Moto Sekai Ichi – 187 | Sousaku – 創作

187　Kongou Match Part 1

【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.

There was one who just couldn't lose.

Former Kongou, Gauloise ――The man who was the best at 【Shield Arts】. He was a bearded, courageous man who was renowned as the most powerful of the dwarves.

In the past, for a long time, 【Shield Arts】 were considered to belong to the dwarves.

The Dwarf race has a tendency to grow in HP, STR, VIT, and other stats suitable for 【Shield Arts】.

Perhaps that was why only dwarves were competing in the Kongou matches.

However, that was until six months ago.

The new Kongou, Rokunchea ―― The first human takeover of the Kongou had a profound impact on the dwarves.

But that wasn’t all. Zidane, a powerful dwarf who had fought Gauloise for the Kongou title in the past, was defeated by a beastfolk of all people.

If you were to lose to a human, or even a beastfolk...... it would be sheer humiliation.

The dwarves were cornered.

The prestige of the race would be on the line in the forthcoming Kongou battle.

Losing would not be tolerated again.

But……

"Watch closely, it will all be decided in an instant."

Eko Leafret vs. Zidane, the first semifinal match of the tournament to determine the challenger for the Kongou title.

In the spectator's seats for the contestants, Second clearly declared this.

How could he know such a thing? The reason was simple. In a prior strategy meeting, he had heard about the strategy that Eko planned to employ in the first round.

And, when forcing such a move…… indeed, it would only be an instant.

"――Begin! "

Immediately after, the match began.

Eko rushed forward, holding up her Shellrock Shield.

Zidane wondered why Eko had not prepared any skills, but he was undaunted.

He had learned in the last match that this girl of the beastfolk was not your usual fierce competitor.

Even though many dwarves mocked Zidane, saying that he was "a disgrace to be defeated by a beastfolk," Zidane did not change his mind. Eko Leafret, the beast girl, was a respectable and competent person, an opponent to whom there was no shame in losing.

"Let's go, little girl! "

And therefore, he was on guard. Not being complacent. Neither too optimistic.

With everything he had, Zidane launched a Rush attack on Eko with 《Rook Shield Arts》.

"Nyaha! "

……As for Eko, she had an expression that said "So what?".

Eko grinned, prepared 《Rook Shield Arts》 to follow up, and began to Rush. After moving about 5 meters, she canceled the skill, instantly activated 《Soldier Shield Arts", canceled it immediately, and began preparing 《Silver Shield Arts》 at the same time as she backstepped.

A dizzying tactical play. But Zidane was undaunted and did not stop his 《Rook Shield Arts》 assault. He saw that the whole thing was a "fake".

The Diverting Rook, Pac-Man, and Crab Silvers strategies that Eko showed in the previous game against Kongo. This was the result of studying them with great care, remembering them over and over again.

"Gotcha! "

Zidane was convinced that he had won here.

Eko's 《Silver Shield Arts》 would barely miss, no matter how you looked at it.

The only way to deal with the incoming Rook was to parry it with 《Soldier Shield Arts》. But there was no indication that Eko was preparing Soldier at all.

What exactly will she do? Zidane couldn't think of anything.

Hence, he was confident of his victory――

"! ? "

――But he was naive.

Eko fell backward with the momentum of the backstep preceding the Silver.

……Inevitably, the time it took for Zidane's 《Rook Shield Arts》 to collide with Eko was increased.

Hence, Eko's 《Silver Shield Arts》 instead of barely missing, was barely in time.

Overhead throw―― That's what it was called in Mobius, a time-tested technique.

Naturally, this was the first time Zidane had seen it.

"Ng-UOOOO! "

On top of that, Eko even scored a parry.

The grace time for activating the parry in Silver is 0.027 seconds. In return, a "counterattack" effect is added if successful.

Zidane was blown diagonally upward behind Eko exactly like an overhead throw, and flew through the air in a great parabola.

Immediately after, Eko got up and approached Zidane's expected landing spot with a backstep, turned around 180 degrees, and began preparing a 《Dragon King Shield Arts》.

"～！ "

Zidane was knocked to the ground with a thud, and he was down and in agony, unable to make a sound.

And by the time he recovered from his down state――

"――That's enough! Winner, Eko Leafret! "

＊ ＊ ＊

"Amazing, just as you said, Second-dono, it was really just a moment. What kind of Game Plan is that? "

After watching Eko's match, Silvia asked me with interest.

This girl is so curious about the name of the technique. That side of her really shows she's Alex's sister.

But unfortunately.

"That's not a Game Plan. If I had to say, I'd call it a standard move named overhead throw."
"Standard move……Oh, you mean like that thing that doesn't show the moment when the arrow is shot? "
"It's a fundamental."
"Hmm, that sounds complicated."
"Simply put, it's like a short Game Plan, about three moves in a set."
"I see."

Silvia, who had nodded her head in agreement, stopped suddenly.

"Huh? Wait. So you are saying that Eko blew away Zidane-dono with a single move? "
"You beat Dee and Ernte with basics alone."
"That's true, but...... in any case."

I just feel like we're getting too strong too fast ――Silvia spoke in a quiet tone.

……Getting stronger? You? You're kidding.

"How do you think I won the Triple Crown? "
"Is this about the speech you gave in winter?"
"Right."
"If I recall correctly……Because we are weak."
"That's right."

Because you guys are weak. That's why I won the Triple Crown without any difficulties. The words in that speech were both a provocation directed at the summer season and an undeniable fact.

"Too many people don't even have the basics down. Hence, you, who have mastered the basics, are a head above the rest. That's all there is to it."
"I understand. But I think that's the fundamentals only for you, Second-dono."
"……Ahh, it's a little different."

You're absolutely right. But that's the standard I'm looking for……

Ahh, right. I forgot to mention one important thing.

"I said 'Because you guys are weak,' but I recognize the effort. Don't take this the wrong way."
"I know. You talk a lot, Second-dono, but when it comes to competition, you always show respect to your opponents."
"Yeah. If you know that, good."

I would hate it if people thought that the world's number one was a conceited guy. The world's best may look down on them because of their ranking, but they are never smug.

"By the way, you said I won because I was able to learn the basics but...... what about Eko?" "

The question came suddenly.
You're very curious, Silvia.

"Rushing to conclusions is a bad habit."
"Hmm…… now that you said it, I guess I was. Sorry."
"Well, we'll see in the next game."
"Fumu. Then let us see it with an open mind."

＊ ＊ ＊

In the second semifinal match of the tournament to determine the challenger for the Kongou title, Gauloise vs. Domingo, Gauloise showed the dignity of the former Kongou and won the match.

Then, the finals. Eko Leafret vs. Gauloise.

"So, I'm fighting a little girl now, huh?"
"Yeah, regards! "
"Hahaha, you're in great spirits. Nice to meet you."

Eko was full of energy, and Gauloise was laughing with gusto.
The atmosphere was very friendly, which made it hard to believe that it was just before the start of the game.

"Little girl, looks like you're having a great time."
"That's right! I love the Kongou match! "
"I see. But no matter how much fun you have, I'm the one who will win, sorry to say."
"Why? "
"……Huh? "

Eko tilted her head with a puzzled look on her face at Gauloise, who said he would not concede victory.

Eko really did not understand what Gauloise was saying.

"Bow to each other! Get ready! "

The players followed the order of the referee, completed their bow and stance, and faced each other.

Then, with a look of obviousness on her face, Eko blurted out.

"It's more fun to win. That's why, I will win."

"――Begin! "

For Gauloise, a very short, and yet eternally long, nightmare had begun.

"Kyahoー! "

With a big smile on her face, Eko ran out without using any skills.

"……That ain't gonna work."

Gauloise began to prepare 《Dragon King Shield Arts》 with growing caution.

It was not going to finish in time, he knew that. The purpose of this move was to take the initiative by forcing the opponent to interrupt the Dragon King's activation.

"Well, of course you would."

Eko responded with 《Rook Shield Arts》. She wanted to crush the Dragon King before it could be activated.

At that, Gauloise sharply responded.

He canceled Dragon King in 0.2 seconds after Eko's preparation for Rook and began preparing 《Rook Shield Arts》. Exactly 0.3 seconds later, he canceled the Rook and prepared 《Gold Shield Arts》……

……Yes, this was the strategy Eko showed in the winter match against Zidane, the Diverting Rook.

Gauloise had learned this tactic as one of his measures.

"! "

However, this was not easy to do.

This could well be a surprise tactic, but one that Eko had practiced extensively. She could spot it at a glance and notice the objective.

Hence, Eko immediately canceled her Rook and immediately began preparing 《Dragon Horse Shield Arts》.

"――I thought so, little girl."

"Ho? "

Gauloise had read the flow.

Diverting Rook was a strategy to make the opponent think "I can go for it" for a moment. In other words, to break the trick, you don't have to "go". That was why Eko decided to defeat him "without having to go" with the ranged-attack Dragon Horse.

That's what he was reading. He knew that Eko was not coming.

In other words ―― He could now "go" attack.

"! "

Instantly, Eko's ears perked up.

Gauloise, who would have been preparing 《Gold Shield Arts》, was now about to activate something different...... 《Rook Shield Arts》.

Gauloise had further canceled the Gold after the Rook was canceled and had prepared another Rook.

Two diversions. This was Gauloise's plan.

"This is going to hurt. Prepare yourself."

Gauloise's 《Rook Shield Arts》 assault approached.

"……Hmph."

But Eko, with a snort and an exhale, canceled Dragon Horse extremely calmly, then quietly prepared the 《Soldier Shield Arts》, and――

"Ga-ah!? "

――A parry.

It was too abrupt. As easy as chasing away a small fly.

Eko, in quick succession, pursued with 《Rook Shield Arts》.

Gauloise managed to defend with 《Soldier Shield Arts》, but failed to parry and went down.

Then, the final move, 《Dragon King Shield Arts》, struck Gauloise, who had just gotten up from being down.

"――That's enough! Winner, Eko Leafret! "

"……I think I get it now."
"Oh, you noticed."
"Umu. Parry has something to do with it, doesn't it? "
"Yes, indeed."

At the end of the Eko vs. Gauloise match, Silvia provided the answer to her own question.

Second then mouthed the correct answer as a reward for her.

“The dwarves lack the inventiveness for them to try and parry. That's why they can't beat Eko."

======

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.

List of Magic skills

【Magic】 (Four attributes: fire, water, wind, and earth)
Advantages and disadvantages: Fire>Earth>Wind>Water>Fire
・First Form　Normal Attack （Preparation time： Super short. Cooldown： Super short）
・Second Form　Extended range attack （Slow. Long）
・Third Form　Strong single-target attack （Short. Short）
・Fourth Form　Powerful extended-range attack （Super slow. Super long）
・Fifth Form　Very powerful extended-range attack （Slowest. Longest）

【Magical Magic】
《Combine》　Combines two magic skills into a single attack.
《Synergy》　Overlays two magic spells on top of another magic spell.
《Charge》　Magic attack that increases in magnitude the more it is charged up.

List of Thread Manipulation skills

【Thread Manipulation】
《Dragon King Thread Manipulation》　The most powerful single attack, limited to the restrained target.
《Dragon Horse Thread Manipulation》　Simultaneously emits multiple threads, forcibly restraining the touched object.
《Rook Thread Manipulation》　Very powerful single attack using a bundle of threads
《Bishop Thread Manipulation》　Powerful penetrating attack using thread like a needle.
《Gold Thread Manipulation》　Thread restraints on objects within a 4-meter radius.
《Silver Thread Manipulation》　Powerful single-target attack with a bundle of threads
《Knight Thread Manipulation》　Manipulate monsters, humans, and puppets using strings for a certain period of time.
《Lance Thread Manipulation》　Penetrating attack using thread like a needle.
《Soldier Thread Manipulation》　Single target attack with a bundle of threads
(Gold + Lance or Bishop can be Combined)

ToC