Seirei Gensouki Konna Sekai De Deaeta Kimi Ni
Chapter 24's
Half a year had passed since he came to the Seirei no tami village. Rio was currently undergoing his spirit arts training in the square on the outskirts of the village as usual.
「I've taught you everything I can teach you about spirit arts. There is nothing left for me to teach. 」
Arthura muttered in admiration at the figure of Rio perfectly executing the spirit art before him.
「This is also due to the help of Arthura-dono」
With a light smile, Rio thanked Arthura for training him in spirit arts.
「Although so, in less than a year, to reach the point of freely using spirit arts at will, it must be due to Rio-dono's extraordinary talent. I just gave you a little advice. You also become well-versed in many types of spirit arts. Geez, those spirits are really raining down on you. 」
Receiving gratitude from Rio, Arthura smiled at him.
According to Arthura, Rio's talent matches all spirit arts.
He could manipulate every natural phenomenon such as fire, water, ice, earth, wind, and thunder. In addition, it can also cause various phenomena. [1]
Arthura can also manipulate the phenomenon.
However, it was impossible for him to freely manipulate each of them to the same level.
They could not get close to the fire element art and magic [genjutsu] [2], his strongest art.
The remaining subject matter related to spirit arts is the unknown contract spirit of Rio-dono. 」
Arthura refers to the contracted spirit in Rio, who has remained unknown until now.
「Is there no way to know about contracted spirits?」
Following Arthura's direction, Rio had left that topic alone until now.
「Uhm, someone who knows .. the spirit sleeps inside you. I'm not sure . There may be one person, but ……. . 」
Arthura spoke in an unclear manner.
「Is there a problem?」
「Uhm. Well, just a little actually 」
Rio tilted his head, not quite understanding what "Just a little" means".
「People living in Seirei no tami, right? 」
「No, this person is actually a spirit itself. Moreover, it was an extremely high rank existence. In other words, High Ranking Quasi Spirit [3]. This is a big tree spirit, Dryad-sama 」
「Spirit big tree, could ....」.
Rio looked towards the majestic figure of the giant tree, which was towering all around him.
「Uhm, Dryad-sama's residence is on a big tree in the middle of this forest」
Arthura kindly replied to Rio.
But, there was one thing that Rio could not understand.
「Can't other spirits see through the true form of the unknown spirit inside me?」
Rio considered since they were all spirits, there was no need to go as far as asking Dryad.
「It's a matter of fact that spirits can sense the existence of other spirits. But, ordinary spirits could not speak with words despite having intelligence. They act by reading the intentions of their contract partners, and can show them something, in an ambiguous way; but they cannot speak clearly with the partners. Only high-class spirits can perfectly convey their thoughts to people 」
Rio nodded when he heard those words.
"I saw ………… . . Can I go to the big tree? 」
"That's the problem . The place was something similar to a shrine to the seirei no tami. With the exception of the spirit festival held once a year, even seirei no tami could not boldly enter the place. Approval is required to enter it other than that time 」
Rio's intentions were already understood by her with those words.
「In other words, they don't know whether to let me, who is an outsider, come in or not? 」
Rio guessed correctly Arthura's worry.
「Uhm, for our benefactor Rio-dono, it should be .............. as you say. I'm sorry Rio-dono, because there are still elder council members who don't trust Rio-dono yet, even now 」
Arthura frowned slightly and said that with an apologetic face.
News of a human boy living in the village −as the benefactor of a girl seirei no tami− has spread throughout the village. But, with the exception of some seirei no tami, Rio had lived far from contact with the others.
It was already a fact that the seirei no tami did not have a good image for mankind, that was why even the elder council of this village, it was because they were the elders who stubbornly remained wary of Rio.
The approval of the council of elders is necessary to go to the big tree, that is why it is necessary to earn their trust.
「I'll try to set it up, so you can somehow enter the big tree. Until then, please wait patiently. Well, besides, there should be a lot of things that Rio-dono needs to know. That person, Dominique, seems to want to teach her dwarf knowledge to Rio-dono. You will also be able to enjoy Syldra as your personal tutor on elves. 」
To dispel the anxiety from the current situation, Arthura spoke cheerfully about Rio's good fortune.
Rio could ask for a lesson directly from the elders of seirei no tami.
In addition to the matter of interracial, some people might be offended by teaching Rio knowledge of seirei no tami. However, Rio brushed aside his worries and considered it a good opportunity.
「I think it's good to finish it here today. Should we see how Latifa is performing now? 」
Arthura smiled brightly as she recalled her cute grandson.
「Hehh. I also want to see how he grows 」
Rio accepted Arthura's proposal, together they went to the square used for Latifa's spirit arts training.
There were five people: Latifa, Oufia, Sara, Alma, and Uzuma.
「In-this, greetings Arthura-dono, Rio-dono ...」.
Although Uzuma was the first of the five to notice Rio and Arthura, she gave her greetings while bowing her head, as if embarrassed by something.
「Uhm」
「Halo. Uzuma-dono 」
It awkwardly Rio returned his greeting in seirei no tami language [4] after seeing it like that.
Uzuma was surprised at how good Rio was at using the Seirei no tami language.
「Could it be, you can already speak in seirei no tami language?」
He asked with eyes full of curiosity.
「Ya, thanks to the lessons I received constantly from Arthura-dono, now I can handle it if it is an everyday conversation. But it's still the way to go, because I still feel awkward when using it 」
—-
Rio continued his studies of their language with hands-on training by spending most of his daily life speaking the seirei no tami language.
Thanks to that, his ability in the seirei no tami language reached a level where it would not be a problem for him to communicate with him in his daily life.
「Although so, it's still an incredible learning speed .....」
Alma who was beside him voiced his admiration.
The others in the group also sent him their admiring gazes, it made Rio feel itchy.
"Thank you very much . 」
After timidly giving her short gratitude, Rio turned towards Latifa, who was patiently waiting for her to finish her conversation.
「Latifa, did you learn correctly? 」
「Un! I became better at using spirit arts! We had Mock Combat just now. Uzuma-san is really strong! Next, I will fight against Sara-oneechan 」
Latifa clung to Rio as she spoke.
After immersing his face into Rio's body, he then looked at Rio.
"Is that so? Then, can Arthura-dono and I watch Latifa Mock Combat? 」
「Um ~, Okay! Sara-oneechan is! Come on, let's fight! 」
Latifa ran towards the center of the square in high spirits, wanting to show off her skills to Rio.
「Yeah, that boy really ... He became high spirited just because Rio-sama came」
Sara chases after Latifa back, expressing her feelings that it is inevitable.
After the two of them arrived at the center of the square, Oufia marked the beginning.
Strengthening their bodies and physical abilities at the time of the signal, the two began to move in an instant.
Since Latifa had also learned spirit arts, the physical and body strengthening magic she used was also from spirit arts.
(Very fast)
Rio was struck by that speed.
Latifa speed increased by leaps and bounds when compared to when she first met Rio.
The only grace of 『Body Strengthening Magic (Hyper Physical Ability)』 is to strengthen physical abilities; it is different from strengthening spirit arts, which also strengthen the user's body and not just physical abilities.
But, it was the same for Sara, who also strengthened her body and physical abilities with spirit arts.
According to Rio's observation, their speed was almost the same.
If that's the case, then it depends on their expertise.
In that case, they were currently testing the water by performing a feint attack.
Both of them used wooden knives as weapons.
Rio stood next to Uzuma and silently watched their match.
However, moments later, she notices that Uzuma is struggling to calm herself down.
Although it had been quite a while since he had come to the seirei no tami village, Uzuma still acted that way, as if she was avoiding Rio.
Although there was no hostility that could be felt from him, it still felt awkward for him.
「I don't mind about it anymore. Uzuma-dono, you don't need to worry about that. 」
Thinking that their relationship had been stiff all this time, Rio decided on his own and said it.
Uzuma reacted with a surprised look at Rio.
「Eh? Am I wrong? 」
Rio thought maybe Uzuma still regretted her misunderstanding, which caused her to actually hurt Rio.
But, from Uzuma's reaction, it seemed like it was due to a completely different matter, that she was acting that way towards Rio.
If that's the case, then what's the cause of his behavior? When Rio was worried about how he should communicate with her, Uzuma started talking first.
「..... No, you are not wrong. Part of the reason is also— it's just that Rio-dono is completely different from the image of the human race that I have, and. I am so sorry . All of this happened because of my lack of manners. 」
It turned out that her awkward attitude towards Rio was related to the matter between races.
Perhaps her feelings of gratitude to Rio for saving a girl from her brothers who were at odds with her guilt for having injured Rio due to a misunderstanding. Then there was his unease towards Rio due to racial issues, all of which were mixed up in Uzuma's mind.
Due to the deep historical origins, the woman's prejudice against her race was difficult to remove with just one or two small actions.
「I understand that it is not easy to change the bad image about humans. I won't try to change it. Instead, I'd be grateful if you could be yourself around me. You will feel tired, right, if you keep trying and forcing yourself? 」
He shrugged when he said that, while letting out an awkward smile.
「...... I want to say a big thank you for Rio-dono's consideration of me「
Uzuma lowered her head towards Rio with a gesture that made him seem like a naturally born military man.
Arthura, Oufia, and Alma looked at the two of them from the side curiously.
On the other hand, when the two of them were in the middle of their conversation, Sara and Latifa's match almost reached its peak.
Latifa gave her best shot, but, Sara was still far above her.
Rio also thought that Sara herself was a truly talented fighter, although there was also an age difference, her combat ability surpassed Latifa who was trained as an assassin.
Though it's possible Latifa can stand on the same ground as Sara when she grows up, as she continues her training. Most likely he will be chasing after Sara, who is his senior, for a while.
「U ~~ u, I was also defeated by Sara-oneechan」
Latifa said that while looking down with a frustrated expression on her face.
「That's natural since I'm older. Because I have learned the basics long ago from the seirei no tami warriors. With the age of Latifa, this is already good enough for you to become a seirei no tami warrior 」
Sara persuades the bitter Latifa, who slumps to the ground.
「Yes, you are really strong. I can't do anything 」
Oufia also tried to persuade Latifa.
「That's because Oufia-neesan is a rearguard type and spirit arts user; it's natural that you can't win against a pioneer type like Sara-neesan or Uzuma-san in close combat 」
And here, Alma added his tsukkomi.
It might be because of his honest personality, or his own nature that he says what he thinks.
「But, Onii-chan is still stronger than Sara-oneechan and Uzuma-san!」
Latifa said that with full confidence for Rio's victory.
「Mu, my pride as a soldier not only allowed that line to happen, but ...」.
—-
Uzuma's pride as the knight's head was ignited by [of course she] in Latifa's tone.
「I can't do anything against onii-chan at all！ Uzuma-san waaay is stronger than me but, you still haven't defeated onii-chan! 」
「Latifa, Uzuma is the strongest young warrior in this village. Even if he excels in spirit arts, for Rio-sama, the son of a human, to win against him is only ..
「Then, we'll find it by battle. Right, Onii-chan? 」
Latifa looked at Rio with her eyes turned upside down [5], fully believing in Rio's strength from the bottom of her heart.
He really wanted to reject her request, seeing that it turned in a completely troublesome direction but, Rio was not quite indifferent to betraying the innocent expectations of Latifa.
「Ingin to try it?」
While smiling bitterly in his heart, Rio proposed the challenge of Mock Combat to Uzuma.
「Ya, of course」
Uzuma answered immediately.
It was as if he really wanted to do that.
After choosing their weapons for the Mock Combat, the two of them took a spot in the middle of the square.
The rules were the same as before, only spirit arts that strengthened the physique and body were allowed in the match.
Uzuma, with his wooden spear, versus Rio, with his wooden sword.
"START!"
Uzuma ran towards Rio, right at the start of the match.
His speed, with the booster power of his wings added, was basically like an arrow shot towards Rio.
Although his face was calm, his spirit lit up.
Perhaps it was due to his extreme belief in his own strength.
Rio smiled lightly at Uzuma's direct attitude. [6]
Uzuma instantly shortened the distance to Rio and stabbed his spear into Rio; naturally his body and physical abilities were strengthened with magical power. [TN: the magical power here uses ⁇ [maryoku] instead of MANA from before]
Rio counteracted the chaotic impulse from Uzuma, who came at him like an avalanche.
Uzuma showed an astonished face to Rio, who deflected his attack easily without any wasted movement.
Uzuma distanced herself from Rio for a moment and then lunged at him in a low stance, almost like crawling on the ground. He struck his chest with his spear from below, like a fish jumping against a rapid.
Although Rio stopped the punch coming from the front, Uzuma exerted more strength to attack.
Rio's body lightly floated from the impact.
With his heels stomping hard and wings flapping strongly, Uzuma sent Rio flying with his cargo.
The distance between them was open for a moment.
Uzuma leaped towards Rio, who was thrown into the air, as if not allowing him to escape, and then accurately sent four pushes, aiming at Rio's limb.
Rio parried his spear with his sword and dodged his attack by twisting his body and shifting his limbs.
Then, using the recoil, he sent a horizontal slash towards Uzuma's body.
Uzuma immediately avoided her counter by flapping her wings to push herself back.
Comparing him in aerial combat was really difficult. [7]
Both landed on the ground while keeping their distance.
It only lasted a moment. In one step, Rio suddenly shrank their distance. [8]
「!!! 」
The attack was reversed. Rio's figure disappeared from Uzuma in that split second.
However, due to his natural instincts, he barely managed to block Rio's attack, which also destroyed his attitude.
Uzuma tried to separate from Rio and improve her attitude.
However, without letting go of the opportunity, Rio rushed towards her. He removed the space necessary for him to manipulate his spear; his sharp urges came one after another towards the gaps in his defense.
「KUH !!」
Now it is Uzuma's turn to find herself in an unfortunate situation.
Although he could still defend himself from Rio's attacks, Rio was already superior to the number of attacks.
If using a real weapon, Uzuma's body would be full of small wounds.
In that constant barrage, Uzuma made a slip and Rio unleashed a powerful punch on that occasion with a big swing of his sword.
Uzuma stopped the blow that made her body slightly fly backwards.
Uzuma resisted the impact of the attack by flapping her wings, then slowly descending to the ground.
「..... With this match, I recognize you as a warrior. Looks like I have to fight with my full strength 」
Uzuma said that in a different tone than usual.
At the same time, Uzuma's attitude changed.
[Mistles], a chill runs through Rio's body.
Then, he instantly closed their gap and threw a fierce stab, aimed at Rio's body.
Rio immediately stepped aside to escape, as he could not block that crushing pressure.
A stabbing sensation suddenly felt his neck— he twisted his neck to the side.
At the next moment, there was the sound of something passing through the air; it was Uzuma's kick, aimed at where Rio's head was, just a moment ago.
「Hou, Nice. You managed to dodge. But, what about this! 」
He strongly denounced the attack on Rio, along with those words.
But, Rio had already stopped that blow.
His expression changed when he received it, the one-handed sword he wielded was grasped with both hands; Uzuma urged him with an indifferent expression.
Rio retreated backwards very far from the clash to ward off the force in the attack.
「Isn't this already slightly exceeding the level of Mock Combat?」
Rio said that with a wry smile.
"of course! There is no reason for me to hold back my excitement towards this kind of strong opponent! 」
Uzuma exclaimed loudly while letting out a ferocious smile.
Rio thought it was inevitable, as he was a bit like Battle Junkie. [9]
Rio could only smile lightly.
He couldn't argue with her because she somehow also resembled him.
Rio was feeling a little pleased. It had been a long time since he had found an opponent where he could go all out.
It was a good idea to spare his thoughts and go wild like this, once in a while.
But, Uzuma far surpassed him by his current physical abilities.
At this rate, it will be a thin line separating winners and losers.
（Then, let's equalize）
After that, the ODO that overflowed from Rio's body rose, also flowing very densely.
「Mu, what's with the density of such ODO」
Uzuma opened her eyes wide to the ODO armor that wrapped around Rio's body. [TL: 555-Henshin!!!]
He strengthened his body and physical abilities with spirit arts, and increased them to the next level with the number of ODOs wearing his body like armor.
Even if his basic strength falls behind Uzuma, who is a beastman, he only needs to strengthen his body and physical abilities with his ODO until he surpasses the woman.
That kind of consciousness had just come to Rio. [TL: cough * Kamen * cough * Riders * cough]
But, realize it's not enough.
Whether his body can cope with large amounts of ODO at once is another story.
It was necessary for him to control a large amount of ODO and find a suitable amount for him to bandage.
—-
「Could it be, until now, you did not go all-out?」
Uzuma said that while smiling lightly.
「No, I'll be out all. It might be embarrassing for me to say it, but, I never had the chance to strengthen myself to this level 」
"I saw . Although it seems like you haven't used all your power 」
Uzuma held her spear, and suddenly appeared in front of Rio.
「Not at all, I almost hit the upper limit, you know」
Rio said that while stopping the direct frontal punch of Uzuma, just like that.
「And you said that with an indifferent expression！ HAAAA!」
Then he sent a wild stab with a random tempo to Rio.
Rio dodged those attacks, one after another, with a minimum of movement like flowing water. Then, according to his breath flow, he drew closer to Uzuma's chest as he thrust his spear and swung his sword at the open chest.
「KUH !!」
When he stopped Rio's attack with an emergency posture, twisting his spear using the part hit by Rio's sword as its center, he used Rio's own strength to launch a massive attack on his face.
Rio dodged the attack by turning his head to the side.
It was immediately followed by their countless attacks facing each other.
If it was a metal weapon, sparks would fly in all directions along with the clanging sound of the weapon.
A series of heavy blows rained down on Rio.
However, Rio counteracted all those attacks without moving in the slightest.
「LUNARY ORDINARY！ No matter how I hit, no one passes!」
Uzuma said that with a happy face.
With the determination to risk his life, Uzuma then launched a surprise attack, a daring spear as he leaped towards Rio, only to force Rio to move away from his place.
Rio dodged the attack sideways for half a step, and launched a counterattack.
「KUH」
Rio's wooden sword finally hit Uzuma's body.
Although he stopped his punch just before landing, Uzuma's expression was irritated, as she knew that she was completely unable to protect herself from the blow.
「..... It lost me. Thank you very much . It has already surpassed a little overrated 」
Uzuma instantly returned to her usual calmness and self-soothing, and politely bowed to Rio.
Rio noticed there was a hint of red on his face.
(Maybe he was embarrassed by his previous fighting spirit)
「Don't worry, it's the same for me. I enjoyed it too. If you don't mind, please fight again with me 」
「Ya, with pleasure」
Uzuma chimed in her approval of Rio's proposal with a pleased expression. [10]
His awkward attitude from before had completely vanished.
Somehow they managed to understand each other's characters during their short match.
Sara, Oufia, Alma, and Arthura were still dumbfounded with their jaws wide open, even after the two of them had finished their match. [11]
「Ne, just say it！ Onii-chan is strong, right!!
Among them, only Latifa puffed out her plains-like chest with a triumphant face, as if to say [That's natural right!?].
[1] [TL: manipulating different from causes]
[2] [TL: Genjutsu here can also be translated as magic, but I chose to use magic because magic here uses Madou instead of genjutsu]
[3] [TL: ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ (High Rank Quasi Spirit) -> any better idea?]
[4] [TL: it sounds like Japan to me]
[5] [TL: Eyes pleading]
[6] [TN: Single-minded Uzuma is shown, but let it be straight forward, because they are doing the match, not the test]
[7] [TL: HE IS A BIRD !!! Again, HE IS A BIRD. It was natural for him to fly]
[8] [TL: Shundo [instant movement]]
[9] [TL: Junkie is a heavy user, someone who can't live without him or something similar to him; like an alcoholic (alcohol addict) or a drug addict, or a drug addict, or a food addict (reminds me of Bambino)]
[10] [TL: is this a flag again]
[11] [TL: change sentences a little for fun]
To connect with the words Uzuma appeared after.