I Became a Beautiful Girl, but I’m still an MMO Junkie

Episode 109: Let’s Fight Fairly!

“When you think of a shrine, you imagine a place where gods are enshrined
or a Shinto shrine, but…”

Even though the place was called a “shrine,” it had none of the Shinto
atmosphere. It was just a simple wooden structure, notable only for being a
large, single-story building. It looked like a house from Japan’s Edo period,
with wooden doors wide open, allowing for good ventilation. This made it
easy to enter the building. Upon stepping inside, I found myself in a vast
space over fifty meters on each side. The floor was wooden, and wooden
swords were leaning against the walls, giving it the atmosphere of a dojo,
reminiscent of a training ground for swords.

“Haaah!” “Uoooh!” “Damn it, I yield!” No wonder, as Takashi the Elf and
mercenary players were currently battling it out. Three groups were
engaged in one-on-one sword fights. Other mercenary players stood against
the walls, watching the battles unfold.

“Hmm. Each person can only participate in one mock battle,” said one of the
two Takashi warriors standing near the entrance. His sharp gaze made me
feel a bit uneasy. “The format of the mock battle is one-on-one.” The battle
format is one-on-one. Items consumed during the mock battle will be
restored to their pre-battle state, and damaged weapons and armor will be
automatically repaired. Even if HP reaches zero, you will not be killed. There
are currently six people waiting. Do you wish to enter?

Upon seeing this log, I understood the nature of this “Wind Shrine.” I see.
There was even a sign at the far end of the dojo with the characters for
“Sword-wielding Wind Bell Style,” indicating that this was indeed a
swordsmanship dojo. “Currently, the ‘disciples’ of our style will be your
opponents. However, if a formidable warrior defeats the ‘disciples,’ they may
face the ‘assistant instructor’ and then the ‘instructor’ in battle.” It seems
this event was designed for players to test their skills against “Takashi”
warriors who have contracted with spirits corresponding to each shrine’s
characteristics. Here, at the “Wind Shrine,” the opponent is a wind spirit
Takashi. Moreover, since items and equipment won’t be damaged and HP
won’t be lost, I could fight to my heart’s content with the “Wind Maiden
Sylph’s Fuu” and the “Sun-scorched False Soul Sun Homunculus.” This seemed
quite enjoyable, so I immediately signed up.

“Are you going to fight, Tenshi-sama?” “Hey, angel-chan, could you at least
give us a heads up?” “Oh, sorry… I just thought that the ‘sword’ might be
related to the ‘intelligence’ stat, so I might be able to learn it. I wanted to
try fighting and see what kind of skills it offers.” “What!? Is it true that the
sword skill is related to intelligence?” George leaned in close and whispered
in my ear, his breath tickling me. I might have found it creepy in the past,
but now it didn’t bother me at all. I wasn’t sure if my senses had dulled or if
it was due to my trust in George. “I don’t know if it’s a sword skill, but it
seems like there are various styles as per that sign. But Takashi did hint
about intelligence.” “Hey, keep that a secret from the other mercenary
players. If you do mention it, make sure you get something in return.” “Uh,
okay…” “If that’s the case, I suppose it’s fine. Your turn will come soon,
angel-chan. But really, there are just too many sloppy men here…”

George glanced at the mock battle area. I looked over too, just in time to see
a mercenary player, clad in full armor and wielding a large, sturdy two-
handed axe, get his attack dodged by Takashi and then slashed across the
torso, collapsing to the floor. At this rate, it didn’t seem like it would be long
before my turn came. “Damn, I failed…” “He’s too fast!” “It’s tough to predict
his movements with a heavy weapon skill. Only a skilled mercenary player
could handle that.” “Yeah, the skill has high power, but it’s hard to hit at that
speed.” “Even though he should have high defense with that heavy armor,
Takashi’s slash dealt a lot of damage.” “Maybe his sword attacks have magic
added? Could it be related to magic defense too?”

The mercenary players on the sidelines were analyzing Takashi’s tactics.
“Look, the speed attacker with the dagger skill is down too.” “With equal
speed, the sword has a longer reach.” “He combined his movement skills well,
but he was still overpowered.” “Takashi uses a lot of tricky abilities. That’s
troublesome.” “And the guy with the curved sword skill lost too.” “He tried
several quick spells, but Takashi dodged them all.” “This is tough… He’s
quick, strong in both physical and magical attacks.” “Maybe we could win
with long-range attacks.” “But in a one-on-one fight, Takashi’s agility makes
it hard for a sorcerer to chant in time without being cut down…” “Even with
pre-battle buffs, this is the result…”

The mercenary players continued to discuss strategies to defeat Takashi.
“Next! Is there a warrior who wishes to duel?” Takashi’s authoritative voice
called for the next participant. A young man in an impressive robe stepped
forward confidently. “Hahaha! No matter how many pretty faces gather,
you’re all just frogs in a well. I, Glen, the sleepless mage, will show you the
true elegance of battle!”

Ah, I recognized that red-haired boy from somewhere—it’s Glen, the leader
of “Hyakki Yagyo.” “We won’t let the leader take all the glory!” “My spear will
pierce through Takashi!” Following Glen were the longsword and spear guys
I once fought in PvP. That horizontal slash that killed me was nostalgic.
“Here come the hardcore gamers…” “Hyakki Yagyo, huh?” “They’re better
than the previous ones, but can Glen handle a one-on-one fight?” “He can
chant and cast spells quickly, so he might manage.” “That guy’s got a useful
title.” “These guys have top-notch skills. They might defeat the ‘disciples.'”
“Yeah, Glen’s group is expected to do well.” “The Elf Takashi will test the
courage of human mercenaries.”

Watching Glen face Takashi, I noticed the elves in the shrine seemed tense.
This arm-wrestling tournament might be a reconnaissance to analyze human
strength and tactics. “How arrogant. Let me show you the elegance of true
battle.” Thus, the battle between Glen and Takashi began.

◇

“…Even Hyakki Yagyo couldn’t do it?” In the end, Glen’s team was defeated.
Longsword guy used his agility to attack from multiple angles, and his heavy
strikes seemed to put Takashi on the defensive. But those expectations were
quickly overturned. After a few clashes, Takashi skillfully angled his blade
to deflect the longsword’s strikes, causing longsword guy to lose his balance
and be swiftly cut down.

“Longswords are cumbersome when defending against multiple attacks.”
“Takashi didn’t even use barrier magic…” “That Takashi guy is
underestimating us.” Spear guy’s fight was also short-lived. His long reach
should have given him an advantage, but Takashi easily deflected his thrusts,
closing the distance and cutting him down. “It was a clear demonstration of
superior skill.” “Spear guy isn’t weak, but Takashi is on another level.”
“Damn that Takashi!”

Glen, as the leader, fought valiantly. He launched multiple fireballs at
Takashi, who dodged them with agility. However, Glen had set a trap with
red magic, causing pillars of flame to erupt at Takashi’s feet. This was the
first time Takashi took damage. “You’re caught! I’ll burn your soul along with
your body!” Glen declared, having set up the trap beforehand. He continued
to launch a barrage of fire, moving back to keep his distance. Takashi had to
use a small wind barrier to deflect the fireballs. It was clear he was
struggling with the unknown location of the traps. When Glen switched to a
wide-area fire attack, everyone thought it was over. But Takashi cut through
the flames with a cross slash.

“He cut through the magic?” “Is that even allowed?” “Takashi is
overpowered!” Takashi then created invisible wind platforms to jump and
close the distance to Glen. Glen tried to counter with a flame-covered staff,
but Takashi deflected it and struck Glen down. “…I’m up next. Mina, George.”
“Good luck, Tenshi-sama.” “Don’t push yourself.”

Now it was my turn. Thanks to Glen’s team, I had some idea of Takashi’s
moves, but I wasn’t sure how well I could fare. “Those guys lost too?” “Can
anyone beat Takashi?” Passing by the mercenary players who had been
watching Glen’s fight intently, I stepped into the arena.

“Wait, isn’t that girl next?” “Huh? She’s cute!” “Her hair is sparkling with
blue lights.” “Beautiful…” Oh, I forgot to switch my title. There were too
many spectators analyzing the fight, making me nervous. I switched from the
title “Seasoned Witch” to “Rebel at the Forefront,” hiding the hair glitter
effect and gaining a 20% damage increase against higher-level opponents.
“She changed her aura…” “From a gentle glow to a sharp, quiet intensity…”
“She’s ready for battle.” “Who is she?” “That’s the famous mercenary ‘Angel-
chan.'” “Dude, you’re a lolicon?”

Finally, it

was my turn to face Takashi. I changed my outfit to “Wind Maiden Sylph’s
Fuu.” The white sleeveless top, short skirt, and accessories added to my cute
and graceful appearance, accentuated by the fluttering ribbons. “She’s cute
and elegant!” “This is…” “Is this a fashion show?” No, this isn’t a fashion
show, but it was clear the clothes suited me well. I then switched to the
“Sun-scorched False Soul Sun Homunculus.” The red leather top and shorts,
adorned with golden decorations, added a cool and stylish look. “She’s gone
from cute to cool…” “Who is she really?”

“Thank you for waiting. Are you ready?” “Yes.” With the announcement,
Takashi and I faced each other. Takashi swung his long sword, and I
prepared to counter. “I will show you my skill.” “Then let us begin.” With that,
the duel started. Takashi charged forward, swinging his sword with speed
and precision. I dodged and countered with my own strikes, utilizing my
agility and quick reflexes. The clash of swords echoed through the dojo as
we exchanged blows, neither of us giving an inch. Takashi’s attacks were
relentless, but I managed to hold my ground, deflecting his strikes and
landing a few of my own. The battle was intense, with both of us pushing our
limits. Finally, with a well-timed feint, I managed to disarm Takashi and land
a decisive blow, winning the duel.

The mercenary players erupted in cheers and applause. “She did it!” “Angel-
chan won!” “Unbelievable!” I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a sense of
accomplishment and pride. Takashi nodded in approval. “Well done. You have
proven your skill.” “Thank you.”

I left the arena, feeling satisfied and ready for whatever challenges lay
ahead. The “Wind Shrine” had tested my abilities, and I had emerged
victorious. Now, it was time to continue my journey and see what other
adventures awaited me.