Re: Turning
Courageous

"E-uh? Fighting with you?" Shinnichi repeats Samejima's words. "U-for what?"

He did not understand the reason behind his words. He had just escaped from his sword slash. And now, he was pushed back towards her?

"Why did I answer you?" answer Samejima sure. It was as if Shinnichi's opinion to fight was unimportant.

"...."

I-I heard wrong, huh? What the fuck!? Shinnichi shouted in his head. He did not understand the way of mind of this person in front of him. He even prefers to doubt his own ears.

"Why? You want to resist like a loser? Surrender with your tail between your legs?" ask Samejima again.

Shinnichi wanted to nod and exclaimed "yes!" As a servant, he had no hope of competing with a Hero like Samejima. However, a voice from a certain Princess interrupted him.

"Of course not! Kurobane-sama is not afraid of you."

"F-Teen-sama!?"

With confidence, Fiona agreed to it. Representing Shinnichi, although his own person looks — correction — is really reluctant. Anyway, the decision has been made. They will duel.

Samejima smiled with satisfaction. He put his hand on the handle of Riveria. He turned his body. "I'll give you time to prepare" he said before walking away.

"Fi-fiona-sama! Wh-what was that?" After Samejima left, Shinnichi immediately approached Fiona with a frightened expression. He did not understand what had just happened. "I-I can't fight a Hero! Right now, I'm just a regular waiter!"

Samejima's challenge, the strange reason, Fiona's decision. He can't digest it all at the same time. He held his pulsing head. Mumbled, "How is this? How'this?" under his breath.

"Hmm? But, I'm sure Kurobane-sama can defeat him," Fiona said confidently. Plus a bright smile on his face.

"W-how do you know, Fiona-sama?" ask Shinnichi slowly.

Fiona did not answer. Instead, he just smiled sweetly. Making the receiver smile it blushed a little.

Shinnichi did not know the origin of that complete belief. Nor the reason why Fiona dared to defend him and the Devil race before the Humans. But he knew that smile meant something. And he felt he had to prove "something.

Shinnichi sighed. He never understood his master's thought. He looked towards Yonaka, Izumi, and Erina.

Although Izumi was still unconscious, the wounds on her body had already disappeared. One could even think that he was just asleep. Sticking on his head, Yonaka smiled at Shinnichi. It's like saying "You can do it!"

Erina, on the other hand, wore a complicated expression. He has been training Shinnichi for more than two weeks. It was enough for him to understand Shinnichi's gentle and honest nature. However, he also had feelings for Samejima, even before coming to Zelfria. He can't just throw it away.

Saying something to Yonaka, Erina left them. Walk towards Samejima. Shortly after, some knights also came and took Izumi to the healer room. Yonaka turned towards Shinnichi with a worried expression. Shinnichi just smiled weakly as he said "What's wrong." Yonaka looked down apologizing before following them.

It seemed like only Fiona was accompanying him now. However, it was proven wrong.

"Princess, Shinnichi-dono."

From behind him, he heard the voice of a woman. It made Shinnichi and Fiona turn their heads. Looking at a silver-haired woman. A Devil, Fusena lowered her head slightly.

"Thank you for standing up for us" he said with a slight accent. "Although he is a Hero, Shinnichi-dono protects Haira."

Fusena looked to the side. Haira also lowered her head to Shinnichi. "Ctrestum morvi, Shinnichi-dono. I-we owe you."

"A-ah, it's okay. Don't think about it." Shinnichi waved his hand. Give a small smile. "I've been helped too."

Shinnichi still doesn't know how to activate his magic. But, at least he already understood the spell needed. That alone is more than enough.

After all, Shinnichi is protecting Haira because of his own intentions. It doesn't feel good if someone owes it to him.

"But-but...."

"Haira, don't mess with Shinnichi-dono's honor." Fusena cut Haira's words wanting to protest. "He wants to do this of his own accord."

Huh uh? When do I intend to fight with that OP Hero!?

Holding that thought inside his own head, Shinnichi could only smile weakly. Fiona felt a little guilty now. Come to think of it, Shinnichi must have been terrified.

"U-umm... Kurobane-sama, ji-if you win...." Fiona started to mutter something. His face was red with shame. "N-later...."

"Hmm?" Shinnichi barely hears Fiona's voice. "Did you say something, Fiona-sama?"

"Po-anything!" Fiona chose not to tell him. "Kurobane-sama should win!"

"O-oh, okay?" Shinnichi looked at Fiona. Kinda confused.

Saying nothing, Fiona turned her back. He walked quickly to the side of the field. Make room for Shinnichi. Hiding his red face.

The demons are the same. Using wind magic, Haira lifted Endel up and took him out of the field. Fusena returns to Shinnichi and follows Haira.

Shinnichi sighed again. He's alone now.

Shinnichi took a deep breath. Prepare to face a hero.

❂❂❂❂❂❂

Samejima swings Riveria. Occasionally releasing fireballs towards the sky. Intentionally getting everyone's attention on him.

He is a proud man. Too proud of himself. Before coming to Zelfria.

Samejima lives in the shadow of his perfect brother. He made her unnoticed by her parents. That factor made him a respectable madman.

Naturally, he thought that he was above everyone. That all of them are inferior to him. So, when Shinnichi gets special attention from the Princess. He's wrathful.

He doesn't understand. What did the Princess see from Shinnichi? Her looks? Usual. His nature? Usual. His power? Usual.

He doesn't understand. Appearance, charisma and strength are the most important things. With it, he can control others.

However, the princess chose to ignore him. Choose the servant over the Hero. Even defended him in front of his face, twice.

So, when he received the message from the King this morning, he was excited. With this, he could get rid of that weak servant. With this, the Princess could be his.

Samejima covered his mouth. To others, he looks like he has no heart against Shinnichi. Make others respect him more. But the truth can make anyone feel fear creeping under the skin.

Samejima tried to hide his smile. He was impatient.

Re-lightening Riveria, he walked to the center of the field. Glancing towards the Princess. The gaze he gave to Shinnichi explained everything.

The princess fell in love with the servant.

What a beautiful story. Inner Samejima. Staring at Shinnichi. Too bad you're not the main character.

Samejima stopped across from Shinnichi. The waiter looked pitiful as usual. Shaking under Samejima's gaze was like a mouse being cornered by a cat.

Samejima. Can barely hold back his laughter.

"This duel has the same rules as the others!" Samejima. "But I'll make an exception."

Samejima held up Riveria in her scabbard. He tied the handle of the sword and its sheath with the restraint of his sword.

"To avoid unnecessary casualties. I'm not gonna get Riveria out! The last man standing, win!" he said a little loud. Make the audience excited.

Sure enough, the spectators started to let out a sound of admiration. Not only strong, Hero Samejima is also kind. That's what they say.

Of course Samejima didn't mean that. In addition to bragging and making it better in people's eyes, he wants Shinnichi to suffer.

If he wore the blade of Riveria, he could accidentally kill her. Samejima didn't want that. He wants Shinnichi alive in order to remember the wounds he will give.

Hearing that, Shinnichi was somewhat surprised. Shortly after, he smiled a little. It seems he doesn't know what Samejima is thinking.

"Ready? I'll give you the first blow." Samejima smiled arrogantly. Make sure no one hears it but Shinnichi.

"Be good." Shinnichi nodded slowly.

Thanks to his practice, Shinnichi only needed 6 seconds to collect the Mana ball. He also tried not to close his eyes.

Not saying the spell or the name of the magic, Shinnichi threw the Mana ball towards Samejima. It looks like a cannonball.

However, Samejima was undaunted. He swung the still-in-the-scabbard Riveria. Cut the Mana ball in half. Without even using the blade of Riveria, he could still cut through Shinnichi's blue ball.

Dum! A pair of huge explosions were created behind him. Blowing the wind and making his golden hair flutter. His appearance matched the title of Hero. Unfortunately, his facial expression was more suitable for a savage beast.

Samejima smiled broadly. Not a charming smile. However, an empty smile that looked like a crescent moon. He lowered his body and then shot away as fast as lightning.

The movement is too fast. Shinnichi couldn't see it. He looked here and there, but could not find it.

"Behind you."

"Apa!? Guh!"

Unable to respond quickly, Shinnichi receives a kick on his back. It felt like being hit with a baseball bat. It floated in the air before falling to the ground.

"Kurobane-sama!" Fiona exclaims seeing Shinnichi's body suddenly thrown.

Dust lifted as it fell. Below, Shinnichi coughed. He could barely stand. He may not know, but Samejima is holding back his attack power. He doesn't want Shinnichi to pass out in the middle of a fight.

"Uhuk! Uhuk!" Shinnichi coughing. Trying to remove the dust that went into his lungs and the impact of the kick earlier. His sight was blurred, but he could see the figure of Samejima.

"What's wrong? Caved yet?" Samejima combed his golden hair, smiling little.

Samejima's voice resuscitated him. He stood with great difficulty. Not wanting to give up after being hit by one attack. He may be scared, but he won't give up.

Shinnichi started to rack his brain.

Samejima didn't wait anymore. This time, he just walked. Calmly approach Shinnichi.

To others, it may seem ordinary. However, for Shinnichi, it was the most frightening experience he had experienced so far. The killing aura released by the Hero pierced into his body. Make it tremble again.

I want him to give up. I want it to feel like it's running. But, Shinnichi remained standing on his feet.

He began to push his limits. Creating two Mana balls at the same time. He threw it at Samejima.

Samejima swings Riveria. Dum! A pair of explosions were heard behind him. He stopped and held onto Riveria with both hands.

Duoms! A huge explosion pushed him backwards. It seems like Mana Shinnichi's ball does have its own power. Samejima was not too worried.

Shinnichi didn't waste a chance. He ran towards Samejima. A ball of Mana in his hand. He pointed it at Samejima's stomach. Try the tactics used by a certain blonde ninja.

Of course for a high-level Hero, Samejima captures Shinnichi's intentions. He held his outstretched hand. And then quickly, pull it.

Shinnichi widened his eyes. Surprised as he felt his body being pulled forward. But, that shock was immediately replaced by the pain that attacked his back again. Samejima nudged him so hard that he fell to the ground. Ignoring the momentum of its pull.

"Gig!"

Striking the ground, Shinnichi could feel the air being pushed out of his lungs. Within two minutes, he fell to the ground again. Shinnichi closed his eyes.

"It's so sad" Samejima whispered. Sounded by Shinnichi. "If you give up and give me the Princess, I'll let you go."

"N-no." Shinnichi immediately gave his answer. An attack as great as anything would not be able to shake him.

Samejima looked at Shinnichi coldly. He hung Riveria on his back. He lifted Shinnichi up easily.

"Then, die."

"Aragh!"

Holding his neck, Samejima starts to hit Shinnichi's stomach. It made the young man make a sound of pain. Every punch of Samejima's fist felt so painful in his stomach. Shinnichi needs all his energy not to lose consciousness.

"Kurobane-ne...."

Looking at Shinnichi, Fiona felt the same pain in her heart. He could feel every blow Shinnichi received. Unlike him, his injuries were psychological. He began to regret his decision. Fiona curses herself for pushing Shinnichi into this fight.

It was not just Fiona who had a worried expression on her face. Across the field, Haira also looked at Shinnichi with the same expression. He feels himself to be the main reason Shinnichi suffers. Haira also condemns her own stupidity for causing Shinnichi to suffer.

Erina also began to be unable to see anymore. He shifted his eyes. Trying to ignore Shinnichi's groan. The other audience also began to feel sorry for him. However, they can't do anything.

Shinnichi held Samejima's left hand. Trying to break away. Samejima closed his eyes. He releases Shinnichi and kicks him.

Shinnichi's body rolled on the ground. Dirtying his body with dust and abrasions. If Samejima had not restrained himself, he would have been dead. He could feel the bruises on his back.

However, Shinnichi has not given up. He got back up. Half-baked, but his gaze said that he was unyielding.

Samejima walked towards Shinnichi. Combing her golden hair. Sighs at how stubborn this one boy's head is. He pulled Riveria - still with her scabbard - from her back.

Samejima combed his hair. "You know, I've always had a— Gwah!?"

Dum! An explosion was created from Samejima's left hand. About his Head directly. Samejima was thrown backwards. Disappeared and lost consciousness.

It happened so fast that the audience could not understand what was happening. Samejima combed his hair as usual, heard an explosion and then sprawled. That's what they saw.

"Kurobane-sama won...?" Fiona started muttering. Shortly after, he smiled happily. "Kurobane-sama won! He was the last one standing!"

No matter what Fiona says, she says the right thing. Although no one cheered her victory except Fiona, they could not argue that Shinnichi won.

"Samejima lost...?" Erina, as surprised as the others, muttered. Although he feels sorry for Shinnichi, that feeling is defeated by his shock.

Fusena on the other hand, smiled slightly. Haira also looked relieved. Staring at Shinnichi once more, he turned his body around. Leave field.

"Fusena-dono?" Haira called out the name of the demonic woman. Not getting an answer, he decided to follow her. Endel - still fainted - floated behind him.

Staring at the unconscious Samejima, Shinnichi wanted to cry. He must have remembered this and will be looking for it again. But, for this time, at least he succeeded. He succeeded in realizing Fiona's trust. Or vice versa, Fiona's trust becomes reality.

"You're right, Fiona...."

Smiling slightly, Shinnichi's gaze began to blur. His body seemed to have reached its limit. Shinnichi fell to the ground. Fiona's voice calling out her name became the last thing she heard.

✾✾✾✾

"What!?" Albert hit the desk. Making the glasses and bottles of alcohol on top of the falls and breaks. But right now, his biggest worry is not that. "Samejima lost!? How can!?"

"That strange young man, Kurobane Shinnichi, defeated him, Your Majesty."

Answering Albert's question, was a figure. A faint figure, male, female, old or young. It doesn't resemble anyone. Mist, King Victoria's flagship spy.

"The traitor defeated him!?"

Albert widened his eyes. I can't believe what Mist said.

"First he approached Fiona, then betrayed his own race, then defeated one of the Heroes? What was on his mind?!" Albert hissing annoyed. "Did he know the truth?"

The plan is going well. He can see his ideal future. And now there was a bully appearing before him. Albert can't allow this.

"Call Estoc! I want him and the traitor in front of me!" albert gave the order.

Mist knelt before the King. "Will I do it." In an instant, it disappeared. Fused with the darkness in the room.

"Damn it!" Albert cursed. Turn the table in full force. "I won't let it!"

His mind was fixed on the black-haired young man. The young man who began to interfere with his plans. And he will pay according to his deeds.

"Aqrina-sama, please wait a moment longer. I'll take care of this rat bully."

Speaking to his Dewi, Albert pitched his head upwards. I don't know what he meant by taking care of. Only he and his wife know.