Volume 7 - CH 2(2/3)
The distance is near 20 meters.
What Emilia aimed at is a white box of 10 centimeters square.
*PAN*
A gunshot echoes.
But, the target didn’t fall.
– No waaay.. I missed..
Emilia unexpectedly puts out her tongue. Her bullet shot a little above the target.
– After all it has a different feeling than regular guns. The reaction after shooting was also light, it feels somewhat strange.
That was Emilia’s impression. But she didn’t give up.
– But, the next time, I’ll make us of it. A strategy that I came up with.
The next time she will absolutely drop it, her eyes were full of confidence.
– Before that it’s my turn. I’ll also aim for a small one.
Latia’s aim was also a small box of ten centimeters, the same size as Emilia.
Looking at that figure, Fritz enters to stop her.
– Wait a minute! I think you are severe with your arms.
– Shut up, first of all I’m the one targeting! The first one will be something like a trial shoot.
– Well, if it’s fine with you, play it as you like..
Fritz, a little surprised, puts his hand on the temporal side.
– You mentioned it about a while ago, but Latia is no good with guns.
Hayato didn’t know that well.
– ..her rank is D.
Hearing that answer, Hayato’s cheeks have a cramp.
– So that means, she is lower than me, huh..
D rank is barely a passing score in the evaluation.
By the way, Hayato’s rank is C.
Emilia and Fritz are in the top, S rank.
– Dammit, I need to focus now. You guys must keep silent!
– Yeah yeah.
Fritz turned the palm of his left and right hand into the sky.
The silence arrived.
Latia, who matched the muzzle with the target, put the finger on the trigger.
*PAN*!
Along with the gunshot, the bullet is fired.
It didn’t get the target, and it missed by a huge margin compared to the bullet that Emilia had fired.
– B- but why.. I was convinced that I aimed properly..
– K’ then, next is my second shot. Seeing that I have two chances and that small thing is difficult, I’ll try to lower the level.
Emilia decided to aim for a different target than the previous one. Looking at her, Latia said.
– Is it the second smallest box in the series the target..? Is that the strategy that you were talking a while ago?
– The previous target, as that it’s on the top, it doesn’t have anything in the surroundings, so now I can hit another one of the boxes if I miss that one. Something like a?lucky hit, don’t you agree?
Saying that, Emilia pulled the trigger.
Immediately after that――
One of the targets danced wonderfully in the air.
But, it’s not the one Emilia was aiming for.
– Ahaha, I missed but I got one.
In conclusion, Emilia’s strategy was successful.
The bullet that diverted to the lower left grazed another target at the right upper corner, and fell.
– Uncle, what number?
Emilia asked the shopkeeper who took the box to check the number.
– It’s the 45th.
The shopkeeper shows the numbered tag that was in the box.
– So it is the 45th.. it’s that candy!
Emilia looks at the prize shelf and makes a bright expression. On the other hand, Hayato had a bitter smile.
– That thing, it’s a dagashi* that is sold in Yamato.. isn’t it?
Delicious twelve sticks set. That was the prize placed at number 45.
– Have you ate this before, Hayato?
– I often ate them when I was a child.
– Look, here are 12, all different kind of tastes are included!
– Wow! I did it!
Emilia who received the delicious stick set from the shopkeeper has a full smile.
– Hey hey, Hayato! Don’t you think that hitting something from Yamato in here is kind of predestined?
– Predestined you say, what is with, that..
It seems she is very happy, so it’s hard to say, but the price for a single stick shouldn’t be that much.
It will be less than half of the price paid to make 12 shots.
(But, for a thing like this to be in a festival..)
The luxury goods that are lined up above the prize shelf, it should only be inside the small one.
In the first place, the way they are currently lined up, it doesn’t necessarily mean that such prize is contained in the box*.
– Here, eat one too, Hayato.
Emilia opened the bag filled with twelve delicious sticks, and offered one of them to Hayato.
At the same time he sees the flavor, Hayato distorts his mouth.
– That, it’s written as extremely hot..
– Eh..?
Emilia confirms its taste with an absentmindedly expression.
– Uwa, it’s true! This, how spicy is this?
– It’s spicy enough to sting around your mouth. Don’t dare to eat it without something to drink.
– Oh, you are right. Then, what about another one?
– Ok then, I’ll take this.
The one that Hayato took, was one with a consommé flavor. He used to like this in the olden days.
– Emilia, can I get one too?
– Yup, it’s okay. Eat one, eat one.
Emilia presented the bag, after the one she liked picked one, it’s Fritz who asked from the side.
– K’ then, I guess I’ll take this?
It was one with a cheese taste that Fritz took.
– I’ll eat this then.
Emilia opens the bag and chooses pizza taste.
– Yeah, tasty.
Emilia is very satisfied making crunchy noises while chewing the flavored stick.
– Latia, won’t you eat too?
– I’ll shoot this bullet.
Ignoring the bunch of flavored sticks pushed out by Emilia, Latia prepares the gun again.
Fritz asked, chewing a cheese flavored stick.
– Which one are you aiming for next?
– It will be the same small one as before.
– ..Ha? What are you saying? Emilia gave up on that, right? It’s impossible for you..
– If I can concentrate then I’ll get it somehow. Even with the previous test gun, when I concentrated, I could shoot through the middle of it.
– That was a coincidence. It occurred only once and... Your arms are trembling now. In that state, you will absolutely miss.
– I told you to shut up!
She fired the bullet together with the scream.
Latia got angry when she saw that it deviated far more than before.
– Fritz! It was your fault that I missed, don’t you think!?
– No, no matter what you think, it isn’t my fault. In the first place, you put too much power when shooting. Lend me yours for a moment.
Fritz takes away the gun from Latia.
– He, hey, there’s one more shot left!
– ..no problem. I saw you and Emilia doing it by the side. I already understand the characteristics of this gun. Hold this.
– Oh, okay..
Fritz returned the bag of flavored sticks to Emilia to empty his hands, and prepares the gun.
– Look, we’ll shoot right in the center.
There was no lie in the words of Fritz.
There’s no hesitation.
Suddenly, the bullet released from the arms that are stretched out, hit splendidly the small box as expected.
– Well, it is roughly like this.
– Amazing!
It is Emilia that raised her voice spontaneously.
Subsequently, Latia’s back jumped from the arms of Fritz.
– Amazing, amazing Fritz!
– Well, it’s my specialty.
Surely Fritz said that as a matter of course.
– Why didn’t you try to take the initiative, was it because it was too easy?
– That can be part of the reason. Leaving that aside, what’s the price?
– Right!
Latia asks to the shopkeeper of the shooting stall.
– Hey, what’s the number?
– Number 5.. it’s the number 5!
The shopkeeper who just picked up the box, confirmed the contents and gave a surprised voice.
– Wow, it’s that!
Latia points her line of sight to the number 5 on the prize shelf. It’s a jewelry box that is placed there. A photograph of a ring with a beautiful shining jewel on it is decorated.
– That is one of the featured items this time. It’s a tournament limited edition. It also has a serial number and logo of the tournament. Nee-chan, Take care of it.
– Yes, of course!
Latia, who received the box containing the ring, was really in a good mood.
Holding the box, she is spinning around like if she was dancing.
– Right, Fritz. Can I open it and see what’s inside? I haven’t seen it directly yet.
– Because this is yours, do as you like.
– Yeah, then I’ll open it.
With a state of fullness of expectation, Latia opens the lid of the box while her heart was doing *DOKI* *DOKI*.
– Wow, this is the ring.. It’s nice, and very beautiful!
Hayato thinks that’s true. The ring shining in the box looked more beautiful than what he saw in the picture.
– It’s good isn’t it? For Latia to get such a beautiful ring. Hayato, can you take a ring for me too?
– Well, there are no more rings already..
The ring disappears from the prize shelf.
– Hey, uncle. Is that ring being sold somewhere?
– Since it was sold before the tournament, they aren’t selling it anymore. That’s why I told you that it was special, right?
– Tch, I see. If that’s the case, can you buy a different one from a different store somewhere? Look, let’s match them for the two of us. We’ll put it on the ring finger together.
– You, what are you talking about..?
Hayato sighed, amazed.
– ――wha!?
*DON*.
The body of Latia who received an impact rises a little from the surface. Following that, a scream leaked out from her mouth.
– Ah!
Latia’s open eyes look at the ring which has fallen from the box due to the shock received on the back.
The small and round thing rolls over the concrete, passing through person and person that walk down the road.
– Wa, wait!
Latia hurriedly runs after the ring. What lies ahead is a waterway.
However, at last minute, Latia was able to recover the ring.
– Fuu.. I’m glad... Really, I’m glad..
Spilt a breath after feeling relieved.
Latia tells that to the big guy she collided herself with, and he raised his voice in a way like showing off his bare fangs.
– Hey, you.. apologize!
– Wait what?
The giant, skinhead man turns around.
– ..are you telling me, to apologize?
– Yeah.
The height of the man is around 2 meters. He is very muscular, and looks intimidating like a standing bear.
Nevertheless, Latia continued her words without being frightened or hesitating.
– Because I crashed into you, this ring was about to drop into the drain!
Latia aimed at the ring and cried, but the man made a single laugh.
– Hmm, what about it. Blaming me, when it was your fault, standing and doing nothing. Don’t speak about complaining and rattling for a mere ring.
– WHAT!?
– ..huh, are?ya?fired up?
– You are the one who’s fired up.
– You asked for it.
Latia, who heard the reply of the man, took out the Hundred from her chest and shouted.
–?HUNDRED ON!
Pink particles on both of her hands and legs, and so the body of Latia, creates the Martial Arts type armament. <<Beast King, God of Military Arts>>?Strike Beast.
That’s the name of her Hundred.
The man expresses a broadly grinning smile, takes out the Hundred and shouts just like Latia.
–?HUNDRED ON!
The Hundred shines in red particles, it flips and creates armament in his body. It was the same Martial Arts type as Latia.
– Gert, stop.
The one standing still raised her voice, it was a woman standing next to the man.
A woman with a sharp look, but a little smaller than the man of high stature.
– What do?ya?want, Elena. It’s that one who’s picking a fight.?Ain’t?no need for me to withdraw. Hey, stupid brat. Come. If?u?think you can defeat me.
The man, called Gert, moved his fingers towards Latia to provoke her. Looking at that figure, Latia flies into rage.
– Of course I think that I can win!
Latia, who lost her temper, tried to kick up the ground, in order to attack Gert.
– Hey, stop it!
It was Fritz who caught her shoulder and stopped her movement.
– Fritz, why are you stopping me..?
Latia who saw Fritz when she looked back, noticed there was a very regretful look on his face.
– I was about to lose the precious ring you gave me due that guy..
Latia showed the ring inside the armed fist to Fritz.
– But, you recovered it so it’s fine, isn’t it? Besides, if you fight while holding it now, the ring will break. Moreover, you won’t be able to be in the tournament.
Beforehand, Claire told them. Duels of Slayers other than the matches on this island are forbidden. Those who violate it will be deprived of their qualification to participate in the competition.
– ..I’m sorry. Certainly, you are right. Blood was in my head, I couldn’t make a proper judgment. Let’s withdraw from here.
Latia cancels her armament.
– Keh, so?u?understood huh.
After clicking his tongue. Gert also cancelled his armament, and went off the spot together with the woman.
Giving his back towards Latia, he shows his teeth.
– He was really furious, that guy.
– Don’t mind it anymore. Apart from that, does that ring suit your finger? Give it a try.
– Unh, wait a moment, okay.
Hayato and the others kept staring while Latia thrusts the ring on the left index finger while her heart was going *DOKI* *DOKI*.
– Yeah, it’s perfect!
Latia raised a satisfied voice. On the index finger of the left hand that was held in the sky so as to show it to everyone, the ring fits well.
It reflects the solar rays that began to incline towards its center, glittering with orange color.
– ..k’ then, should we go back to the hotel soon? There is still a little of time left but I would like to take a break in the hotel a bit, don’t you agree?
– Yeah, you are right. Let’s do that. It would be better to keep that ring in a proper place.
As well as Emilia who answered so, Hayato and Latia also accepted Fritz’s suggestion. En masse, started to go back to the hotel.
[Come to the hall of the first floor of the basement fifteen minutes before the friendly reunion starts]
Hayato who received the confirmation mail from Erika gathered with Emilia, Latia and Fritz who received the same mail, and visited the hall of the first floor of the basement which is the venue of the friendly reunion.
People of many countries and organizations are already gathering inside, and colorful uniforms can be seen.
Hayato said while looking around the hall.
– It’s been a while somehow, since then.
– It’s been some time since [Operation: Bird in Cage].
Emilia answered.
– Is that the operation when we were arrested in Little Garden?
– Huh..?
Hayato turns back to the voice coming from behind.
Besides Nesat who called out, there were three people in total, Krovahn and Nakri, and they are lined up, with their uniforms of Little Garden.
– You guys also came.
– Because the President said that she gave us the right of veto, so it can’t be helped.
Krovahn replies to Emilia who has called him out. Continuing that, Nakri frowned, surveyed the surroundings and said.
– If I could, I would be leaving right now from this place. There might be some of those guys who were made to fight with us and ended up worn out.. you were one of them too.
– Huh? Are you trying to pick up a fight with me?
– ..if so, you want to?
– Humph, I couldn’t fight you in the <<Campus Martial Arts Competition>>, and now I’m able to do full armament. I’m very confident that I won’t lose.
– Then, do you want to fight me?
– If that’s what you want!
– What are you doing..?
It was Liddy that brought her face closer and said that separating them from each other.
Behind her there were Erika and Claire.
– That girl is in the wrong, she tried to pick a fight with me. I didn’t do anything bad.
– Latia Saint-émilion, that does not explain anything wayo.
Claire sighed a little disgusted.
It’s Fritz that added explanations to supplement there.
– It was because there are people who were knocked down by them during the <<Operation: Bird in Cage>> in this place, so that kind of conversation started a quarrel. Originally, it was a talk about what to do if a fight started..
– Uh huh, so that is what it is desuno.. in the case that the matter in question results in a fight, just call me immediately. As long as you have the approval of the administration to participate in the tournament, and as long as you are members of Little Garden, then I will explain and defend what you have been doing properly as Slayers up to now. In any case, do not fight. And if you say something, apologize properly. Is that clear wane?
There is no reply from the three people. It’s the same from Latia.
– Latia Saint-émilion, and also the three Olfred, answer properly――
– In the case that you have understand, then I will not force you that much. This is a special location, right desushine?
Claire who stopped Erika who tried to scold them, smiled and continued.
– Well then, we will go to give our greetings.? You may have a meeting with your dearest persons.
– ..even if she mentions dearest persons, staying just in here is quite..
It’s after Claire leaves from there.
He can’t find the figures of Sakura or his little sister Karen.
– Hey hey, Hayato, Hayato.
It was Emilia who raised her voice while pulling continuously at the sleeve of Hayato’s uniform while he was mumbling and looking the surroundings.
– What, did you find someone?
– No, it’s not that. I thought that the cookery in there seemed really delicious. Can we go to get them now?
Emilia looks at the cookery while her eyes are shining, seeming to drool with impetus at any time.
– But, that comes after the toast, right?
– How much will it take until then? How many minutes? How many seconds?
– Even if you ask me that, I don’t know that, you know.
– Maybe, it depends on President Judal’s speech, isn’t it?
Latia said that.
– Incidentally, have you guys seen anyone over here or there? I have a hunch I saw someone somewhere, but I can’t remember.
The line of sight of Latia is aimed at a place where mature middle-aged people wearing decorative military uniforms have gathered.
– If I’m not mistaken, is he the man who served as the commander of <<Operation: Bird in Cage>>?
– Yeah, indeed. Now that you mention it, I had the feeling that it could be him.
A staff member of the hotel came there and offered them a drink. It’s for the toast. Hayato and every one of his comrades picked up a drink. The man’s voice resonates through the microphone.
– Everyone, silence please. From here, Judal Harvey-sama, one of the organizers of this tournament, would like to give a toast.
Following those words, Judal Harvey appeared on the stage.
– First of all, to everyone who were able to come to this place, where the opening of the tournament is about to come―― to Serivia-sama who is working together as an organizer, to the staff, and to the collaborators, Ladies and Gentlemen, I truly give you my thanks.
Starting with lowering his head and saying that, the speech of Judal began.
Humanity has created countermeasures called?Hundred?due to the threat of the Savage.
No matter what kind of threat it is, the humanity will not give up, by narrowing the wisdom and the evolution, we will overcome it.
Thus now mankind is now trying to expand the scope of activities not only to the Earth, which is our home, but also to the outer space.
This tournament will be the first step.
There are various obstacles and organizations that interfere, but we will not succumb to it.
The tournament absolutely will be a success and humanity will advance into the universe――
It is a subject to set especially a path to the base of Lunaltia.
– A few words to finish― the construction of the Lunaltia Base is also my long-cherished wish. If I can, I would like to take direction of it with my own hands. I think that saying that it’s too much coming from the organizer, but that is what I wanted to say.
The venue of the friendly reunion begins to stir with those words.
(Onii-sama, what on earth are you――)
Claire wonders what is the next thing that his older brother Judal is about to say, she felt uneasy as it was inevitable.
– The organization administrated by me, Warslan―― or, the training institution where my younger sister, Claire Harvey, is serving as the representative of Little Garden, whose ability is considerable――?Odd makers?are also publishing the same numbers. Although I am not the Pope, let me have the privilege of predicting that here, that one of us will definitely win this tournament.
At the same time as the words were released, the gazes that emitted hostility were directed not only to Judal, but also to Claire, Hayato and the members of Little Garden.
(What the, why does have to be something――)
Claire shook her fists with a lot of anger. It’s too vicious to be a joke. It has to be a humble position, rather than declaring your victory here.
That’s what you say in order to provoke.
Then, for the Slayer’s good fight and the success of this competition―― and for mankind’s space development. To celebrate that first step―― let’s toast!
Although it’s a special toast, the atmosphere from some time ago is nowhere near cheerful.
Glasses and glasses bump against each other in the stormy atmosphere, making sounds. It seems that in this situation you could think that the glass will crack due to the tense ambience.
In such circumstances, Hayato and the others bumped the glass with their surrounding comrades with a certain degree of sorry, and tried to drink the orange juice.
Nothing could be done, because it’s unlikely that they will face the glances of complete hostility towards themselves.
It was the first time since the entrance ceremony that the glances have turned this way.
But, this time it’s not just him.
The same look is directed to all of the people of Little Garden and Warslan, and among them are Judal and Claire, representatives of the two organizations, who are in a state of going through intense fire.
Regardless of Judal, the involvement of Claire would obviously mean to say a complaint or something. It could be said that it was something like that for Hayato and the others.
In such situation, Claire keeps on moving, covering for her brother’s behavior, in order to calm the representatives of the other organizations.
– Hayato, I brought some food.
– ..you, when did you..
He noticed that Emilia was holding plates with a lot of food on top of them on both hands.
– As soon as the toast finished I went immediately to pick them up.
– Oh, okay..
Apparently Emilia doesn’t seem to care about the surrounding gazes at all. Hayato continues to crawl from the eyes in the surroundings.
– ..Hayato, what’s wrong?
– I’m looking for Karen from some time ago but I can’t find her.
– You don’t need to worry. Hayato is truly a?siscon, isn’t it? Surely Kirishima Sakura is doing something about it.
– That may be so but..
– Karen-chan is already a little mature. Who said that a cute little girl was allowed to travel? You said it, no?
– That story is different from this.
Those two people, Sakura and Karen, belong to Little Garden. There’s a possibility that they could be involved in troubles. Despite this, Emilia doesn’t seem to worry.
– They aren’t different.
While saying that, she brought dry-cured ham and salad from the dish to her mouth.
Then, she brought quiche to her mouth.
– Latia. That one, isn’t it Wendy?
– Oh, certainly.
Latia made her eyes shine, looking at the girl who was wearing the uniform of the Liberian army, and that was in front of Fritz line of sight. Emilia also turns her eyes to the girl.
– Weren’t you both together during the?Third Attack?
Emilia and Hayato are talking about the girl named Wendy Velvet. They weren’t directly on the same team, but participated together in <<Operation: Bird in Cage>>
– Yeah, we were.
Fritz answers.
He and Latia fought together with her in <<Operation: Bird in Cage>>, and then again in the?Third Attack.
– Would you like to go and greet her?
– Yeah.
Fritz and Latia went together to where Wendy is.
Even so, Emilia remained enjoying the food as usual.
– Hayato, this quiche is delicious. Won’t you eat it too?
She continues, reaching for pepperoncino this time.
– You really eat a lot huh..
Although being amazed, Hayato knows that Emilia’s tongue is fond for food*, and keeping the expectations within his chest, he tries to stretch the fork to the quiche.
But――.
– Emilia-sama, Hayato-sama!
Hayato stopped his hand with the voice that suddenly arrived to his back. Emilia also tried to move the pepperoncino to her mouth, but stopped her hands, and turned back.
They voice was from a girl they knew.
– How are you doing, Claudia?
– Emilia-sama, it’s been a long time!
Claudia hugged at the waist of Emilia who placed the disk on the table.
She, Claudia Lowetti, is a Slayer belonging to the Allied Forces of Britannia.
Because she was concerned about Emilia, she was hostile to Hayato who robbed her, but after a number of reasons, now she opened her heart.
– Well, Claudia was also saying that she will compete in team battles.
– Yes, that’s right. So I came to express my greetings. I came because I have to talk about them as well.
– Eh..?
– Douglas!
Looking at the man and woman before the eyes of Claudia, Hayato and Emilia are lost for words.
Douglas, the third prince of the Kingdom of Wenz. Next to him was a woman who supposedly was the one who stole the Hundred from Hayato’s room. Moreover, the couple, like Claudia, are wearing uniforms of the Slayer troops, part of the regular army of Britannia.
Gerrard Kilfelthar, a high official in the Kingdom of Gudenburg, who was with them, opened his mouth.
– Actually I was wondering if I should have told you about this earlier, but the Allied Forces of Britannia had hesitated whether to let them participate or not until the end.
According to Kilfelthar, the abilities of the two are quite high compared with the average of the Slayer corps of the Allied Forces of Britannia.
It’s surprisingly high. If it’s in normal conditions, he should have had the power to enter as a member of the team battles without fail.
However, he’s now being imprisoned as a criminal――
But, there is nothing prohibited in the rules for criminals to participate in the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>.
There are many loopholes, and if related rules are created, then there is a possibility of using those rules to reduce the strength of other countries.
Therefore, the judgment is up to each country and organization whether there are certain conditions for them to be members of team battles or can’t participate.
– In short, the Regular Army of Britannia chose to let the couple that is here to participate.
– Exactly, Emilia-sama. There were a lot if internal discussions, but in the end, the King of Britannia approved it, bearing the responsibility of it.
– Is that so, Otou-sama..?
Moreover, every time you win and advance to the next round, making it to the finals, it’s said that there is a special case that the term of sentence will be shortened.
In addition to that, it seems that it’s precisely because his behavior in the prison has been recognized as exemplary.
– Emilia-hime. And, Hayato-dono. What I did in Gudenburg is inexcusable.
Douglas put a knee on the floor, gradually lowered his head and continued his words.
– Thanks to the consideration of King Granald, Emilia-sama’s father, who allow to this me, a criminal, to show in as a representative of the whole country, I considered to contribute with the readiness to devote myself for the victory of the Federation of-->>