Sousetsuka

514 Heavy Responsibility

It's been an hour since they asked me for my name before we took off.
Griffon is flying at considerable speed. A familiar-looking country has come into view.
It's somewhere around the federation. Trembling from the cold, I ask Griffon to land nearby.

"Ah, go down in that open space. Forgot to put on a mantle. It's gotten chilly."

Griffon slowly descended and lowered its posture to allow an easy dismount.
Already missing the ground, I jumped off its back. Even crouching, Griffon's back is quite a bit ways off down. Necessitating jumping every time I mount and dismount.

"Ah, that was nice and all but sure gets my body stiff. Alright! Thanks Griffon. Can you make your way back to your mountain turf from here?"

Since Bandoro is getting arrested tomorrow, the group attacking Griffon should find out about the news.
They're unlikely to camp out in Griffon's turf even now anyway.
Besides, Griffons are clever. I don't believe the same trick will work again. They're just that smart.

Next to me, Chimera mimicked me stretching.
It was riding on Griffon with me. Yep, on Griffon's back even though it could fly on its own.
It felt kinda surreal but since Griffon didn't seem to mind, I guess I shouldn't mind about trivial stuff either?

Griffon kept staring at me, showing no sign of leaving.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Hm? What's wrong? Don't you know the way back? What about your wild instincts or the likes? Hmm, doesn't seem like that's the reason."

Griffon approached me and licked my face.
Then it cried lonesomely, 'Kururururu...'. I realized this pattern and looked up into the sky, 'Ah man'.

"That's it huh. You wanna travel around together with me? But, people are gonna get heart attacks if they see a magic beast as big as you. Out of shock and fear. The solution is... that I guess..."

Griffon cried happily 'Kueee', at the 'together' part and dejectedly 'Kueeee' at the 'but'.
I'm no longer surprised at the fact that it can understand human speech.

As for the best way to ensure this griffon's safety, I took something out of my magic bag.

"Hmm, this and that, also this, think that suffices? Man this is some grade school-tier craft."

I fetched a thick rope and the most worn out sword I had.
First of all, I pulled a knife and entered Acceleration. Then I sliced and diced the worn-out sword.
I sanded out the edges and shaped it into a square. It's turned into a plate. Then I punched a hole on it.
I still have no clue how an ordinary knife could easily slice iron under Acceleration. But might as well make use of it.

Thus I attached the rope on the plate and put it on Griffon. It's a collar.
This is apparently a common knowledge in this world, which means everybody should get it at a glance.

(...Nope, it's full of holes. I mean, Griffons are supposedly impossible to tame. Crap, all sorts of troublesome types are gonna approach me...)

Then I realized that's not all that different from the usual.

"Oh yeah, trouble always finds me even if I do nothing... The only difference now is having a Griffon around. That's nothing."

'Kue?' Griffon looked askance about the object I put on it, to which I explained.

"Err, that thing is proof that you can stay with me from now on. Well, I'm sure there's an official one in this world, so it's just a temporary holdover..."

I whispered the last part since it's my problem alone. Griffon looked overjoyed at the 'can stay with me' part, 'Kuee!', anyway.

"Ah, that's right. It's my responsibility to take care of any problem coming our way..."

I'm the one who offered help. This Griffon getting attached is the result of my action.
Forcing griffon to separate here is too sad. Griffon has feelings.
As another being with feelings, sympathizing with Griffon is nothing weird.
I'll look after it until the end. Such is my responsibility. And by 'end' here comes down to either my or Griffon's death. No matter if it's due to lifespan, sickness or getting murdered.
Abandoning, deserting, or throwing it away before that point is shirking responsibility. I must not play around with its life.

"Can't be helped. Let's get along from now on."

No idea if a new traveling companion is a good idea, but Griffon is an excellent mode of transport.
Ignoring twisting paths by flying is a huge advantage in this world.
Might as well make good use of it. Gotta see it from another angle.

Then, it hit on me. I'll have griffon act as my legs. The mere fact of having Griffon around makes me stand out anyway. Might as well use it to the fullest.

"Griffon could act as a camouflage to my power. But, it's kinda putting the cart before the horse? Pointless? ...Ah, guess this is the real meaning behind 'can't be helped'..."

I remember reading 'can't be helped' being a positive word in a story.
Giving up and acceptance. Facing the truth head on, 'What's the next move?' mind set.
Giving up since what's done is done, and to accept and move forward. A constructive way to see things.
Griffon will act as my mount. Done by simply riding and telling it where to go.
I can't handle mounts like Grudos. But Griffon understand my word.
I can control it without a rein, an outstanding steed you can easily direct.

I jumped on Griffon's back.

"Griffon, we're heading for the federation. Can I count on you? Alright, then try to walk on the road ahead."

Thus, our trip resumed as I intensified communicating with Griffon to get it understand my instructions better.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Final - Hero Vs High Paladin

This chapter starts from Kajikawa's POV

Oh my, don't mind, Reina.
It's a shame that you lost but landing that strike was plenty already. Good job~.


"Phew~, he snatched that victory from the jaws of defeat~. Would've been a let down if Neora-kun lost too."

"Could have easily turned out differently there."

"It's quite a shame really. She did great up until that stab on the chest, but then, she lost her cool when her dagger got taken away."

"Ah, that power up sure came out of nowhere. Was that 'Direct Control'?"

"Yes."

"Boosting your Stats on par with Hero is tremendous even if only temporarily."


That buffing comes from Energy Control though.
I only told Lolimast about Mana Control but I'm not gonna correct her here, it's a pain.


"I trust you get it already. Don't ever try to make knowledge about that technique public okay. Can't even imagine the ensuing chaos from the collapsing power balance between nations."

"It could work nicely against demons, but we're done for if by some chances they learned how to use it as well."

"I know, I know. I don't plan on teaching it to anybody beside my companions."


Thank goodness, these two have a conservative view on Direct Control.
I was ready to flee if they were in the camp of making it public.


"Next up is Hero and Almatina in the final huh. I won't be surprised whichever win, let's see how it goes."

"Just hoping there won't be another accident. The bloodlust next seat was palpable when Prodigy-kun coped a feel on Alma-chan's tits..."

"Ahaha. Well, Alma got back at him right away. All is well."


I'm not one to talk though. (An offender already)
I'm terrified of that kick myself....


"Also, I thought my heart was gonna jump out of my mouth when you yelled so loud all of a sudden."

"Kajikawa-kun, are you actually a passionate man? I really didn't expect that~."

"I'm sorry, please forget about it, forgive me, give me a break."


Please stop bringing up that new entry on my dark history book!
I'm gonna die! From embarrassment!


Hmm, that aside, I think it's about time those folk show up. Just a hunch though.
I should get mentally ready to deal with it whenever.






~~~~~~~Hero's POV~~~~~~~~





"Intermediate Division Final Match, master of all kinds of weapons, Skills and Magic, Hero Neo Raifu! Versus the harmonic wielder of sword and magic, High Paladin Almatina! Both have shown strength on par with Advanced Job!! Their match will definitely leave a prominent mark in years to come!!"


The MC propped up the match three times louder than usual, but my mind isn't quite here.
He said something about our match leaving a mark but sorry to say, that's probably not happening.

The result of my discussion with Menu: I'm inferior to Alma in both close quarter melee combat and long-range magic combat.
Her [Magic Swords] Skill is way too strong, I don't think I can match up to it in melee.
Gushing flames, swinging stupidly fast, how'd that even work.

While in long range combat, Alma possesses the Master Skill [Double Tongue] that allows her to cast multiple spells at once.
I bet she can buff her spell power too. She's got the upper hands in both power and number. No way I can match that.
...Aren't I checkmated already? Can't Alma just be the Hero instead. I mean she's got black hair and all.

My trump card is my only chance of winning, by swiftly ending it in one strike.
I shouldn't have used [Dimensional Blade] in my match earlier, kinda regretting it now.
But it's not like you can dodge or block Dimensional Blade anyway.
Winning isn't a pipe dream if I make good use of it.


"Let's do our best, Neora."

"Y-yeah. Let's do this, Alma."


She bowed first while I was in deep thought, to which I responded in kind.
...She's really cute. Would have gotten her join my party  if only she weren't in one already...


"Final match, begiiiiiiin!!!"


The umpire announced loudly. Sheesh, pipe down.


Just as planned, I went straight for Alma's neck using Dimensional Blade.
...I'm acting like a villain going for a beautiful girl's neck like this.

I swung before she did.
This is my, win--


CLANK! A metallic sound.


"...Straight for the neck. Close one."


Alma blocked my Dimensional Blade with her sword.
A-are you for real...! How'd she figure I was aiming there...!?

Oh crap, she stopped my first strike. How about a barrage of Dimensional Blade slashes then!

Dimensional Blade may be strong but the Master Skill consumes 5% of my mana with every slash.
I can use it a most 20 times. In practice, that number goes down to 10-15.
I'm not allowed to refill my mana in this match, so I really should save this but I can't afford to hold back here.

Legs, arms, torso, I kept changing my target there should be no way to predict it!
I'd like to see you try!


A clashing sound of metal resounded in the ring every time I unleashed a slash of Dimensional Blade
It didn't matter where the slash emerged, Alma blocked them all without missing a beat.
O, oy oy! This is supposed to be my trump card! What kinda monster are you repelling all those so easily!? Heck, how'd you know where they're coming anyway!


"Bothersome move... Probably can't guard against this without Mana Search."

"Kuh...!"


Oh crap, I used up 40% of my mana for nothing.
There's no point in keeping this up if she's just gonna block it! I gotta find an opening before going for the neck...


...?


Alma's sight is directed somewhere else.
Someone at the audience? No, she's staring hard at the top of this ring?


"...What's up, sure you got the leeway to get distracted right now."


I got a bit irritated seeing Alma paying her attention elsewhere and spoke with a sarcastic tone.
Alma turned to me and spoke.




<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >



"Neora, I'm suspending our match."

"...Wha?"

"Ask Menu what's the best course of action."


Right as Alma finished that, a magic circle-like shining pattern emerged in the air above the ring, at the spot Alma was staring at.
Eh, wait, w, what the heck...!?

<<It's a teleportation magic formula! Incoming!>>



『...Haruru... Gurururu....!』


A gigantic bear emerged from the shining pattern. No, it's a bear-type magic beast.
The thing is about eight meter tall, and easily exceeds 20 meter horizontally. How the heck is it so big.

Menu displays it as a Lv73 Giganto Forest Bear.


"W-what the heck is that big thing...!?"

"Gotta be a performance right?"

"They're letting that thing intrude the final...?"


"E-emergency!! A powerful magic beast has manifested inside the ring!! This is not a performance!! Everyone, please evacuate the stadium!!"


The umpire warned loudly.
His panicked voice prompted the audience to realize this was not a drill, and they started scampering while screaming.

Oy oy, oy oy oy...!
What the hell is going on now!?

<<S-someone cast a long-distance teleportation spell above the ring!>>

Yeah I can tell!
Who did this!?

<<I'm done analyzing that teleportation magic circle! The caster is... a demon!!>>


Demons...! I haven't fought one yet, but seeing as they pull this crap, they can't be a decent bunch.
Blast them and their crap! But we've got Revival Formula inside this ring...

<<No, the Revival Formula was no longer functional the moment that magic beast came forth! You won't get revived anymore if you die now!!>>

W-what...!!
I have the Grace of Revival, but Alma's...!


"Run away, Alma! There's no more revival! You're gonna die for real!!"

"! Got it...!"


Now then, what do I do.
First, I'll have to get Alma out of the ring.
Can I hold off this giant until then...!?

<<N-no! The barrier enveloping this ring is still active! The staff members in charge of the barrier had run away at the first sign of danger!>>

What!? Damn, I'm gonna beat up those staff members later!
Uh oh! That bear is going for Alma...!


『Gugyajaaaaaaaaa!!!』

"...!!"

"Woraaaaaaaa!!!"


I managed to narrowly block the bear's claw targeting Alma with Shield Art Skill.
What should I do! This bear's gonna kill Alma at this rate!

Defeat this thing? But how?
I only managed to beat Shining Tiger, a magic beast on par with this one, thanks to the help of my companions and us in a tip-top shape.
Aina-san especially, no way we could have won without her supports. Defeating an S-rank magic beast without an S-rank combatant is a vain struggle.
I'm also limited on moves I can deploy at only half my max MP.
Gotta fetch Mana Recovery Potion from Item Screen...!?


『Gyagaaaaaaaa!!!』


It swung down the other arm that wasn't on my shield.
Ah, crap, how is this huge thing so fast--






~~~~~~~Aizawa-kun's POV~~~~~~~~~


"Dammit!! Damn, damn damn!! Why won't it break, dammitall!"


I been tryina to bust the barrier with force, but there ain't even a crack!
That damned bear's gonna kill Alma! That Okama took a hit for Alma and passed out!

I dunno where they set the terminal for this barrier too!
And my blade ain't even puttin' a dent on this stupidly hard barrier!

Don't die you! Don't you dare die on me, Alma!


『Gagyajagwaaaaa!!!』


The bear charged at Alma to crush her with its sheer size.
Stop! Stop, stop!
Ya got no right to kill her, ya darned bastard!


Damn, won't, make it...!!






Just as I gave up hope,


"Hikaru!!!"



At the same time Alma yelled someone's name, the part of barrier located near the bear bastard broke apart alongside the sound of a breaking glass.



"Get beeeeeeeeeeeent!!!!"


『Gi, gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!? Gabyagaba!!!!』


The black haired old man I saw shouting during the semifinal jumped in through the barrier's tear looking like an ogre and punched the bear bastard on the head.
That punch pulverized the bear's head, its body slowly collapsed on top of the ring.

...I couldn't wrap my head around this whole thing.
What's that old man's deal...!?
No seriously, what the crap is his deal!?






Author's Q&A
>He stole that dagger...

Ah, it wasn't depicted but he did return her dagger after the match, don't worry.

Previous Chapter

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513 Parting

"Ah, speaking of, which direction is the federation?"

I threw that question out of nowhere. Chief looked confused yet answered me nonetheless.

"Over there. So, what are you planning to do now? Why do you ask. Also, did I hear that right... you want to ride the griffon? Are you serious? It's dangerous you know? I've heard a story about a tamer who tried to pull that stunt only to narrowly skirt death. He was under the belief he had tamed the griffon and got thrown off mid air. That accident became proof of griffons' intelligence and the reason why nobody tried to tame them anymore."

I guess being smart also means being able to deceive. Also proof that they have wisdom and emotions.
The emotion to hurt people who bother them.

"Eh, think I'll do just fine? I have experience riding Chimera already. It's just a bit chilly up there. I mean this griffon's gotten pretty attached to me... Ah, hey, don't rub on me, you're too big."

Griffon kept trying to rub its body on me. Like urging me to ride quickly.

"Do you have a plan at the federation?"

Chief gave up trying to convince me. Must be my carefree reaction to her warning.

"Hmm, I don't want to stay in this kingdom, or rather I can't? I'm thinking of traveling around. I just want to get away from here. Well, don't worry about it."

This has to do with the watchdog thing of course. No need to tell her.

"Are you coming back? I don't mind if you want to work here, you know? Right, as a bodyguard and an employee. How about it?"

I really appreciate her offer. A place to settle down, get paid and lead a stable life. I could get all that if I said OK here.

But no, I don't think so. I'm honestly grateful but me staying here would only draw more trouble to this site.
Therefore, refusing is the only choice I have. Painful it may be.

"Aah yeah, if only. But it's just not possible for me to settle here, shame. I probably won't ever come back. Ah, I might drop by for a bit whenever I'm nearby at least."

All this talk apparently prompted Griffon to lower its beak and urged me to ride it.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Yes, that's quite a shame. Then let me reaffirm one thing. Can I truly believe what you said about Bandoro?"

"Yes, the kingdom should have him arrested by tomorrow. It should be fine now. Gora Family has been taken care of as well."

Well, I know she likely won't believe me regardless.

"I have no idea how you come across all that information. But you're probably telling the truth considering what you did back then. See you again. I've given it my all to stabilize Waking Grass, and will always be from now on. Take care."

She must be recalling the time I took care of Gora Family and Old Wolf members. Chief's eyes looked distant.
She also recalled about my fixation on Waking Grass along the way. That signaled our parting.

"Keep at it. I'm off now. Ah, Griffon can you head there, and fly slowly about as high as these trees?"

Griffon is ready to take me on its back. It lowered its body for an easy climb while we were saying farewell.
I could only smile wryly as I climbed it up.

"Alright! Time to take off! Man, there's no way I can stay calm! My life is on a straight path with no recourse!"

The matter this time has thrown a wrench on my life plan. It's good that I found something I like, the Waking Grass.
But thanks to that, I can no longer hold back to do what I please in this world.

(Guess it's far too late? I'm sure I'll no longer hesitate to plunge straight into trouble from here on.)

Griffon spread and flapped its wings, then we started floating up.
The ground got farther and farther away every time the wings flapped. Once we got about as high as the top of the trees here, Griffon powerfully kicked its hind legs.

That propelled us forward. Slowly at first before gradually gaining speed.
And thus began my second air trip in this world, leaving the site behind.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Semifinal Little Girl Vs Hero

This chapter is from Hero's POV

"Semifinal, player Reinamiure versus player Neo Raifu, will now begin!!"


"Let's make this a good fight!"

"Ou, let's."


We took our positions after bowing to each other.
She's really small... She's my age for real, right?
I'd believe you if you told me she's still 12, at least if I hadn't watched her matches thus far.

<<Don't let up now. This kid is Level 34 despite her exterior... I still don't understand how Olivie-san lost to her, however.>>

This girl must have gone through hell as well.
You can kinda tell from her [Foolhardy] Title and all.
...Her party's leader must be pretty hardcore too. They don't even have the Grace of Revival.


"Ready, fight!!"


Not a moment later, Reinamiure scatted caltrops all over the ring.
She made them bigger and dived into their shadows just like previous match.

No rehashing now, girl.


"[Shine Ball]!"

"Uwawa!?"


I shot an offensive light magic spell on the ground, erasing the caltrops' shadow with an intense light.
Menu already told me about the trick behind this ability. Made it simple to force her out of the shadows.

I sent out Mana Blade Farslash at the jumping Reinamiure.


"Uhyaa!? H-he's as strong as Alma-san!"


Reinamiure screamed as she repelled my Farslash with her dagger.
Eh, but I'm sure Alma's Attributes were pretty far below me. What'd she mean 'as strong'?
Guess she's overvaluing her friend... No wait, wait wait.

How did she easily repel my attack when her Attributes should have been much inferior to mine...?
Menu, is this girl cheating somehow? Like with doping or something.

<<N-no, she hasn't consumed that sorta medicine or wearing any stat-boosting equipment... Her Attributes temporarily increased. I don't know how.>>

W-wha? How does that even work?

<<I'm telling you I really have no clue! The way she enlarges those projected Ninja Gear like those caltrops and shurikens shouldn't have been possible too!>>

...Not even you, Menu know the principle behind it?

<<Y-yes... I'm sorry.>>


...Does that mean, Alma's sudden power up and split Mana Blade Farlash in the previous match was also due to this technique, separate from Skills?
I don't get it. Guess I'll just ask Alma later.


"Let's see how you like this!?"


Reinamiure yelled as she threw a ball-like object on the ground.
The ball only bounced once or twice before it rolled... What's the plan here?


"...Huh? Why didn't it burst open and spread smoke all over...?"


The little girl titled her head in confusion while watching the ball. What is this about?
Is it supposed to be a Smoke Ball? It's like she's playing the joke character in a gag manga about ninja, but that's gonna cost you your life in a battlefield, you know.
...Well, Ninja is supposed to be stealthy and hidden. Her fighting out in the open like this already broke the mold.


"Well whatever, toryaa!"


The little girl threw some shurikens and kunais my way, like trying to gloss over her failure.
Each one flew like a Frisbee as it grew larger. Those will prove troublesome.

To average Combat Jobs that is.
I'm still a Hero at the end of the day.

Menu, Equipment, Shield!

<<Aye sir!>>

I set up my shield and activated a barrier that repels throwing weapons, [Mana Shield Barrier Wall].
She shot a barrage of them of which I repelled...?

...Huh? Where'd Reinamiure gone off to?

<<She went inside the shadows when you were busy blocking! She's trying to find an opening while moving around at high speed!>>

Well, here goes another Shine Ball!


Bang! Smoke rose after that bursting sound.
The ring got swallowed in smoke before long.
...From the Smoke Ball earlier!? What a bad timing for it to work!

<<No, looks like she was aiming for this! She only made it look like it misfired! This girl is surprisingly cunning!>>

Shining a light in this smoke filled ring won't work on those shadows.
Not good, she turned the tables on us in one go.

My view is obstructed. Yet, unleashing a move powerful enough to blow all this smoke will leave me open wide.
What if I use Eavesdrop ability, no it'll be bad if she uses a technique that produces loud sounds in turn.
...Let's keep an eye on the smoke flows.


I felt a chill down my spine while I was weighing my options.
Oh crap, she's coming! From where? Below? Behind? Sides? Perhaps, frontally...!?


No, it's above me!!


I looked up and saw Reinamiure aiming for my crown of head with her dagger.
When did she even jump above? But, I saw through you--


<<Wrong! That's a copy made with Ninjutsu Skill! The real one is right ahead!>>


I felt something stabbing me.
Reinamiure had thrust her dagger in my chest while I turned my sight above.
That was an illusion produced by a Skill, the so-called Clone Body huh...!

Just how many layers of feints did she put forward just to land this one strike...!?
She easily pierced through my Shine Tiger's chest Protector too. Even though most attacks can't even scratch this thing.


"...Gotcha."

"Gu, uuuuu....!!"


I felt an acute pain in my stabbed chest.
The pain won't relent as if someone keeps rubbing wasabi and chili pepper on the wound.
I see, her dagger has Supplementary Lightning Damage...!

She only needs to use Extended Mana Blade to further stab my insides and end this fight.
...This strike would have clinched this match if it weren't me she's fighting.

I put away the dagger lodged in me into my Item Screen.
Reinamiure has now lost her weapon.


"!? M-my dagger...!?"

"Seii!!"

"Kaha!! ...C, cough, cough...!!"


I kicked her abdomen while jumping backward.
A clean hit, she was too startled to block. Looks hurt but not as much as getting a dagger in the chest.

I can heal a wound like this with healing magic though.


"Cough... H-his wound closed...!"

"Almost got me there. Just a little bit more push."


I brandished Shine Tiger Fang Sword in my hand as I asked Reinamiure.


"You got no weapon left. Still wanna go?"

"...Haha. That dagger isn't my only arsenal!"


Reinamiure threw Shurikens my way, still holding her belly in pain.
That won't work. Go on and throw another Smoke Ball, I'm just gonna stow it in my Item Screen.

Reinamiure managed to stab through my Shine Tiger protector thanks to her weapon.
Without it, there's no way she can damage me...!?

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
...!!


Her presence, no, Attributes jumped up leaps and bounds.
They were only around 300-400 before they shot up even higher than mine.
W-what just happened...!? She's not a Yasaijin or anything, isn't she. How'd she do that!?


"Haaaaaaa!!"


She charged in at speed rivaling Ground Shrink.
Holding a kunai in her hand instead of a dagger.

The kunai broke apart the moment my sword clashed with it, but she immediately projected a new one.
Heavy...!! The weight behind her strikes almost rival mine and Aina-san's. My hands shook every time our blades clashed.

This technique seems to be these girls' trump card.
Dunno the principle behind this stat boost, but it's unbelievably strong!


"Wheeze, haa, haaa...!!"


But it doesn't look like she can keep it up for long now.
Her Stamina is fast decreasing. Must be the price to pay for such a huge stat boost.
It's similar to Qi Clad, with a far higher stamina consumption.


"Dyeryaaaaaaa!!!"


She boosted her Attributes even further and charged in at her highest speed yet.

Or so she made her clone do while she herself dived into its shadow and shot out shurikens.
Petty tricks till the very end huh. I get it though, never giving up and always trying to find a way out no matter how desperate the situation is.

I shall pay respect to your determination.


I swing my sword at the clone with all my might!
As it was nothing more than an illusion created by her Skill, my sword naturally slipped past it.


"Gah... E, eh...?"


Reinamiure who threw a shuriken behind me got cut up in two.
Her dumbfounded expression said it all as she died and got revived outside the ring.

Master Skill [Dimensional Blade].
It's a cheat Skill that lets me generate a slash in any space within my vision.
You can still defend against this slash as long as you can predict where it emerges but no ordinary human is capable of such a feat.


"Player Reinamiure's death, confirmed! Winner, player Neo Raifu! Player Neo Raifu obtains the right to advance to the final!"


The audience erupted into cheers with that announcement.
I could hear praises for Reinamiure as well as me. Of course.


T-that was close...!!
What's the deal with that girl!? Not only did she use bonkers Skills to create all those feints, she even boosted her Attributes beyond mine!
...Can't believe I won. That match was wayyy too close for comfort, I can't say the end result will be the same if we ever fight again.

...Menu, what was that technique anyway?

<<I don't know, it's unidentifiable...>>

Uh, that's just weird. Don't just give up. Look it up more thoroughly.

<<I'm telling you, I really have no idea. There exist several Skills that bolster Attributes by consuming Stamina but her feat was not done through a Skill.>>

Not through a Skill...? Then what was it about? That's not an answer.
...Guess I just gotta ask her directly.
Had no idea there are things Menu doesn't know about. And you usually act so smug about knowing everything too.

<<...Direct Control can't be disclosed...>>

Hm? Did you say something?

<<No, it's nothing. Forget that, you should hurry back to the waiting room. You're up against Almatina-san next, remember?>>

...Oh right. What do I do.
She's obviously stronger than Reinamiure.
Well whatever will be. Rather than fretting over victory or defeat, I should focus on giving it my all, yep.

<<Isn't that the mindset of a loser...?>>




Author's Q&A
>Ah, Menu-chan seems to have an idea about Stamina Control--

Yes, Hero's Menu has already figured out what's going on after analyzing Reina and Alma's usage.
It's just playing dumb due to the risk of Direct Control being known to public.
Hero's Menu was inwardly thinking, 'What are these morons doing using that stuff out in the open.'


>Aizawa-kun has no excuse for the parents--

Had her parents seen that soft touch, they'd break apart the barrier to intrude.
Kajikawa almost raided in too but he refrained after witnessing the nutcracker.

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512 Cute Creature

And so, I arrived at the spot with Chief Raie and her three bodyguards.
Girffon who was waiting for me in a loafing position came up to me.

'Are you for real...', one of the bodyguards muttered. Looks like he couldn't stop his jaw dropping when he saw me nonchalantly petting the griffon.
After all, these guys have been saying stuff like wild magic beasts are hard to tame with griffons sitting at the top of this fact and so, and so.
They couldn't find a word after watching how wrong they were first hand.

"It's really incredible... I'd love to study it. How did you manage anyway? Can you tell me the chain of events that led to it? Are you sure you're not a mage? You don't... look like a tamer. I mean those people usually have their own specialized tools. You're not carrying one... Obviously."

I scrubbed Griffon's chin. In response, Griffon cried joyfully, 'Kururururu~'.

"Alright, Griffon. You can go back to your turf now. Ah, but I'd like to check out the place and make sure nobody else is going to attack you... Hm? Can you let me ride you? If not, I can always ask Chimera though."

Chimera replied to me here, 'Meow~'. But everybody present besides me and Griffon jolted.

"Kya! W-what was that voice!? ...Eh?"
"Oy, what, the hell, is that, massive lump of mana-like, m-magic beast..."
"Where'd it spring up from... What even is that thing!?"
"E-even Griffons look tame compared to that..."

The four went from surprise to terrified at Chimera. As it's in Kitten Mode, to me it just looks like a cute kitten.
But that's probably only true to me. This world has magic and mana, and the humans of this world has the ability to sense it.
One of them said Chimera being a massive lump of mana. That must be how Chimera looks to the people of this world.
That doesn't apply to me thanks to being 'Mana-less', and 'Blessing-less'.
There's a huge difference in the perception of Chimera between me and the people here.

"They're all afraid when you look so cute. Must be lonesome, huh Chimera. But you probably don't really care either way. Well of course you don't. You lose if you do. Yup."

I put Chimera in my arms. It started purring happily.

"C-can, I take, it that, you have, that, magic beast, under control too? It won't attack, us will it? I-is this safe?"

I told Chief her worry is unfounded.

Seemingly jealous of me carrying Chimera, Griffon rubbed its head on me.

"Oh oh? What's this creature. It's way too cute. The size makes it hard to handle. Petting is a go though."

The four pinched their cheeks to tears in an attempt to make sure they weren't seeing things.

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Semifinal Aizawa vs Alma (2)

This chapter starts from Alancyan Aizawa's POV

"Ha, haha...!"


I couldn't contain my laughter.
Dunno what's so funny myself.

I can only laugh at the abrupt power up the woman (Alma) in front of me underwent.
Maybe I'm laughing at how pathetic I am for being cornered so hard by this woman.
Or perhaps, I'm having so much fun from losing.

The only person I can never win against is my geezer master.
I lost to plenty of people, I forgot how many.
But I got my revenge on every single person I lost to before I came of age after training myself to death.

By the time I was finished with my revenge matches with all of 'em besides the geezer, people started calling me stuff like prodigy, or return of hero.
Fools, talents and lineage are simply one part of the equation. Well, who cares 'bout what people say.


That must be why this sensation of losing feels fresh yet nostalgic.
I'm getting cut up all over, staggering as I lose more and more blood.
Alma seems to have healed her injured left arm with magic, it's not bleeding anymore.
Can't do a protracted battle. Gotta end this quick somehow...


"Cough...! Haa, haa, haa.....!!"

"...Ha!"


The moment I retreated back, Alma sent out a Mana Blade Farslash.
How's it so darned big...!? Easily double mine, and so fast!

No way to counter that thing, gotta dodge.


!?


"Uooooo!?"


The Mana Blade Farslash split up!?
Mana Blade Double Strike? No, that ain't it! That ability only adds the amount of slash.
This thing got reshaped and split wholly!


"Tcch!"


The split slashes should be weaker. I can counter 'em.
...No, gotta dodge!


"...Almost got you."

"Wheeze, wheeze... Damn, no mercy at all...!"


She used Ground Shrink while the slashes were coming and attacked me from another direction.
She gives no time to take a breather at all. A single lapse of judgment's gonna be the end of me.


"You want, mercy?"

"Haha! You sayin' you wanna be mine so much you gonna throw this match!?"

"No. I'll stake my all to defeat you."


That's fine. I'mma more pissed with you pulling punches than me losing.
But man, she ain't biting at all. Think I got a pretty nice face too, guess it ain't to her liking.


...I'm at my limit. All the blood loss is making my vision blurry and my body languid.
Girl only got one working arm yet I ain't a match at all when she got serious.

Rather than her holding back, it almost felt like her Attributes got bolstered so much she now swings her sword with tremendous power. Easily stronger than ogres.
And seeing that Mana Blade Farslash, she can also freely rearrange her Skill Ability's shape and power.
I'm guessing it's all due to a Master Skill. A super versatile one. Why'd she save that until this point...


Ah crap, I'm getting dizzy. The next clash's gonna be the last.
...Can't believe she cornered me to this sorry sight.


"Oooraa!!"


I zeroed in on her with Ground Shrink and attacked with a combo of Extended Mana Slash and Mana Blade Double Strike, widening my sword's range.
Ain't no way she can dodge this. She'll hafta block with her sword.

Then, while our blades locked, I'm gonna get even closer and hit her with Kempo Skill [Mana Spear Hand] at point blank range. Only plan I could come up in this situation.
Sure enough, she blocked my attack, locking out her right arm. Can't believe it went well.
Her injured left arm got no way to stop my next attack.


My Mana Spear Hand hit Alma's chest as predicted.

It pierced her vital since it was unprotected, or so it should have.


...Why're my fingers broken instead?
It was incredibly hard, I thought I was hitting an adamantite ingot there.
...Did she put something on her chest? No, it was hard when I hit but it's soft now--


"...Retribution."


Goss!! An acute pain ran through my loins along with that dull sound, the pain was too much to bear I couldn't keep my consciousness.
...Another first time in life. Just gonna hope this is first and the... last...


"P-player Alancyan, knocked out! He cannot continue the match! Winner, player Almatina!!"

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

~~~~~~Hero's POV~~~~~~~



"U, uwaaa..."

"W-what's wrong, Neora? Calm down, you didn't get kicked yourself did you?"

"No, uh, see here? That absolute pain gets transmitted to any man who bears witness, it's just that painful okay? It's like a mix of dull and sharp pain from diarrhea, stomach ache and a fierce sense of despair blended as one, get it?"

"Okay okay, I got it!"


That damned brat, Alancyan got kicked so hard by Alma I felt it in my soul as he fainted in agony.
I don't like that guy, but I can sympathize on this point... Rest in piece.
He got what coming for him after that sexual harassment, no matter if it was intentional or an incident.


Still, she got a huge power up after getting that super loud encouragement from an audience.
Was the one shouting, Alma's party leader? I can't really see from here.
What kinda mechanism was that anyway. Guess I'll check it out in our match.


...My next opponent is that blond little girl called Reinamiure.
She's just as much a powerful adversary as Alma.
That shadow diving ability seems especially troublesome, how do you even deal with that?

<<By shining a light on the shadow she's in, that will force her out.>>

Hmph, guess it's not invincible after all.
She can also do stuff like enlarging kunais and shurikens she throws.
...Is Ninja a Job that lets you do all that? It's so random.

Now then, she's not an opponent I can go easy on.
I'd better use everything I have in my disposal from the get go.


"Go get 'em out there!"

"Neora-san, please be very careful."

"Yea. I'm off."


Hmm, I'm gonna do this for these two sake's as well.
...I mean, Aina-san's gonna rake me over the coals if I made a poor showing. Shiver.

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511 Being Made Fun of?

"They will be taken care of. We have strewed soldiers along the road here, they shall be arrested on the spot. Every single one without question. These fools showed up after the great pruning of rotten nobles in this kingdom. I suppose it goes to show the dire situation of our current political landscape."

Leord gradually got more comfortable in his grumble. Likely because the other soldiers are standing by with no sign of approaching us.
Guy's quite young to be a commander, even if it's just provisional. He must have a lot of pent-up stuff.
I may be considered a danger, but I'm still younger than him. He prob find it easier to loose his lips.

"Guess I've got nothing more to do then. I'll take my leave here. Ah, what's gonna happen to Bandoro?"

Now that Gora family is no more, I'm curious about the fate of their associates.
I was thinking it would make my life easier if these soldiers went and arrested Bandoro as well, but my query needlessly piqued Leord's interest instead.

"We should find incriminating evidence once we search through this mansion. I believe Bandoro's arrest should be done by tomorrow... Actually, how did you know about his connection to Gora Family? You sounded sure too."

"...Anyone on the streets knows about this stuff. And oh yeah, the kingdom's patrols are involved in under the table dealings with Bandoro. Mister saw it. Later then."

I left him with a parting gift.
Leord put on a dumbfounded look, 'Eh?', which gave me the opportunity to slip.
I could hear him asking me to stop but I paid it no heed.
My source of worry is gone now. I've got to return Griffon home. Gotta go back soon.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
＝＝＝　　～～　　＝＝＝

Now then, here I am back at the site. I came across soldiers guarding the road on my way here.
Them and the remnants of Gora Family, still clueless about the fate waiting for them.
Naturally, they were none the wiser cause I passed by both parties in Accelerated State.
Bandoro himself arrived just as I got out of the gate. His camel horse looked spent, he must have driven it hard. And.

"I'm back. Everything has been taken care of. Now I'd like to return Griffon home. Will that be a problem?"

"Didn't you say you were going to the kingdom? How are you back here so quick? What did you do? And what do you mean by taken care of... Ah, sheesh, I don't understand a single thing you said, you know?"

Yep, it hadn't been long since I left.
The duration I was gone must not compute considering the distance.
Also, she probably won't believe me even if I give it to her straight. She might think I'm boasting.
Knowing that there's no point, I reiterated what I said instead.

"Bandoro won't be coming here again. So I'm sending Griffon home, no problem right?"

"...Haa, yes it's fine. Let me tag along, I'll see you off."

The three site workers that remained protested to that.

"That's dangerous, chief! I don't care what he told you, there's just no way a Griffon get attached to a human! Is there even a need for you to go there, chief?"
"Agreed. I know you said you saw it yourself chief, but I still can't believe it. Griffons are famous for their high pride, no tamers have ever succeeded making them yield let alone submit."
"Just let this guy do it himself. What if you get hurt getting close to such a dangerous beast, what's gonna happen to this site, chief!?"

Where did their reaction from that time I crushed Gora Family goons go to?
Yet, the fact that they're still staying here is worthy of praise I guess.
I can tell that they're genuinely worried about Chief Raie too.

Therefore, having them accompany us is the quickest option here.

"Why don't you guys go with the chief as her escort."

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