＊　＊　＊

 

 

　It was great that I was able to observe the Spirit of Chérie Lumberjack from up close.

 

　As expected of the one people call the Genius Spirit User. That Great Spirit of Earth will likely be quite troublesome. She may be a candidate for the coming war.

 

　But well, I would rather not have someone with that character close. In the course of my investigation I’ve noticed that it depends on the spirit, but most of the Spirit Users have completely timid personalities; however, she was the polar opposite. If I hadn’t been lucky enough to have the Great Spirit of Earth speak, the observation would have failed.

 

　Well, there’s a big shot that should take precedent now.

 

　The Great Spirit King. I did not expect him to be here, nor that I would be able to meet him.

 

　Now that I’ve found out that the top of the Spirit World serves someone from the enemy country, I can’t afford to leave as is. I need to investigate how much of a threat he is, and return to consider how to respond to it.

 

　Luckily, that person was connected to Chérie Lumberjack. I can’t let this opportunity go to waste.

 

“Are you Se-Second-sama!? “

　Playing the fool, I approached.

 

　Second, the master of the Great Spirit King was an incredibly handsome man. He turned his sharp eyes towards me and calmly said “Yes, I am”. Just that much was enough to make me realize this was not a man I could make light of. Even if he was meeting me for the first time, he didn’t exchange useless words; his careful alertness was terrifying.

　At first glance he appeared to be full of openings, however, there’s no way the man who’s the master of the Great Spirit King would do such foolery in front of a stranger. He was probably testing me out. But my current purpose is not assassination, but investigation.

 

　After that, a couple of words were exchanged. He appeared to be quite cautious. But that doesn’t matter, I must see the Great Spirit King no matter what. I desperately tried to suck up to him.

 

“Why do you want to see him that much? “

 

　Such a question came out unexpectedly.

 

　Why do I want to see him?　Didn’t I already show him my spirit? He shouldn’t be doubting me being a Spirit User at this point. Nevertheless, he still asked ‘Why’. I don’t understand. Maybe my real identity has been found out?　No, there’s no way……

 

“He’s the top of the Spirit World, the one who made the Great Spirit of Earth say he was a “scary existence”.　It’s very natural as a Spirit User to want to see him no matter what!　Such an opportunity only comes once in a lifetime! “

 

　In my answer I stressed this was a matter of course.

 

　In just a moment. Second’s facial expression disappeared suddenly.

 

　Did I make a mistake……!?

 

　Was I too hasty? I knew it, he was testing me with that question!　If so…… no way. Did this man, after just a few seconds of meeting me face to face, find out that my main job isn’t Spirit User?　Impossible. Can a Spirit User really have such a discerning eye? However, the fact is, I’m currently faced with such predicament……

 

“Okay, I’ll show it to you.”

 

　……What did he say?

 

　His answer was too unexpected. For once, I left aside my performance and was really happy. If this was Second’s try at shaking me up, then I had already foolishly showed him the greatest gap.

 

　Still, as a result of that, I’ll be able to see the Great Spirit King with my own eyes. If just this purpose alone can be fulfilled, I’m sure I’ll be forgiven for some of these failures. I’ll even have something in my favor. All that’s left is to have Nymphe remember it and bring the information back to the Empire――

————————–

 

“Wh……!? “

 

　My body moved on its own!　What’s this!?

　Even Nymphe had her hands on the ground. To make even a spirit kneel!?　That’s impossible!

 

“Lift your face.”

　A clear, gender-neutral voice. I moved my now freed neck and looked in front of me.

 

　…………Th-This is the Great Spirit King.

 

　I never heard anything about this. This is insane. It’s terrible. Such a spirit, such a……

 

　While I was absentmindedly thinking that, Nymphe fainted. In a single moment. Even I am not able to resist.

 

“Don’t move, brat.”

“Guuu!! “

 

　I struggled to get away but I couldn’t even flinch. No use.

 

　Was the Great Spirit King an overwhelming existence to this extent?

 

　This must absolutely be informed. The presence of the Great Spirit King alone is enough to threaten the Empire.

 

　But in order to do that, I must get away from this place at all costs.

 

“W-what’s the meaning of this? ……Did I do something rude to you……? “

 

　A realistic performance. Ever since I was born into this world, I have been trained day and night as an intelligence agent for the Marubell Empire. In the meritocratic Empire, I am  first-class. I can’t let it end in this place, in this place――!

—————————–

 

“――You’ve had it hard, Empire’s dog.”

 

 

　Second laughed while saying that.

 

　My mind went black, seeing my imminent bleak future.

 

　This man, from the very beginning he noticed……!?

 

　WHY!?　How did he do it!?　That’s impossible!

 

　Did the Great Spirit King do something?　No, that can’t be, he and Second never exchanged any words. If so, then was it that dark elf?　Still, there’s nothing that can reveal my identity as an imperial subject. No way, can he read my mind……?　Damn it, I don’t know!

 

 

　……Ohh. Wait, there’s one thing that I know.

 

　This is my loss at my own game. Second was always one or two moves ahead of me. That’s all there is.

 

　This is as far as I go. But as a last act of resistance―― I’ll beg.

 

“I give up…… But before I die, if possible, I’d like to write a letter to my family.”

 

　I need to report this information to the Empire at any cost. Even if that’s the last thing I’ll get to do.

 

“Huh?　I’ll just say it since it seems you’ve misunderstood something but, I don’t plan on killing you.”

 

　…………?

　What did he say?

 

“You’re……not going to kill me? “

“Yeah, you can go if you want. Or, would you like to follow us?　Right now, we’re going to capture the Proline Dungeon.”

“――――”

 

　I was at a loss for words.

 

　This guy is insane……!

 

　From the very beginning he knew I was from the Empire, and he purposely met with me face-to-face. Gave me free reign, he tested me, all just to enjoy himself.

　The only reason he could remain calm was because all this was just a “game” for him!

 

　I’m an agent from the Marubell Empire, you know!?　For me this was a matter of life and death, you know!?　Why did you see this as a “game” knowing all that!?　How can you remain with such composure!?

 

　Frightening, terrifying, daunting……!

 

“I’ll ta-take your words gladly.”

 

　My voice and my body were shaking. I can no longer keep up the act.

 

“Is that so? Then you should go home.”

 

　After being released from my restraints, I stood up with difficulty due to my enfeebled legs. I unsummoned the fainted Nymphe and slowly walked back. I was terrified of turning my back on this man. I’m afraid if I do something suspicious, he will go back to his “game”.

 

“Also, please tell your boss. The world’s top man, Second, fancies the Marubell Empire.”

 

　Our boss―― That would be, the Emperor.

　What is the meaning of that?

 

“……Understood. I’ll be sure to tell him.”

 

　The world’s top man, Second.

　I swore in my heart that I would never forget this monster, and immediately left the Castall Kingdom.

 

 

 

　　＊　＊　＊

 

 

 

“Was that alright? “

　Immediately after Seram left, Yukari asked me. I think she means if it was alright to let him go.

 

“Of course.”

“But to think he was a person from the Empire…… it’s incredible that you noticed that.”

“About that. Angolmois checked it out for me.”

 

　I later learned that memories could be extracted from spirits that were completely submissive. Furthermore, it seems possible to control enemy spirits if they are lower class. Being the ruler of the spirit world sure is amazing— I thought so again.

 

“But well, didn’t I give him a great impression? “

 

“Ehh? “

“…Huh? “

 

　The moment I said that I could see not only in the eyes of Yukari, but also in Silvia’s that they thought “Is this guy for real?” Huh?

 

“Ahh, didn’t you know?　I kind of like the Empire.”

“My Second. I like it too.”

“I know right. It’s nice, the Empire.”

“Umu. It’s good.”

 

　After they saw me agree with Angolmois, Yukari and Silvia’s eyes changed into “This guy is hopeless”.

 

“Master. I’m not sure if you were aware, but just in case, that was ‘looking down’ too much.”

“Telling an Empire to pass a message to the Emperor telling him that you fancy the Empire is almost like picking a fight with him.”

 

　I was then scolded. I see, that’s true indeed.

 

“I see. Well, it doesn’t matter, let’s go to the Proline Dungeon.”

 

　While patting Eko, who’s been saying “Let’s go, let’s go”, since a while ago, I told her “Sorry to keep you waiting”, and moved my feet towards the stable.

 

“Isn’t he switching gears too fast……?”

“Well, it’s something very Master-like.”

 

　Silvia’s dismayed voice and Yukari’s resigned one could be heard from behind. However, I liked how, even if they said that, they followed me along.

 

　For about two months from now we, team Firstest, will be collecting Mithril while earning experience inside the Proline Dungeon. And I completely forgot about what I said in my clash with the Empire.

 

 

　……But.

　In the not so distant future. The fact that this single encounter with Seram will cause such an unexpected situation, at this moment I had no way of knowing this.

 

 

=====

 

Thank you for reading.

 

Next chapter is an Idle Talk.

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Cheat sheet

Stats details

＜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.

Types of combat skills

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

1. Pawn/Soldier (Fuhyou)
2. Lance(Kyousha)
3. Knight (Keima)
4. Silver General (Ginshou)
5. Gold General (Kinshou)
6. Bishop (Kakugyou)
7. Rook (Hisha)
8. Promoted Bishop/Dragon Horse(Ryuuma)
9. Promoted Rook/Dragon King (Ryuuou).

List of Swordsmanship skills

Swordsmanship

1. 《Soldier Swordsmanship》　                  Normal attack.
2. 《Lance Swordsmanship》　                    Piercing attack.
3. 《Knight Swordsmanship》　                   Precision attack.
4. 《Silver Swordsmanship》　                     Strong single-target attack.
5. 《Gold Swordsmanship》                           Small-range attack to all directions.
6. 《Bishop Swordsmanship》                       ???
7. 《Rook Swordsmanship》　                      ???
8. 《Dragon Horse Swordsmanship》　    ???
9. 《Dragon King Swordsmanship》　       ???

List of Shieldmanship skills

Shieldmanship

1. 《Soldier Shieldmanship》　                  Normal defense.
2. 《Lance Shieldmanship》　                    Piercing deflection.
3. 《Knight Shieldmanship》　                   Defense + knockback.
4. 《Silver Shieldmanship》　                     ???
5. 《Gold Shieldmanship》                           Ranged guided defense + knockback.
6. 《Bishop Shieldmanship》                       Reinforced defense (Temporarily boosts VIT and MGR)
7. 《Rook Shieldmanship》　                      ???
8. 《Dragon Horse Shieldmanship》　    ???
9. 《Dragon King Shieldmanship》　       ???

List of Archery skills

Archery

1. 《Soldier Archery》　                  Normal range attack.
2. 《Lance Archery》　                    Piercing range attack.
3. 《Knight Archery》　                   Precise sniping range attack.
4. 《Silver Archery》　                     Strong single-target range attack.
5. 《Gold Archery》                           Weaker range attack with added knockback.
6. 《Bishop Archery》                       Strong piercing range attack.
7. 《Rook Archery》　                      Very strong single-target range attack with scaling % damage.
8. 《Dragon Horse Archery》　    Powerful piercing range attack.
9. 《Dragon King Archery》　       Powerful on-impact range attack.

Types of Magic skills

They use the “Form” or “step” system of martial arts. From lower to higher.

1. First Form　      　      Regular attack
2. Second Form　      　 Extended range attack
3. Third Form　      　    Strong single target attack
4. Fourth Form　      　  Strong extended range attack
5. Fifth Form　      　      Extremely powerful extended range attack

• Their cast time becomes longer in this order First→Third→Second→Fourth→Fifth.

Ranking of the skills

From lower to higher, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade.

1. 16th class
2. 15th class
3. 14th class
4. 13th class
5. 12h class
6. 11th class
7. 10th class
8. 9th class
9. 8th class
10. 7th class
11. 6th class
12. 5th class
13. 4th class
14. 3rd class
15. 2nd class
16. 1st class
17. Grade 1
18. Grade 2
19. Grade 3
20. Grade 4
21. Grade 5
22. Grade 6
23. Grade 7
24. Grade 8
25. Grade 9
26. Title

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 ToC    

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