Chapter 197: Flash

Chapter 197 by Hlentai
Originally Uploaded: http://pastebin.com/Cw6rVfLe

Edited by Kookie….though the translation itself is pretty good, and I’m mostly dealing with the random sfx.

Flash

 “If you won’t do it then I will―” (Naofumi)
“No, I shall do it. Though I hold no grudge.” (Atla)

Atla went forward saying that.
Oh, I must raise my evaluation of Atla.

 “Enough of that!” (Female Knight)
“You’re in the way! Move! Shield Prison!” (Naofumi)

Because the Female Knight was being annoying, this should silence her.

“Hmph!” (Female Knight)

The Female Knight easily destroyed the Prison with a *Wham* and got out.
Oi. To destroy the prison in one blow when Ren needed a few seconds, just what kind of specs is that Peerless Transformation style hiding.

 “If Iwatani-dono has that intention, I also have my own thoughts.” (Female Knight)

The Female Knight drew her sword, faced me and took a stance.

 “…Having me as your opponent, I’m guessing you do know the significance of that?” (Naofumi)
“Yes, Iwatani-dono, can I have you obediently withdraw your weapon? I also want to avoid having you as an opponent if possible.” (Female Knight)
“You think you have the prospect of winning?” (Naofumi)
“I wouldn’t do this if not. Moreover I have no path of retreat” (Female Knight)

Honestly, this fellow doesn’t know her own place.
I’ve seen the Female Knight’s strength from the fights up until now.
From what I saw, her status and fighting ability greatly fall short of both Raphtalia and Rishia. Yet still wanting to fight me, even foolishness should have limits.

“I’ve said this before. If the Hero of the Sword is captured, I said I’d personally educate him.” (Female Knight)
“Like I’d know.” (Naofumi)
“…That’s fine. I’ll have you be my opponent seriously.” (Female Knight)
“Fuee!? Naofumi-san. Please draw your weapon here!” (Rishia)

Rishia faces me and says nervously.

“Even you are speaking nonsense.” (Naofumi)
“This person mastered the secret sword arts of the Peerless Transformation style in just a few days you know!? She is a very tough opponent for the Naofumi-san who’s been sticking with self-study!” (Rishia)
“Like I’d know!” (Naofumi)

I thrust Rishia away and confront the Female Knight.
Hmm, no matter what attacks this fellow tries, if we get within skill range or Atla reaches Ren, it’ll be checkmate.

“Well then, I will accept this one versus two fight.” (Female Knight)

The Female Knight thrust her thin sword in front of me. The weapon did not appear to be that good.
She’ll stand in my way even then, huh.
Chivalry is a troublesome thing. I thought chivalry in reality was something filled with more pride and ego.

“Go, Atla!” (Naofumi)
“Yes!” (Atla)

Though she could not see, Atla nimbly ran towards the Female Knight.
I followed after her.

“Here I go! Please go to sleep for a while.” (Atla)
“Hmm…as expected of the Hakuko, so agile. However, Peerless Transformation sword technique…Four Cross!” (Female Knight)
“Kya!?” (Atla)

The Female Knight parried Atla’s certain kill thrust attack and slashed.
It looks like two crosses engraved on top of each other, a magic sword technique.
There appears to be a combined X and + attached to Atla.

“Let me say instead. For the time being, please sleep. Be at ease, the wound inflicted is not that strong.” (Female Knight)

“Such…Naofumi-sama, I’m terribly sorry…” (Atla)

Atla was blown away, not moving as if she’d lost consciousness.
It’s probably fine to see this as having an additional effect.
In the first place, there was too big of a difference between Atla and the Female Knight’s foundations, level, and experience.

“That’s the so-called Peerless Transformation style’s spirit?” (Naofumi)
“Yes, I’ll have her sleep for a bit.” (Female Knight)

She readied the tip of her sword. The Female Knight stood in my way.
Damn…to think there’d be a hindrance here.

“Next is Iwatani-dono.” (Female Knight)
“You, think you can deal damage to me?” (Naofumi)
“Of course I think so, rather there is the perfect technique for Iwatani-dono.” (Female Knight)

The technique the Old Lady used on me I guess.
However, countermeasures for that technique have already been completed.

“If you can then try!” (Naofumi)
“Then here I go! It’ll hurt a bit, but I must have Iwatani-dono hear what I say.” (Female Knight)

The Female Knight headed towards my chest.
Fast! But, it’s not too fast to avoid.
I evaded the Female Knight’s first attack and took my distance.

“As expected. It requires considerable capability to avoid this thrust.” (Female Knight)
“So you say” (Naofumi)
“Then I’ll have the next go.” (Female Knight)

With her hand on the tip of her sword, the Female Knight runs towards me preparing to lunge.

“Pearles Transformation sword technique! Multi-layered Crumble Attack!” (Female Knight)

The Female Knight’s attack appeared to have the tip of her lunging sword increasing numerous times.
As expected, it seems hard to avoid. Let’s block it.
The thrusts were repelled away one by one―
Urgh….

“With the basics, I am aiming for various places that have a high chance of effectiveness. It’s not good to forget” (Female Knight)

That fellow came and used internal attacks on my spirit flow whenever I blocked.
You…it’s not like I don’t have a counter technique, thanks to the training with Atla, but I can’t defend against so many attacks.
She’s unexpectedly strong.

Moreover, if I purposely give an opening to avoid the attack, I will likely be stabbed.
The Female Knight’s barrage will end eventually.
It was a good attack. And sharp.

Certainly, I had thought she was capable but for it to reach this extent.
As I thought, with just light sparring with Atla, is it too difficult in an actual fight?
I’ll be quickly caught up to even if I’m able to get past.

Alright, though there isn’t much time left, I’ll switch to the Wrath Shield.
With Dark Curse Burning S’s power, I’ll create flames at the points of attack.
With my burning desire for vengeance, my power should increase as well.
Immediately after I tried to change it, the Female Knight opened her mouth.

“To begin with. Just how much resentment does Iwatani-dono hold towards the Hero of the Sword?” (Female Knight)
“Resentment? I have no shortage of that!” (Naofumi)

First is when he did not cover for me when Witch deceived me.
He only watched as Raphtalia was about to be taken away right?
I was suddenly hit with an instant kill skill from behind.
Starting with that time with Motoyasu, Ren called me annoying while using the transfer skill to escape time after time.
After that, after that….

…Huh?
It’s less than I thought.

Yeah. That’s right. Thinking carefully, I don’t have much resentment towards Ren.
Exactly what is this?

He tried to help when I was suspected of trying to assassinate Melty.
There was something wrong with that proposition so I did not negotiate and escaped, but there was no more than that one prompt attack.
Though it was Ren’s mistake in Gaelion’s case, I stuck my head in when actually, I had little relation to it.
When Witch was spreading salt on my wounds with deceptive rumours too…he was just a spectator so the involvement is small.
Rather, a complaint was raised when there was unfairness in my duel.

I just paid him back for using the certain kill skill from my back too…I enjoyed his miserable state to my heart’s content.
But to listen to Witch’s sweet whispers and fall for her temptation is the crime.
After that was a situation where he’d be killed to spit out Witch’s whereabouts.
Thinking about that, there was no need to go as far as killing I guess?

That is to say, I have a preconception of resentment towards the heroes?

I see, I’ve also been corroded by the Wrath Shield. It is annoying but, I must fix my thinking a bit.
Like Ren’s weird speech and conduct, I’ve also been affected by my anger.
Thinking about it, so far Raphtalia has not been nearby so I’ve been absorbing anger like the time with the Wrath Dragon.
Gaelion is suppressing it for the time being, but our time spent together is too short compared to Raphtalia and Firo.

He can be said to be the perpetrator of the Spirit Turtle issue…but, in reality the Spirit Turtle still would’ve revived someday.
Whether or not diplomacy could do anything, but according to this guy’s reasoning it seemed impossible.
The authority of the heroes too, it’s fine to see it as it not having any effect on the world leaders who were brainwashed by the Spirit Turtle.
Melromark is a good example.

After all, there’s the aspect of heroes being pieces in religious and international diplomacy.
Running away or dying poorly could trigger war, or so the Queen and the leaders of other countries have said.
And that’s why I was able to survive in Melromark.

If running away is no longer an option…this is also one method.

“Won’t you reconsider? If possible I want to have Iwatani-dono’s name in history as an upstanding hero. For Raphtalia’s sake as well.” (Female Knight)

She hits where it hurts.
However, this woman, she did nothing when I was suffering.
…Come to think of it, I don’t remember seeing her until the Queen arrived.
Was she an imperial guard or something?

Well, thinking back on it, my grudge’s basis is Trash, Witch, and Motoyasu.
Even that Motoyasu fell into sorrow, to the point that I don’t wish to meet if possible, since it disturbs my mind.
Only Trash and Witch remain…my own grudge with Ren is not to the point of killing.

“This concerns the prediction of the end of this world.There is a theory that the killing of the heroes during the invasion of the waves will promote this end. For that reason, do not kill him so easily.” (Female Knight)

Gaelion also said something similar.
I don’t know what is being promoted, but the question I’ve had since the start about what the waves are still remains.

Frankly, the incident with the Spirit Turtle was just the heroes’ self-destructing as they pleased.
If I had to say, I do not hold a grudge against Ren because of the Spirit Turtle incident.
Well I heard the scope of damage was considerable, but whoever died was of no concern to me.

I can’t say it out loud but, honestly, I dislike the bunch from this world.
Of course there are exceptions, but it’s impossible for me to come to like those who badmouthed me as a devil and what not.
If they saw this as a just cause as well, they will make a clamour, shouting “kill, kill”.
With this, my hate won’t change, just like the people of this world.

The inhabitants of this world were the ones to judge the three heroes regarding the Spirit Turtle, not me…how should I put it, it’s that.
That there is war in a foreign country with several hundred casualties, or something similar is…no skin off my nose or rather, it’s somebody else’s problem.
Of course, I am involved since I fought the Spirit Turtle, but not to the extent of being angry for them.

Rather, the matter with the Spirit Turtle could be said to have improved my standing in many ways.
I have no intention to express my gratitude, but I do not hold much of a grudge towards Ren himself.
Ren’s pretending not to see, that also applies to this world’s bunch as a whole.
Towards Ren, I’ve already beaten him up so the sour feeling from the preemptive attack is settling down.

But the sentiments can’t be forgiven.

Left practically naked after being treated like a criminal for a fabricated crime, called ‘weak’ and ‘small fry’, ‘disgusting’ and ‘trash’, no one can understand my feelings as I was thrown alone into a strange new world.
No, I won’t stand being understood.

There is no way this fellow could comprehend a rage that made my food tasteless.

This woman is proudly enumerating these just arguments, yet she did nothing when I was truly in trouble.
Coming out after all that and acting like a good person…just who are you trying to be.
You have no right to preach. I won’t stand it.

It’s the same for the Queen.
When I was truly troubled, the one who put everything else aside and became my ally was Raphtalia alone.
What is this hypocrite, who was not there at that time, prattling on about.

But Raphtalia who scolded me when I laughed at the misfortune of the other heroes, what would she think if she knew I had a hand in killing a hero?
I wonder…I have a very bad feeling.

Or rather, saying “kill, kill” repeatedly has made it hard to retreat.
Thinking calmly, rather than hurting my reputation by untactfully killing a hero, making use of the situation would be better.
Of course, because I may be punished if I overlook a criminal, capturing him for now would be the best course of action.
Even if he’s executed, my legitimacy will be damaged if the proper legal process is not used.

Alright, now to let the Female Knight save face and while pretending to give up during discussions, I’ll get advantageous bargaining chips to―

“U…uoooo” (Ren)

I shifted my attention to the voice just as Ren was getting up.

“I…won’t lose. I, to obtain the strength, to be the strongest, will aquire everything.. take.. this!” (Ren)

Ren’s sword…the ominous one-handed sword transformed into a large, dusky great sword.

“Wha- what!?” (Naofumi)

Not only that, an even stronger dark aura has been gushing out for some time now.

“Fuee!?” (Rishia)
“Wh- What’s this!?” (Taniko)

Suddenly, Gaelion grabbed my shoulder and whispered near my ear.

“This is bad. I sense a power stronger than even before. I dare say I cannot offer opposition.” (Gaelion)
“Shit! It became such a situation because we were doing something like chatting leisurely!” (Naofumi)

Should we consider retreating?

“Rishia! Taniko! Wake Atla up!” (Naofumi)
“…Iwatani-dono.” (Female Knight)
“What!?” (Naofumi)
“I will take responsibility for this. In exchange, if I bring down the Hero of the Sword alone, will you entrust the dealings with the Hero of the Sword to me?” (Female Knight)
“You still say that even after causing this situation!?” (Naofumi)
“Yes, I must not stray from my own path, you see. But if I still cannot stop him, you may gather people to kill the hero. If it becomes like that, the Queen will probably come to that decision.” (Female Knight)
“Do you think you can win against that?” (Naofumi)
“I don’t know! However, my sword won’t bend so simply when I’ve made a decision!” (Female Knight)

It’s fine if we personally bring Ren down when the Female Knight gets taken out.
If our comrades are taken down, even Raphtalia should compromise.
It is not blind slaughter.
I’m aware that the Female Knight is stubborn. I think Raphtalia understands too.

Besides, the plan was to settle this in the discussion after all, it’s all good.
If it genuinely seems dangerous, it’ll probably be fine do something and have her owe me a debt. It’s time to wait for a chance.

“…I suppose.” (Naofumi)
“Is it fine to take that as affirmation?” (Female Knight)
“Yeah, if you can bring Ren down alone, that is.” (Naofumi)
“You’ve promised.” (Female Knight)
“I keep promises. Both good and bad. I’ll lend a hand if it gets dangerous.” (Naofumi)
“I understand. That’s fine.” (Female Knight)

There was deception, I hate wasting promises.
Well, I think I’ll deceive you as many times as needed about making the promise though.
Now then, let’s watch the Female Knight’s fight.

“Try not to die.” (Naofumi)
“Ha? Ah, that…hm!? Iwatani-dono, you can’t possibly…!” (Female Knight)
“Who knows.” (Naofumi)

The Female Knight’s face became incredibly shocked.
You may think you’ve just been had, but it has only been deception since the middle.
Hm, you’ll probably misunderstand if you use your head here.
Though nothing was actually used.

“Honestly! Then, let us name ourselves, Hero of the Sword. My name is Eclaire Siaette! To reform your spoiled nature as ordered by the Queen, I shall wield my sword!” (Female Knight)

She had that kind of name, huh.
I couldn’t understand why she put on airs and didn’t give her name.
I only called you by a weird name because you didn’t name yourself.
I wonder if Raphtalia knew? I suppose she thought I already heard from Raphtalia and knew.

Oh well.
In any case, the battle between the Female Knight and the curse-corroded Ren is beginning.