Moto Sekai Ichi – 178 | Sousaku – 創作

178　Senjushou Match Interlude

"……How frightening."
"Yeah, amazing."

In the audience seats after the game. After a few minutes, Silvia finally opened her mouth, to which Eko replied.

"Yeah. I shudder to think that Master is still so unfathomably bottomless――"

"――Yukari, you're wrong. She's the one who's frightening."

"……What now? "

The crowd's reaction was divided.

On one side, those in awe of the Second's one-sided victory by an overwhelming margin…… and on the other side, those who were astonished and admired her for giving that Second a head-on blow.

The former response was more common among non-contestants and the latter among contestants, especially those who have had a match against Second.

"It only took a few strikes to bring out that look on Second-dono's face. Do you know what this means? "
"No……Master's face? Do you mean that boyishly innocent and wonderful smile? "
"Yeah. That smile, I've only gotten to see it in these last six months."
"Me, too! "
"And it only took one fight to bring it out……"

Her body trembled with a shudder.

Silvia was proud to be with Second for the longest time on Team Firstest. Hence, these thoughts. That smile is his true self in the game.

In other words, even in a title game where the fiercest players gathered, most of the opponents would not even give Second the bare minimum. In the midst of all this, she was happy to finally be able to be the one, along with Eko, to see his true colors, and then ...... she showed up.

"I understand. You must be jealous."

"! "

Raspberry Bell pointed out.
It was obvious. Silvia was jealous of Gloria.

"That woman is probably a genius. She will probably grow twice as she is now. Maybe in six months she'll be able to catch up, huh? "
"No way. No matter how much you double it……"
"How much has Senpai grown in the past six months? "
"…………A lot more than double."
"You've already seen it yourself."
"Well...... I guess. Sorry."

The talent barrier.

It was a thick, sturdy, high wall that everyone would hit at some time or another.
This was the second time Silvia had faced this.

"You can't rely just on Senpai's training."
"Yes, very true."
"I will do my best too! "
"Yes, let's work together, Eko! "

Silvia and Eko nodded at each other enthusiastically.

Well, no matter how hard you try, I don't think you'll have problems――No one heard Raspberry Bell's muttered comments.

(Yukari is doing a great job at it...... she can stand next to Senpai all the time by playing a supporting role……)

Raspberry Bell being Raspberry Bell, she was also inadvertently jealous of Yukari.

"Say guys, could it be, maybe, just maybe? "
"Yeah, I also agree with El-ane."

Firstest state, servants' mansion.
After the Senjushou competition schedule was over, the returning servants had a meeting in the after-dinner hours.

The six gathered were Cubero, Jast, El, Es, Champani, and Cosmos. As of tonight, only those who could leave the work to their subordinates have been assembled.

And as soon as they opened their mouths, the red-haired maid sisters, El and Es, said so.

Maybe, just maybe―― what could be the meaning of those words?

"If she dealt a blow to Second-sama, she would be the best ever among…… all human beings."
"Yes, I'm pretty sure she's at least first class."

Champani nodded at the butler Cubero's words.
The other servants seemed to have no objections and quietly nodded their heads.

"I have no objection to that. Then I will fill in the form."

Cubero pulled a large piece of paper from his inventory and wrote Gloria's name in the first-class column.

Yeah――They had created a "ranking" of all people's combat abilities on this paper.

Why would they need to do that? This was done from a risk management perspective.

The purpose was to visualize the potential threats to the Firstest family and their combat capabilities in a simplified manner, so that it would be easier to respond in the event of an emergency and to make the initial response.

Naturally, not only hypothetical enemies but also both neutrals and relatives were noted in the rankings.

The famous Art of War, "If you know your enemy and know yourself, you will never be defeated in a hundred battles," was a golden saying that was widely recognized in this world as well.

"Oh, hey, by the way. I think we can eliminate Kenshin from the first class, right? "

Jast, the stablemaster, interjected from the side as Cubero wrote.

"No. Although Second-sama has sealed him, the possibility of his resurrection cannot be dismissed ...... so it was determined at the last meeting. Sorry for the late report."
"Ah, I'm sorry I've been absent."

This ranking list would be updated only when it was necessary to do so and when servants at the top rankings were gathered like this. As a result, there was often uneven participation and delays in updates due to irregular meetings.

And, of course, it did not reflect the competence of the servants in areas that they were not fully aware of. Since everyone knew full well that this was the case, this ranking list only served as a rough guide.

"Don't worry about it. I understand that your work is with horses, and you can't let go of them."
"No, no, no, you're the one who's truly busy."

"Hey, there, no flirting in the meeting."

"I'm not!! "
"Cosmos, you better watch your mouth."

The meeting proceeds in a lively three-way manner.
They were always like this.

"Is Steam Margrave in the ...... third grade? "
"I think that is about right if you think only of simple combat ability. I myself think he's only fourth class."
"I think third class is fair."
"I guess I agree with Pani-cchi. I would rather do something more agreeable with Master though."
"There's so little context, I don't even know what that means......."
"Cosmos, you'd better stop forcing the undertones into your stories……"
"Sorry, that was my bad."

Steam was settled with third class.

Later, while everyone was discussing whether there were any other class changes…… an unexpected person visited the conference room.

"――Oh, there you are, all gathered here."

"Aah! ? Isn't it Sovra-niisan!? "
"Sovra……! Long time no see."

"Ahh, shut up, shut up. Be quiet now. Let me talk for a second."

Sovra, the head chef. Thirty-five years old, unmarried, single, and looking for a girlfriend, formerly a Caramelia addict.

Sovra lightly brushed off Jast and Cubero with the same rough tone he had used before, and then stood in a position where he could see everyone's faces.

Thus――

"I am sorry!!!!!! "

――With a shout, he dropped to his knees.

He was crying.

All were surprised at how far removed from their image of Sovra's appearance and behavior he appeared and acted.

However...... his enthusiasm for the Firstest family burned like a flame. And nothing had changed since the days when Caramelia ruled over his body and soul.

"……The drugs are out of my system. Thanks to Raspberry Bell-sama, I am feeling better. I can move already. From now on, I will serve Second-sama and everyone with all my heart and soul. One by one, little by little, I will return this favor. So, please, take care of me……! "

No unnecessary words were uttered.
He never said the obvious, such as never doing drugs again.

Apologies for the inconvenience, a progress report, and plans for the future.

He had already informed Second and the others.
He walked around Firstest's mansion, carefully delivering his words one by one to each person he met, even to his subordinates' subordinates and their subordinates' subordinates, without ever being bothered by it.
And last but not least, he visited this place.

"……I understand, Sovra. These are strong words, just like you. That's why I can't help but be...... frightened."

After a brief silence.
Cubero opened his mouth on behalf of everyone.

“Even someone as strong-willed as you are cannot overcome Caramelia's dependence."

It was a truly frightening drug, and it renewed their awareness of it.

Therefore, it was also understood that Renko's activities, which currently helped the Knights' crackdown on Caramelia as the righteous R6 in the Royal Capital, were necessary for the Kingdom of Castall.

"But ...... you can be rehabilitated even if you are that addicted to drugs. You have proved that. Sovra, you did a great job. You should be proud."

"……! "

"Welcome back, Sovra. We congratulate you on your return."

"…………! ! "

Sovra sobbed uncontrollably.
He didn't know how much crying he had done all day.

They were all like that. Everyone at Firstest was like that.

――Warm. They warmly welcomed back a man who was as good as a piece of trash in the kingdom's society.

What would you call this if not a bond? The fourteen members, the Ten Great and The Big Four, all had some kind of tragic past. Because they had been saved together, spent time together, served together, and healed together, they had developed a strong and deep affection for each other, as if they were family.

Here, in this miraculous place, they learned the love of family and gained an irreplaceable bond.

Everyone, of course, cherished it. Because they have not been able to get it so far, they cherish it more than others. A treasure they had finally acquired, they were not willing to give it up so easily.

Yes, their bond couldn't be broken by a mere drug.

"All right, then, let's all take turns punching him one at a time."

"……………………Eh."

However, it was tough in its own way.

To keep the bond alive also meant to have that kind of strength.

In particular, Cubero, the former young head of a major bandit group, knew how to "get it right".

"Well, I'll never get another chance to hit Sovra-niisan, so my arms are really eager!"

Jast stood up, rolling his shoulders.

"I'll go for the liver."
"I'm reserving solar plexus."
"Sobra-san, my sister El is relentless, so here you go."

With the two making noisy reservations, Es handed Sovra a few potions.

"By the way, I have a low STR, so I'm going for the throat."

Then she told him a few words.

"Then I'll be satisfied with the crotch."
"Then let me close with the jaw."

Cosmos and Cubero also stood up.

"――Bu! ! "

Immediately after, without any particular "alright start" signal, they suddenly started hitting him in order, beginning with Jast.……

……By the time Cubero took it easy and landed a left hook to the jaw, Sovra was completely unconscious.

Later, in the kitchen, the head chef may or may not have sprinkled a little more chili pepper only on the dishes of the six people who had beaten him, muttering, "Hahaha, I'm the best friend you'll ever have.......".

＊ ＊ ＊

"Amazing, Ras! He's looking really good! "
"It worked better than I thought it would! "

After dinner ended. I was stunned to see Sobra, who came to greet me, saying, "Thanks to you, I am feeling better".

He was a lifeless shell of a man who used to talk about "big tits, big boobs," but now he was no longer a shadow of his former self, but rather had evolved into an energetic, colorful, and cool cook.

Sobra repeated his apologies and thanks while crying so earnestly that it was hard to watch, so I said, "It's fine, it's fine! ", however, I was not able to ask him about the details of his visit because he was forced to turn around and leave halfway through the meeting.

Ras did not expect the effect to be so extraordinary, and she seemed more than a little surprised.

"But then again, I didn't think the development was finished. I thought it wasn't."

"It's not. I'm in the final testing phase. But Sovra-han insisted on it."

"So he volunteered for the clinical trial."

"I explained to him that I was absolutely sure it would work, but that we didn't yet know what side effects it would have."

"I see, then there's still the possibility of side effects……"

"No, probably not. If there were to be one, it would already be there. In other words……"

Eh, you mean……

"……A great success? "

"You bet! "

Ohh!

"Yaaffu! "

"Yaaffu indeed! "

"Oh, you did it, Ras! "

"Ya, ahfuh ...... nnnn! "

We high-fived each other with both hands, then gave each other a tight hug and rejoiced. I'll pretend I didn't hear Ras's troubled voice for now.

Well, I am happy in many ways.

Sobra is now at ease, Caramelia-related things are coming to an end, and most importantly, Ras can now concentrate on Mobius.

Yeah, I've never been so happy.

I also met Gloria. Ras will start to get serious, too. And some powerful enemies yet to be seen……

"That's great, seriously."

"――Is Raspberry Bell cuddlicious? Master."

"Mm, that's one thing, but…………………… Yu-Yukari."

My head cooled suddenly, and poof, I let go of Ras's body.

Ras fell flat on her back on the sofa with a huff and quickly picked up a cushion and pressed it to her face to hide her bright red face and then shrieked "Mogaaaaaa!".

"It's that one ...... yeah, it's Steam's fault."

"Is that so? Then I will send a razor to the Margrave later."

Sorry Steam.

"By the way, Master, you should get some sleep."

"Oh, so that means I'm on tomorrow, too."

It had become a regular event for Yukari to report on tomorrow's title game.

Yukari opened her mouth with a single, "Huh," sigh of exasperation.

“Tomorrow is the Shisousei 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.