NOVEL NEXT Chapter 317 - Heidemarie vs Rune
Heidemarie vs Rune
Once again, they took a ten-minute break to clean the venue, which was flooded. It’s incredible that they can repair it in such a short time. Apparently, there’s going to be a longer break after this match. It can’t be helped because there aren’t that many contestants. It would be too much for the contestants if they just had match after match.
…Apparently, that’s not the case for the adults’ division. The Demon Continent really is soft on children.
“Goot was amazing, huh. I wonder how I’d fight in that situation…”
“Hmm, Meg, if you fight Goot, it’ll be in the final round, and that means I’d lose!”
“That’s not what I meant!”
I was just thinking about how I’d deal with someone who’s so fast, what I would do, and Asuka got sulky. Ah, ah, that’s not what I meant! Just as I was waving my hands, flustered, Asuka burst out laughing.
“Ahaha, I know! You were just wondering what you would do, right? You’re so fun to tease, Meg!”
“Asuka…?”
I was worried that you were actually upset! Ugh, am I that easy to tease, even for Asuka? I’m a bit depressed.
“It’s important to watch your opponent and think about how you would fight. Even if they’re not someone you’ll be fighting, it’ll make you stronger.”
“You’re right. It would also be good to think about Myke and Pia, who unfortunately lost. It’s possible they might have won… if the compatibility was better.”
I was relieved to get that advice from Gil-san and Saura-san. That’s right, there’s no harm in thinking, and I’m sure it’ll be helpful! Asuka stuck his tongue out, saying, “Sorry, sorry.” Hmm, it’s cute, so I forgive you.
But it’s true, compatibility really does matter. If there’s an obvious difference in ability, then it might not matter, but if they’re evenly matched, then compatibility often decides the winner. Because this is the Demon Continent, after all. Strengths and weaknesses vary greatly depending on the race. A fire race would have an advantage against a plant race, but a water race would have an advantage against a fire race. And those who fight on the ground will struggle against those who can fly, so compatibility is incredibly important.
“Hmm, but Meg-chan, you’re strong because you’re an all-rounder. If you just improve on your over-reliance on magic, then you’d be unstoppable.”
“Eh!? You don’t mean that!”
I couldn’t help but exclaim at Kei-san’s words. He’s exaggerating! All-rounder, it does sound nice, but that also means a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It’s true that I can use all kinds of magic, and that I can adjust the power, but I’m not sure if that makes me strong. Being able to use the right kind of magic, the appropriate amount, at the right time, is what’s important, I think, but it’s really hard to instantly assess the situation and actually do it.
And I’m also terrible physically, so unstoppable’s an exaggeration. Gil-san, when I said that, then spoke up:
“But it’s true that she’s formidable, being able to continuously use magic without getting tired. Like the Don.”
“And with the Don, there’s also the fear… that you never know what he’s going to do…”
I-Is that so? Schlie-san shuddered slightly at those words. What kind of fighting style does Dad even have? I think Saura-san’s traps are also quite unpredictable.
“You never know… what Meg’s going to do either.”
“Ah, I was also thinking that, Ronny. Even when I’m fighting Meg, I never know what she’s going to do next.”
Eh, really? People always tease me, saying I’m easy to read, so that’s strange. Well, I’m basically always talking with Shou-chan, and the spirits take care of my defense without me having to ask, so I can focus on attacking… ah, I see. That’s it.
“It’s fun to fight the Don! It’s like a surprise box! Let’s fight when you get even stronger, Meg!”
“Shut up, you battle-crazed idiot.”
I-I don’t want to fight Juma-nii! It’s terrifying, he just keeps smiling and coming at you, even if you hit him. Like a zombie. A laughing zombie… that’s terrifying. Saura-san, thank you for saving me.
『Sorry for the wait! Let the third match… begiiiin!』
That cheerful voice suddenly resonated throughout the venue. I’m always surprised, because it’s so sudden! It’s startling, even if it’s a cute voice.
『The third match is Heidemarie, from Schutor, versus Rune, from Annulus! It’s a battle between girls! These two, who seem complete opposites, both in appearance and personality! I wonder what kind of match it’ll be!』
『I’ll be one of the commentators for this match, Mara, from Schutor.』
『 Wow! Mara-san, you’re incredibly beautiful! Even I, as a woman, am mesmerized!』
『Ufufu, thank you. I’ve never done this before, so I’m a bit nervous. I’ll do my best.』
What’s with this healing atmosphere… Mara-san’s voice alone has changed the whole venue! I can clearly see that even the announcer, Karina-san, is mesmerized. Mara-san, laughing and saying she’s nervous, is so adorable!
『…Ah, I’m the other commentator. Diega. Is it really okay to have me here?』
And then Diega’s awkward voice. I completely understand how he feels. I see, they’re going in order. This commentator duty is a rotation. Mara-san’s clear voice, giggling and saying, “You’re needed,” was lovely. He might actually be necessary because it calms things down a bit.
『Ah, the contestants have entered! The cool, black-haired beauty with gold eyes, and the fluffy, creamy-haired beauty with twintails! They’re going to grow up to be incredible women, I’m sure of it! Maybe they’ll even get more admirers at this tournament!』
『W-What!? I won’t allow it! If you’re going to approach Rune, come to me fiiirst!! 』
…Are all fathers like this? I was speechless, sympathizing with Rune, who’d shouted, “Dad!?” her face bright red.
Now then, I’ll observe Rune’s opponent. She’s so beautiful. Her long, silky, black hair is incredibly pretty. Her tail and ears, which are the same color, are fluffy. Those gold eyes stand out, and she has a mysterious aura. Her expression remains unchanged, she has a cool image. I don’t know if it’s just because she’s nervous, but I wonder what kind of person she is. According to the information, she’s a fox, right? She spreads darkness, like a cloth, and then fights with it. I’ll have to pay close attention because I don’t really understand what that means.
『So Rune’s also competing in her human form. Diega’s guild is so strict.』
『H-Hey, just like you said before… that makes it look like I’m forcing them. Those two just insisted on doing it, you know!』
『Oh, is that so? They’re so motivated, I’m looking forward to seeing how they grow!』
I admire those two, for having goals. They’re my friends, and I’m so proud of them! Hehe!
『They’re now in the center! The judge’s lowering her hand… and the match has begun!』
It’s started! I’ll be fighting the winner of this match… ugh, I’m so nervous. I want to cheer for Rune, but I also have to watch carefully. Focus, focus.
“Huh? She’s not using a magic circle?”
My eyes widened at Heidemarie, who’d suddenly produced what looked like a black cloth right after the match had begun. I’d assumed they’d both be using a magic circle, just like Myke and Pia. I think Goot was using one too, it was just too fast for me to see.
“That’s a Race Specific Magic. The principle is the same as my Shadow magic.”
“Race Specific… Magic?”
“Hmm? You don’t know about them?”
Gil-san answered, but I ended up even more confused because of that unfamiliar term. I kind of get it, but I’d like for him to explain. I nodded slightly, asking for clarification.
“It’s exactly as it sounds, a special magic that can only be used by that race. Like how I can move through shadows. All races have unique traits, but only about thirty percent can use Race Specific Magic.”
“So they’re kind of rare?”
“That’s right. Those who can use it are considered Rare Demi-Humans.”
Come to think of it, I’ve heard about them before. I think Dad was saying he was envious of Gil-san’s Shadow magic. I see, so that’s what they’re called. I’ll remember that.
“Eh, wow! It’s darkness! Those parts where she swings that cloth are turning pitch black!”
“Hmm, that’s interesting. So she’s creating darkness…”
I see, Gil-san can’t create shadows. He uses the shadows that already exist, so maybe that’s why he’s interested in that magic that creates darkness. But Gil-san also uses Light magic, to create shadows, so he has no weaknesses. He’s incredible.
But right now, I need to focus on the match! Heidemarie’s controlling that large, black cloth, which is even larger than her, like a living creature. The area where it passes turns pitch black, it might be obstructing vision. Rune’s swiftly avoiding it. I wonder if something happens if you touch that darkness.
“She’s avoiding it because she has a bad feeling. That would be the correct course of action if she instinctively feels it’s dangerous. Rune’s avoiding it, so there’s probably a good reason.”
Schlie-san answered Asuka, who’d apparently been thinking the same thing. I see… but it’s only natural to think that, with all that darkness. And that darkness doesn’t seem to stay, it disappears after a while, so it looks like there are limitations. Maybe it depends on how much magic power’s used.
『Heidemarie continues to attack! It looks like Rune’s only defending, but… is she struggling?』
『No, it’s actually the opposite.』
『Eh, the opposite?』
『Yeah, Rune’s aiming to instantly get close, and Heidemarie’s creating darkness to prevent that. Rune’s the one pushing. But Heidemarie’s also attacking whenever she has the chance, so it’s not like she’s only defending.』
『You’re right, it’s quite interesting to watch.』
『Is that so? Hmm, it doesn’t really look like anything’s changed, for ordinary people like Karina-chan.』
I listened to the commentators and nodded. Because even though she’s avoiding the darkness, Rune’s still trying to get close to Heidemarie. I think it’ll be over if there’s even the slightest opening. Rune’s incredibly focused.
『Oh! Rune has vanished! Wh-Where did she go!?』
『My my, it looks like even Heidemarie’s lost sight of her.』
The match, which had seemed like a stalemate, took an unexpected turn. Rune suddenly vanished. Where did she go? I thought that for a moment and then recalled. If her race’s as its name suggests, then…
『Th-There she is! She just appeared from the ground!』
She was moving underground! She appeared with a loud thud, and then appeared behind Heidemarie and produced a magic circle at her feet. I didn’t flinch this time! I did tremble a bit, though.
She then used Earth magic. It was a strange sight, the ground rising up and pushing Heidemarie’s back. And the venue now has mole trails everywhere. Wow, they have to clean this up again!
Just as I thought Rune would push her out of bounds, Heidemarie vanished into the darkness. Eh? Where did she go!?