Great War Before Demon War
"This training ground is for soldier use not magic artillery. How did this happen?"
"My apologies. We got a bit carried away during a practice match."
"A bit...? ...Sorry but we cannot afford further damage. I understand you're brimming with enthusiasm right before the big battle, but take it outside the capital if you want to go wild."
Anti-demon Army's Commander in chief, Morittsugeit-shi spoke to me with his finger on his brows.
I really am sorry about this. Thankfully nobody got injured, the silver lining.
Initially I was going to do our practice outside town, but the girls suggested we go to this training ground instead. Oh, I'm not blaming them or anything.
Apparently, some military men and adventurers gathered here don't like my sudden promotion to Rank S.
My scuffle with the commander the other day also helped stoked the fire, so in order to avoid more trouble in the future, they suggested I should show off somewhat.
...And then, we brought that trouble upon ourselves.
I really don't care if anyone wants to complain, just let them be. But there's no guarantee they won't come looking for trouble with us so I reluctantly agreed to train somewhere crowded, only to end up like this.
"...Guess we should call it a day."
"It hasn't even been a minute since we started..."
"We didn't get enough training at all."
"Cause you girls went for that finishing move right off the bat. Hiyoko especially, wait for your punishment later."
『Cluck!?』
"'Why?' you ask, of course it's warranted. How many lives you think would be lost if that hit the residential area. Several hundreds would be optimistic. I know you were eager to show off your training result, but you clearly went overboard there, you fool."
『C, cluuuck...』
Hiyoko put on a dejected look while making a pitiful sound. I feel sorry for her but this is one thing I won't back down.
We're gonna fight in a group, there's no taking back if that move hit allies by mistake.
Hiyoko could end up getting treated as an ally killing magic beast and hunted down for it. I have to be stern.
"...Gotta say that move looks pretty awesome. Nullifying enemy ranged attacks and shooting it back at them many times more powerful. Use it as much as you want against demons, just be careful you don't hit friendly units."
『C, cluck.』
"I'll let you off the hooks with ten servings of spicy curry for lunch. Make sure you reflect on it, you hear me?"
『Cluck!』
"Does eating curry count as a punishment? Feels more like a reward to me."
"Wanna try a bite later, Reina? That stuff's spiciness is on another level even just by second bite."
『Clu...!?』
"Why'd you cook that..."
I didn't make that stuff, bought them in Japan.
Also bought lots of things you can't get here. Like sushi, snacks, instant stuff (etc).
In the end, we're resuming our practice outside the capital. Should've done this from the start, sheesh.
Now then, let's get this show back on the road... Or so I wished.
"Why's the commander-in-chief here again?"
"Oh, I thought of having a little warm up before the real thing against those demons. You look like you'd be fine even if I go all out, let me join in the fun."
The commander chief of Anti-demon Army followed us here for some reason. Uh, what about your duty?
Don't tell me he's here to shirk from his tasks.
"I have done everything that needs to be done for the war. The final check will be held tonight, I am free until that point."
"Oh okay. Then it's our party versus commander in chief."
"Oy wait, that's too much even for me."
I mean you're joining us uninvited, gotta bear that brunt at least.
Heck, us against this old chief alone is one thing...
"Hey now, Hikaru-kun, that's taking it too far, don't you think."
"Ufufu, that's our cue to join in. Moritz-san, we'll support you."
"...Why, are you two here?"
"Oh you know, just a little outing to check on the newest trekker of Floor 21 (that hell). Exceed our expectations, will you."
Alma's parents are here too. Where'd they spring out from.
Heck, please don't put that pressure on me. My level went up a bit sure yeah, but most of the stuff I brought back are still being worked on.
The only usable items I have now are stuff like Analysis Filters and Meat-Severing Kitchen Knife.
A burly brawny old man spoke up behind the parents while I was thinking.
Those are some muscles alright... Reminds me of Spada geezer.
"Oy, Duke, lemme have a go first. This guy looks like a toughie."
"And that gentleman would be?"
"Ah, he's Sword King 'Spadia'-sama. He's my and Alan-kun's master--"
"『Spada』!?"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
I yelled out reflexively since the burly old man in front of me was the spitting image of geezer.
No wait, the pronunciation sounds off. Kinda native-ish.
"Nay, it's 'Spadia'. My name comes from from Spada indeed. Being mistaken for the legendary swordsman is quite an honor, hahaha."
"Legendary, swordsman? That geezer?"
"Who you callin' a geezer! I'mma fix that foul mouth of yer!"
"Y-you've got it wrong! I'm talking about Spada himself!"
"Fool, that figure hailed from an era hundreds of years in the past! You won't fool me speaking like you met him for real!"
"P-please wait a moment... Hikaru-kun, did you meet him, on Floor 21?"
Alma Papa stopped the enraged old man and asked me.
Ah man, explaining is a pain...
Heck, what about our practice match. Look, even the commander chief seems confused with conversations he can't keep up.
Anyways, I told them how I met Spada geezer on Floor 21 and the fact that he was the previous life of current Demon King, Hero Soma Ryuta.
The old man looked simultaneously surprised and like something finally clicked.
He seriously believed that tall tale just like that...?
"Mwu, your story doesn't make a lick of sense, and yet... I see, those refined moves were that of hero Souma and the legendary swordsman, Spada...!"
"That does explain why we failed to measure up. Can't believe Spada and the past hero were one and the same."
"Ah, right you all fought Demon King recently... Almost hard to believe you managed to get out alive."
"We almost certainly did not. I shiver at the thought of Black Dragon and Spadia-sama failing to make it in time."
"We were completely outclassed despite all that buffs from those guys and girls... Our Attributes must have reached 15000 back then."
I mean yeah, Demon King's strength is just that crazy. I'm actually shocked they even managed to put up a fight when their stats were below him. Nothing less to expect from Alma's parents.
I fell in despair when Menu showed me Demon King's Status. It's just, so dumb. How is that real. Think of the balance, dangit.
That's why I resorted to teaching Mana and Energy controls despite the risk, thought up ways to use Hero party on top of many other plans.
Getting in touch with these veterans is part of the plans too.
I acquired 'Marking Function' alongside Fast Travel when I reached Level 40.
By marking someone I've met at least once, I can tell wherever they are.
My Map Screen expands the more they move around. However, Fast Travel can only be used to a location I've physically been to.
Menu advised me to mark as many powerful individual as I could.
Apparently Menu is prohibited from disclosing unacquired Functions but a Function I'll get at Lv80 will make good use of these marks.
Strong fighters from all over the world will gather for the operation recapture Continent 3 including Special Job holders and I plan to meet and mark as many as possible using that chance.
"Well, enough talk. Let's get down to business, youngster!"
"Owa! No signal, really!?"
The geezer slashed at me while I was lost in thought.
...His name isn't the only thing similar, even his behavior resembles that Spada (that geezer).
Checking his stats shows his level, 101.
The highest among all humans I've met. This guy's one incredible old man.
"Here we go~ 'Chtuga'."
"H-hold on! We're at a huge disadvantage here! With Spirits in the mix, your side's got both the number and firepower on top!"
"No but~!"
Alma Mama summoned an Advanced Spirit while simultaneously attacking with Offensive Magic, like usual.
Oh crap, she got overexcited she forgot to hold back!
"Hiyoko-chan! Suck in and shoot back!"
『Cluuuuu....! Cluuuuuuuuuuck!!!』
Just like our spar earlier, Hiyoko sucked in Alma Mama's magic and shot it back as a mass of mana.
Alma Mama narrowly dodged it with 'Ground Shrink'. Her face lacks the usual composed expression.
The attack hit the ground and formed a crater 100m in diameter...Thank goodness that never popped at the capital.
"Kyaaaaaaaa!? W-when did you learn that move, Hiyoko-chan...?"
"We're not gonna keep taking it lying down forever! 【Body-out-Body no Jutsu】!"
"! Clones, no, they're all real...!?"
Reina went for Alma Mama's vitals with her clones, no, body-out-body art.
Seven bodies plus one real Reina rushed in at her.
Unlike clones, all of those seem to have physical forms... Is she the blond protagonist of a certain ninja manga?
"'Laser Blade'."
"Unuaa!? B-blade made of light? It's so fast, and heavy...!!"
On the other hand, Alma is fighting on par, no, slightly pushing the commander chief.
That's her new magic sword huh... The force must have led her to that blade.
It seems to have the traits of both 'Burner Blade' strength and 'Storm Sword' speed.
...She's reliable but it kinda makes me scared of finding out her other new magic swords.
"Hey hey! Think ya could afford to look away, youngster!"
"Whoopsie, nay, that won't get me!"
"Fumu, you really have gotten quite stronger after overcoming Floor 21, I see. Allow me to join the fray."
"Eh, wait what!?"
Wait a minute, fighting against two Sword Kings at once is too much.
Isn't this supposed to be a light spar, we gotta prepare for tomorrow you know... Oh okay, you're just gonna ignore me huh.
I'm gonna get killed before the actual war at this rate.
...Actually, go train the hero, not us. He's still way too weak for the upcoming battle.
Whether we could defeat Demon King or not hinges on Hero-kun getting enough level ups during the upcoming war.
If he didn't reach a certain threshold, the battle against Demon King would get much harder.
I might have to reconsider how to allocate Resource.
Posts
