level_act13d5_08_beg

卡西米尔 8上

Team battle?

It's a two on two, a rather uncommon competition format. Originally, to showcase the teamwork within the Knightclubs, it should've been at least three on three or four on four.

No matter the format, you don't have a Knightclub, so we need to find you a partner.

Oh... Who am I up against?

The competition schedule says it's the Snowyheel Knightclub.

...They have some decent archers, and even one knight that uses meteor hammers. I don't know who you'll end up against.

Maria's finally reached the point where we'll know her opponents by name alone, huh.

Ahaha......

I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing...

Maria, defeating Tytus is definitely something worth celebrating, but it also means that there will be a lot more eyes on you.

Draw on the lessons you learned from Flametail and Ashlock. Don't tip your hand.

It's important to compromise and work with the corporations when you have to. Times have changed. You can't hold onto your glory with wins alone.

...Why didn't you help me convince her last time?

I did have a proper conversation with Maria after you slammed the door——By the way, you broke my door that time.

Ugh. I'll cover it...

Where's V and Kowal?

It's 'that day.' They're not back yet.

Ah... They're at the gravesite. Shit, I wanted to ask if he could help repair Maria's equipment...

Just use his workshop.

He even said so himself, one time last year, drunkenly. If you ever wanted to, Maria, he would gladly pass on his workshop to you.

Eh?! Why haven't I this before?

Either way, he's still sworn to never touch the anvil again.

*Sigh*... Even after so many years...

It's hard enough for anyone to let go of the past, let alone us oldies who have nothing but the past.

Lets forget about them for now. Maria, you'll need to fix up your equipment yourself.

And then... Do you have a partner in mind?

Me? Umm...

D-Do I actually not have any knight friends?

That's why I wanted to introduce you to someone. A known quantity is always safer than getting a random stranger assigned by the Association.

Err, who is it?

The Fartooth Knight. She's an expert archer.

Just like you, she fought her way up as an independent knight, refusing to accept sponsorships from the corporations. I've heard she's even planning to form a completely self-sufficient knightclub.

I think you'll be able to get along, and cover each other's weaknesses in battle. You'll come to understand that team battles are completely different from melees or one-on-ones.

If only we had more time, you could get to know each other better on the training field. Unfortunately, you'll have to improvise.

...O-okay.

This is the disadvantage of being an independent knight... Temporary allies fighting against a battle-hardened team will always be at a disadvantage.

I wonder what she's like... I'm a little nervous...

This is our third time passing this street today.

Ah, yes, Mr. Czarny...

You're very accustomed to such work. Running between the various arenas and joining in countless teleconferences.

Ah, no... There's nothing to be said for someone like me...

Your appearance is somewhat sloppy. One's appearance is also an important bargaining chip, is it not?

A-Apologies... To be honest, I was unemployed not too long ago... So...

Oh... What has that got to do with this?

I don't dislike employees like you. Only those who have fallen to rock bottom are able to understand the cruelty we face. It is only when you have acknowledged it, that you will be able to make satisfactory decisions.

Remember each and every word I have said, each and every action I have taken.

Eh? Ah, the meeting minutes for the Snowyheel Knightclub? Don't worry, I've prepared——

No no no, their sponsor is an old friend of mine. They won't trouble us much.

It's just for a particularly insignificant...working habit of mine.

...Maria.

Hm?

You know I never approved of you becoming a competition knight, not since the beginning.

Eh, huh? Where did that come from? I knew that already...

But you've proven yourself.

Though it was always by the skin of my teeth...

Rather than your motivations, platitudes, promises or whatnot... Winning in the arena is the only proof of your determination.

Even though you're still very naive.

Ahaha......

Maybe...it's your desire to win back the glory of the Nearl family that makes you so strong.

——Though it was just a fluke, being able to take a point off Tytus means your upcoming opponents should be manageable.

You've developed your own Arts techniques, but it doesn't seem to work against particularly strong opponents, unfortunately.

For example, if the Left-hand Knight had fought seriously from the start, you would've probably lost even if there were four of you.

I can teach you swordsmanship and tactics, and you can ask V about archery techniques. He may not look it, but back in the day V was an expert your granddad respected.

——But when it comes to Arts, you are the only one who can grasp your light.

Got it?

Mm-hm!

Yes... Even though there were unexpected incidents, our plans are progressing on schedule.

What? No, you're overestimating our clients. There will definitely not be any condemnation from the audience. They're not a particularly moral bunch.

Yes, you're right. I am very thankful for the two... helpers you've provided me.

I will ensure that they all receive an excellent report.

Bless you, sir.

...And now, everything is ready.

Let us await the beginning of this remarkable competition.

Oh... you're back.

Didn't they promise no rain? Why'd it still end up raining...?

Hmph... You really can't believe all that crap they put on TV, whether it's news, sports or weather forecasts.

What about Maria! Ain't the competition today?

I've got food and wine for the both of you.

How was it?

...Whaddya mean how was it? It's been so long... There's a few less this year too.

Always less of us to visit the captain's grave.

*Sigh*... She said she'd challenge me to a drinking contest, but she left before the booze was even poured.

...Forget it, it's all in the past.

Yeah... Who'd have expected that the two of you really stayed single your entire lives for her sake.

Stop twisting the knife. Out with the wine!

That's right! Enough talk about who's still alive and who's not. We're here to enjoy Maria's performance!

Cheers, Kowal!

Cheers! V!

Here's a great bargain for today, self-service for all drinks. Help me watch the joint.

Oh? Is it free?

In your dreams.

Where're you going?

The arena.

Huh? You got ahold of a ticket?

...I got someone to get me one. Tickets nowadays are so overpriced.

That's called business.

Good day, sir. Here's the midday sports news.

Thanks, kid. Have some milk.

Nice! Thank you, sir!

The midday sports news, huh——

——Wait, what's this?

Welcome! Welcommme, one and allllll, to the Fireblade Arena!

The previous match just ended, and the blood of the 'Softwind' Knight still stains the ground. But that's just seasoning for the next battle!

No doubt, everybody's here today to witness the splendor of Nearl——! This lassie here may yet be young, but she's already done miracles before our very eyes!

We'll have an extra short break. In just ten minutes the temporary duo of Maria Nearl and the Fartooth Knight will——

Go against this year's rookies——The alliance of vengeance formed by elites of past years who've failed to enter the Major——The Snowyheel Knightclub!

A brand new legend versus the blade of vengeance, in an all-new two-on-two point match. What an unbelievably thrilling sight! The match shall begin soooon!

Maria, your wounds?

Right! They're much better now! It's all thanks to you taking care of me!

Alright, I believe you.

...Mm!

Hmm, she's late... Fartooth has always been bad with time.

It doesn't matter, as long as she makes it here before the match——

Miss Maria! Miss Maria Nearl! Please head over to the waiting room and get ready! We're about to begin!

Ah. It's about to begin...

I'd better get going, Zofia.

...Yes.

...Zofia? Where's Maria?

Marcin? Why're you here?

Oh... I get it. You're still waiting for the Fartooth Knight.

She's not coming.

——What?

Here, the sports page.

Hmm... The Fartooth Knight... seriously injured?!

She got dragged into a fight between knight fans and is now MIA.

At least, that's what the paper says.

Wait...she got dragged into a fight?

This must be fake. What kind of fan violence can cause a battle-hardened knight to 'disappear'?

Wait... could it be...

Right now, the question is what do we do for the match?

Something is wrong, Zofia. Just think about it.

Maria has to forfeit! We're out of time, follow me——

No rest for the wicked, eh——What? You still think we're letting them rest too much? Come on, we've got to at least act like we're clearing up the battlefield, alright?

How many of you are here for Nearl?! How many of you want to see the lovely Nearl?!

Speaking for myself here, as someone who's followed every step this super rookie has taken, I've personally watched this prize pool grow to the king's ransom it is today!

Let's look at the numbers! Right here, right now, in every city, every village in the country, the crowd watching this fight is in the hundreds of thousands!

Who do we have to thank for this?! I'm sure we all know!

But! I have some tragic news. The Fartooth Knight suffered heavy injuries in the incident last night and remains missing!

Even so! Maria did not choose to forfeit! She steps into a two on one fight completely undeterred!

Let me see how much her bravery means to each and every one of you!

Presenting——The hottest rookie of this season! Nearl's little knight, Maria Nearl!

Oh no, is she not here yet? What should I do...?

...No, I can't give up easily. To give up before I've even begun is to disrespect knighthood!

Knighthood...yes, knighthood.

And on the other side! Two veterans of the Snowyheel Knightclub!

Back in their old Knightclubs, they failed to make it into the Major two seasons in a row. Looking for a way out, they finally ended up together in this Knightclub of vengeance!

The two members of the Snowyheel Knightclub here today are also well-known knights! They are——

A sudden deafening sound interrupts the announcer.

Wait, what's this? Am I seeing things?

N-no, there's a weird smell, it's really gross——

What's happening?!

Heavy footsteps resound within the twenty thousand seat arena.

As people regain their senses, the entire place remains silent.

...Ugh.

A rare occurance in the world of knight sports. In a place that should be packed with vivacious enjoyment, tens of thousands of tourists and spectators hold their breaths, as if listening for the source of the footsteps.

The first to grasp it are VIPs on the grandstand, themselves knights.

...Is that fog on the field? Originium Arts? Or some special equipment?

Is there anyone like that in the Snowyheel Knightclub... hmm...?

...No. Not them. It can't be them.

That's——

...Those are, ugh, knights?

——Kowal!

I know! I know! Let's go!

That thing... They're trying to kill Maria!

Miss, all teams are in position.

Don't be so nervous. We're here to stop anyone from coming into the arena.

...Yes.

But if we have to stop——

If that Młynar dares try anything... I'll deal with him.

Even though it'll be a huge pain... *Sigh*.

Ugh, so these are the Snowyheel Knightclub's...

(Hey! What's going on? The deal for the day was——what? Huh? I can't figure out which of them is——)

...The Snowyheel Knightclub's——

The 'Corrupted' and 'Withered' Knights!

The expected cheering does not materialize, as silence envelops the audience.

Naturally, the first thought in their minds is that of terror.

However, they soon come to realize that this terror is not for themselves, seated in the audience, but for the young girl who has not yet understood her situation.

This cruelty brings about a striking round of applause.

This... Isn't this too scary?

...Nearl is going to fight these two all by herself?

Hey... Isn't this going to be an amazing show?

Alright, then let's start the ma——

What——

Target hit.

——Guh!

Why so... ugh?!

Guh... Shield, very durable. Not easy.

No matter... Kill her, not difficult.

T-They're already exchanging lightning-fast blows before the match has even started! Is this a problem? Of course not! In fact, the match started the moment the knights stepped onto the field!

Can Nearl turn this around?! Or will she choose to forfeit early——

(What? Not allowed to forfeit...? This... urgh, fine.)

——Within each of your hands lies the only way to turn the tide! Invest your money in the pitiful Maria! Maybe those simple little toys will be her key to victory!

Ugh... This fog... What is it?

My Arts are being suppressed...? My wounds, I can't heal them...?

Agh... ouch...

Target... Losing ability to resist. Kill her, quickly, like an accident.

Understood...

(No, don't even think of giving up, think of a way to——)

(These two Sarkaz...are twins? Their Arts are almost the exact same——!)

Then... let's try again!

(Eh?)

T-This is unbelievable! What just happened?! There was a sudden explosion on Maria's body, and the Corrupted Knight followed up with a hit that sent her flying!

(Was that Withered? Corrupted? Does it matter anymore?)

Nnng——!

*Cough* *cough*... *cough*.

Blood...? Why... why aren't my Arts working?

She is vomiting blood... the Arts have taken effect.

...Fester, wither, decay... I can smell her death. She cannot escape.

Maria! Forfeit the match! Quickly!

Tsk——

Let me go! Marcin!

Do you want to die with her?!

Mph——

——Dying together is better than Maria dying alone!

Zofia!

Hurry up, Kowal!

D-Don't run so fast. I'm not a Kuranta——

Sorry, you're not allowed back here.

You——

Former level-2 campaign knight, Vogelweide. Or should I say, Batbayar.

Your bloodline had you fighting all over the world. You got to run and howl across the prairies of no-man's-land.

And you, senior craftsman of the Craftsman's Guild, Kowal.

Your master was a great blacksmith, respected by the Silverlance Pegasus, and your apprentices are still out there on the front lines even today——

You're both fine, upstanding Kazimierz citizens. Could you just, like, leave?

...The way you talk ain't nothing like that lil' girl I once met, Platinum.

Hm. You know?

Yes, we know. Of course we know.

We have a personal grudge with some of your bosses.

...Ah, so that's how it is.

I heard that the last Platinum's first job was to assassinate a campaign knight. A really pretty lady, named——

——Shut up.

...Funny. Another leader dying for a woman, in the end.

Maybe working this job too long really does screw with your head. *Sigh* I gotta take a vacation, go traveling...

Stop wasting time with this crap! Are you the ones messing around with Maria?!

...Keep watching the perimeter. I'll deal with this.

...Yes.

So you have helpers after all. Why not call them out?

I really don't want to fight you. Can we not just take a step backwards?

Hah! That's funny. An assassin of the Armorless Union has a soft heart?

Don't worry, I won't go all out against a young lass like you. When you've given up, we'll be off to rescue Maria——

V——!

I... I'm fine. Just a scratch. I just didn't expect her to draw her bow that quickly and accurately...

Yeah, she's done talking. She might be young and immature——

But she's still above the dregs of the Armorless Union, as the Platinum in that 'one-two-three inverted triangle' of theirs.

Umm... I'll take that as a compliment?

Get ready, Kowal. Let's see if you've still got it.

Hah! I've long suspected that you're half-blind now, V.

Alright, alright. To you two feisty olds——

——Don't sprain your backs.

Are you leaving now?

Yes, time is tight.

Then... Please be careful. Please, please be very careful.

Don't worry so much... She's still with you, right?

...Yes.

Don't worry, it's fine. I swear——knight's honor.

Y-You don't need to do that. Go on, I believe in you.

Good.

Have a safe journey.

Yes, thank you, Liz.

*Cough* *cough*... *cough*.

(My wounds are rotting, I can't heal them...! Losing blood... It's cold...)

Faster than Mr. Szewczyk... Bigger than Mr. Ingra...

These two——

Should I forfeit?

No, just hold on, I can still——

...Hit. She should have fainted. You, go.

Guh... Boring fight... Just smash her head in.

Go, quickly!

...The Sarkaz raises his weapon up high.

The sun shines brightly on the girl trying to regain her balance.

Ugh, *cough*...

The blood on the ground, the metallic taste in her mouth, ears buzzing, head spinning, the fragrance of dirt after rain.

She tries to support her body with her hands, but gives in to the intense pain.

(Old wounds... Hands...!)

Guh... It's over.

Nnng...

Maria lies on the ground, unmoving. This sorrowful scene is reflected in the Sarkaz knight's emotionless eyes.

Suddenly, her vision brightens.

Perhaps the clouds blocking out the sun have dissipated, or perhaps the angle of the sunlight just happened to pass through the building's shade.

The next moment——He hears a thunderous sound. All the cells in his body are warning him, telling him that he must act immediately, that he must strike this defenseless little knight——

His vision brightens even more.

At the same time, the warhammer in his hand flies off, knocked away by someone.