Moto Sekai Ichi – 226 | Sousaku – 創作

226　Ignoring inequality, or simply a lack of strategy?

Arc 11: The Empire

=====

Gordo Marubell: Emperor
Clearla Marubell: The Emperor's Wife
Melson Marubell: Princess, Eldest Sister
Light Marubell: Prince, Younger Brother

Seram: A spy for Melson?
Nat Shaman: General of the Marubell Empire, Leader of the Princess' Imperial Guard
Sigaronne Elbuni: Prime Minister of the Marubell Empire

The next morning, when I showed up at the place where I heard the imperial guards were gathering, they were just having their morning meeting. Without me.

"Good morning."
"…………"

I greeted them, but no one responded. All of the imperial guards are ignoring me.

That's weird. I'm supposed to be their boss. Is this their way of saying they don't acknowledge me yet?

Well, with the prince's connections and the prime minister's recommendation, I easily became the Commander of the Imperial Guard. I didn't go to knight school, I didn't take any exams, and I don't have any experience. I am a complete nobody. I guess I can't blame them for ignoring me……

"Ah."

The imperial guard who was leading the morning assembly was the bearded man who had told me to use respectful language. Looking closely, I saw several familiar faces around him. Those guys are the ones who helped the guy who tried to set me up, according to the soldiers in the 5th squad.

I see, so you feel awkward and can't look me in the face? It's okay, I'm not really bothered about it.

"Hey, I want to revamp the training program for the imperial guard assigned to His Highness the Prince, starting today――"
"…………"

I tried talking to them, but they ignored me.

There were a few who glanced at me, but basically everyone ignored me completely. Not only the men, but even the female knights scattered here and there were getting into it, which was quite something.

This isn't good…… It looks like I’m going to fall behind schedule.

However, I had already told Sigaronne-san that he should look forward to something in three days, so it would be too embarrassing to say, “I haven't done anything yet” after three days had passed.

Well, what should I do?

For now, I'll take over the work from the previous Commander of the Imperial Guard.

"Is the former Commander here? "

"Tch……Didn't you make him quit? ! "
"Hey, stop it! "

I asked casually, but for some reason I was yelled at.

The fierce-looking young knight with an angry expression was pulled away from me by his companions.

And then, silence again.

I made him quit? Could it be him, the guy who got fired? No, I think it was just that Light increased his vigilance toward Princess Melson, and that guy ended up blowing himself up……

Knowing this well, the men who had been plotting with the bald man to set me up at the bar looked at the righteous young knight who had been taken away with an awkward expression on their faces.

Even so, I'm disappointed that the man who was fired was the Commander of the Imperial Guard in charge of the prince. It seems that it changes frequently due to the whims of Light, so they may have just gone through the motions.

"……It can't be helped, let's change our plan."

Before I knew it, the imperial guards had dispersed and were heading back to work.

They seem determined to reject my appointment as Commander of the Imperial Guard.

Left alone, I scratched the back of my head and walked away.

＊ ＊ ＊

"……Tch……"

In the prime minister's office, Sigaronne Elbuni stared at the documents, clicking his tongue repeatedly.

The coffee cup on the desk had long since been emptied.

How should I interpret this document? Sigaronne couldn't make up his mind.

『Greeze Dungeon Strategy Guide』―― A ten-page document with that written on the cover.

Within the pages, there were detailed descriptions of the expected stats and behavior patterns of monsters that appear in the Greeze Dungeon, as well as safe strategies for defeating each monster, strategies for defeating bosses, the probability of variants appearing and strategies for defeating them, and even the probability of items being dropped by each monster. Furthermore, the skills necessary for clearing, or those that would make clearing easier, were also listed, and what was most impressive was that the methods for acquiring those skills were also carefully explained.

Seven wrote this down as best as he could remember. For parts that he couldn't remember accurately, such as exact figures, he wrote approximate values in the form of estimates. And, as promised, scattering the seeds, he wrote without worrying about the rights and privileges of the nobility.

"…………Oh, damn!"

That was why Sigaronne was so troubled.

It would be extremely easy to dismiss the contents of these ten sheets of paper as nonsense.

However, if what was written here is true, Sigaronne would suffer a huge loss.

But even so…… I still can't believe that this is true.

In the first place, why would Seven need to take such a “loss”? That was the mystery.

For example, if there were five knights who have mastered 【Spearmanship】 from Soldier to Dragon King right now, distributing this document to all the knights will instantly increase their number to a hundred.
Simply put, it meant that the number of rivals competing for superiority in future work would increase a hundredfold.

Doing so would only flatten the existing disparities, and those who are supposed to be at the top, the instructors, would gain nothing.

Furthermore, it could be dangerous. There was a strong possibility that those five knights would try to eliminate Seven in order to protect their own interests.

"…………"

However, the skill acquisition methods described in the guidebook. From Sigaronne's perspective, there were many things that were correct, but when it came to other skills, he felt that there was something “missing”.

It would be too unnatural to conclude that he wrote nonsense and pretended to have done his work. The reason was that the "something missing” implied that he knew the original and deliberately omitted certain conditions.

"! "

No, surely not――

Sigaronne stood up from his chair and paced around the room, thinking.

The method of mastering 《Dragon Horse Spearmanship》 that Sigaronne remembered was, "Use Bishop Spearmanship to kill 1,000 monsters two at a time. Then, use Gold Spearmanship to kill 300 monsters that were knocked down by Bishop Spearmanship.”

Seven wrote, “Use Bishop Spearmanship to attack two or more monsters at the same time for a total of 1,000 hits, and then use a skill equal to or greater than Gold Spearmanship to finish them off with the next strike. Of those, kill 300 monsters with Gold Spearmanship.”……

"……Oh, I see, that's what it was."

When he compared it with his own experience, he couldn't help but agree.

Sigaronne remembered that it only took him about 1,280 kills to master 《Dragon Horse Spearsmanship》. At the time, he thought he had miscounted, but that meant that he had killed about 20 of the 1,000 with a second strike of Gold or higher, unknowingly fulfilling the conditions.

The truth behind Sigaronne's feeling that something was “missing” was that the learning requirements were written in a more concise manner.

In other words―― Seven isn't lying.

"What's he up to……? "

Prince Light Marubell referred to Seven as “something he found”.

However, the more Sigaronne thought about it, the more it seemed that it was the prince who had been found.

It was too early to see through Seven's intentions, but as the prime minister of the Marubell Empire, he needed to remain vigilant.

"You’re giving me more headaches!"

Sigaronne put his hand on his broad forehead and sighed.

First of all, I must consider how to handle these ten pages of documents securely and effectively as soon as possible.

However, despite that, his mind was already made up.

That was, a limited release.

The idea was to limit access solely to the imperial guards assigned to the prince in order to observe the situation.

What will happen when it is made public? It was an unprecedented move in the empire, which even Sigaronne could not grasp.

And Sigaronne was no outsider to this.

This would greatly undermine his privilege as someone who had mastered difficult skills such as 《Dragon Horse Spearmanship》.

"……Shall I stir things up?"

However, Sigaronne rather enjoyed this situation.

For the first time in a long time, someone who might be talented appeared. That's how he felt.

He was convinced that dramatic changes would come to the rotten, boring everyday life of this empire.

"Hey! Call three imperial guards assigned to His Highness the Prince. Preferably the more sociable the better."
"Haa."

Sigaronne told this to his servant outside the room, then breathed out contentedly and sat down in a chair to wait for the imperial guards to arrive.

Seven created the manual according to instructions, and the content was perfect, with additional elements beyond what was requested.

Good work deserves fair compensation. That was Sigaronne's philosophy.

"Permission to enter! "

As soon as the three imperial guards arrived and entered the room, Sigaronne conveyed his message with his usual angry expression.

"This memo is a copy of the guidelines written overnight by the newly appointed Commander of the Imperial Guard assigned to His Imperial Highness, Seven. It is written in a detailed and thorough manner so that even the likes of you diarrhea-striken assholes can immediately understand and put it into practice. Learn as many of the skills listed here as possible by the end of today. If you can't learn anything, you're fired. If you understand, hurry up and get going."

＊ ＊ ＊

In the evening, I went to the place where the imperial guards had gathered in the morning.

Then, just as the knights with familiar faces were finishing their end-of-day briefing.

All right, this is my chance.

What I did today was in order to distribute “something” to these guys.

It's a different version of the 『Greeze Dungeon Strategy Guide』. I expanded the location from just the Greeze Dungeon to major hunting grounds around the empire. The number of skills with descriptions of how to acquire them has also been increased.

I had to write everything by hand because copying machines don’t exist. I don't know how many people will be attending, so I prepared eight sets for now.

For now, I plan to use these imperial guards as guinea pigs, scatter my knowledge around, and observe what happens.

"Hey, can I talk to you for a moment?"
"…………"

They continue to ignore me, as usual. As expected.

However, I have no idea what to do about this collective shunning. Well, I guess I'll just have to keep chipping away at it……

"Only those who wish to participate need apply. Please read this booklet. How to hunt monsters and learn skills is written her――"

Bam! With that sound, the booklets were knocked out of my hand.

The one who knocked them down was the guy who was mad at me this morning. He laughed mockingly and walked away.

The other imperial guards, apparently finished with their end-of-day meeting, left one after another, ignoring me.

"……Oh well."

I picked up the scattered pages from the ground.

I feel like I'm taking care of some troublesome kids. Surprisingly, this surge doesn't feel bad.

The more difficult a task is to accomplish, the more satisfying it is when you finally achieve it.

However, it may have been a mistake to take no action. This collective disregard must be addressed urgently……

"Haa, haa, haa, haa, haaaaa……! "

As I was picking up the documents, three imperial guards came running from the direction of the castle, making strange noises.

It seems that they were late for the evening meeting. All three of them look really intense.

They probably won't look at the pamphlets anyway, but I'll ask them just in case.

"Hey, you guys――"

"――I-It was real, it really was! It was real～～! ! "

"……? ? ? "

The three of them repeated that it was real.

What was?

"Ahhh! ! ! ! "

When our eyes met, the three of them pointed at me and shouted with their mouths wide open.

Oh, they didn't ignore me. Just as I was feeling a little happy about the novelty of the situation, they suddenly broke the silence.

"Se-Se-Se-Seven……sama! ! "
"Seven-sama! "
"Thank you very much! Thank you very much! "

What the hell are these guys doing! ? This is bad. If they hit me hard, the Wraith's morph will be broken, and for some reason, these three are coming at me with considerable force. This is still dangerous.

"Calm down. Don't come near me, it's stuffy."

"Ha! ! We are very sorry! "

……They are very obedient. It's quite helpful.

Let's hear what happened first.

"What's wrong all of a sudden――?"

"Ahhhhh, this is......! ! "

"……Now what?"

They're a restless bunch, one thing after another.

When the three bowed, they seemed to notice the booklet that had fallen at my feet, and picked it up.

"……Uh……u! "

They opened it without permission and it started shaking. Their eyes were bloodshot.

Then, they immediately became serious and started a discussion among themselves.

“Was it newly written?” “There are several copies.” “Why is it on the ground?” “Did everyone ignore it like they did this morning?” “Maybe that guy hit it out of spite.” “This is an unforgivable misunderstanding.”

Having settled the matter in hushed tones, they turned back to me……

"We are very sorry! ! "

……They bowed their heads all at once.

"We have committed a grave offense this morning! "
"We misunderstood Seven-sama! "
"We deeply regret this incident! "

They're probably apologizing for ignoring me. What a huge change of heart in just one day.

"Well, that's fine."

I wonder why they felt the need to apologize to me.

"Will you forgive us! ? "
"Seven-sama is indeed a generous person! "
"We must report this to everyone! "

Report?

"Say, do you know why was I――"

"Seven-sama! ! We will definitely, definitely clear up everyone's misunderstanding! "
"Please wait until tomorrow's morning meeting! From now on, we will spare no time to visit everyone! "
"We will definitely spread the word about Seven-sama's awesomeness, his suitability as Commander of the Imperial Guard, and his incredible skills! "

"…………"

In the end, without understanding what they were talking about, the three of them ran away. They've sneakily taken three copies of my booklet. I don't know if these people were listening to me or not, but they were definitely strange.

Well, it doesn’t matter. Something's going to happen at tomorrow's morning meeting.

Good things come to those who wait, I guess.

"――We are very sorry."

Next morning. In front of me stood a large number of imperial guards who did not ignore me, but looked at me properly and apologized.

I don't know what kind of magic those three used, but they must have spread a story that completely changed their impression of me. And with evidence to back it up, it was highly persuasive. Otherwise, everyone's attitude wouldn't have changed so drastically.

"It doesn't matter. For now, please quickly read through this booklet. It's okay to take notes."

Well, whatever the reason. This will move the plan forward.

"……! ! "

When I said it was all right, the imperial guards looked at me with wide eyes in surprise.

The ones who reacted the most were the guys who tried to set me up alongside the bald guy. They must not have thought they would get away with it without any punishment, as they look completely surprised.

Certainly, punishment would improve discipline in the team, but time is precious right now, so let's skip it. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, plans take priority.

"Hey, what are you apologizing for?! Why are you all following him?! Are you out of your mind! ? I'm not apologizing! Because of him, Senpai was......! "

While everyone was passing around the booklet, the young man who had lost his temper at me yesterday came over and started ranting and raving.

"I already explained it! "
"Senpai was dismissed by His Highness's order! "
"Seven-sama had nothing to do with it! "

The trio surrounded the young man and argued forcefully.

"This guy must have incited His Highness to do that! "

"You're wrong! "

"In the first place, if it weren't for this guy, Senpai wouldn't even――! "

"――Hey, can I say something?"

While the young man and the trio were arguing, an unexpected person interrupted them.

It was one of the guys who tried to set me up. The man with the beard.

"W-What is it?"

The man seems to be the young man's senpai, causing the young man to suddenly become timid.

The bearded man laughed at the sight and began to speak.

"The former Commander of the Imperial Guard. Well, he's my colleague from the same year. I know you admired him, but the truth is, he was plotting to frame the current Commander of the Imperial Guard."

"! "

"At that point, he had already been fired. The direct cause was his slip of the tongue to the prince, but I think the real reason is different. He was probably suspected of being a spy. Oh well. What's more important than that is……"

The man quietly inhales, glares at the young man, and opens his mouth.

"Knight Commander Seven knows that him, or rather, than him and us were trying to set him up. And then he actually fell into the trap and came back as if nothing had happened. Winning over twenty soldiers as allies. Then he defeated the former commander in a formal duel and became a member of the prince's imperial guard. After an interview with the prime minister himself, he was appointed Commander of the Imperial Guard."

"! ? "

"Do you get it? We, who were plotting with him to trick him, we who were so despicable, now stand here. Please tell me the meaning behind this. What is the meaning of you standing here now, when you and all the imperial guards assigned to His Highness the Prince, agreed to ignore him, and you knocked the booklet out of his hands and laughed at him! "

The beard guy turned toward me and bowed deeply.

"Knight Commander Seven, I apologize! "
"We are very sorry! ! "

Not only Beard Guy, but all the men surrounding him bowed their heads to me.

"This person is the real deal. He is a saint with a big heart. And he's a real powerhouse. I've changed my mind and want to work under this person."

It was an inspiring declaration.

The phrase “changed my mind” is not a lie. Because yesterday, they were silent. However, making this declaration now means that there has been a clear shift in their thinking.

"If you understand, apologize. There's still time. Come on, say it, 'I misunderstood you, and I'm sorry for hitting the booklet'."

"…………"

The young man who was admonished took a step forward.

His fist was clenched tightly, but judging from his expression, it was probably not directed at me.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it."

"! "

So I'll say that.

It was a situation where misunderstandings were inevitable, so it can't be helped.

In other words, I don't have time to worry about such complicated matters.

More than anything else, there is something important to do now.

"I am Seven, Commander of the Imperial Guard assigned to the prince. Nice to meet you."

I greeted them again.

And now, I'd like to say something that I've been wanting to say since yesterday.

Yesterday, I was unable to talk about the “goal” for the imperial guard, since I was ignored.

"Forget about such trivial matters. Right now, from this moment on, there is only one thing you should aim for. Defeat the imperial guards assigned to the princess. All of you, become stronger than Nat Shaman――"

=====
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