Where do you want to do it?

We'll meet in the square. If you don't mind, I'd like to gather some of my people together.

　The Chief answers Val's question and then confirms it further.

'All right.'

You're putting Master Val on display.

　He agreed willingly, but Meena frowned at him.
　The chief slowly explained to her.

'As you know, the elves are not bright to those of the outside world. I want many of you to know and learn something about Lord Bartolomeus.

That's a good thing.

　Meena was unable to say anything as Val answered favorably.

'O Wendenhert. Go and let me know that you have informed everyone.

Ha!

Wendenhert stands up, bows, and runs off.

'Then, Master Bartolomeus, let us take our time.

　Val followed behind the chief's back as he started walking.
　On the way, he turned right at a large crossroads and continued on, sandwiched between tall trees and taller trees, until he arrived at an open area that looked like it would hold plenty of elven houses, about thirty of them.

'I see. I think we can at least do some hand-to-hand combat here.

　Val was convinced as he looked around in a circle.
　It was surrounded by tall trees, but there was a black fence of sorts set up in front of it, and underneath was white, hard dirt.
　I wondered if it might also be a training ground.
　Little by little, the elves were gathering there.

''That masked man is Bartolomeus, who is said to have defeated Vilhemina-sama once?

I can't believe that Lady Wilhemina lost.

　As the number of elves increases, whispered exchanges are noticeable here and there.
　What you can tell from the whispers is how strong Wilhemina is among the elves.
　She herself is thoroughly ignoring their voices.
　When the crowd of onlookers had passed a hundred, the chieftain raised his voice.

'We will arrange a meeting between Lord Bartolomeus and Valach. It is only a demonstration of our strength to each other. I want you to follow the example of your fellow countrymen and not miss your every move.

　What came back was a cheer.

'You're dealing with Lord Valaha!

Wouldn't this be a good match?

　It was the men who were shouting excitedly, but the female elves were shining their eyes as well.
　When no one thought that Valaha would win, the difference in his and Meena's abilities could be seen.

'So this kind of reaction isn't any different for elves than for humans either?

　Val says to Meena in a whisper, and she nods dutifully.

'Yeah. I'm mostly a snob.'

　As usual, there are spikes in the language.
　Valaha, the man in question, looks calm and stands about three meters to the left of the center of the square.
　Val has moved to a position about six meters away from him to face him head on.

'Can I leave the standing and the standing to Wilhemina?

'It's no use. And in some cases, I'll have to explain it to you.

　Meena easily accepts the chief's request.
　It's because she thinks she's the only one who can keep up with Val's fighting speed.

'It's Lady Vilhemina!

Lovely as ever.

　Praise rises at the sight of Meena, regardless of gender.
　You're a popular guy, Bal admired.
　If he said it aloud, it could be misinterpreted as a compliment to the room and the other person, so it was only in his mind.

'Then let's use this as our signal.

　Meena uses her magic to create a red pebble in the palm of her right hand for both of them to see.
　When the stone is thrown up to about five meters high with a light motion and touches the earth, Valaha kicks the ground and closes the gap in an instant.
　He didn't draw his sword, but struck it with a silvery sheath, and at that moment Val's figure was drowned out.

'Alas, it's an afterimage,'

　Valu calls out while standing behind him.
　Valaha doesn't turn around, and without chanting a spell, she unleashes a magic spell called the Windkill Ring.
　It is an attacking sorcery that creates a circle of wind about three centimeters in diameter and cuts the enemy to pieces.
　I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.
　Immediately after that, the wind-cutting ring is erased and Valaha strikes him with her sword sheath, aiming for the moment he lands.

''Great judgment, and your grasp of space.''

　Valu praised Valaha as he stopped the sheath of his sword with his right hand.
　It's not an unusual ability to erase the magic the moment you're dodged and launch an accurate attack on a moving target.
　He recognizes his own heart to be uplifted.
　On the other hand, the praised elf sensed some of Val's abilities and shuddered inwardly.

(I had heard that he was stronger than Lady Vilhemina, so I was prepared for it, but ...... what a man.)　

　While the majority of the elves watching are exclaiming over their inability to keep up with the speed of the offense and defense, Meena opens her mouth.

'Even though Bartolomeus-sama hasn't been the least bit serious, I didn't expect him to let you use one hand. Looks like Valaha is being diligent, too.'

Oh, yeah.

　Finally, only the Chief reacts.

'Well, do you want to stop?'

　Meena asked him.

'No, I'd like you to continue.'

　The chief tells him to make a hard decision.
　Few onlookers can sense the huge difference in strength between Valaha and Baru.
　He knows this and begs for it.

'No problem. Hey, Valaha-dono.

　Val Valaha nodded with a questioning look on his face as he spoke to her.

I'm sure the people around me will find it difficult to understand the powerful forces of Lord Bartolomeus. Therefore I want to make it easier to understand.

　He sensed what the elf was trying to say and shook his head as if he had no choice.

''If you're looking for clarity, I suppose you can't help but be flashy.

　They were back in the starting position again.
　It was Valaha who set up first.

Wield a wild and violent power in response to the wrath of God. Exterminate my enemies with the radiance of the heavens that lighteth the earth. [The flame that shines in the heavens and roars on earth]

　What he created with his spirit magic was a huge spear of fire that glowed white.
　If wielded properly, it is sure to cause massive damage to this square.
　Valaha doesn't hesitate to throw such a powerful spear at Balu.
　The spear of fire, which could lightly reduce a single human being to ashes just by touching it, is cancelled out the moment he emits the light.

''Eh?''

　Many of the elves were stunned, unable to understand what had happened.

''Master Bartholomeus fired twelve bullets of light to offset them.

　Meena explained for them.

'Twelve rounds?'

In a moment?

　Dodo and the elves groaned, and Valaha broke out in a cold sweat, "I only saw eight shots.