Ken yo, kaku katariki – 117

25 – Student Battle, Finals 3


The rules for the student group battles were very simple.
4 against 4. Freedom of weapons and of magic. However, the game would end the moment that the leader was defeated.
But in spite of the simplicity, it was among the most popular when it came to the student battles.

There was a great variety of strategies. Just focus on the leader, or go the other way and surround them. Formations changed in seconds, dispersing, closing in, attacking individually… Magic flies through the air in every direction.
It was no wonder that it was popular.

“The day has finally come.”

In the center of the field, paved with stone.
Bailey nodded to Roy.

This was the 5th student battle.
Viskinel against the Imperial University. Both had won 4 and lost 0.
It was clear that these two teams were different from the rest.

The excitement of the spectators was about to reach its peak.
This was really going to be the defining moment.
And so they waited eagerly for the gong to ring.

In the center of the field, Bailey could sense their passion.

“Do you remember, Roy? That promise?”

“Yeah… How could I forget.”

…Bailey had been a dexterous child.
It was as if he could do anything that he put his mind to. He was always the center of attention. Always the leader.
But Roy was awkward and quiet…always worried about what others were thinking.

At first, it might have been pity.
Not wanting to leave the lonely boy by himself.
However, they eventually became true friends.

At that time, they had watched the tournaments, and longed to be a part of them.
…And so they promised that they would fight together in the ring one day.
But…

“I was not a genius, Roy. It took me four years to get here.”

One was called a king, while the other lived in the shadows.
As his friend shone, Bailey felt powerless, wretched and pathetic.

But still. Now.
They were here.

“Draw your weapons.”

Said the referee, and they drew their weapons.
Bailey had a one-handed sword, while Roy used a great sword. They raised them so that they crossed towards the sky.
This was a custom before the fight, and showed that they were the leaders.

There was great applause, and they lowered their weapons. Then they turned away and walked back to their teammates.
And then a deadly calm.
Before the coming storm.

◆ ◇ ◆

‘Let the second battle begin!’

The countdown, and then the buzzer.

“Arrrrghhhhhh!”

Roy’s shouted tore through the air.
As soon as it started, he charged in a straight light. He has a speed to match a car. If he hit directly, it would be a one hit knockout.

There were two general patterns for how the group battles ended.
Defeat the leader, or those around the leader.
Especially the rear guard… Defeating the magic users was especially important.

Magic was powerful, but it took time to activate it. Though, there were some exceptions. Freaks who were able to unleash powerful magic in an instant. But that was rare.
And so the common perception was that magic arts users were weak when you got close to them. Ideally, you would be able to use both magic and swords, but it was difficult to master both.

The Imperial University had an incredibly aggressive style, where their leader would break the enemy formation, and the others would launch vicious followup attacks.

But they were now met…with what felt like a storm of bullets.

“What…!?”

Roy’s eyes widened a little.

The magic that came flying was like small grains. And there were so many of them.
It could not be from one person. Perhaps all of them were creating this wall.
It was a very simple art, and took little skill. But now that it was being fired like a gatling gun, it could break rock, causing a great cloud of dust to rise into the air.

“Too weak!”

But Roy swatted them away like flies, and with his strengthened body, continued to charge. Of course, the attacks did not even scratch him.
Magic on such a small scale could not stop his advance.

However…

“No, that is you, Roy!”

Bailey jumped out of the dust while holding up a shield. And they crashed into each other.

“Arrghh…!”

Both were blown away.
The impact and sound shook the stadium.

“Not bad…”

“I have to do this much, in order to survive his training!”

Bailey sweated and laughed.
He had only stopped the charge, but his hands were numb. It was a ridiculous force.
Suddenly, Roy looked around. At the dust that still hung in the air.

“Could it be…”

He then turned around, but…
Bailey had already moved within striking distance.
A thrust aimed at his neck. Roy dodged and was forced to take a step back.

“I see… Division!”

“You’re quick to catch on.”

Bailey smiled.
The dust had still not settled. At this point, it was clear that it was being held up with magic.

“The magic arts looked like it was to block the charge, but it was actually to create cover.”

Bailey wanted to divide the advance and read guards. Stop Roy, and then beat the rear guard in the meantime. When fighting against one strong person, it was best to crush the support, and then surround him.

Roy chuckled as he saw how he had taken the bait.
Indeed, the dust prevented him from grasping the situation. He could not expect any support now.
And…

“I won’t let you retreat, Roy.”

“…I see. You think you can stop me by yourself?”

“Aye.”

Bailey could not help but shudder as he said it.

Two years ago, when he was a 2nd year, he had not even been chosen to compete.
Last year, he had finally been able to, and lost in the preliminaries.
And the whole he had been watching Roy fight in the tournaments.

His old friend was now so far away.
How many times had he gritted his teeth over it.

“How interesting…!”

Roy laughed and raised his great sword.
Bailey could tell at a glance that there were no gaps in his guard.
He was weaker than this man.

(And so. Don’t smile at me like that.)

He could not feel proud about finally keeping his promise.
He felt scared.
But…

“Come, Roy Belms…!”

Bailey howled as he held up his sword and shield.

Next Chapter


Thanks for reading. I recently picked up a new series. Please consider checking it out!

Kamigami – Mottomo Yowaki Hangyakusha –

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