Volume 1, Part 7, Empire Arc
Chapter 0094 The Hero's visit
-x-X-x-
Marcdorf, the imperial capital of the Debuhi Empire, was slightly dyed white by the snow that began to fall from early dawn. Although the streets in the imperial capital in the center of the huge economic zone were said to be the best in the central nations, there was never much traffic.
As if to symbolize the economic downturn of the entire empire.
The main street runs north-south through the center of the empire and the endpoint was the imperial castle, the center of the empire.
Emperor Rupert VI, the lord of the imperial castle, received a report from Count Hans Kirchhof.
"The hero has arrived?"
"Yes. He has just arrived at the Imperial Castle and requested an audience with Your Majesty based on the agreement."
Governor Hans replied to Rupert VI, who was showing an obviously disgusted expression, with a face that showed his understanding but also that it was unavoidable.
"There was a previous report that he crossed the border. A week ago? That means that he came straight to the imperial capital without going anywhere else?"
"Indeed. He clearly has a purpose, but … he's just asking for an audience and did not state his purpose."
Rupert's unpleasant expression intensified.
Rupert thought of the Hero as nothing more than an existence that brings trouble.
"What is that agreement? I have never heard of an agreement with the Hero …"
"I didn't know either, so I asked the head librarian of the library, Chulan-dono, to look it up. There was a record about 300 years ago, His Majesty King Charles XII, who was the king during that time when our country was still a kingdom, gave authorization documents to the Hero."
"300 years … That's a long time ago. What's the content?"
"To cooperate with Heroes in all ages."
Upon hearing that, Rupert VI sighed.
"Sigh, this is quite annoying. Well, let's 'cooperate'. But it depends on what the Hero and party want in the audience."
Since it was an 'informal' audience, there were almost no courtiers compared to the rows of courtiers normally.
Below the raised floor, seven party members, led by the Hero Roman, were kneeling and waiting for a sound from Emperor Rupert VI.
"Hero Roman and his companions, raise your faces."
When Count Hans Kirchhof, the governor, said so, the members of the Hero party raised their faces so as not to be impolite.
"Hero Roman and companions, we have troubled you."
Rupert VI called out.
"Your words are too kind."
Graham, the oldest member and priest of the Hero Party, replied.
The party leader was the Hero Roman, but since he was nineteen years old and had no experience, Graham, the oldest party member, often acted as the negotiator.
"This audience is informal, so you don't have to be so stiff. It's a great honor for the renowned Hero Roman to visit our empire, but can I ask why?"
Emperor Rupert VI did not reveal his inner disgust but rather asked politely.
"We are visiting the Imperial City with the hope that Oscar Ruska, the famous Explosive Blaze Magician, would give me some guidance."
The Hero Roman replied with his eyes strongly focused on Rupert VI.
In some countries, or to those in power, that was a very blasphemous act.
Therefore, the party members were nervously watching over Roman.
"Hmm, a mock combat with Oscar?"
It was a rather surprising offer for Rupert.
Why did the Hero want to fight Oscar?
"Regarding Oscar Ruska, he is also very famous as an adventurer. Therefore, we first visited the Adventurer's Guild, but since he has already enlisted in the military, we were told that he would not come to the guild. Therefore, we decided to visit the castle without regard for rudeness, in an attempt to presume Your Majesty's generosity."
The priest Graham explained why they requested an audience.
"Hans, where is Oscar?"
"Your Majesty, Oscar has secluded himself in the magic training ground."
Upon hearing Hans's expected answer, Rupert thought to himself.
(He always shuts himself in the training ground. However … he left all the division's guidance to Fiona and others, and holed up in the 4th magic training ground. I could see that he was quite bothered by the incident in Whitnash …. In that situation, I think he did well because he protected Fiona safely in the end, but he wasn't convinced. Well, this will make him even stronger. That's good, that's good.)
Rupert chuckled to himself internally.
(Speaking of which, I was told that there have still not been clues to who caused the assault. I was hoping that Konrad would catch the anti-Imperial elements abroad while I cleaned the country. But … it was unexpected that they would target Fiona clearly. I'll definitely return this debt.)
Rupert clenched his teeth in his heart, this time.
(It was 'that Abel' who arbitrated in Whitnash. That means that the Water Magician could be the trump card of the kingdom. The reveal of such a hidden force to the empire was crucial information. Well, it's entirely good information for us.)
But, of course, what came out of his mouth was completely different from what he had in mind.
"Okay, I will fulfill the wishes of the Hero Roman. We will allow you to visit the training ground. However, since the training ground is a little far from the imperial capital, please relax in the castle tonight and you may set off tomorrow. We will prepare a carriage for you."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty the Emperor."
The Hero Roman bowed deeply.
"The hero is coming?"
Fiona Rubyen Bornemissa, the commander of the Emperor's Magic Division, asked her adjutant Marie.
"Yes. I was contacted by the Imperial Castle. Here is the message."
Then, Adjutant Marie handed a letter to Fiona.
Fiona read it three times.
"What is father thinking? Putting aside permitting foreigners to enter this training ground, to even permit mock combat with teacher … Jurgen, is teacher at the usual place?"
"Yes. The Deputy Chief is still alone in the Fourth Training Ground as usual today."
Fiona's question was answered by Jurgen, adjutant of Deputy Chief Oscar.
It was not only yesterday or today, he had been there every day since they returned from Whitnash.
It had been over a month.
Oscar would have breakfast and report directly to Fiona, but then stayed secluded in the Fourth Training Ground after that.
Of course, there was no problem because Fiona, the division chief, had given permission.
Guidance and exercises to the members of the division were also conducted mainly by Fiona, the adjutants Marie and Jurgen, and each squadron commander, so there was no problem even if Oscar was not present.
That was how the system was built.
"Well, there's nothing that can be done if it's teacher. Because it happens once in a while."
Fiona, who had a long relationship with him, knew.
If he lost or made a big mistake, he would act that way.
If the cause was his magic.
When he keenly feels that his magical power is not sufficient, Oscar would seclude himself.
(Teacher used to say that he would remember the humiliation of his lost and shake himself with anger. He would recall the scene over and over again, burn it into his brain, and imagine a flame that burns himself. By doing so, he becomes stronger. In fact, after going through that process, even I can tell that teacher becomes stronger … especially the strength of his magic and the improvement in his generation speed are extraordinary. I was told to try it too but I didn't feel any change at all … honestly, it's completely incomprehensible … is it something that only teacher can do? Otherwise, maybe there's something in the depths of magic that I do not comprehend…. When teacher comes out this time, I'll make sure to carefully ask teacher everything about it.)
For the past two years or so, even Fiona had not seen this happen because it has been a while since Oscar was driven into a corner with anything related to magic.
Not only the members of the division which was convened only half a year ago, but also the two adjutants, Marie, who has been with her for a year and a half, and Jurgen, who has been with them for more than two years, were confused because this was the first time they encountered this behavior.
"So it happens sometimes …"
Jurgen, Oscar's adjutant, was also confused by his first experience, but he knew that Fiona understood him, so he tried not to think deeply about it.
"It seems that the Hero party will arrive in the afternoon tomorrow. I don't know if teacher will face them, but it should be fine if we have the division members have the mock combat with them. That's the plan so please arrange their lodgings."
"Understood."
The adjutant Marie bowed and the meeting to welcome the Hero was over for the time being.
A total of seven people, the Hero Roman and his party members, sat comfortably in the carriage headed from the Imperial City to the training ground.
"I've never seen a carriage so huge."
"It would be difficult to pull if there aren't ten horses or horses with a lot of training."
They were impressed with the carriage.
However, there was a man among them with a troubled expression.
"Hey Roman, are we really going? Isn't the magical level of the Central Nations extremely low? It's not even close to my or Alicia's feet. It's a waste of time to go."
Gordon, the Fire Magician, said that.
Those were arrogant words coming from a 23-year-old, but he had accumulated that many achievements as an adventurer in the western countries.
The low reputation of Magicians in the Central Nations had been common sense among the Magicians of the western and eastern countries for more than half a century.
"Yes. I would love to seek guidance from him."
For the Hero Roman, the memory of how he was treated lightly by the Demon Leonor weighed heavily on him.
"That Leonor? We can't tell if what she said was true? 10,000 times stronger than you … I wonder if there's such a person. I certainly know the strong ones in the western countries and leaving aside those that are on par with you, no one is overwhelmingly stronger. Well, I know that's why you came to the Central Nations … but I don't think that "strong one" is a Magician?"
"But Gordon, he is the most famous or strongest adventurer in the Central Nations, the first to be named "Explosive Blaze Magician". Perhaps he is not the one we're looking for, but I think he will show us a clue to get stronger. This is my selfishness. Please forgive my selfishness for a little longer."
The Hero Roman said and bowed deeply.
Since he was that upfront, no one could refuse him anymore.
All six members of the Hero party other than Roman had experienced that to the point that they could say they were sick of it.
"Hah …"
Gordon sighed a deep, truly deep sigh.
"Okay … well, suit yourself."
Gordon accepted Roman's wishes, crumpling his hair down with his hands.
"Yes, thank you very much."
The Hero Roman smiled brightly.
Roman had not yet realized that this smile was what held the Hero party together.
-x-X-x-
After leaving the Imperial City in the morning and having a lunch break on the way, the Hero party arrived at the Third Magic Training Ground after 2:00 in the afternoon.
The Imperial Guards who escorted them from the Imperial City quickly turned back without saying a word after the group of carriages entered the grounds of the training ground.
The heroes didn't know but there were rumors that the magic training ground was a place that was strictly restricted except for those with special authorization and that all others who enter would be bombarded with magic, no questions asked.
Of course, it was just a rumor.
Although it's true that Oscar, who has a bad mood and gets annoyed by little things, fired at the Imperial Guards before … but there are many kinds of people in the world.
When Hero Roman opened the carriage door and got off, there were already three men and women standing there.
"Hero Roman-dono, welcome to the Magic Training Ground. I am Fiona Rubin Bornemisza, the chief of the Imperial Magic Division. We welcome Roman-dono and his delegation."
Fiona placed her hand on her chest and gave an imperial salute.
"T-thank you for welcoming me."
Roman could only squeeze out that greeting in return.
Maurice, the scout, noticed that Fiona's eyes dulled.
Then he nudged the flank of the priest Graham, who was the negotiator, with his elbow.
"Graham, Roman."
It seemed that was sufficient for Graham.
"My name is Graham and I am responsible for negotiations. I am grateful to Her Royal Highness for welcoming us in person."
Graham stood next to Roman and returned the greeting.
"Eh … a princess?"
Such a mutter could be heard from behind Graham. From the voice, it was Alicia, the Wind-Attribute Magician.
Graham sighed in his heart, but his expression did not fluctuate.
"This is not a court, but a military training ground. As such, there is no need for any formal speech. Behind me are my adjutants Marie and Jurgen. They will take care of your needs. However, since this is a training ground, I believe there will be many inconveniences, so I apologize for that in advance."
With a different tone, Fiona continued and introduced Marie and Jurgen behind her.
"Of course. We are the ones who are requesting guidance from the Explosive Blaze Magician. Don't worry about any inconvenience. So … where is Oscar-dono …?"
"Oscar is making adjustments to the training menu. He'll be reporting to me tomorrow morning and I will announce your visit at that time. Can you wait until then, Hero-dono?"
The Hero Roman was flustered as he was suddenly addressed at the end.
"Y-yes, don't worry about us."
"I see. Thank you for your magnanimity, Roman-dono."
Fiona thus glossed over Oscar's absence.
(Roman … you're still too young.)
Graham was the only one who noticed that and sighed in his heart.
"Everyone is probably tired from being shaken in the carriage for half a day. We have prepared rooms in the annex so why don't you get some rest? Marie shall guide you."
"Princess, please wait."
It was the Hero Roman who interrupted Fiona's offer.
"Roman-dono, is something wrong?"
"If possible, could you allow us to watch the exercises?"
"Ho …"
Fiona squinted a little at Roman's request.
"I heard that His Majesty allowed the mock combat with Oscar. Did he also permitted to watch the division's exercises?"
"Ah … no …"
Roman backed down unintentionally. Emperor Rupert VI certainly only allowed a simulated battle with Oscar.
"Pardon me … His Majesty permitted us to enter the training ground. That is to say, I interpret that as His Majesty allowing us to observe the exercises."
It was Graham who chimed in.
Of course, they did not have an in-depth discussion within the party, but it was a shame if they came so far but did not watch the exercises.
And with no telling when they could have mock combat with Oscar, it won't be easy to kill time.
"Hmm … Let's do this then. We will have a magic battle between your representative and our representative, and if the results are satisfactory, we will show you our exercises. That way, I can tell my division members that you are people who deserve to watch our exercises. What do you think, Hero-dono?"
Fiona directed the question to Hero Roman once again.
Although they announced that Graham was the negotiator, it was obvious that the Hero Roman would be the center of the conversation as long as it was the 'Hero party'.
And Roman was in a state of being quite unsteady with the lack of experience and Fiona's beauty.
(This princess thoroughly pokes at Roman's inexperience. How troublesome.)
Graham had already sighed in his heart several times today.
However, another person answered without permission, faster than Roman, and before Graham could.
"That's more my language. I'll go."
It was Gordon, the Fire-Attribute Magician in the Hero party.
(As if I will allow these inferior Central Nations Magicians to make a fool out of us? I'll show them the overwhelming difference in power and make this princess speechless.)
Gordon was confident. And when that happens, he can't be stopped anymore.
"So this Magician is the representative. We accept. Let's go straight into the training ground."
Fiona smiled and started walking at the forefront.
The Hero party was completely caught up in Fiona's pace.
But only Graham was aware that they were caught.
On the contrary, some of the other members were even looking interested.
That made Graham's emotions even more frustrated.
At this point, Graham could no longer hide his inner feelings and he had a sour expression on.
(Not only Roman, but Gordon too! In the first place, why should we have such a magic battle? To demonstrate to the division members? That logic is flawed! But … it's already too late no matter what I say now.)
This would likely expose a lot of the Hero party's hands. Graham thought so.
At this point, his stomach was already hurting.
In any case, everything was secondary as long as Roman became stronger.
"Our representative will be … hmm … Klimt, you will represent. It's a magic mock combat."
"Yes!"
Fiona nominated a 20-year-old young man from the Second Company.
"Gordon is a Fire-Attribute Magician. Our Klimt is also a Fire-Attribute Magician. I think there is something we can learn from each other. Graham-dono is also a recovery type and we have excellent recovery Magicians too so it will be safe unless it is instant death."
Apart from Gordon and Klimt, and the judge, everyone else watched from the spectator seats.
The two stood at a distance of about 20 meters.
"I, Jurgen Bartel, will be the judge of the battle. Instant death attacks are not allowed. The match will end if one party surrenders, loses consciousness, or it is determined that they can't continue the battle. Gordon, are you ready?"
"Yeah."
Gordon bluntly answered Jurgen's question.
"Klimt, are you ready?"
"Yes, please guide me."
Klimt nodded and replied.
"Then, the match begins!"
Gordon was the first to start.
"
In the first place, he didn't think that Magicians from the Central Nations could be his opponent.
He planned to take the lead and finish it quickly.
But …
"
Klimt struck the fireball released by Gordon with his own fireball and extinguished it.
"Hmm, so you do at least cast without chanting? But how about this?
Gordon fired three fireballs.
But even then …
"
Similarly, Klimt greeted him with a triple fireball.
"This …!
Gordon shot out two fire javelins with high penetrative power.
Even then …
"
Klimt also retaliated with a double shot of fire javelins.
That was when Gordon snapped.
"That's it! I don't care what happens after! " Klimt shot a fireball before Gordon finished chanting his trigger word.
" Gordon interrupted his large move and intercepted the fireball by deploying a magic barrier.
Although he could cast by saying the trigger word without chanting, it took a certain amount of time to activate the trigger word of a big skill.
The reality was that a fireball could be generated and fired in one second while it takes three seconds to generate and fire off a big skill.
Even so, that duration is almost unnoticeable compared to chanting a long chant … but Klimt could fire fireballs in that short time, which hindered Gordon's big moves.
If Gordon tried to release a big move, he would be disturbed by a fireball, and if he used spells with fast generation speed such as a fireball, it would be intercepted by a similar spell … It was a situation that Gordon had never expected.
(How is it possible that he can match my magic? It should have been over the moment I started to generate my spell … His magic generation speed is faster than me …? Impossible! It's common sense that the Central Nations' magicians can only use weak magic with long chants! But this guy, not only can he perform no chant, he can generate magic faster than I do? I can't accept that!)
However, the reality was that all of Gordon's magic was intercepted or blocked.
Gordon was impatient in his heart, and so was Klimt.
No, Klimt was even more flustered.
It was from a lack of experience compared to Gordon.
It has only been six months since he joined the division and it wasn't until he joined that he was able to use decent magic.
His usage of magic itself was made as natural as breathing by the blood-spitting training in the division, but his experience in interpersonal combat was woefully lacking.
Of course, division training mainly revolved around interpersonal combat, but that was still training.
He had not faced a division member who wouldn't blink an eye if he killed him like Gordon this time … well, except for the deputy chief.
Although the division had only been formed for half a year, there had been actual battlefield experiences and many monster subjugations. Klimt also took part in monster subjugations.
However, as for actual battlefields … he was injured during the prior training and shed too much blood at that time … The injury healed quickly with the help of Extra Heal, but the blood loss took some time to recover so he could not participate in the war.
In other words, he had less experience of facing danger to his life compared to the other members of the division.
Klimt was aware of it and wanted to do something about it, but the division did not participate in battlefields often.
In fact, it has not been dispatched to a large-scale battle since then.
His experience was lacking …
That was why Fiona chose Klimt.
For Fiona, it didn't matter if he won or lost.
Because what they were scheduled to do wouldn't change no matter who won or lost.
In that case, a battle that would benefit the members of the division would be good.
Klimt lacked the experience of a serious match.
Then, he could gain that experience here.
That was the reason why she chose Klimt.
Klimt, who lacked experience, had no idea how to break through the deadlock.
However, he couldn't increase his number of moves any further either.
Their magic generation speed was equal.
If Gordon used a big move, he would probably lose and might even die … In that case, he made sure that Gordon could never use a big move.
Klimt made a decision.
While unleashing magic, he began to walk step by step toward Gordon.
(Wh-what is he think, this guy? Why is he approaching? His magic generation speed is faster so he wants to compete with that? What a joke!)
Gordon mumbled internally.
It was a complete misunderstanding and he was just trying to close the distance because he didn't want to give him room to activate a big move …
" Klimt was no longer focused on casting just a single fireball.
He fired fireballs at Gordon and approached him step by step.
The distance between them was already less than 10 meters.
At that time, the ground between the two suddenly exploded and smoke danced through the air.
"Huh?"
Klimt exclaimed but immediately laid flat on the ground.
A moment later, a spear of fire passes through the place where Klimt was.
Klimt stood up in a hurry, but Gordon, who looked like a demon with a spear of fire, stood in front of him and was about to swing the spear of fire down onto Klimt.
"That's enough!"
The sharp call from Jurgen pierced the still in the air.
"Winner, Gordon."
Klimt's life was saved.
Gordon barely managed to return to the Hero party in the spectators' seats while being out of breath.
Replacing Gordon, Fiona, the division chief, left off the audience seats and entered the training ground.
"Klimt, good work."
Fiona called out to Klimt, who remained at the same spot he was defeated and couldn't move.
"His Highness, I'm sorry I didn't meet your expectations."
Klimt stood up in a hurry and apologized for losing.
He was vexed that Fiona nominated him as a division representative but he lost.
"It's okay. Look at Gordon."
"Ha?"
Klimt did as he was told by Fiona and turned to see Gordon who had returned to the spectator seats.
However, he didn't notice was anything in particular and couldn't understand Fiona's intentions.
"Gordon-dono is already panting, but Klimt, can you still fight?"
"Yes. I can do another match right now!"
"On the battlefield, survival is the most important thing. To do that, you need endurance. The most important thing for a Magician on the battlefield is endurance. It is endurance that supports the ability to continue the battle. And you have shown that you are superior compared to the Magician from the Hero Party. Well done."
Fiona praised Klimt.
"Th-thank you!"
"All you need is experience. Slowly accumulate more experience."
Then Fiona returned to the spectator seats. Following her, Klimt also returned to the second company at the spectator seats.
Compliment to develop. That was Fiona's teaching method.
-x-X-x-
After yesterday's simulated battle between Gordon and Klimt.
In the end, Alicia, the Wind Magician from the Hero Party, Bellrock, the Earth Magician, and finally even Roman, fought one-on-one mock battles.
Roman's opponent was Emil Fischer, the first company commander who had been fond of swords since he was a child in a knight's family, but … as expected, he couldn't match up to the Hero.
The Hero party had breakfast in the prepared annex.
After having breakfast at the cafeteria in the training ground, Fiona and the other two adjutants held a debriefing session in the Division Chief's office.
Yes, three people.
Normally, Deputy Chief Oscar, who stays holed up in the 4th Exercise Area, would still visit for breakfast and morning reports, but he did not show up this morning.
"What about Deputy Chief?"
As expected, his adjutant Jurgen asked Fiona with a worried look on his face.
"Um, leave him alone."
"Ar-are you sure?"
"He'll come out around today. That's a precursor to that."
Fiona replied with a smile, understanding that Oscar had finally arrived at the point of organizing his feelings.
"If teacher is coming out … should we apply for a team battle in the morning? Anytime would be fine if it seemed that teacher would not come out anytime soon … but if he's coming out today or tomorrow, the sooner we hold it the better."
"Is that because Roman-dono would only challenge Deputy Chief once he comes out?"
"Yes. We won't be able to have Roman-dono as an opponent. Isn't that a waste?"
Fiona laughed and replied to Marie's confirmation.
(Since Deputy Chief's return is in sight, a dazzling smile has returned to Her Royal Highness.)
Marie was delighted in her heart.
"What do you mean by 'Let's have a team battle today'?"
Graham, the priest who was negotiating for the Hero party, confirmed with Fiona.
The Hero Roman was waiting with other members a few steps behind so that he wouldn't get tangled into saying unfavorable words.
(Graham also has a lot of troubles.)
Fiona, who was the cause of that trouble, thought with a laugh in her heart.
"How about seven versus seven? I understand that it is not easy to have seven people at the same level as your party, but this is a never-before-seen experience, a match with the Hero party. I hope you agree."
"No, we understand that your division has talented people from yesterday's mock battles."
In the simulated battles yesterday, Gordon, Alicia, and Bellrock fought in magic matches using Fire, Wind, and Earth, and although the Hero side won all the matches, the division also fought quite well.
Gordon, the Fire Magician, completely changed his preconceptions after he saw that not only he but also Alicia and Bellrock did not encounter easy wins.
They were matches that were quite close …
Of course, excluding the battle with the Hero.
"I understand. I will accept the mock battle of seven versus seven."
Graham thanked Fiona and summoned the party members who were behind him.
"Thank you. Well, the problem is our members. Let's let Jurgen join, he was dissatisfied with acting as the judge the whole time yesterday. The judge will be another person, Graham-dono, are you okay with that?"
(Here it is!)
After hearing Fiona's suggestion, Graham thought to himself. This was a swap to win.
(As an adjutant, he was either a person who had no fighting ability and was good at coordinating, or a person who had the power to overwhelm ordinary division members, but so he's the latter? This is troublesome but … as long as Roman is here, there shouldn't be any chance …)
"Yes, of course, it doesn't matter."
Graham accepted the change in judge.
"Jurgen, Marie, 2nd Company Commander Nin, 3rd Company Commander Stock, 4th Company Commander Elsa, and Deputy Recovery Officer Marma. The judge will be Emile, the 1st Company Commander who fought the Hero yesterday. Yup, these will be the members."
"Excuse me, Your Highness. There are only six members on our division side …"
Marie, the adjutant, asked Fiona with a feeling of dread.
"Of course, that's because I'll be participating too, so that's seven people."
"Oh, I knew it …"
Marie's shoulders slumped to the expected answer.
As her adjutant, Marie wanted Fiona to be in a safe place …
"I have the deputy recovery officer Marma, but the Chief officer Fin and the rescue squad are all on standby. I can handle it even if something unforeseen happens. Don't worry."
Fiona smiled at Marie.
"The rules are almost the same as yesterday. Immediate death attacks are forbidden. The match will end if it is judged that all seven members surrender, faint, or cannot continue the battle."
At a distance of 50 meters, the Hero party and Fiona's party faced each other.
"Full strength bombardment from the start. Make the Hero party serious."
Fiona whispered to her party.
And the voice of Emile, the first company commander who was the judge, echoed.
"Now, the match begins!"
" " " " " " " The strongest magic attacks from the seven most elite members of the Empire's Emperor Magic Division.
The magic barrier encasing the training ground was fully deployed but a part of it was chipped off.
Thunderous roars ripped through the grounds, lights flashed, and dust covered the area.
"Um … instant death attacks are prohibited …"
Emile's words, the first company commander acting as judge, did not reach anyone.
"Chief … released Heaven and Earth Collapse …"
"Marie-san and Jurgen-san went full power too …"
"They're dead, right?"
The members of the division in the audience seats whispered with surprise.
The dust that blew up around the Hero party settled down and it was finally possible to see …
"Unharmed …"
Somebody muttered in the audience seats … but many members of the division had the same thoughts.
Marie's They couldn't believe that they were unharmed.
However, that was limited to the members of the division sitting in the audience seats.
The members of Fiona's Party at the training ground found it normal.
"So it broke the magic barrier but it couldn't break through the Hero's holy sword?"
Adjutant Jurgen muttered.
Roman stood at the forefront of the Hero party with his holy sword.
"Muu … my magic barrier disappeared without enduring much of the blast."
"My generated clay wall didn't have much use too."
"My wind barrier also disappeared just from a gentle brush from that wide-area Wind-Attribute attack …"
The Priest Graham, The Earth-Attribute Bellrock, and the Wind-Attribute Alicia grumbled.
"In other words, if Roman didn't sweep it aside with his holy sword, everyone would have been killed by that previous blow!"
"Hey, Gordon, you should have cast a magic barrier too."
Gordon's angered voice was shot down by the Scout Maurice.
"Everyone!"
Hero Roman's voice reverberated.
"Go all out without holding back."
The entire party nodded to Roman's words.
"OK When Ash Khan, who hadn't spoken a word before, chanted the trigger words, the entire Hero party was wrapped in wind, and Hero Roman's holy sword and the Scout Maurice's dagger shone green.
"Your Highness, she is an Enchanter. The speed of everyone in the Hero party will increase."
"!"
The members in Fiona's party were surprised by Elsa's, the 4th Company Commander, words.
Even Fiona, who always maintained calm in battle and took it as her creed, was not an exception.
However, she did her utmost to not reveal it on her face.
"A magic class not found in Central Nations. They're coming!"
At the same time as Fiona's warning, magic attacks from the Hero party fell onto Fiona's party in return.
At the same time, Hero Roman, Scout Maurice, and Ash Khan, the Wind-Attribute Enchanter, plunged into hand-to-hand combat.
It was Marie against Maurice, Jurgen against Ash Khan, and Fiona against the Hero Roman.
"Roman's opponent … as if the princess can …"
Those words spilled from Gordon's mouth.
It's impossible … Gordon was about to continue … but he couldn't.
Roman and Fiona collided in the middle of the party and started a fierce sword fight.
Roman was a Swordsman.
Moreover, he was the Hero.
In addition, he had sped up with the effect from Haste.
But, Fiona was matching up to Roman without taking a step back.
In the first place, clashing swords with the Hero was a 『phenomenon』 that rarely occurred.
The holy sword Astarte wielded by the Hero Roman.
It was impossible to clash against it with a normal sword.
An ordinary sword would shatter with just one clash.
However, Fiona's sword was not an ordinary sword either.
One of the two magic swords that the Imperial family was proud of, the treasured sword Raven.
A mythical sword that was said to have the two attributes of wind and fire in a single swing.
A jet-black sword said to have been forged through a collaboration of gods long ago.
It was a sword that the Emperor used for generations.
However, the current Emperor Rupert VI bestowed it to Fiona.
The treasured sword Raven appeared closer to a rapier than a sword which suited it to be carried by a woman than a man and more importantly, Rupert told the people around him that the sword liked Fiona more.
There was no further explanation and since no one could coerce Emperor Rupert, Fiona had been holding it ever since.
Fiona had carried Raven for eight years since it was given to her when she was ten years old. A partner, in a sense.
That partner opened up all her potential in the face of the opponent at a level that she had never fought against in her life.
The 『Wind-Attribute』 that the treasured sword Raven was imbued with increased the speed of Fiona's movements, including the speed of her sword.
A pseudo-haste state.
In addition, Raven's 『Fire-Attribute』 qualities also raised Fiona's own ability as a Fire-Attribute Magician.
It made it possible to fire offensive magic between sword clashes, something that could be thought of but usually impossible to do.
Casting magic as though exhaling … no, she was doing it even more smoothly as Fire Javelins and Piercing Fires were fired by Fiona towards Roman.
Even Roman could not achieve that.
Simply put, it increased the number of moves Fiona had.
To be precise, she could mix in attacks that must be avoided and not blocked.
Normally, when a person tries to cast magic during a sword clash, there would be a slight gap.
Therefore, if the opponent is at the same or a stronger level, they should not cast magic; and if the opponent is at a weaker level, there was no need to bother to cast magic … ultimately, it is inconceivable to cast magic during a sword clash.
(But … the Princess made it possible.)
The Hero Roman was amazed as the fierce battle unfolded.
While fighting with a sword, her magic was cast very smoothly.
As the clash of swords continued, Roman couldn't help but notice.
This fighting style wasn't something that came as inspiration or thought of on the spot, but something that had been built up and polished through a long period of training.
She had been training by simultaneously attacking with her sword and casting magic from when she started her basic training.
Fiona began learning the sword when she was four years old.
None of her ten older sisters did that, but it was the result of Fiona's fervent request to her father, Emperor Rupert VI.
Why did she start saying that she wanted to practice the sword?
Because the desire was born the moment she set her eyes on the sword on Rupert's waist.
"Raven? If Fiona practices her utmost and can wield it properly, I will lend it to you."
What Rupert said at the time was half a joke, but also half-serious.
Encounters with a lifelong 『partner』 were sometimes fateful.
Rupert had already felt at that point that that might be the case.
And six years later … On Fiona's tenth birthday, the treasured sword Raven became Fiona's partner.
It was a week before Fiona met her most cherished person.
Fiona's swordsmanship had been trained since the age of four and with Raven since the age of ten.
The only person in the division who knew all about it was Oscar, her teacher.
But today, her full strength was displayed in front of the members of the division.
"Wow …"
Silence dominated the audience seats.
The Emperor's Magic Division was, of course, made up of all Magicians.
However, just because a person is a Magician doesn't mean that they can't fight in close quarters.
It's over once their magical power runs out.
It's over once the enemy gets close.
There was no good reason to build up such a fragile group.
Strong magic was a matter of course but their close combat ability must also be strong.
That was what was required of an Emperor Magic Division Magician on the battlefield.
Division Chief Fiona who stood at the head of that division.
The division members knew that Fiona was strong with a sword, but didn't expect her to be strong to that extent.
-x-X-x-
While Roman and Fiona's sword fight unfolded in the center, Adjutant Marie was also engaged in close combat with the Scout Maurice.
But it was strange close combat.
Maurice from the Hero party was a Scout.
She held daggers in both hands and fought with light movements.
Therefore, rather than striking from the front, attacks by sneaking around or behind the opponent were her mainstream means of attack but …
Against Adjutant Marie, she couldn't get behind her.
No, to be precise, she would try to circle, but Marie easily dealt with it.
That didn't mean that Adjutant Marie was fast.
Of course, she was faster than a normal Swordsman, but she was slower than Maurice, who acted as the Scout of the Hero party.
But she couldn't circle her.
Because there was a constant downburst, a strong downdraft around Marie.
Marie, the Wind-Attribute Magician, had a very unique one-on-one fighting style.
She would almost unknowingly create a powerful downburst around her and fight while hindering her opponent's movements.
In a typhoon with wind speeds of 50 meters, one probably can't move as they desire?
Around Marie, such winds were always blowing from above toward the ground.
Regardless of whether you move lightly or steadily, you can't even move properly.
Moreover, this was the worst kind of opponent for Maurice, a Scout who relied on nimble movements.
(This is bad. Of all the people to be my opponent. I have no luck … no, did you calculate that far and pair me with this person? Princess with a beautiful face, how nasty.)
Scout Maurice pondered on a strategy while moving without stopping in one place to not let her opponent lock onto her.
Shuut.
Kang.
She tried throwing a throwing knife, but it was still blown away by that damn wind.
(This … how can I defeat her … I can't get close to her, my throwing knives can't even reach her … I wonder if I should just endure and wait for someone else to assist?)
Maurice was a Scout in the first place.
Even during their adventures, combat power was not expected of her, and along with Graham, who played the role of the healer, their role was to not die.
Of course, as a member of the Hero party, her fighting ability was miles above ordinary Scouts but she was still not as strong as the rest of the party.
(A complete stalemate …)
Maurice sighed lightly.
Close combat was happening in three places.
Hero Roman versus Fiona in the middle.
Maurice versus Marie on the left side of the Hero party.
And on the right, the Enchanter Ash Khan versus Jurgen.
There was no occupation called 『Enchanter』 in Central Nations.
What were they like in the first place?
Enchantment is the act of adding a 'temporary' attribute to a friend's body or weapon by magic.
And the magic profession that specializes in that is an 『Enchanter』.
Why were there none in the Central Nations?
The reason was simple. Because Enchanters cast without magic chants.
Ryo, Sera, and the members of the Empire's Emperor Magic Division cast magic without chanting, but that was an exception among the Magicians of the Central Nations.
In fact, even for Magicians who belong in the same Imperial Army, the 『Emperor Magic Division』 does not chant, but all 1st to 8th company of the 『Imperial Magic Army』do.
It was solely due to Fiona and Oscar's insistence that the 『Emperor Magic Division』 always cast magic without chanting.
Even beginners can easily cast magic by chanting.
However, the strength of the magic cast that way was almost constant no matter who casts it.
There was some research testing if an Advanced Magician cast beginner magic or intermediate magic, it would be more powerful than expected, but fundamentally the power remained constant.
In addition, because it takes time to chant, there would be a lag time before the magic activates.
That could be fatal in combat.
Therefore, when Fiona and Oscar reorganized the Emperor's Magic Division, they made sure to thoroughly enforce casting magic without chanting.
Well, that was why Enchanters didn't exist in the Central Nations because there was no 『magic chant』.
It was also Jurgen's first time seeing one.
(Her Highness and Elsa said that Graham could utilize close combat either unarmed or with spear technique, but Ash Khan-dono, a Wind-Attribute Magician? And she is an Enchanter … I guess I can gain valuable experience.)
Ash Khan, whom Jurgen was facing, fought hand-to-hand combat style with armored gauntlets and legs and by applying haste to her body to speed up.
It was a fighting style that didn't suit a Magician, but she would probably retort Jurgen by saying, 'I don't want to be told that by you'.
Jurgen was attacking with orthodox swordsmanship.
Jurgen Bartel was the second son of Count Bartel.
The Count family was succeeded by his older brother, who was eight years older, but Jurgen had been trained in general martial arts since he was a child, as a regular member of the family who produced excellent Swordsmen for generations.
Therefore, from a young age, he vaguely thought that he would join the Imperial Knights when he was eighteen.
In fact, his ability with the sword was excellent.
At the age of fifteen, he began to defeat his tutor who was the Count's swordsmanship instructor, and at the age of sixteen, even his father, the head of the family, could not rival him.
By the time he reached adulthood at the age of eighteen, his eight years older brother was the only person stronger than him with the sword. At that time, his brother was one of the Twelve Knights of the Emperor, who were the best of the Imperial Knights.
For that reason, Jurgen caught the eye of the Emperor.
He fought a good match with his elder brother in the Twelve Knights. Moreover, he had just reached adulthood.
Emperor Rupert VI would not overlook such talent.
After detailed investigations and hearings, Rupert decided that he would be of help to Fiona and Oscar, who were close in age.
Jurgen was then entrusted to Oscar and trained in various ways for six months before he was then assigned as Oscar's adjutant and Fiona's guard.
That was almost two years before Fiona was appointed as the Division Chief of the Empire's Emperor Magic Division.
The sword Jurgen used was an ordinary iron sword with a blunt blade used in the training ground.
Of course, they could use the weapons they normally used for this mock combat.
That was why Fiona was using the treasured sword Raven, and the Hero Roman wielded the holy sword Astarte.
However, Jurgen knew that he was not good at stopping his blade, so he decided to use a sword with a blunt blade that would not kill the opponent even if he struck them.
If his superior Oscar heard him say that, he would likely sarcastically say 'Hey, that's quite some confidence', but there was no other way around something he was bad at.
It would be terrible if he killed a person and said it couldn't be helped.
Jurgen had no choice.
Basically, Ash Khan attacked and Jurgen defended, and the battle between the two continued.
Ash Khan's martial art was decent, but from Jurgen's point of view, there seemed to be gaps to take advantage of.
The rest was timing.
If he missed the timing, everything would be wasted. It was the same with anything.
Jurgen discretely aimed for the timing while dealing with Ash Khan's attacks.
-x-X-x-
The Priest Graham had a sour expression.
(I didn't think it would go this way. A magic unit that is so strong in close combat … it's impossible to find such a unit in the Western Countries … no, it's almost impossible to find. Scout Maurice doesn't have good offensive strength so it can't be helped but even Ash Khan can't break out of her deadlock. No no, more importantly, that Princess, just what is she … able to fight evenly with Roman. Maybe she's not a Magician but a Swordsman? … Well, that might be possible because she's the commander. No, but she fired magic amid their sword fight so she's definitely a Magician … I don't think Roman will lose, but to think that all battlefronts would be in a stalemate …)
Even for Graham, the current situation was a first.
(Should I head to the front line … But, if the healer suddenly appears at the front line and is defeated, it would cause various problems … But that won't do in this situation. I should assist. But who should I help? It is impossible to barge into the swordfight between Roman and the Princess. I would more likely be shredded before I can do anything. That said, even if I assist Maurice with that tricky situation involving that strong downdraft … I can't think of a good way to slip past that wind. So by elimination, I guess I should assist Ash Khan with Adjutant Jurgen-dono …)
The situation changed as Graham was at a loss.
Ash Khan realized.
The Once applied, the haste state would remain for a certain period even if her allies left the radius of 5 meters.
However, at present, there were no allies within 5 meters of Ash Khan.
It was no longer necessary for spellcasters who were in the midst of an artillery battle.
She wanted to cast it on Roman who was fighting the Princess, but it would be too reckless to approach.
Maurice seemed to not be able to do anything facing the downdraft, so it probably wouldn't matter even if she had haste.
In that case, the only person who needed it was herself.
But … the Swordsman in front of her, yes, she no longer considered him as a Magician but a fearsome Swordsman.
He was said to be the adjutant for the Explosive Blaze Magician but he never let his guard down and had no openings.
Moreover, he was aiming for something.
He gave off such an air.
She didn't know what he was aiming for, but Ash Khan felt that way from the movement of his eyes.
(I want to reapply haste on myself somehow … But if he sees an opening, he would cast magic in that split moment … Will he use a projectile … I don't know, but I'll keep it in the corner of my mind.)
Then, the ideal situation arose.
The moment Jurgen backstepped, he slipped a little.
(There!)
Matching that, Ash Khan also jumped backward to gain distance and applied haste before reaching the ground.
" " At that timing, Jurgen also cast magic.
Ash Khan expected that.
As long as she landed after applying haste in the air, she could immediately counterattack. That's what she thought.
However, the magic cast by Jurgen, the Earth-Attribute Magician, was not offensive magic …
Zubo
The moment she landed, she realized that the ground was mud.
Both her legs were buried in the mud up to above her knees.
"Wha …"
It would not be easy to get out in that circumstance.
Naturally, Jurgen, who created that situation, approached Ash Khan and thrust his sword at her nape.
"... I lost."
Ash Khan admitted her loss.
The moment Graham tried to help, Ash Khan was caught in the mud and defeated.
"Impossible ..."
Graham had watched everything happen as he was about to go to help.
Ash Khan leaped far backward, and just before landing, a high-speed line ran from Jurgen's feet and popped slightly at Ash Khan's landing point.
And then, a small swamp appeared …
(Explosive Blaze Magician's Adjutant Jurgen-dono … of course his magic would be top-notch too. But with this, the balance is broken … and we're on the back foot. Now that it has come to this, I have no choice but to take a bet.)
"Everyone, we will start by crushing Maurice's opponent, Marie."
"I don't mind but how? And what about the long-range attack magic from the opponent?"
Gordon confirmed with Graham.
"Aim from above. The strong downdraft hinders Maurice's movement, but anything coming from above would be less affected by the wind. I will block the enemy bombardment. Okay? 3, 2, 1, GO!"
" " " Fire-Attribute Gordon, Wind-Attribute Alicia, and Earth-Attribute Bellrock bombarded Marie from above.
At the same time, Fiona's party intensified their bombardment aimed at Graham.
" Graham invoked the absolute magical defense that only high-ranking priests could use.
It could be said to be the Western version of the 『Sanctuary Square』 used by the high-ranking priests of the Central Nations.
Its effect, like Sanctuary Square, prevented all magical attacks.
Since it prevented magic from outside the Absolute Sanctuary as well as from inside, it was only cast after the three Magicians released their spells.
And Marie, who was bombarded by the three of them … collapsed. She was out of the fight.
Adjutant Jurgen regretted his slow decision.
His Enchanter opponent surrendered and they finally had the number advantage.
Before he could take advantage of that and go on the offensive, Marie was defeated … and they were once again down to the same number.
After Marie, who was defeated, was judged to be incapable of fighting, she was taken to the outer edge of the training ground by a rescue platoon.
From the look of Chief Recovery Officer Finn, there seemed to be no danger to her life.
(Marie you were too careless … In any case, this is a problem. Marie's Wind magic is easy to use even in simulated battles, but my Earth magic … would stab the opponent if I'm not careful … It's difficult to use, but I guess it can't be helped?)
It seemed that the Hero party had not been decided on a direction yet.
In that case, it would be better to attack fast.
Judging that, Jurgen launched three colored sand bullets that glowed blue.
Fiona and Oscar, the Fire Magicians, launched glowing bullets to relay commands, but Jurgen was an Earth Magician.
Therefore, he fired reflective sand that reflected light in blue.
Blue three.
The meaning was to move forward at maximum speed while attacking.
Under Jurgen's command, the rearguards of Fiona's party began to move.
And, while running, they fired magical attacks toward the rearguard of the Hero party.
Led by Jurgen, Fiona's party's intention was clear.
To settle with close-quarters combat except for Roman and Fiona.
On the other hand, the tactic adopted by the rearguard of the Hero party was to create a mud field using Earth-Attribute Magic, a delay tactic. In other words, to earn time.
They created a swamp to slow down the approaching Fiona's party rearguard.
(Why are they trying to earn time?)
Jurgen couldn't read their intention.
Fiona's party bypassed Roman and Fiona's battle in the center and approached the rearguard of the Hero Party from the right when viewed from above, that is, in the counterclockwise direction.
It was planned for Jurgen to join them along the way.
Under such circumstances, what were they buying time for?
(I don't believe they are waiting for the end of the battle between Her Highness and the Hero … the fight is still balanced. If so, what …)
Jurgen looked at the battle between Fiona and Roman and confirmed that it was likely to continue.
And when his line of sight coincidentally extended beyond that …
That was where Marie and her opponent the Scout were fighting … of course, there was no one.
"Nobody is there?!"
Marie was naturally carried away but what about her opponent?
"Shit!"
Chaos began from the back of Fiona's party's rearguard at the same time those words came out from Jurgen's mouth.
Maurice, the Hero party's Scout, sneaked further behind the rearguard of Fiona's party, which had begun to move, and attacked from there.
The Fiona's party's rearguard was at the height of confusion.
Second Squadron Commander Nin, who was at the rear, was unconscious by a hand chop to the neck, thus rendered incapable of fighting.
Third Squadron Commander Stock was also defeated before the other members understood what was happening.
That was a display of Maurice, the Scout's, worth.
Her frontal combat strength was certainly the lowest in the Hero party, but such disturbances from behind, assassination, or incapacitation of the enemy from their blind spot were Maurice's greatest strengths.
Moreover, during this time, the delay tactics of mud creation by the Hero party Earth-Attribute Magician Bellrock continued.
Aside from Maurice, who was a Scout and didn't suffer from fighting in situations with poor footing, it was surprisingly debilitating for Fiona's party.
Offensive spells other than Bellrock's mud creation were prevented by the Earth wall created by Adjutant Jurgen who had joined up, but the situation was worsening.
At their feet was a swamp, and on top of that, Scout Maurice had released a smokescreen.
There were no particular restrictions on the use of items in this simulated battle.
Fighting a Scout in the smoke while worrying about their footing … it was nothing more than a nightmare.
"This is already …"
When Jurgen muttered that, the voice of Emile, the First Company Commander acting as judge, echoed.
"Stop! The match is over. The winner is the Hero party."
Looking at the source of the voice, Fiona, who was fighting in the center, had indicated to Emile their surrender.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness. If I realized the other party's intention a little earlier …"
"No, I couldn't afford to look around because I was so busy fighting Roman-dono. I'm unfit as a commander."
Fiona laughed as she said that.
"Everyone had a hard time. By the way, it seems that Marie was carried away …"
"From Finn's look, there didn't seem to be any problems …. Your Highness?"
When Jurgen looked at Fiona, he realized that Fiona's line of sight was locked at the top of the spectators' seats.
"Teacher …"
Standing at the end of that line of sight was Oscar Ruska, Deputy Chief of the Emperor Magic Division.
As the Oscar descended step by step from the top of the spectators' seats, the members of the division stood up and saluted.
That scene also conveyed to Hero Roman and his party, who were unaware of the situation, that the person coming down was not an ordinary person.
Unhurriedly, not too slowly, but not too brisk either.
While receiving the salute of nearly all 200 members of the division, Oscar arrived in front of Fiona, kneeled on one knee, and gave a salute.
"Your Highness, Oscar Ruska, has returned."
"Welcome back."
That was all that was exchanged, but there was a deeper exchange of thoughts between the two, which no one else could see.
However, that was a public place.
Private conversations could be done later.
"I have something to inform Deputy Chief. Here, Hero Roman and his party have been lodging since yesterday. His Majesty the Emperor permitted a simulated battle between you and Roman-dono."
"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Roman."
Roman responded after Fiona's introduction.
"I am Oscar Ruska, appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Emperor's Magic Division. But the Hero? … I heard that the Hero of this generation was in the Western Countries. Why did you come to the Central Nations?"
"I would like Oscar-dono to give me some guidance."
Roman's eyes faced Oscar straight from the front. A straightforward gaze, devoid of any hesitation.
"Hmm … But I have no reason to fight the Hero. And I have a lot of work to do because I have vacated my position for a long time. Therefore, the simulated battle will have to be another time."
Oscar turned down the battle, looking straight at Roman.
Roman was speechless.
"Please wait."
The Priest Graham inserted a word in place of Roman, who could not follow up.
"Oscar-dono. I am the negotiator of this party, my name is Graham. Excuse me but His Majesty Emperor Rupert VI has permitted a simulated battle between Oscar-dono and Roman. I do not think it's a good idea to reject it here."
"His Majesty has only 『permitted』 and not 『commanded』 to fight, but if there is a compelling reason to fight, then I will be willing. Roman-dono?"
(Even this person tries to take advantage of Roman's inexperience!)
Deputy Chief Oscar was doing what Fiona had done yesterday so Graham's mood was souring even further.
But Graham later learned that that was not always a bad thing.
Hero Roman started talking with a stammer.
"Embarrassingly, I was completely defeated the other day. It wasn't by surprise or deception, it wasn't an outnumbered fight, it was a one-on-one fight. And my companions had even given me various enhancement magic. The opponent was a Magician, but my sword as a Swordsman could not even graze them. From that defeat, I wished to train myself further, so I decided to visit the Explosive Blaze Magician, who is famous in the Central Nations."
Oscar reacted a little when Hero Roman stated that the one who defeated him was a 『Magician』. In Oscar's mind, a Water-Attribute Magician came to mind.
"Can you describe that the Magician?"
"Of course, as much as you want after you give me some guidance."
The Hero Roman answered Oscar's question with a smile.
It was the Priest Graham who was surprised at that answer.
(I would never believe that Roman could give such a reply …)
Oscar's lips tilted upward slightly after hearing Roman's condition.
"Okay, but your side has just fought, so we will continue at one after lunch."
"Thank you very much!"
-x-X-x-
And then it was 1 o'clock.
After lunch and a break, they returned to the training ground once again.
Seven members of the Hero party, Fiona, Oscar, and Jurgen were in the arena.
Apart from the rescue platoon on standby at a corner of the training ground, everyone else was at the spectator seats.
"I, Jürgen Bartel, will be the judge for the battle. Immediate death attacks are forbidden. The match will end if one side surrenders, faints or if the judge determines that they are unable to continue the battle."
"Then, I shall watch from the spectator's seats."
Fiona started walking towards the spectators' seats.
"Then we too …"
Graham said, and everyone from the Hero party, except the Hero, was about to walk to the spectator seats too.
"No, all of you have to participate in the fight."
Oscar said.
"Ha?"
It was Gordon, the Fire Magician, who asked back with an out-of-tune voice.
"Isn't the Hero party a party of seven? Then it would be meaningless if you didn't fight together."
"That's not the issue, do you understand what you're saying?"
Gordon replied with clenched teeth.
"Gordon, watch your words."
Graham chided him and continued the conversation.
"That said, Oscar-dono. Gordon is right. Even if you are the Explosive Blaze Magician, I do not think that a seven-on-one match would be a decent match."
"I watched your seven-on-seven fight from the middle but if your ability is 『only that extent』, it won't be a decent match anyway."
Oscar shrugged his shoulders and sneered.
Naturally, a few members from the Hero party were fuming.
"Deputy Chief-san is inciting such animosity."
"The opening bombardment during the team battle and now this, the people in this division are good at fanning the flames."
The Scout Maurice and Wind Magician Alicia whispered to each other so that the men wouldn't hear them.
The Enchanter Ash Khan, who heard it, nodded silently many times.
"Interesting! Let's do it! Roman, I'll be the first. Don't make a move!"
"Even after I said it would be difficult even for seven people, a single person is out of the question …"
Oscar replied coldly to Gordon's shouts.
"Shut it! That's for us to decide. Hey, judge, let's get started already."
"Haa …. Deputy Chief doesn't even have to bother to instigate … Okay. Then, please take your positions."
The judge Jurgen sighed an extremely deep sigh as he guided each to their starting positions.
"Is everyone ready?"
Oscar held a sword with a blunt blade in his right hand, which was taken from the training ground, while Gordon held a Magician's staff.
"Then, the match begins!"
"Die! When Gordon chanted, three flames swirled from the tip of his staff and flew toward Oscar.
Gordon's strongest anti-personal spell.
His strongest attack immediately from the start.
HeI intended to defeat Oscar without letting him do anything.
Or rather, that whirlpool of flames could even pierce castle walls, and if it was an ordinary Magician opponent, they would die instantly.
But … Oscar was not an ordinary Magician.
With the sword in his right hand, he casually swept the whirlpool of flames approaching him to the side.
That alone caused the vortex of flames to disappear.
"Impossible! How!"
Of course, it was Gordon who shouted.
"This level … is equivalent to child's play. "Guha."
Before he noticed, Gordon's solar plexus was struck by a fist-sized mass of flame, and Gordon fainted in agony.
"What the hell was that …"
The Priest Graham muttered softly.
The lump of flame that sank into Gordon's solar plexus had already disappeared.
No doubt, it was some kind of magic but … Graham's eyes couldn't see the activation of the magic or its trajectory at all.
"No matter what it was, I don't want to be on the receiving end of that …"
The Wind Magician Alicia muttered while hiding behind Graham.
"Everyone! Cast enhancement magic on me."
In response to the Hero Roman's call, the party recomposed themselves.
" " "
"
Enchanter Ash Khan, Priest Graham, Earth Magician Bellrock, and Wind Magician Alicia each magically enhanced Roman.
"I see, that's an Enchanter? There certainly aren't any in the Central Nations."
Oscar was not impatient and watched what Roman and his party did.
That composure reminded Roman of the Akuma Leonor.
He shook his head several times to drive the memory of Leonor out.
"I'm going!"
Roman announced and rushed in.
He pulled the Holy Sword Astarte up and swung it down on Oscar's shoulder.
Kakin.
It made a sound as if it struck a hard metal, and was deflected loudly.
"Huh?"
A surprised voice came out of Roman's mouth.
"What's wrong, Hero-dono? As long as you are a Swordsman, you cannot win unless your sword reaches your opponent."
Oscar fanned the flames even further.
As if reacting to it, Roman wielded the Holy Sword Astarte and,
Slashed. Slashed. Slashed.
Kakin Kakin Kakin
But every slash struck something that covered Oscar's surface.
"Muu."
Roman groaned involuntarily.
"What, what, what is that!?"
It was clearly visible to the Hero party that all of Roman's slashes were deflected off the surface of Oscar's body.
Hero Roman's sword was not just any ordinary sword.
The Holy Sword Astarte had been passed down for generations among heroes born in the Western Countries.
That sword's slash was being repelled without any sword, armor, or shield.
Anybody would be surprised, not just the Scout Maurice.
"That is an overlap of magical and physical barriers …"
The Wind Magician Alicia explained to Maurice.
"Physical barrier? That's a spell that prevents physical attacks such as swords and arrows. But it's easy to break. It's only useful to block arrows. In close quarters, no one uses it anymore, right?"
"It breaks easily. It's not practical so it's rare to see it in close quarters. Perhaps the Central Nations' physical barriers are sturdier …"
Maurice made a conjecture and Alice nodded in confirmation but …
"But the adjutant-cum-judge is also looking at the Deputy Chief with a surprised expression …"
"Yeah. It doesn't look like it is sturdy because it's a Central Nation variant. It seems that the Deputy Chief's barrier is just abnormal."
Next to them, the Enchanter Ash Khan was silently watching the battle intently.
"But the fact that it deflects his sword means that Roman can't win? Isn't that unfair? I know Deputy Chief is a refined, good-looking man but Roman can't win?"
"Yeah, I know he's your type, Maurice, but don't touch him because he's a prominent person from another country. Well, that physical barrier is troublesome but physical barriers consume far more magical power than magical barriers. That's also one reason why it's no longer used. So I don't think that physical barrier will last that long …"
"Since it's a mock battle between a Swordsman and a Magician, I tried using a technique that only a Magician can use. Did you like it?"
Oscar sneered with his mouth raised slightly and asked Roman.
"What is this …"
"It's just a magical barrier and a physical barrier. It's non-attribute magic, so any Magician can create it."
"It's way too sturdy."
Roman responded in a daze toward Oscar's nonchalant explanation.
He knew about both magical and physical barriers.
However, he had never heard of such a sturdy barrier.
"If you can't break my barrier, you can't break the Demon Lord's barrier, right? That won't do for a person who calls himself the Hero."
Even now, Oscar still pilled on more provocation.
"Ku."
The Hero Roman frowned with frustration.
However, a few moments later, his facial expression changed completely. He had made his resolve.
"I apologize if I stab you."
With that said, Roman began to put all his energy and magic into the Holy sword Astarte.
"That's something you should think about after breaking through."
And Oscar waited without changing his expression.
"Here I come!"
Roman shortened the distance in an instant and thrust with his entire body.
Kakin.
Cracks formed on Oscar's barrier. But he couldn't break it.
Moreover, the cracks were instantly repaired and the barrier restored to its original form.
"Impossible …"
The words leaked from Roman's mouth.
And then, he knelt on one knee because he couldn't support his body after pushing it with all his might.
Oscar slowly tapped Roman's nape with his sword.
"That's enough! Winner, Deputy Chief Oscar."
At that moment, Jurgen's voice echoed in the training ground.
And cheers echoed from the division members.
Consecutive defeats from yesterday … Even though they were going up against the Hero party, it lingered on the minds of the division members.
In the eyes of the division members who looked at Deputy Chief Oscar, who had given them their first victory, some had a light in it that could even be called faith.
"Roman-dono, you are still young so you can still get stronger. Please do your best."
"Oscar-dono, thank you for your guidance. I learned once again that I can't do anything in front of a true Magician. Thank you very much."
Hero Roman was deeply grateful.
"Oh, that's right. Can you tell me about the Magician you previously lost to?"
"Of course, she called himself Leonor, a woman? No, she's probably not human, but I've never seen her race before. Today, Oscar-dono blocked all my sword strikes with a barrier, but Leonor dodged all of my sword strikes. And she did it casually."
Roman described his battle with Leonor to Oscar.
"Leonor … I've never heard of that name. I'll keep it in mind."
Hmm, Oscar nodded and tried to end the conversation.
"Um, Oscar-dono. Who was the Magician Oscar-dono first had in mind? If you don't mind, could you please tell me?"
"… A Water-Attribute Magician in the Knightley Kingdom. We've had conflict before. Sorry but I don't wish to say anymore."
Then Oscar walked to Fiona, who had come down from the spectator seats.
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