第１６３掘：交渉と勝負 (Part2)
"No matter how you look at it, we’re going to be targeted by someone eventually. Honestly, I’d rather not make enemies if I can help it. It’ll only get in the way of my future goals."
"Come to think of it, you said that earlier, too. That you didn't join this war out of any personal desire. Is that really something a mercenary group should be saying?"
"Well, I don't owe you an explanation that deep. For now, I’d like to avoid killing the princesses and entering a state of total war with the Zilba Empire. I also want to avoid souring relations with the demi-humans. That’s why we’re going to pretend the princesses escaped. Besides, just letting them go is boring, and I figured I might as well gather some information on those Magic Sword Users while I’m at it."
"…I see. So, you need this to figure out countermeasures against the Magic Sword Users. Understood. I accept your proposal."
And so, it was decided that a one-on-one duel with the princess would take place.
"So, what are you thinking?"
"Zargis, you’ve noticed it too, haven't you? After examining the magic sword we returned to the princess, what did you think?"
"It’s abnormal. To think it could siphon that much magical power and yet only unleash such a pathetic amount of force."
Exactly. There was something deeply unsettling about investigating that sword. It wasn't just a difference in quality compared to the enchanted weapons Narjia makes. No, it was more about the direction of its design.
"I’ll tell you what I found. And keep your eyes on this fight. Listen, that green jewel embedded in the sword—it’s a Dungeon Core, even if the shape and color are different."
"What!?"
"And it’s hoarding a fair amount of magical power… or rather, DP. I suppose that’s to be expected if it’s been used in wars until now."
"…I see. Is the excessive siphoning of magical power an effect of the Dungeon Core?"
"I don't know the specifics. That’s why I don't want to keep that sword anywhere near us."
"Agreed. If that really is a Dungeon Core drawing in magical power, we cannot afford to have it near us, given how rich in magic we are."
"Yeah. I even considered destroying it, but…"
"With so much unknown about the purpose of that sword, destroying it or changing its owner recklessly isn't a smart move. Ah, so that’s why you want to gather information through combat."
"Exactly."
While we were deep in discussion about the sword, the princess finished her conversation with Jessica, who had been put up as the reward.
"I’m sorry, Jessica. I will win, no matter what."
"Princess… I believe in you."
How tragic. Though, the conditions are actually quite generous. Even if she loses, it just means Jessica stays with us.
"Now then, shall we begin the match?"
"Hmph. This time, I will go all out. Don't think it will go as easily as that last battle."
The princess had already drawn her magic sword, and the wind began to howl. Could you stop that? You're kicking up all the dust.
"I will serve as the referee for the duel between you and Jessica. You are permitted to kill if necessary, but if we determine that someone is unable to continue fighting, the match ends there. Please understand."
We both nodded.
"Here we go. Begin!!"
As Ria swung her hand down, the princess swung her magic sword right where she stood.
"I know you lot are strong. But how will you fare against long-range attacks?"
As the sword swung down, a vortex of wind—like a tornado—stretched out toward me. I wondered if it could actually cut through things. But I never got to verify my hypothesis.
"W-what? It vanished!? The wind!? Why!!"
That’s right. It was because of the magic nullification field I had deployed. Normally, a tornado extends from the sky to the ground. In a space devoid of magical power, it couldn't maintain its form and dissipated. Scientifically speaking, a tornado is a high-speed vortex caused by updrafts in a developed cumulonimbus cloud reaching the ground. If I had properly created a cumulonimbus cloud above the princess and set the updraft and ground point between us, it might have persisted even without magic, but that’s relying too much on magic being a catch-all solution. This was enough.
"Is this the same technique you used to erase my fireball and the wind from my sword before!?"
Heh, she’s sharp enough to figure that out after seeing it only twice. Well, I’m not kind enough to explain the trick to her.
"Now, it’s my turn to go on the offensive. That alright?"
"Guh! Then how about multiple attacks!!"
The princess swung her sword again, sending several tornadoes toward me. But she’s naive. I have the magic nullification field active. No matter how many she sends, if they pass through that space, they’ll all be nullified.
"W-why!?"
"Does this answer your question? Even with a Magic Sword User, it doesn't change the outcome of the battle. It’s not about being naive or not. And now…"
I shifted the magic nullification field to cover the princess’s position. Let’s see if that magic sword works now. It’s not a state of depletion; that space is completely devoid of magical power.
"…Why isn't it coming? Then, magic sword!! Release your power!!"
Should’ve gone all out from the start. Is it one of those things where releasing the sword's power damages the user? I waited in anticipation for her attack, but…
*Silence.*
Nothing happened.
"Why!? Why won't the magic sword move!?"
Ah, so that sword is just a regular blade inside the nullification field. It doesn't drain magic itself, so there’s no depletion phenomenon, but any discharge-type abilities become completely unusable.
Well, I’ve got enough information.
"See ya."
I held back, but a single strike to the abdomen sent the princess collapsing to the ground.
"Match over!! Are you satisfied, Jessica?"
"…Yes. The Princess has lost."
Phew, now I can get rid of this headache. I’ll make sure to put Jessica under our protection and bring her into the fold. This expedition team is severely lacking in administrative staff, after all.
Now then, the magic, the sword, and the Dungeon Core. What on earth is happening on the New Continent? And the greatest prize of all is having acquired Jessica—a versatile asset well-versed in the affairs of the New Continent!
Yes! My work just got a whole lot easier!