59　Determination（Second Part）

 

“I’d like you to fight me.”

 

　I think this voice of mine that uttered such words was slightly trembling.

 

　This morning remains fresh in my mind. I never imagined I would be so stiff the first time I’d meet with my master. It would’ve been different if the other party was an aristocrat. But because the one who opened the door and met me was none other than Second-sama, I was extremely nervous.

 

　Well then. I thought there wouldn’t be more tension in my life anymore…… but soon enough, more than I could handle appeared.

 

　However, this is an opportunity I can’t let pass.

 

　It’s vexing to rely on this great person who picked me up from the rubble and gave me a more humane life. However, this isn’t a situation I can just grumble about.

 

Second-sama, at that time, said, “When you’re prepared, you can come to me”.

 

　Ahh, how great and merciful he is. I honestly thought it was good that I had come to this great person’s place.

 

　I have to meet his expectations. I have to resolute myself, I have to face him. This is a lucky chance I was given by the heavens. I need to grab it with my own hands.

 

“As for the method, I’ve prepared a Game Crown. We can use this to――”

 

 

“Nice, you’re prepared.”

 

 

　Gulp――A cold chill ran through my back.

 

　Second-sama’s face was floating a smile. He looked very happy. Almost like a child who had found a new toy.

 

“Cubero. I like guys who have a strong spirit like yours.”

“……I’m honored.”

 

　Second-sama’s beautiful voice disturbed my mind, almost like a narcotic, as it entered my ears.

 

　……I can’t be afraid. I can’t fall into his pace. If I don’t show my determination here, my wish will never come true.

 

“Well then, we’re going to have a match, right? “

“Yes, of course.”

 

　After Second-sama finished those words, he took a step forward in order to grab the Game Crown. Not good. I failed as a subordinate for having my master walk up to me. Panicking, I rushed myself towards Second-sama――

 

　――But suddenly, I tripped.

 

　Did my feet catch on the gravel? No. Something grabbed my leg. But there’s no other person here. No way, was it Second-sama?　But, why would he?

 

　Without being able to avoid it, I fell forwards. At this rate, I will bump into Second-sama. Painfully, my body tried twisting itself to avoid him, but that was a useless struggle.

 

　And so, I slammed my head into Second-sama’s chest.

 

　He held me up before I could fall to the ground. Unexpectedly, blood rushed to my head, so I hurriedly moved back.

 

“E-Excuse me for being――! “

 

　…………Then, I noticed.

 

　I’m a slave. Even if unintentionally, I shouldn’t be able to do any act that would bring harm to my master. However, right now I just plunged into him ‘head-on’. I’ve done something that shouldn’t be possible. Just what in the world……?

 

“Did you notice it? I knew you were quite excellent.”

 

　Second continued to smile. In other words, this mysterious phenomenon was caused by Second-sama himself. I now understand that, but I still fail to understand what importance that has for our current situation. I opened my mouth a bit in shame.

 

“Just what did you do? “

“It’s called Break Out. Right now, you are no longer a slave.”

“――eh! ? “

 

　Astonishment…… no, that word doesn’t even begin to describe the feelings of shock I received.

 

　Did he just say he canceled the slavery contract! ?　In an instant!?

 

　I certainly knew such a technique existed. But I’ve never seen or heard of a method to do so in an instant.

 

　And, above all else, one question remains. And that is,

 

“W-Why! ? “

 

　Why did he release me from slavery just now?

 

　There’s no benefit for Second-sama in it, just risks. If I were plotting to rebel, I could even slash at him this very moment――

 

 

“The match would be boring otherwise. With this, we can now go at each other without worrying about it.”

 

　………………

 

　No, seems like I apparently have misunderstood him.

 

　For Second-sama, the power of the servants of house Firstest aren’t even in his sight. However, to go to the extent of canceling the slave contract while grinning just because he wants to “go at each other without worrying about it”?

 

　……Our levels are different. The place we’re looking at is completely different. I was made to realize I was defeated even before the battle started.

 

“Ha ha ha.”

 

　A dry laugh escaped from my lips. This person, my master is, without a doubt―― “A strong man”.

 

“It’s okay. Just relax. The battle has already begun.”

“Excuse me. But I would like to say something first as a butler. Please refrain from one-sidedly canceling slave contracts like they are nothing in the future. If I were to be a traitor, you will be taking risks, Second-sama.”

“If I am to be betrayed, then that means I could just  go so far. I took a liking to you. That’s why I ‘broke you out’. I won’t let anyone complain. And also, would a traitor preach to me like that? “

“……You will regret it, you know?”

 

　What cool, intense words. Enduring the tears of joy and yearning, I took some distance from Second and got into stance―― Preparing my “Fists”.

 

　My main skill is 【Martial Arts】. In particular, my 《Knight Martial Arts》 at Grade 1 and 《Silver Martial Arts》 at Grade 3 made me the strongest in my ‘Team’. Thanks to these two fists, that helpless little brat of the past is no more.

 

　These two fists that have been with me for 24 years now will at least hit Second-sama once. I’ll show him how far this Cubero has come. That is my determination. I’m resolute to fight til the end. Even if I have to bet my life for it, I’m prepared to do so for my desired wish.

 

　Clenching my fists, I turn my gaze forward. Second-sama, on the other side, was…… simply ‘standing’. With his arms hanging loosely, he just stared at me with absent-minded eyes.

 

“……You won’t take a stance? “

“Yeah. You, on the other hand, are quite stiff, Cubero. I said it during the day but, you don’t have to be so stiff. Relax, just relax. What would you do if this staring contest continued like this for hours?　I can see who the winner would be. Don’t you agree? “

“I’m very grateful for the advice…… but, I think it’s better if you don’t look down on me so much.”

 

　While slowly and steadily closing the distance, I said those words packed with provocation. In the current situation where the skill of my opponent is unknown, the normal way to proceed is to let them take the lead. That strategy isn’t wrong. However……I immediately noticed this was the worst kind of opponent to use that strategy.

 

——

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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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