The final match for the title of Eishou.
"N-nini-n-n-nice to meet you."
A weird guy appeared.
"...Likewise."
"W-w-w-w-w-wel-huhuh. Se-Se-Second-shi. Uhuhu..."
Eishou Muratti Tricolori.
If I had to describe him in one word...He would be your typical "Otaku", I guess?
He's a sweaty man with glasses who's a bit round, or rather, fat enough for his belly to almost break through his shirt. Also, his breathing is a bit rough. And he is way too close. His movements are strangely agile for the kind of body he has, and there's a uniqueness in his speech. If you've ever been to Akihabara, I'm sure you've seen many like him around.
"A-Ahh, that's right. Second-shi, I wanted to talk to you about that Li-Light-Lightning attribute magic."
This stuttering. The suddenness. The overwhelmingly poor conversation skills. This was something I was familiar with.
He was neither a human, an elf, nor a beast-man. I'm sure there must be a race called "otaku" in this world.
"My humble self loves magic, ah, lightning attribute magic, it sure is amazing, right? Fuhehe. But I don't think I will lose, ah, ahhh, I see, that's alright. I know the condition to learn the Fifth Form of the four major attributes and I can teach you if you tell me about the Lightning Attribute magic."
A weird way to refer to himself (sessha). He talks nothing but what he's interested in. Going on about himself. At times absorbed in incomprehensible muttering. Wasting the chance to gain the upper hand. Stuttering at the important parts. An overall suspicious behavior.
There's no doubt left in my mind; this guy is a total otaku...!
"W-What'll you do? What'll you do? I don't think it's a bad trade-off."
"I don't have to do anything; I already know that after all."
"Ehh...You for real? Ehhh! What should I do then...ahhh..."
He has the face of someone who's down to his last coin at the arcade.
Somehow, he... looks kinda cute. Not in that strange sense, don't get me wrong. More like, say, a kid holding a 10-yen coin and asking for a 30-yen candy. The desperation for the candy is what's cute.
In such cases, the response can be divided roughly into two patterns. The stubborn old lady storekeeper who won't budge no matter how much he begs. And the gentle grandma who will sell him a third of the candy for 10 yens.
"If you put up a decent fight in this match, I don't see a reason not to teach you."
In my case, having such a big and compassionate heart, it's the latter.
"Ahh, a God. Second-shi, you're truly a God."
"I know, right? You can worship me if you want."
"This is already beyond divine for this humble me, I think I'll go crazy...Ahh, but I didn't say you were a God just because of the Lightning Attribute magic, there's also that thing about hiding the magic formation by lying down, or chanting while moving by flying in that way. Your ideas make even me want to take off my hat to you."
"But I doubt you'll be able to do any of those two with that body shape of yours."
"O-Oh, ufufu, I'll concede that one, ouch, it did hurt a little."
...Ehh? This is strange. For some reason, I find it fun to talk with him.
Perhaps I'm getting used to him, or maybe he's getting more talkative.
"Why do you want to know about Lightning Attribute magic?"
"I'm glad you asked that. I've been studying magic since I was a child. Oh, by the way, I graduated from the Royal Magic Academy at the age of eight. At first, I went properly, like everyone else, but I was soon bullied to death, so please understand that I had to skip grades to avoid all that. Therefore, I've spent most of my 36 years researching magic, and that brings us here, to a magic I've never seen. That Lightning Attribute magic! You have to be curious about it! It's common sense, right!?"
"Okay, I get it, I get it! now move away! Your face is too close! Move it!"
"O-Oh, excuse me."
This guy has no regard for personal spaces.
Still, to graduate from the Magic Academy at the age of 8, huh? It seems he has learned the Fifth Form of all four major attributes. And it's obvious that he is on a different level compared to the other participants.
His researcher mentality is also good. He's just pumped up about details that aren't open to anyone, he's not looking to profit from it so you might say it is a waste, but this is simply neither poisonous nor medicinal. There's something like a kindred spirit in there.
I'm sure Muratti loves [Magic] unbearably. I am the same. I loved Mobius Online so much that I couldn't get enough of it.
"Let's have a fun match."
"Here it comes. The match to have Second-shi to tell me about Lightning Attribute magic."
"Yeah, yeah."
Am I the only one who thinks he's way too excited? Are you okay dude? You're sweating even though it's winter.
"Participants, get ready."
As always, we moved to our positions.
Rather than walking, it's more proper to say Muratti hobbled over. He's in serious need of some exercise. Will he be okay?
I was thinking of having fun, but this might require doing things with some care.
"――Begin!"
We bow.
Immediately after, Muratti released a "Fire Attribute・First Form" spell.
...From outside of range.()
"Haha!"
I was worried for nothing.
This guy, he knows!()
"Here I come!"
The flames that fell to the ground burned up, making it difficult to see the magical formation being deployed at Muratti's feet. It's a perfect first move.
Perhaps he has developed a "game plan". A unique game plan.
If so, then I have to see it.
"Come!"
Moving sideways, I noticed the spell Muratti was preparing was "Water Attribute・Third Form", so I prepared a "Wind Attribute・Third Form" spell to counter.
There is a four-way relation between the attributes in [Magic] and it goes Fire>Earth>Wind>Water>Fire. Each one has an attribute it is strong and one they are weak against.
When you hit [Magic] with [Magic] in order to offset it, you can basically deal with it using the same attribute or one that's strong against it. However, if you hit it with a strong attribute, rather than them canceling each other out, the spell will be "erased". Still, this knowledge doesn't make much of a difference.
The most important thing here is to seize the initiative and not being the one responding. To offset or erase [Magic] with the same or a stronger attribute, you have to be on the receiving end. And that is decided the moment the magic is released. So of course, it is better to be the first to attack.
"Yoo."
"Hoo."
Along with our mutually tepid shout, both Third Form spells crashed into each other.
Muratti's "Water Attribute・Third Form" spell disappeared in the air because the Wind Attribute spell I used to counter it as a response was strong against it.
"Ofufu."
At that moment, Muratti's MP was further depleted, to double what the spell had cost. This was an additional effect of when a spell was erased using a strong attribute to counter it. But stats-wise, this was unimportant for people capable of participating in the Eishou title match, so they had nothing to worry about.
"Then, in the case of wind, this."
After that, without wasting a second, Muratti began to prepare a "Earth Attribute・First Form" spell.
I see. I see, not bad!
Just because I responded with a wind attribute spell, the water attribute spell was erased, making the water scatter all around the place like mist. An earth spell of the same attribute or a stronger one from fire should be the choice to counter it. However, using fire attribute is disadvantageous due to the water mist scattered all between me and Muratti. It's a trap. I probably wouldn't be able to erase it. In that case, I can just eat the "Earth Attribute・First Form" spell.
In other words, it can only be countered using Earth Attribute.
I'm with no choice but to act. After all, it seems all this is part of his game plan.
"Good, good!"
It wouldn't hurt, or even itch for that matter, to eat a single First Form spell. But that would be boring.
I immediately prepared an "Earth Attribute・First Form" spell and threw it against Muratti's.
"As expected, you didn't get caught, huh? Then, how about this."
For a moment, Muratti feinted to cast a Third Form spell but then cast a "Water Attribute・First Form" spell instead.
The dazzle flowed so naturally. Well, but what can I say? I'm used to it. Not getting fooled I prepared to counter it with a "Wind Attribute・First Form" spell.
"...Oopsie."
After the casting was completed, Muratti immediately canceled the First Form spell without releasing it. He then began casting a "Wind Attribute・Third Form" spell.
Let's see. If I shoot the First Form spell without hesitation, my opponent would probably go down. My INT is quite high, and the other party is a pure magician, so his HP is low. However, that would normally not happen, he wouldn't go down and the Third Form spell would be formed in the end. Maybe that's part of Muratti's game plan.
It's more fun to go a little further, to look beyond a game plan...
...And sure enough, that happened.
"Guueehh! Are you serious? ...that was too powerful..."
A direct hit. And sure enough, Muratti goes down. With this, the Third Form spell casting was also canceled. Moreover, it appears he received considerable damage. I can see his legs wobbling.
"That was a pretty good strategy. If it weren't for the difference in status this could've been a more difficult match. Maybe we can talk later about the lightning attribute magic."
"WHA-!? SE-SE-SECOND-SHI!"
"When all the Title matches held this season are over, come to my house."
"I-I'll definitely go! I'll totally, definitely go!!"
Muratti was overwhelmed. Or rather, he was in tears.
...This guy probably doesn't even care about being the Eishou. As long as he learns more about [Magic] I'm sure nothing else matters to him.
But that too is okay, right? I'm not sure why but I feel refreshed when I see him.
"Don't shy away. You can also come anytime you want."
"Yes, yesh...I bwill, I will go...Uh, buuuu..."
...This has come to the point where this can't be called a match anymore. Since we both are just standing and chatting with each other. Or rather, one of the participants is crying.
Well, I guess it can't be helped. Let's get this over with and finish with a huge bang.
"As a special service, I'll show you the ace up my sleeve."
"A-a-a-ace, ace up your sleeve?"
"Yes. Now stop with all that crying, will you?"
Keeping a little distance from Muratti, I cast a "Fire Attribute・Third Form" spell.
"A single-shot spell like this can be dealt with using half the attributes."
"Ce-huu, certainly, only ha-half. Of the four attributes, the advantageous attribute, and the same attribute."
"Indeed. However, isn't that insufficient for a strategy?"
"What? What do you mean?"
"It's fifty-fifty if you leave it to luck while dealing with it. But that's boring, isn't it? And when luck is involved, it can mess up with your skill."
Muratti tilted his head, with a half-open mouth. That pose would look totally cute in a young girl, but when a middle-aged man does it, it comes out as nothing but creepy.
"Okan style. That's its name."
"Okan (Chills)?"
There are two origins to the Okan style name. One is for the player who first started this tactic, 『0k4NN』, usually called Okan. And the other is――
"A Combine skill of Magic with Magic. Magical Magic, or MaMa." (Okan is mother, or mama, in Kansai dialect)
"!?"
There's magical archery, and there's also magical swordsmanship. So, it wouldn't be strange for "Magical Magic" to also exist.
However, in the case of magic, since only the [Magic] skill is used, it makes it possible for it to be used in the Eishou title matches... Or so said 0k4NN-san in a crazy rant and actually tried using it in the Eishou title match. That marked the beginning.
The result? He was able to use it with no problem.
Everyone was surprised at first and then laughed about it. Those were good times.
The MaMa technique used by Okan-san――Dutifully named "Okan style".
"A combination of Fire three and Wind three. If you want to cancel it out, you have to use the same combination since there's no stronger attribute. No attribute's stronger both against fire and wind. In that case, leaving it all to luck, the probability of success is reduced to one in six."
While saying so, I made a "Combine" spell of "Fire Attribute・Third Form" with "Wind Attribute・Third Form".
A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say, so I showed him the magic.
"A-Ahh! Haaa! Ahhhhhhhhh!!"
"Whoa. What's the matter?"
"...So-Sorry. It's just. I was too excited about this. This is the first time I heard about it, so."
Muratti raised his hand and screamed, then answered with a ragged breath.
We're still far from the real deal. Should I keep going if he's already like this...?
"Combine, Synergy, and Charge. These are the three skills of Magical Magic."
The same holds for other skills such as magical archery. "Combine" is a skill that shoots [Magic] imbued [Archery] skills. "Synergy" is a skill that bestows two [Magic] skills into [Archery] ones. And "Charge" is, as the name says, a charge-type damage multiplier skill that combines the firepower of [Archery] and [Magic].
This "Synergy" is a fairly important skill in the Okan style.
Once again, I canceled my "Combine"spell of "Fire Attribute・Third Form" and "Wind Attribute・Third Form"and started casting a "Fire Attribute・Third Form" spell.
"Combine can only shoot magic combined with another magic. Therefore, only two can be used. However, with Synergy, in which two magics are imbued into another one...This will happen."
"!!!?"
Using the Magical Magic "Synergy" skill, I imbued "Wind Attribute・Third Form" and "Earth Attribute・Third Form" into the "Fire Attribute・Third Form"spell. In other words...
"You can combine three skills. And it becomes quite tricky to counter since it changes depending on what you put on it."
Now, on to the complicated part.
"The former and latter are considered separately. Therefore, if you try to deal with it, the number of combinations increases...Well, you can make it almost impossible to deal with."
While saying so, I cancel the "Synergy" skill.
And, once again, I cast the three [Magic] skills, but this time, at the same time.()
"You can also cast them at the same time like this. So that the three magic circles will appear at your feet, making it very difficult to spot them quickly... and prepare an effective countermeasure against the 1+2 attributes."
It's not impossible though.
"Do you understand? If you reduce the element of luck like this, the range of tactics you can use is greatly expanded."
" "
No reaction. Muratti just stood there with her mouth hanging open and absent-minded.
Well, in a way it's fun to explain things so they bring out a reaction like that one.
"Alright, this is the last one. "Charge"... Remember it. It's the method that brings the most firepower in magic."
Since we've come this far, I decided to prepare "Lightning Attribute・Third Form" and then activated the "Charge" skill.
This is a multiplier attack skill that increases the firepower the longer you charge it. In the case of Magical Magic, the pure firepower is INT + INT, and with "Charge" at the 9th Grade, the maximum charging time is 100 seconds――That's an 800% increase.
"If you wait the whole ten seconds, you can shoot a Third Form spell with 16 times more firepower than usual, and if you get a critical...It becomes 48 times."
...Gather. Concentrate. Grow.
The space around me started to get distorted as the fearsome and tremendous power is condensed into the Third Form spell.
Lightning leaked from the magic formation at my feet, creeping around in the ground like ivy.
"Wh-Whoaaaa! What is that!? What is that!?"
With excitement, curiosity, fear, and a myriad of other emotions on his face, Muratti eventually settled on curiosity and listened with a joyful expression all the while covered in sweat, tears, saliva, and a runny nose.
"I'll tell you when you visit my home."
Now, the time for the performance has come.
I'll blow your mind. And rewrite the record for the maximum amount of damage done with[Magic] in the Eishou match while I'm at it.
"――"
A full "Charge" attack of "Lightning Attribute・Third Form" flew directly towards Muratti.
Muratti spread his arms while a big smile covered his face. An expression as if he was overcome with emotion. Are you serious? This guy's nuts.
"Guuooh."
The spell landed. And at the same time, an unexpected shock struck the entire arena.
While keeping my balance, I checked the displayed damage.
The legend "Critical" could be seen.
And the damage――931,514.
...Most likely, a number that neither the participants nor all the spectators have seen or heard of before.
With this, I think my plan was a great success, and it also served as a good provocation.
And so, I got a double crown (nikan), Issenza and Eishou.
It seems I can make that elf named Alpha into a new disciple. And it is possible to disclose the skill acquisition conditions for magic with no issue at all using the magic otaku that is Muratti.
Ohh, this is getting my hopes up for the summer title matches...!
"――W-Winner, Second Firstest!"
＊ ＊ ＊
"Di-Did anyone else see it? Right now, that, Master's...Damage."
"Ahh, thank goodness. For a moment I thought there was something wrong with my sight."
Champani asked while looking around. And Cosmos was the first to reply with an answer.
Cosmos wasn't speaking in her usual dirty-joke manner...which meant, quite an unusual situation was happening among the maids.
"And to think they both looked as if they were just enjoying a chat..."
"I'm shivering...This is not the difference of one or two digits."
――930,000 damage.
It was a number so high that it was hard for them to wrap their minds around it, even if it was something done by their beloved master, Second Firstest.()
And they were his servants.
The normal spectators might have stopped thinking altogether, just being shocked still.
Then.
"...Amazing."
The effect was outstanding on the other contestants.
I want to do that damage myself――Everyone strongly thought something along those lines.
The motivation to play online games all started with "longing".
They hoped to catch up to him, to that unusual man who had achieved the first double crown in history.
The flow of the Title Matches, which had a long history behind them, was about to change, and so was the common sense.
Like this, the Eishou Match was over.
And now, was time for the Kongou Match to begin――