Chapter 260 Standby

T-Touko-chan!?

Haruna was also surprised by Toukos appearance. She had only heard from Alezel that the match would be held as an event, but she had not been told who her opponent would be. Toukos appearance was a surprise for the guests, Chinatsu, and Haruna.

Long time no see, Haruna. We havent met for a while, but it seems that you have gotten stronger again. As expected of my rival and Dannas disciple.

Ah, err, thank you! But, why are you here, Touko-chan?

I heard from Lily-shish that Danna is getting married. Well, I have mixed feelings, but Ive to celebrate it since its a celebration, right? When I asked Shish if theres anything I could help with, this job came to me.

Unlike in the past, where she was living on instinct, Touko seems to be somewhat calm. Her wording is mannish and rough, but her femininity can be felt from the gestures even if shes just standing there. Haruna, who has a keen sense of intuition, noticed the change, of course.

Touko-chan, isnt the skirt too short? I mean, I can see it, you know?

The direction is slightly different, though.

Haha, you dont have to worry about that. Anyone who wants to see it can just go ahead and see it. All the better if they are enemies, so I can hit my iron fist into their dumb faces, right? This is a good tactic yeah, its something you call a womans weapon. It may be a little early for Haruna, though.

But, your opponent this time is me, not a man, you know?

I-I was ordered to wear this by Shish. Please guess it.

Although she gave various reasons, in the end, it was completely Lilyvias hobby.

Lily-san, clothes with too much exposure are no good for a wedding ceremony, dont you think?

Its fine. Its only when the bride is away.

And she shows no remorse.

Hey, you girls. Dont proceed without me, the emcee. Ill give you a candy later, so keep quiet for now.

A candy.

Yes!

Umu, thats a good reply. Now, lets explain about this surprise battle! The two contestants in this battle are wonderful warriors, and the only field of the battle will be on this stage. However, theres a possibility that they will be out of the stage. If that happens, it will be dangerous for everyone whos watching it. So, this time, we will use the barrier generators that have been set up around the stage. As the name suggests, this device is capable of creating a powerful barrier. It is capable of completely nullifying attacks up to level 7!

There was a stir in the venue when the old gentleman explained it. The ones who cant hide their surprises were mainly the knights, whose occupation is to protect the country and to subjugate monsters, and those who have pride in their abilities, such as the Batten family. Just how much is level 7? First of all, it was from there.

Completely nullifying attacks up to level 7!?

Is that possible? By the way, how much is level 7? Please explain it in a way that a level 3 like me can understand.

Uh, according to the guilds official monsters evaluation standard ah, this is useless. Its written vaguely. I think its too exaggerated saying that the county will be destroyed.

If the league is too different, it is not possible to measure the strength with an ordinary measure. Its the same in this case, so they cant understand how great it is.

Haha, they are surprised. After all, thats a co-development product of Zex-han and our Quitet Company. Its incomparable to your ordinary magic items.

Fuhahahahaha! Thats right! I used science and a little magic, so if I had to say, its mostly science! Its the latest work thats also installed in my main body! So, you can go wild as much as you want! Fuhahahaha, fuha, FUHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Zex is satisfied with himself and he laughs loudly. The knights who are watching him from afar are whispering to each other.

H-Hey, is that knight okay? Even if hes drunk, thats too much laughter. Hes laughing three times.

Shh, dont make eye contact! Hes someone who comes to a wedding in full-body armor, you know? Im sure that hes Deris-sans acquaintance.

Ah, I see.

Deris was hit by a stray bullet. However, since its the usual thing, the wound is shallow.

I got it that its an extraordinary barrier. So, what are the rules?

Umu. The bride wont take that much time to change the dress, so its not good to prolong it too long. Its a joyous occasion, so a battle to the death is prohibited. Any dangerous actions that could result in the death of the opponent are prohibited, of course, and other than that will be judged by my own discretion!

The old gentleman exaggeratedly makes a cross with his arms.

Isnt that too vague?

Well, in the end, its just one of the events. Dont think too much about it. The most important thing is to have fun!

Um, are there any specific rules? I brought my Doggan Staff without thinking much about it.

You can use any weapon you want. As for the rules, err, what was it again?

The old gentleman, who forgot his lines, took the script out of nowhere and read it while nodding.

The conditions for defeat are as follows: knockouts such as fainting, parts other than the sole of the foot touched the stage three times, and immediate defeat for physical contact with the barrier. Theres no problem with magic, but if any part of your body touched the barrier even a little, a signal will sound. Well, to say it simply, its like out of the stage. You have to be careful not to get thrown or rush too much.

Um, we cant touch the stage either?

Thats right. This is also a rule to make the match go smoothly. Just like the barrier, the stage also has a function to notify you when you touched it. It counts 1 when you touch it, and it does not count until you stand. You will lose after 3 counts. Be careful not to roll even by mistake.

Yes!

Yeah, got it.

After the inspection of the weapon used, both of them went up to the stage. Haruna is not wearing her pouch this time, but her hand is carrying the Doggan Staff. On the other hand, Touko is completely barehanded and she wont use any weapons.

The rules are strangely favorable for Haruna. Lily-san, are you that confident? Lily-san also participated in making those rules, right?

What are you talking about? I think those are decent rules.

Its true that Toukos Berserk is a threat. But, Haruna has her aiki. Adding a rule of instant defeat when making contact with the barrier is like throwing away the advantage, right? Also, Haruna has a longer reach thanks to the Doggan Staff.

Well, it may be disadvantageous for Touko.

Then, why?

Dont jump to conclusions. Im talking about the past Touko. Ive trained her in this mode after all. She is different now, of course.

? What

When Chinatsu was about to ask again, she was interrupted by the cheers of the surroundings. It was time for the match to start. Looking at the stage, Haruna and Touko are starting to take their stances.

Then, I will give the signal. Now

Start!

Ah, hey, (Aga)Lia!? Thats my line!