Moto Sekai Ichi – 228 | Sousaku – 創作

228　An imperial capital where mismatches are common.

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

"Sounds good. The first to score ten victories wins. As for the rules."
"Anything goes. The rest will be based on title matches."
"I have no objection."

Nat Shaman got on board.

He must be very confident. Otherwise, he wouldn't have suggested a duel.

In the previous exercise, he took the lead but was unable to demonstrate his true abilities. And as for our side, I simply stood at the back with my arms crossed.

He probably can't stand the fact that the outcome of the match will be decided by this one team battle alone, and the difference between him and me will be acknowledged by everyone due to this outcome.

In a ten-win contest, there's no room for excuses――This is common sense.

One or two wins might be excused as “just a fluke” or “bad luck.” However, in a ten-win, no one would listen to such excuses anymore.

Knowing that, Nat Shaman challenged me to a duel. It's probably one of two reasons.

Either he's really good, or he's underestimating me.

Well, either is fine. I'll understand once I have a go.

If he were truly strong, one strike from him would be enough to undo my morph. But that's okay. Encountering such a powerful person would be enough to convince me that coming to the Marubell Empire was worthwhile.

The problem is if he is not strong.

Basically, I don't like “mismatches.” When there is too much of a difference in skill, I think it detracts from the true enjoyment of PvP.

Therefore, normally I would carry a handicap without anyone knowing, but in this case, it is challenging.

If I take even one hit, the Wraith's morph will be broken. If it could be broken with one devastating blow, that would be fine, but I don't want it to break with just one weak punch.

However, I am reluctant to respond with the same level of “spicy” tactics as I did during the summer Reiou tournament against Vogue. I don't have such deep feelings for him, whom I've just met.

Well, what should I do?

……Ah, no, but for the first match it is already decided. The only way to determine whether someone is strong or not is to go full throttle.

＊ ＊ ＊

Nat side.

From childhood, I was not special.

Dark elves are a race that is discriminated against simply because of who we are. Even without direct words, people's attitudes and glances spoke volumes. It was a pressure that you couldn't do anything about, that you couldn't resist.

Therefore, I naturally resorted to crime, continuing to live from day to day. Take from others, sometimes be taken from, and wash blood with blood. If I hadn't done that, I wouldn't have been able to protect my weak self.

However, even on those difficult and painful days, a ray of light shone through.

Her Imperial Highness Princess Melson Marubell——she was my light.

I was deceived by a trusted colleague in the same line of work and was left to die in a dump. She picked me up and saved me from a life of misery. She is like a merciful goddess.

At that time, Her Highness was ten years old. I was nineteen years old. However, our mental ages were completely opposite. Or maybe even more than that. The princess seemed remarkably mature for a ten-year-old girl.

I can still remember it vividly. That gentle voice, that angelic divinity, that charisma that characterized royalty, and that dazzling aura were all present in Her Highness.

As I laid there, Her Highness smiled and spoke to me. I remember her every word.

"Become my subordinate. You're not trash, you're a diamond in the rough. If I polish you, you will shine."

"…………! "

I saw a halo. She was beautiful, like an ethereal spirit.

I felt relieved somewhere deep inside, thinking, “I've been saved. Now I can change.”

And I swore in my heart that I would do anything for the proud Princess Melson Marubell, even if it meant being burned alive in the fires of hell――……

"――Hah! ! ! ! "

"Good morning. How does it feel to lose four games in a row? "

…………The setting sun and the face of a handsome man with white silver hair welcomed me. Coming back to my senses, I suddenly felt hopeless.

I see, yeah, that's right. Right now, we're in the middle of the ten-win matches. I must have fallen backward and lost consciousness. I was dreaming, as if in a haze, with images flashing before my eyes like a kaleidoscope.

"……It's not a bad way to wake up."

I put on a brave front, stood up, and returned to my place.

Her Highness Melson, His Highness Light, Prime Minister Sigaronne, and the imperial guards were watching the match between him and me.

I can't lose. I must defeat this man named Seven, who aims to take the general's seat. Her Highness's knight cannot be defeated by the Prince's knight. I cannot allow myself, whom Her Highness Melson has picked up, to drag her down.

I don't care how much I am despised, but I cannot overlook the fact that Her Highness Melson will also be looked down upon because of this.

Seven generously used a high-grade potion and applied it to my face, seemingly to revive me from my faint. My HP is fully restored.

……This is the fourth time. Fourth time? How many more left? ……Six more?

"…………"

I was overcome by dizziness and nausea.

My body feels great. However, my spirit seems to have already been broken.

Seven is abnormal. The silence at the training ground speaks for itself.

There are quite a few people who don't think highly of me. The members of the imperial guard accompanying His Imperial Highness must be rooting for Seven. Therefore, given that I am losing, this situation should be a little more heated.

However, they just watched silently. I understand the reason very well. It's not that they don't talk, it's that they can't talk.

Are they speechless with fear, or are they so captivated by his godlike skill that they cannot even speak?

How much difference is there between me and Seven? As much as slimes and dragons? It's a really corny analogy, but at least it's an accurate one.

No one will cheer when a dragon crushes a slime. A clear mismatch. That's how it was between him and me.

"――Get ready! Fifth match, begin! "

Oh, damn it.

It's been a long time since I felt this way.

At the age of nineteen, I began serving Her Highness Princess Melson. I trained day and night until I reached my limits, fearlessly challenging all who were stronger than me for the sake of Her Highness. I fell countless times, but I persevered, got back up, led armies of thousands to defeat armies of thousands, and eventually became a match for both His Majesty the Emperor and His Excellency the Prime Minister…… That is how I fought, single-mindedly and recklessly.

However.

" "

I am afraid.

I am afraid to fight this man.

It's as if everything I've ever done, everything in my life, is being denied one by one in front of a large crowd.

Six more of these? There is no way I can endure this.

Crazy. This man is crazy. It's not a matter of persistence. I can't even touch him. So how am I supposed to win? I can't believe it. Is it okay for such people to exist?

……Your Highness Melson. Oh, Your Highness Melson. I sincerely apologize.

Please, please, don't abandon me, don't abandon me as I suffer this humiliating defeat……

"Don't give up. If you realize that there is a difference, don't waste the remaining six games. Find an objective."

"――! "

He must have sensed that I was feeling discouraged. During the match, Seven suddenly stopped attacking and said that.

His tone and words were full of sincerity, which was far from the image I had of him.

Come to think of it, he has been completely serious since the game started. Judging from the fact that his arrogant attitude, which seemed to belittle others, had completely disappeared, it seems that his pre-match provocation was just an act.

In other words, his current words are his true feelings.

"An objective……"

Strangely, I became calm and was able to take a fresh look at myself.

An objective. If I were to assign myself an objective, what would it be?

To dodge even one blow? Impossible. Can I deal even one blow? That's even more impossible. Overcoming this fear? It's absolutely impossible.

……Oh, there is one after all.

"In the name of the Commander of the Imperial Guard who proudly serves Her Highness Princess Melson Marubell, I vow to fight to the end."

"That's good."

Right now.

He didn't say it out loud, but his mouth continued to move as if he were speaking.

Then, he took a step back and got ready.

Removing my suffering and giving me joy. His words and actions were truly compassionate.

He must be plotting to take my position as general and replace Her Highness Melson with His Highness Light as the next emperor.

To be honest, I hate him with all my heart.

But…… That skill, that technique is the real deal. It's heavenly. As far as I know, it's the best in the world.

I hate him with all my heart, but I respect him with all my heart.

I'll probably never get to play against the world's best again in my life.

Let's make the remaining six games count.

It's just like my life. I hit rock bottom, became a worthless piece of trash, was deceived, fell into despair, and my heart was broken. However, I was able to get back on my feet. I am who I am today because Her Highness Princess Melson reached out to me on that day. I am the General.

I can only stand up. But that is the only thing I can be proud of. My sole pride, bestowed upon me by Her Highness――!

"――That's enough! Winner, Seven! "

＊ ＊ ＊

The first match was brutal.

As soon as the battle began, Seven activated 《Soldier Archery》 with almost no movement, hitting Nat's forehead with pinpoint accuracy, then rushed forward with 《Rook Shield Arts》, knocking Nat off balance and leaving him unable to react. Seven immediately followed up with a dash punch using 《Dragon Horse Martial Arts》. Then, he used 《Bishop Martial Arts》 to lift Nat high into the air, restrained him with 《Gold Thread Manipulation》, and stabbed him in the heart with a combination of 《Silver Swordsmanship》 and 《Knight Swordsmanship》.

Nat fainted (stunned) with only 1 HP remaining. He couldn't even resist, let alone attack.

All spectators held their breath and felt the same way. In that sequence, Nat died six times. Each attack was ruthless, leaving no room for error, extremely difficult to counter, and a concentrated display of skill that was potentially fatal.

"…………"

Princess Melson Marubell, who had come to watch the match, quietly held her head in her hands. The situation before her eyes was that horrific.

She granted permission for the duel because Nat said he could win.

The idea of him losing never crossed her mind.

In fact, Nat had been undefeated since becoming a knight. Despite facing many challenges, he persevered, got back up time and time again, and in the end, he was the only one left standing. That was Nat. The imperial guard exams, the competition for the position of commander of the imperial guard, and the competition for the position of general were all fierce struggles, and he overcame them all.

However, as usual, he will probably catch up in the second half―― Was something she couldn't imagine at all.

From the very first match, a clear difference in skill was evident.

Melson was filled with terror at the sight, which was just like the expression “twisting a baby's hand.”

Even her, she was stronger than the average knight. As a member of the imperial family, she inherited numerous skills. Therefore, she understood. The incredible “distance” from Seven.

Hence, Melson was anxious. If Nat loses, and if it is a crushing defeat, then everyone―the knights, the soldiers, the entire imperial capital, the entire empire, and even the emperor himself―will know that the prince's knights are overwhelmingly stronger than the princess's knights.

That said, it was no longer a situation that could be stopped. If Melson had interjected at this point, she would have been considered to have “run away” from the match. That's the one thing she wanted to avoid.

"No, it's okay…… I won't break down over something like this."

Melson muttered to herself to calm down.

……There may still be a way forward. If it's just a matter of fighting power, then simply proclaim that Nat is superior to Seven in other areas.

However, laying the groundwork for this will be extremely difficult. Seven was always on guard. There was nothing more difficult than luring out someone who was on guard.

This time, Seven was really cunning. He skillfully lured Nat, who had let his guard down, into his own territory. His skill was so impressive that she felt he might be superior to Nat in ways other than military prowess.

This one-time disruption was not enough to shake her position as the next heir to the throne. But even with that conviction, Melson couldn't help feeling anxious when she thought about what would happen if this happened again and again.

If I don't take the seat of emperor, there will be no future for the Marubell Empire. Melson firmly believed that.

Also, to put it simply…… Seven was very scary.

Light had a knight who was exceptionally strong in hand-to-hand combat. That alone was a tremendous threat to Melson.

"～～～hmm."

When Nat was helplessly losing four matches in a row, Prince Light Marubell, who was watching the match, covered his face with both hands and looked up.

From the gap between his fingers, a muffled voice that was not quite a sound escaped.

It was so amazing, so exciting, and so thrilling― he couldn't believe what was happening.

To be honest, he never imagined that Seven would be this strong.

Only Seven seemed to fail to realize how amazing it was to have completely shut down General Nat Shaman.

And that man was the Commander of his Imperial Guard. The more he thought about it, the more Light's possessiveness was satisfied, and he felt very proud. At the same time, the goal of “surpassing his sister” was achieved in a sense, and his trust in Seven, who was working to fulfill his promise, grew significantly.

It was understandable that his beautiful face, which he had inherited from his mother, would slack off.

"……Hoo."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sigaronne Elbuni, who was watching the game alone, a little away from the princess and prince, heaved a sigh of admiration.

"As expected of Lady Gloria, I guess? Thanks to her, the empire is in turmoil. You sent in a truly terrifying man."

Seven became a Light's knight through Gloria's introduction. Upon hearing this, Sigaronne naturally suspected the information sent by Gloria.

"His footwork is unique; he doesn't belong to any particular style. The way he uses his skills is also unique. However, his unwavering movements seem to follow some kind of pattern. No, perhaps he has a few and is revealing them at random. Ah, I see. Considering that the match could last up to nineteen rounds, he is managing his moves so that his opponent cannot figure out his pattern until the very end. I'm impressed."

However, more than any such conspiracy, Sigaronne was fascinated by Seven's technique.

Sigaronne Elbuni is stronger than Nat Shaman――this was an indisputable fact acknowledged by both themselves and others. In other words, he was the person in that place who was closest to Seven.

That's why he understood Seven's terrifying nature better than anyone else, and at the same time, he was strongly fascinated by him.

And then, the part of him that had been sealed away for so long, the “general,” emerged.

"If I'm going to use him, should it be on the front lines? Well, it would also be interesting to make full use of the bow's firepower in rear support. However, I would also like to see him split the enemy lines in two at the front line. It might be fun to fight alongside me on the front lines. Ah, what a luxurious problem I had forgotten about for so long."

Unlike his words as prime minister, these were sincere, hopeful, and passionate words, completely devoid of profanity and sarcasm.

This was the original Sigaronne.

"He's the perfect man for the empire――"

A heartfelt comment. That was indeed the case.

An empire ruled by meritocracy, and Seven, a man who personified merit. The compatibility between these two was outstanding.

If it were the empire of old.

"……But then……"

However, the Marubell Empire, where meritocracy was deeply rooted, and Emperor Gordo Marubell, who promoted meritocracy, changed. Two years ago, without warning.

Sigaronne was not plotting to return to being a general.

He was secretly working to uncover the truth behind the emperor's sudden change.

"If this is the result of only three days since he became Commander of the Imperial Guard, then his speed is his weapon. However, when it comes to striking a deal with His Majesty to appoint Seven as vice-general, I still feel a little uncertain."

Seven will be a good pawn in uncovering the truth. Sigaronne was convinced of that. That's exactly why he wanted to promote him.

And surely, it will bring about a dramatic shift in the Marubell Empire. Not a boring change like two years ago, but a more enjoyable, interesting, and exciting change.

"Let's get him out of the capital…… Shizun, the small country, and the Kingdom of Oranjee, let's have Seven extinguish that fire that is so perfectly suited for him."

Good work deserves fair compensation.

Sigaronne applauded Seven's impressive ten consecutive victories and quickly left his seat, flapping the hem of his cloak as he looked for his next move.

＊ ＊ ＊

Strong.

No, he's really strong. Truly. I mean that sincerely.

Nat's skill level seems to be about the same as Gloria's.

He has evenly raised his close combat skills to the level of Vogue, and his 【Swordsmanship】, 【Spearmanship】, and 【Martial Arts】 are all at a level where he can compete in title matches in this world.

If we had met in a title match, he would have had the ability to land a blow on me. Unfortunately, however, this time it was a “world championship” rule…… in other words, “anything goes.” It was inevitable that he didn't even have time to dodge, let alone strike a blow.

"Thank you very much."

After ten battles, I used a potion on Nat and spoke.

Nat stood up and smiled weakly.

"Same here."

Then he held out his hand to me and began to speak slowly.

"I don't really know what I want to say... No, but this is what I truly feel. Seven-dono…… If there is ever another opportunity, I would like you to teach me again. Regardless of each other's positions or anything else…… as a warrior."

"Of course."

I shook his hand without hesitation.

There is no need to worry about it being gripped too tightly. I knew from ten battles that he wasn't the kind of man who would do something so rude.

Nat probably feels the same way. Even though he knew I was his enemy, he peered into the depths of my heart during our ten battles. That's why those words came out. So, I smiled and held out my hand.

When you have a match, you can communicate more deeply than through conversation. That's what I think.

I've done this dozens of times, so I don't feel like I met Nat just today. I guess he's the same, isn't he? For some reason, it feels like he's with an old friend, laughing over trivial things and enjoying the comfortable atmosphere. Actually, I feel the same way.

It was such an intense match.

You stood up until the very end and kept fighting, just like Silvia.

――It was a good game!

=====
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