v4c57 (1/2)

Chapter 057 - Serious Fight Club

『Slave Market Brutus』First floor is surrounded by four walls.

The slaves are put in an iron cage, lined up in a row alongside the wall. In the middle, each of them are also lined up in two columns.

In the cages where the slaves were, there was a number on it, and in order to advertise each of them (the slaves), the merchant sat in front of the merchandise.

On the second floor, the receptionist tells you the (TL: cage) number of the type of the slaves you wish for, and the customers go to the cage of that number. Naturally, there’s no problem to look around for in the other cages besides the one that was directed.

Wall, floor, and roof are made out of stone; with light created by magic, the inside was thoroughly illuminated.

Windows that are about 30-centimeters-wide, with wooden slatted shutters that open and close, were all open.

Led by guards wearing armor, we who have descended from the second floor were being gazed at curiously by the slaves inside their cages.

It’s as s.p.a.cious as three gyms connected together side by side.

In the middle, in order to create a s.p.a.ce (for the customer) to take a break, rest chairs were placed there. If those chairs were put away by the guards, then a s.p.a.ce for compet.i.tion would be created instantly.

For the match, the shackles on Xiah’s hands and feets were taken off by the guards.

She moved 2-3 times to loosen up her muscles.

I also left the gun belt below my hands and shoes that I was wearing to Meiya who was standing near me.

“You didn’t really have to imitate me and take your shoes off. If you want to, how about as a handicap, you can use that magic device-ish thing?”

“Nah. It would be troublesome if you complain when I win afterward. Or you’re letting me use it so you can make an excuse later ?”

Xiah made a face full of displeasure.

“Fu~n, I pray that your ability is more than that insolent mouth of yours.”

TL Note : Fu~n, as in a sound effect.

She glared at me with a sharp gaze.

I returned an indomitable glare.

“Lute-sama, please don’t over do it.”

“I understand. Meiya, it is too dangerous, so please leave here.“

She nodded her head and went some distance away.

A guard acting as a referee stood before us.

“Again, to confirm the terms: no magic, no weapon, no blinding (as in damaging the eyes), no kicking on the b.a.l.l.s (the crotch), and the opponent who faints or loses the will to fight will lose. Furthermore, if we deem this match to be too dangerous, we will stop it. Are there any questions (problems)?”

“No problem.”

“Neither do I.”

With our mutual consent, the guard took some distance and gave us instructions.

Distanced about 10 meters, the guard with a volume loud enough to be heard even outside gave us the signal, “START!”

Xiah and -- I immediately took our stances.

I set up both my hands close to my chin.

TL Note : boxing stance.

She also took a similar posture.

“Lute-sama, please do your best!”

While listening to Meiya’s encouragement, I confronted Xiah.

She tiptoed around me clockwise with a tempo.

“_____Fu!”

With a sharp step, she released a left-jab kind of punch. Fl.u.s.tered while backing away, barrages of attacks persistently followed me.

I drove her away with a jab.

Unfortunately, it was dodged with a duck; conversely, a right punch sunk into my body.

“Gu!”

The damage received wasn’t much, because I stepped back, but my movement was stopped.

She continued with a left middle kick.

I reflexively guarded my side -- but she flexibly changed the trajectory and the kick hit my cheek.

It can’t be a Brazilian kick!?

“....!?”

TL Note : the audience is surprisedly speechless

“WOOOoooooooOOOooOOw!!!”

I couldn’t bear it and my hand touched the floor as I fell.

Excited from the fact that an attack went through, the slaves and guards exclaimed to the point of ear-hurting.

“Lu, Lute-sama! To say Lute-sama is someone like the world’s national treasure is not an exaggeration! To do something such as kicking, the G.o.d will not accept such blasphemy!”

“Fu~n, only this much. Seems like you are nothing but that impudent mouth of yours.”

Xiah ignored Meiya’s screams, while gazing down at the guard who fell with cold eyes.

I grinded my teeth and got up, and lunged a right-upper that she magnificently dodged backwards.

Once again, a distance was created.

‘I am not underestimating her because she is a woman…..but her attacks are very precise. I feel like I will be defeated if I let my guard down.’

If I were to be defeated then maybe I can’t even ask why she knows the name ‘Tanaka Kouji’.

My fighting spirit reignited.

Xiah observed me closely.

The martial art that she used is not something orthodox in this world.

She took a rhythm with the tips of the toes and steadily dealt damage. If I attacked, she would retreat without doing anything reckless.

Completely hit and back away--a polished hand-to-hand combat technique.

However, compared to Master and Gigi-san, the punch was weak. There’s no impact.

Having gone through Master’s frightening experience first-handedly, this level was not scary at all!

That time, it was my turn to attack!

“Fu!”

I attacked with a straight left jab!

But she stepped back and dodged it.

Furthermore she circled me clockwise with light steps.

Ignoring it, I continued to jab at her.

Xiah was barely dodging while she measured the timing.

I purposely attacked with a right straight with an exaggerated motion.

Matching to that timing, Xiah aimed for a counter. Just like I predicted!

We both dodged at the same time.

Distance became zero.

I immediately locked both of my hands at Xiah’s neck!

The posture is known as Muay Thai’s neck-wrestler.

“!?”

She lost her tempo because of confusion from first time seeing this move.

Seizing that chance, I attacked her side with my right knee.

“Gaa!”

A painful breath leaked out near my ear.

Without loosening the grip, I released a second one!

In the same place, I attacked with my right knee.

While grasping painfully, Xiah thrusted me away with both of her hands.

Once again, another distance was created between us.

However, the damage on the abdomen seemed serious; breathing roughly, Xiah supported herself with her knee.