213　Are there any reservations about the proposal?

Arc 11: The Empire

=====



　――《Brainwashing Magic》.

　A seed of conflict left behind by the late Duchess Lucia Icene.

This NPC, nicknamed “The Brainwashing Granny,” was Yukari's former employer.


　The House of Icene was destroyed by the conspiracy of Prime Minister Val Morrow, and all members of the family were executed.

　However, even in her despair, Lucia clung to a glimmer of hope. She entrusted all of her brainwashing magic skills to Yukari, a female assassin who didn't even have a name at the time, and to the new master who would acquire her.


　In this way, Brainwashing Magic was passed down to Second Firstest.

　Lucia's plan to pass Yukari on to someone capable of protecting the Kingdom of Castall was a success.


　After that, Second used Brainwashing Magic twice during the political strife that erupted in the kingdom under the leadership of Prime Minister Val Morrow, resulting in the expulsion of the Imperialists.

　Furthermore, he once used it on Kenshin, the head of the Tobatsu-style school in the Land of the Eight Swords, in order to punish him.

　He used it a total of three times.


　After trying it out, he thought, “Brainwashing magic is boring”.

　He had always hated “cheating”. In his beloved game Mobius Online, cheating was considered a serious offense.

　And Brainwashing Magic was a dirty trick that was almost cheating.

　This brainwashing magic is not necessary to achieve the pinnacle of “world number one,” which was the goal for which he risked his life. Second was determined never to use it again.


　However……There was only one person other than Second who knew how to learn Brainwashing Magic.

　Windfield, a spirit summoned by Yukari.

　She sensed the unprecedented uniqueness of Brainwashing Magic.
　And wondered if perhaps even a spirit like herself could learn it.

　The result was a huge success. Windfield mastered it with ease.
　This was one of the few successful examples of various factors coming together, such as the fact that Brainwashing Magic was originally an NPC-only skill. Basically, spirits do not acquire new skills.
　However, she was able to master Brainwashing Magic.

　And she happily conducted an experiment.
　How much information can be crammed into brainwashing? Even when estimating the number of times it could be used conservatively, she thought it would be four times, but she used three times for the experiment.

　She also believed that brainwashing magic was not particularly necessary. That's why she used it so extravagantly. Nevertheless, she did not mind using it to make the man she loved happy.

　That's why, for the fourth and final time, after comparing the results of the previous experiments, she thought about how to use it in the most interesting way possible.



"――You're joking, right?”

　At first, when Yukari heard Windfield say that she would use Brainwashing Magic on Second, she responded with quiet anger and a cold expression.

　It would be unthinkable for a spirit servant to brainwash its master.

"But――"

　However, as she listened to Windfield continue, her opinion gradually changed.

　Yukari also had her own thoughts on the matter. She helped Raspberry Bell enhance the performance of her weapon, the Black Fal, to stage 6 during the Issenza Summer Tournament. Depending on how you interpreted it, it was an action that could easily be seen as treason against her master.

　Yes, she felt empathy.

　Wanting to entertain Second……That was the underlying reason for both Yukari and Windfield’s actions.

　At the time of the Black Fal, Yukari was certain. She was confident that Second would be happy, not angry.

　However, what about in this case?　Yukari felt a little uneasy.

　That man, who is already prone to flying into a rage, is obsessed with being number one in the world, and now he's been made to forget about being number one and spend a month pursuing the title of emperor, which he has no interest in. How could he not be angry?…… She thought.


"That, I wonder."

　Windfield, looking as sleepy as ever, replied to Yukari's question with just one sentence.

　She was already prepared. Prepared to be disliked by Second.

　She was given a month by the world's number one man, Second. That being the case, she wanted to entertain him as much as possible with the best scenario she could think of. Even if it meant being disliked……


"……Okay, you have my permission."

　A kind of thorough professionalism.
　Perhaps influenced by her enthusiasm, or perhaps for other reasons, Yukari gave her permission.

　In fact, Yukari also wanted to see it. And she wanted to praise him. To see the scene where Second Firstest took the seat of Emperor of Marubell in just one month.

　If it were my beloved master, he would easily accomplish it. She couldn't help feeling that way.

　And if he were serious about becoming emperor, it would definitely be――Most likely fun, too.


"As expected, of you, Master."

　Windfield smiled quietly.
　Yukari was also convinced that she belonged on “this side”.

　One who understood the beauty of living solely to enjoy life to the fullest.
　One who could enjoy observing those who lived to play.


　Thus, it was decided to use Brainwashing Magic on Second.

　The content was to change his dream from “world number one” to “emperor”.

　In other words, the extraordinary passion he was currently pouring into regaining the world's top spot would now be directed toward achieving the emperor's throne.

　What kind of results will this bring?

　The answer, for now, was known only to Windfield……






"――So, I'm going to become Emperor in a month."

　After dinner.
　With everyone gathered in the living room, Second announced casually.

"……Fumu……"

　Everyone ignored him.

　Silvia replied without listening. Eko was absorbed in her meal, Yukari said nothing, and Raspberry Bell smiled and said, “Well, I guess that's okay”. Akaneko simply tilted her head, asking, “emperor?”.

　It was completely normal for Second to suddenly say something so absurd. So everyone reacted as they always did.


"Listen here.　In my opinion, the current emperor is completely inadequate. He doesn't understand anything about what an emperor is. I can't take it anymore. I can't watch this anymore. I'll just have to become emperor myself."

"…………"

"I thought about it a lot, but I decided that it's best to settle it with my skills. I decided to go undercover. If a man with eight titles, who is the ambassador of a mysterious country in the Kingdom of Castall, suddenly arrives at the empire, it is obvious that he will be treated with caution."

"…………"

"I heard from Windfield that the Empire is conducting needle tests as a measure against Wraiths. Everyone who enters the castle gets a needle stuck in their arm. Those who have been transformed by a Wraith will revert back to their original form. So, I came up with a plan."

"…………"

"I'll start by ripping off my right arm. Then, with the Wraith, I can transform and put on a prosthetic arm, which is perfect for the inspection――"


"Second-dono."
"What?”
"Take a break from being stupid."
"You think I'm stupid?”
"Obviously. No question about it. Becoming emperor in a month is impossible."
"Hey, don't look down on me. I think I can make it. The empire is a thorough meritocracy. Ability is the most important factor in everything you do. There is no distinction based on social status. Now, you get it, right?”
"Mmm……No, even if that's true, in just one month?"
"Just wait and see. I have a good chance of success. I'll achieve unprecedented, extraordinary, and incredible accomplishments, and then I'll quickly become emperor!"

　Silvia sighed, exasperated, at Second's flashy smile.

　Seeing the two of them, Yukari quietly muttered.


"I see……"


　Nothing has changed――That was the only impression Yukari, who knew about the brainwashing, had of him.

　Certainly, that was something Second might say. Words like, “To become number one in the world, first I'll become emperor in a month,” were the kind of thing he would say.

　Normally, the position of emperor would hold no interest for him whatsoever. However, his dream of becoming “number one in the world,” which they hear so often that they are sick of it, was so vague and grandiose that they couldn't help but think that his current goal of becoming emperor was just a stepping stone.

　Furthermore, Second was business as usual today.

　With the same confidence he had when he aimed for the world's top, he was determined to become the emperor in a month.

　The fact that he would even tear off his own right arm just to get into the castle was particularly characteristic of him.

　Becoming emperor in a month? Honestly, that was crazy. However, he was usually completely insane.

　Therefore, no one noticed that Second had been brainwashed……


"Senpai, can I talk to you for a moment?”
"Ohh. What happened?　Ras."

　Raspberry Bell, who had been listening to Second and Silvia, called out to Second with a half-smile.

　Did she suspect something?　Yukari stared intently at Raspberry Bell, but judging from her expression, that didn't seem to be the case.

"You don’t have to do something like cutting your arm off, just brainwash the inspector. Then you'll have more pawns in the empire, so it's like killing two birds with one stone, right?”
"You're hired!　As expected of Ras. You've been to college, after all."
"What kind of subtle compliment is that?……Well, I'm kind of happy, but..."

　Following Raspberry Bell's advice, Second clapped his hands and nodded.

　If that plan was adopted, it would be the fourth time Second had used Brainwashing Magic. In other words, the last time. Yukari smiled softly, thinking that it was typical of Second not to even consider using such an important opportunity to brainwash the emperor.

　Brainwashing Magic was not necessary to become the world's top. It should be used to prepare for the contest, but not for the contest itself. That idea was still alive, even though Windfield had replaced the goal with that of becoming emperor. That's why Second was trying to use his last attempt just to pass the inspection.


　Yukari understood. It really was just a “switch”.

　Even though he had been brainwashed, the essence of Second remained completely unchanged.

　The result was obvious. If he continued like this, he would think as usual, act as usual, and do as he usually did.

　Then, when the brainwashing was broken, what would he think――?


"Master."
"Huh?”

　If that's the case, then this was all she could say.


"Please enjoy your month-long vacation."



　　＊　＊　＊



　Next morning.
　For the time being, I was meeting Gloria in front of the Firstest residence so we could head to Alpha's parents' house.

　Why choose Alpha's house when I'm aiming to become the Emperor of Marubell in a month? Windfield said, “You'll see when you get there”.

　What the heck is that? Doesn't that make you excited! ?


"Good morning."
"It's early morning, it's the crack of dawn."

　I was so excited that I couldn't help but feel aroused, and then Gloria quietly appeared. On foot. Moreover, alone. Her behavior is so informal that it makes one question whether she is truly an elf princess.

　Her long hair, reaching down to her waist, was as beautiful as ever, sparkling in the morning sun. Her outfit was a monochrome shirt, cardigan, and long skirt, which was rather thick for summer. I think she wore a black and white dress at the celebration party. Does this girl like black and white?

"Good morning. Today's black and white is looking good."

"Thank you, I like it."
"It's crisp, it's clean."

　Looking closely, everything from the hat to the shoes was composed of black and white. What an incredible level of attention to detail!


"Good morning, Gloria-sama. Please this way."

　After a brief greeting, Cubero led Gloria to the carriage.

　I asked Cubero to be my driver for this trip. Even though she is the former Senjushou, she is still an elf princess, so she must be placed in the care of someone trustworthy. At one point, I considered Jast, who is skilled at handling horses, but he is useless with anything other than horses. Therefore, Cubero, who is skilled at everything, is the right person for the job this time.

"Now, Second-sama, please."
"Yeah."

　Following Gloria, I also got into the carriage. Cubero's hand was placed above the entrance, showing that he really was a man without flaws. I'm glad I left it to him.


　So, it's finally time to leave. Our destination is the city of Akaa in the southern part of the Marubell Empire. We should arrive in two days.

　In any case, if this luxury carriage were to be attacked by bandits along the way, I might end up rooting for the bandits instead. The coachman is a Toushini contestant, and the former Senjushou and the Eight Crown Champion are among the passengers.

　Well, in the first place, there's no way Gloria and I would ever be written into the script if such thing were to happen. Cubero can handle everything by himself. I feel like I can travel with peace of mind.

　That said, two days alone with Gloria in this cramped carriage? I have concerns about that, though……


"Wow, this carriage doesn't shake."
"It's quiet, it's smooth."

"Eko gets motion sickness, so I bought the best carriage in the royal capital. Or rather, if you were a princess, wouldn't you own a nice carriage?”

"I don't travel at all."
"I'm staying home, I'm reading books."

"Ehh. So you love books, huh?"

"I love them. You can learn many things."
"Have you read about plants?　Have you read about wildflowers?”

"Oh, the plant guidebook I borrowed. I read it. Here."

　When I returned the plant book, Gloria smiled, took it, pointed her right index finger at me, and then opened her mouth.


"Well, here's a question."

"Question?”

　Why so suddenly?

"In spring, lots of small, long, white flowers that look like pots bloom."

"Andromeda."

"Y-You're correct, and you're quick."

"By the way, there are no monsters or animals that eat andromeda. Because it's poisonous. If crushed and compounded into a potion, it will grant a special effect of repelling insects. It's a good idea to use this in combo with an acid-based attack potion against insect-type monsters."

"Amazing!　That information wasn't in the guidebook."
"It was informative, it was educational."

　Right?　Leave it to me when it comes to knowledge about Mobius.


"So, do you know what it means in the language of flowers?”

"……Sorry, what is it?"

　I have no knowledge unrelated to Mobius. So I can only scratch my head.


　Then Gloria smiled and replied,



"――Let's travel together."



　……For some reason, it gave me goose bumps.

　Did she lend me the guidebook just to say that?

　If so……She's an interesting girl. Indeed.
　I'm even more excited about the trip now.


"I'll be in your care, Gloria."

"Yeah, likewise."
"Let's get along, let's get along."


=====
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).

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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)

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 ToC    

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