bookrebus Chapter 714 - 714
Chapter 714 - 714
"Next up is junior brother's match!"The moment Touka relaxed, she grew tense again.
Her opponent was that unpredictable Amane Shinomiya. If junior brother hadn't intervened earlier, she would have been hanging by a thread... Could he really win?
"It's fine, don't worry. I have a secret plan."
Eiji patted her hand, revealing a comforting smile on his face.
That's right.
He had a secret plan.
A secret plan prepared back in the Konosuba World!
This time, he would completely resolve the time bomb that is Amane Shinomiya!
Meanwhile.
"Hah... That kid moved really fast!"
Nangou Torajirou heaved a heavy sigh of relief.
He heavily set down his cane.
He had almost couldn't resist intervening earlier.
Having experienced just how broken the "Wish Fulfillment" ability was, he knew Touka would face near-certain death, so he had prepared from the start to interfere in the match.
With his reputation as the God of War, he could have just muddled through with some excuses and gotten away with it.
He just never expected that kid would react even faster than him!
He actually rushed into the arena before him and saved Touka.
Truly, the new generation surpasses the old, determined to leave their predecessors in the dust!
"Isn't it too early to relax now?"
A clear, cold voice came from beside him.
The silver-haired Valkyrie stood next to him, her gaze steady and unwavering as she watched the youth in the arena.
"The greatest threat in this tournament hasn't been dealt with yet."
Kurogane Ouma was strong.
So strong that even she thought Eiji would have a hard time winning, which was why she specifically came to watch.
But she never expected his progress to be so immense, actually crushing Ouma with overwhelming force.
However, to be honest, she never considered Kurogane Ouma the greatest threat from the beginning.
Though Ouma was strong, he was merely strong.
Sometimes, the threats you can't see or touch are the most terrifying!
"In this Seven Star Sword Art Festival, his greatest threat is undoubtedly Amane Shinomiya."
Edelweiss showed no fluctuation in her expression.
"His ability is fatal to all Blazers below the level of Demon King."
"What, little Edel, you've met that Shinomiya kid before?"
Nangou Torajirou looked at her in surprise.
"We've crossed paths once."
Edelweiss nodded slightly.
To be precise, she had encountered Amane Shinomiya once, but Amane Shinomiya had never seen her.
That was several years ago, while she was wandering abroad, she suddenly sensed a causality trying to interfere with her.
Naturally, she broke free immediately and followed that thread of causality to find Amane Shinomiya.
Out of certain thoughts, she specifically investigated Amane Shinomiya's past.
It could only be described as tragic.
"If only he could save Amane Shinomiya..."
Edelweiss sighed softly.
"You're as compassionate as ever, little Edel."
Nangou Torajirou snorted lightly, offering no further comment on her nature.
"If you really think that way, then go tell that kid yourself!"
"...Never mind."
After some contemplation, Edelweiss shook her head.
Her smooth silver hair swayed gently.
She wasn't a fool—she naturally understood this request was extremely unreasonable. Eiji would likely need to exert all his effort just to contend with the world's strongest ability, so how could anyone ask him to aid the enemy?
That wouldn't be compassion—it would be endangering others.
Even if they wanted to save Amane Shinomiya, they shouldn't be irresponsible about Eiji's life.
"Heh heh, good thing you didn't go, otherwise that little rascal might not have given you any face!"
Nangou Torajirou scratched his white hair, a mischievous smile spreading across his age-spotted face.
Edelweiss froze for a moment upon hearing this, then offered a small, wry smile.
Indeed.
Given the wrongs Amane Shinomiya had committed up to now, it was nearly impossible for anyone to forgive him.
"Speaking of which, little Edel, you're still quite worried about that little rascal, aren't you!"
Nangou Torajirou suddenly chuckled slyly, leaning in with a gossipy expression.
"I'm only here to observe out of consideration for our senior-junior relationship," Edelweiss replied with complete composure, as if she had rehearsed it beforehand.
"Is that so? Then why haven't I seen you worrying about Touka?"
"..."
Edelweiss fell silent for a moment.
"In terms of relationships, isn't the Kurogane boy much closer to you than that little rascal? Yet I didn't see you show up during his matches either?"
Nangou Torajirou whistled innocently, his smile turning downright lecherous.
Edelweiss was Kurogane Ryouma's disciple—he had only taught her a few techniques in his spare time. It was only out of Little Edel's respect for teachers and tradition that she addressed him as Teacher Nangou.
But truth be told, as descendants of Kurogane Ryouma's generation, Kurogane Ikki and his two siblings were clearly much closer to her.
When Kurogane Ikki found himself in difficult situations, she never came running.
Yet the moment Eiji started competing, she appeared as if out of nowhere.
"Please stop teasing me, Teacher Nangou!"
Edelweiss unconsciously sharpened her tone.
For some reason, whenever this topic came up, she felt intensely awkward all over.
An urge to leave stirred within her.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop, I'll stop!"
Nangou Torajirou chuckled and said no more.
But in his heart, he already understood.
At ninety years old, what hadn't he seen?
That little rascal who appeared out of nowhere had clearly left quite a deep impression on Little Edel's heart!
"Little rascal, do your best! If you can defeat that Shinomiya guy, your impression points in Little Edel's heart will definitely rise another notch!"
Nangou Torajirou muttered to himself.
His voice wasn't loud, but it wasn't quiet either.
Edelweiss felt too awkward to know how to respond.
She could only shift her feet slightly to the side, pretending not to hear him.
Her hands fidgeted in front of her before moving behind her back.
The world's strongest swordswoman, quite uncharacteristically, appeared somewhat flustered.
...
"The final match of the day is about to begin! Please welcome the last two contestants from Block D!"
The broadcast announcement finally sounded.
In the preparation room, Eiji, who had been waiting for half an hour, finally opened his eyes, his sword aura gathering and ready for action.
He pushed open the preparation room door, walked down a corridor, and as the gate lifted, the vast competition arena came into view.
Amid the host's enthusiastic—and heavily biased—commentary, Eiji stepped onto the stage that would serve as their battlefield.
On the other side.
"We've finally met face to face on the battlefield. I've been looking forward to this moment."
Amane Shinomiya wore an innocent smile, looking as harmless as a kitten.
The malice, turbid as chaos itself, remained completely concealed within his heart, not revealing the slightest hint.
"I have nothing to say to you."
Eiji raised the spiritual artifact in his hand.
"There's only one thing I need to tell you."
The corners of his lips curled upward, the killing intent in his eyes no longer needing concealment as a ferocious smile spread across his face.
"Treasure the time you have left to speak. Until this battle ends, that will be the final countdown of your life!"