hence, my heartfelt thanks to you, Lord. This will put the dead samurai in a more positive light."
"Oh, I see, that's how it is."

This guy is a demon who has lived carrying the will of dead samurai. In other words, he shares the will of the Samurai. There is no samurai who is not happy to show off his skills in front of a large audience. If Miroku's samurai blood within him is pleased, I am pleased as well.

Ahh.

"I see. That's why you were so worked up."
"……Stop it, Lord. Others are listening."

You sure are shy.

"I could swear you were showing off some tricks. Trice."
"……………………"

Miroku silently folded his arms and meditated quietly. His cheeks were red without a hint of emotion.

"What can I say....... he's cuter than I expected."
"He's a very human-looking monster."

That's right. I don't know if it's the result of continually absorbing humans or if he was born that way, but Miroku is a very human-looking fellow, both inside and out.

That is why I could trust him with Akaneko with peace of mind.

I wonder how Akaneko, who in my opinion has an outstanding sense of 【Sword-Drawing】, will transform under Miroku, who has inherited the souls of hundreds of samurai and even absorbed the soul of 0k4NN-san. My interest knows no end.

According to Miroku, "The blooming is near". I'm looking forward to the Bishamon battle.

……Ohh, and speaking of the Bishamon battle.

"That's right, Yukari, what's tomorrow?"
"You didn't check again, Master?"
"Don't make me repeat it. There's no way I would check."
"No, like I said, why did…… No, never mind, there's no point in asking."

Yukari half-heartedly informed me of my plans for tomorrow.

"Tomorrow is the Senjushou match."

======

Thank you for reading.

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.

Pawn/Soldier (Fuhyou)
Lance(Kyousha)
Knight (Keima)
Silver General (Ginshou)
Gold General (Kinshou)
Bishop (Kakugyou)
Rook (Hisha)
Promoted Bishop/Dragon Horse(Ryuuma)
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 Shield Arts skills

【Shield Arts】

《Dragon King Shield Arts》　Very powerful ranged attack to the front.
《Dragon Horse Shield Arts》　Reinforced defense + all-range attack.
《Rook Shield Arts》　Powerful forward Rush attack (VIT converted to STR and added to net STR)
《Bishop Shield Arts》　Great Reinforced Defense (16th class: 250% ~ Grade 9th: 600% Defense)
《Gold Shield Arts》　Range homing defense ＋ Knockback（While active, attacks within a certain range would redirect themselves towards the shield）
《Silver Shield Arts》　Reinforced defense (parry grace time reduced by 0.01 second, successful parry triggers counterattack effect)
《Knight Shield Arts》　Defense + Knockback.
《Lance Shield Arts》　Piercing Reflective Defense
《Soldier Shield Arts》　Normal defense.
Success condition for parry: Activate the skill 0.287 to 0.250 seconds before the attack reaches the target.

Types of Magic skills

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