"Second round of the semifinals! First year class A, Second against Fourth Year class A, Keith! "
If I win this match, I'll fight against Maine in the finals.
The one who came out as my opponent was an expressionless man of the fourth year named Keith.
"Game Crown, on. Participants, get ready… Begin! "
"...っ! "
As soon as the game began, Keith closed the gap between us.
This guy seems to know the deal.
When it becomes a game limited to magic, most of the time wins and losses are decided depending on which side takes the initiative. In that case, the smarter choice is to fight using mainly the fastest magic, the First Form.
I cast "Wind Attribute・First Form" while looking at the remaining distance between me and Keith. At the same time, Keith stopped his charge and he too began casting "Wind Attribute・First Form".
And just like that, a stalemate continued.
...You see this? This is what's called a "Threefold Repetition". The shogi term was adopted since, once you activate your magic, your opponent will also simultaneously activate theirs. Since they collide, they'll offset each other and return the fight to square one. This is one of the flaws of this game, and the reason why I concluded that this was a stupid game.
"…I would like for you to lose here. I'll make sure you receive the appropriate compensation."
And then, Keith started to speak to me. His was a quiet voice that wouldn't reach the audience seats.
"Why? "
"I can't let you and Prince Maine fight."
"That's why I asked. Why? "
"I want Prince Maine to be the winner, since the winner will get to have a friendly game against Klaus-sama."
What's the deal with him? That's not the attitude to be asking someone for something.
"Why would you tell me that? "
"You are not worthy. Please lose."
"Is it because I'll win against Maine and the First Prince? "
"That's not it. There's a meaning in the game between Prince Maine and Klaus-sama."
"…In other words, you want to bring in 'politics' and turn this into a cheap game, am I right? "
"...This fight can't be settled otherwise."
Looks like this guy called Keith is a lackey of Klaus, and was hired to make sure Maine wins the final.
He wants to beat Maine in front of this audience in the friendly game―― Seems like the rumor I heard in the waiting room was not baseless.
…I don't like this.
What don't I like? Everything. I don't like the shallow underlying motive he gave me when asking me to give up.
Did he really think it would go smoothly?
Just as I refused, I activated a First Form cast.
"It's pointless! "
Keith yells at the same as he activates "Fire Attribute・First Form" to counter my "Fire Attribute・First Form".
His counter ability is quite good. Certainly, this fight can't be settled as is. That is, if it does continue like this.
"Since this is a nice opportunity, let me teach you the 'real deal'."
"…Eh? You bastard, that is…"
Keith seems to have noticed.
In my left hand was a long bow I had taken out from my inventory at the time of the previous offsetting.
Why did I do such a thing in this game limited to magic? That's what he's most likely wondering.
Anyway, it's too late now.
"Silvia! Look closely! "
When I said so, I made a combination of "Soldier Archery" and "Fire Attribute・First Form" and shot it to Keith.
[Magic Archery]――This is also properly [Magic].
By the way, since in [Magic Archery] you shoot [Magic], it doesn't use arrows.
A combination of [Archery] and [Magic ], the acquiring condition is 「While reducing their HP by 75% or more using [Archery] skills, kill 1,000 monsters using [Magic] skills」. It's a bit complicated, but as long as you know how to do it, it can be achieved.
"Wh...!? "
Keith had no choice but to deal with it using the "Fire Attribute・First Form" he was preparing. However, since the power of "Soldier Archery" Grade 7 was added, it was impossible to cancel it out using a mere First Form spell.
"Ugh! "
Keith was hit.
Immediately after, he fixed his posture and moved backwards to take some distance. His moves were pretty good, but that decision was the worst. Taking distance from an opponent using [Archery]… Seems like I need to remind him of common sense.
"This was his aim, right? The First Prince's."
"――! ! "
Keith had a surprised expression after hearing my words. Seems like I hit the mark.
A game limited to [Magic]… Obviously a stupid game. Because a stalemate can occur. That means Prince Klaus has some way of breaking it. If I remember correctly, Noir-san said he was good at [Swordsmanship]. Then it's probably that, [Magic Swordsmanship]. As long as he uses it, he can't lose to Maine in this game. He will be able to win one-sidedly. Just like me here.
"What a shame. I'll have to make you know how foolish this was."
I'll have to punish this despicable lackey of the First Prince for trying to use this game as propaganda.
While aiming with "Knight Archery", I increase its power by adding "Silver Archery", and add the impact of "Earth Attribute・First Form" to it. A three skills combination. It would also help as a service to Silvia, letting her know that she can do something like this with [Magic Archery].
"Damn...! "
Keith tried to evade my attack by turning tails.
He looks like a panicked mouse.
"It's meaningless."
While saying so, the [Magic Archery] was released.
A heavy low sound reverberated. As soon as it landed on Keith's belly, the Earth Attribute magic exploded and the entire ground vibrated in its aftermath. Keith was blown out of the field, his HP dropping down to zero.
This is my wrath. A warning not to look down on PvP games. If you don't wear down your nerves and put your life on the line, there's no way to be the top in PvP. If you're not that serious, it just looks like you're trolling. And even if the surroundings allow it, I will not.
"…Winner, Second."
The game ended with the quiet voice of the referee.
A second, two seconds, three seconds went by―― Then the venue was enveloped in a storm of cheers.
Compared to the previous games, this surely was a lot more spectacular. An unprecedented climax.
While feeling a lot better, I returned to the waiting room.
＊ ＊ ＊
"I'm v-very sorry."
"Don't worry. There will have to be a change of plans, but I have found something good."
Klaus said in a good mood to Keith, who was lowering his head.
At the end of his gaze was the back of a handsome man, looking glorious as he was leaving the venue.
"Most likely, that Second guy will be the champion. If I add him as my subordinate, that stupid little brother of mine will stand no chance."
"But that man is quite the tough opponent."
"Keith. Do you think he'll be able to refuse my invitation? From the Captain of the First Knight Order? "
"…No, nothing like that."
"Haha, to think I would find a man able to handle 'composite magic' while visiting the Magic Academy… coming was the correct choice. He'll make a good pawn."
While Klaus smiled with a relaxed face, Keith stared at him with an expression of anxiety.
Because he had faced against him, he knew.
Magic Archer Second. Surely, he will do something outside their expectations――
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