96　Kisenshou Match ２

＜Title Match's rule table＞

・Use the dueling item "Duel Crown" and follow the referee's instructions with the consent of both parties.

・The Title Matches will be held at the arena of Vinceton, the royal capital of the Castall Kingdom. （Duel Crowns can only be used inside the arena）

・Duel Crown Settings: Both parties will always keep at least 1 HP for the duration of the duel, and that is effective for any kind of damage. In addition, after being fatally wounded, the person will be forcibly stunned.

・If you're the first to give the other party a lethal wound, you win.

・Items such as potions, etc., are not allowed, only equipment is permitted.

・Disqualification occurs the moment a contestant uses a skill other than the applicable one.

・Disqualification occurs when the contestant's whole body leaves the duel range.

・Time limit is only one hour, only the final match has unlimited time.

======

"Excuse me. Alfredo-dono."

　Before the match. I visited the waiting room of my opponent for the finals, Alfredo.

　A middle-aged man with ruffled, disheveled hair.

"Oh my, why have you come here?　Silvia Virginia."

　He was blind. But the way he spoke made it clear he was certain of who I was. Furthermore, he also knew my exact position.

"I thought you had sort of a history with Ernte Kisenshou, so I came to ask you about that."()

"Is that so? In other words–"

"Umu. I also have something similar――"

　I spoke about the chain of events happening that day that ended up with Dee Mix prostrating in dogeza.

　When Alfredo heard the end of the story, he couldn't hold it any longer and laughed out loud.

"I see, I see. You have an interesting master, indeed."

"To be honest, that caught me off guard ...but more often than not, he goes overboard."

"Fumu. Most of the time, when you speak like that in front of him, you worry that he might end up hating you, right? "

"!　How do you know that? "

"I could tell from your story just now; you are a very straightforward person. And, although he's thoughtful, he's quite passionate. Simple reasoning. You coming to pay me a visit here is probably because he led you to it, right?"

"...Led me?"

　I only noticed this after being told. Certainly, if Second-dono hadn't said "It almost makes me feel a bit sorry for him", I probably wouldn't have visited Alfredo-dono.

　I decided to pay this visit because I was curious about that phrase.

"It seems like he knows how to handle you."

"That makes me feel glad, yet also a bit sad, how weird."

　Well, to be honest, I'm just happy. And I'm sure Alfredo-dono has seen through it too. Yeah, it's embarrassing.

"I will definitely not going to lose to you. However, it's fine if it's just talking to you guys."

　In other words, he's going to tell me. About the relationship between him and Ernte Kisenshou.

　Replying with a "By all means, please do", I corrected my posture.

"Nevertheless, it's just a simple story. I lost my sight because of that man, and also the title of Kisenshou."

"What did you say!? "

"Quiet down."

"...S-Sorry."

　I lost my composure.

　However, lost his sight because of him?　Then...

"Why don't you heal it? "

　With a high-grade potion, an eye injury should be healed. And by the looks of it, it doesn't seem like he's hurting for money.

　...Wrong, I only noticed it after saying it out loud. Alfredo-dono's eyes seem to be uninjured.()

"No. It can't be cured. I heard from a knowledgeable person, the cause of it appeared to be magic."

"Magic..."

"Only the saint can cure it, or so he said."

"The saint? "

　<Saint >――A unique existence that's passed down the bloodline, one that reigns supreme atop the [Healing Magic].

"...So, the Sacred Country Kamel?"

"Yeah. And it's not easy to go to that country. Especially with matters concerning the saint. I've been waiting for a few months for a chance of a meeting, but I've still got no reply."()

　No wonder. It's a country that has been secretly trying to invade the Castall Kingdom using the highly addictive and dangerous drug, 『Caramelia』. It might be difficult even for someone like a Title Match contestant.

　...Umu. If there's another possibility, that would be–

"Second Issenza, if it's him, he might know something. No, I'm sure he knows. I'll tell him about this while you're still in the Kingdom."()

　If it's our psycho teammaster, he will probably know a solution other than using the saint. That I can say with certainty. I've never seen or heard of anyone who knows more about skills than him.

"...Thank you, I'll count on you."

　Alfredo-dono bowed down his head, expressing his honest gratitude for my proposal. Afterward, he continued.

"You are very kind. Furthermore...with a strong sense of justice. You haven't been able to hide it since a while ago."

　I knew it, he noticed.

　This anger, that makes even my insides burn in rage.

"Crushing your eyesight...Unbelievable. I slightly felt it before, but he's indeed a dishonest old man."

"At first glance, he's a friendly old man, but there's a deep darkness swirling inside him. Truly a sly one. Not to mention, cruel. He doesn't shy away from any methods so long as he wins."

"...So, it's retribution?"

"Yeah. I have mastered blind archery for the sake of this day. And taken a lot of measures against Ernte and the Mix sisters. Therefore, if only here, I can't simply give up."

　Alfredo-dono's determination was as solid as stone.

　Furthermore, if I cut corners in this next match, that would be inexcusable. It would be an extremely rude act towards him, also towards Second-dono and the spectators.

"But. After listening to your story, I have one thing to say. About that old man's disciples, the Mix sisters."

"Dee and Jay?"

"Indeed. That Ernte is sure using them in a good way. They have been studying under Ernte for many years. In that time, their personalities should've distorted, right? "

　What does that mean?　Should've distorted...?　...!

"――Can it be!?　Ernte was–! "

"Yeah. It was none other than Ernte who brought them up to have that twisted personality. Additionally, using that personality, he collects information on his opponents in advance. Or if possible, crush them in advance. The nasty part is that it is Dee and Jay the ones who are loathed.  All the while Ernte's name remains unsullied. Even though it is him the one inciting them...! "

　Alfredo-dono clenched his fists, revealing a wave of quiet anger.

　Perhaps, to him, it is more painful seeing the Mix sisters being used like that over having his own sight taken away. At least that's what his heartbroken expression told me.

"I'm sure you're aware. Ernte is that kind of person. An enemy I must defeat with my own hands. That's why I have to defeat you no matter what."

　...The stakes are different for each of us.

　I finally understood what Second-dono was referring to.

　It does make you feel sorry for him――

"I'm sorry, Alfredo-dono. But I'm not going to lose."

　Kisenshou Title, final match to decide the challenger.

　My opponent is Alfredo-dono, a blind archer.

　Both he and I just quietly held our bows and waited patiently for the referee's voice.

　...Win or lose, there won't be hard feelings.

"Begin! "

　We bowed to each other.

　With a serious determination, I prepared "Soldier Archery" and fired it at Alfredo-dono.

　Surprise tactic number three――"New Demonslayer". That's my first move.

"Naive."

　Alfredo-dono, as if he knew an arrow would fly there and using the minimal movement, evaded it without hesitation.

　Then, as a counterattack, he used "Soldier Archery".

"Oh!? "

　How sharp. The aim was a few levels higher than Dee's. At this distance, it would've accurately hit me in the middle of the head.

　However, it's still not enough. There are monsters in this world that can shoot you in the face and even in the middle of your eyebrows as easily as if they were breathing, no matter how far they are or how much they move around. And I've been training with a man like that for three weeks. If I were to explain it, I'm already used to it.

"Haaa."

　Next is, "Soldier Archery". Three consecutive shots. This is also in preparation for the "New Demonslayer".

"Nice arm."

"Same goes to you."

　We then continued our skirmish with each other using "Soldier Archery".

　Alfredo-dono is examining my moves. That's just like Second-dono said. I'm a new face in this tournament, so there's not enough information about me. He knew that I aimed to take the lead.

　But, don't think that all I can do is shoot "Soldier Archery".

　The time to commence is now...!

"Take this!　"New Demonslayer"! "

　After keeping the courtesy of saying the name of the strategy, I rushed forward with incredible momentum.

　Alfredo-dono seems to be preparing some skill. Probably something appropriate to counter.

　And his choice isn't wrong in theory.

　...In theory.

"What...? "

　Matching Alfredo-dono's skill preparation time, I got "Bishop Archery" ready and fired it towards the air.

　Confusion. I could see that was his state.

"Kuu-"

　Not knowing what I was aiming for, Alfredo-dono canceled the skill he was preparing and quickly moved to the left by three steps.

　...Amazing. He really went to the left. That's exactly what I was aiming for.

　Up until now, I've shot nothing but "Soldier Archery" trying to lead him to the right. Considering that leaving the venue equals defeat, one would unconsciously want to move to the left. It was very simply guiding, but the effect was outstanding.

"I got you!! "

　I shouted loudly as I also approached quickly.

　The "Bishop Archery" shot I released would be hitting directly at Alfredo's head.

"It's too soon to claim victory."

　However. That arrow, as it was, would not connect with Alfredo-dono.

　Quickly preparing "Lance Archery" he released it to the "Bishop Archery" shot that was coming near his head――

"...Sorry."

"! ? "

　――but, before that, another shot. A shout of surprise echoed as my new combine shot of "Soldier Archery" and "Knight Archery" collided with my "Bishop Archery" shot.

　Kiiiiin!　A high-pitched sound reverberated.

　"Bishop Archery" has a penetrating effect, however, the combination of "Soldier Archery" and "Knight Archery" have no piercing effect. Therefore, if both collide, the penetrating arrow should come out on top.

　But what if the normal arrow hits the side of the penetrating arrow?

　The answer, a shift in the path. The trajectory of the piercing arrow was thrown off. Furthermore, even a simple skill such as "Soldier Archery", when compared to something like "Bishop Archery" can be enough――Enough to make it go off its path.

"Guuh!! "

　So now, Alfredo-dono's "Lance Archery" did not hit the piercing arrow now that it had gone off its original path. He received the "Bishop Archery" shot on his left shoulder, which caused him to lose his balance.

"Tch...N-Not yet! "

　Yet, he did not fall. With terrifying determination, he regained his posture and tried to shoot a "Soldier Archery" shot towards me.

"..."

　Silently, I fired a "Gold Archery" arrow at him. The range is just three meters and has a knockback effect.

　...But, we're already that close. Alfredo-dono was so cornered by this strategy that he failed to catch my position until now. Still, he never gave up and was even trying to attack to the very end.

"――Eh!! "

　Alfredo-dono was blown backward due to the knockback effect.

　Oh. That is...

"Off bounds!　It's over!　Victor, Silvia Virginia! "

　Always have multiple aims. This is what Second-dono taught me.

　The 'New Demonslayer' tactic consists of using "Bishop Archery" at the sky, shift its trajectory with a snipe of "Knight Archery" at the right moment, and at the same time use a surprise attack aimed at short-range thanks to the approach possible due to the sudden tactic.

　This was a really nasty strategy, especially for Alfredo-dono, since he was blind.

　Therefore, ...Like this, not really been a surprise, the conclusion was reached.

"...Leave Ernte Kisenshou to me."

"Please."

　A short, one-word response. After saying so, Alfredo-dono lost consciousness.

　...I just can't lose now.

　My stock of surprise tactics has now reached zero. Well, what should I do?

　Still, I found something worth betting on.

　I am a knight. Second-dono's knight.

　For the Title matches that he so loves, and to protect this order, I will now fight for justice...!

Kisenshou Title deciding match.

　My opponent was… I suppose it's obvious. An old man wearing a beaming smile. Ernte Kisenshou.

"Seems like you chastised Dee a bit, it really helped me. Now I don't have to do it myself."

　I'm surprised he can say that much. After all, it was him who made her do that.

"Were you scared? "

"What? "

"I wondered if you were scared of losing to me.　The tactics I used against Dee and Alfredo-dono. I wonder if you were scared of them being pointed at yourself? "

　I spoke those words with a dignified expression. Immediately after, Ernte's expression stiffened.

"The weaker the monster the more it barks. Are you sure you have the leeway to say such things? "

"We won't know until I try."

"Ha...Hahaha!　HAHAHAHAHA! "

"...Did I say something funny?"

　――A shiver.

　Ernte suddenly started laughing, then opened one of his old and wrinkled eyes and stared directly at me. He then continued to speak wearing a mocking smile.

"Whether it's Dee, whether it's Jay, that youngster, or even you, no matter who comes, I will always win. There's nothing you can hide; I've seen your hand already. You, small fry, can struggle all you want, the Kisenshou will always be me."

"...How despicable."

"Say what you want. Winning is what matters. It doesn't matter the method, only the winner can have the last laugh. That's how I've lived my life for these past 400 years. If you don't do this much, you won't win. If you don't do this much, you can live. Allow me to educate your ignorant self. About the meaning of the Kisenshou Title Match, a carnage where blood is washed over with more blood."

"So, you were using the Mix sisters after all."

"And what would it be that's wrong in that?　Use your disciples to scout your opponent's hand?　Or instigate them in order to crush the other contestants?　Or maybe teach them a half-hearted Archery that would never in their dreams be a match for their master's? "

"Bastard, everything is wrong...! "

　Holding the bow, we both moved to our positions.

　――I want to win.

　Never in my life have I wanted to win this much.

　Win, win, win. WIN...!

"Begin! "

　The referee gave the signal.

　Immediately sprinting, I rushed to close the distance between me and Ernte.

　For starters, let's use Demonslayer. Followed by Lance Rocket. And finish with New Demonslayer. I'll use everything I got.

"Let's guess, what will come first?"

　Ernte said wearing a smug expression.

　I'll show you. I'll wipe that grin from your face――!

　　＊　＊　＊

"Well, I guessed this would happen..."

　Silvia's match against Ernte went largely as I expected.

　Demonslayer, Lance Rocket, New Demonslayer... none of them were effective against Ernte. The reason being, he's seen them all.

　Be it shoot "Bishop Archery" at his feet, dig a hole with "Dragon Horse Archery", or lead him using "Soldier Archery", Ernte didn't give her any chance to do it.

"Ugh! "

　Meanwhile, Silvia kept being shot.

　With the surprise attacks not working, all that was left was a match between skill.

　And if we pair three weeks against hundreds of years of experience... it's not even a fair game.

"Damn...you! "

　She got up.

　Many times. And many times more.

　Not being discouraged by her situation, Silvia confronted the Kisenshou.

　There's no way to win. I'm certain she was aware of this even before the game started.

　...But even then. She got up. She challenged him. Thinking 'I'll hit you at least once, you damn smug old man'.

"I've still...! "

　Silvia's body was full of wounds.

　Her left arm, which she had used as a shield, had three arrows stuck on it and was now limp.

　That's right. She no longer had the means to attack.

　But even so. She got up. She challenged him.

　Like an idiot. Earnestly and straight.

　Many times. Many times over. And many times more.

"Yeah...GO...! "

"Silvia...Do your best...! "

　Before I noticed, I had already got up from my seat and was cheering for her.

　So was Eko. The same as me. Unable to contain ourselves.

"――Silvia!　Get closer!　That's the only way! "

　A cheering voice echoed from the audience seats.

　It belonged to Noir Virginia. Silvia's father.

　To think that a person who gave off the impression of someone quiet and straightforward would raise his voice this much. Anyone who would know him beforehand would surely be surprised...But I don't dislike this side of him!

"C'mon GO!　Get there!　Silvia! "

"GOOOOOOOOOO!　SILVIAAAAAAA!! "

　We cheered for her as hard as we could.

　I'm sure Silvia, right now, is burning with justice.

　Like she can't allow herself to lose.

　She can't let herself lose here.

　In that case, then I have no other choice but to cheer on her.

　So that she may at least fall while facing forward.

"UOOOOOOOOO――!! "

　Silvia's cry resounded as she rushed forward, vomiting out blood.

"There's no point. It's useless."

　Ernte's "Soldier Archery" hit her straight on.

"Gu-uh...GUUHH! "

　Arrows stuck on her in rapid succession.

　And, Silvia's legs stopped.

　But even so, she never fell to her knees.

"It's time to wrap this up."

　Ernte muttered in a cold voice, all the while preparing "Rook Archery".

"――SILVIA!! "

　Involuntarily, I shouted out.

"Guu-uhh...UUUUUUUOOOOOOO!!! "

　As if in response to my cry, Silvia moved forward.

　She couldn't even place an arrow into her bow. She just kept on advancing.

　That's right...going forward.

　Forward...!　Go!　Go!　GOOO...!!

"Useless, I said."

　Ernte released his "Rook Archery" shot.

　...Silence.

　Everyone would've thought this was the end.

"――What!? "

　Ernte's face was dyed in astonishment.

　Silvia evaded Ernte's "Rook Archery" shot by ducking down to the ground.

　To think you still could move like that――I thought to myself.

"WOAAAAAAAAH!! "

　But the surprise wasn't over yet.

　Silvia pulled out one of the arrows stuck in her left arm and held it in reverse grip with her right hand.

"Eat thi–s!! "

　The charge of a warrior.

"Ehhh!? "

　Let alone [Archery], that wasn't even a skill.

　Silvia swung her hand holding the arrow and thrust it right into Ernte's exposed neck.

"Kuu...Ghh...!? "

"HAAAA...HAAAA...HAAAA...! "

　Holding his neck, Ernte took a few steps back.

　His face was distorted by the pain.

　...And then.

"You, you little shit!! "

　He shrieked.

　Ernte was enraged.

　Immediately activating "Soldier Archery", he shot it directly at Silvia's face.

"――Fu."

　A critical hit.

　Ernte approached Silvia, who had fallen on her back, and started to trample on her neck.

"On my honorable neck!　An arrow!　You stabbed it!　Unforgivable!!　Unforgivable!! "

　He continued to stomp on her wildly.

　It was an excessively unsightly scene.

"W-We have a winner!　Victor, Ernte Kisenshou! "

"Second."

　Eko raised her voice.

　...Yeah, that's right.

"Leave it to me."

　I answered Eko with those words.

　Then, after saying a couple of words to the blind man sitting behind us, I stood up from my seat.

　For that cool heroine, blessings.

　And for that unsightly old man, despair.

　　＊　＊　＊

"...Uh...uu."

　As I felt the warm touch of someone stroking my cheek, I slowly regained the consciousness I was previously deprived of.

　And as my eyes finally opened, I saw the figure of my loved one.

"Drink this."

　A potion was handed to me.

　...Ahh, I see. I ended up losing, right?

"...? "

　I raised my upper body a little in order to drink the high-class potion and took the opportunity to look around.

　While my mind expected me to be in a modest room recovering, I was instead still in the middle of the arena.

"? ? ? ? "

　In that case, why? Why is Second-dono here...?

"――Attention!　In a moment, Ernte Kisenshou and Second Firstest Issenza will hold an exhibition match!! "

　...There's no way, right?

"W-Why!　Hey, listen to me!　I refuse to――"

"I hereby command you in the name of Maine Castall, King of the Castall Kingdom. Ernte Kisenshou, accept the exhibition match against Second Issenza."

"...Y-Your Majesty."

"Now, get into position. Ernte Kisenshou."

"I'm not letting you go, geezer."