197　Eishou Match Interlude

　The Eishou title defense by Second Firstest.

　The result was exactly what everyone in the audience had imagined.

　However, countless people were shocked by the contents of the match.


"…………I've been."

　One man stood there with his mouth hanging open, staring in wonder at the figure of the triumphant Eishou as he basked in the applause.

　All kinds of “feelings” filled his body.
　These were the thoughts of over fifty years. It was not easy to put them into words.

　However, put simply, it was――


"I've been……"


　――Courage.


　Clenching his hands together, he gritted his teeth to stop his hands from shaking.

　He believed it was “over”.
　He felt that there was no further potential for him as a mage.

　He thought that he would be swallowed up by the waves of the times, which were surging like a raging torrent, and be drowned.


　……You can’t beat 【Magical Magic】 with 【Magic】, right?

"An idiot."

　Denying common sense.

　The scene he had just witnessed gave him the strength to do so.


　Gave him courage.

　So what if he was old? Who cares if he's out of energy? If he can't keep up? If he's being left behind?

　Even so, he tried to muster the strength and courage to continue.


　Zephyr, Captain of the First Court of Magicians. He turned fifty-six this year.

　He thought that he was at an age where it was difficult to start something new.


"So what? Right?　Young boy. Isn’t that right? "

　It was an excuse.

　He was able to raise his 【Shield Arts】. He was even able to learn the 《Wind Attribute・ Fifth Form》.

　He could still do it. There was still more inside him. With a bit of creativity, anything could be achieved.

　So he thought, why don't I go ahead and learn 【Magical Magic】.

　It was by no means impossible. As long as he kept his eyes on the goal, he would surely get there.


"I suppose it's not yet time to give up……"

　The mage's soul of Zephyr was set ablaze like a raging fire once more.

　His life still lied ahead of him――



　　＊　＊　＊



"So, when it comes to synergy, I was really curious about how the firepower would change depending on the combination of attributes, so I did some experiments, and the results were really interesting. So, I'd like you to take a look at this top-secret document. Master Second, what do you think? Isn't it interesting? When you add two unfavorable attributes to an advantageous attribute, the firepower increases by about 1.17 times. I can't help but speculate that the recoil of the advantageous attribute being repelled by the disadvantageous attribute is being added to the firepower. To think it's called synergy because it indeed has a synergistic effect. I wonder who had such a great sense? Muhohoho! "


　……For about an hour, he has been talking to me about 【Magical Magic】 at length, even though I didn't ask him to, and he has spread out some documents in front of me.

　We were in the living room of my house. As usual, we held a small Eishou Defense Commemorative Party, inviting Muratti, Nil, Sherry-chan, Captain Zephyr, and Kevin-sensei, and enjoyed food and drinks.

　Nil was talking with Kevin-sensei, and Sherry-chan was talking with Captain Zephyr. Ras, Silvia, and Eko also joined in, and it was really lively.

　However, as always, it was just me and Muratti. No one wanted to join in the conversation, and Muratti wouldn't even talk to anyone but me.


"I was really moved by the way you fought in the Issenza battle, Raspberry Bell-sama. That calculated tactic…… even now, it's wonderful to remember. It's not easy to be that thorough. I truly respect you."
"I know right?　Everyone complains about how dirty it is, but if you go this far, it's actually pretty cool. So you understand, Kevin-han."
"Hmph, I think it's better to lose in a fair fight."
"As I thought, people who lost after fighting against a cowardly tactic have a different opinion."
"I can't tell if you're making a joke or not……"
"……O-of course it's just a joke! "


　I wish I could be over there having fun.


"……Captain, do you think I might not have any talent?"
"Sherry, stop being so weak-willed. This is the third time today. I told you, you have talent and, most importantly, you're young!　You're a bundle of possibilities!　It's only the beginning! "
"Right…… However, you are all too full of talent, and I'm a little, well, unsure of myself."

"Don't lose confidence, Sherry-san. I'm together with Second-dono every day. My confidence is being shattered day after day, to the point where it's now in powder form."
"I has lots of confidences. I'm the best at eating."
"Eko, you've eaten too much. Save that plate for the end. Otherwise, Master will scold you again.”
"Yes～! "
"I'm happy you replied so positively, but…… Silvia, please keep an eye on her."
"Umu. I don't know if she can have another of these."

"Here, Captain, you see? Whether they're confident in their powder or their eating, they're a Kisenshou and a Kongou, right?　Haa……I wonder what I should be proud of?"
"These girls are…… Well, they're special. There was no way around it. After all, they're the disciples of that kid."
"Six crowns, he went ahead and won quite a few, huh? That was unexpected."
"What can I say, it gave me a bit of encouragement. Besides, I'm not as into him as you are."
"I-I've never said anything like that! "
"Hahaha!　You're so easy to read, Sherry."


　It looks like they're having fun over there, too……



"By the way, I think that a three-second charge is the most efficient for the Charge, but what do you think, Master Second? No, I don't want you to tell me the correct answer. I just want to hear your opinion as a reference. That's why I'm asking, yes, yes."

"Basically, there is no real flavor unless you let it sit for at least two seconds. The cost-performance will depend on the time and situation. Well, if I had to say, the longer you charge it, the better."

"Ahhh!　As I thought?　As I thought?　I had a hunch that this might be the case!　To be more specific, if you think about it, 50% is added with zero seconds of charge, and 75% is added for every second of charge after that, so it's certainly more efficient the longer you charge it, but when it comes to actually being able to charge it for ten seconds in a real battle, I'm not so. Well, I also don't think any other skills can produce this much firepower, and in order to make the most of that charm, I feel like I have to force myself to charge it up even if it's a little difficult, or else I'll lose my reputation as a magician researcher. Hoho-hoho."

"You have a weird laugh, but you say some pretty good things. That's right, the Charge is the most effective way to generate firepower in magic. If you're going to use a Charge to decide the match, you can't call yourself an Eishou contestant if you don't use this powerful move to entertain the audience."

"Well, Master Second is very conscious of his own actions. I, on the other hand, am sadly too busy with my own affairs to be so considerate."

"That's okay. In fact, I like that. I was happy that you came to win this time, but I don't think the audience was very happy. I'm sure they would have liked to see you more engrossed in magic. Next time, try to keep that in mind."

"Hey, Master Second, you're even more flirty than usual. Could it be that I might have raised a flag……? "

"There's nothing you could ever do to raise anything from me."

"I see, so you're a tsundere. What kind of novel was this again? "

"You want to get beat up, don't you?　I'm surprised to hear that you read novels."

"Well, to be honest, I'm a weirdo who reads novels as references for my research into magic, not as so-called popular entertainment, so please don't misunderstand. Anyway, I read a lot of books that featured magic in my childhood."

"Your focus is unwavering, isn't it……?"


　It's frustrating that the conversation is flowing so well on this side.



"――Hey, Second."

　After talking passionately with Muratti about 【Magical Magic】 for a while, Nil suddenly spoke to me.

　For a moment, Muratti grew quiet, as if his soul had slipped out of his body. This person's shyness level is 99……


"Good work. Mister no redeeming qualities."
"Shut up!　No, well, never mind about that. I wanted to ask you about that matter."
"That matter? "
"……Yeah, that thing."

　That thing……?

　Ahh!


"About going to crush the Empire after the title tournament is over?"

"What are you talking about?…… Where did that come from!? "


　Oh, it seems I was wrong.

"Sorry, my mistake, forget about it."
"You bastard, saying such outrageous things!　How can I forget that!? "
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. So, what were we talking about?"
"It's about Alpha! "
"Ohh! "

　Alpha Promenade, the elven mage. I heard that there had been no contact with her since the winter tournament.

"I have not received any news yet."
"……You seem to be taking things very leisurely, but are you really looking? "

　Oops, I'm being doubted.  That's a bit insulting.

"Don’t worry. I’ve asked my elite squad, who can find two people anywhere in the royal capital in 15 minutes, to search for her. If they can't get any information this way…… After the title matches are over, before I destroy the empire, I'll get involved."
"I-I see. If that's the case, she should be easy to find……"

　……That's certainly true. Given that several days have passed and they have not yet found her, should I be worried?

"I'll let you know as soon as I find any clues. Please remain in the royal capital for now."
"Hmph, all right. You're making me wait, so you'd better get me some information."
"Who do you think you are? To speak like that"
"……I am Nil-sama."

　I guess you're not the eldest son of the Weissroy family now.

"Drink up, Nil! "
"Yeah, let's drink. But in moderation."
"You're learning!　Hahaha! "





"Well then, it is time for me to go home, that I do!　See you!　Master Second!　See you! "
"Yeah, yeah. See you later."

　2:30 a.m.
　Muratti is finally going home.

　He waved his thick hands and looked back repeatedly as if he was reluctant to part, and then got into the carriage and left.

　Even as he was leaving, he still seemed like he hadn't had enough to say. When I said “Muratti, it's getting late,” he looked like a puppy that had been abandoned as he fell silent for a moment. Because of that, I couldn't bring myself to end our conversation.


"I knew it would end up like this……"

　Yukari said, looking exasperated, as she brought down my glass.

　I see, that's why Yukari was worried about it last night.
　As Yukari had advised, it was the right thing to do to go to bed early.


　……Well then.


"Yukari, what about tomorrow? "

"Conversely, what do you think it will be, Master? "


　Oh, a new pattern.

　Bishamon or Toushini?

　Hmm, I wonder which one it is.


"The Toushini Games."

"Is that what your guts tell you? "

"I kind of feel like doing some martial arts."

"……What does that mean?"


　Unusually, Yukari let out a giggle.

　So, what is it?


"You are correct."

　Oh, so it's that.

======

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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