194　Eishou Match Part 1

【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）




"My oh my, isn't it Nil-kun? How have you been? "
"……Long time no see, Kevin."

　One man smiled with an expression of leeway, while the other greeted him with an embarrassed look on his face.

　Kevin vs. Nil Weissroy, the first match to determine the challenger for the Eishou Tournament.

　Kevin was a 130-year-old elf who worked as a teacher at the Royal Magic Academy. Nil, on the other hand, was one hundred and twenty-eight years old. Not much age difference. However, there was a big difference in their backgrounds.

　Kevin became an elf mage at a young age, served in the army, spent his youth as a young soldier, became a court magician in the Castall Kingdom, and was scouted and became a teacher at the prestigious Royal Magic Academy.

　On the other hand, Nil, who was born into the Weissroy family, a family of great magicians and raised like a prince, competed in the Eishou Tournament but was defeated by the woman he was engaged to, and was disowned and left jobless.

　It was truly an encounter of light and darkness, opposite to each other.

　In other words, they were two types of men: those who graduated from junior high school, worked hard, and earned their way up the ladder, and those who graduated from top universities and entered society but could not adapt because their pride grew too great.


"How are you and Alpha-san doing since then?　I haven't heard many good things about it."
"There's nothing complicated about it. I was defeated. You can understand."
"Hmm, I don't understand."
"……You're still a man with a twisted personality."
"That's not true. This is a win-or-lose fight to the death. The game has already begun."
"Shut up, I've learned that much myself."
"I'm sure you have……"

　What has happened to Nil in the last six months?
　Although he does not speak much about it, Kevin realizes that he must have gone through many hardships that are hard to imagine.

"Bow to each other!　Get ready! "

　Following the referee's order, they took their positions.


　Silence dominated the place.

　Kevin commented this was a title match that was "a fight to the death, win or lose".
　And Nil agreed wholeheartedly. He remembered what it felt like to be in his shoes. And painfully so.

　No one would be stupid enough to start rambling right before the moment they are about to 'kill' each other.


"――Begin! "

　As the match began, Nil approached only three steps closer and immediately chanted 《Fire Attribute・First Form》.
　It's a fast attack, right on the edge of the range.

"I see."

　Kevin said a few words and chanted 《Water Attribute・First Form》, which was activated later in conjunction with Nil's activation.

"! "

　Immediately after, a shock.

　Nil's First Form fell off halfway through.

　This was a technique called "drop" in Mobius. By deliberately shooting "softly," the effect is that the magic stalls and falls in the middle of the shot.

"I'll take the first move."

　A sudden declaration.
　At the same time, Nil ducked Kevin's First Form by bending his upper body, and without a moment's pause, he chanted 《Wind Attribute・First Form》.

　Kevin could not see the chanting formation for the next attack because of the First Form that was spread on the ground by Nil's drop.

"……Ehh."

　Seeing this uncharacteristic Nil-esque tactic, Kevin sighed in admiration.

　It was the hit-and-run strategy that Alpha showed in the Winter Eishou Tournament―― The strategy focused on avoiding the opponent's attack, and attacked by using First Form only from the very edge of the range. It was a strategy that Nil, of all people, mocked during the match, saying that it was a stupid strategy.


"Maybe that was a good experience for you."

　Kevin felt a definite growth, and he couldn't help but whisper his true feelings.

　As a matter of fact, he had been looking down on him. Nil Weissroy, a naive aristocrat who was obsessed with titles, this was his impression of the man.

　He understood this because he had risen from a muddled military man to an elite position as a teacher at a prestigious school who was formerly a court magician. He said that Nil's disastrous loss was a necessary experience for his life.

　Once you have tasted the dirt, you can now fight a dirty battle in this way.
　He gained the strength to win regardless of his pretensions.

　A title fight is a kill-or-be-killed affair. Pride is nothing but a hindrance there.
　In the past six months, Nil may have finally come to realize this.


"But that's exactly why."

　Kevin thought.

　I have to teach him, he concluded.

　……What the real dirtiness is all about.


"Well then."

　Kevin was avoiding the First Form, which Nil was firing in rapid succession from just out of range, to the left and right, when he suddenly backed up and avoided it by moving out of range.

　Naturally, Nil chased Kevin to get within range again.

"! "

　Then, Nil suddenly realized.

　Just like that, both of their roles had abruptly reversed.

　Not having a practice partner for six months had an effect on this.

　Kevin was already out of range with the First Form ready and waiting.
　If he continued to approach without caution, he would now be subjected to a barrage of First Form fire from the other party.

"Did you notice?　A hit-and-run is the basis of magic warfare. It's not a strategy I would go out of my way to proclaim."

　Kevin explained in a taunting, teacherly tone.

　It was indeed an off-the-board tactic with a very bad attitude. Kevin was basically implying this, 'you lost to Alpha, who only used the basics'. He said that anyone could do these basics. And without even knowing that, you are now trying to fight me with only the basics.

　……In reality, ordinary people were incapable of being "thorough". It would make sense to thoroughly implement the basics, which would also be a strategy. If this were a school, Kevin would have added to it and taught it as such.

　But this was a win-or-lose battle. Kevin's ability to pick up a win by any means necessary was his specialty, and he would not do anything to diminish the effectiveness of his mental attacks.

"There's no point in letting it drag on."
"Tch! "

　Kevin showed the chanting of 《Water Attributes・Third Form》.

　Third Form had a longer range than the First Form. Hence, Nil became impatient, hurriedly approached, and began chanting the First Form in an attempt to disrupt the activation of the Third Form.


"Good grief, you don't seem to have grown at all."
"Wha...! "

　Kevin had already canceled the Third Form and started chanting 《Water Attribute・First Form》 0.3 seconds later.

"Ugh! "

　As Nil approached and began chanting, the First Form was thrust without mercy.

　Third Form was a last resort, a last-ditch effort, a distraction―― An exquisite fake, just as one man advised a woman to do.

　Nil was once again caught in the same trick that Alpha had played against him in the winter game.


"What have you been doing for the last six months?　Nil-kun."

　Kevin said this as he followed with a series of First Form attacks. Nil was slowed down by the blows and seemed to be doing his best to avoid them.

"If I lose again today, what in the world will happen to me? "

　It made him anxious and impatient.

　Kevin chases down Nil with a series of First Form attacks. But his mind was filled with just one phrase.

　Make a mistake.

　Make a mistake, make a mistake, make a mistake, make a mistake, make a mistake.

　The only thing he hoped for was that…… the other party would make a mistake.

"If we continue like this, I'll win by decision. Come on, come on, you gotta do something about it."
"…………"

　Kevin continued to shake things up.

　However, Nil did not falter.
　Stick to the basics, and simply dodge. Focus only on avoiding.

　If he tried to run out of range, Kevin would close the distance. There was no time to chant even if he wanted to counterattack with a First Form. If he tried to force himself to chant, he would not be able to avoid being hit by a spell.

　Knowing all this, Nil just kept on dodging.

　I wish only one thing. Kevin's momentary opening.


　Thus, both sides were waiting for a mistake.

　It was a choice made because they wanted to win for sure.


　The man who continued to shake things up in every possible way, and the man who patiently waited for his chance.

　A game where there was no such thing as beauty.


　But…… Some were impressed by the fact that Nil Weissroy was doing it.




"――That's enough!　Kevin wins by the judges' decision! "


　An hour passed, and Nil was defeated.

　As soon as the match was signaled to end, Nil, who had been gasping for breath with his shoulders up and down, loosed all four of his limbs and lay down on the ground.


"……You've changed. I was surprised. You don't seem like the Nil I knew anymore."

　Kevin walked up to him and spoke.

　Nil took a deep breath to regain his composure, then snickered.


"There is no point if you lose."
"That's......"
"I'm not cut out for magic battles.　Am I?
"…………"
"I do understand. But, for these past six months…… I wanted to give it a try. Whatever it took."


　A six-month challenge. And it had ended up in failure.

"Later."

　Nil stood up and turned his back to Kevin.


"Wait."

　Kevin stopped Nil with a word and opened his mouth to deliver his last remarks.

　These were the words that would define Nil's life in the years to come.


"Long ago…… You once taught me magic, remember? "
"…… You're talking about when we were kids. That was just me trying to show off to you, who sucked at it."
"Yes, maybe so. However."

　He smiled and made it clear.

"It made me happy!　That's all."



　　＊　＊　＊



"I think there are some similarities between him and me. The elf who won."
"You seem more brainy, though, Ras."
"Oh, really!?　That makes me happy～."

　Those of us who were watching the match between Nil and Kevin-sensei had our own thoughts after the game was over.

　Ras said she felt a kinship with Kevin-sensei's off-the-board tactics. Hell, no, I didn't say it out loud, but you're several times more extreme than him.


"......Second-dono. Do you think Nil-dono will stop being a Magician? "

　Beside Ras, who was smiling and in a good mood, Silvia asked with a grim look on her face.

　She must have guessed somewhat after listening to their conversation after the match.

"He'll probably quit."
"I thought so."
"If you say yourself that you are not suited for it, there's nothing you can do. If you're not cut out for it, you have to find something else to do."
"I hope he finds it....... I really do."
"It seems there's already someone out there giving hints."
"……Umu! "

　It is not easy to realize by yourself what you are good at.

　Will you be lucky enough to come across something you're good at? Or, perhaps, you will be lucky enough to meet the right person.

　I am the former and she is the latter. And Nil, I'm not so sure……?



　　＊　＊　＊



　The second game of the tournament to determine the Eishou challenger, Zephyr vs. Sherry.
　It was a game between the leader of the First Royal Court Magician Division and a member of said Division.

　And also, one between the pupils of the same teacher.
　Cesta, the great magician. She was Sherry's great aunt and the former head of the Royal Court Magician Division, who was feared as the Flame Witch herself.

"I never thought I'd see the day when we'd be facing each other like this…… Time flies."

　Zephyr, a middle-aged man with red hair and a bald head, facing Sherry in the center of the arena, said.

　A man who decided to participate in the Eishou Tournament upon Cesta's retirement. His opponent was a woman who was also a first-time entrant. He has known her since she was a baby, and has been like a daughter, a granddaughter, a partner, and a valued subordinate. But he had a feeling that one day this moment would come. The day they fought to the death, win or lose. Zephyr felt deeply moved by this strange fate.

"I will repay you. Captain."

　In response to Zephyr's old man's words, Sherry said some sharp words that could be seen as a provocation.

　Repaying―― In other words, the child defeats the master.


"Sherry. I will teach you one thing, my younger apprentice."
"What is it? "
"Do you think I am weaker than that old hag?"
"! "

　Sherry was too scared to call Cesta an "old hag".

　With that one sentence alone, Sherry realized that Zephyr was serious.


"Bow to each other!　Get ready! "

　Sherry moved into position, still agitated.

　In terms of ability, experience, and mentality, Zephyr was superior in every way. She was made to feel this more starkly just before the match.

"…………"

　If things stay like this, I can't win.

　Sherry braced herself. As soon as the game began, she was ready to go for the win.


"――Begin! "

　Ordered the referee.

　Immediately after, Sherry began chanting 《Water Attribute・Third Form》――


"…………Eh?"


　Then she realized.

　Zephyr was chanting 《Wind Attribute・Fifth Form》.


"Wh……! "

　The word "why" didn't even come out all the way.

　She knew she had no time for such thoughts.

　Every possible thought raced through her brain in an instant.

　What if Zephyr had raised his HP like Second?　If so, then "a direct hit from a Third Form will not bring him down". The damage must be more than 10% of the total HP to be able to down with Third Form. Prior research conducted through the Game Crown had revealed this fact to Sherry.

　And yes, if she can't get him down, then...... the Fifth Form will be activated. However, if the Third Form cannot bring down the opponent, the only way left to stop him is to――


"Mmm……! "

　――Approach.


　It seemed that the only way to counter this was to get close, just as Cesta had done against Second in the Winter Eishou Tournament.

　Sherry glanced at Zephyr's expression, wondering if he had as much HP as Second, or if his HP was in the range to self-destruct.



　……Zephyr laughed.


"! ! "

　Don't be deceived, she thought. Sherry chastised herself.

　Right now, he desperately tried to instill enough self-doubt to feel a certain fear.


"Fall down! "

　Approaching, then chanting the 《Water Attribute・Third Form》, and then activating it.

　She moved swiftly and delivered a sharp blow to Zephyr's chest.



"――You really underestimated me."

"! ? "


　The downside was that he did not go down.

　Zephyr's 《Wind Attribute・Fifth Form》 was ready.


"Why……?"
"Didn't I tell you?　I've been getting into Shield Arts recently.
"Is that so?"
"In addition, I took a chunk of my monthly salary to buy a, not so cheap, MGR-increasing armor. Furthermore, I have newly learned the Fifth Form of the Wind Attribute. Do you know why? "
"……Power adjustment. It is probably to preserve your own HP in case of self-destruction. Perhaps you haven't raised it to the grade rank yet."
"As expected. With this, I'll go all the way to the finals."
"That's not going to be so easy."
"……I know. But it's the least I can do."

　Honest words. Zephyr said, laughing.
　At the same time, Sherry smiled to herself.

　Immediately after, a Fifth Form spell exploded between them…… and the winner was decided.


"――That's enough!　Winner, Zephyr! "



　　＊　＊　＊



　As I predicted, Captain Zephyr won.

　Sherry-chan, you poor thing. It's a good thing.

　But oh well, it can't be helped. For six months, Captain Zephyr must have been desperately working hard to raise his HP, VIT, and MGR just to make this self-destruct strategy a success. The degree of precision of his efforts was different from Sherry's, who had been making a full effort to qualify for the Eishou Tournament.


"Come to think of it, they're all Second-dono's tactics."
"Huh? "

　Suddenly Silvia spoke up. What do you mean by that?

"The strategy employed by Nil-dono and Kevin-sensei was originally taught to Alpha-san by Second-dono, wasn't it?　And the self-destructive tactics of Zephyr-dono. Isn't this also what Second-dono used against Cesta?"
"Ahー……Well, yeah."
"Hmm?　Did I say something strange?"
"No, that's not what I meant."

　Just that expression "strategy". I can't help but feel uncomfortable.

　Why? Because they are fighting only with 【magic】, and there is no strategy or anything like that.

　That's only hit-and-run or self-destruction. It is natural for their fighting styles to overlap.

　In the first place, the Eishou Tournament is not such a competition.

　In the first Eishou tournament, 0k4NN-san made that clear.

"I see. You mean, it's not a strategy, it's a move, is that what you're saying? "
"Well, something like that."
"Fufun."

　Silvia seemed proud of herself, thinking she had guessed it correctly. It's kind of cute, so I'll let it slide.


"Let's see, next is Kevin-sensei and Muratti, and the winner will face Captain Zephyr……」

"Hey, hey. Can I ask for your prediction, Senpai? "

　I had some free time until the next game, so I was looking at the matchup list and making guesses when Ras, who was sitting beside me, spoke to me with interest.

　I answered, without much thought.

　The name of the only man in this group who would be able to challenge the Eishou.


"Muratti Tricolori."

======

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 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)

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 ToC    

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