Chapter 421
12-60 An Unexpected Ending
Confronting the giant Golem Goliath, Reiko first examined the opponent’s movements .
That was not the first time she faced a giant opponent . Sham Dragon, Sandworm, Hecaton Cale, Death Sea Serpent, and Giggers .
The current opponent in front of her paled in comparison to those giants .
“But carelessness is one’s greatest enemy, is it?”
That was something she learned from Jin . Reiko reminded herself that she should never let her guard down no matter who she was fighting against .
Goliath was fast, but at most only several times faster than humans . However, Reiko could be several hundred times faster .
Goliath attempted to stomp and crush her . Reiko evaded . Instantly, she moved behind him while he was still trying to adjust his position .
Then she kicked the back of his left knee, which was supporting his weight . That maneuver was called single leg “knee dislocation” .
Goliath’s left knee, which supported almost all of his body weight, collapsed . He lost his balance . He reached out his left arm for the ground to prevent himself from falling over .
Reiko was antic.i.p.ating that move .
She hugged his left arm and pulled while twisting it .
It was a high-level throwing technique that not everyone could utilize . Due to the precise amount of force, Goliath had completely collapsed .
The loud thud echoed throughout the venue, accompanied by a cloud of dust .
“O-oh!”
“Wow … . ”
The audience gasped in disbelief .
“No way . Was that an ‘Arm Twist Throw’*?”
Sitting next to Her Majesty the Empress, Marquess Gueren Theodoric von Eisen was fascinated .
That was a secret fighting technique of the Shouro Empire, used only to beat an opponent empty-handedly when a fighter had lost his sword: Dodged the opponent’s incoming blade, twisted the whole body while holding the opponent’s arm, locked the opponent’s elbow and shoulder, then collapse while throwing .
That was the only known application of that technique .
“Gueren, what is an ‘Arm Twist Throw’?”
The Empress, who was sitting across from the Prime Minister, inquired . The Marquess briefly explained,
“That technique is using the opponent’s power, one mistake could result in the user’s self-destruction . And that Automata Reiko successfully executed it . Well, not only I’m interested in when she learned that technique, but also how amazing that she could actually master it . ”
“O-oh? Your Majesty, look!”
Prime Minister Jung Fowles exclaimed in astonishment . At the same time, the audience cheered from their seats .
Before Goliath could get up, Reiko slipped under his body and lifted it: with her tiny body .
The 1 . 3-meter tall Reiko lifted the 6-meter tall Goliath with ease . It was surreal .
However, Goliath did not stay put while being lifted . He was flailing and stretching his arms in an attempt to grab Reiko .
An instant before she was caught, Reiko threw Goliath up in the air .
Goliath weighed about 4 tons . Reiko had enough power to throw him more than 30 meters up in the air .
“Wha … . ”
Both Viscount Georg Randall and Marcus Grinwald were lost for words at the unbelievable sight .
Reiko evacuated from Goliath’s falling path . The law of gravity took care of the rest . Goliath plunged and crashed on the ground .
A thunderous impact shook the entire arena . It created a crater of more than 10 meters in diameter on the ground .
Goliath lied motionless at the bed of the crater . Looking closely, his hip joint was crushed and damaged .
After waiting for a few minutes, Goliath still did not move . Reiko then walked over the referee, the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Magical Technology, Christoph Valde Von Tarnat .
“Is it all right to call it done?”
Christoph snapped back to his senses upon hearing Reiko’s words, collected himself, and then said,
“That’s a wrap! We have a winner! Winner, Jin Nidou, and his Automata, Reiko!”
As the announcement echoed, the quiet spectators gave enthusiastic applause and cheers as if they had just been revived .
“Wonderful!”
“Amazing!”
“Cute! Reiko!”
Reiko bowed in response to their cheering, and the applause seemed to become more intense .
“Lord Jin, she’s a wonderful Automata . ”
An interview was held with the winner while waiting for the arena to be cleaned up .
“Is there any secret for such a cute Automata to being that strong?”
“No, I simply worked real hard in creating her . ”
Jin tried to elude the question .
“There is no secret . My father made me . That’s all there is to it . ”
Reiko explained while praising Jin .
At this stage, the audience was finally beginning to cool down . Some of them thought Reiko’s unfathomable power was fearsome .
Meanwhile, others who had witnessed her power concluded that it would be better to get on Jin’s good side instead of interfering .
And everyone knew that was the wisest choice .
* * *
“Well then . This marks the end of the compet.i.tion . ”
The moderator announced the end of the compet.i.tion, followed by the official statement from Empress Gelhart Hilde von Rubies Shouro .
“There seemed to have been some disputes, but this year’s technology expo ended with great success . We would like to thank all partic.i.p.ants, all visitors, and the executive committee members . ”
To the brief statement from the Empress, the venue gave a thunderous applause .
Jin was also clapping . He hated long speeches but welcomed the Empress’ brief statement .
“After this, the award will be given to these brilliant people after a short break . ”
* * *
“No way … no way, no way! I can’t believe this! Something like this can’t happen!”
Viscount Georg Randol, was muttering in response to the incredible display of Reiko’s abilities .
“But this is the fact . Father, … Jin’s true ability is the best in the world . It was a mistake to challenge him . ”
However, Elsa’s words fell on deaf ears .
“Shut up! What the h.e.l.l do you know? I’ve been compared to my outstanding elder brother since I was a kid, and I couldn’t even become his successor . But now, I finally managed to earn this position . Just when I was aiming higher, he showed up . Why?! Why does he get in my way?!”
“… Jin doesn’t get in your way . You’re one-sidedly seeing him as your enemy, Father . Jin is very kind to friends and colleagues . However, he is very tough on his enemies . He’s such a person . ”
Upon hearing Elsa’s words, Georg glared at her with bloodshot eyes .
“… You … don’t tell me … . ”
“?”