by Virlyce
This level of magic isn’t enough to stop me. Steps of the Phantom: Illusionary Grace! If Lucia’s Steady Mountain Footwork is the embodiment of strength and stability, then the Swift Phantom Footwork is the embodiment of speed and flexibility. It’s actually extremely similar to the footwork Snow uses, the same one that doesn’t seem to work on Lucia.
The fourth prince’s smile widened. He stomped his foot down. “Grease.” A layer of light spread out from his foot, coating the arena ground.
“Ah!” Lucia shouted. Was she in danger? “My hot chocolate’s slipping away! What the heck is this?” I’m disappointed in myself for even questioning Lucia’s safety. But as her weapon spirit, I couldn’t help but turn my eyes away from the fourth prince when she had shouted—that little motion cost me. An invisible force crashed into my spear, but I had no way to support myself after the floor became as slick as oil. “Whoa, Durandal was sent flying!”
Please don’t state the obvious, Lucia. It was your fault in the first place. While I steadied myself, the fourth prince pointed his staff at me. “Thunder, trap the weasel. Lightning Cage!”
A thunderbolt rained down from the clear sky, striking the ground beside me. An instant later, a crackling cage of white lightning formed around me. I tested its strength by sending out a bit of qi. I could escape, but not without suffering some injuries.
“Fire and earth, combine your strengths. Magma Pillar!”
Heat bubbled out of the ground beneath me, and I jumped through the lightning cage. The lightning clung to me, shrinking while dancing against my skin. It felt like hundreds of snakes biting me, but staying inside would’ve been a lot worse. The pain isn’t an issue—how is he reading every single one of my moves? It feels like I’m fighting while two steps behind. It’s upsetting to admit, but a warrior is predictable, a magician is not.
The fourth prince grinned like a savage. “Darkness, roam free. Pain Amplification! Aggravate Wounds! Mana Detonation!”
The lightning circling around my body turned black, and the shocking feeling increased by at least tenfold. Everywhere the lightning touched, blood poured out as my skin was lacerated. Before I could do anything, the lightning exploded, creating craters in my flesh. How unpleasant. So this is the difference between a magician and a warrior? But I’m no longer an ordinary warrior. While the prince laughed and chanted another spell, my injuries were already healing. The wounded flesh wriggled and reconnected like mating worms.
What would Lucia do in my situation? Her attacks seize the flow of the battle, building momentum nonstop, forcing her opponent to defend without giving them a chance to strike back. It’s unrefined with no thought behind it, but it works. “Breaking Spear!”
Qi, shaped like a spear, flew out of my weapon as I thrust it forward. Lucia should have enough qi to support me if I let out an onslaught of spear qi. “A hundred Breaking Spears! No, a thousand!”
“Ah! That’s clearly plagiarizing my super-secret final technique!” Lucia said, but I ignored her. I lost the initiative when the prince greased the floor; I have to gain it back and force him into a corner. He won’t be able to plan as many steps ahead if the pressure’s great enough.
“Earth, protect me. Diamond Wall!”
My spear qi crashed and dispersed against the transparent wall that rose out of the ground, but I didn’t stop. I refuse to believe Lucia’s qi is weaker than a sixth-circle magician’s hastily formed wall! Dozens, then hundreds, of qi spears flowed like waves, crashing and disappearing against the diamond shield. Cracks formed along its surface with every strike, and Gae Bulg and Ancile stopped their struggles to stare.
“Earth, protect me. Diamond Wall! Diamond Wall! Diamond Wall!” The fourth prince shouted and slammed his staff against the ground repeatedly. “If one isn’t enough, then I’ll summon two! If two aren’t enough, then I’ll summon three! Give up! You’ll run out of qi before I run out of mana. Your master’s powering two of you.”
“Ten thousand Breaking Spears!” I believe in Lucia’s nonsensical strength! Even if she’s powering both Gae Bulg and me, she’ll last longer than the prince.
“R-ridiculous!” The fourth prince took a step back as the first two walls he summoned shattered. “You want to fight a war of attrition!? Bring it on!” He took out a potion and drank it before slamming his staff against the ground. “Earth, protect me. Diamond Wall!”
This might be the most pathetic fight I’ve ever participated in. But struggle is necessary for growth. My next fight against a magician won’t be as shameful as this one; however, right now, I’m fighting for victory, not honor! If ten thousand Breaking Spears aren’t enough, then I’ll do twenty thousand. A war of attrition may be what Lucia’s best at considering how many bones of strength she has lying around. What a foolish prince.
***
What happened to Durandal’s graceful fighting style? He’s devolved into, into…, well, something like me! He totally stole my super-secret final technique too! Ah, and he’s using up a lot of qi. How come his qi spears are weaker than my qi blades? Shouldn’t they be on the same strength if he’s using my qi? Mm, I’ll test a Breaking Blade on the diamond walls and see. “Breaking Blade!”
A red line flew out of my sword towards the fourth prince. It touched the diamond wall, and instead of crashing and dispersing against the surface like Durandal’s attacks, my qi continued through it like a hot knife through butter. It went through the second wall, and third, and fourth, and, oh, there were only four walls. I don’t understand why that was so difficult for Durandal to do. I know I’m stronger than him and Puppers combined, but the difference shouldn’t be that great, right?
“Lucia?” Durandal stopped attacking. “I thought you weren’t going to fight?”
I wasn’t planning on it, but my curiosity got the better of me. “I was testing something.”
“Oh,” Durandal said and nodded as he put his spear on his back.
“Arron!” the shield spirit shouted. He pushed Puppers back in exchange for a wound and rushed over to the prince’s side. My Breaking Blade didn’t just cut through the diamond walls. Well, at least the prince is still alive, right? He’s missing part of his arm and leg, but they’ll grow back, I’m sure. The crown prince wanted me to injure his brothers enough to prevent them from taking the throne for at least three months. I’m not sure why he wanted three months, but an arm and a leg should take that long to grow back, right? Maybe the emperor’s going to die in three months. Mm, well, that’s not really my problem. I’m technically a criminal according to the Ravenwood Empire’s laws since I ran away from the army. And killed two princes.
“This revenge for Lan,” Puppers said as he approached me, “feels a bit too easy. The years of suffering Lan went through by these prince’s hands…. He was powerless to fight back. I don’t think he would’ve expected the person who killed him to avenge his injustices.”
I’m not beating these princes for Lan’s sake, but as long as Puppers is happy, I won’t bother correcting him. “Next! I challenge the third prince of the Ravenwood Empire!”
Everyone in the crowd turned to stare at a man with a scraggly beard. He grimaced before standing up, approaching the stage. “Is there a reason you’re targeting my brother’s and me?” he asked as he climbed up. “Perhaps you’re angry at the mistreatment of beastkin in the army. I know about your past. I think everyone here does.”
For some reason, something about this prince’s face makes me want to punch it. “I’m going to personally fight him. You two can rest for now.” Puppers and Durandal nodded before standing behind me. “Let’s start.”
“Wait.” The third prince held up one hand. “Let’s talk before we fight. I can pardon all your crimes as long as you surrender right now. Swear loyalty to me, and—”
“Breaking Fist!” It’s great how his guard was completely down. He still managed to avoid the punch to the face, but I clipped his shoulder as he retreated. As expected, he flew off the stage with a loud crash. Ah, t
hat was super satisfying. What was he saying about pardoning my crimes? The crown prince already promised me that without any loyalty swearing required. “Next! Second prince of the Ravenwood Empire. I challenge you!”
A sharp-looking man wearing a blue robe with a popped collar appeared on the stage. Was that teleportation? Maybe it was a movement technique; I didn’t sense any mana. “Hello, Lady Fluffytail,” the second prince said and bowed. “You’re challenging us princes because of my brother Algar, aren’t you? There’s no need to deny it. It’s obvious my brother has a hand in this.”
Algar didn’t say I had to keep the deal a secret, but it was obvious he didn’t want anyone else finding out. The second prince smiled at me—his face isn’t as punchable as the third prince’s. All the princes really do have different mothers, huh?
The second prince glanced at Algar. “Whatever Algar is offering you, I’ll offer double.”
“Really?”
“Really.” The second prince clasped his hands behind his back. “I’m in charge of the empire’s finances. Algar’s in charge of the military. Who do you think has more wealth to spare?”
Does that mean I’ll receive two times the land, two titles, and two mansions? “Deal!”
“Wait!” Algar shouted and ran onto the stage. “I can offer more!”
The second prince didn’t even look at his brother. “Whatever he’s going to offer now, I’ll double it. You just have to cripple him instead of me. I imagine that shouldn’t be a problem with your strength.”
Will Algar offer even more now? I looked at him, and he gritted his teeth. A barrier went up around the three of us as he waved his hand. “No one can hear our conversation,” Algar said. “I’m willing to give you a third of the empire’s lands. Everything in it will be yours.” He glared at the second prince and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Then that means he’ll give me two-thirds?” Whoa. That’s a lot more than what I expected, but I’ll take it!
The second prince winced. “Two-thirds of the empire is a bit much,” he said. “And I don’t believe Algar has the ability to gift away a third of the empire. He’s no good at politics. He might be capable of leading an army, but he’ll make a terrible ruler. As soon as he gives you that land, the nobles will revolt.” He smiled at his brother. “I, on the other hand, am more than capable of giving you a third of the land. I assure you there will be no issues with the transfer. Not only that, but I will send the best aides to help your land grow and prosper.”
“Half the empire,” Algar said. “So what if the nobles revolt? You and I are both capable of shutting them down by force.”
“Half the empire is still doable,” the second prince said, stepping ahead of Algar. He knelt on one knee and grabbed my hand. Is this how princesses are treated? I’m really liking this prince more than Algar. “And once again, I assure you there will be no issues on your end. Whatever Algar can do for you, I can do it better.”
“I concede.” Algar sighed and shook his head. “The only method I have now is to appeal to your honor. You and I made a deal. Are you willing to break it?”
“Breaking Fist!” Bye, Algar. I looked at the second prince. “When do I get my land?”
The second prince smiled at me. “As soon as my father dies and I become the emperor. A doctor determined he has three months left to live. It’s a pleasure doing business with you; I concede this fight.”
***
After Lucia concluded her deal with the second prince, she challenged Daniel, who was in first place, and won without a fight. It seemed like they had already dueled before with Lucia winning an overwhelming victory. The demon prince had directly surrendered and challenged the second place person, claiming his spot at the top of the list next to Lucia. Once that happened, the competition began in earnest, and everyone picked their opponents.
Lucia had pulled out a pillow and blanket, giving Gae Bulg and me the orders to take on any of the challengers for her. I wanted her to watch the following battles, but after I watched them for a bit, I realized they wouldn’t help Lucia in the slightest. There weren’t any warriors who had crossed over to the divine realm. But I did learn more about magicians and how they fought. I think I should give my throwing knife skills a refresher. They seem like they’d be useful against a magician. Why does a sword spirit know how to use throwing knives? Well, that’s what happens when you’re trapped in a secluded space for millennia.
But surprisingly—or is it unsurprising?—no one’s challenging Lucia. I’m very disappointed. I was looking forward to educating the future leaders of the world.
“Ah!” Lucia sat up as if she had just suffered through a nightmare. “I was supposed to take care of Ilya Number Two! How’s she doing?”
“She’s around rank 200 right now.” I’m surprised she’s not last considering her age. Even if her sword is enchanted with a divine inscription, she’s still just a child.
Lucia hopped onto the stage. “I challenge Ilya Number Two!”
“You’re not allowed to challenge anyone,” Cain said from his position in the sky. “You’re first place.”
Lucia furrowed her brow. “Then, Ilya Number Two challenges me,” she said and nodded. “Get up here!”
Mirta rose to her feet and approached the stage. She hesitated before climbing onto the platform. “Um, Lucia?”
“Argh.” Lucia fell to her knees and clutched her chest. “I’m defeated. Good job, Ilya Number Two. Go take first place.”
“Um.” Mirta’s mouth fell open before she raised her head and blinked at Cain. “Is, is that okay?”
“Of course it’s okay!” Lucia said and appeared behind Mirta. She picked up the poor elf child and tossed her towards me. I caught her and placed her onto the first-place cushion. “If anyone challenges you, just surrender right away. I’ll be sure to cripple them and give you the spot back. Now, I challenge the person in third place!”
For the longest time, I thought Lucia was a simple person. I still do. But there are times, times like these, where she does things I would never think of. Blatantly abusing her power to control the outcome of a competition that happens once a decade between the three empires, only she would think of doing something like this. This is a slap in the face to all the top brass. …I like it. A person whistled past me and crashed into the coliseum wall. Oh, it was the third place person.
“Ilya! Do you want third place?” Lucia dusted off her hands and placed them on her hips.
“I’ll climb up by myself,” Ilya said from her seat. “But I appreciate the offer.”
Lucia shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
“What about me?” Reena asked, raising her hand into the air. I don’t think Lucia would take good care of you, Reena; you look too much like Snow.
Lucia scratched her head. “Err, I did bully you quite a bit, huh?” Her eyes narrowed. “How about this? Make me an offer I can’t refuse.”
“Now she’s even selling the spots!?” someone shouted. “Lord Thunderfire! Isn’t this too much?”
Cain yawned. “If you have the power to sell positions in this competition, then go ahead and sell them. I’m just here to prevent deaths.”
Well, it seems like Lucia’s going to make a tidy sum today. “Is, isn’t this wrong?” Mirta asked and tugged on my pants. “She shouldn’t be allowed to do that, right?”
Ah, the innocence of children—untainted by the cruel, cruel world. Time to ruin it for her. “Might makes right. Since Lucia is stronger than everyone else here, no one can stop her from doing what she wants to do. That’s how the world works.”
“No way….” Mirta’s expression darkened. “But, but that’s not right!”
“That’s life.” Was Lucia right? Am I really a sadist? Just because I love seeing people in despair doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with me, right? Everyone revels in schadenfreude sometimes. “If you don’t like it, then you have to get stronger. It’s that simple.”
“But some people work rea
lly hard, and it takes them a really long time,” Mirta said, biting her lower lip. “Grandma worked really, really hard, but it took her a long time to be as strong as Lucia. It’s not fair.”
“Correct. Talented people are blessed.” I’m more surprised by how Lucia remained hidden for so long. I wonder if the emperor is kicking himself for not realizing he had a genius within his army that he was treating like shit because of prejudice against beastkin. I bet his expression was glorious when Lucia sent the crown prince flying. I wish I was there to witness it. Maybe I really am a sadist.
“And we have a winner!” Lucia’s voice echoed through the coliseum. “Come up and fight me, and I’ll surrender.” Moments later, a rich-looking demon magician sat on the third-place cushion. And Lucia shouted again, “Fourth-place person, I challenge you!”
Am I destined to never have an honorable master? Perhaps it’s because both Roland and Lucia grew up poor that they respect wealth so much. If I had been a noble’s weapon spirit, I’m sure my experiences would’ve been much different. But it’s not a bad thing to be raised by Roland and Lucia. Well, not too bad of an experience. There are some times when I wish Lucia wasn’t so perverted and more dedicated towards training. After all, the stronger Lucia becomes, the stronger I become. But I suppose after today, I’ll have fulfilled my promise to Lucia—making her a legend. Using her strength to manipulate the outcome of the Godking’s Brawl while ignoring the nobles’ wishes. Negotiating a deal to claim half the human empire. Receiving a divine enchantment. There’s no way Lucia’s not going to be famous after this with all she’s done.
22
Whew, I worked hard. I managed to sell all the spots up to the twentieth place. Around the twenty-first, no one wanted to buy it, so I just reclaimed my spot at the top of the leaderboards while giving second place to Ilya Number Two. And Ilya took advantage of the fact that the third-place person was weak and claimed it for herself. Then she beat up Ilya Number Two and claimed second place. I’m glad everything worked out in the end. As for Reena, she ended up in sixteenth place or so after promising to be my servant for a year. Of course, I didn’t accept her offer, but I felt bad for her and gave her the victory out of pity. No one should have to sell their freedom for any reason. Except Puppers, but he was born to follow orders so he doesn’t count.
