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“Phew... worked out better than expected.” I have no idea how well I will fare if it comes to the Challenge of the Chieftains, but I have some ideas how to use my [Skills] for most of them. I just hope that their chief doesn't have any hidden talents.
Kyou-san massages her temples, I asked her to use [Empathy] on the chief and give me some advice via whispers. I guess it took a toll on her: “I got a headache. How can men feel like that all the time!?”
Well, we already guessed that there is a big difference between how men and women experience emotions. “You did great.” While her advice was simple words like 'cautious, antagonize' or 'confident, use number two', it was a great help to keep the upper hand in this conversation. No idea what I would have done without her here, probably mess everything up entirely.
Also good thing that Ara-san and I looked into how to cheat in all kinds of games. This also helped me to think up different strategies for his proposals on the fly, which helped me to actually be so confident.
But seriously, barbarians are idiots. Dangerous idiots, but if all they can come up with is that, it shows a serious lack of brainpower. I just need to look out for him brute-forcing stuff, because I will probably lose in direct confrontation.
“So we didn't need to gather and train after all...” Boss-woman's brother sighs, as he came here with everyone who was ready to battle.
Rine smiles at him: “Don't worry, Benjam. It's better to be prepared and not use it, than the other way around.” She should also add that all of them would have probably died. “Also, we will need you later for the challenges as well.”
I still can't believe that this is working out flawlessly: “Phew...”
“What's wrong, Ken-kun?” Ara-san is curious and strangely satisfied. “Everything is according to plan, no?”
“That's the problem. Usually, this would be the part where everything falls apart.”
“Don't worry, there is still an abundance of potential for possible messes.”
“Don't remind me.”
“Or maybe this is just a rebound of [Luck] after Gottfried-kun.”
“I can't think so.” Because in the end, being unlucky would be the norm anyway. Though considering how things are going with Rine and Kyou-san... “I'm just set up for disaster, am I not?”
“Affirmative. Let's see how you will burn.” Not mincing your words is a sign of friendship, but you don't need to look forward to it so much!
Considering that I don't see much of a problem in my challenge and the fact that Ara-san doesn't need to fear a beat-down at a story-telling competition... My eyes wander to Rine, who will face a real battle, and if we put the facts together that we're a fresh couple and that the world hates me, I have a really bad feeling about it.
On the other hand, she smiles at the farmer-uncle, Kyou-san, and Jii-san without a worry in the world.
...we could forfeit the first challenge. Would put more stress on me and Ara-san, but would also make it impossible to harm her. Ah shit, I don't want to be overprotective—especially considering that she's a hundred times stronger than me—but...
Trust... I need to trust her. I really do, but I'm also a pessimist. Sunflower may be stronger than her, I can't tell. She's also dumb, really easy to trick. She's also stubborn and even suggesting taking the loss would anger her, maybe even hurt her. “Rine?”
“Hm?” She cocks her head, as she stops her conversation: “What's wrong?”
“The moment you get seriously hurt, I will surrender the fight.” I continue quickly, as she's about to object: “I don't care what you think, your life is worth more to me than what the farm would lose, and even Jii-san's life doesn't weigh as much.”
Strangely enough, the two old people nod to it, which makes Rine pause for a second, before she answers: “I will win without getting hurt then.”
“Sure.” As I turn around, she takes my hand, and I can almost see hearts fly around her head, which makes me want to puke. I have no idea why she's like that right now, but I won't think too much of it. I have no idea what goes on in her head most of the time anyway.
I do feel a strange pressure though, coming from Kyou-san who looks like always, but definitely gives me a telling glance: 'Later.' This is a promise. Or a threat.
I guess, because Rine is holding my hand and she needs to hold back because of the farmer? I guess she wasn't kidding when she said she's demanding. Oh well, I'm lucky to have these worries, even though it still feels wrong on so many levels.
“Phew... Ossan (Uncle; older man)? We need nineteen of your people to build the circle for the first challenge. Tell them that they don't need to attack Sunf... Rine's opponent, just be a part of the ring she can retreat to if needed. Let her pass, if she wants.” This would also end in a loss, but as long as she's alive, it's a win for me.
“Just nineteen? What about the last one?”
“He is.” I point at Jii-san: “When the enemy comes close, murder him.”
“Yes.”
I would also be in the circle, but as a participant of another challenge I can't. Kyou-san isn't a good candidate either, as she may be able to interfere, but in dubious ways at best. So I want to reduce the threat of her getting hurt as well.
That's not our fight, so I won't take any risks I don't need to in this. Even the fights before were dangerous and I still ask myself how we could have avoided them, though we somehow managed them.
Kyou-san asks a question out of the blue: “How did you name him?”
“Huh?”
“Rine-chan's opponent. You were about to use your personal name.”
“Personal what?”
“Ken, I know that you don't bother to learn any names unless they're somewhat important to you. Like how you call my friends by some strange titles.” 'Or how you used to call me 'bitch', you unemphatic asshole' “So, how did you name him?”
“Sunflower.”
“Oh, that's cute,” Rine giggles, though I'm not sure if she really understands that being like that is disrespectful, basically saying that I don't care at all about these people, which is entirely true and I won't apologize for it.
“If you want to make him mad, Rine-kun, use that name,” Jii-san adds while chuckling himself: “but be careful. I think you're stronger, but I don't know if you can beat him.”
“Un.” She nods and her hold on my hand becomes firmer, but she's still smiling as she doesn't worry at all.
Well, Jii-san is right. Being stronger and winning are two different things, like how I'm pretty sure that Fartmaster—courtesy to Jii-san who called their clan 'farts' before—would beat me in a real fight with little effort, but due to the way we fight and the rules we employ, I'm confident that I will win.
“Don't worry about me,” Rine announces with confidence: “It may not be easy, but thanks to Grekk, I could think of ways to improve, and thanks to Benjam and Ara, I also have the tools for it.”
So she plans to use the shield and magic? Oh well, Rine always had good instincts, and her confidence does douse my worries somewhat, though I can easily come up with too many ways of how things can go wrong.
However, we have our emergency measures. If things go south, we will use our WP. Probably to buff her stats when she's close enough to me, though it may mess her fighting rhythm up in return. Also, my gamer greed just wants to use them for increased XP-gain instead...
Trust. That's what I need more than anything else. I hate it.
―○●○―
An hour is up, and it's time to meet up with the Northwind clan. I've warmed up and I'm prepared for the fight.
I look at Dear, who seems to have jumped out of the stories. A brave leader, who is willing to make the hard decisions, an inspirational figure. He's just like Fabian... no, he may appear as Fabian, but personality-wise, Dear has several flaws. But other than what he thinks about them, I don't believe that they diminish him as a person.
The people of the farm look up to him, but he either doesn't notice or decided not to, he's always going on about how he's just returning a favor—which in itself is already proof of his integrity—or that he will run if things go bad, but here he is: A guardian to all these people.
Now it's up to me to do my part. The shield on my arm still feels foreign and it's heavy. Not the weight, but the responsibility. Benjam entrusted it to me with all his hope and the hopes of all the people that live here.
So it's only fitting that the circle will be made of them as well. Benjam leads the others that used to be soldiers and they will not only stand there, but be in formation, strengthening themselves for whatever will come. This fills me with confidence.
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Aside from them, there are also observers like Kenza, Jahn, the leaders of the other farmsteads, and several of the men and women who picked up arms themselves and underwent some basic training, even though they are not needed right now. But they are ready to fight if needed, which speaks of their strength of character.
I also see Mirianne and Obert, both of them must have snuck out to witness the fights. Not only them, I see other children that accompany their parents and other teens that are willing to face the danger of their home directly.
The barbarians are also approaching, and they're about as many as we, people that are here to watch and witness. Most of them are warriors, but also some elderly and children are here. Maybe barbarians and farmers aren't that different?
Ah wait, there is a lot of bloodthirst with them. I've learned that barbarians put much more focus on battle than any nation. Maybe because they travel and don't build much themselves and rather take it?
Yes, these people want to steal, and stealing is wrong! While it may be their way of life, it doesn't mean it's right and just! While I'm still not sure what exactly justice is, I finally learned that being just and being powerful are two different things.
For justice to work, it needs people to uphold it in their hearts, and sometimes it also means to fight. That's what I'm here for today! I feel the righteous fire inside my soul burning and while it may be different from the Flames of Freedom, it will still give me all the power I need.
Chieftain Brumm comes forward: “We'll start right away. Form the circle.”
Benjam, his people, and Grekk step forward. The Northwind Clan points at the old barbarian, the strongest of them all in his prime, and even now he may be able to beat them. Grekk takes a spot at the border where our half and theirs meet, and the barbarian next to him seems to be very uncomfortable with this. The other side is taken by Benjam: “Formation!” He exclaims, and while they may be farmers today, they used to be soldiers once, and suddenly, their hardiness seems to be much higher.
The barbarians also notice it and murmur among themselves. That's how kingdoms fight against barbarians, after all, using formations that strengthen each member. I never learned those, though, as I was never part of the army, just a princess playing with swords.
Now that the barbarians have formed their half, I notice how small the whole circle is, despite being formed by forty people. It's enough to fight, but it's also limiting in movement and especially in the use of skills like [Crescent Moon], as harming the circle is not allowed outside of defending yourself.
There is no big announcement of who the champions are, we are just supposed to enter the circle and then the fight starts. I look at my friends: “Good luck, Rine-chan.” Of course, Kyou never fails to give me an encouraging smile whenever I need it.
I watch as Ara's ears move quicker than usual, maybe thinking about what to say, but then she ends up with a: “Do whatever you feel like,” which shows that she's concerned... right?
Dear crosses his arms as he says: “Remember what I said.” Yes, I know you love me so much that you'll be ready to sacrifice everything for me, and it's now up to me to bury all your worries.
As I enter the ring, I feel all eyes on me. I'm not nervous though, maybe because I'm used to being the center of attention during the celebrations and festivities at home?
Harkon rolls his shoulder, the arm I chopped off is attached again, though I feel like this might be a weak point. I won't deliberately use it though, as that will just make me predictable. The barbarian traded his mace for a broadsword that he effortlessly uses in one hand.
“Start!” Wait, I didn't draw my weapon and took my stance! Ignoring dueling rules, Harkon rushes at me, his sword swings from the side, and I lean backwards until my hands touch the ground, then I swing my legs and kick under his arm, but instead of bounding upwards, he holds firm, not with his [Iron Defense], but muscles and willpower alone.
So I hook my foot around his arm, jump using my hands, use the other foot to hit the back of his head and at the same time get some momentum to get away, before his backhand swing can get me.
If I don't lose some momentum, I will get close to his half of the circle, so I make a somersault and land on my feet, then I try to draw my sword, but he's jumping back-first at me, and I don't think I can make it in time to stab him. His back also seems very hard, so I grab the hilt, make two quick steps with a small spin, smack his hand with my hilt before he thrusts with the pommel, and use the power he exercises to get some space again, getting back to my half.
“Wooooh!” Please don't be surprised, the battle hasn't even started! Well, it did, but I'm still not ready!
At least I'm now able to draw my sword, so step one is finally finished! Before I can get into stance, Harkon kicks into the ground before him, shooting an earth missile at me, which I swiftly deflect back at him, he blocks it with his free hand, but this is enough time to take my battle-stance, which means that I can finally begin fighting without feeling guilty about ignoring the proper procedures.
Let's go! [Swishstride] and thrust. He doesn't block, relying on his [Iron Defense], danger from the left, he swings his blade to cleave through my body, so I jump over the blade, which he raises, but I turn my body mid-air to evade it once again. “[Steel Slicer]!” His swing downwards is dangerous, especially as I haven't even reached the ground and can't change directions mid-air twice yet. Using his body to push myself away seems dangerous, so I use the shield to bounce off the side of the blade, which may send me to the ground, sliding alongside it, but I can get up during it and I'm safe at my side of the circle.
This was dangerous. He's strong! Ah, he's their champion after all. Why is he looking at Grekk now, though? Ah, he expected to fight him? You're fighting me now though, looking away is rude. Yet there is no real opening, he may have holes in his defense, but I think he could immediately close them the moment I make another attack.
He makes his next move! He steps closer and swings his blade, it almost seems like a [Crescent Moon], but “[Full Moon]!” At the tip of his blade appears a small sphere of cuts, which he swings at me.
I jump to the side, but this time he swings his free fist, I block it with my shield, but it throws me through the air, directly at his side of the circle, and one is about to hit me with his axe! Instead of resisting the power, I decide to go with it, lifting my shield over my head to hit the barbarian into the nose, which also stops my momentum.
I'm about to get hit by his companions, but the moment my feet touch the ground, I use [Swishstride] to get some distance.
That was also dangerous. Harkon is like Grekk... well, he's younger and weaker, but exactly what I struggle with at the moment: An able warrior that I can't cut down outright and who uses brute force. With the shield I can hang on, but evading all of his attacks will be difficult, especially as he doesn't seem a bit tired despite all of what he's done so far.
I'm also not tired, but I feel the strain. I'm a hero though, my body doesn't tire like other people's. However, he's a barbarian, so he may still outlast me.
Suddenly, the danger from Harkon intensifies, it's like he draws power from somewhere. It's his rage, the power of the barbarians, and he will use it for an attack.
His leg muscles grow for a moment, then he's right in front of me, the muscles of his back and forearms now grow, even if I evade this attack, I will still suffer damage, I feel it. Parrying will break my bones, and it's too much to deflect: “[Steel Slicer]!”
I cut his arm. While his skin is as hard as iron, I knew I would be able to cut it at this moment. Friedensbote is sometimes surprisingly sharp, after all. The cut is deep enough to make his hand loosen the grip of his weapon, weakening his attack enough for me to evade with just a little damage, as the air pressure and the hurled dirt still hurts through my armor.
As I make a [Swishstride] back to my half, the cut in Harkon's arm closes surprisingly quickly, as he yells at it. So rage can also make his wounds heal that much quicker?
“Rine!” I hear Dear’s voice, and I understand: He's about to throw the match because I keep getting into these tight spots.
I look over my shoulder and send a smile as a gift. “I'm fine! I'm a hero, after all.” I really wanted to win by having your shield, Benjam, but it seems that I can't. Sorry for not being strong enough, I will practice more.
Time to use my hero-powers! It always takes some seconds, but I'm more used to it now: Changing class to [Wizard]. As my muscles begin to recede, Harkon has finished up healing his wound, and he's cautious.
First spell! “[Uplift]!” I use it on myself and jump into the air, I can jump much higher than usual, almost like I'm an [Acrobat] like Ara, whose strategy I will now use! Second spell in mid-air! “[Burndrill]!” To not endanger the circle—they may be enemies, but they're not my opponent—I use this spell from the air, and the recoil and my [Uplift] push me even higher.
Harkon jumps aside, as my spell turns the ground he was just on to a steaming black sand hole. His leg muscles grow once again, ready to hurl him directly at me.
“[Uplift]!” This time I use it on him, he jumps but with too much force, and I swing my legs to change trajectory and he shoots past me without much control. “[Burndrill]!” Once again I weave the twisting flames, though I wish I had the time for a [Blastburn], but even with his slower fall because of [Uplift], I won't be able to finish the chanting.
He moves his sword aside and takes the spell with his body instead: “HUARGH!” His muscles harden, same as his skin, and while I can smell burning flesh, it looks like only the surface of his chest is burned. “Why magic!? Use your sword!”
I know I can hurt him if I use [Dismember]. I did it before, but I still haven't figured out when to use it. I also want to win on my terms, and being a [Wizard] is now part of me! “[Burndrill]!” I repeat the spell, which shoots me to the ground—it hurts in my legs, that's odd—but Harkon takes it to the chest again, making himself as hard as possible, but now with my feet on the ground, I begin to wind up my body, ready for a thrust the moment he comes down. Of course, Harkon notices it, but instead of evading, he swings his sword while falling down on me. I take a small step aside, aim for his back, he hardens up again, but I knew he would do that: “[Soften]!” Then I thrust.
My spell counters his skill, as while he makes his skin hard as iron, I decide to make it soft instead. It's like crossing out one word and putting another one on top of it. My blade thrusts, and I hit him right in the lungs from behind. I quickly retract my sword, as he turns around violently, with his rage, he throws air at me, and my legs aren't as strong as they used to be, probably because I'm a [Wizard]. Does Dear always work with these body changes mid-fight?
I'm pushed back against my side of the circle, but the farmers catch me, and I step forwards immediately. Harkon is wounded, and he puts his effort into regenerating that last hit, but it seems that healing his lung takes some more effort. I feel how his rage intensifies, but only to quicken the healing process.
“I warn you,” I say to him firmly and strongly: “You can give up now or face the consequences.”
“You think just because of this or an arm I would lose to you?” His anger is pulsating or rather his rage? He's about to do something, maybe gathering his strength for an attack, but if this fight goes on any further, I can't guarantee the safety of the people inside the circle.
I change back to [Princess-knight], knowing that I will end it with this. I use [Swishstride] with some sidesteps, not breaking my dash, as Harkon reacts despite the speed I have with nothing but pure instinct, even though I attack from his side. He swings his sword, and it will hit me, but I just need to cut. Everything. “[Dismember]!”
I'm not sure if Instructor knows this move. Probably, maybe he taught me everything so I would eventually learn it. Yet I never saw him use it, so I think of it as something like a skill we developed together.
My sword glows, and with my first strike, I cut his weapon and his hand in one go. *Srrring* The second strike cuts his arm off, then the leg that is about to knee me, then his other arm, and after my sixth strike, I stop. It takes some willpower, but why insist on more after beheading him?
I massage my ear, as the noise my sword made during cutting him was grating, he used [Iron Defense] once more, but [Dismember] mirrors Instructor: Merciless power.
I look down at the body, which still convulses, as if his fighting spirit didn't leave him, but with no arms and legs, there is nothing to be afraid of, therefore I turn around and silently leave the circle, while Brumm proclaims: “The Lion Squad wins.” He sounds bitter, but that's nothing compared to the sour taste that's in my mouth, as I don't feel satisfied by this at all.
Sometimes you need to be ruthless. That's a message I learned from my mother and father for politics, and from Instructor for fighting. I wish I would feel better about it, feeling more adult, but I don't. Maybe this wasn't a competition but me punishing a bandit for his crimes. Yes, this feels better, this feels a bit more just.
The barbarians look at me with respect, as I showed them the thing they revere most: Strength.
I look at Dear, who sighs, and suddenly the sour taste in my mouth vanishes, and I feel my heart spreading happiness throughout my body. “DEAR!” I jump into his arms, and while he squirms, he doesn't reject me.
Until I started kissing every inch of his face I could reach: “Stop it!” His hand pushes my head away, but I push back, insisting to give him some more smooches.
“You did well, Katarine-san.”
“Rine-chan, that was amazing!”
“You showed them, lass!”
Yes, I don't need much, and even though not everything is going well, I have my beloved and my friends around me, a luxury I plan to enjoy to its fullest.