How should one fight and win against the city walls?

Thud, thud, rumble──!!

“How long will you keep running away, Bennett-!”

“Where is the fool who would face a chunk of metal head-on? If you dislike running, then take off that heavy armor and try to catch up.”

Bennett sent the chain scythe flying lightly against the charging Nuvell. The blade moved like a snake, scraping past the shield.

Swoosh, swish, clang!

Of course, it didn’t even leave a scratch.

Minor attacks don’t work against a large shield over two meters. No matter how much you poke with a toothpick-like sword or spear, the wall won’t crumble. A different approach is needed.

What if I wrap the chain scythe around and try a strength contest?

“Uwaaah-!!”

Boom!!

As Nuvell slammed the shield down onto the ground, the weight caused the arena floor to sink, shaking the earth. If this turns into a contest of strength, I’ll become a human-chain scythe. It didn’t seem like a good plan.

To bring down the wall, you need a siege weapon. Can I launch a powerful attack using the chain scythe?

It’s difficult.

Even though I trained with the chain scythe in the ‘Room of Time and Mind’ using the mad wizard’s dimensional magic, in the end, it was just a temporary measure. Unless I cast dark magic now, it seems impossible.

Also, the mad wizard had given Bennett a stern warning. While he had no intention of denying the dark magic that uses one’s own soul, he strictly said not to use it within the holy city.

There’s a high possibility that the goddess has placed a ‘conditional statement’ on it.

“I can fight until sunset. I can fight all day long. Can you do the same?!”

“I’ll end it sooner than that. I have another training schedule lined up.”

Then, the only remaining option is to open the gate.

The key was there.

The mad wizard said that misfortune was in effect in this arena, triggered by specific actions. Just as the goddess punishes the impudent, participants who do not follow the rules face disadvantages.

One conditional statement revealed through Mima’s crazy labor.

‘If you stomp the ground hard with your left foot, misfortune will follow.’

I still don’t know why such a conditional statement was placed. But if it’s in effect, it can be utilized. Bennett calmly moved the chain, like a snake waiting for an opportunity.

“Ha!”

The shield approaches.

It feels like the wall is flying at me with its own will, a terrifying pressure. But Bennett, who had faced the fear of the evil god, remains steady.

Dodging can be done even when the attack is close. Lowering his stance, he moves the chain scythe. With the strength of his wrist, he creates an unpredictable wave pattern.

This is a completely different pattern from the scythe’s Jenny. Instead of a strike that maximizes rotational force, it’s a combat doctrine centered around binding using the chain part.

Bennett had studied under the glass Lancer.

Chwa-ra-ra-ra-rak──!!

hehehe

“⋯⋯Hmm?”

Like a snake waiting for an opportunity, the chain snaked across the ground and wrapped around the left ankle of Paladin Nuvell, lifting him up. If he had been unarmored, the force applied could have easily broken his ankle.

Nuvell’s armor is sturdy. The chain creaked as it lifted his ankle a few centimeters, but that was all.

“Was that meant to throw me off balance? You didn’t consider the weight of the armor and shield.”

“⋯⋯It’s still damn heavy!”

“Just like this. I will crush you along with the chain. Once you lose your weapon, even you, who has only been running away, will have to surrender!”

Paladin Nuvell put all his weight behind him and stomped fiercely on the ground.

And at that moment, the gears moved according to the rules.

Kwang-!!

“What the…?!”

“The ground has collapsed! Thanks to Paladin Nuvell’s powerful stomp, the ground has sunk, digging in up to the shins! Was this intentional?! Or was there a part from the previous match that wasn’t perfectly repaired?!”

“Bennett. You were aiming for this from the start…”

“I was. Though it might be a bit different from what you think.”

The weight of the armor is both a merit and a demerit in itself. If one is firmly planted on the ground, it’s manageable, but if one loses their balance and falls…

At that moment, the heavy armor becomes a hindrance.

Chwarararak──!!

The chain wrapped around Paladin Nuvell’s neck, knees, and waist, pulling him down in one swift motion. The walking fortress, struggling to maintain its balance, finally collapsed under its own weight.

Kuuung──!!

Bennett climbed onto the fallen Nuvell’s back, using his magic to increase the weight even further. The paladin struggled to stand but soon gave up.

“⋯⋯An unbearable weight was poison, after all.”

“Your strategy was good, but your skill was lacking. You need to train until you can handle this armor lightly.”

“It seems the match has been decided. The winner is Bennett of the Chain Scythe──!!”

I won. Bennett raised his hand high in response to the cheers of the audience. More precisely, to Tara and Niore, who were cheering for him from the stands.

Also, he waved back with gratitude to the crazy wizard, who was wildly swinging a cheering stick (which sparkled and seemed to have been conjured from somewhere) from the crowd.

That cheering stick. Although he had heard it was a means to secretly send instructions while pretending to cheer…

The wizard seemed so passionate in their cheering that it made him wonder if it was just made for enjoyment. Though that probably wasn’t the case.

The crazy wizard’s strategy was effective. There was no misfortune when facing someone from Redburn, and he was able to deal with the cardinal faction without much difficulty. Is there anyone else in the world who has mastered the power of transformation to this extent?

It was ironic that the wizard himself could not transform.

At this rate, winning is not just a dream. There are still many threatening opponents left, but the wizard seemed confident, claiming he had plenty of tailored strategies for them.

—

If there are no variables, it’s smooth sailing.

It felt like a happy ending was approaching.

——–

Results of the Round of 32:

Saint Tara, disqualified for not allowing dual roles of warrior and saint.

Bennett Hilton (Chain Scythe) vs. Holy Knight Nuvell… Bennett wins.

Niore Restman (Fan) vs. Priest Kilio… Niore wins.

[Round of 16 Contestant List]

Bennett Hilton, Niore Restman (Reformists)

Benjamin (the candidate for warrior pushed by the Cardinal faction / top priority)

Knight Anpir of Redburn, Wizard Ognil of Redburn (Redburn Family)

Wandering Swordsman Iphar, Flame Mage Kravellin Render, Adventurer Kelin (likely neutral)

The remaining eight.

⋯⋯⋯⋯.

Most of the key figures from the Cardinal faction have been eliminated, leaving only their hidden card, Benjamin. Like Bennett Hilton of the Reformists, Benjamin represents the face of the Cardinal faction, backed by significant support and reputation-building efforts.

Given the information that Benjamin’s character and abilities are ‘below expectations,’ further investigation is needed into why the Cardinal faction is backing him.

According to the mad wizard’s speculation── he might be some sort of ‘designate.’ There’s a possibility that he has set up some mechanism to ensure he receives the Sword of Selection as long as he makes it onto the candidate list.

Conversely, if Benjamin can be eliminated, it would be tantamount to the Cardinal faction being knocked out of the competition.

The key figures of the Redburn Duke family remain strong, and since Knight Anpir is suspected to have reached the realm of legend, caution is warranted. A strong contender for victory. The countermeasures for this are──

*He says that this time, he will definitely send out dual-wielding Bennett against Anpir.*

ㄴThe above sentence was added by Yuna Yurensto Violetiris, the Purple Tower Master, who intervened. Yuna, please refrain from interrupting the report.

*Sorry. I wanted to join in too.*

ㄴThe above sentence was also added by the Purple Tower Master. An evaluation of the neutral faction’s figures is necessary. In the next paragraph, I will borrow the insights of the Archmage who has reached sublimation.

*They all seem weak? It feels like I could just poof and erase them before doing anything.*

ㄴDecided not to borrow.

(Excerpt omitted)

A report is submitted to the royal family as follows.

Author: Yuri Lanster. No longer an agent.

——–

It feels like I’ve become the head coach of a sports team.

—

With the strategy in place, everything fell into place perfectly, and I couldn’t contain my excitement as I dashed around. Bennett fought well, but surely there were parts I excelled in as well, right?

So I bragged about it. To Akshin-chan.

“Did you see? Did you see?”

“Ugh, I don’t want to hear it. Oh, I really don’t want to hear it.”

Akshin-chan shuddered at my words. I was excited, but honestly, I really enjoyed this. It pleased me to see Akshin-chan in distress over my antics.

I was about to break down which parts of my strategy were good and what contributions I made, second by second.

“Stop calling me ‘kid’ and come over here.”

“Yes.”

Pingvalez called, and I hurried over. She patted the sofa beside her, indicating I should sit next to her, and I quickly plopped down.

At that moment, Akshin-chan looked at Pingvalez with a rather strange expression. After hesitating for a while, she stammered.

“…Did you just call me ‘kid’?”

“Yes.”

Akshin-chan was half-choked with emotion.

“I’m sorry, but I’m a monster who has lived for hundreds of years. You know that, right? And yet, to be treated like a kid, as a hybrid of a clumsy experimental creature—”

“Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be thrown into a succubus’s bedroom while being hit with a 3000-fold sensation? Akshin-chan.”

“…They say birds of a feather flock together.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

In that moment, it felt like an invisible hierarchy was established in an instant. She must have realized that her caste was at the very bottom, and I thought she might be sharpening her anger over it.

“………”

Akshin-chan’s reaction was more subtle than I expected. Did she secretly like being called ‘kid’?

Does she actually have a masochistic side? Now, if she does good deeds, should I reward her by putting her on a triangular wooden horse and whipping her? That seems a bit intense.

“That’s not it?!”

Apparently, it wasn’t.

Anyway, everything was going exceptionally well. The Second Prince and the Northern Duke were secretly assisting, and I was coming up with three or four ways each day to outsmart the Red Flavor and the Cardinal faction.

With the cooperation of good friends, things felt this easy. What do you think? Why not mess around with some outrageous fables? Your abilities? I’ll break through with my friends.

“…It’s a collusion between massive powers.”

…It’s the power of friendship!

——–

Deep within the church.

The flies swarming around the young pope were buzzing loudly, spewing noise in the face of an unprecedented crisis that had suddenly struck.

The tournament was flowing in a direction contrary to their expectations.

“…Why has everything gone awry? We thought that by arranging the matchups, we could pit different factions against each other and everything would go smoothly.”

“I heard the Second Prince and the Duke of the North are not on good terms… Was there some secret discussion? How is it that they seem to be holding their ground, not clashing but conserving their strength…?”

“The power of Redburn is not to be underestimated. They possess some unquantifiable strength as well. Did not one of their priests fall just like that?”

“Damn it! The reformists are even using the ‘Discipline’ to their advantage! Look at that wretched Bennett fighting. What on earth is this?!”

Everything is a mess. Everything!

The cardinals wiped the wrinkles from their faces, tugging at their hair in a display of anger and frustration. They had created this stage, even invoking the power of the goddess. And yet, a crisis?

“If this continues, truly…”

“…If that scoundrel Benjamin were to be eliminated…”

In that moment, all plans would crumble.

They had layered multiple ‘Disciplines’ to prevent the emergence of a hero. A hero must belong to a certain lineage; a hero must properly train with a sword…

The stacked barriers of discipline had effectively blocked the birth of a hero.

Thus, now that the cardinal faction sought to bring forth a hero, the ‘Discipline’ became a hindrance instead. Only those who passed through extremely stringent conditions could qualify as a hero.

That was the reason.

They had pushed for Benjamin, whose reputation was poor and whose abilities did not align with those of a hero. It was simply because there was no one else who could meet the conditions.

This cannot continue.

In the ‘Courage’ tournament, strange individuals appeared, and participants were assassinated, leading to a fool named Finn being selected as a candidate through a farcical match.

In the ‘Faithfulness’ tournament, the great warrior of the North overwhelmed all participants. They had hoped to secure at least one remaining spot for the cardinal faction, but that too failed due to Redburn’s interference.

Two tournaments remained, and Benjamin must be elevated to the status of hero candidate at all costs.

Thus, before they reached a dead end… the cardinals chose to go all in. They concentrated all their power on this ‘Immutability’ tournament!

Redburn, facing similar misfortune, instead used their bad luck to knock down the cardinal faction’s figures one by one!

“Let’s… create more ‘Disciplines’!”

“But, Your Holiness expressed concern. You said the red light keeps appearing. If something were to happen…”

“The goddess is perfect! It’s merely that fragile little brat trembling in fear! And is there any other way?”

“…Indeed. We must plead, for the sake of victory, and for the sake of the true faith in the goddess.”

More. Just a little more.

Swoosh. Swoosh, swoosh.

The cardinals gathered around the pope like cockroaches. Wrinkled hands clung to the throne, pulling at it. Greedy flies whispered in the young pope’s ear.

“Your Holiness, create another ‘Discipline.’ It is absurd for outsiders to ascend to the position of hero candidate.”

From noble mtl dot come

“Your Holiness, let those unworthy be cast down. Please, make your plea to the goddess…”

The young pope hesitated with a fearful expression.

The red warning sign was severe enough for even the young and uneducated pope to sense its gravity. The blinking light and warning sound were heightened. The goddess is angry── that much he could vaguely understand.

So, instinctively, he felt, ‘I think I should stop now.’

The cardinals did not overlook that hesitation. Hands reached out. They pinched and clawed at the young pope’s tender skin. The pope twisted his body in pain, but the hands did not let go…

With tears streaming down his face, the young pope touched the divine liquid once more.

The red warning sign lit up.

[Warning: This regulation conflicts with the existing 128 regulations.]

[Warning: If this action is executed, the damage rate will reach 27%.]

[Advice: The sorrow and pain of the administrator ‘pope’ have been acknowledged. If you find yourself in a situation unfree due to external pressures, please board the ‘Cocoon’ and switch to emergency management mode.]

[Do you wish to execute the action?]

However, the young pope had never learned that divine word. The cardinals had blinded him and blocked his ears, ensuring he functioned solely as a puppet.

Thus, another ‘regulation’ was born. The gears began to turn.

——–

“The wizard Ognil of Redburn has been defeated by the knight Benjamin of the Goddess Church──!!”

Cheers, shouts, and the festive atmosphere lingered in the background.

In the shadows, the Duke of Redburn, who had been sipping wine, furrowed his brow. He was aware that the Goddess Church was up to something.

But even considering that, he believed this match would be won.

The goddess and the evil god are the same. To open the evil god’s power, ‘God’s Toolbox,’ countless souls are needed── likewise, for mere humans to move the goddess, corresponding fuel would be required.

Thus, there are limits to the Goddess Church’s schemes. If they fight with mutual constraints, the one who shows a more refined and sophisticated operation would emerge victorious. Yet.

Expectations went awry.

“…Are they causing a commotion? If the opponent has made an aggressive move, we cannot retreat. Faceless.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Execute ‘Partial Mutation.'”

“Understood. Using the useless one to drop the valuable gem.”

Faceless disappeared into the shadows. The Duke of Redburn gulped down the remaining wine and threw the empty glass to the floor, shattering it. Terrified servants rushed in to pick up the sharp glass shards with their bare hands…

In the midst of a massive fraudulent gambling table centered around the hero candidate.

The Duke of Redburn also placed a raise.