The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

Chapter 181

The next day .

Right now I'm over at Zaga's & Bon's shop together with the girls .

As usual, Bon and Rollo start creating a fairy tale-like scene .

They perform some mysterious dance together .

On the side, Rubia was messing around in order to join that fairy tale .

The girl and the mysterious dwarf .

They depart on a journey across an unknown, wide world with Rollo as their companion .

While I was imagining such wild, weird story, I present a portion of the Magic Black Soft Steel to Zaga .

Let's give this Magic Black Soft Steel to Mysty as a gift, too .

"Isn't that Magic Black Soft Steel, a product of the labyrinth? …You're giving it to me?" (Zaga)

He might not need it, but still .

"Yeah, I mean there's no point in me holding onto it . Take it as souvenir . " (Shuuya)

"What should I say… You're a generous man . Are you trying to make me cry!?" (Zaga)

Zaga looked at me with tears welling up in his eyes .

"I will be happy as long as you're pleased with it . " (Shuuya)

"Of course I am, thanks . " (Zaga)

Zaga wipes his tears away with his thick arm and bows his head .

"You're welcome . " (Shuuya)

"I'm really happy…it's a rare metal that can be used to combine Refined Demon Steel and Demonic Silver Ore…" (Zaga)

At once Zaga appears to look forward towards combining raw materials usable for his work .

"Next up, Bon then . " (Shuuya)

"Encha?" (Bon)

I presented the fishing rod clad in mana to Bon who's playing around with Rollo .

"Enchant!" (Bon)

Interrupting his mysterious dance with Rollo, Bon bows very politely .

Then he runs over to me, grasps the fishing rod and hugs me .

Given that he's small, it simply looks as if he's rubbing his face against my thighs .

However, he's truly, very happy .

I lightly stroke Bon's back .

Seemingly having had enough of the hugging, Bon raises the fishing rod overhead .

"Encha…" (Bon)

He mutters his Encha, obviously deeply moved in some way .

He repeated some unique dance to show off his happiness by alternatively raising both hands and both legs with his round eyes sparkling in happiness .

Rollo reacts strongly to this .

She jumps as she makes sure to lift her paws in turns while twisting both her hind legs together to an obvious extent, and repeatedly unleashes air punches .

…Oh damn, this got a charm that lures me in as well .

Are we going to undress and form a different world happatai? 1 Argh, I have to pull myself together .

"…Rubia, I'm going to give this to you . " (Shuuya)

Rubia laughed as she watched Bon's happatai dance, but ran up next to me once I addressed her .

I give her the silver-threaded dress .

"Whoaaa…Shuuya-sama, I will cherish it…thanks . " (Rubia)

Rubia hugs the dress at her chest .

Apparently deeply moved, tears accumulated at her eyes, just as it happened with Zaga before .

At that moment…a chilly air drifts over from around me .

Rebecca, Viine, Eva, and Yui have forced smiles and chilling looks .

"Such kindness is poison for us, isn't it?"

"Nn, nasty poison . " (Eva)

"Yes, I agree . Master being happy as well really pierces my heart . " (Viine)

"Since that girl called Rubia looks very happy, it makes me happy too, but I still got mixed feelings . " (Yui)

Yui said while placing a hand on her chest .

"Don't pull such a face . We might be able to get some treasures again once we dive into the labyrinth . I will give you something at that time . " (Shuuya)

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it――!" (Yui)

Yui hugged my arm while bending one leg backwards at an acute angle .

"That naturally includes us as well, right?" (Rebecca)

"Nn, Shuuya?" (Eva)

"Master…" (Viine)

Rebecca, Eva, and Viine look at me expectantly with heartrending expressions .

『Your Excellency, I'd like some mana . 』 (Helme)

Helme mumbled while appearing in my visual field .

『That's what I thought . Here you go . 』 (Shuuya)

I gave mana to Helme .

『Aauuh, thank you very much . 』 (Helme)

Helme, who disappeared out of sight, raised a voice that felt pained .

Accordingly I focus on everyone .

"…Of course . " (Shuuya)

"Yay . " (Rebecca)

"Master!" (Viine)

"Nn, Shuuya, love you――" (Eva)

So in the end it comes down to me being hugged by everyone .

"Shuuya-sama!" (Rubia)

Seemingly unable to control herself, Rubia jumps at me as well .

"Enchant!" (Bon)

"Nyao . "

Bon-kun and Rollo apparently thought we were playing around, and thus hugged me as well .

"What, is that a trendy game nowadays?" (Zaga)

Zaga looked at us while revealing a curious expression .

"Something like that . Everyone, please get off me . " (Shuuya)

The girls separate from me while smiling .

"Shuuya-sama, you're popular, aren't you…?" (Rubia)

"That's certainly true, isn't it? Ah, you were called Rubia, I think? My name is Rebecca . I'm Shuuya's sweetheart and chosen bloodkin . Best regards . " (Rebecca)

"Eh!? Sweetheart…bloodkin? Ah, yes, please treat me well . " (Rubia)

"Nn, I'm Eva . Also one of Shuuya's chosen bloodkin . We're in a relationship of having sworn our love to each other . " (Eva)

Seemingly having received a shock from Eva's talk about love, Rubia eyes become dyed by depression .

"Auuaah, love, you say…? Okay . Please treat me well, Eva-san . " (Rubia)

"I'm Yui . I'm Shuuya's chosen bloodkin and his very first girlfriend . We're in a relationship of loving each other . " (Yui)

『I cannot overlook this . I will…』 (Helme)

『Helme, I do understand . 』 (Shuuya)

『Okay . 』 (Helme)

Visibly shocked, Rubia's face had become pale .

"S-So many…" (Rubia)

"Of course I have exchanged a marriage vow with Master, too . I'm a chosen bloodkin, a <Head Servant Leader> . " (Viine)

Viine shakes her silver hair in triumph, and faintly inclines and pushes out her slender chin At the same time she folds her arms below her breasts, emphasizing her huge breasts .

…Now then, it's not like I came here to cause a fight between women .

Rather, I came here as proof of friendship .

"Yes…it's different from the other day . Everyone is Shuuya-sama's subordinates, family, and…" (Rubia)

Once again a swaying, black shadow was about to emerge behind Rubia .

"――Rubia, don't be so depressed . I came here today because I wanted to meet you, Zaga, and Bon . " (Shuuya)

"Ah, okay! I'm very happy about you having come here to meet me . " (Rubia)

The shadow vanishes midway, and Rubia nods cheerfully while smiling .

"Enchant!" (Bon)

Bon-kun gives Rubia a thumbs-up in order to encourage her .

"Nyaon . "

Obviously imitating Bon, Rollo lifts one paw and unleashes an air punch .

"Fufu, cute! Rollo-chan, you sure like Bon-kun――" (Rubia)

Rubia crouches down and caresses Rollo's head .

Apparently happy, Rollo twined her tentacle and the end of her tail around Rubia's hand .

Ah, I think I should tell them about my home, too .

"Zaga, there's one more thing I've got to tell you . I actually bought a house . " (Shuuya)

"Hoh, so you finally got one? Where is it?" (Zaga)

"It's a former dojo located in the center of the Martial Arts District . It's a big mansion with a courtyard . It's unexpectedly close to this place . " (Shuuya)

"Oooh, you bought that vacant mansion over there? The arena is nearby, and there are many martial arts practitioners in the neighborhood . Even among my clients there are several who live in that district . " (Zaga)

Zaga seems to know the place .

It might be famous because of its huge plot .

"It looks like the news about your and Bon's skills have already spread, Zaga . " (Shuuya)

"Gahahaha, the clients increased before we noticed, even though we were just doing our work . " (Zaga)

He can confirm an increase in clients .

If capable adventurers and martial artists see Zaga's and Bon's skill, they are sure to be pleased with it right away .

"…So, as for my mansion, are you going to come over and have a look next time?" (Shuuya)

"Sure . I will take Bon and Rubia along to visit as soon as we have a break from work . " (Zaga)

"Got it . But, sorry if I'm busy at that time, okay?" (Shuuya)

"Don' worry 'bout it . " (Zaga)

Zaga smiles broadly .

"Well then, we've got other business to attend to, so it's about time…" (Shuuya)

"Really? We have some new labyrinth specialty called sweetened bun or something like that Rubia hoarded on the second floor . " (Zaga)

Sweetened bun…

I wonder whether it's the sweetened bun I know…for a moment I hesitate due to the feeling of wanting to have a look, but I have to sell the magic items at the prince's place .

"Sorry man, I'm interested, but it'll have to wait for next time . " (Shuuya)

"Understood . " (Zaga)

"Shuuya-sama, please visit us again, okay? The best time would be when I'm not busy as adventurer…" (Rubia)

"It'd be great if we can match our timings like today . " (Shuuya)

"Yes!" (Rubia)

Rubia looks happy .

"…Is everything going well with your clan?" (Shuuya)

"We broke through the second floor . Right now we're hunting on the third floor . " (Rubia)

"As expected of the Healing Rubia . " (Shuuya)

"…So you knew about this name…how embarrassing…" (Rubia)

"Haha, is it? Isn't it a nice nickname? I was somewhat proud when I heard of it for the first time . " (Shuuya)

"Proud of me…really?" (Rubia)

"Yeah, of course . " (Shuuya)

"I'm very happy . " (Rubia)

Rubia breaks into a broad smile with an expression full of confidence .

And she tightly presses the dress I gave her against her chest .

"Well, we've really got other business, so let's stop here . " (Shuuya)

"Okay!" (Rubia)

"Enchant!" (Bon)

"Nyaon, nya . "

Rollo responds to Bon-kun who waves goodbye with his hand .

While walking through Zaga's, Bon's and Rubia's mansion, I turned my eyes towards my <Head Servant Leaders> .

"We will head to the prince's place next . " (Shuuya)

"Nn, prince, prince-sama?" (Eva)

Eva mutters, and turns her pretty, violet eyes my way with question marks written all over her face .

"Is that true? I haven't heard anything about some prince, though . " (Rebecca)

"Master, you're going to sell the magic items, aren't you?" (Viine)

"So Viine knows about it…" (Rebecca)

Seemingly unable to stomach that Viine knows something she doesn't, Rebecca scowls sullenly .

"Prince…is that about a royalty's prince…?"

Yui suddenly revealed a worried expression with a feeling of restlessness upon the word prince .

"Yes, royalty . He's governing Pelneet . He became my patron the other day . " (Shuuya)

"Patron, you say…*cough**cough* R-Really? Then it would be better if we wore clothes of a higher class if we're going there next…" (Rebecca)

Rebecca says while looking at her own clothes with a coughing fit .

She says something like that, but the blue ribbon braided into her blond hair is cute . The light, silver-threaded one-piece, the thin snakeskin waist belt, and the slit skirt, which all used a blue hue, suit her nicely, too .

"Wow! I have only seen royalty from a distance . " (Yui)

Yui's expression changed from a worried to a somewhat excited one .

"Nn, me too . I was never taken along to balls or informal social gatherings by my father . " (Eva)

Eva apparently recalls her past .

She cast her face down a bit and her voice at the end of her sentence faded a bit .

"It looks like the Second Prince was pleased with Master . " (Viine)

Viine says, obviously proud of me .

"Come on, nevermind all that and let's go . " (Shuuya)

I wave my hand .

We went outside the store .

I get on RollodeenHorse Lion with everyone, and we head straight for the eastern Noble District where the Second Prince lives .

Soon after we arrived at the prince's residence with its vast plot . Rollodeen easily jumps across the gate and we trespass to the entrance door .

A great number of soldiers wearing half blue half red armors gathered .

We were almost attacked by them, but,

"My name is Shuuya Kagari . I'm an adventurer under contract with the prince!" (Shuuya)

Once I give a loud greeting, it becomes noisy, but Galkiv, one of the Great Knights, reacted to my voice and came outside, quelling the uproar .

"…Good grief, the only guy who would boldly trespass into the residence of royalty while riding a mysterious familiar, a cute black lion, is you . " (Galkiv)

"Sorry . I ended up entering in an elated mood against my better judgment . " (Shuuya)

After apologizing, I explained to Galkiv that I came to sell magic items to the prince .

Thereafter we head into the huge mansion while being led by Galkiv .

Remrona seems to not be present as she's busy with work .

Passing through the same audience room as the other day, we advance deeper inside the mansion .

Rollo was on standby on my shoulder, and the others followed behind me with nervousness clearly obvious on their expressions .

"Please wait here . " (Galkiv)

"Okay . " (Shuuya)

Galkiv opens a big door leading to the prince's chambers and goes inside .

After a little while he came back .

"Shuuya-dono and the members in the back, the prince is going to meet you . Please come this way . " (Galkiv)

"Yes . " (Shuuya)

After making a light nod towards Galkiv, everyone entered the prince's chambers .

Once we go through a big room with many magic items lined up and get close to the prince's bedroom, the person himself shows up .

In a hurry I lowered my head respectfully .

"――Shuuya, huh? The ones behind you are your friends? Subordinates? Well, whatever . You found some treasures, right? Raise your head and immediately show me what you've got!" (Fals)

He's slightly excited .

The maids located on his right and left hurriedly put the clothes worn by the prince in order .

"Okay, here we go then . " (Shuuya)

I lift my head and operate the item box .

I line up the items, which were inside the golden treasure chest, on top of a table .

The straw hat, the small refrigerator, the two-handed Deglo Axe, and Wold's Magic Sword .

"Those are the items . " (Shuuya)

"Hoh, isn't there a refrigerator among them!? An ax and a sword . Going by their colors, they seem to be suitable magic items . You have already finished appraising them?" (Fals)

"Yes, the two-handed Deglo Axe is legendary . The flamberge's name is Wold . It's unique…" (Shuuya)

I explain the details of the appraisal to him .

"I see . Let's see, Liese, appraise these . " (Fals)

"Yes!" (Liese)

A small maid studies the items atop the table .

She accumulates mana in her eyes and mutters to herself…

"…There's no lie in what the adventurer over there said . It's only items with considerably high quality! It's a second type curse, but there's no particular harm even if you touch it . It's an item said to have been favored by the Spirit World's Demonic General Deglo during the Great Spirit World War . It's a magnificent, legendary class . Its effect of raising one's physical strength is tremendous . Prince-sama, you made a contract with a good adventurer! The proper price for all of it together is three large platinum coins and fifty platinum coins, I think . " (Lieze)

"Understood, Liese . You may step back . " (Fals)

"Yes!" (Liese)

The maid answered cheerfully and turned on her heels .

"Legendary class, eh? I like arms related to the Spirit World . I will buy everything, including the ax . The price will be as Liese mentioned . How about it?" (Fals)

For the time being I look at Viine's and my friends' faces .

"Master, I think the price is just right, without being too low or too high . " (Viine)

As expected, Viine replies immediately .

"Nn, Viine is well-informed . " (Eva)

"…I give up . Around that much can be expected though . " (Rebecca)

"I don't know either . " (Yui)

Probably because she likes treasures, Rebecca had been able to anticipate it to some extent, but it appears that she didn't know the exact estimation .

"Hmm, that silver-haired attendant over there is fairly excellent . It's a price that's neither cheap nor expensive . " (Fals)

Because he's collecting magic items, the prince knows his stuff, too .

I guess he demands gratitude for not running any weird negotiations .

"Okay . I will sell these items to you, Your Highness . " (Shuuya)

"Alright . Nay, Al, prepare the money . Hand it over to these people, and then arrange these goods . Shuuya, if you obtain something unusual again, bring it to me . " (Fals)

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Once the prince calls for other maids by clapping his hands, he generously addresses me, and then returns to his bedroom with a satisfied smile .

Immediately a maid appears while carrying a coin pouch on top of a muff .

The exceedingly beautiful maid hands over the coin pouch while smiling .

I received the money while ogling her, and then left the prince's chambers .

"Hah…I was nervous . "

"Yeah, me too . "

Rebecca and Yui smile forcefully while looking at each other .

"Nn, awesome treasures were lined up in the prince's chamber . " (Eva)

Eva talks like Rebecca .

"It's because it's the prince's hobby . It appears that he's the patron of many clans besides our party . " (Shuuya)

"Hee, but you did quite well to form a connection with a prince, didn't you?" (Rebecca)

Rebecca asks while gesturing by spreading both arms .

"Well, yeah . It's because I contributed to his cause in lieu of a certain incident . " (Shuuya)

"…There's really too many things I don't know . " (Rebecca)

"What should I say if even you, Rebecca, don't know about it!" (Yui)

Yui flares up while agreeing with Rebecca .

"Hey, don't say that . I will slowly explain while we move . We're going back home for the time being . " (Shuuya)

"Nn . "

"Yes . "

"Got it . "

"Going home, going home~"

"Nyaon . "

It would be fine to use the gate, but since it's the prince's residence, I refrain from too flashy actions .

We mounted RollodeenHorse Lion after leaving through the entrance door .

The rein tentacle sticks to my head .

While advancing on the main street at a comfortable pace without too much speed, I began explaining to Rebecca and the others .

"――Milord, welcome home . " (Kaldo)

Kaldo-san jumped down from atop the front gate and greeted us on the courtyard .

"Yo! Good work at watching the house . " (Shuuya)

"No, as long as it's milord's order, it's only natural…" (Kaldo)

Because of his refined, black clothes, he looked to me like a butler for an instant .

"So, did anything unusual happen?" (Shuuya)

"Nothing in particular . Just that the maids and servants looked strangely at me as I was training atop the front gate . " (Kaldo)

It seems he swung his sword up there .

I didn't pay any attention to the longsword worn by Kaldo, but it's a curved magic sword clad in mana .

Different to Yui's katana, it's a type of magic sword combining a broadsword and a shamshir .

"…I see . Good job . You're free to do whatever you like . " (Shuuya)

"Yes, milord!" (Kaldo)

I walk across the courtyard .

"Shuuya, I wanna see that amazing item called Water Element Staff . "

Rebecca, who walks in front while skipping, addressed me .

"That's fine, but you can't use it unless you have the water attribute . " (Shuuya)

"Oki . " (Rebecca)

It apparently triggered the curiosity of Rebecca who loves treasures .

She's looking up to me while slanting her face . A blue fire flickers brightly in her eyes .

"Then, as madam wishes . " (Shuuya)

I manipulate my item box .

I took out the big golden wand, the key wand, and held it up .

The dragon decorations enveloping the emerald stand out .

"――Wooow, a huge jewel and a dragon . So this is the treasure of the Light Sea City…amazing . Can I hold it?" (Rebecca)

"Sure . " (Shuuya)

I passed it to Rebecca .

"What a beautiful gem…" (Rebecca)

"Nn, Rebecca, I want to hold it, too . " (Eva)

"Ah, oki . Here you go . " (Rebecca)

She passed the key wand to Eva .

"Nn, unknown metal . I think it has a magnificent mana conductivity . " (Eva)

Since Eva knows metals well, she seems to grasp it to some extent by just touching it .

She might be on the same wavelength as Mysty, after all .

"The fishmen pirates…they don't know that it's in our possession, do they?"

"Yeah, unless they possess a skill like Remrona or an ability like Kazane, that shouldn't be the case . " (Shuuya)

I take the wand back from Eva and store it back into my item box .

Afterwards we entered the main building, and everyone enjoyed some break time .

As I'm making out with Viine on my bed, Eva, Rebecca and Yui barge into my room and throw themselves on my bed .

While messing around with everyone, we tickle each other and spend a relaxed time .

As we greeted morning without sleeping, Head Maid Isabell rushed into the room .

"Master―― hauaaa!" (Isabell)

…Right, that's the proper reaction .

In the middle of tickling each other, we started drinking each others blood . We haven't done anything perverted, but it had turned into an extremely dodgy, bloody scene .

"Isabell, sorry for surprising you . " (Shuuya)

The bed becomes clean by me absorbing the blood in a flash .

"So, what's wrong?" (Shuuya)

"It's a visitor . The visitor persists that the master here is to come out right away . " (Isabell)

"What's their name?" (Shuuya)

"It's Mrs . Riko Madoricus, a messenger of the Martial Arts Federation . " (Isabell)

Ah, that spiky woman that visited here before, eh?

"Okay, I guess I will meet her . " (Shuuya)

"Yes, she's waiting for you in the courtyard . " (Isabell)

Isabell didn't ask anything about the blood .

Nothing less of a Head Maid . She doesn't care about small details .

"…Everyone, feel free to do as you please . I will meet our guest . " (Shuuya)

"Yes, yeees~" (Rebecca)

"Nn, got it . " (Eva)

"Yes, Master . " (Viine)

"Yep . " (Yui)

There's still some blood left at the corners of their mouths .

Leaving behind my bloodkin, who don ecstatic expressions, in my room, I head over to the courtyard…finding a woman with peach-colored hair holding a spear .

Peach-colored!?

What precious hair .

I approach that woman .

She has her bangs trimmed evenly and her side hair runs behind her ears .

She's a beautiful elf with her long ears exposed .

Her eyebrows are pink as well, but her eyes have an azure color, making one think of the blue sky .

There are a few pink freckles on her cheeks . She also has a dragonfly tattoo .

Dragonfly tattoo, eh…? That reminds me of the Demonic Steel City Holkerbaum .

She moves her small lips that had lipstick applied to them .

"You are the lancer Shuuya Kagari? The man rumored to control a dark guild while being a C-rank adventurer! I heard that your spear skills are extraordinary!" (Riko)

She raises the arm not holding the spear and points at me .

She had black, fingerless gloves equipped as they seem to be worn by nobles .

A triangle cloth with one corner affixed to her middle finger covers a part of her back hand .

I guess she's a bit taller than Rebecca .

She wears a black and pale pink, light armor covering her chest, and a long, silken cloth with brass-made buttons on top .

It's sleeveless and exposes her shoulders . A white silken cloth hangs down at her buttocks .

Apparently stressing the easiness of moving around, the sides of her seductive thighs were slightly visible .

If one looks from behind or the side, they might be able to see a part of her butt, too .

And, up to above her knees, she wore greaves that had flower patterns using a combination of white and pink added to them .

"Hey, why are you silently…staring at me!? Are you a lewd idiot?" (Riko)

I was about to honestly answer her that she's right, but while restraining myself, I focus on staying polite and speak up .

"I'm sorry, it's just, you're a beautiful woman…" (Shuuya)

"W-What! What's with that beautiful! Kuuh, you! Have a match against me!" (Riko)

Miss Riko blushes . But, why did it turn out like this?

She hasn't come here to interact as fellow neighbor?

"Why a match?" (Shuuya)

"This me, the seventh rank of the Eight Divine Spear Kings, Magic Spear Riko Madoricus-sama, is expressly telling you to have a match with her! I have plenty of disciples! Depending on the progress of the match, I can also add you as one of my disciples, you know?" (Riko)

"…" (Shuuya)

She's far too arbitrary with her condescending attitude .

She looks beautiful and cute, but…

"A spear duel, huh? What are you going to do if I win?" (Shuuya)

"Eh? I wonder what you're talking about? Fufuun, I'm the Seventh Rank of the Eight Divine Spear Kings, okay? Are you an idiot after all?" (Riko)

"I'm fine with being an idiot . However, I'm talking about the case Ms . Eight Divine Spear King loses . " (Shuuya)

I said while glaring at her a bit .

"…What, that face…let's see, if, and only if I were to lose, I will listen to anything you say! Fufufun . " (Riko)

Anything, huh…? What a triumphant expression she has . It's like looking at that beauty Noah…

But, rather than that, she's one of the top rankers of the divine king ranks .

I want to have a look at her true ability in spearmanship . I'm looking forward to it .

"…What! Smiling while staying silent, how gross! Going by your flat face, you're lewd!" (Riko)

She's a woman with a sharp and nasty tongue .

It's called teaching someone how to pull a shamisen, but I will teach her how to use a spear, I guess .

"Stop with your squealing . If you want to have a match this much, I will accept your challenge . " (Shuuya)

"Humph, suddenly you have a manly expression . Apart from that, you don't have a weapon, do you? Bring a spear!" (Riko)

Just as she wishes ― I open my overcoat to the left and right, extend my right hand and summon the Magic Halberd into its palm .

"Ah, weapon summoning? H-Hee…you own an amazing technique there . I'm looking forward to our match . " (Riko)

If it comes to the word weapon summoning, I guess it's quite the secret skill . I wonder whether there are other item boxes like the one I possess…

"We will do it on the stone paving in the middle of the courtyard over there . I will show you my true abilities!" (Riko)

Riko briskly walks there while saying so .

She seems to still intent to win .

It looks like she's fairly confident in her spearmanship .

I guess I will fire myself up a bit .

"Roger, Divine King-sama . Please treat me well . " (Shuuya)

I addressed her politely .

While shouldering the magic spear, I walk to the center of the courtyard .

She waited for me while holding her spear in a seigan stance .

The size of the spear she possesses is small, but it's a short spear type similar to those with a long blade attached at their tip .

The instant the bluish white light at the long spearhead increased, she extended the magic short spear while charging towards me, thrusting it at me from the front .

"All of a sudden, eh――" (Shuuya)

While dodging the approaching spear by lightly twisting my body, I scoop up the Magic Halberd from below, and make the red ax blade aim for her chest .

Riko uses Magic Combat Step and firmly steps on the ground . While stepping to the left, she twists her body and evades the sweeping strike by me . At a good rhythm, she unleashed a counter thrust at me .

Her mana manipulation is smooth, and her movements are swift .

I can see that her Magic Combat Style is quite advanced as well .

But! She has still a long way to go to reach my level .

I also amass mana in my feet, and kick the stone paving with a walking style based on Magic Combat Step . Dodging the counter thrust with my first move, I push out the magic spear and release the <Thrust> skill ― Riko receives my rotating red spear with the top part of her short spear as if letting it slide off while donning a serious expression that lacks any composure . A sharp, dissonant, metallic sound reverberates .

――It's a skillful defense technique . As expected of the seventh rank of the Eight Divine Spear Kings, huh?

Her face warps a bit . She shakes her hand as her arm has seemingly become numb, and retreats .

"――You're quite good . " (Riko)

"Riko, you too . Nothing less of a divine king ranker . " (Shuuya)

Although I honestly praise her, her expression changes from being respectful to being grim .

She urged her recovery by accumulating mana in her arm .

I shorten the distance to her with Magic Combat Step and unleash a middle kick .

"Humph――" (Riko)

Immediately after she evaded my kick by turning around, which made her pink hair flutter, while breathing out, she released a sharp thrust technique that seems to be a skill from the side .

The bluish white blade of her spear approaches my flank .

In a hurry I retreated half a step and blocked the sharp thrust by receiving it with the red ax blade while tilting the halberd .

The bluish white blade and the red blade clash, causing sparks to be scattered erratically alongside a metallic clank .

"You have blocked my <Thrust>!?" (Riko)

That was her <Thrust>, huh?

It's a fairly swift and heavy blow .

"Strong…but――" (Riko)

After muttering that, Riko's expression became sharp, and the sharpness of her spear technique went up as well .

Guh, I received a stabbing wound on my cheek .

Next violet sparks scatter from my overcoat as I receive a thrust to my torso .

Riko integrated offense and defense . Her movements had improved as she freely thrust, swept sideways, and avoided by moving to the side while focusing on her spherical axis .

She dodges my spear by faintly moving in the shape of an 8 .

Her spearmanship techniques are truly skillful .

After I blocked her <Thrust> a second time, she invigorates her whole body with mana .

The spearhead of her spear increases to two, as if the bluish white blade had split apart, and she unleashes two successive thrusts .

What's with that?

While repelling the first thrust of Riko as if drawing a へ with my magic spear, I twist my body, somehow managing to dodge the second thrust .

Her movements took a leap from then on .

The instant she deeply crouched down, she literally leaps――

Riko, who jumps and twists her body, targets me from midair, obviously capitalizing on her two blue blades, and unleashes special chain thrusta that made her blue blades split into countless blades .

Incredible . If any normal person would receive this technique, they would die .

While thinking something like that, I forcefully repel the two blades with a rotating <Darkness Drill> of the red spear clad in darkness, and freely turn around while using my toes as axis .

It develops into a perfect defense .

Repelling the thrust technique that attacked from overhead in a 180° range by using all parts of the Magic Halberd, I myself evade by rotating on the spot . Even while doing all that, blood flies around as a part of my head is cut, a part of my face is torn open, and my right arm is sliced, but I managed to dodge the terrifying rain of blue blades .

"――Eh? My Bird Fang Thrust Rain has…" (Riko)

She lands behind me while mumbling .

But, seemingly quite shocked due to her special technique, her ultimate move, having been blocked, her face is dyed in surprise .

Riko-san is surprised, but so am I .

Her techniques are amazing . It's very unlikely that I will be able to copy them .

While full of respect…I clad my entire body with mana and get serious .

I draw an arc with the magic spear and swing the Magic Dragon Stone at the spear's end towards the short spear in her hand . Immediately following, I brandish the metallic staff of the magic spear from the right, and greatly flip the upper part of her short spear with the red ax blade .

Due to the rotational chain attack, Riko is drastically thrown off balance, exposing her chest .

I could pierce her chest alongside the armor covering it just like that, but I only shorten the distance and make her fall down after gently hooking Riko's heel with the top part of my foot .

"Kyaaa――" (Riko)

Seemingly receiving a hard blow to her lower back, Riko twists her face in pain, lets go of her spear and screams .

I cover her from atop, adopting a mounting position, and pin down her arms with my feet .

It's become my victory .

There's the nice smell of a woman's sweat .

"I think this decides the match, Seventh Rank-san of the Eight Divine Spear Kings . " (Shuuya)

I said while putting sarcasm into my words .

"Uuuuuhh, aaaaaann――" (riko)

Eeeh? Where did her unyielding spirit go? She has started crying loudly .

"――What's going on, Master…?"

"What is the matter? I can hear crying…"

"What's wrong? Ah…"