Evil Avalon

Chapter 148 The scent of a good tsundere

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

— From  Narumi Kano’s Perspective —

A sumptuous dinner crafted from the finest ingredients is laid out before me as I listen to the elegant strains of jazz played by the performers. It's a world unlike anything I've seen or experienced before—heavenly and surreal.

At the table next to mine, upper-class ladies adorned with enormous gemstones the size of ping-pong balls are exchanging rumors in refined tones. Unsurprisingly, their topic of discussion is the "Gate." It seems this mechanism has the potential to generate astronomical profits, heralding the dawn of the Kinran Association's era.

Given that my family and Satsuki-nee casually used the Gate for transportation, I had assumed it was a commonplace utility. Learning otherwise has left me somewhat astonished.

If it's that lucrative, perhaps I could also profit from the Gate. Thoughts of how to set up a collection system flit through my mind, but they are swiftly overtaken as I take a bite of the dish before me. The rich sauce and tender meat seize all my senses—it is, quite literally, a taste of the divine.

A new, vibrant world is unfolding before my eyes. I've gained an elder sister figure in the aristocratic Kirara Kusunoki, who seems to embody the upper class, and I've also met a peculiar girl named Chizuru Shinguu, who is slated to become my rival next year. If I pass the Adventurer Academy entrance exam, a new world of opportunities will surely open up to me.

—Or so I thought, until the delightful atmosphere was disrupted.

Suddenly, an announcement about an "escape game" sends the venue into an uproar. Angry nobles storm out, hurling cutting remarks, while some ladies berate members of the Kinran Association with shrill voices.

Mikami-sama, seated deeply in her chair at our table, speculates calmly that the chaos may be the work of agents from the Holy Empire. Despite the commotion, her composure exudes an impressive aura of gravitas. A true luminary of the adventurer world, she is a familiar face on various media platforms, her beauty so radiant it eclipses even the largest gemstones. The person she is conversing with is equally remarkable.

A woman in a flowing kimono, her long hair cascading down her back.

"(The real... Shigure Rokurogi.)"

She is a samurai like Kotaro Tasato, the leader of Colors, and serves as the trusted blade of Japan's largest raiding clan, The Ten Rakshas. She epitomizes my ideal of what an adventurer should be.

In magazines and news features, Shigure-sama always appeared serene and taciturn, but the Shigure-sama before me now is visibly agitated, tapping the table nervously with her fingers. Though I would love to seize the chance to speak with her, it's clearly not the right time.

Another person I had hoped to meet, Kotaro-sama's partner, Sanada-sama, has left the venue and hasn’t returned. Perhaps he’s unwell?

Staff members approach Mikami-sama’s table one after another, whispering something in her ear. They seem to be gathering information about the escape game, but I am left in the dark. Meanwhile, Kirara-oneesama continues to offer us delightful treats, which Chii-chan and I dutifully consume.

Speaking of Chii-chan, I can’t help but worry about her brother, who also left through the same exit as my brother earlier. Is he caught up in the commotion?

"You needn’t worry," Chii-chan says without meeting my gaze, as I absentmindedly stare at the staff-only exit, poised to pop another chocolate into my mouth. "My elder brother is with your brother, so all will be well."

Her words, though reassuring, fail to alleviate my concern.

"Actually, I'm more worried about your brother. With all this chaos, what if—"

"Absurd. My brother would never lose to anyone. Absolutely never."

The confidence in her voice and the unwavering certainty in her eyes speak volumes. Though I was initially skeptical, seeing her conviction calms my worry. Perhaps my concern was unfounded.

Just as I reach for another sweet to resume my “job,” Chii-chan mutters under her breath, "Don’t lump my brother in with your weak-looking one."

Without thinking, I retort, "Actually, my brother is way stronger."

"Your brother?" she scoffs. "I can only picture him as a man well-suited to groveling in the dirt."

"Cough!"

Chii-chan’s outrageous critique of my brother, whom even the "Demon King" couldn’t defeat, nearly makes me choke. There’s no way my brother would ever grovel, nor would he have any reason to. I can already sense that this girl and I are destined to settle this once and for all someday.

"If my brother ever groveled, then yours would be... begging for his life flat on his back!"

"Ridiculous! My brother would never beg for his life, not even if the heavens collapsed!"

Chii-chan, who had maintained her composure until now, sputters and coughs as she angrily refutes me. I glare at her as I stuff a small confection into my mouth, and she responds by popping two into hers, smirking. I retaliate with three at once.

Our facade of civility shatters as our snack battle escalates into a pride-fueled eating contest. While Kirara-oneesama scrambles to order more treats, the venue’s massive screen abruptly lights up, silencing the previously noisy guests.

On the screen appears a sinister group cloaked in white long coats, their faces obscured by simple masks. Their swords drip with blood, and a man in a suit lies motionless at their feet.

"Saint Robes… The Holy Empire," Shigure-sama murmurs sharply, her eyes narrowing.

The "Saint Robes" frequently appear in international news, even familiar to me. These pristine white uniforms are worn by the elite adventurers of the Holy Empire.

The scene shows a lone man charging at the white-clad group. Though he displays remarkable skill, swiftly closing the gap and launching an intricate combination of strikes, he is overwhelmed and killed.

"He walked right into their trap," Chii-chan observes. "It was a futile death."

"Perhaps," I reply, "but what would I have done in his place?"

Chii-chan’s words resonate, but it’s hard to dismiss the bravery it took to act. As my brother often says, against overwhelming odds, retreat and regrouping are often the best strategies. But when loved ones are at risk, such decisions become agonizing.

As I ponder this, shrill screams erupt around me.

The slain man on the screen rises unnaturally, lifting his sword against the people he sought to protect. His lifeless face and blood-soaked chest confirm he had died moments ago. Yet here he is, turning his blade against his allies.

"...Is that a skill for turning corpses into puppets?"

"It's a covert skill of the Holy Empire. With their ability to block communication and prevent leaks, they've likely been using it boldly under the radar."

Staring intently at the screen, Chizuru-chi comments that it might be a skill for turning people into marionettes. Though my older brother has taught me about many jobs and skills, I've never encountered anything as sinister or evil as this.

Even Kirara-neesama seems unfamiliar with this skill and speculates it might be a state secret of the Holy Empire. Yet, if such a skill were to spread, it would mark the end of everything. Honestly, I wish the Holy Empire would keep it concealed forever.

The screen switches to another location, displaying footage of a white-coated figure committing yet another massacre. Once again, they use the skill to turn the dead into puppets, prompting sobs and screams from the audience. Kuki-sama is orchestrating an evacuation with his subordinates, but chaos shows no sign of abating.

Behind the scenes, Kirara-neesama is negotiating with Mikami-sama to evacuate Chizuru-chi and me through an alternate route. But I can't just leave while my brother is still missing.

Besides, aimlessly moving could lead to an encounter with the white-coated figure from the screen. If we are to evacuate, it should be after reuniting with my brother, who might have a way to counter this unknown skill.

So, what should I do? In the end, there's nothing for me to do.

As I pop a gold-leafed chocolate into my mouth and look around, some people begin donning hidden armor, enchanting their weapons with buff magic, and preparing for battle. Are they anticipating combat in this very place?

Yet, this venue isn't just packed with adventurers. Kuki-sama, leader of the Kinran-kai, as well as legendary top-tier adventurers like Mikami-sama and Rokurogi-sama, are also present.

(Even so, if they dare to attack...)

The Holy Empire must have some understanding of our strength. If they're still attacking despite that, it must mean they're confident they can prevail against even this overwhelming force. But surely, that's impossible...

As I stew over this, a soft, gentle sensation envelops me. Chizuru-chi has, at some point, pulled out a staff with a large magic stone and cast a spell on me.

"This is Mana Protection. As long as my magic power lasts, no harm will come to you."

This spell absorbs damage to the target by depleting the caster's MP. For the caster, MP is a lifeline, making this spell a significant risk to use on anyone else. So why would Chizuru-chi go so far to protect me, especially after our earlier argument?

"...Don't misunderstand. I'm only doing this because my brother has strictly ordered me to protect you."

Speaking rapidly, she adds, "I find it just as unpleasant as you do," and turns her face away with a huff. What a dutiful person... There's also an undeniable hint of classic tsundere charm about her. Perhaps she's a fitting rival for me.

As I repeatedly try to catch a glimpse of her averted expression, a sudden loud explosion startles me.

Looking toward the sound, I see Kirara-neesama standing with her arms spread wide, shielding us from flying debris. Though her back looks incredibly cool, this isn't the time for admiration.

At the venue entrance, wooden shards and debris from tables lie scattered amidst a swirling cloud of dust. Through it all, a group of around fifteen white-coated individuals walks in unhurriedly. The Holy Empire has truly come.

What shocks me most is seeing Sanada-sama among them. The glasses that were his signature charm are gone, along with the gentle smile often seen on TV or in magazines. His expression is cold, almost cruel.

"It seems he's betrayed us."

"Colors... I never trusted that organization to begin with, so this is hardly surprising."

Kirara-neesama lets out a heavy sigh, concluding that Sanada-sama has turned traitor. Chizuru-chi, on the other hand, remains completely composed as she dons a finely embroidered black robe and points her staff at him. Her bitter tone suggests some unresolved history between her and Colors.

For me, however, it's a devastating shock, leaving my knees trembling. I feel like diving headfirst under the covers and hiding from it all. I don't want to believe it... but Sanada-sama's expression leaves little doubt. What a disappointment...

The white coats number about fifteen. Their builds vary, but their masks and robes make it impossible to identify their jobs. Facing them are an equal number of Kinran-kai members led by Kuki-sama.

Kinran-kai is a combat-focused clan with numerous elite members who also belong to the higher-level organization, Colors. Among them is someone I previously fought. Even against the Holy Empire and Colors' vice leader, Sanada-sama, I want to believe they won't fall easily.

As everyone, myself included, watches with bated breath, an attendant standing beside Kuki-sama hands him a massive sword. This is the Zanryuto, a national treasure said to have cleaved even dragons in half. It weighs several hundred kilograms, yet Kuki-sama effortlessly swings it with one hand, stabbing it into the ground before speaking.

"I'll ask this just once... Why did you betray us?"

"Betray you? Oh no, Kuki-san, you've misunderstood. I haven't betrayed anyone... because—"

Sanada-sama lightly shook his head in response to Kuki-sama’s question, denying it. However, a mocking smile played across his face.

"Because I never considered you comrades from the start. Die miserably here. I’ll make good use of your corpses."

“…I see. And one more thing—what about Kirigaya?”

Kirigaya... the man with the somewhat sharp gaze who explained the Gate. It’s unclear whether he was the main culprit who summoned the Holy Empire or if he was merely deceived by Sanada-sama. According to my older brother, he was once the leader of the Sorel clan, which only leaves me with a bad impression of him.

“Him? I tried to persuade him to join our side, but he seems rather stubborn, so I’ve beaten him up and left him rolling around.”

“Still alive, is he? In that case, I’ll go wake him up after I deal with you all. He is the future of Colors… after all.”

“…Oh?”

The idea that the ex-rebel leader of Sorel could be the future of Colors… I want to oppose that notion wholeheartedly. Yet, the conversation progressed, leaving my objections behind.

With an enormous burst of magic, Kuki-sama swung his Dragon-Slaying Sword horizontally. The single swing generated a whirlwind that scattered nearby tables and chairs. It was a feat impossible without an STR level far beyond my own.

In terms of one-on-one combat ability, it’s said Kuki-sama surpasses even Kotarou-sama, the Colors leader. The sheer intensity of his wrath and magic made that claim believable. Even from several dozen meters away, the vibrations in my chest made me want to flee. If he were to glare at me directly, I’d likely faint on the spot.

But none of the members of the Holy Empire showed any signs of intimidation. On the contrary, some cracked their necks, unsheathing ominously glowing greatswords, while others began cloaking themselves in dense magical energy. They seemed to demand, "Let us fight already, entertain us!"

The collective aura released by the group surged like a violent storm, signaling that the battle was about to begin. Judging by appearances, the white-coat group seemed to possess more magical energy overall—but—

“Kano-san, this way.”

Just as I found myself holding my breath, Kirara-oneesama took my hand and led me away. At some point, a barricade and a magical barrier made of tables had been erected in the corner of the venue, and magicians were raising their staves.

Among the guests were those who weren’t adventurers or hadn’t leveled up significantly. The immense magical power released by first-rate adventurers could erode their mental states, so a makeshift sanctuary was created to block the magic.

Inside, I saw Rokurogi-sama tightening his wrist guards with his teeth and Mikami-sama wearing simple protective gear over her dress.

“…It seems Kuki was innocent… Phew. But the Kinran-kai alone won’t be enough to handle them. I shall join as well.”

“Anyone who can fight, please follow Rokurogi-sama. I will also provide support as needed.”

As Rokurogi-sama unsheathed a blazing, magic-infused sword and stepped beyond the barrier, adventurers responded to Mikami-sama’s call, standing and following after him. Their equipment, made of pure mithril and enchanted items, was of the highest level, marking them as powerful adventurers comparable to the Kinran-kai members.

However, the Holy Empire’s combat techniques were largely unknown, and their levels likely surpassed ours. The upcoming battle would undoubtedly be fierce—or, perhaps, we’d be killed before it even began.

Despite this, many followed Rokurogi-sama’s lead. Were they driven by desperation, patriotism, or a sense of confidence? Whatever their reasons, their unwavering determination as they walked toward certain death was inspiring. I silently prayed for their safe return.

In the center of the venue, two groups, each dozens strong, faced each other as the air grew thick with murderous intent. It was a powder keg ready to explode. Yet, the silence was so profound that I could hear the thudding of my own heart.

Time seemed to freeze—until, in a flash of lightning, the first strike was unleashed.

A deafening impact, like a traffic accident, echoed through the air, accompanied by a tremor. A chunk of concrete hurtled through the air, striking the barrier in front of me before crumbling to the ground. The Holy Empire had unleashed a full-power weapon skill, aiming for an instant kill.

Amidst the rising dust, Kuki-sama and the Kinran-kai members spread out to the right, while Rokurogi-sama’s group moved to the left in response. Against the individually powerful Holy Empire members, they worked in two-man cells or more, employing flanking tactics that leveraged their superior numbers. Despite the lack of prior coordination, their synchronized movements were astonishing.

As the battle began, staff members tried to evacuate the guests through the back exit, but Mikami-sama decided against it. Her reasoning was that white-coats were patrolling the mid-levels, and even if they weren’t, losing this battle would result in everyone being hunted down and slaughtered.

Ultimately, the outcome of this fight would decide everything. Mikami-sama deemed it easier to defend everyone if they stayed within view. However, regardless of the battle’s outcome, there was still a way to avoid a tragic future.

(She mentioned something about a magic circle.)

A powerful attack spell capable of obliterating the entire building—and another that disrupted communication to isolate us—was what my brother had mentioned. If those could be neutralized, reinforcements could be summoned from outside, creating a chance for survival.

But that required disabling the magic circles and buying enough time for help to arrive. Could that time be secured against the Holy Empire?

Judging by the battle so far, the Holy Empire’s capabilities exceeded expectations. Even though Kuki-sama and Rokurogi-sama were fighting valiantly, they had yet to defeat a single enemy. To make matters worse, Sanada-sama and another figure who seemed to be a boss had not yet entered the fray.

Sanada-sama was Japan’s premier supporter, possessing unparalleled healing and support abilities. If he joined the fight, he could recover anything short of instant death and use various buffs to drastically increase the group’s firepower and defense. He had truly been the one commanding and orchestrating Colors all along.

Meanwhile, a white-coat wearing a conspicuous silver mask emitted no magical energy, yet my instincts screamed, “That person is the most dangerous.” Even Rokurogi-sama seemed to avoid entering their range.

It was unclear why they hadn’t joined the battle, but their inaction was a blessing for now—so I thought.

Within less than a minute of the battle’s start, injuries began to appear. In group combat, immobile allies become liabilities, so Mikami-sama swiftly instructed the staff to retrieve them. But when it came to the dead, the presence of skills that turned corpses into puppets would make the decision even more difficult.

The fighting grew fiercer, reducing the once-beautifully decorated venue to shreds. At the center, Kuki-sama drew the attention of multiple white-coats while swinging his massive sword, and Rokurogi-sama unleashed magical slashes with incredible precision, fighting like a lion.

Yet, the Holy Empire held their ground against these top-tier adventurers, their individual abilities far too overwhelming. As casualties mounted and cracks began to form in our formation, I grew anxious, fearing inevitable defeat.

The kimono-clad girl beside me must have felt the same, as she had been steadily gathering magical energy for some time.

“Hey, are you planning to fight too, Chizuru-chi-chan?”

“…It’s Chizuru. If it comes to that, I’ll buy time. You should escape through the back.”

Without looking away from the battle, she told me to run. Her large eyes reflected determination and resolve.

I had thought a girl from a good family would falter in the face of danger, but she was far stronger than I had imagined. If my future rival was ready to risk her life, I couldn’t just stand by. But what could I do in this situation?

My brother had warned me repeatedly, “Never reveal your full power in front of others.” Full-scale combat was out of the question. But he had also said, “If your life is at stake, a partial release of power is acceptable.” This had to be one of those moments.

As for inconspicuous skills… that one should work.

I’d used it a few times as party entertainment, but never in real combat. Still, my brother had taught me the basics, so I should manage. I scanned the surroundings for a good spot and quietly channeled magic into a secluded area piled with tables and debris.

(Come forth, my strong and adorable… Handmade Golem!)

As a faintly glowing magic circle appeared on the floor, a silvery-white armor silently emerged. It was about the same size as me, crafted entirely from pure mithril, its surface smooth and mirror-like.

Golems were weak against magic but extremely resistant to physical attacks, making them a significant asset in this battle where the frontlines were filled with melee combatants. Its design was modeled after Tenma-oneesama’s full-plate armor, making it indistinguishable from a regular adventurer’s gear. Surely, no one would suspect it was created with a skill. If it could take down even one white-coat, it might turn the tide in our favor… Hehehe.

As I turned back, imagining my golem heroically charging through the battlefield, I noticed Chizuru-chi-chan staring at it with wide eyes, intently observing every detail.

TL Note: I enjoyed my birthday party......yesterday.

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