KKM German Novel 9 (Japanese Volume 8) - Chapter 2 Part 2
Disclaimer: I do not own KKM series.
Notes:
1. It's the 8th book of the main plot line, and the 9th books according to German edition. The full name of this novel is "Chi ni wa MA no Tsuku Hoshi ga Furu!" or for short, "Chi MA."
2. Translated from German, cross-compared with the Chinese version provided here. Scanned image taken from here. Suggestions and corrections are most welcome.
3. Huge thanks to
tati_ai, who proofread and greatly improved my translation.
4. Please give due credit where it belongs. Please do not repost elsewhere.
Chapter 2 - Part 2
Suddenly a clanking noise rang loudly as if a huge metal bucket had fallen to the ground.
“Your Majesty!”
"Yuuri!”
"Shibuya!"
Thank you for calling my name in every way possible.
I turned back to look at our rest area. An iron fence had fallen down right in front of our bench and my teammates suddenly found themselves behind bars, completely separated from the arena. Holding the thick iron bars, all three of them were shouting:
“Why are we the only team locked up?"
One of the referee put his arms on his hips, to appear more imposing.
"To prevent you from forcing your way into the arena."
"But that's not fair! If so, then the other team should also be..."
No one was rushing over from the other team. After all, there was only one soldier in the rest area of the Big Shimaron’s team, who looked gloomy for having lost earlier. On our side, in contrast, my teammates were shaking the iron bars with all their might and shouted out loud.
"Your Majesty! Do not try anything foolish, please come back!"
"That’s right, Yuuri! Don’t be stupid!"
"Shibuya, don’t try any nonsense!"
"You are being rude now! You’re talking as if I am really stupid... Woa! Woa!"
Suddenly the ground beneath my feet trembled. A circular stage the size of a sumo ring started rising from the ground. Staying with me on that stage were Adalbert and the referee with a thick beard, who were both a few feet away from me. Meanwhile Conrad had missed it by only one step, even though he was standing right next to me. He tried to grip the edge of the stage to jump up and almost made it, but the other referee grasped his uniform and pulled him back.
"Let go!" yelled Conrad.
"No way. The appeal of the second fighter was justified. In this match, the second competitor from Big Shimaron will compete against the third competitor from Caloria. To protect our prestige, we must follow the rules."
“But if His Majesty has to fight against that guy, he won’t be merely injured...”
Turning away from the expressionless referee, Conrad looked at me desperately. Meanwhile, the stage had already risen to a height above his head.
"He will kill you... Yuuri, give me your hand."
"The match lasts until one of the fighters is incapacitated. Even if one of them loses his life during the match, that does not go against the rules."
How very comforting!
It was true that the American footballer was indeed a powerful enemy. But at least there was one advantage in fighting him as compared to fighting Conrad: I wouldn’t hesitate to use all my strength to hit him between his legs.
"Well, here we go!" I cried. "My left foot is ready to kick!"
"How brave, yet it looks a little forced."
"It doesn’t matter if I win or not. At least I will be able to hurt you. After all, even you have the same weakness that all men have."
"Yes, except that..."
Adalbert put his hand on his crotch and knocked firmly with his fist. It sounded as if he had knocked on wood.
"One of my principles, my boy. Never enter a fight without wearing protective gear."
"Whaaat?"
Down the drain it went, my beautiful plan!
From behind the bars, Murata was shouting at me at the top of his lungs. This behavior was so different from his usual calmness that I suddenly felt uneasy.
“Shibuyaaa! That's enough, give up! It is too risky."
For someone who had only fought in video games and who had had only a few hours of kendo practice during gym classes, my strength surely fell far behind that of this muscular fighter. He looked like the wrestler Big Show, while I looked like a wooden stick. If he hit me, it would be an instant knock-out. Moreover, if I only put a careless foot beyond the edge, I would fall from the stage, and game would be over for me as well. I glanced sideways to check. Indeed the stage was now as high as a 3-story building.
What would be the end of me? Would I die under Adalbert’s weapon? Or would I fall to my death?
"Mr. Referee, I must speak with you urgently,” I said.
"Yes?"
"Err..."
Given the current situation, I’d like to withdraw. The words had come to the tip of my tongue but couldn’t come out, as I saw the disbelieving expression on Adalbert’s face.
"What's going on, Caloria’s representative? You want to end the game in such a boring way? I thought you were a man, that’s why I proposed a fair and square showdown. But if you prefer to act like a timid little girl and chicken out, oh, that would be so disappointing."
His words angered me, and I almost retorted with equally insulting language. No, no, no! I should not play into his hands. He only wanted me to lose my temper, so he could spoil my plan.
It was true that I was the representative from Caloria, but as Normal Gilbert, I have fulfilled all my obligations to the people. They would understand and would be happy to welcome me back. I would be able to face the children who had cheerfully sent me off and tell them that we had tried our best. Losing the final battle would be truly regrettable, but I could still hold my head high and say we had put in all our effort. However, could I really withdraw now?
"Yuuri, don’t worry," Wolfram called out to me. "I won’t call you wimp if you give up!"
"Shibuya, listen to your fiance!" Screamed Murata. "No one will blame you, I promise! When we get back to Japan, I’ll treat you to rice with grilled pork ribs! So give it up! You have fought enough!"
Really, had I? Had I tried my utmost in this match?
Facing this question, I could only answer it myself. Until now I had not actually fought at all, let alone given it my best. I allowed myself to be defeated before I even lifted a finger. Could I do that? Did I want to end it that way?
“Mr. Referee, I’d like to ask...”
Mr. Thick Beard patiently waited for me to finish. It was actually very simple, I just needed to say that one sentence. Given the current situation, I’d like to withdraw. And I did say something, but as I listened to myself, it sounded like a conversation during a morning inspection.
"What did you use to shave?"
“Huh? I used the razor given in the common military rations."
I slowly stood up from the kneeling position. The snow-bearing wind blowing in my face had become considerably colder.
Adalbert twisted his lips scornfully.
"Well, what now? You changed your mind?"
"I did not change my mind. I only mentally prepared myself."
If I didn’t put all my effort into this match, I wouldn’t be able to look the children in the eyes.
“A man, regardless of the outcome, must face his challenges head on. Ah, of course the same holds true for women too.”
The fruits of Lady von Karbelnikov’s indoctrination manifested themselves even here.
"And it’s not certain yet that I will lose to you! Anything can happen in the fighting ring. Nothing is impossible. Isn’t there a saying that goes "There is strength inside weakness"...”
"Shibuya, that is not wrestling, that is Judo!"
Too bad, there were already flaws in my arguments.
The audience began to roar. They did not care about Conrad’s concerns or those of the Caloria’s team. The atmosphere was so heated that the snow melted in the air before it touched the ground.
Adalbert von Granz lowered the mighty sword from his shoulder. In light of the torches around us, the long and thick blade flashed menacingly. To put myself into the mood, I swung my metal bat back and forth. I felt slightly more confident in my weapon. Meanwhile Conrad desperately tried to talk to me from below.
"Your Majesty, please don’t be reckless. Your bat has no chance against his sword!"
"You're the last one who should give me advice! You better get your own problems straightened out first!"
The audience suddenly held their breath all at once. For a brief moment, a dead silence fell upon the whole stadium. Adalbert charged forward with lightning speed and swung with his mighty sword at me. Instinctively, my body jerked to the left. A strong gust of wind swept past my right cheek. I knew I had escaped his blade by the skin of my teeth.
I lost my balance and had to kneel one knee on the ground. I grasped the bat with both hands and raised it over my head just in time to block Adalbert’s strike from above.
It was a miracle that I survived the attack, but all my fingers went numb immediately. The impact force spreading from my wrists to my elbows and shoulders was so strong, I felt as if all my joints were dislocated. Following the ear-splitting sound of metal hitting on metal, a slightly burning smell filled my nostrils.
"Lucky as ever," said Adalbert smiling smugly.
"So you say," I replied.
Adalbert came closer to look at me. Unlike Nigel Weisz Maxine’s emotionless eyes, his blue eyes were full of delight. Was he pleased to have the chance to eliminate me with his own sword?
"If you could never return to your country... how would the demons feel? Wouldn’t it be a terrible shame for them if their young king is killed on human land?"
Cold sweat ran down my spine. Now I could clearly see his true intention. He wanted nothing more than for me to die, because he wanted to see the Demon Empire sinking into the chaos after my death. That was the reason he joined Big Shimaron’s army and served under the human king.
“I would not let you have your way!”
With all my strength I pushed his sword aside. I took a large step back and suddenly felt no support under my feet. So dangerous! I almost forgot that the stage was at a lofty height.
"Careful, boy! Neither of us would want the fight to have such an unspectacular end."
"You’re only saying so, but I know you want nothing more than for me to fall to my death. After all no one wants to dirty their hands."
One of my friends called out to me that I should not let him provoke me. What else could I do? It was after all the only strategy I had. I wanted to think of something to talk about, to distract him from attacking me. Maybe I could discuss his dinner menu to spoil his concentration? I wasn’t sure if it would work on someone who was not a baseball player, but you wouldn’t know unless you try!
"Anyway, what did you have for dinner yesterday?"
"Probably meat."
While asking, I quickly advanced, taking the initiative to attack first. But as expected, he easily thwarted my blow, turning the offense into a strength contest.
"Damn! You had even better food than us!"
"You are only a young king, who told you to go on an expedition to this land?! If you are willing to stay back in your nice and warm room in your castle, you could have filled your stomach with whatever fancy meal or finest wine you wish!"
Murata anxiously shouted to me, slightly raising his voice at the end.
"Look, Shibuya! Right, right! No, the other right!”
No way, I wouldn’t be able to follow your instructions, else it would have been best for you to control the situation yourself.
At that time, the referee’s figure entered my field of vision. Although he was at the same dangerous height, he could still nimbly jump around and dodge the attacks between the competitors. He really deserved his rank as an international referee. He was great, just like his beard. However, as I was distracted, I lost sight of my opponent's sword for a split second. In the next moment, I could only see the silver shiny blade striking straight toward my chest.
I could almost hear four voices gasping, although they were far away from me.
"Oh, no!"
Luckily, at that very moment, the stage started shaking, and as I lost my balance, I fell down on my knee. The silver blade completed the arc right in front of my nose. I strained my calves and leaped to my feet immediately, but this time the stage did not stop shaking.
We were completely surrounded by the brown heads of the spectators cheering and shaking their fists. When I looked around, I found that the whole stadium was slowly moving.
"Why is the stadium turning around?"
However, it was not the stadium that was revolving, but the stage we were on. Our circular stage was revolving at the speed of a clock’s second hand. What was going on?! The stage was already high and dangerous, now you made it revolve too?
It was the final battle, yet it was no more than a cheap show. The audience certainly had their fun, as they could now observe the fight from all angles. But the high and spinning stage was making me dizzy. Fortunately, even Adalbert was frowning and knelt down without saying a word. When our eyes met, he clucked his tongue and, using his weapon as a prop, quietly scrambled to his feet again. Apparently, his legs also felt shaky.
"Now now, you don’t look too good," I taunted him.
"Aren’t you the same?"
Well, tough luck! I was accustomed to dizziness caused by rotations. Two years ago when I joined the baseball team, almost every day we had to complete a strange exercise: holding the baseball bat vertically on the ground, leaning the forehead against the handle, turning around ten times, then immediately step forward. One would be so dizzy it was difficult to walk straight. Until now I still had no idea if that exercise benefited us in any way. Could it be simply a joke by the seniors?
“Leaning the forehead on the bat, rotating around ten times, and still able to hit the target, that’s something only I could do!”
I was boasting about something no one else present could understand.
I struck the metal bat at the legs of my opponent, and he fell. My first goal today. Leaning on his hands he tried to bounce back. Now I only needed to smack my weapon down on him, and the battle would be decided. Only two and a half steps forward and a hard hit on his head, then it would all be over, and I would win! Maybe some of his brain would splatter a bit, but it would be easy enough to change my clothes - so that should be fine. That is the problem with using bat as weapon, there is no middle ground to negotiate. I should have listened to Wolfram’s advice and chosen a sword. If only I could point my sword at him, I might be able to force him to surrender.
Even though all those thoughts were rushing through my head, in that split of second, I simply took my stance in front of Adalbert, preparing to swing my bat. Just one strike and it would be over with. No, I did not need to smash his skull, I only needed to stop at the right time to knock him out, and the referee would still declare me the winner. I only needed to stop at the right time...
"Ouch!"
Adalbert had noticed my hesitation and, with his free foot, kicked me with all his might at my fingers. I screamed under my breath, and lurched forward. Adalbert quickly grabbed me by my neck and I felt cold metal pressed against my throat.
"Thanks, kid. You saved me the trouble of chasing after you in this whole revolving shop."
"Ah... Ouch! "
"Does that hurt, huh? You're bleeding even, you poor thing!" Adalbert said sarcastically.
All the muscles in my body tensed up. The blade was just under my chin. How would it feel to have your throat slit open? Which death would be more pleasant? A severed carotid artery or a severed windpipe?
I dropped my weapon and tried to pry free with my hands. But I had no chance against his strength. His grip around my neck was so tight even the force of fifty cars combined wouldn’t be enough to free me.
At this time I could feel the body temperature of the man behind me, while in front of me, only freezing wind and snow were striking at my face. Although I found myself in such a state of emergency, the only thought in my mind was that the difference in temperature would cause me to catch a cold. I suddenly felt nothing under my feet. Adalbert had dragged me to the edge of our stage and dangled me there.
"I could just let you go," he threatened.
Earlier I was still trying to kick with my free legs. But upon hearing his threat, I immediately stopped struggling. My throat was so dry and burning hot that I could not make any sound.
The stage continued to rotate. Slowly our rest area came into my view. Wolf, Murata and Yozak kept clutching the bars and shouting. However, because of a rustling sound in my ears, I could not catch what my comrades were trying to tell me.
There it was again, the uncomfortable ringing in the ears. It was not new to me. My experience told me that my awareness would continue to wane and I would start to hear the comforting voice of a woman. And then I would be invincible. Just a little more, a little bit more...
"Your Majesty!"
That was Conrad. His voice sounded unusually desperate.
"I beseech you, please surrender right now! He could really do it! Adalbert could take your life!"
If I could speak or stop my magic powers, I would have done so. But the situation had gone beyond my control, and soon that person would start whispering in my ears, waking up unknown forces in my body. Maybe something would happen, and our situation would be reversed.
But for a long time, nothing happened.
"He is almost incapable of fighting," Adalbert murmured softly. Probably he thought I could no longer hear him.
If at this moment I fell to my demise, what would become of everyone’s effort so far? Would it all be for naught? I would neither be able to make a request on Caloria’s behalf, nor reclaim the evil box. It was the end. Here was the end.
I looked up to heaven and tried to squeeze a sound out of my throat. My voice was so hoarse it was not even a decent word. Nevertheless, I cried out to the countless falling white lights, even though I could not say whether they were snowflakes or stars.
Come on, I need my power! Now, now, now is the time! Here! I must win this fight!
Still no woman's voice whispering. Desperate, I looked down and saw a pair of eyes that were as black as mine: Murata’s. Aware of my eye contact, Murata briefly said "no" and quickly covered his face.
"No, Shibuya," he muttered. "Do not do it. It's too dangerous."
Dangerous for whom?! For me? Or for the people in the stadium?
Suddenly I was sucked into a vortex of darkness. Darkness quickly spread out, shrouding everything around, as if to swallow the whole world. A biting cold wind kept blasting me on my face, my chest and my legs. And then my body felt as if I was plunged down a pitch-black tunnel at an unbearable speed.
It was different than the usual lazy white mist I had encountered previously. And there was no music.
otonashi_diva has picked up translating this book since I've been in hiatus for so long. So continue reading Chapter 3 here. Sorry everyone, I know I promised and I couldn't keep my words :-(
Notes:
1. It's the 8th book of the main plot line, and the 9th books according to German edition. The full name of this novel is "Chi ni wa MA no Tsuku Hoshi ga Furu!" or for short, "Chi MA."
2. Translated from German, cross-compared with the Chinese version provided here. Scanned image taken from here. Suggestions and corrections are most welcome.
3. Huge thanks to
tati_ai, who proofread and greatly improved my translation.
4. Please give due credit where it belongs. Please do not repost elsewhere.
Chapter 2 - Part 2
Suddenly a clanking noise rang loudly as if a huge metal bucket had fallen to the ground.
“Your Majesty!”
"Yuuri!”
"Shibuya!"
Thank you for calling my name in every way possible.
I turned back to look at our rest area. An iron fence had fallen down right in front of our bench and my teammates suddenly found themselves behind bars, completely separated from the arena. Holding the thick iron bars, all three of them were shouting:
“Why are we the only team locked up?"
One of the referee put his arms on his hips, to appear more imposing.
"To prevent you from forcing your way into the arena."
"But that's not fair! If so, then the other team should also be..."
No one was rushing over from the other team. After all, there was only one soldier in the rest area of the Big Shimaron’s team, who looked gloomy for having lost earlier. On our side, in contrast, my teammates were shaking the iron bars with all their might and shouted out loud.
"Your Majesty! Do not try anything foolish, please come back!"
"That’s right, Yuuri! Don’t be stupid!"
"Shibuya, don’t try any nonsense!"
"You are being rude now! You’re talking as if I am really stupid... Woa! Woa!"
Suddenly the ground beneath my feet trembled. A circular stage the size of a sumo ring started rising from the ground. Staying with me on that stage were Adalbert and the referee with a thick beard, who were both a few feet away from me. Meanwhile Conrad had missed it by only one step, even though he was standing right next to me. He tried to grip the edge of the stage to jump up and almost made it, but the other referee grasped his uniform and pulled him back.
"Let go!" yelled Conrad.
"No way. The appeal of the second fighter was justified. In this match, the second competitor from Big Shimaron will compete against the third competitor from Caloria. To protect our prestige, we must follow the rules."
“But if His Majesty has to fight against that guy, he won’t be merely injured...”
Turning away from the expressionless referee, Conrad looked at me desperately. Meanwhile, the stage had already risen to a height above his head.
"He will kill you... Yuuri, give me your hand."
"The match lasts until one of the fighters is incapacitated. Even if one of them loses his life during the match, that does not go against the rules."
How very comforting!
It was true that the American footballer was indeed a powerful enemy. But at least there was one advantage in fighting him as compared to fighting Conrad: I wouldn’t hesitate to use all my strength to hit him between his legs.
"Well, here we go!" I cried. "My left foot is ready to kick!"
"How brave, yet it looks a little forced."
"It doesn’t matter if I win or not. At least I will be able to hurt you. After all, even you have the same weakness that all men have."
"Yes, except that..."
Adalbert put his hand on his crotch and knocked firmly with his fist. It sounded as if he had knocked on wood.
"One of my principles, my boy. Never enter a fight without wearing protective gear."
"Whaaat?"
Down the drain it went, my beautiful plan!
From behind the bars, Murata was shouting at me at the top of his lungs. This behavior was so different from his usual calmness that I suddenly felt uneasy.
“Shibuyaaa! That's enough, give up! It is too risky."
For someone who had only fought in video games and who had had only a few hours of kendo practice during gym classes, my strength surely fell far behind that of this muscular fighter. He looked like the wrestler Big Show, while I looked like a wooden stick. If he hit me, it would be an instant knock-out. Moreover, if I only put a careless foot beyond the edge, I would fall from the stage, and game would be over for me as well. I glanced sideways to check. Indeed the stage was now as high as a 3-story building.
What would be the end of me? Would I die under Adalbert’s weapon? Or would I fall to my death?
"Mr. Referee, I must speak with you urgently,” I said.
"Yes?"
"Err..."
Given the current situation, I’d like to withdraw. The words had come to the tip of my tongue but couldn’t come out, as I saw the disbelieving expression on Adalbert’s face.
"What's going on, Caloria’s representative? You want to end the game in such a boring way? I thought you were a man, that’s why I proposed a fair and square showdown. But if you prefer to act like a timid little girl and chicken out, oh, that would be so disappointing."
His words angered me, and I almost retorted with equally insulting language. No, no, no! I should not play into his hands. He only wanted me to lose my temper, so he could spoil my plan.
It was true that I was the representative from Caloria, but as Normal Gilbert, I have fulfilled all my obligations to the people. They would understand and would be happy to welcome me back. I would be able to face the children who had cheerfully sent me off and tell them that we had tried our best. Losing the final battle would be truly regrettable, but I could still hold my head high and say we had put in all our effort. However, could I really withdraw now?
"Yuuri, don’t worry," Wolfram called out to me. "I won’t call you wimp if you give up!"
"Shibuya, listen to your fiance!" Screamed Murata. "No one will blame you, I promise! When we get back to Japan, I’ll treat you to rice with grilled pork ribs! So give it up! You have fought enough!"
Really, had I? Had I tried my utmost in this match?
Facing this question, I could only answer it myself. Until now I had not actually fought at all, let alone given it my best. I allowed myself to be defeated before I even lifted a finger. Could I do that? Did I want to end it that way?
“Mr. Referee, I’d like to ask...”
Mr. Thick Beard patiently waited for me to finish. It was actually very simple, I just needed to say that one sentence. Given the current situation, I’d like to withdraw. And I did say something, but as I listened to myself, it sounded like a conversation during a morning inspection.
"What did you use to shave?"
“Huh? I used the razor given in the common military rations."
I slowly stood up from the kneeling position. The snow-bearing wind blowing in my face had become considerably colder.
Adalbert twisted his lips scornfully.
"Well, what now? You changed your mind?"
"I did not change my mind. I only mentally prepared myself."
If I didn’t put all my effort into this match, I wouldn’t be able to look the children in the eyes.
“A man, regardless of the outcome, must face his challenges head on. Ah, of course the same holds true for women too.”
The fruits of Lady von Karbelnikov’s indoctrination manifested themselves even here.
"And it’s not certain yet that I will lose to you! Anything can happen in the fighting ring. Nothing is impossible. Isn’t there a saying that goes "There is strength inside weakness"...”
"Shibuya, that is not wrestling, that is Judo!"
Too bad, there were already flaws in my arguments.
The audience began to roar. They did not care about Conrad’s concerns or those of the Caloria’s team. The atmosphere was so heated that the snow melted in the air before it touched the ground.
Adalbert von Granz lowered the mighty sword from his shoulder. In light of the torches around us, the long and thick blade flashed menacingly. To put myself into the mood, I swung my metal bat back and forth. I felt slightly more confident in my weapon. Meanwhile Conrad desperately tried to talk to me from below.
"Your Majesty, please don’t be reckless. Your bat has no chance against his sword!"
"You're the last one who should give me advice! You better get your own problems straightened out first!"
The audience suddenly held their breath all at once. For a brief moment, a dead silence fell upon the whole stadium. Adalbert charged forward with lightning speed and swung with his mighty sword at me. Instinctively, my body jerked to the left. A strong gust of wind swept past my right cheek. I knew I had escaped his blade by the skin of my teeth.
I lost my balance and had to kneel one knee on the ground. I grasped the bat with both hands and raised it over my head just in time to block Adalbert’s strike from above.
It was a miracle that I survived the attack, but all my fingers went numb immediately. The impact force spreading from my wrists to my elbows and shoulders was so strong, I felt as if all my joints were dislocated. Following the ear-splitting sound of metal hitting on metal, a slightly burning smell filled my nostrils.
"Lucky as ever," said Adalbert smiling smugly.
"So you say," I replied.
Adalbert came closer to look at me. Unlike Nigel Weisz Maxine’s emotionless eyes, his blue eyes were full of delight. Was he pleased to have the chance to eliminate me with his own sword?
"If you could never return to your country... how would the demons feel? Wouldn’t it be a terrible shame for them if their young king is killed on human land?"
Cold sweat ran down my spine. Now I could clearly see his true intention. He wanted nothing more than for me to die, because he wanted to see the Demon Empire sinking into the chaos after my death. That was the reason he joined Big Shimaron’s army and served under the human king.
“I would not let you have your way!”
With all my strength I pushed his sword aside. I took a large step back and suddenly felt no support under my feet. So dangerous! I almost forgot that the stage was at a lofty height.
"Careful, boy! Neither of us would want the fight to have such an unspectacular end."
"You’re only saying so, but I know you want nothing more than for me to fall to my death. After all no one wants to dirty their hands."
One of my friends called out to me that I should not let him provoke me. What else could I do? It was after all the only strategy I had. I wanted to think of something to talk about, to distract him from attacking me. Maybe I could discuss his dinner menu to spoil his concentration? I wasn’t sure if it would work on someone who was not a baseball player, but you wouldn’t know unless you try!
"Anyway, what did you have for dinner yesterday?"
"Probably meat."
While asking, I quickly advanced, taking the initiative to attack first. But as expected, he easily thwarted my blow, turning the offense into a strength contest.
"Damn! You had even better food than us!"
"You are only a young king, who told you to go on an expedition to this land?! If you are willing to stay back in your nice and warm room in your castle, you could have filled your stomach with whatever fancy meal or finest wine you wish!"
Murata anxiously shouted to me, slightly raising his voice at the end.
"Look, Shibuya! Right, right! No, the other right!”
No way, I wouldn’t be able to follow your instructions, else it would have been best for you to control the situation yourself.
At that time, the referee’s figure entered my field of vision. Although he was at the same dangerous height, he could still nimbly jump around and dodge the attacks between the competitors. He really deserved his rank as an international referee. He was great, just like his beard. However, as I was distracted, I lost sight of my opponent's sword for a split second. In the next moment, I could only see the silver shiny blade striking straight toward my chest.
I could almost hear four voices gasping, although they were far away from me.
"Oh, no!"
Luckily, at that very moment, the stage started shaking, and as I lost my balance, I fell down on my knee. The silver blade completed the arc right in front of my nose. I strained my calves and leaped to my feet immediately, but this time the stage did not stop shaking.
We were completely surrounded by the brown heads of the spectators cheering and shaking their fists. When I looked around, I found that the whole stadium was slowly moving.
"Why is the stadium turning around?"
However, it was not the stadium that was revolving, but the stage we were on. Our circular stage was revolving at the speed of a clock’s second hand. What was going on?! The stage was already high and dangerous, now you made it revolve too?
It was the final battle, yet it was no more than a cheap show. The audience certainly had their fun, as they could now observe the fight from all angles. But the high and spinning stage was making me dizzy. Fortunately, even Adalbert was frowning and knelt down without saying a word. When our eyes met, he clucked his tongue and, using his weapon as a prop, quietly scrambled to his feet again. Apparently, his legs also felt shaky.
"Now now, you don’t look too good," I taunted him.
"Aren’t you the same?"
Well, tough luck! I was accustomed to dizziness caused by rotations. Two years ago when I joined the baseball team, almost every day we had to complete a strange exercise: holding the baseball bat vertically on the ground, leaning the forehead against the handle, turning around ten times, then immediately step forward. One would be so dizzy it was difficult to walk straight. Until now I still had no idea if that exercise benefited us in any way. Could it be simply a joke by the seniors?
“Leaning the forehead on the bat, rotating around ten times, and still able to hit the target, that’s something only I could do!”
I was boasting about something no one else present could understand.
I struck the metal bat at the legs of my opponent, and he fell. My first goal today. Leaning on his hands he tried to bounce back. Now I only needed to smack my weapon down on him, and the battle would be decided. Only two and a half steps forward and a hard hit on his head, then it would all be over, and I would win! Maybe some of his brain would splatter a bit, but it would be easy enough to change my clothes - so that should be fine. That is the problem with using bat as weapon, there is no middle ground to negotiate. I should have listened to Wolfram’s advice and chosen a sword. If only I could point my sword at him, I might be able to force him to surrender.
Even though all those thoughts were rushing through my head, in that split of second, I simply took my stance in front of Adalbert, preparing to swing my bat. Just one strike and it would be over with. No, I did not need to smash his skull, I only needed to stop at the right time to knock him out, and the referee would still declare me the winner. I only needed to stop at the right time...
"Ouch!"
Adalbert had noticed my hesitation and, with his free foot, kicked me with all his might at my fingers. I screamed under my breath, and lurched forward. Adalbert quickly grabbed me by my neck and I felt cold metal pressed against my throat.
"Thanks, kid. You saved me the trouble of chasing after you in this whole revolving shop."
"Ah... Ouch! "
"Does that hurt, huh? You're bleeding even, you poor thing!" Adalbert said sarcastically.
All the muscles in my body tensed up. The blade was just under my chin. How would it feel to have your throat slit open? Which death would be more pleasant? A severed carotid artery or a severed windpipe?
I dropped my weapon and tried to pry free with my hands. But I had no chance against his strength. His grip around my neck was so tight even the force of fifty cars combined wouldn’t be enough to free me.
At this time I could feel the body temperature of the man behind me, while in front of me, only freezing wind and snow were striking at my face. Although I found myself in such a state of emergency, the only thought in my mind was that the difference in temperature would cause me to catch a cold. I suddenly felt nothing under my feet. Adalbert had dragged me to the edge of our stage and dangled me there.
"I could just let you go," he threatened.
Earlier I was still trying to kick with my free legs. But upon hearing his threat, I immediately stopped struggling. My throat was so dry and burning hot that I could not make any sound.
The stage continued to rotate. Slowly our rest area came into my view. Wolf, Murata and Yozak kept clutching the bars and shouting. However, because of a rustling sound in my ears, I could not catch what my comrades were trying to tell me.
There it was again, the uncomfortable ringing in the ears. It was not new to me. My experience told me that my awareness would continue to wane and I would start to hear the comforting voice of a woman. And then I would be invincible. Just a little more, a little bit more...
"Your Majesty!"
That was Conrad. His voice sounded unusually desperate.
"I beseech you, please surrender right now! He could really do it! Adalbert could take your life!"
If I could speak or stop my magic powers, I would have done so. But the situation had gone beyond my control, and soon that person would start whispering in my ears, waking up unknown forces in my body. Maybe something would happen, and our situation would be reversed.
But for a long time, nothing happened.
"He is almost incapable of fighting," Adalbert murmured softly. Probably he thought I could no longer hear him.
If at this moment I fell to my demise, what would become of everyone’s effort so far? Would it all be for naught? I would neither be able to make a request on Caloria’s behalf, nor reclaim the evil box. It was the end. Here was the end.
I looked up to heaven and tried to squeeze a sound out of my throat. My voice was so hoarse it was not even a decent word. Nevertheless, I cried out to the countless falling white lights, even though I could not say whether they were snowflakes or stars.
Come on, I need my power! Now, now, now is the time! Here! I must win this fight!
Still no woman's voice whispering. Desperate, I looked down and saw a pair of eyes that were as black as mine: Murata’s. Aware of my eye contact, Murata briefly said "no" and quickly covered his face.
"No, Shibuya," he muttered. "Do not do it. It's too dangerous."
Dangerous for whom?! For me? Or for the people in the stadium?
Suddenly I was sucked into a vortex of darkness. Darkness quickly spread out, shrouding everything around, as if to swallow the whole world. A biting cold wind kept blasting me on my face, my chest and my legs. And then my body felt as if I was plunged down a pitch-black tunnel at an unbearable speed.
It was different than the usual lazy white mist I had encountered previously. And there was no music.
otonashi_diva has picked up translating this book since I've been in hiatus for so long. So continue reading Chapter 3 here. Sorry everyone, I know I promised and I couldn't keep my words :-(