Volume 6 Chapter 40 Black Blade Vs Ice Prison (And Big Brother Seems Really Angry)
I stand in the center of the hall, facing Rouza.
"Seriously... you're really showing off, huh? Is this a jab at me?"
Rouza's tone sounds like a reprimand, but it doesn't feel like he's particularly blaming or jealous. It feels more like he's genuinely exasperated.
"From the start, it was like this, but for an ex-fiancée, you're pretty chill about it."
Rouza has never really shown any specific jealousy before. When I admitted that I was in a relationship with Mikage, he was actually surprised and happy. Maybe he was hiding his feelings inside, but even after I kissed Mikage, his reaction didn't change much.
"It was originally a deal between our parents. There might be feelings that grow after the engagement, and if we can separate before that, it's easier to give up. ...Well, things are pretty bad over there, though."
Without turning around, Rouza points behind him with his thumb. I look over my shoulder and instinctively flinch as I see Getsuya glaring at me with an intense expression. It's even more fierce than when he called me a 'lowly' minion.
"After seeing you and Mikage kiss, that's definitely what you mean by 'Nioh,' right?"
"Could it be that he (Getsuya) really likes Mikage a lot...?"
"Well, it's pretty obvious. But he himself has no idea at all."
From the beginning, Getsuya had been pretty harsh on me, probably because he was a protective big brother worried about the bad influences around his sister. The way he was somewhat cold to Mikage might have been because he was concerned for her safety too.
"When I first heard the rumor that you and Mikage were in a relationship, it was terrible. I'm not the type to lash out at others, but I was so quietly furious that even I hesitated to say anything. If I had met you without knowing that, I would have drawn my sword before I could stop myself."
Rouza laughed heartily, but it was definitely not a laughing matter. From Getsuya's fierce expression, it didn't sound like a joke at all.
"But surely there was no need to make such a big fuss?"
"Don't be stupid. There's no way we could just keep such an exciting battle to ourselves. Festivals and fights are better when they're flashy!"
"Don't talk like it's common sense. I get that there are some plans behind this."
"I already told my subordinate about that. I apologize for not giving you a heads-up."
With such a flashy 'festival,' it would indeed be hard to quietly stalk anyone.
"Don't worry, I've been spreading the word that if you get caught up in this, it's your own responsibility. ...Besides, a 'bet' doesn't work unless there are enough people involved."
"You're just a gambling addict, aren't you!?"
"Yes. If I drop the title of Shogun's successor, I'm just a regular gambler."
As he spoke, Rouza twirled his azure monk staff in his hands.
Even though we hadn't planned it, I could feel our spirits rising together.
"Sorry, Mikage, but I can't help but feel excited before this big match."
So, for Rouza, this is also part of the gamble.
"It's me and you. Ice Prison and Black Blade. Which one of us is better? This is a match like no other."
"I was curious about that 'Ice Prison' thing. What is it?"
"I wanted a nickname too. For something I thought up on the spot, it's not bad, right?"
"You came up with it yourself?"
He's someone who blurs the line between serious and not serious. Or maybe there really is no line.
Anyway, it is what it is.
"...Sorry, but I'm not interested in joining your gamble."
Sticking to my original intention. My reason for fighting seriously hasn't changed.
I won't let anyone take the girl I have. I won't let that happen.
"I'm going to crush you with all my strength for my girl."
"Of course. I'll focus on my fight, and you focus on yours."
Already, the noisy commotion from before felt far away. My attention faded from everything else, and all my senses started to focus on Rouza. I'm sure it's the same for Rouza.
"Is this a 'good' way to start?"
Rouza reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin.
"No problem."
"I see... then let's begin."
It wasn't anything special. With a light tone, Rouza flicked the coin into the air with his thumb.
I readied my black spear, Gram, and Rouza did the same with his azure monk staff, Touga.
The coin floated in the air, and it felt like it was falling in slow motion.
It was as if one second had stretched out ten times longer.
(Gram)
'Alright! This is a great way to start, partner!'
Telepathy (channel) lets me send a quick message, and I get a reliable voice back from my partner (Gram).
────Clang!
A hard sound echoed, signaling the start of the duel.
"Balmung!!"
"────Huh!?"
"COME ONNNNNNN!!"
I transformed my black spear into a pitch-black greatsword and swung it down without hesitation.
I aimed to hit hard right from the start and end the fight quickly. Even if I couldn't take him down, I wanted to control the flow of the battle.
The greatsword struck the ground, sending dirt flying everywhere.
"Hahaha! As expected of the Black Blade! I thought you might come at me 'like this', but it still gave me a chill!"
"No way!"
The loud laughter came from 'above'. When I looked up, Rouza was using ice to create footholds, dodging my Great Magic Blade while gaining the high ground. I thought I might get lucky if I could land a hit, but his perfect response was unexpected.
"Now, it's my turn."
"Damn it!"
My footing was already shattered by the Magic Blade, but as Rouza spun his azure monk staff, sharp ice shards rained down on me like a storm. I used Gram, now back as a black spear, to smash the ones that looked like they would hit me directly, while dodging the rest.
"Oh, this is easy to handle. But if it ends here, it won't be fun. Quite interesting."
Rouza landed lightly on the ground. He clearly had the upper hand, proving he had read my initial move perfectly.
I knew very well that this opponent was not an easy one, but I didn't expect him to completely avoid my attacks and counter so effectively. I can only think that my expectations were way too optimistic.
"Is that the blade that can even cut through the evil dragon? Is it really okay to use it right from the start?"
"Sorry, but I've been through a lot of battles. I'm still more than fine."
Maybe because I've used the Great Magic Blade so many times, my body has gotten used to it, and I can make some adjustments now. Right now, it only has about one-tenth of its full power.
"But I'm relieved. I thought you might hold back out of concern for me, but it seems I worried for nothing."
"You're pretty relaxed."
"Not really. Believe it or not, my throat is still burning. Showing emotions in a competition is a sign of a third-rate gambler."
Rouza grinned. I wondered if what he said was true or not. At least the part about 'competition' was probably meant literally.
'This is going to be a tough fight, partner.'
The telepathy from Gram also felt serious.
I tightened my grip on the black spear's handle, wanting to focus.
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