Cheat na Kaineko no Okage de Rakuraku Level Up

The semi-finals began.

Sylvan felt different from my previous opponents, even in the air around him.

It’s a sort of unique composure. A personality trait, perhaps.

When you become a high-level adventurer like this, you emanate an atmosphere unique to yourself.

Probably because he has a clearly defined personal style.

In contrast, I’m still relatively new to adventuring, so I don’t think I have that yet.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Being a work in progress means there’s room to grow.

I caught sight of Misha in the audience. She had her hands clenched, praying for my victory.

Misha, I’ll dedicate this victory to you.

I made the first move, closing the distance and swinging my sword.

I’m at Lv 23, and he’s at Lv 25. The gap is almost negligible.

I thought it would be better to take the initiative early on.

However, all of my attacks were blocked by his sword.

“You’re a promising one, not bad. But you still have some naivety left,” he half-praised, half-criticized.

He’s probably right.

“Not done yet!”

I launched a series of attacks, but again, they were all defended.

Not only that, but he was also anticipating my next moves, making it hard to break his defense.

So far, I’ve been reading my opponents’ movements, but now it seems like he’s reading mine.

I’ve still got a ways to go. But this is a good test of my current abilities.

I couldn’t help but smile. “This is going to be a good fight.”

“Ah, you can smile in a situation like this. You’re going to be a big shot,” Sylvan said, also smiling.

Then he distanced himself from me, giving us some space, and charged in to attack.

“But it seems the odds are still in my favor, youngster!”

If I tried to block this attack, I’d be forced into a purely defensive stance. That would probably cost me any chance of a comeback.

“You can do it, Master!”

I heard that voice clearly in my ear.

“You’ve fought plenty of monsters, there’s nothing to be afraid of!”

Thank you, Misha. I made up my mind.

I tightened my grip on my sword and ran straight at Sylvan. Not to defend, but to attack.

I would find my chance to win here.

“What, you’re coming too?”

Sylvan seemed surprised, but then he burst into hearty laughter.

“Ah, youngsters are entertaining! I’ll give it my all, too!”

Both of us clashed.

Whether I win or lose, the outcome will be decided soon.

I didn’t slow down. It was like a game of chicken.

The one who goes defensive loses.

If it comes down to sheer strength, he’s probably still stronger, so—

I aimed for Sylvan’s hand.

Of course, he’ll swing his sword to blow me away. It’s a gamble.

“Youngster, this is the end!”

Sylvan swung his sword in a diagonal cut.

I felt something like wind pressure. Don’t run. Resist this.

Go!

I swung my sword with all my might.

I also unleashed a flash of my sword.

Just a moment before I would be knocked down by his wooden sword—

Sylvan’s sword went flying in the air.

Then it clattered to the ground.

In other words, Sylvan was now disarmed.

Sylvan raised both hands with a wry smile.

“I concede. Beaten by the youngster’s all-or-nothing attack.”

A moment of silence, then the crowd erupted.

“Sylvan, the championship favorite, is down!” “How strong is that young guy!”

Words of surprise seemed to outweigh the praise.

But what made me happiest of all—

“Congratulations, Master! You’re a man among men!”

Misha leaned forward, shouting her cheer.

Maybe I’ve gotten a little closer to Misha?

But the battle isn’t over yet.

I’ve only earned the right to go to the finals.

I have to win one more to become the champion.

My opponent was decided a few minutes later.

Lena dived into the enemy’s pocket, swung her fist with all her might, and knocked them out.

Knocking out the enemy is an indisputable win.

So Lena deliberately didn’t use her knife.

“Things turned out as we hoped, Master,” Lena grinned as she returned to the waiting room.

“I’m going all out. I can’t let you take all the glory here.”

“I plan to win, too.”