Chapter 99

"Alright, the final match of the Advanced Explorer category in the Martial Arts Tournament is about to begin! Isn't it just as expected, with the matchups being what everyone predicted—!"

It was the fourth day of the Martial Arts Tournament. While meditating with my eyes closed in the waiting room, I heard the voice of the host.

Finally, the final match.

My opponent is Oliver.

We were born in the same village and have always pushed each other to improve.

The gap in physical abilities began to widen when we became explorers, and by the time we reached the lower levels of the Great Labyrinth, the gap had become insurmountable.

Even after I converted to a Bestower, Oliver continued to grow.

In a straightforward physical contest, I can't match him.

But I haven't been idle either.

I've gained a lot of experience as a Bestower and have been observing Oliver's movements from a bird's-eye view.

I know his habits better than he does.

The strategy is the same as with Fukka.

I just need to leverage my strengths.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting! It's time to call out the two who will battle here today! First, the leader of the current Hero Party, who has reached the unprecedented 94th floor of the Southern Great Labyrinth and is also known as the 'Sword Saint'—Oliver Cardiff!"

Oliver, whose name was called, walked to the center of the arena from the opposite side.

The audience erupted with cheers at the sight of him.

"His opponent is the ace of the 'Silver Hare of the Night Sky,' who has single-handedly defeated a deep-level floor boss and is known as the 'Dragon Slayer'—Orun Doura!"

My name was called next, and I walked to the center of the arena from the waiting room.

I could hear cheers from the audience, but the loudest came from the section reserved for the 'Silver Hare of the Night Sky' members.

This battle isn't just about me.

If I win, the 'Silver Hare of the Night Sky' will have a better position moving forward.

I absolutely can't lose for that reason.

"It's been a while, Orun."

As we took our positions, Oliver spoke to me.

It's been a long time since we had a proper conversation.

When I was kicked out of the party, it was mostly one-sided, and the day after Oliver defeated the black dragon on the 50th floor, it was mostly me talking.

We haven't had a conversation in over two months.

I don't think I've gone this long without talking to someone since I was a child.

"Yeah, it's been a while. I've heard about the Dawn's achievements. Collecting the penalty magic stones in less than two months, impressive."

"…Is that sarcasm?"

In response to my comment, Oliver spoke coldly without changing his expression.

"It's not sarcasm. I just thought it would take longer for the team I know. Your successor seems quite capable."

If you're active as an explorer in Tsutail, you get some information about explorers active outside the Southern Great Labyrinth.

I did some research on the Bestower, Filly Carpenter, who joined the Hero Party as my successor.

However, I couldn't find any information on her.

Well, Bestowers are rarely mentioned, so it's not strange that there's no information.

But the final decision on the party composition is made by Duke Fogas.

Would he allow an unknown Bestower to join?

Thinking about it now, there's something off about this personnel decision.

"Yeah, she's capable. Her support magic is several levels above yours."

"…Is that so? Then are you planning to start the 94th floor expedition soon?"

"…There's no reason to tell you, an outsider."

"That's true."

"---The talk is over. Get ready. I'll knock you down just like before."

Oliver said this, and his demeanor shifted to a combat-ready state as he drew his sword.

"I know you're obsessed with the Great Labyrinth. You can't afford to lose here. But I have my reasons for not losing either. I'm going to win today!"

After saying this, I switched my focus and drew my longsword, readying myself.

"It seems both are prepared. Let the final match begin!"

◇

The match started, and we immediately closed the distance.

As we entered range, Oliver swept his sword horizontally.

I blocked the attack head-on with my longsword.

(As expected, it's heavy...)

I took a step back to create distance, resisting the shock transmitted through the longsword.

"Oliver's first strike at the start of the match! Orun is forced to take a step back. Will this be a quick finish!?"

The last time I engaged in a mock battle with Oliver using swords was a few years ago.

I can predict his movements from his preparatory actions and estimate the power of his attacks, but when I actually receive them, they are more intense than I imagined.

I don't think this was his full strength, but being able to withstand it once is significant.

"---!"

I closed the distance again and this time, I delivered a diagonal slash, which is easier to put power into.

Oliver easily blocked it with a reverse diagonal slash.

Despite the advantage of having the higher position, my sword was gradually pushed back in the clash.

I timed my move, released the force in my longsword, and bent my body to dodge Oliver's upward slash.

I then drew the short sword from my left hip and thrust it at Oliver's chest.

The blade wouldn't pierce, but a powerful strike could cause a fracture.

In this situation where healing magic isn't available, such an injury would be fatal.

Just before the tip of the short sword reached Oliver's chest, it was blocked by something hard.

This was due to Oliver's [Magic Power Convergence].

Knowing this would happen, I didn't panic and took a step back to create distance again.

(Now I know the power of his sword and the level of his [Magic Power Convergence].)

The sword was as expected; a direct hit would put me at a disadvantage.

But in terms of [Magic Power Convergence], I seem to be at a higher level.

I updated my data on Oliver with the latest information and simulated the flow of the battle.

"You still fight by running away, don't you?"

Oliver spoke as we created distance.

This is helpful.

"I don't have much of a chance if I fight you head-on."

While talking to Oliver, I considered several strategies.

"…So? Have you come up with a good plan?"

"…"

Is he giving me time on purpose?

He seems very confident. ---!?

Just as I thought he was underestimating me, he approached me at a speed that was incomparable to before.

If I wasn't used to his movements, I wouldn't have been able to react.

I blocked his slash with my longsword, but the attack was even sharper and heavier, causing me to lose my balance.

A golden mass appeared in front of me almost immediately.

"Ugh..."

I managed to create distance, and the golden mass exploded right after.

(He saw through my fighting style, huh.)

Of course, just as I know Oliver's movements and fighting style, he knows mine well.

He must have been pretending to be weaker than usual, anticipating that I would observe him.

Oliver's continuous attacks kept coming.

His movements were so fluid, it felt like he was receiving support magic, and he was pushing me into a corner.

"Here comes Oliver's rush! No one has ever survived this rush, but how will Orun fare!?"

I could block his attacks because I could predict his next move from his preparatory actions, but without that, the match would have ended quickly.

◇

"---!?"

I had been jumping back to avoid his attacks, but I was finally cornered against the wall.

"Orun is finally cornered against the wall! Is this the end!?"

"There's no place to run now. The match is decided. As a favor to a fellow villager, I'll let you off if you surrender here. From here on, I won't give you a chance to speak."

Oliver's goal was to corner me against the wall, huh.

---Yeah, I knew that.

When things go according to your plan, you don't realize you're being manipulated.

[Magic Power Convergence] isn't your exclusive domain.

I released the magic power I had been converging in the air, directing it at Oliver.

To prepare for the backlash, I created a magic barrier using [Magic Power Convergence].

Since magic barriers are classified as magic, they can't be used in this match, but it's not a problem for me with [Magic Power Convergence]. Oliver has used it multiple times as well.

When I deployed the makeshift magic barrier, Oliver seemed to realize what I was about to do and looked up.

I escaped his line of sight, kept the black mass of magic power in the air, and then eliminated the makeshift magic barrier, charging at Oliver.

Even with a surprise attack using [Magic Power Convergence], there's a high chance Oliver would counter it.

That's why I used this surprise attack as a decoy.

Oliver noticed my approach and tried to return his gaze, but it was too late.

I swung my longsword horizontally with all my strength.

"Damn...!"

At the last moment, Oliver's sword blocked mine, but I managed to throw him off balance.

I then took his back and swung my longsword again.

Again, Oliver's sword blocked it before it reached him, but I managed to corner him against the wall.

I took a step back to create distance and then released the black mass of magic power from above.

I adjusted the magic power so that it wouldn't kill Oliver on impact, and it dispersed near him, enveloping the area in pitch-black magic power.

"A moment of intense combat! And a black something explodes, attacking Oliver! Magic is prohibited in this tournament, so this is likely a special ability of Orun! Indeed, the ace of the 'Silver Hare of the Night Sky' possesses a special ability!"

I had a rule for this tournament.

I would avoid using my special ability as much as possible in battles against non-special ability users.

The presence or absence of special abilities can determine the outcome of the match.

I could overwhelm