第２７４堀：勇者の技 (Part3)
"I see. So you aren't moving because you deem this attack meaningless? That this isn't even a match yet."
Just as Eris said, this level of effort wasn't enough to make Taiki-kun budge. He wouldn't move until he had shown all three of his sword techniques.
"...Why won't you move?"
Soel-san finally realized she was being held back and spoke to Taiki-kun in a voice that sent a chill down the spine. The boy in question, his sword still hanging loosely at his side, answered in a laid-back tone.
"Because you aren't at full power yet, right? You've only shown me one thing so far. And since you’re the challenger in this fight, there's no reason for me to move first. You want a good match, don't you? First, you have to make me move from this spot. Or was that your full power?"
Whoa, provoking a beautiful girl like that? That’s not like Taiki-kun at all. Well, if he actually went all out, it would be over in an instant. If he’s going to show off those sword techniques, Soel-san’s elemental magic is just too convenient. They’re essentially gimmick moves—surprising, but not practical for constant use. When I practiced them with him, it was proven that the difference in firepower made them impractical. In that sense, Soel-san is the perfect partner for this.
"Fine. I did say I would go all out, but I was also testing you. Testing whether you are a worthy opponent for me. So, how about this!! Fire Wall!!"
Ah, she’s angry. She must have been fairly confident in that attack. So, she’s switching to fire magic now. A wall of flames—normally, the only way to deal with that is to dodge. In other words, she could achieve her goal of making Taiki-kun move. ...Normally, anyway.
"You can't cut through it like rock! It has no form! If you don't move, you'll be charred black! As a close-quarters fighter, you have no way to intercept this!"
But Taiki-kun didn't move. Soel-san, much like Ardes did when he fought me, prepared to pursue Taiki-kun once he dodged. But why did she think he couldn't cut fire?
Taiki-kun swung his sword. Or rather, only the Weed members could likely track that movement.
*Whoosh!!*
"Eh, eh..."
Soel-san just stood there, mouth agape at the sight before her. Indeed, the wall of fire had been sliced clean in two, parting around Taiki-kun. Having finished his swing, everyone watching must have thought the same thing.
"Incredible! He cut the fire! He actually cut it! Sliced it right in two! It’s split in two!"
"It seems to be an application of wind magic, but that is truly impressive. Simply sending a gust through it would only create a hole that would close immediately. To split it in two, one must maintain a constant, ferocious wind to keep the flames divided."
Even Eris was surprised. In reality, he wasn't using magic at all. He literally tore through it with pure speed.
"Sea Slash," Taiki-kun muttered.
Yes, this sword technique was a maritime art designed to cleave through formless things like water and fire.
"I-impossible... to think he'd go this far. Very well!! Witness my wind magic!"
Soel-san declared, activating her magic. ...Wait, that magic formula is—hey!?
"W-what is this? The Soel contestant has multiplied!? There are four of them!! Am I seeing things?"
Just as Ratz shouted, Soel had become four. It was a strange technique, but it was likely manipulating the refractive index of light to create afterimages. It’s a very high-maintenance type of spell. Wouldn't it be easier to do that with water magic? Oh, right, Soel-san didn't have water.
"It is likely an application of wind magic. Vice Principal, are you familiar with that spell?"
"Yes. It is what one might call her trump card. Wind isn't just for creating gusts; if applied in that manner, it can act like a mirror. Furthermore, since those decoys are composed of intense wind, getting close would surely result in damage."
"I see. In that case, surely even the Taiki contestant will have to move..."
"Sky Slash."
*Pop-pop-pop!!*
Eris, you're being naive. The final technique uses the mind's eye to perceive the essence of the target and strike a single point. In this case, he destroyed the focal point of the magic powering the decoys in one go. Well, he probably just used magic detection to find the source, but the result is the same, so it’s fine. This is the Sky technique, designed to strike an invisible enemy. I'm not sure if *touki* (battle aura) exists in this world, so he’s likely substituting it with magic power.
Perhaps it was because of the compatibility with Soel-san’s magic, but to imitate that technique... no, this is an homage! I understand the burning passion behind it. As men, we all imitated that in our childhood!
"I-impossible. In an instant..."
Taiki-kun finally moved toward the stunned Soel-san.
"Oh! The Taiki contestant has moved for the first time! ...Hm? But something is strange!"
"He's holding his sword in a reverse grip? What could that possibly mean? It's not a knife, either..."
Eris. You shouldn't point that out! It’s about the romance! It’s about the aesthetic! It’s a dream!
"Soel-san, now it's my turn to go on the offensive."
"Ghk!?"
At Taiki-kun’s words, Soel-san realized she had missed her chance to attack and shifted into a defensive stance.
"Ohhh! The Taiki contestant is going on the offensive, but at that declaration, she’s summoned a wall of rock, surrounded herself in flames, and whipped up a gale!! He can't get close! If he approaches, damage is guaranteed!"
"...No, the Taiki contestant is going through with the attack. He’s dropped his hips low and lunged forward!"
Go, Taiki-kun, do it! The technique that cuts the earth, cuts the sea, cuts the sky, and cuts everything!
"T-the Taiki contestant's sword is glowing!?"
"Is this... lightning!?"
"Avan Strash!"
Well said! Taiki-kun, there isn't a single person in Japan who would call you a copycat! This is an homage! Show her! Show her the power of the legendary technique that every Japanese boy has tried to imitate!
The flash of light engulfed the barrier protecting Soel-san...
*BOOM!!*
A deafening roar echoed through the arena.
"The Soel contestant has been swallowed by the flash along with her barrier!!"
"Judging by the sound, I can tell it was immense power, but I fear for the Soel contestant's safety."
Ah, crap. I got too excited—is she okay? Hmm, Taiki-kun doesn't look particularly panicked, so he must have held back. As the smoke cleared, Soel-san lay on the ground, and Vice Principal Lara rushed over to check on her.
"She is fine. Her life is not in danger. She has simply fainted. This match goes to the Taiki contestant!!"
*Waaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!*
A massive roar of cheers filled the dueling grounds.
"Wonderful. The audience seems thrilled by this magical battle. I must admit, I was quite surprised myself."