Chapter 66. The Martial Tournament - Day 2
The second day of the martial arts tournament.
Today is the magic division matches.
The magic division matches are flashy and popular with the audience.
Additionally, the spectator seats are protected by defensive magic, so even if stray spells fly into the stands, they won’t break through easily.
And since killing your opponent is forbidden, holding back is necessary.
In other words, it’s a bit unsuitable for me, as holding back with magic is difficult.
Even after realizing how hard it is to hold back with magic, I continued my magic training and practiced controlling my power. But as my magical abilities improved, so did the potency of my spells, making it even harder to hold back.
I even thought it might be faster to develop non-lethal spells.
I’ve created a few new spells, like a lie-detection spell and a magic net spell.
I also made some flashy and powerful spells, but they’re more for intimidation.
Using a magic net to capture someone might be the easiest way to hold back with magic right now.
I’d like to learn better ways to control my power in human combat using magic.
Or so I thought.
“Since the preliminaries, I’ve been thinking… everyone’s going all out, aren’t they? They’re barely holding back at all.”
“It wasn’t like this before, but things have changed this time.”
“What happened?”
“It’s because of you.”
“Me?”
“You succeeded in training healers. Now, even if people get hurt, they won’t die from minor injuries. So, there’s no need to hold back. It’s easier to use powerful spells to incapacitate your opponent than to wear them down with weaker ones. It also doesn’t interfere with the next matches.”
What a turn of events.
The healing magic meant to treat the injured and sick has become a factor in increasing the number of injured.
Well, thinking about it, it makes sense.
If people know they can recover from serious injuries, they’ll take more risks.
As a result, the number of injured increases.
Still, the mortality rate should have decreased, but it’s something to think about.
“It’s okay, Jun. If more people get hurt, it’s their responsibility. It’s not something for you to worry about.”
“That’s right, big brother. More people are definitely being saved, and it’s just stupid to think it’s okay to get hurt just because there’s a hospital now.”
“That’s right, Jun. Your achievements are undoubtedly significant. You should be proud.”
Thinking I was down after Father Aslad’s words, Ai and the others comforted me.
“Ah, well, I don’t think the increase in injuries is your fault either. That’s not what I meant. Sorry.”
Even Father hurriedly tried to reassure me.
I was just deep in thought, though.
“It’s okay. I understand, Father. If the number of injured has increased because of the hospital, then we’ll just have to take measures to address it.”
“N-no, it’s not your responsibility. You don’t have to do anything about it.”
“It’s okay, Jun. Leave that matter to your father. Right, dear?”
“That’s right, Jun. That’s the job of Aslad, the leader of this country. Right, Gaul?”
“Yeah. Aslad, handle it properly.”
“R-right.”
Father shrinks under everyone’s accusing gazes.
Sorry about that.
“Well then, the next match is about to start. Are there any matches worth watching?”
Ai desperately tries to lighten the mood with a cheerful voice.
I can’t keep making everyone worry like this.
“Right, I know someone in the next match. Oh, there he is.”
“Who is it?”
“One of the three idiot brothers is over there.”
Gordo Zuol’s headache.
One of the three idiot brothers, Allen Zuol. The eldest.
“Wasn’t he a secret weapon? Is it okay for him to participate in something as high-profile as the martial arts tournament?”
“The ‘secret weapon’ thing is probably just a way to keep their stupidity under wraps. It’s for their own good.”
“Yeah, that’s about right.”
“So, they couldn’t keep it hidden anymore and decided to join the tournament, huh?”
If he’s made it to the main event, he must be quite skilled in magic.
“So, who’s his opponent? Oh, I know this one too.”
“Know them? A girl?”
“Yes, the mysterious masked swordswoman’s companion. The quiet one.”
That masked girl and the middle-aged man are no ordinary people.
If she’s their companion, she might be quite skilled too.
I’ll keep an eye on her.
“Jun-sama! If I win, please marry me!”
“No, that’s impossible. Absolutely not.”
Is he still saying that, that idiot?
And in front of so many people, no less.
If he thinks there’s a reason to pretend to be a man, he shouldn’t be saying that in public.
“What an idiot.”
“He’s such an idiot.”
“What a fool.”
The verdict is unanimous: he’s an idiot.
“Alright, let’s go, girl! I’m reluctant to fight a child, but I have a reason I can’t lose! If possible, surrender before you get hurt!”
With that, Allen creates about ten fireballs and hurls them at the quiet girl.
But the girl immediately creates the same number of water orbs to counter and extinguish the fireballs.
“Hmph! Not bad, girl! You’re on par with me!”
Allen says that, but they’re not evenly matched at all.
“They’re not evenly matched. The quiet girl has the upper hand.”
“Huh, really? Her water orbs are disappearing too, aren’t they?”
“Not completely. Look closely at Allen and his surroundings.”
The water orbs that weren’t completely extinguished gradually wet the ground around Allen.
After three exchanges of fireballs and water orbs, Allen is completely soaked.
“Once she’s spread enough water around Allen, all that’s left is…”
“Gyaaaaaah!”
“Ah, it’s over.”
All it takes is a lightning spell on the wet ground to finish it.
“She’s pretty good. Did she plan all that from the start?”
“Probably, yeah.”
She intercepted all of Allen’s fireballs without missing a single one.
She adjusted the power of her water orbs to be slightly stronger, slowly soaking Allen.
Then, a lightning spell on the wet ground.
It’s a feat that requires considerable skill.
Allen wasn’t bad, but he was just outmatched.
That quiet girl might be one of the top contenders for the magic division.
But she really doesn’t talk much, does she?