Published: January 22, 2026
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From there, things progressed smoothly, and I found myself facing Mr. Warren in the arena.
Normally, this place would be used as a training ground for Marquis Forgus's private army, the territorial forces, but it seemed Mr. Warren had arranged with the Marquis to use it for our mock battle.
In the arena were myself, Mr. Warren, several healers including Ms. Selma and Lucre.
And in the stands were members of the silver rabbits of the night sky.
Since the mock battle had not been announced outside, only those affiliated with the silver rabbits of the night sky were present, yet a considerable number had gathered.
Even though this was an unplanned event, so many showed up...
"Wow, what a lively clan. I wonder how many years it's been since we've fought in such an atmosphere," Mr. Warren murmured, narrowing his eyes as he watched the excited members in the stands.
"They should all be busy, though..."
"Heh, don't say that. It might not be the most favorable situation for Orun, but from our perspective, the battle between the ace of our clan and the former leader of the hero party, who now serves as his majesty the king's guardian, Lord Warren, is certainly something quite fascinating."
Indeed, I could understand as a third party that it was a highly interesting match.
I could only be glad that this hadn’t been leaked to the outside, especially not the newspapers.
"Well then, we shouldn’t keep the gallery waiting. Let’s get started quickly."
Saying that, Mr. Warren produced his sword from a storage magical tool.
His sword was awkwardly sized—too big to be called a longsword, but too small for a greatsword.
"Alright, let’s begin. But before that, do you remember the agreement from earlier?"
"You mean if you win, I tell you why I proposed this mock battle?"
"Yes."
"Of course I remember. And don’t forget, if you lose to me, you promised to answer my questions, right?"
"I understand."
After confirming the promise, I grasped the Schwarz Hase I had just materialized in my right hand.
"Now, before the battle starts, let me confirm the rules."
At the moment when Mr. Warren and I were ready, Ms. Selma spoke up.
"In this battle, attacks that could cause death or permanent physical disability are prohibited. During the fight, I will continuously cast sharpness nullification on both your weapons, but I will not interfere with any other magic. Victory will be decided if either side surrenders or if I judge that continuing is impossible. Lord Warren, any issues?"
"None at all. Just so you know, within those rules, feel free to use magic or supernatural abilities. It wouldn’t be a fair fight with just swords."
After Ms. Selma confirmed the rules, Mr. Warren agreed and added that bit.
Honestly, having little restriction on magic or supernatural abilities was a relief.
"...Understood. Then, I’ll be taking your chest, Lord Warren."
"Yeah, bring it on, Orun Dura—no, Hero!"
Just as we both took up our swords, Ms. Selma gave the signal to start: "Begin!"
During his explorer days, Mr. Warren was called "Hero," but now he bore the title "Guardian."
That nickname stemmed from his role as the king’s protector but also from being a swordsman who excelled in defense since his explorer days.
In other words, his style likely resembled what is now called a defender.
If so,
(I have to break through Lord Warren’s defense and seize the initiative!)
Activating my qi, I charged at him, but suddenly, he seemed to grow larger.
"—!?"
It wasn’t that he literally grew, but he closed the distance faster than I could, arriving right in front of me.
Mr. Warren swung his sword at blinding speed.
I barely managed to parry with the blade of the Schwarz Hase.
However, his strike was heavier than expected, and despite bracing myself, I was knocked backward.
I was about to crash into the wall, so I used gravity manipulation to slide along the ground, dissipating the force.
I felt no mana flow typical of buff support magic.
Still, his movement far exceeded normal human limits without buffs.
That meant,