Moto Sekai Ichi – 204 | Sousaku – 創作

204　Bishamon Match Part 3

Arc 10: Title Defense

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【Sword-drawing】 (STR+DEX+AGI+VIT)/5.12+remaining SP/10^4（fire power when using a sword at the belt 128％）

《Dragon King Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Extremely powerful are of effect attack.
《Dragon Horse》 Range attack in all directions.
《Rook Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Extremely powerful Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Bishop Sword-drawing》 Quick and powerful thrust.
《Gold Sword-drawing》 Counter (Single attack + defense)
《Silver Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Powerful Sword-drawing attack.
《Knight Sword-drawing》 Large movement + Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Lance Sword-drawing》 Movement + Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Soldier Sword-drawing》 Sword drawing attack (Single attack)

"Hey. Long time no see, Second-kun."

The cross-dressing beauty Masamune, who was waving her hand at me, had grown her black hair a little longer than when I had seen her before.

However, it was only a centimeter or two, a tiny amount of length. Maybe it is something that I can notice only because I haven't seen her for a while.

"Yeah, it's been a while…… Are you growing your hair out?”

I was thinking about what I should say now that we're meeting again, but for some reason, the first thing that came out of my mouth was something so trivial.

"……You're not doing this on purpose, are you? That's right, I'm growing it. You're the only one who noticed."

Masamune blushed shyly and brushed her beautiful hair, which was still short for a woman even though it had grown longer.

Despite dressing as a man, her gestures were those of a woman.

"A slow-and-steady approach, huh?"
"Yes, little by little. That's what you taught me."

Seems like that's her plan, like the gradual changing of flowers in a flower bed. The day when she stops being the prince of the Benzai style may not be far off.

"But, Second-kun. There are two things that have changed in me, not gradually but completely. Are you aware of this?”

Two. Two things…… that's tough.

"As a hint, let's see."

As I was thinking with my arms folded, Masamune said that, puffed up her cheeks, and continued her words.

"I've heard a lot of rumors about you. I hear you have three mistresses. I heard that you even managed to get the third one just yesterday…… They say that heroes are lustful, but you're not a king, so you should keep it in check, okay?”
"I see, so the first one is your impression of me. But that rumor is a little wrong."
"Uh?”
"They're not my mistresses. We're all serious."
"……W-Why are you like that…… And I wonder why I'm still, with a guy like this……"

Masamune put her hand on her forehead and muttered to herself in amazement.

I'm sorry, Masamune…… I can't help it, I'm just not good at hiding my likes. Ever since I was a child.

"――Bow to each other! Get ready!”

The call came with great timing, as usual.
Referees, you've always been good at reading the mood, haven't you?

"Are you going to tell me about the other one now?”
"Yeah. I hope you will be happy, Second-kun."

I had a good guess, so I asked Masamune.

Masamune smiled and placed her hand on the katana at her waist.

"I can give you this as a hint."

Taking position, we faced each other.

In an instant, the hot and humid air of midsummer froze over.

"Right now, the strongest in the Land of the Eight Swords is... me. Very clearly."

"――Begin!”

Interesting.

That's the best kind of encouragement. Expectation, anxiety, and pleasure all come together, instantly making my blood boil.

She must have wanted that. If that's the case, I'll respond accordingly. That's the world's number one style. No, it's samurai etiquette.

Savor it well―― the “Seven System”.

"There it is."

That's right. The first move is 《Dragon King Sword-drawing》. A skill that increases in power the more you charge it up.

There are two options: either avoid it by keeping your distance, or crush it before it can be activated.

Masamune dashed forward diagonally, closing the distance and quickly moving around to my side. Was it a two-in-one strategy to avoid the Dragon King while also trying to take advantage of any openings?

"Amazing."

I waited exactly one second, then canceled the Dragon King and began preparing for 《Bishop Sword-drawing》.

This is a skill that allows you to perform a twisting thrust from a forward-facing sword draw. You cannot defend against this attack with skills below Silver.

"!”

As soon as Masamune noticed my Bishop, she prepared 《Gold Sword-drawing》…… and retreated.

"You're being very careful."
"Well, I'll just wait and see. Besides, I'm not confident that I could win in a straight fight against that."
"Is that so?"

Gold is the second-best move here. The aim is to prepare Gold as a counter and wait for the opponent's move. It's a solid move, but if you look at it in a negative light, it's a passive and unassertive move.

However, Masamune prepared Gold and retreated further from there. Even so, I think this is being overly cautious.

However, it's not necessarily bad. Experienced PvP players often try to take a larger safety margin than necessary when they deviate from their Game Plan. Masamune, who had seen the Seven System for the first time, probably thought that it would be better to retreat and restart rather than blindly take on the fight here.

Yeah, that's good intuition.

"Hey, Second-kun. Have you ever thought about this?”
"What do you mean?
"Which do you think is stronger, a hardworking genius or a super genius?”

……Yes.
This is the kind of question that I was asked a lot by players when I was ranked number one in the world.

Which is stronger, the ordinary person who works hard or the genius?

The answer is the latter. And by a huge margin.

But Masamune's question was kind of strange.

The word “genius” almost sounds like a given.

However, my answer remains the same.

"The latter, I think."
"Hoo!”
"No matter if you're a genius or a super genius, you'll still have to work hard to the limit."

Otherwise, it will be impossible to compete with the world's best.

"I understand. I think so too. Because I worked so hard I almost died."
"I suppose so."
"But, there was only one way to break through that limit."
"……Hoh."
"Do you want me to show you?”
"By all means."

It is easy to tell that she is not saying this lightly. You only have to think about her background a little.

She was raised like a man as a tool to take over the Kisshou style, and from the time she was born she was forced to betray, grew up deceiving those close to her, matured in an environment of hatred and hostility, and finally became independent and established the Benzai style.

That effort is full of sadness. And always, with hope.

She, who had held a big dream in her heart and continued to work hard to the limit…… has broken through that limit.

Is such a thing possible?

"The only one, just for me, my first, very big blooming of the heart."

We started over; the distance between us was renewed. While gradually closing the gap, Masamune smiled brightly and said.

"I've come to love you so much. Sword-drawing, too. All of this that you taught me."

"…………"

"My umbrella was stolen by you. I shall give you that umbrella forever……!”

Suddenly, she stepped in and lowered her posture.

The gap suddenly closed. There is no room for even a slight misstep.

"――Benzai Style Secret Technique, Hanamizuki."

It was Masamune who took the initiative.

《Lance Sword-drawing》. A skill that combines a quick movement called “two steps and one strike” with a sharp sword draw performed just as the move is about to be completed.

So, should I take it or dodge it?

There is also the option of crushing it with a Silver, but it will be a bit of a gamble to see if I can make it in time. The timing was just that perfect.

As expected of a secret technique! I couldn't help but praise it.

"In that case――"

I moved diagonally to the right rear while charging up my 《Rook Sword-drawing》.

A move used to avoid or block an incoming attack, and in some cases, to counter an attack. Always have multiple aims, that's the basics.

"――!?”

Immediately afterward, I couldn't help but open my eyes wide in surprise.

Masamune's Lance had switched to 《Knight Sword-drawing》 the moment I started preparing my Rook. A really natural transition, it's brilliant.

The Knight skill allows you to move even further than the Lance, moving in a large jump and drawing your sword. If things continue like this, not only will the Rook not be able to make it in time, I won't even be able to avoid it.

……It's fascinating. Was this secret technique a set of three moves?

But this isn't the time to sulk because the Seven System has been rearranged.

"!”

When I started preparing 《Lance Sword-drawing》 in response, Masamune showed a slight reaction.

You're a super genius, so you must have read this far in an instant.

That's right, I deliberately played this Lance to the side to prepare to avoid your Knight. But that's not all.

If you cancel the Knight and switch to another skill in anticipation of this, it also becomes a spear to crush that.

Now, you have two options left. Which do you choose――

" "

――Oh, I see.

Ah, I get it! I was careless. What a surprise. Arrogantly, I still underestimated Masamune.

Prepare Lance to avoid it, or prepare a counter for it with Gold. I had convinced myself that those were the only options.

There's still one more!

Jumping with a Knight, canceling in mid-air, and preparing a Soldier……!

"Got you! !”

Masamune, who has jumped with a knight, boldly declared while preparing 《Soldier Sword-drawing》.

You're suited to playing the responder role―― Just as I had advised, she brilliantly took the lead and came out victorious.

What a surprise, a set of five moves. The key was the exquisite timing at the beginning.

Amazing, I didn't know there was such an approach! Ah, the Bishamon War is truly profound……!

"Eh."

Suddenly, Masamune let out a strange cry.

I know the reason. That's because I canceled the Lance and drew my sword without preparing any skills.

Then, while drawing a sword, I prepared a 《Soldier Sword-drawing》 attack――

"No way……"

――The response will be on time.

The red-black blade of Seventh Reikan met and rebounded off Masamune's Soldier.

Masamune seemed confused. It couldn't be helped, because I had been forced to respond to the Soldier in time, which she thought would be impossible to do at all.

The mechanism was simple The Second Slash is slightly faster than the Draw. So, I just drew my sword without using any skills, and I forced the Second Slash from Soldier. That's all there is to it.

With the 128% of the sword-drawing bonus, there should be some damage going through to me. However, due to the difference in status, Masamune ended up taking more damage. That's boring. Let's just pretend I took it. If my HP falls below this amount at the end of the game, I swear I will resign honorably.

Now, we've both sheathed our katanas and taken up our positions again. Let's start again.

"How interesting――"

It really is very interesting.

That the【Sword-drawing】 that you loved so much was so interesting.
That the【Sword-drawing】 that you believed was worth risking your life for is undoubtedly the real thing.
Behold. The children you raised have now grown up so much.

And from now on.
I will carry on your legacy.

There is still more to enjoy. There is still room for growth.
In the end, this is the only thing I can leave behind for everyone so that I can die with my chest held high too, and so that people will say that I died a magnificent death.

Everything is made of “love”――

Me, and you, too. Come, let us fight together.

Are you watching, everyone? Can you feel it, everyone?

The crystallization of your favorite thing, our passionate and intense youth, like it was back then, now, once again, it has regained its dazzling brilliance……!

――Look carefully: The "Seven Zero System"!!

"! !”

First move, 《Rook Sword-drawing》. The more you charge it up, the more powerful it becomes.
In the second move, Masamune responded with a counter using 《Gold Sword-drawing》.
Third move, 《Dragon King Sword-drawing》 following the Rook cancellation. Because it is a ranged area attack skill, it cannot be prevented by Gold.
Fourth move, Gold cancel, then a diagonal dash to the side.

Here, procedurally, it merged with the Seven System. After this, in the Seven System, you would wait for one second, then cancel the Dragon King and prepare a Bishop. If Masamune had the same idea as before, she would retreat while preparing a Gold.

But there is one difference. There's a meaning in using the other two moves at the start. This is the essence of the Seven Zero System.

"Eh, ah……! !”

She realized it too late.

Without waiting a second, I canceled the Dragon King and began preparing for 《Bishop Sword-drawing》.

Masamune hurriedly prepared her 《Gold Sword-drawing》 move, but…… it didn't line up properly.

Yes, combos with the same skill, i.e. Gold from a Gold cancel, will incur a slight delay.

……The Bishop closed in on Masamune. Her Gold was a few tenths of a second too late.

I think this was a mistake, because she ended up observing the Seven System too carefully.

"…………Aah……"

When it was already too late to recover, Masamune smiled softly and accepted her defeat.

Game Plans are constantly evolving. They are slowly nurtured between people.

No match is made by a single person.

Thanks. You were born and raised on that island where he spent his time, and it was only because you grew up through your own efforts that we were able to have such a fun match.

From me to 0k4NN, to Masamune, to everyone watching, with feelings of respect, I have devised this Game Plan, given it a new name, and presented it.

It's my, our, Game Plan for the soul that connects this world and the next.

From now on, the Game Plan for Second Firstest in 【Sword-drawing】 will evolve with this name for the rest of my life.

I will continue to nurture it along with the proof of his life.

I'd be happy if everyone could remember it.

"――That's enough! Winner, Second Firstest!”

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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).

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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 Martial Arts skills

【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）

List of Sword-drawing skills

【Sword-drawing】 (STR+DEX+AGI+VIT)/5.12+remaining SP/10^4（fire power when using a sword at the belt 128％）

《Dragon King Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Extremely powerful area of effect attack.
《Dragon Horse》 Range attack in all directions.
《Rook Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Extremely powerful Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Bishop Sword-drawing》 Quick and powerful thrust.
《Gold Sword-drawing》 Counter (Single attack + defense)
《Silver Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Powerful Sword-drawing attack.
《Knight Sword-drawing》 Large movement + Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Lance Sword-drawing》 Movement + Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Soldier Sword-drawing》 Sword drawing attack (Single attack)

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