Chapter 42 Fighting Tournament (1)
My right shoulder that had been hit just now felt hot due to the pain and continued robbing my concentration. It’s been 1 week since we have been summoned to this world. For the past few days, I have been practicing how to use a sword during the day.
At the centre of the training ground, I looked at the middle aged knight standing in front of me as I panted for breath. Whether it be the other soldiers practicing here or Souichi and the others, all of them are more used to using weapons than me. They seemed much natural at it than me. And all of them were looking at me, with inquisitiveness.
While holding the dull edged training-use sword with both hands, I adjusted my breathing.
I took deep breaths thrice; my heart started beating faster, as if asking me to take a break already. But ignoring it, I took a stance with the sword. Wearing the mithril armor, the aged knight’s seemed to be not tired at all as he swung around his training sword, checking its condition. In fact, he seemed to be having fun. He was enjoying practicing with me. Even though I was beaten around all over the place, getting blown away, making my body hurt like h.e.l.l. The sword he held was thicker and longer than mine as well. Even though it should be so much more heavier, he seemed to be having an easy time with it. This guy is definitely not normal. This over energetic, contrary to his age, knight’s name was O’brien Arbelia.
“Good good. It’s nice to be young, eh. I was worried that you’d be all c.o.c.ky since you are t.i.tled a hero but not bad, you have some guts.”(ob)
“Why, thank you.”(renji)
“Kuku. It’s not always that I compliment someone, you know? You should be more happy, yamada-dono.”
“At night, I’ll secretly get happy about this alone.”
Few days after getting summoned to this world, I learnt many things while fighting with this old man. This man was a bully.
If I were to relax from those words, he would beat the s.h.i.t out of me, no questions asked. And as usual, I’d end up rolling on the ground. Such a precise vision rose in my head that my face cramped a bit.
Even though he’s shorter than me, when facing him like this, I’m the one who feels smaller. His presence and pressure was in a different level. He wasn’t a human like me who depended on cheats given by the G.o.ddess to fight. His strength came from his mental and physical skills he forged through years of continuous training. He held such things with him.
My body hurts like h.e.l.l, and I’m really tired but I’m still thankful to him for training me. Other soldiers would always hold back against me out of formality and Souichi and others were so strong that it wouldn’t even be called training.
“C’mon, start again.”(ob)
“……guh.”
As if taunting me, his sword’s tip swayed around. Will he rush towards me, or will he try to over pressure me mentally. I wonder if my hesitating reactions were funny as O’brien-san gave a short laugh.
Due to his sword’s tip being in the way, I couldn’t close in on him and everytime he took a step forward I ended up taking one back. I know this will end up with me being beaten around again if it continues like this but my body just didn’t move. Even if it was just a blunt sword for training, it still hurt when I got hit, and above that, there was the fear that with O’brien-san’s strength, he could cut through me, flesh and bones, even with this.
“Yamada-san, do your best!!”
“Commander, show us your cool side once again!”
Hearing the latter words, O’brien-san casually waved his hand towards them. How relaxed. Even with me as an opponent, I guess he doesn’t really need to focus that much.
Souichi called my name as well but I didn’t have the composure to reply back. Just focusing at the distance between us alone was already more than I could handle right now. Sweat dripped down my cheek as I put more strength in my grip holding the sword.
“Oioi, we’re just training, not trying to kill each other. Be more at ease.”
“—–even if you say that.”
“You don’t retreat yet don’t face forward to take the initiative either. What you lack, first and foremost, is resolve.”
Being told that, I gulped the saliva in my mouth. Yeah, that’s right. I recalled the events that led to me getting trained by him. In this world, filled with monsters, danger at every corner, and where death is always by your side, to survive in such a world, and so that I don’t become a burden, I wished to become stronger.
Hearing O’brien-san’s words, I breathed out and calmed my mind. I couldn’t calm myself completely but I resolved myself. I stepped forward. I faced his sword. To cut, get cut, kill, get killed. A battle with lives on the line. I still lacked the full resolve to do that but at this moment, I stepped forward.
“here I come.”(renji)
“No need for an announcement. Just come at me, you fool.”
O’brien-san took a stance. That said, he only put his sword on his shoulder. It was his natural stance. It seemed to lack strength, yet the pressure only increased. This man’s sword was incredible. Every single attack was a sure kill swing. If you took it on, you’ll be destroyed along with your sword. You’ll get cut apart with your armour. It would be suicide. But I lacked the ability to dodge it as well. But even then, I have no choice but to step forward. To prove that I have the resolve.
I wonder if he was aware of my thoughts, as his face showed lots of composure. While giving an enjoying laugh, he remained calm as always. Facing him, I rushed in straightforward. The G.o.ddess’s divine protection and the power of the cheat were both almost non-existent in me right now. I only had physical ability slightly better than normal. And as I rushed in with all my strength, the old man very calmly took action. Just when I thought that his sword moved, the very next moment he struck it on the ground. Dust cloud rose to block my vision.
But, I had seen through that attack. Turning around towards my blind spot towards my right shoulder, I gripped my sword tightly. I hesitated for a second. Pointing a sword towards a human still tired me mentally. But I let go of those thoughts, and swung my sword. With a clank, a shock that almost numbed my hand ran through. My sword slash had been swung away with a strike from his sword that had moved at an untraceable speed. Just a second ago it was sticking in the ground, just what kind of trick is this!? My eyes widened in surprise.
In that little gap, I definitely felt the pressure coming from O’brien-san increase. His body, his whole presence, felt like it grew in size. I could only look as the aged knight raised his long sword. The next moment, my body moved faster than my mind could think and I somehow took on that attack with my sword. Blown away from the impact, I rolled away on the ground.
Unable to even understand how ragged my breathing had gotten, I just gazed at the sky while lying on the ground. I couldn’t feel the sword in my hand anymore. My hand’s gone completely numb. All the joints of my body, and my throat for breathing too much, hurt a lot.
“Let’s end here for today. After dinner, come to the library.”(ob)
“Ye–s.”
As I answered that, Souichi came over and looked at me with a worried face.
“Are, are you alright?”
“Hm…….yeah..sorry about that.”
“No, you don’t have to…”
Souichi, being small and child faced, looked more like a girl. Maybe because his sister, Yayoi-chan, was more mature, those two looked like twins. If I said that, he’d start sulking but, oh well. Somehow, I can’t stop myself from teasing him. Also, the way he acts as well……….
For example, right now, as I apologised, he gave an embarra.s.sed expression. It really messes with my mind. Having lost in front of him, I stood back up.
After I stood up, next the soldiers came to me one by one to appreciate my effort. For some reason, rather than towards Souichi and others who held insane powers, these soldiers seemed to have generated an affinity towards me who was beaten around by O’brien-san. How weird. Well, it’s better than them being not fond of me, I guess. If they said something like me being so weak even though I was supposedly summoned to save the world, I’ll probably won’t recover from the damage.
As I walked while thinking of such things, I went and drank the warm water from the water jug kept near the field. At some point, Souichi had gone back and was swinging around his sword at the centre of the field. He didn’t really have a form or a stance but due to his overpowered strength, the force waves from the sword alone seemed like they could cut things apart. How envious, seriously. Since I don’t have the abilities like others have, I have no choice but to learn how to use a sword normally. Realizng that I was feeling jealous of a boy much younger than me, I shook my head. Taking another gulp of water. Really tasty. It felt so nice that I drank a bit too much and ended up spilling some water from my mouth and it wet my clothes a bit. But that felt nice as well. Due to the heat from my wounds and overworking my body, even this warm water felt nice and cold.
“Ah.”
“Hm.”
When I turned around at that voice, a girl with semi-long hair, pleated skirt and a white blouse with a blazer was standing there. It looks like the middle school uniform from our original world. At her side was another girl with black hair. She was Souichi’s sister, Yayoi-chan. She was dressed in more medieval clothes like we have seen in movies and stuff. And the girl in the uniform was Yayoi-chan and Souichi’s childhood friend Fuyou-san.
Feeling her cold gaze, I scratched my cheeks.
“You’re wounded so much again…..”
“ugh..”
“Please leave the fighting to us Yamada-san. I really think it’d be better if you stayed here at the castle along with Toudou-san and Yui.”(aya)
When she said that with a sigh, I ended up averting my eyes feeling pathetic. It’s just as she said. Just like this girl, 10 years younger than me, said, I’m not suited to fighting. Let alone Souichi and others who got extremely combat related gifts from the G.o.ddess, I’m certain that I cannot win against even this magician girl. It was really pathetic, yet I had no retort.
I wonder what she thought of me, or maybe she lost interest.
“Well then, please excuse me.”(aya)
Giving a bow, Fuyou-san walked away straight towards Souichi. In her stead, Yayoi-chan pointed her palm towards my left arm. Just as I felt warmth, my fatigue and pain began to disappear.
“This really is convenient. Magic and miracles. It really is a fantasy world eh?”(renji)
“fufu, you’re saying the same things as Inoue-san.”(yayoi)
While shaking my now recovered arm, Yayoi-chan laughed.
As expected, it’s better when they’re laughing like this. I don’t really hate frank people like Fuyou-san but, I’m simply bad at dealing with them. Also, I’ve yet to see her smile even once. How should I say this, she’s always acting so strong. I think, that girl lacks the composure right now as well.
“Please don’t hate Aya-chan.”(yayoi)
“Un?”
“Well, she’s really severe when talking with people she doesn’t know too well you see?”
“Ahh……well, I don’t really mind it.”
“That’s fine then.”
No, but well, yeah..
Fuyou-san herself was currently talking with Souichi and Hiyuu-san who was also training.
“Aya-chan’s worrying for you in her own way. So that everyone can return home safe and alive.”
“I know. Yayoi-chan, you’re really kind, aren’t you.”
“fufu, well then, if you’ll excuse me.”
Saying that, she walked away towards Souichi as well. The Brave sure is amazing. Even though I am so alone, he’s surrounded by 3 beauties. One of them is her sister though.
While gazing at the sky, I gave a sigh. I need a weapon. A weapon to kill G.o.ds. So that I don’t become a burden. Even if I’m unable to fully protect them, I at least want to fight alongside the kids.
Oh G.o.ddess. You still have not fulfilled my wish.
As I looked at Souichi, surrounded by soldiers, a sad feeling lingered in my chest. Shaking my head, I gave a deep sigh, and let go of that thought with a wry smile.
———-I want to become a hero as well.
Just then, feeling a bit curious, I took out the medal given to me by the G.o.ddess. A golden medal. Except for the embedded gems, there was nothing too peculiar about it. That G.o.ddess said that it was a weapon to kill G.o.ds. This simple looking medal. Am I supposed to buy some great weapon by selling this? I can’t understand it at all. Yesterday, even Utano-san told me that maybe it was a failure.
(T/N: back to present)
“Puhahahaha—-th,this doesn’t suit you at all!”
“What are you laughing so hard at, you fly!”
“Who did you call a fly!?!”
[………noisy.]
As I tried to comb down my hair with gel, the girl lying on my bed started laughing at me. Does this not suit me that much? Even though I was just cursing outside, in my heart, I grew worried. The number of things you could use to groom yourself in this world could be counted on your hands. I am somewhat aware of those, but in the end, it’s just half a.s.sed knowledge. Rather than this, it would have been easier to just have worn some fancy armour like when I met the King. At least, all I had to do then was just put it on.
The girl on my bed——a fairy with doll like features, Anastasia, was rolling while laughing not minding that her dress was getting crumpled as she did that. At times, a white cloth could be seen underneath that dress as she rolled around as well. That said, I’m not that big of pervert to l.u.s.t after a doll like small creature. Paying it no heed, I restarted trying to fix my hair. Going by what I see on the mirror, it shouldn’t be that bad but being laughed at so much has made me uneasy. I guess that’s how human mind works.
As I put on the neat dress shirt and set the black necktie, I felt like a salaryman working in some corporate company. Remembering the old days, I felt a bit nostalgic but really, this doesn’t suit me. Not like Anastasia, but I gave a short laugh as well. That’s probably because after coming to this world, I have spent most of the time in travelling clothes.
“Ermenhilde, what do you think?”
[Well, it’s fine I guess? The problem is clothes. Do you have any remaining?]
“From what I looked, yeah. Though, I’m not sure if they’ll fit me anymore……”
Since my room was the same as a year ago, the clothes prepared for me and the arrangement of the furniture, all had been kept the same. Among those, there were many high cla.s.s clothes made of quality fabric as well. But the problem was that they were prepared for me 3 years ago. I doubt that my height has changed much but due to the muscles I’ve gained, my body size has almost grown by 1 size. I wonder if I could still somehow fit in those clothes.
Somehow, I still remembered how to tie a necktie and surprising even myself, I was able to wear it properly. All said and done, I guess you don’t forget things you’ve learnt even once.
“Eeh, how skilled.”(ana)
“I’ve learnt it after all.”(renji)
“How unusual.”
[Well, Renji doesn’t really care for appearances and stuff like that normally, after all.]
“Umu.”
“Don’t say that proudly. It’s not cool.”(ana)
Anastasia seemed to be the type that minded personal grooming as well but it was completely useless right now as all she did was laugh or sigh at me. What rude queen. Whenever I recall that she’s the top of all fairies, I become really worried for the future of the fairy race.
Well, the rest of the fairies aren’t really different from Anastasia and have having fun as their first priority.
“But still, what’s up today? It really doesn’t suit you at all though.”(ana)
“I’m going for a dinner with Aya tonight.”(renji)
[For that, I need to force the meaning of ‘appearance and grooming’ into his head. You’re being a nuisance so return already, you insect.]
“Who’s an insect, you medal woman!? ……..wait a sec.”
What’s with that surprised voice? When I looked towards the bed, the fairy who had been laughing like crazy till now stood up very docilely. It’s probably not my imagination that her expression loks angry. Maybe due to her height, she glared at me while looking up at me. It’s not scary at all though.
“Why did you not invite me!?”(ana)
“Why would I? Idiot. ”
If I did, I can only imagine what Aya would say, or rather, what she’d do to me.
She didn’t say it upfront but, I’m sure she’s expecting to go to dinner alone, just the two of us. And if I were to go against her expectations———-my body is well aware what she’d do much to my own displeasure. No, even I won’t be able to laugh it away like usual. Yeah, I can’t be acting like a child always after all. I’m 28 already. My heart’s still young but I’m at an age where I’m expected to read the mood properly.
But, Anastasia seemed like she really wanted to go to dinner with me as she was pouting right now. Is that supposed to be an objection from her? Leave me alone.
“So it’s Aya this time…..”(ana)
“What do you mean ‘this time’?”(renji)
Please don’t talk like I’m going after lots of girls. I looked at her with a fed up face as Anastasia bit her finger while making a serious face. Just what do you see me as? Or rather, what kind of character does everyone think I have? Just a while ago, even Kuuki called me out about my relationship with wome, it’ll make me cry you know? Well, not really though.
But even that aside, even Utano-san seemed to be stricter than usual about the case with Solnea. How should I persuade her? The easiest way would be to let them meet tomorrow and end it once and for all. I really want to be rid of all these false accusations. Well, I do believe that Solnea is a beauty but that doesn’t mean I’ll start l.u.s.ting after her. That’s not my personality. If I did, I’m sure one day, someone somewhere would end up getting hurt. Even the idiot me understands that. Not to mention I’ve still not resolved my feelings about Eru either, and then there’s Utano-san and Aya as well.
Harems are great, I really think that. Only when I’m not the main related/concerned person to it.