Idle talk: Even the exceptional Miroku has ambitions.
Arc 10: Title Defense
=====
Extra.
"Free time……?”
During the party celebrating the eight titles.
Summoned by Second and ordered to act freely, Anko, the Darkness Wolf monster, tilted her head slightly as she pondered his words.
At times like this, the first thing that came to her mind was her master, Second. But her master seemed to be busy. It didn't seem like he would pay much attention to her.
"Ah, my Lord. What should Anko do?"
Looking around the venue, there were only insects.
However, she was also told not to kill insects for fun.
That being the case, the only way for Anko to kill time was to watch Second.
"Ufu."
That was a moment of pure bliss for Anko.
Following Second's back, Anko moved into the shadows with 《Darkness Transfer》 and appeared silently.
"----! You, If I remember correctly……"
She appeared next to Vogue's seat.
Vogue was surprised by Anko's sudden appearance, but quickly regained her composure.
"Anko-san, was it? Your master has already moved on to the next table."
"…………"
Anko ignored her.
No, rather than ignoring her, she probably just thought it was “something making a noise”.
Even if insects chirped nearby, no one would respond to them with words.
To her, this was perfectly natural.
That's why, if insects bother you――hit them with your hands and crush them.
"Ignored? What a hassle. "Both master and servant have troublesome personalities."
"Ahh!"
"――! ?”
The next moment, Anko used 《Darkness Transfer》 to move behind Vogue and gently placed her hand on her cheek.
Vogue caught a glimpse of death.
At that moment, she couldn't count how many times she had died.
Her body jumped in surprise, then gradually began to tremble with fear.
She understood. This is the real deal―― A murderous intent.
In a moment where a second felt like a minute, she prepared herself for death countless times.
Anko brought her mouth close to her ear and whispered just one sentence.
"Know your place."
A seductive voice that lingered in her brain.
And……By the time Vogue remembered to breathe, Anko had vanished like mist.
"What, was that……"
Vogue pressed her chest and breathed heavily.
I'm saved――Yes, she was relieved, but she was angry at herself for feeling that way.
Just being whispered at from behind made her skin crawl, and for a moment, she completely surrendered and even prayed to God.
Just because she spoke to her and said something slightly sarcastic, why did she have to suffer like this?
She wasn't sure. She didn't understand anything. But it was scary precisely because she didn't understand.
"…………"
Rothman, who witnessed the entire incident, did not try to provoke Vogue.
Or rather, he couldn't provoke her.
He, for his part, was relieved that the murderous intent was not directed at him.
"……What the hell was that? That demon is really scary."
"……It was scary."
Capito and Rave were the same.
Just seeing Anko up close was enough to make a person's heart automatically surrender.
"Don't touch what you don't understand."
Only Raspberry Bell did not succumb to Anko.
However, she is fully self-aware. If she was forced to fight Anko, there was no way she could win.
Freed from the behavior patterns typical of monsters, a Darkness Wolf demon was a formidable opponent.
"Hey, Windfield. I have been entrusted with a top-secret mission from My Second."
"Eh? Ah, yes. I kind of get the idea."
"As expected of my magistrate. Try saying it."
"Silvia, Eko, and Raspberry's spirits, right?”
"Indeed."
Meanwhile, Angolmois, who was free to move about, found Windfield and was holding a spirit meeting in a corner of the venue.
The top-secret mission entrusted by Second was to find three spirits.
When Second heard that Angolmois could specify the spirits he wanted to summon with a single command, he unhesitatingly listed all the spirits he wanted: “That one, and this one, and that one!”
However, it was not that simple.
Angolmois himself had to “negotiate” with the spirits that were to be summoned.
……And, the Great Spirit King had the worst personality. That was common knowledge even in the spirit world.
Therefore, Angolmois was convinced that he would definitely be rejected.
That's where Windfield came in.
"I'm counting on you."
"Well, for the sake of Second-san, I guess."
"For the sake of my reputation too."
"Well, I'll give it, a try. Because it's for Second-san, okay?"
"No, it's for my sake."
"Well, that's it then."
"Hey, wait a minute!”
Windfield hastily retreated.
Given that even she was repulsed by him, it's not hard to imagine how unpopular the Spirit King was in the spirit world.
"Hmph, daring to look down on me……"
Angolmois, now in a bad mood, looked around the venue for a punching bag.
The sacrifice for tonight…… was Muratti.
"Chair."
"Huh! ?”
"A chair!"
"Y-yeauh!”
Muratti obediently complied.
When he got down on all fours, Angolmois sat on top of him and crossed his legs.
"Igii! What blissful happiness!”
"Shut up, you pig!”
"Buhin!”
A win-win relationship.
"You two are a perfect match……"
Chérie, who was watching nearby, said with a look of utter disbelief.
"Fuhahaha! My Second is better suited to me."
"Ehh……So that's the kind of relationship you two have……?"
"What's so amusing?”
"……Do you go at it every night?”
"It doesn't have to be at night, you fool."
"During the day too! ?”
Perhaps due to the alcohol, Chérie had some strange misunderstanding and blushed as she hung on his every word.
"How does it feel?"
"Hoo. Little girl, you've finally realized you're someone who can completely command spirits, haven't you?"
"Well, it's not like we're doing that kind of thing."
"Don't be modest. Spirits and summoners are one and the same. Compatibility is what matters most."
"Hmm, hmmm."
"Like my Second, he's just perfect for whipping me around. You should try it too."
"So Second is the top! ?”
"Huh?”
"……Eh?”
A short time later, Chérie was seen with a bright red face, angry, and Angolmois was seen teasing her mercilessly, seizing the opportunity……
Meanwhile, the Muratti remained silent, acting as Angolmois' chair.
He was smiling brightly, or so they say……
"O-Oh my, Miroku-sama!”
"Long time no see……!”
After hundreds of years, the monster Asura, also known as Miroku, achieved 《Human Shift》.
He was given free rein by Second, and he immediately headed for a certain place.
That was with the samurai.
A legendary figure who once reigned as a living god in the Land of the Eight Swords. That was Miroku, but now he was nothing more than a demon under the command of Second.
And so, after spending half a year learning about this vast world, Miroku came to his own conclusions.
That's why he came to talk to them.
To talk with the samurai.
"It's fine, sit down."
"Ha!”
"As you wish!”
The first place he visited was the table where Kanbei and Mamushi were sitting.
There were two things he wanted to say.
"Kanbei, learn from Mamushi."
"! ?”
"Mamushi, learn from Kanbei."
"Huat! ?”
Those words were shocking to any samurai living in the Land of the Eight Swords.
The peerless samurai, Miroku-sama, spoke about sword-drawing, and specifically about different styles.
Such a thing never happened even once in a thousand years of history.
Miroku did not interfere with the island's sword-drawing techniques. He had limited himself to punishing those who had committed wrongdoing.
Therefore, they were both deeply shocked.
And then, they accepted the words honestly.
Miroku took the first step. The many samurai who live on the island where he grew up couldn't just sit back and do nothing.
These few words perfectly foreshadowed the great changes and the dawn of a new era in the Land of the Eight Swords.
This will surely go down in the history of the island.
"I want to see a thrilling match. Kanbei, Mamushi…… become true samurai."
"Ha!”
"H-Ha……!”
The words of the samurai who died with unfulfilled dreams, accumulated over a thousand years within Miroku.
Miroku realized that he couldn't attain enlightenment by just continuing to accumulate things.
It was necessary to entrust that will to the samurai who lived in the present.
One must elevate one's fighting spirit among thousands upon thousands of spectators.
To make that irreplaceable moment of brilliance even more memorable for a larger audience.
That was the supreme joy that the now deceased begged for――
"――Then, I too will become a samurai."
Miroku gave a word of advice to each of the samurai gathered at the venue, and then muttered this at the end.
He had a place to go.
"Anko-dono. Let's spar."
Miroku called out to Anko, who was just standing there staring at Second.
Fearless. Everyone thought so, but Miroku was aware of it himself.
However, making a clear resolution at this point was also very meaningful for him.
He had long believed that this match was necessary in order to decide his future course of action.
And above all, there were samurai looking at his back.
With a burning gaze in their eyes.
Miroku stood alone, quietly making up his mind.
"Ufu, ufufufu."
An eerie laugh echoed.
Such a mocking laugh.
"What is there to laugh about?"
"How unfortunate."
"Are you saying you refuse?"
Anko slowly shook her head and opened her mouth with a seductive voice.
"If I kill you, my lord will scold me."
"……I don't quite understand."
"Ah, how pitiable……"
It was genuine pity.
With an expression like a small animal shivering in the rain, Anko caught sight of Miroku.
A chill ran down Miroku's spine.
"――Fuhaha! In that case, you, my junior, should not lay your hands on him!”
At that moment, an uninvited spirit appeared and said such a thing.
Miroku couldn't help but wonder. How can you win without laying your hands on someone?
"Enough with the jokes――"
"If that is acceptable, I will be your partner."
"! ?”
However, contrary to Miroku's thinking, Anko nodded her head.
"There you have it, my junior's junior. That should calm your blood a little, shouldn't it?”
"!”
Angolmois said, as if he could see through him.
Miroku frowned and nodded.
"Then…… let's give it a try."
His expression remained stern.
Miroku knew it from the beginning.
Most likely, he couldn't win.
Even after agreeing to “not lay a hand on him,” victory was still nowhere in sight.
So why did Miroku challenge Anko?
Angolmois saw through his plan.
Certainly, as demons serving under Second, there was a desire to determine which of them was superior. However, that was not all.
The attitude of striving for greatness was what the samurai of today needed……Miroku was trying to show them that they couldn't just hole up on the island.
For over a thousand years, no man had dared to challenge him.
And even though he knew he would lose, he took a stand.
It was very similar to the life of the man named Seven that Angolmois had seen in Second.
Whether he won or lost, he always ran at the front of the pack. Such was the youth of that man.
Having spent time with such a man and fought alongside him, the passionate blood of that man also flowed strongly through Miroku's veins.
"Is this really okay?"
"Ufufu. No need to worry. Let's finish it in one move."
"……Somewhere in my heart, I am hoping for it."
"How foolish. Do you want to die that much?"
"You're going to get scolded by master, you know?”
"My hands might slip."
"It's the same for me."
The two stepped out into the courtyard and faced each other.
"First, pay your respects to me. Then, bow to each other. Get ready!"
Angolmois, floating in midair, came between them and began to mimic a judge.
Wondering about the commotion, the title match contestants gathered as spectators.
In an instant, a commotion spread throughout the crowd.
Clearly, the atmosphere had changed.
An exhibition match? No, this wasn't something that simple.
This was a real fight to the death.
"――Begin!”
At Angolmois' command, Miroku moved first.
First, canceling 《Human Shift》. Miroku instantly transformed into a three-headed, six-armed Asura and attacked Anko.
At the same time, Anko also activated 《Darkness Shift》 and turned into a large black wolf.
"……!”
Bustle. The crowd lets out a gasp of amazement.
Miroku's technique was that impressive.
This is a clever move that involved the activation of 《Silver Sword-drawing》 with a fierce horizontal spin, hiding which of the six arms was the real one until just before the sword was drawn.
A technique that no one could possibly dodge at first sight.
…………However.
" "
Miroku was speechless.
He had thought of various endings, but the reality unfolding before his eyes was so terrifying that he couldn't help but let go of his katana.
Anko blocked Miroku's powerful sword strike―――― with her eyeball.
And surprisingly, Anko's eyeball, which should have been gouged out by the katana, was completely unharmed.
"When in wolf form, all physical attacks are nullified."――This all came down to the Darkness Wolf's unique characteristics.
This was the reason why Second was so sure that even if there were a hundred or a thousand Mirokus, they would never be able to beat Anko.
Just one move.
Without doing anything, and with just one attack, Anko defeated Miroku.
It was too shocking for the title contenders who were watching.
Even they, who were among the most skilled in the world, could not believe their eyes when they saw Miroku's sword-drawing technique, which was so skillful that it made them gasp in admiration, being deflected by an eyeball…… it was simply absurd.
They couldn't even begin to comprehend the magnitude of what they had witnessed.
In the case of Second, they could still understand. Following the same line of thinking, it was still understandable.
However, in the case of Anko…… they couldn't. Not even a fraction of it.
That is why it was so terrifying.
"Enough."
Seeing Miroku in a state of shock, Angolmois ended the match.
Seeing Anko casually perform 《Darkness Shift》 and walk away, the title contenders looked almost terrified.
"…………Fuh, hahaha!”
Angolmois was the only one who laughed.
Every single person present here was completely clueless.
And Anko――She was feared precisely because she was seen yet they couldn't understand.
As for Second――It was exactly because they didn't even know what they didn't know that they didn't feel afraid.
Were they on the same line? Foolish. Second seemed to be doing the same thing as the others, but he was doing something completely different. As long as it was perceived as “the same thing,” it meant that even the fact that it was “unknown” was “unknown”.
Even when they gather here, they can't even catch a glimpse of it. Truly rabble.
Angolmois scoffed, wondering if humans and demons were such ridiculous creatures.
And then, he revelled in his sense of superiority. It is none other than myself, the Great Spirit King, who understands Second better than anyone else.
=====
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 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)
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Sousaku - 創作 - We Create! 