Moto Sekai Ichi – 231 | Sousaku – 創作

231　It’s tough to lower your rank.

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: Melson's dog
Nat Shaman: General of the Marubell Empire, Leader of the Princess' Imperial Guard
Sigaronne Elbuni: Prime Minister of the Marubell Empire

After traveling for another day, we finally arrived at the border with the Sacred Country of Kamel.

It was a strange sight.

The Oranjee Kingdom Army was waiting for us, lined up in rows in the desolate desert dotted with ruins.

There must be at least three thousand of them.

And the number of soldiers on this side is about the same. It seems that Sigaronne-san's prediction was spot on.

Well, even though it's supposed to be a peaceful meeting, lining up soldiers like that means…… Nova seems to be serious.

Whether it means self-defense, deterrence, or provocation, the other side is showing that they are ready to start at any time.

"Stop. No matter what happens, don't move from this spot."

"All right! Did you hear that, everyone? Don't move a muscle! I'll beat the crap out of anyone who moves! "

I instructed the captain to stop at a point more than 300 meters away from the Oranjee Kingdom Army, dismounted my horse, and started walking alone.

"H-Hey! ? Seven, you……"

I can hear the captain's confused voice from behind me.

But he didn't take a step forward. Even the squad captains aren't moving. If they're serious about it, so am I.

Approaching thousands of soldiers alone. This is the ultimate provocation.

However, whether this will be perceived as provocation or a compromise is up to Nova.

"Alright."

This breaks the first barrier.

Someone else is approaching me from over there.

No doubt about it, it's Nova.

It is exactly as it should be. She could have chosen to meet me with some thousand people by her side, but she deliberately chose a one-on-one meeting. The soldiers behind her, like those in our group, did not move a muscle.

Ah, I really like women with this kind of determination.

"――Kuhaha, I'm surprised you approached me alone. So there are still some tough guys left in the empire."

In the middle of the desert, surrounded by each other's soldiers, we were reunited.

But Nova still doesn't realize who I am.

"Well, surprisingly, you’re not that bad."

I will answer honestly.

Nova muttered, “Hoh,” and continued speaking.

"I don't know where you heard it, but it's useless to imitate Second. However, I will praise you for your good ears and courageous heart."

Oh, my name came up.

I don't really understand how this is linked to myself, but I guess that was an answer typical of me.

However, no one has found out yet. Nova seems to think I'm imitating Second.

Certainly, since she showed her infatuation to so many people, it is possible to think that Nova's weakness is Second. So Nova must’ve also anticipated that this point would be brought up during the meeting?

"Well, thanks to you, I feel so much better now. It looks like we're going to have a meaningful meeting. "

……Or maybe it was unexpected. She is clearly angry. Inadvertently, the provocation was successful.

"Wait. I didn't do it with the intention of causing a stir or anything like that."

"Then what was it? Don't forget that you are speaking in front of Nova Bartelemon, General of the Army of the Kingdom of Oranjee."

I AM the person you think I'm imitating…… is not something I can just go and say.

I thought about revealing my true identity by undoing the morph, but it was too risky. Even though we're far away, there might be at least one soldier with good eyesight.

"…………"

I decided to keep quiet for now.

This is to bring the fight to a one-on-one battle based on Nova's approach.

There is no need for trivial disputes.

There's no need to say anything, because everything will become clear later.

A match is, above all else, a kind of conversation.

"Are you going to remain silent? That's fine. Regardless of the trivial restraints, the current situation well reflects the positions of both sides."

Our positions, huh?

With their soldiers glaring at each other, the leaders of both sides walked toward one another and faced each other. In other words, although there is considerable tension, there is still room for both sides to literally take a step toward each other.

However, that is only true for countries. Hence, that's why Nova expressed it that way.

The difference between personal feelings and professional opinions.

I can somehow sense Nova's true feelings.

You're probably dying to go at it, aren't you?

"The Marubell Empire's demands are twofold: that the Kingdom of Oranjee allow the Marubell Empire to station troops in the small country of Shizun, and that the Oranjee army withdraw from the Sacred Country of Kamel."

"The demands of the Kingdom of Oranjee are twofold: that the Marubell Imperial Army immediately withdraws from the small country of Shizun, and that the Marubell Empire sign a non-aggression treaty with the small country of Shizun."

The demands are completely opposite.

The Marubell Empire wants to stay in the small country of Shizun, while the Kingdom of Oranjee wants to kick them out.

If they can establish a foothold there, the Empire will find it easier to invade the Sacred Country of Kamel. If they are driven away, the Oranjee Kingdom will remain in place, and the Empire will lose its bridgehead to the Sacred Country of Kamel.

Like the Japanese–Soviet Non-aggression Pact…… or maybe not. The highest score I got in world history was 4 points.

In any case, it is impossible for the empire to accept that demand.

That being the case, we have no choice but to seek a compromise.

"How about we both withdraw?"

When I suggested it, Nova laughed and responded.

"How can anyone believe that? "

Yeah, I guess so.

"Then we'll retreat, and you promise not to station troops in the small country of Shizun."

"That won't do. If the Imperial Army withdraws immediately and signs a non-aggression treaty with the small country of Shizun, then we will agree to those demands."

"That's hard to believe."

"Then, let's sign an agreement at the same time as the non-aggression treaty."

"We have no intention of signing a treaty in the first place."

"We're not getting anywhere."

"This is getting tedious."

We have some major disagreements that we can't compromise on, so it seems like we won't be able to move forward.

……Is it about time?

All right, it's time.

"Then let's settle the matter the old way."

"Are you saying that war is inevitable? "

"Not that. You and me."

"…………Hoh."

After a moment of silence, Nova smiled.

This woman is definitely a battle junkie.

Totally a badass commander.

"You do understand that this means you will have a one-on-one fight with the previous Toushini, Nova Bartelemon, right?"

"That's right. How about we go with the compromise proposed by whoever wins? "

"Interesting. In particular, the compromise proposal."

Even Nova wouldn't accept such a request if it included all of our demands. Based on that assumption, I presented these conditions. She seems to like it.

"But rather……"

Nova uncrossed her arms and continued speaking with a sharp smile, baring her teeth.

"Kuhaha, kuhahahaha! You are similar! Are you and Second brothers? If so, should I give a greeting?"

She got on.

She must have realized that my attitude wasn't an act, but genuine.

"Your confidence is as if I'm watching Second. Gives me something to look forward to."

"It looks as if you have no intention of losing."

"Of course. No one thinks about losing before a game."

Nova narrowed her eyes and uttered words that sounded somehow familiar.

She seems eager to get started.

"So, when should we start? "

"Right now."

"……"

When I replied, Nova held her breath for a moment.

"……You've even got the same fierceness."

Well, it's me.

I'm fully motivated too.

Especially this time, because of the circumstances.

I know very well that this will be an unprecedentedly tough battle.

"Take some distance. When the coin drops, we begin."

"Understood."

The audience consists of soldiers from both the Empire and the Kingdom, standing 150 meters away.

The match is a serious fight to the death without using the duel crown.

There is only one condition. I can't take even a single hit. That's all.

No, that's not right. There is one more. The other side uses the “yes yes” rule, but I will use the “no no” rule.

Yes yes means 「Transform yes, summon yes」. No no means 「Transform no, summon no」.

The reason why I can't transform or summon anything is because the soldiers will find out that I'm Second. If I summon a rare spirit like Angolmois, it'll be instantly known who I am. Anko can't be used because we're in the middle of the desert, and Miroku is too recognizable. And if I use Transform, I will be invincible for 8 seconds, which will blow the Wraith away and cancel the morph effect.

But that's not the case with Nova.

Yes, the skill I taught her at the eight-title celebration party―― was 《Transform》.

It's only been about ten days since the party, but knowing her, she definitely already learned it.

If she uses 《Spirit Summoning》 or 《Monster Summoning》, it's game over, but since we've clearly stated that it's one-on-one, she won't be able to summon anything even if she can.

Therefore, I must defeat her after she transforms, without transforming myself, and without taking a single hit.

Furthermore, the act of blocking an attack can sometimes result in damage. Specifically, counter your opponent's 《Rook Martial Arts》 with 《Bishop Shield Arts》, or clash each other's 《Silver Martial Arts》. Any response that causes even the slightest damage is not allowed.

In other words, the conditions are tougher than expected.

Well, I'll win, but......

"! "

The coin fell.

Nova's first move is 《Dragon Horse Martial Arts》. Her plan is to get close with a dash punch.

"――! ? "

I won't let that happen.

I took the initiative with 《Soldier Archery》 and kept firing rapidly.

I'm using a short bow instead of my usual long bow. It's specialized for rapid fire, forcing Nova to play defensively.

If you perform ten consecutive rapid shots with 【Archery】, there will be a 5-second cooldown until the eleventh attack. Therefore, it is necessary to wait 1.2 seconds for the ninth shot.

Nova won't let that opportunity slip by.

Nova, who had been desperately dodging until then, rushed toward me in the brief moment between the ninth and tenth shots.

I see, it's easy to forget, but she's very smart. She seems to have considerable knowledge. I thought she was only skilled in 【Martial Arts】, but it seems she also knows 【Archery】.

"Ku-hahaha."

But even so, I won't let her get close.

Seeing my skill, Nova gave a wry laugh.

Under the current conditions, if I let Nova get close, I'll lose. For this reason, my strategy is limited to long-range attacks.

《Dragon Horse Thread Manipulation》. This skill involves shooting out multiple threads in a radial pattern to restrain the target.

As expected of Nova, even though it was activated at the last moment, she skillfully avoided my 16 lb fluorocarbon line.

I immediately canceled the skill and readied my short bow again.

"As I though……! "

Nova seemed to have read my mind.

At the moment I drew my short bow, she activated 《Lance Martial Arts》 and kicked upward with terrifying speed.

"! "

Sand blinding――A move that utilized the desert terrain.

At the same time, this also served as a sort of smokescreen.

This makes it difficult to aim, rendering it highly effective against long-range attacks. A perfect two-for-one solution.

……That's awesome, Nova. Not only does she have exceptional sense, but she is also experienced in battle.

But not as much as me.

"What! ? "

I immediately discarded the shortbow. There was no time to put it away in the inventory. Then, I took out the Mithril Spear, prepared 《Gold Spearmanship》, and activated it in response to Nova's follow-up flying kick, 《Knight Martial Arts》.

Gold with a spear counterattacks. A skill that deflects attacks rather than blocking them, returning them to the opponent. Therefore, you can respond to attacks without taking any damage.

"Guh……! "

Nova was knocked down by the 《Gold Spearmanship》 skill, which had the power of 《Knight Martial Arts》 added to it.

It wasn't much damage, but it was important to get her down right there.

Let's end it――

"! "

Or so I tried, but whoa, that was close. I had forgotten.

Nova still had 《Transform》 left.

The skill 《Transform》 has the potential to completely reverse the advantage or disadvantage of a situation. Of course, the buff applied to your status is a major factor, but the 8 seconds of invincibility, especially the 2 seconds of freedom of movement after the 6 seconds of immobilization, are incredibly troublesome.

"Then, let's force her."

Therefore, I decided to force her to use it here.

I took out my longbow and activated 《Bishop Archery》.

This skill has a relatively short recovery time after activation, but it has a piercing effect and can deal a fair amount of damage. This isn't something you can ignore.

"――Trans-form! "

Nova posed while down and activated her 《Transform》 skill.

My 《Bishop Archery》 was nullified by the invincibility time.

"……"

I quickly put away my longbow, picked up my shortbow, turned around, and sprinted away.

In any case, I need to distance myself while I still can.

If she closes the distance in those two seconds of invincibility, it's over.

Three seconds or so passed. Keeping a distance of twenty meters, I turned around and put away my short bow.

Nova's Transform was Wind-attribute, which suited her well.

Then, let's avoid water attacks that are weak against wind.

"! ! "

As I prepared a 【Magical Magic】 attack by using Synergy to combine 《Earth Attribute, Third Form》 and 《Fire Attribute, Third Form》 into 《Wind Attribute, Fourth Form》, Nova, who was in the middle of transforming, opened her eyes wide.

Wind Four is a skill that creates multiple small tornadoes. With the addition of fireballs and boulders, it becomes a devastating attack.

With her wealth of knowledge, she probably knew the characteristics of each skill. She understood instantly that something terrible was coming.

"Interesting!"

Six seconds have passed.

With the transformation complete, Nova was no longer frozen and could move freely for two seconds.

And so she began her preparations—― for 《Dragon Horse Martial Arts》.

As in the opener, she seems to be aiming to close the distance with a dash punch.

No, it's like what I did against Davidov and Cubero in the Summer Toushini Tournament. I think she's planning to dash, hit the ground, and jump up to dodge the Magical Magic and get close to me.

In that case, let's activate it a little early……

"! ? "

Nova smiled beneath her mask.

And then she started moving.

……Fast!

Twice as fast as I expected!

Nova, could it be that she has already raised the rank of 《Transform》 in such a short period of time……! ?

Nova's speed was faster than I had anticipated, causing my Magical Magic to be slightly delayed.

Failing to keep her at a reasonable distance was a mistake. If she hits the ground in that position and jumps up, there's no way my Magical Magic will hit her.

Now, how should I respond after she jumped up?

Will the parry from 《Silver Shield Arts》 be in time――?

"――What! ? "

"You got to be kidding me! ? "

Immediately afterwards, a completely unexpected situation arose.

Nova tried to cover the distance with a dash punch and jump up by hitting the ground in front of my Magical Magic.

But at the moment when she struck the ground―― It collapsed.

Zugon! With a thunderous roar like rocks shattering, sand flew up and a hole appeared in the desert.

I got a hunch. That these ruins were the remains of an ancient city. Thus, there was a wide cavity directly beneath where we were standing.

"Ggghh! ! "

Nova, unable to jump high enough, was hit directly by the Magical Magic.

The damage was considerable, and Nova was knocked unconscious (stunned).

Not only that, but Nova, thrown into the air, fell as if sucked into the hole in the desert.

……This is bad. She has already suffered serious damage from the Magical Magic. As if that weren't enough, if she takes fall damage, the worst-case scenario is―― death.

"……! "

My body was already moving.

Ah, what a miracle. I'm glad I considered the next step and equipped a plate.

I canceled the 《Silver Shield Arts》 and immediately activated 《Rook Shield Arts》.

I raced after Nova with a rush faster than a sprint.

A moment after Nova disappeared into the hole, I jumped in after her.

Wow, it's huge. The sunlight shining through the hole illuminated the dim interior of the ruins eerily, revealing its entire appearance to me. Even if you're not on the verge of death, this height would cause some serious damage.

"Anko!"
"――Yes, I am here."
"Wolf!"
"As you wish."
"Transfer!"

Using 《Monster Summoning》, I called out Anko, immediately had her transform into a wolf with 《Darkness Shift》, and then used 《Darkness Transfer》 to move her to the ground.

Falling Damage Nullification Technique #5: Horse Riding-Landing.

Now, however, there is one problem.

Nova fell before me. I can't carry Nova.

What should I do?

"…………"

What should I do? What should I do? What should I do!?

Oh, what should I do!? How stupid! Fuck! Can I really claim to be number one in the world if I can't come up with something here? There's gotta be a way! It definitely exists! My intuition tells me so! Bet on the potential of Mobius!

"……Ahhh, there's that!"

Found it! !

But, shit! I probably have less than two seconds left! !

I desperately took out the 16 lb fluorocarbon line from my inventory, stretched it toward Nova, and activated 《Knight Thread Manipulation》.

"Good! ! "

Success! While controlling Nova, I activated the 《Horse riding》 skill within 2 meters of Anko just before landing.……！

"Nice! ! "

Horse Riding-Landing Successful!

Phew, I somehow made it……

" "

Immediately after that, I slammed headfirst into the ground and lost consciousness.

=====
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 kari next chapter