An angry cheer echoed to the waiting room, which was a signal that the match was over.
　Loki is ready in the corner and puts on his cloak. As expected, he couldn't do it while flipping it around in a cool manner, so he plucked both ends tightly and put his arms around it.
　This is similar to the one issued by the military, but it is shorter than that, and only goes to the waist. On the contrary, it was also like a cloak, as it had no sleeves. With the clasp at the neck fastened, Loki was able to wear the cloak, which was heavy for a cloth, with ease.
　This was something the Chancellor had thoughtfully procured for Loki. Her AWR is something of a bulky thing. Her previous opponents hadn't needed that many knives, but that couldn't be said for the next match.
　The shallow black cloak is thick enough to hold a knife inside. The weight is due to the tightly packed knives, but Loki doesn't feel the weight. It's because I'm used to it.
　I'm not trained to be rooted up at this level. You'll be able to find out what kind of power is in those supple, slim arms.
　Even if you spread out your arms, there is no discomfort that inhibits your movement. It's also thanks to the short length, the cloth only comes to about halfway up the arm, so I finish the final check with satisfaction.

'Loki-san, I wasn't much help, but good luck with that.

　Felinella says apologetically, but this was expected beforehand, so she is not to blame. This is because the opponent is also a person of a certain level of ability, so the opponents she has hit so far have not even been close enough to know the lineage.
　It's not that their intelligence capabilities are low. As expected, you can't break into the hotel where your opponent is staying, so it's natural to be hesitant about breaking social norms.
　You can't help what you can't get even if you do the best you can.

'That's not true. It would mean that the opponent is not stupid. We'll find out the rest in the game. Still, we know the outcome, though.

　Ferinella's words were more eloquent and fearless than usual, and with a sense of surprise, she shrugged her shoulders, "You don't have to worry about it.

'But don't take it easy.
That depends on how your opponent plays. Besides, I don't think there's anything you can do in that match hall.

　Felinella swallowed the rest of the story, "Yes, but..." and stood up with a sigh instead.

'It's about time. 'We're going to go check on those two,' she turns her gaze to Tesfia and Alice, who are being put on a stretcher on the screen.

'As expected, they wouldn't be able to compete properly in the final with that, would they?
I'm afraid so.

　Loki also looked at the screen and said that emotionlessly.
　It's a good thing that they were able to do more than they were capable of, so I'd say they did it. But even more than that, Loki himself could not blame them for not thinking twice about their opponents, as he does not expect them to win easily.



　At the entrance to the game, Loki waited for his name to be called. He leaned his back against the cold wall and suddenly closed his eyes.
　For this one fight, Loki had a reason why he couldn't lose. It is natural that it is the absolute compliance of Ars's life, and only this time, the level of enthusiasm was unusual because it would have a great impact on his future progress.
　That's also because he felt that until now they hadn't been able to do any work as partners. Of course, it wasn't that Ars didn't approve of Loki, but it was undeniable that he was lacking in strength more than anything else.
　This time it was probably too difficult to take her with him, even though he'd been told his share and the right thing to do. Even so, the reason she put herself beside him was to use her life.
　There is no complaint about the life with Ars and the current situation. It was even a rather happy one. But that is synonymous with Loki being recognized as a protected entity. I've always wanted to help, so I want to be able to walk one step behind Ars and stand in front of him if something happens. But what about now?　I can't help but feel that my back is too big and hazy in the distance.
　That being said, I've done my best to refrain from refuting or imitating something that was too much. That's because the mage called Ars was too big........or maybe that's just an excuse. Since we have been spending such a fulfilling time since we became partners, I suppose I don't want to let go of this environment as well.

(I'm selfish after all. Still...)

　But that's okay. An assured outcome is presented to us in the future, so we have to grab it at all costs.
　Even if they were defeated, it doesn't mean that their partners would be dissolved. However, there was not the slightest trace of such a self-defensive thought. Even if the ideal relationship is only a procrastination, it is a condition offered by Ars himself.
　''I promise I won't complain about accompanying you in the future,'' he said. The fact that the mission was entrusted to me is a matter of trust, and the fact that the wall was presented to me is a matter of expectation that I would be able to surpass it, so if I don't respond to that, nothing will start.
　So we have to win. We must complete it.

　Loki slowly opens his eyelids as his name is called. There was a little magician with a firm resolve.
　A haphazard battle here would disappoint Ars. So I think.
　I squinted at the brightness of daylight, but the explosive cheer was blocked out by clear thoughts.

(They wouldn't prepare an insurmountable wall.)

　Loki takes into account Ars's character. He has been thrust with unreasonable demands in the past, but all of them have gone to the point where he can almost reach the top of the wall.
　 My opponent, Phililic, the third-ranked single wizard, is a student of Jean Rumbles, and we're talking about a triple-digit ranking. However, if you ask him, his ability is comparable to double digits.
　In contrast, I'm ranked 100th at best, and I'm not even close to double digits. I'm not pessimistic about it. It's clear that I've gained a lot more strength than I had then.

　I don't know what my opponent is capable of, but I'm not suggesting that I should take on singles. I don't calculate the odds. I don't care if they are stronger than me. It's not simply the person with more magic power who wins, nor is it the one who has mastered more powerful magic. It's the last one standing that wins.
　A match between mages will be won or lost by the ability to deal fatal damage first. I've experienced this so much in training that I've been sick of it. It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.
　So should we take the initiative in this case?
　The answer is no. It's not an easy opponent to deal with, so there's no need to expose your hand for the first time.

　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　Although he is similar to Ars in height and build, he is clearly different. Even with a clean smile on his face, a look of discomfort lurked underneath that mask, and he stared at me with eyes that held irritation.
　There was less than a minute to go before it was time to start, and we were supposed to be waiting for the moment in muffled cheers.

'Disappointing. Did Lady Ars escape at the last minute?'

　With a jerk, Loki's well-formed eyebrows rise. The man in front of you who looks like a good-looking young man is well dressed, but he is definitely condescending.

''I thought I could show off the way you made me kneel in front of the crowd.
'It's impossible for you. I'm glad you're not embarrassed.

　His eyes were inorganic as he looked at the fool who didn't know Ars - no, I guess that's actually true - only the corners of his mouth rose slightly.

''Hahaha, even as expected of me, I don't think I can beat the first-ranked magician. Still, compared to Jean-sama, it might be possible. And moreover........it's not that guy (.......) who will be the first place. I don't know how he did it, but he was allowed to take the first place in a dirty way, right?　I heard Alpha is as good at sneaking around and subterfuge as a little worm.

　The taunts continued cheerfully.

''So, the way you struggle with me, who is being trained by Jean-sama, will greatly question your title as the most powerful magician. That's why it's such a shame. I didn't expect you to back down, and then you ended up forcing your partner to do it. I have to take my hat off to you for being so bold.

　Despite the sarcastic words, that expression is filled with a clear, unclouded smile.
　Even though Loki was always calm, he couldn't keep his composure after being told about Ars.

'You haven't been informed of anything, have you? I suppose you're just that little soldier to Master Jean.'

　Perhaps because he hadn't been informed of the mission. Ars rated the difficulty high, not just because of it. If you look around a bit, there are very few mages on guard. So it could be more than just one country's problem. Loki hasn't been told everything either, but he's been told it's a mission.

　There's a hint of a crack in the smile his neat face makes, and Loki holds up one finger.

'Let me correct one misconception. Master Ars won't show even a fraction of his power to the extent of you. In other words, I've decided that I'm unworthy of being your opponent.

　Philiric made a snappy blue streak, but his smile remained the same.

'Loki-san, I'm afraid you're not the right person to deal with me, I'm afraid, but maybe this is for the best. You are being trained by Master Ars, aren't you?
..........

　Loki turned his cold eyes in disgust at even replying.

'Then I'll lower my tumescence by beating you first. It would also prove the nobility of Jean-sama, and I can see that Ars-sama's eyes are knot holes.

　He cooed and put his hand over his mouth, but he didn't seem to have any intention of holding back his laughter.
　Loki already found this appearance alone of a good-looking man so disgusting that it even made him want to vomit.
　Surely, if it were only for looks, it would be an appearance that would attract the eyes of a woman. It seems to be severely distorted on the inside, though. Maybe he's wearing a cat or something.

　But to Loki, his content seems to be an ugly thing that depends on and undermines others. He trusts and respects Ars the most, himself, and has the most trust and respect for him. Still, he doesn't want to undermine the other single mages. On the contrary, I don't care about them, I'm not even interested in them. Of course I respect the fact that he's a single like Ars, but that's all. If I don't go through him, I won't get involved. Because my current position doesn't matter if Ars is a single mage or not. The title of rank or researcher is secondary to being by his side.
　If you are a mage in the country like Letty, you need to get involved, and as a woman, I sometimes envy her.
　But that's something to keep to yourself.
　I know a little bit of what this man, Phililic, is trying to say, but honestly, I'd say he's just crazy.

　Loki told his opponent coldly with such a smile on his face. Oddly enough, the signal to start sounded, but neither of them moved.

'It's weird. Are you manly?''

　These words were the signal to start and change.
　The cheeks that had been lifted are quietly lowered and a shooting gaze is directed at Loki. Then a gusher of magic flows from the body around Phililic and crawls across the ground.
　It seemed to tell him that there was nothing more to say in words.

　Loki bent down, released his magic, and fixed his gaze on his opponent, ready to move at any moment. To be ready to respond no matter what. But when he looks again, he realizes that he doesn't see any AWR as his weapon of choice.
　Then, Phililic extended his right arm to his right side and opened his hand.
　The shadow coiling at his feet felt like it had moved... no, it wasn't my imagination, but the shadow certainly wriggled, and when it made a circle under his hand, it turned into a pitch-black shade from there, and the plane rose up in three dimensions.
　It draws a spiral with a tapered tip like a small mountain, and when it extends to the palm, it increases in thickness while covering the top of the spiral one after the other in an instant.
　And when you make a fist as if you were grasping something, the shadows flake off like water.

''..........''

　There is a great sword held there, with a strong presence as a substance. It's long enough to wield with one hand, but it's not a simple resignation, and its black, cloudy blade barrel, black as coal, alarms Loki.
　You can tell that that's not a magical sword by the magical formula carved into it.......but it's an odd sword, that's for sure.
　What was more surprising.

''The dark strain........''
Yeah, does that surprise you?　I'm sorry, but don't expect an easy defeat.

　He smiles lecherously.

　Loki ignores the reply and washes out the information about the dark strain, a strain called elemental.
　The dark strain is an abhorrent strain because it tends to be prone to crime. It's not all of them, but it is said that many magical criminals are due to a lack of common sense. Even if you know it's a crime... well, maybe it's only if you know, but they're not afraid to cross the line.
　There are individual differences, but they are thought extroverts due to the influence of the strain. In other words, the degree of stimulus-seeking is greater than that of an ordinary person.
　Then Loki remembers that there are two types of dark lineage mages, and he is wary of one of them, but the answer comes from an unexpected opponent.

'Don't worry. I'm not that type.

　Loki took the knife and pointed the tip of the blade at him, which taught Philiric to let out a giggle.
　There are two types of dark strains. One is those who deal with magic that belongs to the normal dark strain. The other is a magician who directly interferes with the opponent's mind. This is the so-called illusion magic. In the past, there were even those who rose to the heights of being called manipulative magic, but they were heretics who only made a name for themselves as major criminals.
　Loki's concern is that he may have already been used with interference-based magic. It is also possible to manipulate and guide his thoughts. The most effective way to deal with that is to paint his consciousness with pain through self-injury.

'But I'm sure it would have been easier that way, so it must be unfortunate for you.
I don't need to hear your bullshit, so go ahead and die. Then I've lost, haven't I? Then I will let you crawl to the ground without repenting for your folly.

　Loki quietly pointed the knife.
　An electric shock ran at once from the tip.
　But as expected, the large sword is raised from underneath and the blasts are easily dispelled. The blitz that was wrapped around the sword blade that was swept away, also quickly disappears.

"Fast, fast!

　He opens his mouth happily.
　Stagnant black magic power clings to me from the charcoal-like blade as I hold the large sword. And it approaches at a terrific speed as it slides.
　I'm going to be able to see it calmly, and while I'm still in the distance, I cut up the knife from underneath to right above.

The "Electro-Lord.

　The blitz that discharged on the ground split the ground and attacked like a whip, keeping the blitz in a straight line from bottom to top.
　But the blitz that was swung up in a straight line was dodged to the side and burned the air only.
　But it's not a magic that ends with just being dodged. I'm not going to be able to get my arms raised and now swing down at an angle.
　Then the electric charge that was discharging towards the ceiling swells up and goes back to follow the trail of the lowered knife.
　I should have succeeded in taking him by surprise, but Phililic's smile deepens.
　The blitz strikes from directly above with a high-pitched squeal. But the shadow that drew back running just before grew long, and a huge arm grew out of it, catching the blitz above its head as it would have.
　And then the blitz that was grabbed to make you scream dissipates as it bounces off to be crushed.

''........!

　Loki was momentarily taken aback by the sight. Then Philiric, with his sword raised, approached and swung down.
　But even if it was faster than an ordinary person, it appeared slow to Loki, who puts a premium on speed. So even if he was distracted, there was no way he would fall behind.
　The great sword, wielded with tremendous speed, cuts through the empty sky and carves a slice into the ground.
　Loki, who jumped back with room to spare, saw an amazing object in the air.

''-----Kuh!

　It is a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to expect when you are in a position to do something.
　I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what to do with it, but I'm not going to be able to do it in time. The tentacle-like spikes he saw through the gap in his arms snatched his arms and legs.
　With a contorted face, Loki landed with his posture low to the ground.
　He changed his mind on one thing he understood more than a little headache.

'Is it magic...'

　It overflows as if it were a monologue.
　I'm sure you've decided that it's magic because it's clothed in the blade, but I assure you that the magic itself has turned into an attack. It is not magic power that is clothed in the sword blade, but magic itself.
　It is also understandable that the magic formula did not shine. On the contrary, I narrowed my eyes at being caught by surprise.

''You dodged it well. Was that blitz meant to deflect the trajectory? Either way, it was a bit of a letdown if it ended with that.

　Loki, who was disgusted by the praise, served and ignored it.
　It was indeed a troublesome magic. Even if Loki was confident in his speed, even if he dodged the great sword, the pursuit of the undulating thorns could not be tricky. And one more thing, that arm that blocked the electro-load must have been a very high-level magic. The Electro-Lord is a medium to high level of difficulty magic. Even if it is simply estimated, it is likely to be a high level magic.

　That's where Phililic, who drew his sword, held his sword in an exaggeratedly slow manner.
　Immediately after he looked at it as if he were paying attention, a chill hit Loki from behind.

　A huge black hand swings down to smash him after he quickly jumps to the side. Bang!　The air pounded against the ground, making dust dance in the air. A thin crack in the ground that ran like a spider's web behind it.

'Avoid this too....'

　He glares at the man who snarls in admiration. Catching an arm going back to the shadows at the edge of his vision.
　The magic-detecting sonar allowed him to notice the deviation quickly, but Loki gritted his teeth as if to say it wasn't funny.
　It's clear that his evasion was delayed a beat because he was paying attention to his opponent, who was very much poised to do something. From that, it is clear that the opponent is clearly used to fighting. At least when it comes to interpersonal combat, they seem to be more used to it than he is, he added a new piece of information.
　It's mainly magic that uses shadows so far. It reminds me of something Ars once told me that mages who use shadows are tricky, even among the dark strains.
　I stifle my desire to lightly cluck my tongue and tie it into a single letter so that my mouth doesn't fall open. It was because he was afraid that he would usually cluck his tongue and rough it up in front of Ars, but it was close to his heart.

　Ordinary magic wouldn't work against him.
　Loki let out a sigh. It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get a good idea of what you're going to use, because the magic you're going to use is one of the spells that you were planning to show to Ars and surprise him greatly.
　I was expecting that I would probably be in a match with Ars in the finals, so I've been preparing for it all along so that it wouldn't be exposed. In the background, though, there was a guilty calculus of getting praise. I didn't think that this situation would come to pass. It's not a good idea to show it off in a place where Ars isn't there, but I can't say that.
　If you continue to stand next to Ars in the future, you can spare it.
　I put my arms behind my back and take out eight knives, holding them between my fingers.
　It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to get your hands on a new one. It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you can get your hands on a new one.

''I don't know what you're planning to do, but we're ready to go too.

　Five black wolves created by the shadows are beside Filiric, who spreads his arms out as if to show them off.
　A strange snarl sounds from inside the shadow's body, with fierce crimson eyes and a strange roar from where it is emitted.
　I would guess that this is the magic that is called a messenger magic, but Loki doesn't have any further impressions of the summoning magic. Summoning magic can be divided into higher levels. I'm afraid to say that five of them, but the internal magic power of each one didn't seem to be that much.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people who will be able to help you.

　And the shadow that dropped the dark black that seems to have been created - the arm that attacked Loki just now grows out of it, and then another one, a total of two thick and huge arms grow out of it. And when both arms are bent in the shape of the letter "Hakuji" and you bury your fingertips in the ground, the force is built in to force the shadow open. And when the circular shadow is distorted and widened, horns appear between the arms.
　It's a good idea to make sure that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about it.
　It had the appearance of a demon, with a huge frame that could be as tall as 10 meters in the form of a demon. The fangs that rise up from underneath are covered with a band of crimson, blocking the eyes from view. It had a rounded back with what looked like horribly deformed bones protruding from its shoulder blades, as if it were an odd shape. Its entire body was reddish-black, clothed in a pale black smoke.
　The cloudy red light behind the eye cover turned down on its face as if it had caught Loki in its sights, and fumes and black smoke were spewed out from the gap between its slightly open, fang-like teeth.

''Well, since you've even sent out the Hidden Demon [Yoma], that's enough. To be honest, I've seen enough to know that you're even more capable than I imagined.

　Filiric lifted his greatsword with a broken face as if he was satisfied, "Well then, this way......." with those words, the shadow wolf started to run as if flying. It's also a good idea to make sure that you have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　Loki was just quiet and still as a clear stream. He didn't even brace himself.
　The five wolves run towards their prey as if they were hunting, without a sideways glance, but then something huge starts to move behind them.
　The ground rumbled with the sound of what must have been a heavy giant body moving on the ground. It took a step forward and leapt with one foot as the demon called Yasha caved in the ground. It flew low but with tremendous speed. It levitated its massive body and instantly passed the running wolf in the air, then combined its hands and swung its hands, hardened like a mallet, up to its head and knocked it down on Loki's head.

　Loki didn't move until just before, and then he fired the trigger that had him waiting just before the huge shadow covered him.

'Body Force Enhancement [Force]'