The neighboring Silveren Countship is in the midst of a civil war.
“A civil war?”
“And so, even if we go now, the civil war will likely be over by then.”
“Yes, Master, I believe you are correct.”
“Bring me the head of just one of those individuals who sided with the barons, just like you did. I don’t care who it is.”
“…What? M-Master, what do you mean by that?”
“You don’t understand? Haaah… You’re saying your achievements among my disciples are lacking.”
“Th-that’s not fair! I’ve subjugated dungeons and large groups of monsters within the deadlines you set. To say my achievements are lacking…”
This is too much, Master.
The man mistaken for a leader of a small bandit group was none other than one of the disciples of the World’s Strongest, who bore the title “Wind Emperor.” The “Wind Emperor” had reached the pinnacle of power through Wind Attribute Magic. All of his disciples were proficient in Wind Attribute Magic. However, he had not yet decided on a successor, even past the age of eighty. But upon hearing the news of the civil war in the neighboring countship, he decided it would be good to give the least successful disciple an opportunity. By eliminating someone among the reserve forces of the World’s Strongest who had sided with the Baron’s Allied Army, they would gain the qualifications to inherit the title of the next “Wind Emperor,” one who could freely control the wind. Such was the decree of the current “Wind Emperor,” who had been driven out to the neighboring countship.
“It’s been about two weeks since he left. No, it’s been a little longer.”
I’m not good lately. Because his reports are so uninspired, I don’t even feel like remembering how many days have passed.
“Master, what is it?”
“Oh, sorry. It’s nothing important.”
Yes, it’s truly nothing important. Someone who kills the bloodline of the World’s Strongest and can’t even manage a proper report is not needed among my disciples.
“I-I see. Then, I will begin with Form 1. Hoo… *inhale*…”
The young man, who was said to be worthy of the next “Wind Emperor” title, demonstrated his wind blade to the current “Wind Emperor.” The sword tip was an invisible wind blade. His movement was instantaneous and his steps, which defied gravity, were ever-changing. Combining these two, a swordsmanship that would surely lead to death for a first-time observer was performed in the center of the training ground.
“Hmm, a splendid sword technique. For now, the title is fitting for you. Continue with that dedication.”
“Yes! Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
With the utmost respect, the young man exited the training ground with a happy expression.
“…Hmm.”
The current “Wind Emperor,” whose praise of the youth had been so abrupt, lost its presence as he fell into deep thought with a troubled expression. To pass on the title of “Wind Emperor,” representing the apex of the world, to a youth who is so easily pleased? Hah, not a chance. Battles are always occurring. Maintain equanimity only in your heart. Know that your body is always on the battlefield.
“With that, he’ll just be an assassin’s surprise attack, killed in his sleep.”
If such a death were to be exposed to the world, the “Wind Emperor’s” title of World’s Strongest would be sullied, dragged through the mud.
“That cannot be. It cannot be…”
They must continue to show the world that I am the strongest. This world has pulled in too many things from other worlds. Mere weaklings, or those only slightly stronger than ordinary people, will not suffice. It is a world of survival of the fittest. Only the strongest will be favored. Unlike the peaceful life of running a sword dojo in another world until thirty years ago, I have shed blood in countless life-or-death struggles for preferential treatment and my own safety. Finally, I started a family and established the “Wind Emperor Dojo,” named after my title. To face the seeds of disaster (conspiracies from other forces) again because of a successor would ruin my old age, my life with my grandchildren!
“Mmm… what should I do?”
Incidentally, most of the other World’s Strongest individuals share the same sentiment. Exceptions include those who prolong their lives through dungeons or forbidden magic, and those who use such methods for rejuvenation.
“I have many disciples. Moreover, I am still active for several more years…”
Calming myself, telling myself that there’s no need to rush, I asked my daughter if I could play with my grandchildren and postponed the problem. …The source of worry for the World’s Strongest.
The current “Wind Emperor” always floats one to two millimeters above the ground. This is in preparation for surprise attacks from 360 degrees. He has ingrained this habit so deeply that he even floats while sleeping. His combat style involves projectiles and incapacitating all enemies by floating them in the air. From there, he uses magic attacks. For enemies who can no longer use magic, he slowly approaches and, to let the world know that the “Wind Emperor” is still the strongest, he will perform actions that shock the world. Therefore, he finishes battles by gouging out an arm or an eye. His title was originally supposed to be “Tyrannical,” but while gathering information by manipulating the wind, he happened to overhear adventurers gossiping. He then infiltrated the Adventurer’s Guild through a window.
“I have a question about this title♪”
It is said that at the time, he displayed many actions that were outside the bounds of common sense. Now, he is an old man with a family, who has somewhat softened his edges and wants to dote on his grandchildren. The “Wind Emperor,” Dias Amos Count. Title, name, surname, noble rank.
The disciple sent by the “Wind Emperor” to bring him the head of someone from the World’s Strongest bloodline. He chose the male archer, the one with the most eyewitness accounts, as his target. This was because he couldn’t track the movements of the others. However, thinking that his master’s eyes wouldn’t be on him if he were to take the head alone, he gathered about 300 weaklings who wanted connections, simply by threatening them and claiming to be the master’s disciple. Inwardly, he rejoiced at having acquired so many disposable pawns. Upon reaching the town near the archer’s location, he grew frustrated at his inability to get closer. He had them collect all sorts of lightning-resistant armor, but they didn’t have enough. He heard from the Adventurer’s Guild that the necessary materials could be found in the nearby mountains. After several days of searching, they still lacked enough materials. Resigned to traveling a bit farther, they hunted down all the Gorogames in the small mountain. With that, they finally secured enough materials for everyone. They spent several days in the Merchant Guild, making time for strategy meetings and cooperation drills while the armor was being made. Then, late one night, they unfortunately encountered Rayos (all eyewitnesses who might inform the archer are considered enemies). They managed to silence them, but it caused too much of a disturbance. They had to hide, otherwise the effectiveness of their surprise attack would be lost. Moreover, the number of disposable pawns to be worn down was drastically reduced. They needed to replenish their forces and rethink their strategy. They urgently needed to find a new operational base and begin replenishing the lost personnel.
(Even if they say they’ve defeated monsters, the evidence is in pieces and doesn’t constitute proof.)
What a shame. However, if I had gone easy on them, I might have been the one defeated. As per the original plan, I will kill the archer.
“I will inherit the title of ‘Wind Emperor’.”
“You’re really fired up…”
“As expected of you, Disciple-sama…”
The survivors, who have no idea they are being used as disposable pawns. They are on a two-shift watch, so that any arrival can be immediately reported to the disciple.
“I never thought a monster like that would appear.”
“Right? It really shows how much this territory is taken advantage of by monsters.”
Since silence is scary, they became heated about how comfortable it is to live in the territory. They continued to express their thoughts until they were reprimanded for being too noisy.
