Chapter 56 - Aifa’s strength (1/2)

Chapter 56 – Aifa’s strength

Don’t want to. I don’t like fighting.」

When I said that, feeling like an ordinary person who got picked off by hooligans, Aifa waved his long hair.

「Using force is also an option.」

「No, there is no such option.」

When I give an answer with a full-blown frown on my face Violette turned to Aifa with an annoyed look.

「…What’s wrong Aifa. You sound unusually coercive. Even if you want to use a high-handed means, the situation is not in our favor…」

For the first time since coming here Violette’s expression darkened, but Aifa raised one hand and stopped her from speaking.

「This is my own notion. It won’t inconvenience general Violette. Besides, it’s not like I’m seeking bloodshed. As soon as either party admits defeat, it will be all over.」

While saying that, Aifa’s gaze did not move from me at all.

At this rate, I can’t expect him to back down.

Somehow, I thought, looking at his eyes.

I breathed a long sigh and nodded.

「… Understood. Let’s do it.」

Everyone’s eyes went round when I agreed.

「Taiki-sama will fight with magic?」

「O-Ooh…! Finally, we can witness a fraction of that power…!」

Contrary to surprised Ayla, Yuri, and Ditzen, Aifa and Violette were staring at me with stern expressions.

Looking at the two directly in front of me, I raised my index finger.

「But first, I will have you fight my vanguard. If you triumph splendidly, then I will get serious as well.」

When I announce that, Aifa silently nodded.

「…Top magician of this country? Just as I’d wish.」

I shook head looking at Aifa, who was pumping with enthusiasm.

「No, it’s my best friend named A1.」

Going outside, we all move together to the north heated pool. A large pool would have little to no obstacles, and even if a fire were to be used, there is nothing to burn.

The multi-layered heated pool had wide passages at every boundary between the layers. Aifa and A1 stood in the middle of one such passage.

We were observing them from the highest layer. While vigilant to the other robots around, Violette looked at me, furrowing her eyebrows.

「…If you think of us as the same as those Fleida’s Magicians, I’ll have to say that it’s very naive. On a battlefield, a golem certainly equals a thousand soldiers. However, the story is different when you are dealing with top-class magicians. Golems that boast unparalleled strength in open fields and siege battles are awfully incompatible with magicians, who are capable of swift movement and possess devastating attacks.」

Hearing Violette’s explanation, Ayla’s expression turned grim.

「Taiki-sama, being a Grand Wizard is well aware of that. You as well, you will regret it if you consider Taiki-sama’s golem the same as your usual golem.」

Violette gave a scornful look to Ayla, who turned away after saying this. Meantime, Yuri and Ditzen secretly whispered to each other, frightened by that exchange.

「Atmosphere feels kind of tense.」

「Let’s keep quiet. We are unrelated to this… I’m more interested in the fight of the Empire’s Court Magician and Taiki-sama’s golem.」

And among such chatter from the onlookers, I coughed once, cleaning my throat, and started speaking.

「Now, let’s start already I guess, are you fine with your positions? I think moving further away might be to your advantage.」

A1 and Aifa were facing each other at a distance of roughly 3 meters. Therefore I made a suggestion to Aifa, who was capable of ranged attacks, but he denied it without changing his expression in the slightest.

「No problem.」

Looks like this is fine with him. Further unwanted comments might hurt his pride, so there is nothing I can do.

At most, I can pray that Aifa won’t get killed instantly.

While thinking that I raised my hand and swung it down.

「Then… Begin!」

The instant I gave the signal, Aifa quickly moved. Seeing him soar high into the air, I involuntarily muttered in amazement.

「Ooh… He jumped way too high.」