Moto Sekai Ichi – 198 | Sousaku – 創作

198　Toushini Match Part 1

【Martial Arts】 Attack：(STR+DEX+AGI)/2.56
《Dragon King Martial Arts》 A very powerful wide-area attack in the front (shockwave)
《Dragon Horse Martial Arts》 Accelerated forward strike (Dash Punch)
《Rook Martial Arts》 Very powerful single-target attack + charge (Punch)
《Bishop Martial Arts》 Omni-directional attack (Roundhouse kick)
《Gold Martial Arts》 Short-range attack plus defense (Tackle)
《Silver Martial Arts》 Strong single-target attack （Punch）
《Knight Martial Arts》 Forward jumping attack （Jumping kick）
《Lance Martial Arts》 Short-range attack (Kick)
《Soldier Martial Arts》 Normal attack （Punch）

☆ Nova Bartelemon Toushini
A Cubero
B Renko
C Second Firstest
D Davidov

{(A vs B) vs (C vs D)} vs Nova Bartelemon Toushini

The first semi-final match of the Toushini Tournament to decide the challenger, Cubero vs. Renko.

The arena was enveloped in a strange kind of tension.

The two people facing each other in the center were, so to speak, fellow students.

Officially, they were both considered to be Second Firstest's comrades.

Those in the know knew. That Cubero was the right-hand man of the great R6 bandits. That Renko was the daughter of the boss of the Great R6 Bandits, Rimusuma. And that now, she was the leader of the new R6 bandits.

In other words, a confrontation between the old and the new. Because it was a battle between bandits, there was a strange sense of tension.

"Cubero. Aren't you hot in that kind of clothes? "
"Young mistress, a righteous thief must always be well-dressed. If you wear such revealing clothes, it will set a bad example for the others."
"Hmph. As usual, you're pretty preachy, aren't you?"
"You too, Young mistress, are as thick-skinned as your father was."
"……My old man has nothing to do with the R6. I am the leader of the new R6. The way that bandits should be has also changed. Don't try to impose your old-fashioned ideas of what a thief should be like on me.”
"I see. “Old-fashioned, is it?"

Under the blazing sun, Cubero was dressed in a butler's uniform. Renko, on the other hand, was dressed in a casual outfit of a T-shirt and hot pants.

"――Bow to each other! Get ready! "

Both players took their positions according to the referee's command.

"I am me, so I'll do things in my own way."

Renko took out a “Mithril Knuckle Duster” from her inventory and said that while wearing it on her fist.

Cubero sighed, removed his white gloves to put them in his inventory, and lightly held his fists in front of his chest.

"Hey, aren't you going to wear any equipment? With that attitude of yours, I――"

"――Young mistress."

Interrupting Renko, who was speaking with a condescending tone, Cubero spoke in a quiet voice.

"Enough with trying to be cool."

"…………"

He had spoiled her.

She was the daughter of the boss, Rimusuma. For Cubero, she was like a family member, someone he had always looked after like a daughter or a younger sister.

However, that was because Renko was a member of the “normal” world.

The new righteous R6 bandits…… for Cubero, it was just a childish game that would make him laugh.

Cubero was determined to teach her here.

The way of life of a real, righteous thief.

"――Begin! "

As soon as the starting signal sounded, they sped off and closed the distance between them.

Renko, who was confident in her AGI, suddenly realized something. Apparently, Cubero was also quite fast.

She was conceited. In terms of 【Martial Arts】, she was taught by Raspberry Bell, so she had an advantage over the others.

Now, however, the conditions were almost equal. Both of them had raised all of their 【Martial Arts】 skills to the ninth grade, and the only other skills where there was a difference were 【Swordsmanship】 and 《Transform》. However, you couldn't use other skills during the Toushini tournament, and the main stat that increased with 【Swordsmanship】 was STR. If you only looked at AGI, there wouldn't be much difference between the two.

Renko hadn't been doing anything for the past six months, but…… even so, she hadn't been doing anything special either. Renko had been sitting on her laurels, making excuses to herself that she was too busy with R6 activities to work on her skills. It was a lapse in judgment because she was the most skilled of the group.

If you were asked which of the two was stronger in a fight, Cubero, who had fought countless one-on-one battles in his life and had continued to work hard for the past six months, or Renko, who was stronger to begin with but hadn't done anything in particular, everyone would choose the former.

"! "

As the distance between them closed and they entered each other's range, Cubero stopped and activated 《Silver Martial Arts》.

A powerful single-target attack skill. In other words, a strong punch. It was supposed to be just a simple attack. But…… For some reason, Renko cowered.

She looked very scared. Very scared of Cubero.

The man she thought was her father's annoying, meddlesome lackey was now facing her with a cold expression and his fist raised―― for Renko, this was nothing short of terrifying.

Only now did she realize just how terrifying this man called Cubero was.

……They were too different. The number of times they've been through the wringer. It was made painfully clear to her.

A person who has overcome many times the hellish situation of being on the verge of death can exert such a powerful aura simply by clenching his fist.

"……oh."

Renko was clearly slow to react.

Even though she hurriedly prepared her 《Soldier Martial Arts》, it was already too late.

"! ! "

Bam―― There was a dull sound of a fist hitting against a skull.

Renko, who had lost her balance due to Cubero's 《Silver Martial Arts》, took three steps back.

"I don't feel your motivation."

Immediately afterwards, Cubero begins preparations for 《Dragon Horse Martial Arts》.

A skill for forward acceleration attacks, namely a dash punch. You could say it was a perfect pursuit.

If she took this, she would be done for. After a moment's hesitation, Renko prepared 《Gold Martial Arts》. This was a skill for short-range attacks as well as defense.

"Didn't you hear what I said?! You coward! "

"! ? "

A single roar from Cubero.

This was the first time Renko had seen Cubero shouting.

However, this was the very essence of Cubero. The face of the young leader as he spoke to his underlings.

"Uh……! "

In an instant, a piercing dash punch from Cubero's 《Dragon Horse Martial Arts》 explodes into Renko's crossed arms.

Needless to say, Dragon Horse was more powerful than Gold. What's more, Gold did not have any special effects, such as counter skills. It was clear that she would simply be outmatched in terms of firepower.

Yes, it was just as Cubero said.

Coward―― In other words, she was passive.

All skills in 【Martial Arts】 served both as offense and defense. There were only two ways to respond to an opponent's attack. You could either dodge or clash. However, if you wanted to win the latter, you would have to win by force.

Renko must have known that such a thing was natural. However, she was reluctant to do it. She was scared of Cubero. Therefore, she ended up making a passive move that aimed only to defend herself using 《Gold Martial Arts》.

"Fuck!! "

Renko was blown backward and stumbled, falling on her bottom.

……I'm not able to fight as I'd like. Renko, who had cried out in frustration, pushed her fists into the ground and gathered her strength to stand up.

Of course, Cubero wouldn't miss such a huge opening.

"……"

He approached, loudly stamping his leather shoes, and stood in front of her with a look of complete composure.

A sound like a strangled scream was heard at the back of Renko's throat as she looked up at Cubero.

" "

Immediately after that, Cubero's 《Soldier Martial Arts》 sunk into Renko's cheek while she was on the ground.

It was a punch that seemed to come down like a hammer.

"Ka, hyu~"

The follow-up used 《Bishop Martial Arts》. The omnidirectional attack kick caught Renko in the stomach as she laid on the ground.

Struck directly by such a heavy kick, Renko could hardly breathe.

The fight was already one-sided. The result was almost certain.

However, Cubero showed no sign of loosening his stance.

What if this was a real battle?
There was no holding back in a battle between bandits.

"A “righteous thief” is a villain who kills villains. Do you have the resolve to spend your life with the sun behind your back, to kill another person without a single expression on your face, to get up, again and again, no matter how many times you are knocked down?"

"…………I……do……"

Renko said this while showing her anger towards Cubero, who was looking down at her.

A thoughtless retort. After pausing for a beat, Cubero spoke.

"Then get up and show me. Right here, right now."
"…………"
"Can't you stand up? You're probably scared of me, aren't you? You probably think it's a waste of time to get up, right? Ahh…… I understand."

Renko couldn't stand up.

She was confident in her willpower and determination, but she couldn't stand up.

Cubero knew better than anyone why.

"So light. You are light, responding immediately to a challenge without any particular convictions. Your fists are light as you set out with nothing to carry on your back. You only stand up when you need to, so you're light."
"Only stand up when you need to……"
"Don't give up just because you're going to lose anyway. But even if you know it's useless, there's meaning in getting up. That is my resolve. Resolve is not something that is shown only with words. It's something you show through your actions."

There are things that only those who have once walked the same path can understand.

Living as a righteous thief is hard.

There is still time now. You can still live a decent life, Renko.

"……Excuse me. However, only you can decide how you want to live."
"! "
"Second-sama said it was okay to play the part of a righteous thief…… but I remain opposed to the idea. You must not become a thief. You must not become a villain, Young Mistress."
"Even so, why do you have to do something like that here?"
"I thought this would be my last chance. I want you to swear to me here, in front of everyone, Young mistress. To live as a “normal person”."
"Cubero, you……"
"Now then, Young mistress……! "

Cubero completed his preparations for 《Rook Martial Arts》 and asked Renko, who was lying on the ground.

The more you charge it up, the more powerful the punch becomes. While Renko was thinking about her reply, it charged up to the maximum.

"…………"

Suddenly, Renko remembered.

About the time when Second pushed her to start afresh with the new R6.

This is what he said. "Give it a try. Do as you like If you think it's fun, you're in the right place."――

"……Hmm."

She couldn't help but chuckle through her nose.

It was a simple puzzle.

If you lined up the pieces scattered by Second and Cubero, the correct answer would become obvious at a glance.

"You guys are really…… Well then."

What meddlesome, over-concerned men these are…… Renko smiled without realizing it.

She had a feeling that things couldn't continue like this forever.
She felt like something was missing.

Right now.
Things had to change.

Right now, at this time, in this place.
The two of them, or rather, everyone, gave her that opportunity.

"Gu, U, Uuuu~……"

Gritting her teeth, she put all her strength into her legs.

There was a sharp pain all over her body, but what did that matter?

Facing Cubero, she stared him in the eyes and spoke.

"A villain? Who decided that a righteous thief is a villain? You have no right to call me a villain. I'm going to be the kind of thief I want to be……! "
"So you're saying that a righteous thief is not a villain, Young mistress?"
"That's wrong. All I'm saying is that I'll do things my own way, and simply find out. Whether or not a righteous thief is a villain."
"That's too naive. You'll regret it."
"That's unmanly. Just acknowledge it…… My image of a righteous thief."
"……Can't you just go back to being a “normal” person?

When Cubero asked his final question, Renko laughed, and then opened her mouth.

"Go screw yourself."

A clear and definite answer.

Then, adding a single comment, “And you know what?” she managed to support her unsteady body with her two legs and began preparing 《Knight Martial Arts》, before continuing.

"I don't like being told what to do――"

Cubero quietly bowed his head and closed his eyes.

It only lasted a second. His mouth curved as if he had smiled, and by the time he looked up, he had an evil expression on his face.

"Haa!! "
"Huu!! "

Renko's flying kick using 《Knight Martial Arts》 clashed with Cubero's fist of his fully charged 《Rook Martial Arts》.

A deafening roar sounded as if rocks had collided with each other at a tremendous speed, and at the same time as the impact, a cloud of dust rose.

"……Wonderful!"

When the dust cleared away, there was......

The image of Renko collapsing and Cubero smiling.

"――That's enough! Winner, Cubero! "

Even though he had caused her such a terrible experience.

Until the very end, Renko stuck to her own version of a righteous thief.

Standing up on his own feet, he spoke words for himself.

If that's the case, then there's nothing to worry about.

"Wonderful, Young mistress……! "

Once more, Cubero muttered to himself as he mulled over the situation, he then took a handkerchief from his inventory and wiped the sweat from his face.

======

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