The battle between the Dark Elf and the dragon begins with the signal to start the judgment.
They clash in the center of the Coliseum, where cheers erupt.
Now, before I spectate this competition, there’s something I need to confirm.
To participate in this tournament, participants are subjected to a certain condition.
Without meeting this specific condition, one is not permitted to stand on this stage.
It’s probably easy to understand if I compare it to the qualifying time in track and field events.
“Whoa, it looks like the Dark Elf is being overwhelmed,” one person commented.
“Hmm, judging by this fight, I don’t think they’re that strong, Gozaru. Are they hiding their true abilities?” another asked.
“Look at their expression. They don’t seem to have that much room to spare. Their spirits seem amazing, but I wonder about the user’s actual skill,” a third observed.
There are multiple such conditions, and meeting any one of them allows one to stand on this stage.
The first match that is currently underway.
The Dark Elf, dressed in a manner befitting a magic user, wields a staff and commands spirits to fight.
The Dragonkin, on the other hand, uses their massive physique to wield a greatshield and swing a greatspear as tall as themselves with one hand.
Both of these individuals are participating in this tournament after meeting the conditions, of course.
It’s a typical fight between a backliner and a frontliner.
The scales of victory or defeat, if I trust my eyes, seem to be tipping towards the Lizardman frontliner.
He fights calmly, using his relaxed movements to deflect the spirits’ attacks with his shield and his tough, scaly body, steadily pushing the Dark Elf back.
The Dark Elf, on the defensive, desperately uses spirits and magic to resist, but anyone could see that defeat was only a matter of time.
Kaido, Minami, and Kitamiya are all offering their own impressions, and it seems likely that those impressions will directly lead to the outcome.
“Hmm, this is different from what I imagined,” one said.
“True, Minami and the others are saying whatever they want, but what’s their actual skill level? Even from my perspective, they don’t seem that—”
“Compared to that Oni?”
“…Yes.”
“There’s no need to be confused, Katsu, Amelia. Your impressions are not wrong. In fact, the Dark Elf’s skill is inferior to the Master’s. The Dragonkin still has their dragonization ability, so they haven’t shown their full power yet. However, compared to that Oni, their skill is significantly lower. That’s why they lack presence.”
Hearing Himik’s explanation, I also had the same feeling as Katsu and Amelia, so I nodded in agreement.
As this was a battle to decide the position of General, I had expected participants of comparable skill to Instructor Kio and Instructor Fushio, but it seemed that was not the case.
Himik had actually faced the two instructors several times.
Walking behind me and moving around the company premises, it was inevitable that we would run into them.
Instructor Kio rejoiced at the encounter with a strong opponent, while Instructor Fushio was interested in Himik, a rare being.
It almost came to a fight, but thankfully, they sheathed their weapons after listening to my words.
Himik’s evaluation, based on the strength she felt at that time, was useful.
Now then, if that’s the case, these two would be lacking in skill to become Generals, yet they are actually on the stage of this battle.
So, what does this mean for the standard required for the competition?
“I’ve been wondering, are there conditions to enter this tournament? I was apparently recommended by the instructors.”
“Yes, there are. While there’s also the option of being recommended by Jiro-san, there are broadly three other ways. One is immense military power, simply demonstrating strength and being approved for participation. People like the Oni King and the Dragon King. The second category is for those with superior intellect. This includes individuals like the Undead King and the Tree King, who leads us Dark Elves. And third, those who possess special abilities and demonstrate their power through them. Among the Generals, these would be points like the Machine King and the now-deceased Queen of Insects. I heard both were evaluated for their exceptional ability to create armies. There are also cases like the Uuor, who met these conditions on average and achieved the rank of General based on overall ability, but he is a somewhat special case.”
“I see. In that case, my recommendation would be a rather exceptional measure, wouldn’t it?”
“Yes, the recommendation of an ordinary person would be rejected. It was only because it was a recommendation from two current Generals that it held any meaning.”
I sat by the window, sandwiched between Suella and Memoria, listening to her explanation while watching the fight.
I couldn’t help but smile wryly upon hearing that my method of participation was quite unusual.
For anyone who wanted to rise in the Demon Lord’s Army, my method of participation was a right they would have desperately desired.
It was only natural, then, that I might be resented.
“I feel a bit sorry for the participants who entered this tournament through the usual channels.”
“Their judgment is sound. So, you don’t need to worry too much about it.”
“That’s true.”
There are times when one can gauge someone’s ability just by observing them.
From my current perspective, I believe I could defeat either of them in a fight.
It’s disheartening to think that I might be resented by some of the participants, but as Suella said, I probably don’t need to dwell on it too much.
It’s simply that the way we participated was different.
“In that case, I’m curious about which condition those two met, but it doesn’t seem to be military power.”
“Yes, you’re right, Jiro-san. They are the sons of village chiefs and are both considered highly for their candidacy. The Dark Elf is from another village and has contracts with upper-level wind and water spirits. The Dragonkin is said to be the best martial artist in his village.”
“So, it means they participated by fulfilling one of the conditions, either intellect or ability?”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s likely they also participated through recommendations from clan chiefs, village chiefs, or nobles.”
Instructor Kio leads his subordinates through power, while Instructor Fushio leads them through intellect.
Even within the same General rank, their leadership styles differ.
It’s a position granted only to those who demonstrate their capabilities, regardless of the means.
“In that case, they might be slightly lacking in ability,” Memoria stated.
“Yes, as Memoria says, even if either of them wins, they probably won’t become Generals.”
However, Memoria deemed the two, who had demonstrated their abilities and stood on this stage, as lacking in strength, and Suella did not deny her words.
“…It’s not just about winning, is it? Is that what you mean?”
“That is exactly what I mean.”
It probably wouldn’t be an easy feat to be among the victors on this stage.
Furthermore, Suella’s explanation was about the conditions for participating in this tournament.
To become a General, there are further conditions, or rather, criteria in this case, that exist.
There is a dividing line, a borderline, in this tournament.
If the condition for participation is like the qualifying time in track events, then the condition to become a General is akin to a world record.
Suella’s explanation and Memoria’s assessment of their abilities led me to a single conclusion.
“Even if they win this tournament, they won’t be appointed as Generals unless the Demon Lord approves. In other words, this tournament is merely a stage to display one’s abilities. If deemed lacking in strength as a result, that’s the end of it.”
Even if they achieve victory, if that result doesn’t meet the standards recognized by the leadership, it cannot be considered a success.
However, that cannot be helped.
This world already has a strong emphasis on meritocracy.
The weak, or rather, those who do not demonstrate their strength, will not gather followers.
Even if one excels in one area, they must demonstrate at least a minimum level of ability in other aspects.
That is the position of General.
In the Demon Lord’s Army, a trump card known as military strength.
Even if a deficiency is recognized, it is only in comparison to one’s outstanding abilities.
It does not mean they are low compared to others.
And for the two fighting before me, it means that even if their intellect or governance abilities are superior, they are not outstanding, and their military power is only above average.
“Truly, it’s not easy to be in a position of authority.”
“Indeed.”
“It certainly is.”
I sincerely believe this industry is unique.
In the outside world, one often hears about incompetent bosses or those who are only promoted due to age.
Such phrases would never arise in this environment.
It is a world of the survival of the fittest, where those without ability are eliminated.
Immersing myself in this world once more, I am somewhat moved that I no longer find it strange.
I still feel that my presence here might be undeserved.
While I thought my abilities were superior among the Testers, I am nowhere near the level of the instructors.
That said, I cannot claim to be proficient in governance or operational knowledge.
Compared to the strong individuals in this tournament, I am merely average.
If I had to point out a strong suit, it would be my exceptionally high Magic Aptitude.
Perhaps my future potential was recognized, or perhaps there was another intent behind the instructors’ recommendations.
I cannot imagine what kind of results this will bring.
However, I will not let this opportunity go to waste.
“Jiro-san, you’re emitting some strange magic. Suella is pregnant, so it’s best not to do anything too stimulating.”
“Ah, my apologies.”
“No, it’s alright.”
If I don’t have it, I’ll acquire it.
This can be done anytime, anywhere, and I was so focused on accumulating everything I could in this battle that my magic apparently surged, and Memoria cautioned me.
“Ah, as suspected, the Dark Elf lost, Gozaru.”
“Yeah, it’s as the odds predicted. The official betting also favored the Dragonkin. The odds weren’t that good either.”
“Hehehe, if the odds are low, betting a large amount is also a strategy, Gozaru. I’ve made a steady profit this time!”
“Whoa, Min-chan, that’s dirty! You said you weren’t interested earlier, didn’t you?! That’s why I decided to skip this one too.”
“In this world, it’s survival of the fittest, Gozaru. Now my allowance for this month has increased!”
“You’re going to regret that later, Ann.”
“Minami, your allowance this month is halved.”
“Gozaru!? Jiro-san, that’s so cruel!”
“Wow, you’re already facing consequences.”
“And what, you’re having your allowance managed by someone younger than you?”
While this was happening, the battle concluded.
Finally, the Dark Elf, crushed between the wall and the greatshield, was knocked unconscious, bringing the fight to an end.
The Dark Elf was teleported away by magic, while the Dragonkin raised a triumphant roar.
With a loser and a winner decided, the crowd cheered.
And then, the card for the next match was displayed.
“Master, that man—”
“Ah.”
Carter Isperio.
He was the gentle man who had attacked me in a manner befitting a street mugging.
He wore lightweight clothing, as if he hadn’t stepped onto a dueling ground.
A hat with a brim, a wine-red mantle.
A rapier was sheathed at his waist.
And from a considerable distance, as if he could see me, he stopped before stepping onto the stage and offered a smile in my direction.
“Suella, is that him?”
“Yes, Carter Isperio. He is the副団長 of the Knights’ Order held by the Baron of Kallisera.”
Perhaps due to their past encounter, Himik did not hide her aversion, and Suella also displayed a guarded demeanor.
Memoria, having also heard about my encounter with him, showed a dangerous glint in her eyes.
“Who is his opponent?”
“It appears to be a Tiger Beastkin. While his abilities are not as highly regarded as Kizan-sama’s, he is also considered a candidate for the championship. As a Beastkin without a General, he undoubtedly wants to seize this opportunity to improve the status of his entire species.”
“So, he’s sufficiently motivated. Now, I wonder how that gentle man will fight.”
At that time, we had fought directly and were evenly matched, but I believed he was holding back.
If Himik and Suella hadn’t been there, he might have shown his true strength and eliminated me. That was my impression then.
And now, such a man was about to fight before my eyes.
His abilities were undoubtedly superior to mine, and he was also highly motivated.
While my emotions were curious, the audience also erupted in cheers from many women upon the appearance of the handsome man.
The opponent, on the other hand, grew increasingly irritated by the man who smiled and threw smiles at them.
As soon as the fight began, he started emitting an aura of anger that suggested he would quickly put an end to his opponent.
“It begins.”
“Ah.”
And then, the moment the demonic arbiter stood in the center and gave the signal for the match.
The Beastkin charged forward and swung his prized claws at him.
It was swift.
The movement, born from the Beastkin’s agility and explosive power, was refined to a mere killing stroke and elevated to a fatal technique.
I could follow the afterimages with my eyes, likely due to watching from a distance and concentrating intently.
If I had been positioned directly in front of him, it would have been difficult to defend against or endure such a beastkin’s movement.
“—!”
It was sharp, like a flash of light.
For an instant of their clash, his form blurred, and then blood gushed from the Beastkin’s body.
And then, standing a few meters beyond where they had passed each other, he slowly swung his blood-dripping rapier and gracefully turned towards the Beastkin, as if to show the spectators that he had struck.
I couldn’t see it; I couldn’t perceive any of his movements, from the start of the attack to its completion.
Seeing his skill, I unconsciously clenched my fists, whether out of frustration or jealousy.
Lost in the sensation of my tightly clenched hand, my gaze shifted to the Beastkin, who stood without falling to his knees, and to him, who looked surprised as if the previous attack had been insufficient.
The Beastkin, still unyielding despite losing blood, burned with fighting spirit and took a stance to attack. The Beastkin, now fueled by rage, took an offensive posture, determined not to miss his chance again, despite sustaining numerous wounds.
However, I had a premonition, a feeling, that I could see this Beastkin falling to the ground.
The second clash.
This time, I did not miss that moment.
He moved his two-meter-tall body with all his might, and with a sword technique that surpassed the speed of the severely wounded Beastkin’s more ferocious and swift charge than their first clash, he ended the battle.
“It’s over.”
The words escaped my lips the moment their swords crossed.
The Beastkin’s roar faded into emptiness, and his massive body collapsed to the ground.
The end came in a significantly shorter time than the previous match.
“Jiro-san.”
“……”
This was a match that showed what it meant to be a General.
As the battle ended and he responded to the cheers of the crowd, my blood began to boil.
“It’s alright.”
Was this directed at Suella and Memoria, who placed their hands on me with concern, or at Himik, who was watching me?
Or was it directed at myself?
All I know is that watching this battle undoubtedly heightened my fighting spirit.
Today’s word:
One must not neglect their efforts in compensating for their shortcomings.
That’s all for this time.
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*The first volume of the novel has been decided for publication by Hayakawa Bunko JA.*
*It was released on October 18, 2018.*
*An e-book version is also scheduled for release on October 31 of the same year.*
*The content includes revisions and additions to the material originally posted on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, along with the inclusion of an unpublished interlude.*
*We kindly ask for your support for that as well.*
