Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 35
“The direction of the Rainbow Dragon is ‘Soul’s Guidance’ Soushi! First appearance in the main event!”
As I raised my mace and stepped onto the stage, a roaring cheer erupted from the crowd.
“The direction of the Dawn Tiger is ‘Water Lily Lion’ Somyule! Four-time main event participant, with her best record reaching the finals!”
The cheers for her were even louder, mixed with excited shouts that seemed to carry a hint of admiration.
Having reached the finals in the past, she was widely recognized as one of the top fighters in the Empire. With her stunning beauty, she might very well be considered an idol of the Empire alongside Princess Marishielle.
While I was lost in thoughts that seemed out of place, I was taken aback when I saw her responding to the cheers, lifting a spear in her right hand while cradling five more in her left arm.
She thrust the five spears into the stone floor, keeping just one in her hand as she walked toward the center.
As we approached each other, we lightly tapped the tips of our weapons—my mace against her spear.
“I didn’t expect you to wield multiple spears. I look forward to learning from your martial techniques.”
“Normally, I would save this technique for the finals, but Count Okuno, you are a formidable opponent like Princess Marishielle. I will give it my all.”
We stepped back to our designated positions, wishing each other good fortune. Now, the third round was about to begin. My focus was sharp, and I could clearly see the faces of the distinguished guests in the audience. I had to win, not just for myself but for Freinir, who was praying for my success.
“Begin!”
With the call to start, all I could do was advance. I positioned the Immovable Fortress Wall in front of me and began to walk toward Somyule, keeping her in my sights.
The distance was thirty meters. I could reach her in no time if I ran, but she possessed the Swift Run skill. A chase would not favor me.
I noticed Somyule exhale softly. She raised the spear in her hand with one arm, drew it back… and then hurled it.
The Orichalcum spear flew gracefully, leaving a faint golden trail as it arced through the air.
Its speed surpassed that of a magical spear, and by the time I realized it was coming, the tip was already right in front of me.
Of course, I lightly shifted the Immovable Fortress Wall to intercept the spear head-on. The impact was far beyond what I expected from a thrown spear, sending a slight tremor through my left arm.
“Ugh…!?”
Before I could savor the aftermath, the next spear was already hurtling toward my side. So this was the purpose of wielding multiple spears—a relentless barrage of consecutive throws. As I deflected one with my mace, another spear was already targeting me from the opposite side.
My feet came to a halt. Each thrown spear packed tremendous weight. It likely carried a high-level Penetration skill, and a direct hit would deal significant damage.
However, if I could withstand all six spears—this was indeed a naive thought.
The number of thrown spears had already exceeded six, and I had lost count after thirty. The reason this was possible was that any spear blocked by my shield or mace would return to Somyule, soaring back toward her.
I recalled that Harsivil, a Royal Guard Knight of the Vermilian Kingdom, had used a similar skill. He also employed spear-throwing attacks, but to do so with six spears required considerable mastery.
Yet, I couldn’t afford to stand still. I continued to advance while deflecting the spears. Ideally, I wanted to shatter them, but I didn’t have the luxury to swing my mace wildly.
“This is where I get serious.”
Somyule declared from ten meters away.
In an instant, her figure vanished. She had used Swift Run to circle to my right. There, she threw another spear. Swift Run again, and she launched another from a diagonal rear position. Then, she leaped upward, performing a double throw in mid-air. Did she possess the Jump skill as well? After landing, she threw yet another spear, then dashed left with Swift Run to throw again—
Her movements were a whirlwind of position changes, launching consecutive throws from every angle. Each spear altered its trajectory slightly. I had no choice but to stand my ground, responding to the Orichalcum flashes coming at me from all directions.
I would block what I could with my shield, deflect what I could with my mace, minimizing my movements, and simply focus on defense.
However, this was a particularly troublesome assault for me. I had considered using Shockwave as a last resort, but the moment I swung my mace, several spears would likely strike my body.
Based on the impact I felt through my shield and mace, I might withstand a single spear, but I had no confidence against multiple strikes at once. That was the level of threat I was facing.
I had no choice but to wait for Somyule to exhaust her stamina. With her continuously unleashing skills, she must be burning through her energy. This was likely a technique meant for short, decisive battles.
As I calmly assessed the situation, I felt as if someone was laughing at me.
You are the leader of a party. Moreover, you are called a hero and have already received a title that doesn’t suit you, like Count. Are you seriously going to wait until your opponent tires out?
“…You have a point.”
I was no longer in a position where I could just focus on my own performance. Whether I liked it or not, I had to be conscious of how I was perceived.
And then—I released the Mace of That Which Equalizes All Things and the Immovable Fortress Wall.
With my freed hands, I grasped the incoming spears head-on. One, two, three.
My grip strength, combined with the Iron Grip skill, ensured that once I had a spear in hand, I would not let it go. The spears were trying to return with tremendous force, but in a simple test of strength, there was no way they could surpass me.
Four, five—at that point, Somyule ceased her throws. Holding one spear with both hands, she positioned it at her side and glared at me.
“I never expected to be countered in such a manner.”
“Desperate measures, I suppose.”
The five spears I held in both hands had already lost their returning force. However, if I let go, there was a possibility they would fly back to Somyule. I had no idea how powerful her earlier skill was.
I shifted the five spears to cradle them against my left side and lifted the Mace of That Which Equalizes All Things with my free right hand.
“Allow me to show you my strength.”
The distance was about fifteen meters.
As I swung my mace back, Somyule sensed the danger and attempted to create distance with Swift Run.
In the end, this turned out to be fortunate for her. Had she charged forward, she would have been caught by my counter Shockwave.
The invisible force I unleashed, imbued with destructive power, struck Somyule mid-backstep, sending her slender form flying off the stage in an instant.
“The match is decided! The victor is ‘Soul’s Guidance’ Soushi!”
“What was that just now!? Was that Shockwave!?”
“There’s no other explanation. But that power at that distance… he must have been holding back.”
“It was clearly a weaker swing. But grabbing those spears with his bare hands was absurd. His reaction speed is off the charts.”
“I can’t even comprehend it anymore.”
As I stood on the stage, listening to the murmurs around me, Somyule finally returned, having recovered, and extended her hand for a handshake.
“I concede. I didn’t even understand what you did at the end. Was it Shockwave?”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s my only weapon.”
“Hehe, Count Okuno, you have quite the sense of humor. Please take good care of Princess Marishielle with that weapon of yours.”
“…I will do my utmost to ensure she is satisfied.”
I wasn’t entirely sure what she meant by “take care,” but it wasn’t the time to ask for clarification. I simply agreed and left the stage.
As I walked down the corridor back to the waiting room, I suddenly felt a gaze and turned around to find Momental standing there.
When our eyes met, he murmured, “It seems your next battle will be against Count Okuno.”
“My Karma is strong as well, so please don’t let your guard down, Momental.”
“Indeed. But I will be the one to win, so there’s no need for concern.”
When he replied, Momental wore a vacant smile that seemed unsettling. Unable to grasp the meaning behind that eerie grin, I could only furrow my brow and respond, “May fortune be with you.”