Volume 1 Chapter 31 I Will Bestow an Irremovable Curse
*Ryuji's perspective
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Though my wounds had mostly healed, I left the still-unconscious Suzu with Lene and stepped forward to face Guy in the center of the training grounds.
Mr. Emin, the referee, stood nearby, and a crowd of adventurers had gathered around us—spectators from the guild, drawn in by the commotion. Guy's antics had clearly stirred their curiosity.
"If I win, hand over Minori. And don't ever set foot in this town again."
I frowned at his usual one-sided demands. So even if I handed over Minori, he wouldn't let me help her.
"The second condition is negotiable, but I can't agree to the first. I won't treat my sister like an object."
"Hah? Trying to cover your ass in case you lose? Well, it's only natural you're scared—no way a Third Rank enchanter can beat me."
He thought he could rattle me. Too bad for him—I had no doubts.
"It's fine, Big Bro Ryuuji. I'll stake myself. Otherwise, this monkey won't agree to anything, right?"
Minori, who should have been with Suzu, suddenly appeared. Guy visibly bristled at the insult, but I ignored him.
"...I see. Understood."
"Just beat him down so he doesn't try anything again."
"Yeah, sounds good."
I wouldn't hold back against anyone who hurt my sister. But I had conditions of my own.
"You gave two conditions, so I'll give two as well."
I raised two fingers toward Guy.
"First, compensation. I'll let go of the mental distress you caused Minori and me, but you'll pay for what you did to Suzu."
"...Tch. What, you want money? Greedy bastard."
Coming from the guy who tried to hoard magic stones, that was rich. But money wasn't the point.
"It's to bind you. Five hundred gold coins. Now. I don't want to hear later that it's not enough. Holy gold coins are fine too."
"Wha—!?"
Guy balked at the amount. Considering the average Second Rank adventurer earned ten gold per request, five hundred was enough to live comfortably for a year. I knew I was asking a lot.
"I don't have that kind of money! You're just trying to escape the duel with impossible conditions!"
"You might not have it..."
I trailed off, glancing toward the back. Several adventurers stiffened. This wasn't just Guy's fault.
"I know your companions—especially Marie—have savings. I'll just collect from them if I win. But you won't lose to a Third Rank, right?"
"...Marie! Sean!"
Guy took the bait, calling his allies. Marie and Sean panicked, but others who resented Guy quickly blocked their escape.
"Hey, hey, Guy! This is bad!"
"Shut up! Winning is all that matters! Hand it over!"
"I—I don't have it either... wait, hey—!"
Ignoring her protests, Guy yanked Marie's hand into her magic bag and pulled out a pouch, extracting five holy gold coins.
As expected of Marie, she had them.
"Okay, this should be enough!"
He tossed the coins to Mr. Emin, but the guild master only glared.
"I don't recognize stolen money. Borrow it properly, or I'll void one of your conditions."
"Guh..."
Guy clenched his teeth and turned back to Marie. His first time bowing his head, even if it lacked sincerity.
"Marie... lend me the money."
"...O-okay! But make sure you win!"
With all eyes on her, Marie had no choice but to agree. Guy was now bound by her conditions.
Mr. Emin pocketed the coins. That settled the first condition.
"Now, for the second..." I turned to Guy. "I told you to stay away from Minori, but you wouldn't listen."
"........."
As expected, no answer.
"Rather than relying on promises, I'll make sure those around you enforce it." I glanced at Mr. Emin. "If I win, drop Guy's adventurer rank by two. That's possible, right?"
"Yeah, it is."
"Huh!?"
For someone obsessed with rank, this was the ultimate humiliation.
"Oh? Weren't you the one saying a Second Rank could never lose to a Third? If you do, then dropping to Fourth Rank seems fitting."
His bloodshot glare was murderous, but I just looked down at him, unfazed.
"You... I'll kill you!"
"Oh? But if you do, that whole 'never set foot in this town again' thing won't matter. Sure about that, Guy?"
"Enough nonsense!"
I stepped back, preparing for the duel.
Three magic stones rested in my palm. The limit of three was a rule set by Mr. Emin, not Guy. The more I had, the stronger I became.
We locked eyes. The moment Mr. Emin gave the signal, it would begin.
"If you beg now, I might spare you," Guy sneered.
A classic line. As if he'd keep his word.
"...Don't take it too hard when you fall to Fourth Rank. Maybe one day, you'll climb back up to Third."
Something snapped in him.
Without waiting for the signal, Guy drew his sword and lunged.
"Hey, Guy! The signal hasn't—"
"It's fine, Mr. Emin. That means we're starting."
A beast-like roar filled the air as Guy charged. I raised my staff, ready to meet him.
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