Vol. 15 - Ch. 27 - Quarter Finals

We got a free pass through the third and fourth rounds of the Ultimate Clan Battle qualifiers.

Apparently, the other clans saw our first and second-round matches and simply lost the will to fight. After all, for a lot of these guys, this Ultimate Clan Battle is all about showing off their skills. Sure, it’s just ego and seeking limelight, but for many clans, it’s actually a business move – the more people see your power, the more commissions you get.

I guess they must’ve thought that they have to avoid being completely wrecked and beaten by a bunch of girls in front of a huge audience.

— I got this info by reading the mind of this guy who looked like a clan leader when he went to tell the referee they were forfeiting.

Honestly, having fewer fights in the prelims is a blessing since we’re aiming to go all the way to the finals. We did join this event to show the world what our clan can do, but we can totally do that by performing well in the main tournament.

So just like that, our clan, Familia, advanced to the quarter-finals.

By the way, if we win six matches in these qualifiers, we win the whole thing. There are exactly a hundred clans participating. The high-ranking clans and the ones that did well last time got seeded, but since we're newly established, we started right from the first round.

"You've been winning pretty smoothly so far, Halt."

"Irina-san, you're here to watch us?"

The top boss of Grendale’s Royal Capital’s Adventurer's Guild came to see us.

"Of course, I came to cheer on the clan I recommended. Sorry, I'd like to come earlier, but I've been so swamped with work, this is the first chance I've gotten to actually make it to the arena."

Our clan is only able to participate in the Ultimate Clan Battle because Irina recommended us.

There are thousands of clans in Grendale, both big and small, and it's not just combat-focused ones like us; there are crafting clans, merchant clans, and so on. A lot of those have high-level combat adventurers too, and they’re also here to participate in this tournament.

Our clan is newly established, and we're only C-Rank at that. We wouldn't even be here if it weren't for Irina.

"We got a recommendation from the head of the biggest guild in Grendale, so we'll make sure to put on a good show for you."

"Ah, don't push yourselves too hard for me. Just take it easy. If you guys go all out, you might put the whole country in danger."

"Haha, please don't worry. That will not happen."

We already went all out in the first round, and the country's still standing, right?

Still, I had a feeling, a hunch, that I'd have to get serious in our next match.

—***—

Turns out my gut feeling was right.

"Halt. I never imagined you'd form a clan and end up standing in my way like this…"

"It's a newly established clan. More importantly, you actually remember me, President Lain?"

"It’s former president, alright. Just Lain is fine."

Our first opponent in the quarter-finals was a mage named Lain. He was student council president the year I enrolled at Ifrus Magic Academy, and by his fourth year, everyone said he was the strongest in the whole school.

"So, Sir Lain is an adventurer now?"

"Nah. I serve His Majesty as a court mage on normal days."

Wow. That's impressive.

Becoming a court mage isn't just about strength and magical ability; you need the right pedigree and a suitable personality, so it's basically the whole package. If you get the title, you're freed from all magical restrictions within Grendale. It's a position with serious privilege and special rights.

His Majesty also summons me to the palace from time to time, but I've never run into Lain. Then again, I don't really wander around the palace much, so maybe that's why.

"Why is an esteemed court mage such as you in this tournament?"

"Well, I'm also part of a production-focused clan that gathers materials for magical research. I joined hands with some adventurers who were confident with their skills and abilities. Moreover, His Majesty specifically encouraged me to participate this time."

As he said that, Lain looked straight at me.

"He told me, ‘an interesting guy is participating, so go gauge his power for me.' Now that I'm here, I understand. His Majesty was talking about you, Halt."

He was grinning widely, but it didn’t reach his eyes at all.

"A while back, I lost to you. You took my title as the strongest in the magic academy."

A sharp, honed mana began radiating from him.

I see, so this is the magical power of one of this country's top mages, huh…

It's got some pretty intense bloodlust mixed in.

"No, I’m not holding a grudge about it. You made me realize there's always someone stronger. It's thanks to you that I solidified my resolve to walk the path of magical discovery."

The signal to start the fight had already been given.

“I will defeat you and show His Majesty my true power!"

Lain raised a hand to the sky.

"First… Come! Ifrit!!"

A huge summoning circle formed, and the Fire Spirit King, Ifrit, was summoned.

Was he trying to replay our old fight?

But it wasn't turning exactly the same as six years ago.

"Hm? A forced summoning? And this is…"

Ifrit seemed to have been summoned against his will. He was surprised his summoner wasn't me. On top of that, Ifrit had been powered up. The flames covering his body glowed blue, burning hotter than usual.

"Simply summoning a Spirit King was something even my past self could do. This is my current power."

"So it is Halt-dono I face this time? But this body… It is incredible! Power surges through me! With this, even my fists might reach you, Halt-dono!"

Ifrit seemed motivated now that he was powered up.

A forced summon strongly reflects the summoner's mental state. Lain said he didn't hold a grudge, but I could feel his intense desire to defeat me. Influenced by that, the Fire Spirit King lunged at me.

I clad myself in my magical armor and dodged Ifrit's attack.

"Fuhahaha! This brings back memories, Halt-dono!!"

"Hey, cut me some slack, would you?!"

I dodged the relentless assault while releasing my own magical energy.

"It is the duty of a Spirit King such as myself to teach defeat to those who grow arrogant in their strength! Consider your luck to have run out today!"

"Tsk! Well, in that case, I'll get serious too—"

I thought about replaying our past fight too.

But doing the exact same thing would be boring.

Besides, I've gained some new power of my own.

"Lend me your strength!"

Last time, I summoned the Old Man Celestial Spirit King.

This time, I'm calling on the spirits kings that are a rank below him.

The catch is, I'm also pouring my full power into them to supercharge them.

"Come! Wind Lance – Sylph! Aqua Lance – Undine! Earth Lance – Gnome!!"

I summoned the Spirit Kings of Wind, Water, and Earth right here.

"…Wh-what the heck?!"

Sylph and the others were wrapped in an aura vastly more powerful than usual.

Ifrit froze solid just looking at them.

Alright, let's do this.

Time for a battle to teach a certain arrogant Spirit King the meaning of defeat.

Comments