Chapter 215: Am I Actually Strong?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 215: Am I Actually Strong?
Right, it would’ve actually been disappointing if Akito hadn't shown up.
Look at how confident he is, even facing this many people. He’s not the protagonist for nothing.
But isn't his gaze a bit too fierce? That looks like the look he only gives when he’s truly pissed off…
Ah, it’s not directed at me, but at Randall.
It was a bit confusing because of the distance, but the moment Akito saw Randall, his expression turned terrifying.
I told him to watch his mouth.
That kid is going to become the strongest soon and crush anyone who resists him; why did Randall have to act up when he can't possibly handle the consequences?
Even though I clearly told him that Akito is the one who saves the world, Randall keeps provoking him. Does this man have nine lives or something?
Park Yu-jeong, who was leaning over my shoulder to watch Akito, whispered.
“Looks like Akito’s pretty heated up, huh?”
“It’s not directed at me, so I don't care.”
“Is it? He’s glaring at you like he wants to kill you.”
“No, he’s not. He’s looking at that obnoxious-looking guy over there.”
“No, it’s definitely you. He’s looking at that snake-like agent too, but he’s definitely watching you as well.”
Don't say such scary things.
Think of how well I’ve treated him until now… Well, come to think of it, we are on opposite sides right now. But even if our Akito is a pushover and stubborn, he wouldn't get upset over something like this, right?
He’s a broad-minded person. He’s someone who understands that people can have different perspectives.
… …
But hearing Park Yu-jeong say that makes me nervous.
I leaned slightly toward Randall and asked.
“What on earth did you say to make him that angry?”
“I just told him not to overstep his bounds.”
Um… it’s absurd how he says that like it’s nothing, but anyway, I’m not at fault here, right?
It’s not me, right? You want to kill Randall, right? Go ahead and kill him. Do whatever you want, Akito. As long as it’s not me.
It feels like he’s glaring at me intensely, but surely it’s not me.
It shouldn't be.
And did you think I’d come here unprepared, knowing you’d show up? I’ve prepared for everything.
I took a step forward and faced Akito.
“Are you taking Fable’s side?”
“I’m not taking sides; I’m suggesting we talk. Instead of trying to make them submit through violence like this.”
Mmm… but if they say they won't talk, you’re going to use violence anyway.
It seems Akito is the only one overflowing with motivation.
For starters, among his followers, Chika and Justina are on my side, and Kaira isn't here, so his numbers are low.
Shiori also looks uneasy, as if she doesn't like how this is going, while the Pauper and Shunya are just rolling their eyes, seemingly still failing to grasp the situation.
“Shunya, come here.”
When Justina clapped her hands briefly and held out her hand as if calling a pet, the wolf ears atop Shunya’s head perked up.
Shunya seemed to check Akito’s reaction for a moment before scurrying over and clinging to Justina’s arm.
“Our opinions just happened to differ this time, so I hope you don't take it too much to heart.”
It’s not like she’s mocking him, but Akito is surely going to love hearing that.
As Justina spoke while stroking Shunya’s head, Akito nodded.
“Yeah, I understand. Everyone has their own thoughts.”
Tsk… If he had shown me even half of that tolerance, this mess wouldn't have happened.
Should I try it too?
When I looked at her, the Pauper flinched and turned her head away.
“100 million.”
“… …”
“1 billion.”
When I offered to reduce her debt, the Pauper unconsciously started moving toward me. Then, startled by the gazes of the other followers, she quickly scurried back to her original spot.
Right, I didn't expect much.
I shrugged and pulled out a thick book I had prepared.
“It’s heavy, so catch it.”
Shiori caught the book I threw, examined it for a moment, and then showed the contents to Akito.
The book I just threw was a compiled list of the illegal acts committed by Fable and his gang.
I went through the trouble of printing it out and binding it into a book just for today.
Akito looked at the book Shiori was showing him with a serious expression, focusing intently.
I told you I prepared hard.
He might be indecisive when it comes to women and gets deceived or backstabbed throughout the game because he’s too trusting, but his stance of not forgiving evildoers never changes.
There are cases where he helps villains because he’s been tricked, but he has never stood by once he knew someone was evil.
As for that slime monster Io or whatever… she looked like a woman, so let’s pass on that, but Fable is a man, so he’ll definitely cut ties decisively.
With this, Akito is handled.
All that’s left is for Randall to arrest Fable and his gang, and for Akane to take over the vacant spot.
“You went to a lot of trouble to fabricate this.”
… …?
Akito closed the book as if there was no need to see more and looked at me.
No, uh… excuse me? That—Fable is a man, you know?
Did this guy eat something wrong? Why is he suddenly gritting his teeth and taking Fable’s side?
“Can you take responsibility for what you just said? You’ve just claimed that the government fabricated this.”
Look at his audacity. Even if a third of it was, it was fabricated.
When Randall spoke, clearly offended by the word 'fabrication,' Akito replied.
“Not the government, but you probably fabricated it.”
“You really love making things difficult. You’re not the one who’s great; your father is. You still think you’re some kind of—”
“No, wait, step back for a second.”
He is great, okay? Why do you keep picking fights?
I held Randall back and met Akito’s gaze.
What is wrong with this guy?
He’s stubborn, but he’s someone who never forgives a male antagonist once their villainy is confirmed.
He might think it’s fabricated, but to conclude that without even checking?
Did he sleep with Fable or something?
“Do you have proof that it’s fabricated?”
“I don't.”
“…Your confidence is impressive… Anyway, you have no proof, but it’s fabricated? Isn't that a bit of a stretch?”
“I don't care if you think it’s a stretch. I only follow what I believe in.”
Hey—striking a pose like you’re saying something cool doesn't give you persuasive power you don't have, you know?
What am I supposed to do with this precious brat?
Even his followers were flustered by Akito’s tantrum and started whispering among themselves, trying to change his mind.
But it seems they failed?
Seeing Akito’s firm… no, his stubborn brat-like attitude, Shiori’s face turned despondent as she looked at me.
“Even if the world denies it, I believe in Lord Akito.”
“Yeah! Akito can't be wrong!”
He is wrong!
And you guys, please think for yourselves for once! Why do you leave all the thinking to Akito!
My blood boiled seeing the Samurai changing his stick back into a sword and Emma blindly agreeing with Akito.
At least Shiori and the other followers look like they know this is wrong, but those two are really…
Sigh… But seriously, what do I do?
No matter how tight-lipped the agents Randall brought are, if a battle breaks out with them, we won't be able to hide it anymore.
And I have nothing else prepared.
I thought he’d naturally back down once he learned about Fable’s crimes.
But I can't back down now after gathering all these people.
While I was agonizing, unable to do one thing or the other, Akito took a step forward and changed his stick into a sword.
It’s still a flashy sword.
Akito pointed the sword—the kind that looks like it belongs to a hero destined to slay a demon king—at me.
“Yeon-woo, let’s have a duel.”
“… … Me?”
Excuse me? Me? Why?
“There’s no need to make this a big deal. Let’s decide this with a duel between the two of us.”
No, you’re the one making this a big deal.
And why a duel all of a sudden? The government is involved, and so many people are tied up in this, and you want to decide it with a fistfight between two people?
This isn't some gangster movie.
As I stared blankly at the absurd solution, Randall laughed.
“He really thinks there are only two people in the world. Good grief—you can win, right? Teach that idiot a lesson about how the world works.”
… … Excuse me?
You call it a stupid suggestion, but why is your conclusion to agree with Akito?
“It’s a fair proposal. Let the sword decide who is right.”
Justina… no, you Kkanp! You go on about being noble and all that, so why are you agreeing to this barbarian method!
Do you know how much money was spent here, the manpower, the time, and all the things intertwined? Does it make sense to decide everything with such a meaningless duel?
“Ooh~ this looks fun. I’m betting on Yeon-woo to win.”
Park Yu-jeong, even you…
Sigh.
Right, this was the kind of world it was.
What use are logic and reason? It’s a world where if the protagonist steps up and says, "One-on-one? Okay," everyone goes, "The protagonist is so cool!"
Is this also some kind of mysterious power of Akito’s?
If I had made such a suggestion, I would’ve definitely been cursed out, but when Akito suggests it, everyone accepts.
Is he manipulating their minds or something… It’s chilling to see them not doubting themselves for a second while agreeing to this nonsensical proposal.
Even Turk patted my back, cheering me on to show my skills, and people naturally stepped back to create a space for Akito and me to fight.
I really hate this…
It would’ve been better if I, like the others, didn't question Akito’s strange power.
They say ignorance is bliss.
With everyone agreeing and even setting the stage, I can't refuse.
Maybe it’s for the better? If Akito fights the agents, things will get even messier.
But I really don't have any confidence.
I’m soooo grateful for Greyhound’s effort in kindly setting up a barrier around us to create an arena.
“Uhh—I have one thing I want to ask. This duel doesn't end with us having to decapitate each other, right?”
“You don't need to worry about my life.”
No, I’m worrying about my neck.
Akito smiled slightly and continued.
“We’re friends; there’s no need to fight with our lives on the line.”
“Right, we’re friends. Then let’s not fight and resolve this through talk—”
“Let’s end it when one side gives up or their mana barrier breaks.”
We’re… friends, right?
Unlike when I fought that Under-the-Bed guy, there’s no mana barrier alarm, so I have to judge by intuition?
Saying it’s intuition is one thing, but accurately hitting someone to only break their mana barrier is a technique bordering on divine.
Whether an arm gets cut off or internal organs are damaged, it’s only natural to take an impact when the barrier breaks…
What is that guy relying on to be so confident?
“I’m starting.”
Akito took his stance as if there was no need to drag this out any further.
I fought him once before during the Shrine Maiden Clan request…
How was it then? If I remember correctly, I wasn't even a match for him.
I sighed, pulled out the Etiquette Infuser, and rested it on my shoulder.
I don't even hope to win; let’s just not embarrass myself.
No, let’s just lose while staying healthy.
Hoping I wouldn't end up disabled, I began the fight with Akito.
As soon as it started, Akito moved rapidly, attacking with that flashy sword that looked difficult to even swing.
Boom—! Crash—! Bang!
Magic poured out every time the sword swung, and Akito attacked me while moving through the flashing spells.
I learned how difficult it is to perform melee attacks and long-range magic simultaneously while training with Frey.
Under Akito’s overwhelming offensive, I was helpless…
Helpless… wait?
Thwack—!
“Yeeesss—! Give him another one!”
When Akito was sent flying after being hit in the face by the Etiquette Infuser I swung instinctively at an opening, Randall shouted excitedly with his fists clenched.
Uh… why…? Why did it hit?
In my confusion, Akito quickly regained his stance and attacked again.
A frantic barrage of attacks poured in, but I was dodging them better than I thought.
Waist, left leg.
Recognizing the areas Akito was targeting, I shifted half a step to the side and twisted my body. The spells passed by, and I thrust the Etiquette Infuser forward.
Akito, who was approaching, stopped abruptly as the Etiquette Infuser occupied his path first, and I took a step forward with the weapon extended.
It was a simple movement, yet Akito retreated with a flustered expression.
Ah… Frey taught me this.
Did she say that if you predict the enemy’s actions and occupy the space first, the opponent can't do anything?
I could see all of Akito’s attacks, and how to counter them popped into my head.
This… might be doable?
I think I might be stronger than I thought.