Moto Sekai Ichi – 227 | Sousaku – 創作

227　All-nighter……

Arc 11: The Empire

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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

"…………Excuse me? "

Become stronger than Nat Shaman! ――As soon as I said that, the imperial guards, who had been looking serious until then, froze with wide eyes.

Only the three people from yesterday let out a thrilling shout, but the reactions of the others were less than impressive.

Well, I see. I guess it just means that they are no longer ignoring me. I've finally made it to the starting line.

"For starters, learn all the skills listed in that booklet. Then, hunt monsters and earn experience points. Let's see, I want you to learn all of Swordsmanship and Spearmanship by noon tomorrow."
"W-Wait a minute. We have to protect His Highness Light."
"I'll take care of it myself, don't worry about it."
"…………? ? ? "

Everyone seems confused.

"Just fill in the conditions written there without worrying about anything. Look, you don't have much time left. Hurry up and go! "

When I clapped my hands and gave the command, the imperial guards assigned to the prince started walking, looking somewhat skeptical.

Naturally, eight groups formed around the eight booklets.

Now, how will they be feeling this evening? I'm really looking forward to it――.

＊ ＊ ＊

This is a predicament.

That new Commander of the Imperial Guard is doing something incredibly stupid.

Yes, it was really troublesome——it truly was.

Because the skill acquisition methods described in that booklet are not a lie.

If all the skills listed there are accurate, then the imperial guards accompanying His Highness the Prince will be in disarray.

If everyone learns difficult skills, the value of those skills will plummet, and the current balanced gap between people will collapse.

All the status, honor, and abilities I have built up through blood, sweat, and tears will be reduced to nothing.

There are five people, including myself, who can use 【Spearmanship】 up to 《Dragon Horse Spearmanship》, and three people, including myself, who can use it up to 《Dragon King Spearmanship》. But how many people will it turn into? Twenty? Thirty? I'm starting to feel dizzy.

"Fuck! "

I worked so hard to become an elite member of the imperial guard, and I was doing so well!

What's with that bullshit about becoming stronger than His Excellency General Nat Shaman!? In the first place, what about that man!? He became Commander of the Imperial Guard without any effort! There's no way he could be stronger than His Excellency, who rose to power through unwavering talent and hard work!

Seven, you ruined all my hard work……!

"Amazing, amazing, amazing! I really learned it! "
"That's right! Knight Commander Seven, you were not joking after all! "
"This might bring us a little closer to His Excellency the General! "

……Unforgivable. The fact that that man is being praised in this situation. It's a situation where only those of us who have worked hard are losing out.

Seeing my colleagues bragging about how they had acquired new skills, I clenched my fists.

They're like bait-fed fish, aren't they? Ah, how foolish. Aren't you ashamed of yourselves?

No, I don't think you feel ashamed. You are all lazy. You don't feel shame because you haven't worked as hard as I have. Therefore, you can be happy just with what you have been given.

Just open your mouth again, look up, and wait at the surface like a good little fish. Then the fool will throw down food.

Haaa……What a great life you lead!

I can't let this situation go unchecked. I will firmly protest.

That's right, let's gather some allies. There are four others in the imperial guard who are in the same situation as me. They must be harboring resentment.

If the five of us protest, we might be able to stop that idiot knight commander's foolishness.

"…………"

Wait, is protesting really enough?

Wouldn't it be better to make him understand?

I don't know how skilled he is, but there's no way he can take on five knights at once and come out unscathed.

……Yes, this is a legitimate protest.

Since he won't listen anyway, he can't complain if we resort to force.

Alright. Now that it's decided, I need to gather my friends.

A group of people who will inflict the ultimate pain on him……

That's what I was thinking about today at lunchtime.

After the end-of-day meeting, the five of us were summoned by Knight Commander Seven. The five of us who already knew Dragon Horse and Dragon King.

Apparently, before I started gathering my companions, one of the five went directly to Knight Commander Seven to discuss the matter. "It's unfair," he said.

Hearing this, Knight Commander Seven thought for a moment and then said, “Then I'll teach you guys something special today.”

"――Knight Commander Seven! Thank you very much for your kind words! "

As a result, I didn't care anymore about how I felt or how much it pained me.

The reason being! I was taught how to master Dragon Horse Archery and Dragon King Archery, which are said to be monopolized by the elven nobility!

This intense sense of fulfillment, the numbness that pierces the brain…… it's like a drug.

Ah, I don't care about anything anymore. It's a happiness that makes you think death would be worth it if you could master it.

I would like to express my sincere apologies and gratitude to Knight Commander Seven. I have decided to follow Knight Commander Seven for the rest of my life.

That person is a true saint who is completely free from selfish desires. For the sake of the Marubell Empire, for the sake of the prince, for our sake, putting himself second or third. He casually revealed all the knowledge he must had gained through experiences so grueling that even the phrase “blood, sweat, and tears” seemed inadequate.

It's not something that can be done with a normal mindset. It is impossible without transcending good and evil, gain and loss, and all other human emotions.

He forgave our foolish act of ignoring him with just a few words. The fool who shouted angrily and slammed the booklet was also forgiven. Even those who had planned to trick him were forgiven.

On top of that, he is imparting this valuable knowledge to us.

Where could such a generous person be found? There's no way you'll find one anywhere in the empire. He is one of a kind. It was his destiny and inevitability led him to become Commander of the Imperial Guard attached to His Imperial Highness the Prince.

Defeat General Nat Shaman…… Well, maybe it's not just a dream after all.

I also found the imperial guards assigned to Her Highness the Princess rather annoying.

To make the name of the Imperial Guard who serve His Highness the Prince famous throughout the Marubell Empire—―the more realistic the idea becomes, the more wonderful it seems.

"Well then."

Once you learn how to master it, it's yours.

Surprisingly, 《Dragon Horse Archery》 and 《Dragon King Archery》 have almost the same conditions as 《Dragon Horse Swordsmanship》 and 《Dragon King Swordsmanship》. This is something you wouldn't notice. Swords and bows are too different in concept.

In the case of a dragon, it would take an hour to an hour and a half. Well, it's not that difficult.

I am a proud member of the imperial guard assigned to His Highness Prince Light Marubell, the first prince of the Marubell Empire. Staying up all night to hunt dragons is a piece of cake.

"……Oh, you guys too?"

After getting ready, I left my room and ran into some colleagues in the hallway.

"I couldn't sit still."
"I'm so excited I can't sleep."

Not only me, but everyone else seems to feel the same way.

We know how to learn it. In other words, all we have to do is put our hands on the door and open it. We already know that the treasure we are looking for is behind that door. If there was a knight who could sleep peacefully after this, I'd like to see their face.

The Knight Commander Seven seemed to be in a hurry for some reason. At the evening meeting, he was concerned about tomorrow.

Something will happen tomorrow. I can't help but think so.

If that's the case, then we, as subordinates, should do whatever it takes to meet tomorrow's deadline. Since we have been taught, it is polite to learn as quickly as possible.

I had accumulated some experience points during today's daytime hunt. Each can probably be raised to around class 12.

Let's hunt dragons quickly and master them. I'm so excited to try it out.

And we have to get ready for tomorrow……

＊ ＊ ＊

"Starting at 2:00 p.m. today, we will be conducting a 30-on-30 drill with the imperial guards assigned to the princess."

The morning of the third day. When I said that first thing at the morning meeting, everyone became noisy.

"I didn't hear about it! "
"Because I never said it."

It feels like it's been a while since we've communicated.

Yesterday, while everyone else was rushing around trying to learn new skills, I was quietly going about my business.

Specifically, I took Light with me and rushed to Sigaronne-san's place, begging him to arrange some kind of training exercise with Nat Shaman and company. The idea was that it would be difficult to refuse a request from the prince.

As a result, we obtained permission directly from the prime minister to use the “Game Crown” for practice.

General Nat Shaman also agreed readily when Sigaronne-san himself spoke to him. I haven't met him yet, but he seems like a good guy, the general.

"Knight Commander! "

From among the bustling crowd, a young man raised his hand and stepped forward. He's the guy who knocked my booklet.

"What's up?"
"I do not believe we can win. Thanks to the knight commander, we were able to learn difficult skills, but we haven't been able to raise their ranks at all, and unfortunately, their teamwork is better than ours."
"Ah, we can win with a surprise attack. Don't worry about it."
"……Okay! ? "

It seems that he didn't understand what I meant.

"They probably don't think that almost all of you know Dragon Horse and Dragon King. Therefore, a surprise attack will only be successful the first time."
"I don't think it will work out that……! "
"It'll work out. I've seen it over and over and over again. A surprise attack is 99% effective if it's the first attempt. Instead, assume that the second round will be only 1%."

However, it must be a well-planned surprise attack. If you just try to surprise them, they will improvise and recover.

"Place the seven members who have not yet learned Dragon Horse and Dragon King in the front row, and launch a thrust attack using Rook Spearmanship. When there is a push, wait for the right moment and break away. The 17 in the middle row should prepare during the time earned by the front row and then all activate Dragon Horse Spearmanship at the same time. The rear five provide support with bows. Just keep doing this."

However, this case is special.

Since there is a difference in combat power that can be easily swept away with firepower, it is better to use simple force rather than trying various new and difficult tactics.

The reason why I can say that with such certainty is because Dragon Horse and Dragon King are crucial in team battles.

Dragon Horse and Dragon King are not very useful in one-on-one battles, but they play an important role as main firepower in team battles.

"Well, it's monster hunting for the morning. Work hard to raise your skill rank until the very last moment. Then, after lunch, we'll rehearse a few times, and then it's showtime."
"Please wait a moment! Everything is happening too fast……! "
"It's just your imagination. That's all. Any questions? "

When I asked around, surprisingly, only a few people raised their hands.

One of them is the handsome guy who came to me yesterday with open hostility, but ended up leaving with a bright smile after learning how to master 《Dragon Horse Archery》 and 《Dragon King Archery》.

"You."
"Yes. How much should we raise the skills?"
"Did you learn it already? "
"Yes. Only Dragon King, though……"

Oh! Nice work.

"...Huh? "

As I was impressed, I noticed that all five students I taught yesterday raised their hands. No way.

"Have you guys learned it too? "

When I asked, all five nodded in agreement. "We stayed up all night," they replied. Are you kidding me!? It seems that no one could learn Dragon Horse, but that's okay.

"That's great, awesome!"

An all-nighter, huh…… Hey, you're super motivated! I like that kind of thing.

"For Dragon King, if you can, raise it to Class 4 by noon. This reduces the cool-down time slightly. If it doesn't look promising, at least get past Class 9. Dragon Horse won't be used in this team battle, so we can leave it for later."
"Ha! "

When I gave them advice, they responded with a crisp salute.

It's hard to believe that these are the same people who were glaring at me like I was their parent's murderer until yesterday evening.

To put it bluntly, they are greedy people, but to put it nicely, they are easy to deal with.

"Go on, then. The hunting method is described in the booklet."

Now what will happen?

I smiled as I watched them set off to hunt monsters.

"――Seven-dono, I've heard the rumors."

2:00 p.m. At the training ground, I was facing General Nat Shaman.

Nat Shaman, General and Commander of the Imperial Guard assigned to the Princess. He was a handsome man, over 180 cm tall, with brown skin, permed gray hair, and round glasses.

And what surprised me most were his pointed ears…… He was a dark elf.

As expected of the Marubell Empire. A diversity that lives up to the name of meritocracy. In the kingdom, if you were to appoint a dark elf to a high position, there would inevitably be opposition from all sides. Even title holders were discriminated against.

"Greetings, General. Nice to meet you today."

I ignored the hand offered to me for a handshake and bowed.

I'm sorry, but if it turns into a typical grip contest, my morph will be broken, so it's a no-go.

"……You're a rude man. Not only did you refuse to shake hands, but your manners and choice of words were also inappropriate.
"The general is a very kind man. Pointing out my flaws one by one. It's like a nagging mother."
"I understand why you wanted to use the Prime Minister for the exercise."
"May I ask? "
"You want to take my seat, don't you? "
"No way～!"

That's exactly right.

In response to my series of provocations, Nat Shaman narrowed his eyes and took a step back.

Without saying a word, we checked each other's Game Crowns, and then the practice began.

The rule is “anything goes.” This was to be expected, given that it was designed for actual combat.

…………So, let's get straight to the results.

It was a terrible sight.

As expected, the 29 men led by Nat Shaman charged head-on. With a reputation for their breakthrough power, they seem to have used such tactics very often in past exercises. I understand why. It's probably because of the difference in skill level between our team and theirs. Teams without power are vulnerable to charges. Therefore, it was probably easier to win by attacking head-on.

However, this time it's different. Immediately after clashing head-on, they were crushed by the overwhelming wide-range firepower of 《Dragon Horse Spearmanship》, which took out Nat Shaman among them, leaving their formation in disarray with 《Dragon King Archery》 raining down from the sky. Then came another charge of 《Rook Spearmanship》, and it was a scene from hell.

Although a few people were knocked down by some friendly fire, we were almost completely unharmed. I was just standing at the back with my arms crossed, watching.

No matter how you look at it, we totally won.

There is no room for excuses; they have been completely and utterly defeated.

When the game ended and the virtualization was lifted, Nat Shaman and the others stood expressionless, in a state of shock.

"Look at those frustrated faces! "
"Ha ha! Those snobs who looked down on us are making such faces now. It feels so good! "
"Having lost so badly, they can’t make any excuses."
"Oh, it's been proven that we're definitely better than them."

In contrast, my imperial guards were all laughing.

This is probably a one-time victory, but a victory is a victory. Next time, they will probably come up with countermeasures. However, such measures cannot be implemented immediately. Unless you disclose how to acquire skills to all your subordinates, as I have done, it is not a problem that can be solved in a day or two.

"Thank you very much, it was a good match. It was comical to see your Excellency, the General, unable to do anything and be blown away by the Dragon Horse attack."

Lining up facing each other, we bow.

I said that while trying to smile as nastily as possible, looking Nat Shaman in the eye.

Yes, I had one more objective.

The reason why I deliberately stood in the back row with my arms crossed. The reason for deliberately provoking Nat Shaman more than necessary. The reason why I deliberately hinted that I was aiming for the position of general.

Come on, bring it on. Come, come, come. Take the bait……!

"…………Seven-dono. It seemed like you weren't doing anything either. "

Here it comes! !

"Me? Not doing anything? Should've I had led them from the front? "

"Is this your style of command, standing in the back row with your arms crossed, acting all high and mighty, and putting your subordinates in danger? "

"That's obvious. What will happen if the commander dies?"

"That's not it. I am not criticizing you for being in the back row. It's about you crossing your arms and slouching back in your chair――"

"――This is annoying, man. What are you trying to say? Tell me. Keep it short. Speak your mind, state your purpose."

When I made my final provocation, Nat Shaman looked at me with icy eyes and quietly opened his mouth.

"A duel……! "

"I accept it. Let it be a ten-win."

I've been waiting for this! !

I decided in advance that I would take the initiative in suggesting a 10-win so that he would have no excuse.

Let's settle this once and for all――!

=====
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