Chapter 98

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Even though the battle hasn't started yet, I can feel fatigue accumulating.

(Not good... I can't see any way to win no matter how I attack...)

The battle has been going on for a while, but I've been struggling to make any progress.

Fuuka remains cool and calmly adjusts her stance to counter my next move.

If this continues, I'll be the one to collapse first...

However, it's not like I haven't gained anything.

Through several exchanges, I've learned a fair bit about Fuuka's [Future Vision].

First, how far ahead she can see. It's probably just a few seconds, and certainly no more than ten seconds.

Second, the future she sees isn't set in stone.

If it were, she wouldn't need to react to my movements.

Every time I change my actions, she changes her response.

If this were just a bluff, I'd be at a loss, but I have to assume it's real.

After all, if my assumptions are wrong, I have no chance of winning.

It took a while, but I've gathered all the information I needed.

(There's no other way...)

My strength lies in adaptability and the ability to respond.

I'm confident that in these two areas, I can outperform most people, even the strongest swordsman, Fuuka.

I can't use magic.

I need to allocate all the capacity I usually use for magic to this attack.

No matter how far ahead she can see, Fuuka is still human.

She has her limits!

With my resolve set, I close in on Fuuka.

Naturally, Fuuka, who can see the future, tries to respond optimally to my actions.

—The moment I see the signs, I change my actions.

(Feints are meaningless. Move as if you're really going to take that action!)

I change my actions dozens, even hundreds of times as I close the ten-meter gap.

I move so quickly, almost like a reflex, faster than my thoughts can keep up.

As I enter sword range, changing my actions each time, my sword—

"Ha... ha... ha..."

My sword stops just short of Fuuka's neck.

If I hadn't stopped, the blade would have definitely reached her.

Fuuka stands there, eyes wide, unable to move.

As I expected, seeing multiple futures in an instant has overloaded her information processing, leaving her in a state close to mental paralysis.

"... I didn't think such a method existed. I couldn't move."

Fuuka speaks in her usual calm voice, but her expression suggests disbelief.

"Ha... ha... ha... I'm glad I caught you off guard. Is this a win for me?"

From pushing my mind to its limits, I feel a heavy, dull sensation, similar to when I overuse magic.

If I push any further, I'll definitely get a headache.

"Yes. In a real duel, I would have died. —I lose."

"Hey, it's a decision...! The winner is Orun!"

Fuuka's surrender is announced to the audience by the MC.

Naturally, many in the audience are unsatisfied with both the process and the result, leading to an even greater storm of complaints.

I can understand their frustration, but I'm taking this seriously, and they're just saying whatever they want...

There was no way to win a fair fight, so it can't be helped.

I was able to win this time because it was a battle with set rules.

Such a strategy wouldn't work in a martial arts tournament.

Allocating all the capacity I usually use for magic just to reach Fuuka with my sword is something I'd be too scared to do normally.

If I had to fight Fuuka in any other situation, I would focus on how quickly I could escape. It would depend on the circumstances.

And I think this method is a one-time surprise attack.

Next time, she'll have a counter.

"... Why didn't you use your full strength?"

As I pull back my sword, Fuuka asks a question.

"... What do you mean?"

I don't understand the intent behind Fuuka's question, so I respond with a question of my own.

"You were more serious last time."

"Last time? During the joint hunt?"

I ask, and she shakes her head.

Then when?

"At the Flokheart Guild. Your movements were sharper than usual."

Ah, that time.

When Fuuka says "serious," she means [Layering].

"That's a buff from an original magic. It can't be used in this tournament where magic is forbidden."

"... ? Magic? Isn't what's needed to remove it a spirit word using qi?"

Fuuka tilts her head and points out.

Another 'qi'...

And removal? What is she talking about?

I can't seem to understand Fuuka sometimes.

"... I see. I didn't understand why you defeated the black dragon, but that's what you meant."

When I look puzzled, she seems to accept it on her own.

"Even though it might not make sense to the current Orun, remember. I am your sword. Even if the world turns against you, I will fight by your side."

... Turn against the world? What is she talking about all of a sudden?

Combined with the mental fatigue, I can't understand the intent behind Fuuka's words.

With that, Fuuka walks towards the locker room.

'Though it was a rather anticlimactic conclusion, the two finalists have been decided! First, the [Hero] Oliver Cardiff! And his opponent, the [Dragon Slayer] Orun Doura! The match will begin at 10 AM tomorrow! Tomorrow, finally, the strongest explorer in Tsutail will be decided! Don't miss it!'

As the MC's hype reignites the audience's cheers, I also return to the locker room.

This is how I advanced to the finals.

Next is the battle with Oliver.

I know his movements as well as Derrick's, if not better, but he has actions I don't know, like [Mana Convergence].

Like Fuuka, he's not an easy opponent to beat.

Thank you for reading to the end.

I apologize for the shorter length this time.

I will update the next chapter as soon as possible.

I would be happy if you could read the next chapter as well.