Chapter 77 (1/2)
Chapter 77 – Swordplay Tournament
When I approached the tournament’s venue, a unique ardour could be felt. Loud cheers were sometimes let out, so it seems it’s the middle of a match.
While pus.h.i.+ng my way through the crowd, I moved to a place where the match could be seen.
The sounds of the ground being kicked and metal colliding echoes out.
At the centre of the prepared stage, two knights clashed with swords.
Let’s say the one attacking right now is Knight A, and the other is Knight B.
Knight A’s sword is cutting down onto Knight B, but Knight B jumped backwards and evaded it. However, Knight A pursued in order to strike back, this time the sword slashed upwards from below. Although Knight B’s sword received the strike, perhaps because the strike was promptly received so he couldn’t brace himself, his sword was knocked away by Knight A with a force that could kill.
At the same time, Knight A thrust his sword by Knight B’s neck and ended the match.
Cheers rose after that, and Knight A waved his hands at the crowd.
I somewhat relayed it plainly, but to be honest, I don’t think the level of the tournament was very high.
It wasn’t too surprising when I listened to the surrounding people, it appears the current match was the final match for the rookie knights. So to say, it’s matches between sons of n.o.bles ne. ‘But still, this kind of level, to be honest, wouldn’t Goblins be better?’ Was the only thing I thought. Being like that, would they be okay, I wonder…?
By the way, it seems the main match will be after this.
From a selection among the regular knights, it appears to be a tournament styled semi-finals match where the winners advance.1
It sure seems to be more interesting than the match a short while ago…
The s.p.a.ce was cleared in a short moment, and two knights appeared out of the waiting room.
Their armor has a chest and abdomen section, in addition, it appears there are simple articles covering just their arms and s.h.i.+ns. The knights from a little while ago had mail armor? It’s called chainmail, was it? That was what they wore, but it appears the knights this time only had sections covered. Could this also be the difference in ability, I wonder? Their weapon was a one-handed straight-tempered sword.
The two faced each other at the centre of the stage. After they both placed their swords against each other, they separated.
Perhaps the spectators are also nervous, they gave off a tense atmosphere.
「Begin!」
At the signal of the referee, the knight on one side instantly came forwards. For convenience, I’ll treat him as Knight A as well.
giin!
The sound of striking metal echoed through the venue.
He placed his weight into his strike with the momentum of his charge, but Knight B received it with the base of his sword.
As expected, they are different from the knights before, their movements and power are completely different.
They had their swords locked for a short while, but Knight B s.h.i.+fted his body and withdrew his strength. As if pulled in by that, Knight A’s posture, by just a little, collapsed.
As though he was carefully aiming for that, Knight B struck down with an overhead strike.
gagiin!
Somehow, by that method, Knight A’s posture collapsed from defending that slash. At this rate, whether he can endure the next attack or not…
giin! giin!
As if playing around, Knight B attacks a.s.saulted down onto Knight A. But, it’s clear that he held back his strength. Despite that, it’s an attack method which never allows
Knight A to reorganize his posture.
This is… Knight B is playing around ne…
Although I think he has amazing ability to arrive at the semi-finals and have room to play around, I can’t say he has a good hobby.
The audience gets roused up, but perhaps Knight A understands he’s being played around, he somehow reorganized his posture.
If you look closely, Knight B’s mouth is smiling.
……His hobby really is bad…
giin!
The strike, which Knight A struggled to let out, was also easily repelled. Because of that, it created an absolute opening on Knight A.
Knight B’s sword was grandly swung. At this rate, it will result in a considerably injury on Knight A…!
The moment I thought it was a desperate situation.
「Enough!」
The voice of the referee echoed.
Knight B’s sword stopped just before Knight A’s side.
「WAAAAAAA!!」
When it came to an end, the audience’s cheers became huge. But, at that time, if the referee didn’t stop it, I’m sure Knight B’s sword would probably have firmly hit Knight B’s side…
Although it’s a sword for mock battles, no matter how much the edge of the sword has been flattened, it’s still a lump of iron.
Though he seems to have the ability, it appears it can’t be said that he has the personality to be a knight…
Once again, two knights came out after a short interval. Their appearance seemed different from the knights a little while ago.
……Wait, isn’t that the Prince on the other side!? To remain until the semi-finals, he isn’t a mere hetare ne…