Faced with an unexpected external attack just before completing the story, I quickly began formulating countermeasures.
With serial murders unfolding during this sacred festival, one might assume we could borrow the help of the host, the Cardinal faction, or other influential forces—but that wasn’t an option.
Technically, we could. But strategically, we shouldn’t. Officially, the victims were NPCs—magically created constructs that had no real identity.
If we openly pursued the murderer and worked to protect these “individuals,” the situation could become awkward if it was revealed that the victims were merely magical holograms. People might start saying some crazy magician had been manipulating the tournament.
That fact itself wouldn’t be a significant problem.
I could just say, “I did it because I have a screw loose in my head,” and explain that as an Illusion Wizard, I had just issued a challenge in my own way*. “Since I would lose in a straightforward fight on the stage, I put on this surprise show.”* This was, after all, part of my abilities. Wouldn’t that be fair enough?
If I owned up to such audacity, what could they do? At worst, I’d be disqualified from the tournament.
The real problem was Cicel finding out.
If I admitted that this entire scenario was essentially a “Truman Show,” her lethal gravity sword technique might come flying straight at me. So, at least until this story arc ends⋯⋯ asking for external help was off the table.
But was I just going to take these hits lying down? Of course not.“Citizens, please rest assured. We of the 『Reformist Faction』 will apprehend the murderer tarnishing the sacred atmosphere of this Hero Selection and protect you all from harm! Bennett, would you say a few words?”
“⋯⋯In addition to pursuing the culprit, we are implementing safety measures, so please be at ease.”
I turned the crisis into an opportunity by placing Mr. War Priest Jul at the forefront. We announced that the 『Reformist Faction』 would take charge of the investigation. By controlling the investigation, we could avoid exposing the holograms and, if we solved the case cleanly, we could gain public support.
I also assigned guards to protect the NPCs on my side. Not all of them, of course—we didn’t have enough manpower to cover more than twenty NPCs. Only the ones that played important roles in the story.
Like Karen, for example.
Cicel’s story was nearing its climax. My instincts told me there was only a brief pause before the end. As long as the scenario didn’t fall apart, things would be fine.
Nothing had been revealed about the criminal yet.
What was clear, however, was that he wasn’t ordinary.
I had many ways to track people. From people, from objects—I collected information as meticulously as picking lice. Yet, the culprit had slipped through every one of my surveillance nets.
This was accompanied by strange misfortune. Whenever I tried to investigate them, annoying things happened. This wasn’t mere coincidence—it had to be a Metamorphosis ability.
I didn’t know why he had fixated on me, whether it was deliberate or accidental, or what kind of crazy ability made this possible, but answers would come once the session ended.
And then there was the mysterious Wizard X⋯⋯ Yuna. She had become a crowd favorite, dazzling the audience with flashy finishes in every round.
Thanks to Niolle’s hint, I discovered why she was pulling this stunt. Acting coy like a cat, only to strike fiercely like a tiger. While it was a relief to understand her motives, it also made me wonder if I had neglected her too much.
In some ways, it seemed she had come here to have fun, but before she knew it, she ended up working instead. Wouldn’t this be like watching a lover on a family vacation, spending the entire trip handling business calls?
Yuna and Cicel shared the same family story. Because of this, they probably shared some emotional scars. This led me to ask myself:
What does Yuna really like to do?
Looking back, I realized she didn’t seem to have any particular hobbies. So, I found myself deliberating over what words to say to her.
That was the extent of my countermeasures. Time flew by quickly.
===============================================================
Round of 16: Cicel Yurensto vs. Kay of Battōjutsu
“Well, um⋯⋯ could you tell me your reason for wanting to become the Hero? If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to hear about your feelings, ambitions, or even your life goals⋯⋯?”
“⋯⋯Why are you conducting some ridiculous interview in the middle of a tournament arena? If you’re trying to distract me for a sneak attack, let me warn you—it won’t work against Kay of Battōjutsu!”
“No, that’s not it. I’m just, searching for the meaning behind this duel⋯⋯.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Kay, poised in his Battōjutsu stance, finally responded. His goal was to surpass a rival who had escaped him through death. He had never defeated that rival while they were alive, so he believed he must at least become a Hero to defeat someone who had died.
The emotions driving him weren’t rooted in hatred but were a complex blend of feelings. Was this what it meant to have a rival? To share that kind of relationship?
Cicel couldn’t decipher everything about him, but she could sense his deep resolve. He was desperate, pouring his heart into this fight.
Even so, she managed to end the battle without relying on Metamorphosis.
Quarterfinals: Cicel Yurensto vs. Old Man “Awl”
“May I ask why you wish to become a Hero?”
“To die. My life has been spent in darkness, and now, with nothing left worth living for, I want to meet my end on a brilliant stage, bathed in light. Aren’t you the same?”
“⋯⋯Not anymore, I don’t think.”
“Kekeke⋯⋯ then live your life leaving something meaningful behind. If you don’t, you’ll die alone.”
The old man was holding a sharp awl that looked like a moth. But unlike moths that chase light to live, he was seeking a flame to die in.
Looking at him, Cicel questioned herself:
Was she also tired enough to wish for an early grave?
No, not anymore.
Once again, she put an end to the battle without using Metamorphosis.
Semifinals: Cicel Yurensto vs. Juren of the Cold
“Why do you want to become the H⋯⋯.”
“No need for words-!! I, Juren of the Cold, will defeat you and claim the title of Hero-!!”
⋯⋯Although they couldn’t have a conversation, Cicel could feel his tremendous determination. He was a wizard from the Blue Tower who seemed to have a screw loose, but wizards were generally like that. Despite the fact that he hadn’t achieved Metamorphosis, his Mana Manipulation capability was excellent so⋯⋯
“『Mortal Coil: Gravity’s Embrace(宜務挾擧) - Thy Shall Be Leashed』.”
“The world is heav⋯⋯?!”
This time, she used Metamorphosis. And she won..
Finals: Cicel Yurensto vs. Mysterious Wizard X
On the branches of a tree, where green energy was beginning to rise, only the last leaf remained swaying.
Old man Alonso sipped his coffee, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening in satisfaction. Watching Cicel’s matches had clearly pleased him.
“I enjoyed watching your matches. You’ve learned to respect your opponents properly. You give them space to display their efforts, then face and overcome them head-on. For someone strong, could there be a more dignified way to fight?”
“I came here to hear the answer you once withheld.”
“Have you not already discovered it yourself, even without hearing it from me?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Paying attention to her opponents had left Cicel with an odd sensation. Their determination was clear and purposeful, something she now understood was precious and radiant.
In the eyes of the old man—a romantic idealist—how pathetic she must have seemed, swinging her sword without direction. Even if she won the tournament, if she gained nothing from it, wouldn’t it have been the same as losing?
But now⋯⋯ as one question was answered, another took its place.
“⋯⋯Is there meaning in being broken?”
“Hm.”
Cicel was only just beginning to find direction in her life, and started understanding its meaning. She should have learned this when she was young. Therefore, she reflected on those who had fallen to her blade⋯⋯ those who failed to achieve their dreams.
Because in them, she saw her possible future.
Her past, aimless and untethered, had been devoid of meaning—but also free from worry. But now, having found a small dream, she felt a gnawing anxiety.
It was like the unease of a newly rich person who suddenly got their wealth, worrying whether someone might steal their treasures.
What if I can’t achieve it? she wondered.
“That is for you to decide.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
After all the advice they had given, they now left her to figure it out alone⋯⋯? Cicel instinctively puffed her cheeks in protest but quickly deflated them—it was a habit she picked up during her performances as the “Rabbit Princess.”
While the knight Cicel Yurensto continued her winning streak⋯⋯
⋯⋯changes were also underway for the idol Rabbit Princess, who still concealed her identity behind a mask.
===============================================================
“⋯⋯Thank you all for coming today! I’m going to sing the final song now and then head back to my rabbit hole. A-are you ready to enjoy it?”
“Rabbit Princess! Rabbit Princess!”
She had gotten used to it. Even the stage banter, which she used to leave entirely to Karen because it embarrassed her to death, was now something she could manage with only minor stumbling.
She learned professional knowledge about singing, and was now even able to incorporate intention into her techniques. Wasn’t swordsmanship also about endlessly varied styles through the interplay of applying and releasing force? Indeed, every profession had its own depth.
She had learned how to command the atmosphere of the stage and, more importantly, how to enjoy it. When the audience responded to her songs with applause or visible emotion, it brought her immense joy.
“Kyu- kyuing,”
“WAAAA──!!”
⋯⋯So, she even mustered the courage to act cute.
Compared to the adults of the Yurensto family, who never praised her even if she were on the brink of death, the audience was astonishingly generous with their appreciation. The rabbit who had starved for recognition her entire life could now eat her fill and smile.
And now, she even had a junior.
“Introducing Rabbitz’s newest member: Dark Rabbit-chan!”
“⋯⋯H-hello. Dark Rabbit, chan?”
“If you’re going to dress me up like this, at least put some effort into naming me. Or, if you’re going to half-ass the name, at least give me an actual fucking hu── eupmph!!”
“Ahaha, Dark-chan’s just a little shy! Juuuust a moment, everyone!”
The new member seemed to be a bit temperamental. When Cicel asked how she had been recruited, Karen explained that it was to complement their lack of lower vocal range. In reality, it was personnel selection for NPC security.
“But, Karen. The lower range was originally your⋯⋯.”
“Oh, come on. I was always a bit lacking, wasn’t I? Dark Rabbit-chan’s voice will blend beautifully with yours, Cicel. Now we can even do duets!”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Her chest tightened.
As someone who had achieved Metamorphosis, Cicel possessed nearly superhuman hearing. She could effortlessly overhear conversations among the audience, even without trying.
Karen’s singing was ordinary. She covered up her flaws with captivating stagecraft—creating an atmosphere, dancing, and flowing with the music—but she didn’t have outstanding talent.
It hadn’t been an issue before, but things had changed with Cicel by her side. When a fireball stood next to a firefly, people couldn’t help but to compare.
“Get rid of the side character next to Rabbit Princess .” Those kind of words were floating around.
And so, Cicel felt a gnawing guilt toward Karen, as if she had stolen Karen’s light. Now Karen had even brought in a new member for her sake.
When she had been studying singing and improving her skills, Cicel had thought that becoming good at it would solve everything. But new problems arose, one after another.
She wondered if it would be better to quit.
“⋯⋯You’re not thinking strange thoughts, are you, Cicel?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
When she admitted her feelings, Karen burst out laughing and motioned for Cicel to sit beside her.
Her red hair swayed as she spoke. The benefactor who had opened new opportunities for Cicel spoke firmly.
“Then, is my singing worthless?”
“⋯⋯That is, not it. Not at all.”
Cicel was surprised and denied it as she waved her hands. Hadn’t Karen’s performances moved her deeply? Wasn’t it Karen’s light that had brought her this far?
Karen poked Cicel’s exposed side in her bunny girl outfit. Cicel made a “Heueit” sound and curled up. Karen giggled at the sight, then grew more serious.
“Honestly, I am jealous.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
“You have so many things I don’t. You sing beautifully, you’re the deputy commander of a famous knight order, you’re good at fighting, and you’re probably rich too. You’ve got everything—except breasts.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯!!”
Was there meaning in being broken?
Was there meaning in being a firefly beside the sun?
Was there meaning for Cicel Yurensto, who had stopped using Metamorphosis? For the younger Cicel who couldn’t reach the Wall of Glory? Or for a future Cicel who might face endless failures?
To this, Karen suddenly began talking about sailing.
“Life is like rowing a boat. Each of us is in our own vessel, chasing our own island, somewhere out there.”
“A boat?”
“Some have big sails, some start with huge ships, some have cannons or flippers, and some have, well, small breasts.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
No matter the size of the boat, all humans inevitably face failure. They cannot achieve everything they desire. Just like Count Yurensto and his wife.
But if there were a way to make all those failures and cracks meaningful, it was this:
“Enjoy the journey itself!”
“The journey, you say.”
“Wasn’t it fun? Learning to sing, hitting wrong notes sometimes, watching the audience grow or shrink during performances.”
It was fun.
That much hadn’t changed. These moments had been the most enjoyable of Cicel’s life. If the journey itself had meaning⋯⋯
“⋯⋯Then, I think I was overthinking. I learned that even small things have value. They don’t have to be something big, they’re enough as they are.”
“Like Cicel’s breasts.”
Keck.
She couldn’t take it anymore. Genuinely pissed, Cicel shattered the serious atmosphere and lunged at Karen.
What even was the big deal about this clump of fat!
“Stop teasing me, seriously-!”
“Euhyahahahat!”
===============================================================
The performance had ended for the night.
Karen and Dark Rabbit-chan mentioned they had business related to stage bookings and left the theater first, leaving Cicel to wrap things up.
Following her now-familiar routine, Cicel sang, collected her earnings—pocket change(though Karen insisted this amount was quite a lot, it didn’t compare to the salary Elaine provided directly).
She handed the stage over to the next performer, came down, changed out of her costume in the private room, and slipped out of the building unseen⋯⋯ then began to walk.
It was a moonlit night.
The Priests of the 『Reformist Faction』 had been urging citizens to either stay indoors at night or travel in groups because the serial killer still hadn’t been caught.
The serial killer seemed to be targeting tournament participants, likely in an attempt to sabotage the festival. Four victims had already fallen prey.
But Cicel walked alone—because she was strong.
Whoever the killer might be, they wouldn’t dare challenge someone of her caliber, a tournament champion candidate. They were more likely to prey on ordinary people, as they had so far.
Participants who hadn’t yet reached Metamorphosis.
Block A of the tournament was progressing quickly, nearing the finals, while Block B lagged behind due to delays caused by the murders. The matches in Block B were probably still in the round of 16.
Karen, however, hadn’t been eliminated yet.
She had been fortunate with her matchups. Though her skills weren’t enough to win the tournament, she wouldn’t be eliminated just yet⋯⋯ at least not now.
Cicel prayed silently to the moon and the Goddess, hoping Karen could make it far enough to achieve her goals. So that Karen could get all the “promotion” she wanted.
In the middle of that, a faint sound reached her ears.
Screams. Murmurs.
Had there been another murder? She had no desire to see a body grotesquely sprawled on the ground, nor did she want to catch the killer.
She had one use of Metamorphosis left. Cicel was seriously considering leaving the life of a knight behind to pursue a career as a singer.
She had no intention of risking her life over an incident that didn’t concern her.
Cicel would have ignored the commotion entirely—if not for one word that caught her attention.
Red hair.
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
It couldn’t be.
Karen had already gone home. Not alone, either—she was with Dark Rabbit-chan. Besides, red hair wasn’t exactly uncommon.
Even so, her feet moved instinctively.
She walked.
Ahead, she saw a crowd gathered, a stage swarming with people. Whatever was happening inside was hidden by the crowd. It reminded her of her first meeting with Karen.
But that meeting had been in the daylight, and this was night.
And, Karen was nowhere to be seen.
Cicel pushed her way through the crowd as if she was possessed. She stubbornly pressed forward, parting the human curtain. And when she finally broke through, she saw it.
Red hair.
***
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