Mob MC 310.2

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Chapter 310.2. Shocking Truth

-Masatoshi's POV-

The scorching magma melted into a viscous state, and touched the ice ivy, instantly dissolving it, generating copious amounts of steam, obscuring the visibility as if in thick fog.

Masatoshi took a deep breath, focusing to sense his surroundings. He's sharpening his senses to the point where he can detect even the slightest sounds and the airflow.

The cheers of the spectators, the commentator's live commentary, the music band trying to enhance the excitement of the battle – all felt distant. Victory calmed his mind like a still water surface and readied his sword.

"There!"

As the billowing steam swayed, I immediately turned around and swung my sword downward.

With a metallic sound, Masatoshi felt resistance. However, when he checked where he had struck, he widened his eyes in surprise.

There, only the shoulder pad had been ensnared by the ice ivy; Shin's actual figure was nowhere to be seen.

"It was a decoy!"

"That's right."

Masatoshi exclaimed in astonishment. From behind, Shin leaped out of the steam and into action, ready to unleash his ultimate technique.

[Sealing Evil's Leaves]

A technique that nullified magic and defeated the enemy with a swift, graceful, and elegant strike, like falling leaves. It seemed like Shin had effortlessly sliced through Masatoshi's body with his magical armor.

It appeared as though Shin had cut through Masatoshi's body, believing he had won.

"But the resistance was too light! A dummy!?"

This time, it was Shin's turn to be surprised. The severed Masatoshi turned into flames and disappeared. The few core crystal fragments crumbled like sand, scattering into the air.

"I told you I knew your moves!"

Roaring, Masatoshi leaped out of the concealing steam and poured mana into his sword, which now blazed with fire.

[Three Flames Strikes]

The fierce blaze of my sword flashed toward Shin, and Shin immediately countered by swinging his blade.

[Six Strikes of Dispelling Evil]

Shin's sharp sword strikes raced through the air, clashing with Masatoshi's sword. 

Masatoshi's sword continued to attack Shin, as the flames extinguished flames, but he quickly added mana, and the sword burned like logs.

Masatoshi had the advantage in power, while Shin had the advantage in speed.

Both exchanged blows, slightly damaging each other, without concern.

"Let's finish this here!"

"It might be a bit too forceful, don't you think?"

Masatoshi swung his sword with a determined spirit, maximizing his physical abilities to overpower Shin with sheer power.

In contrast, Shin danced nimbly with steps, evading Masatoshi's sword while using his speed to surpass him and strike with his blade.

Victory's sword shattered the enhanced magic floor, creating a gust. Amid this storm-like attack, Shin managed to land blows on Masatoshi. 

However, Masatoshi had thickened his armor for this day, and it only sustained damage without injuring him significantly.

"Excellent, Masatoshi-kun. You're the comrade I've been looking for."

"Hah! Compliments won't get you anywhere with me!"

"I wanted comrades who could handle the battles that lie ahead. You're suitable, and I'll put you to the test!"

Shin halted his movements, lowering his sword to a lower stance. The sword began to collect the divine light of stars, and Shin's immense mana swirled around him.

It was a brief moment of gathering energy, but that was what Masatoshi had been waiting for. In the original story, Shin was cautious and didn't move when his opponent prepared like this. 

In the original story, the opponent was wary of Shin, wondering what he'd do, and did not make a move, but this pause was the biggest opening. He remembered what the original author had said in an interview.

"Burst, Prism Crimson!"

The vermillion crystals revolving around them shattered simultaneously in response to Masatoshi's command. The crystals crumbled like sand, igniting like gunpowder and engulfing Masatoshi and Shin in flames.

"This...!"

The magical barrier flickered, and Shin, feeling the pain, attempted to deactivate the flames and cease his technique. But his reaction was too slow.

"It's over now!"

[Mighty Sword]

Using a basic, straightforward technique relying solely on power, Masatoshi lunged towards Shin. His pure white armor was significantly dented, like a ball bouncing off the floor, and Shin got thrown to the ground.

Shin attempted to stand up, but he staggered and fell.

"The winner, Aguni Masatoshi!"

The announcer declared Masatoshi's victory as the audience erupted into cheers.

"Wow! He did it, Mion-san!"

"Hahaha, you're a mess, congrats, Masatoshi!"

"Well done, my son!"

Sena-san, Mion, and my father praised me, and the audience cheered.

Suppressing the urge to jump up and down with excitement, Masatoshi approached the fallen Shin, a grin stretching across his face, and extended his hand.

He had finally won a fair fight. Inside, Masatoshi was thrilled, and he wanted to act in a manner befitting a protagonist.

"You were really strong, Shin."

"You've become quite powerful."

Accepting the offered hand to stand up, Shin complimented Masatoshi. Victory was full of joy, like he wanted to climb a tree while grinning.

[Actually, as I told you earlier, I'm fighting against an organization trying to resurrect a Demon God. I'm gathering allies in secret.]

In response to Shin's words, as they switched to thought communication, Masatoshi raised an eyebrow and smiled at Shin's earnest expression.

[Keep it secret from Sena-san, but I want your help. I'm training under the Spatial Witch to prepare for the day when I'll need it.]

[Heh, alright. If this Masatoshi-sama's power is needed, I have no objections. I usually wouldn't trust demons or monsters, but I trust you, Shin. Tell me more.]

Tap, tap, tap. Finally, it was the event of teaming up with the original protagonist. Masatoshi shook hands firmly with Shin, and with a sense of accomplishment.

In the midst of the crowd's cheers and applause, the scene of rivals joining forces was indeed moving.

At first glance, at least.