Can Even a Mob Highschooler Like Me be a Normie if I Become an Adventurer?

Episode 22 An Adventurer's Skill

『Thank you for the wait! The final game of the three-day tournament is finally here! And whether you cry or laugh, it will be decided here!　Who will take the Lady Vampire as prize?　 It's time for the players to enter! 』

　As I stepped into the venue, I was greeted by an unexpectedly large crowd cheering for me.

　It seems that my fan base had grown a bit in the semi-finals. I spotted my parents and sister in the front row, so I waved to them as I made my way to the center.

『The first to appear is player Kitagawa, a two-star adventurer with a career of only two months!　He has made use of a wide range of cards, from E-rank to C-rank cards, and has survived to this point!　In the finals, he will challenge his opponent with his best members. And against him is——"

　When the emcee stopped speaking, the spotlight shined on the opposite gate. The one who appeared with the cheers of the audience was Kannazuki. He walked in with an unassuming appearance. It was as if the star of the show, the main character, had just appeared.

『Kannazuki, who has won with overwhelming power since the first round! He had only used three D-rank cards. Although he is in the same grade as Kitagawa, there is a career difference of about three years. How will the difference in experience and technique play out?　Let's summon the cards, both players!

Summon!"

　I summoned the three cards that I had used the most in the early stages of my career.

[Race] Coosie (Yuki)

[Combat Power] 300 (125 UP! MAX!)

[Inborn skills]

・Fairy Watchdog

・Group activities

[Acquired skills]

・Loyalty

・Little hero

・Awakening of instinct

・Presence detection

　Her combat power had increased again, now to 300, the maximum. It was close to the initial combat value of a lower C-rank card.

　However, I am satisfied. Because, a max-powered D-rank card is a necessity in this battle.

　I stared at the cards that Kannazuki had invoked.

　The cards he called out were a large lizardman, a bipedal cat fairy, and a little girl in a pointy hat and robe.

　...... Lizardman, Cat Sith, and a Mage? The ranks are D, D, and C respectively....... Not low by any means, but lower than expected.

　I thought it would not be surprising if there were at least two C-rank cards. Was it indeed difficult to have two C ranks, or ......?

　It was the emcee that answered my question.

『...... Oh, it seems that Kannazuki player, who is registered with four C-rank and six D-rank cards in his registration information, is going to challenge the final match with a combination of C, D, and D rank monsters. Does this mean that they are his best members who had been used more despite the ranks? 』

　Ah?　

　I frowned at the words of the live commentary.

Hey hey, is this namepu1?　

　There was a disgusted murmur from the audience.

　And even more indignant were my cards,

“Tch, looking down on us......!”

“Mhmm, not funny at all.”

　My cards were glaring at Kannazuki, and he smiled at them.

"It's not because I'm going easy on you guys. It's just that these three cards are really a part of me, and I wanted to play them in the finals."

"Aan?　What do you mean?"

"These three cards are the memento of my brother who died. I'm technically their master now......, so while everyone else can compete with cards of their own, I can also use these inherited cards to win. Anyone else is free to do so as well."

　I see...... Surprisingly fair, this guy.

　Well, whether it's a memento, or cards given to you by your parents, a card is still a card. ...... I don't mind that way of thinking. Unexpectedly, we might get along.

　As I was thinking this, Kannazuki smiled refreshingly.

“Well, if you still don't feel like you're going to win, then why not use them? If I lost, it wouldn't have mattered. But it looks like I won't have to send out others."

　It was a cheap provocation. Normally, I would have been able to let it slide.

　But today, I couldn't let it go. I could feel my face distorting.

　It seemed to be the same for my cards, and Renge even bared her teeth.

"Hey, Master. Di~dn't he just make fun of us? Did you piss all over him without my knowledge?"

"I don't have any idea. You too, you didn't do anything stupid a while ago, did you?"

“Heh, like I know. Either way, want to see it?　Don't you want to see it?"

'Yeah, I do."

　I want to see that smug face change into a crying face......!

　Even if we didn't say it out loud, our thoughts were the same.

『Then, let the match begin! 』

　The bell to start the match rang.

“I'll kill you!”

　Renka quickly unleashes a barrage of bullets. At the same time, Eliza and Yuki started running.

　In the time the bullets approached, the girl with short bobbed bluish black hair - the mage on the other side - stepped forward. Holding out her hand, she created a translucent wall. The barrage was completely blocked.

　……Intermediate level support magic shield barrier? Mages are magic specialist and have the innate skill of [Mid-level mage].

　Therefore, I'm not surprised that she used a shield barrier, and it does block all of Renge’s bullets ....... After all, she's a pure magic caster, and her spellcasting is better.

“Now it's our turn."

　As Kannazuki said this, the monster with dark green scales along with the bipedal cat with black fur and white limbs attacked.

　A Lizardman was a balanced type that possessed a high level of ability. Cat Sith was more of an attacker with more speed.

“Yuki, the Cat Sith!"

　With that instruction alone, the cards understood that Eliza was in charge of the Lizardman and Yuki was in charge of the Cat Sith.

　The blonde corpse-eating ghoul, whose physical limiter had been lifted, and the large, strong lizard subhuman collided with each other.

　A heavy sound, not quite like that of flesh against flesh, echoed through the air, and Eliza ...... was blown away. She rolled on the ground and immediately leaped up, but the the Lizardman followed up with a roundhouse kick. Eliza defended herself with both arms… but it failed. Again, she was easily blown away.

　This is partly due to the difference in ...... combat power, but is it also due to the difference in physique?

　This... there is a difference in combat power, but is it also because of the difference in build?

With a lizard subhuman over two meters and Eliza with a physique comparable to that of an adult woman, the odds are against her no matter how you look at it.

　Eliza alone cannot handle that lizard.

　Just as I was thinking that, a small figure struck her.

　It was Cat Sith!　It darted around Eliza at a speed that looked like lines to my eyes, slashing at her!

　Why is Cat Sith there?　What happened to Yuki?

　As soon as I questioned this, Yuki rushed in and swung her claws at Cat Sith. The Cat Sith easily dodged

it.

　Damn, she's slipping through with her speed.

　Cat Sith even had spare time to attack Eliza while avoiding Yuki's attack. Of course, the Lizardman was not just watching. While fighting Eliza, it even punched Yuki at every opportunity. Yuki was forced to be on the lookout for the Lizardman, making it even more difficult to catch the Cat Sith.

　Just then, a single light bullet flew toward Cat Sith.

　Renge’s support!　Cat Sith, who had avoided the light bullet, took a distance and was on alert.

　Follow-up light bullets rained down, and Cat Sith evade lightly. But behind her was the Lizardman!　Cat Sith, whose movement slowed for a moment, was approached by a light bullet from Renge. Finally!

　But that moment, a black magic bullet knocked down the light bullet. At first I did not understand what had just happened, but after a beat, I understood. It was the Mage.

　But at that timing, striking down a magic bullet with pinpoint accuracy?　The Mage was a distance away. If she had made a mistake, it would have been the Mage's magic bullet that hit Cat Sith. What a ballistic prediction and precise shooting.

　A ray of sweat trickled down Renge’s cheek as she realized the enormity of the situation.

　What is ...... this? I know Eliza can't beat the Lizardmen. But the fighting power of a coosie and a cat sith shouldn't have much difference. Is it a difference in skill ......?

　Something is wrong with that mage too. This feeling of incongruity I've been feeling since a while ago is ...... it's the ability to coordinate.

　Is this the difference in experience between me and him......?

『Kannazuki player!　He's cornering Kitagawa with his overwhelming power of coordination! 』

『It seems that the Kannazuki player can already use Link. The proficiency is high too, it’s wonderful. 』

『......?　Excuse me, what is this Link?　Is it some kind of technical term? 』

『Oh, I'm sorry. It is a technique mainly used by professional adventurers. If you use a card for a long time, you can get a special connection with them...... a line. We call it Link. you can convey your intentions to the cards without using words, and the cards will also be able to receive the master's senses and understanding of the overall situation. As a result, the power of cooperation increases dramatically. 』

『I, I see... so such a skill existed. 』

　The emcee was impressed by what Shigeno-san had said, and the audience was buzzing with excitement.

　......I see, the level of coordination that cannot be explained by mere training turned out to be such a skill.

　I turned a stern gaze to Kannazuki. He, who had not moved while Shigeno-san was explaining, smiled when he saw me.

“That's why there is a big difference between you and me, more than just our fighting ability. If you understand, will you please surrender?"

“Kuh......"

　Why was it that Kannazuki have confidence while using lower-ranked cards? Now that I knew the reason, I felt a strong sense of intimidation in that refreshing smile.

　...... is this it?　Even if I persist, I can't beat the Kannazuki. It would be worse if I persist and lose my cards.

　Just when my thoughts were turning feeble, Renge muttered something quietly.

"I get it now.......'

"Renge?"

　Renka looks at me with a strong gaze.

"You're not going to surrender, are you?"

"Eh, but... "

　We can’t win at this rate. I managed to swallow those words, but Renge scoffed at me.

"Wellー, If you say that you can't even reach the feet of this opponent in terms of face, wealth, adventuring skills, and everything else, then that's fine."

　The face part is unnecessary, you know, the face. I never even thought about competing with him on that from the beginning......

"But if the reason for surrendering is for the sake of our safety, I will never forgive you."

“Uh.......”

　I flinched as I saw Renge glaring at me with eyes that looked as if she might commit murder at any moment.

"It's our fault if we lose because we're not strong enough. As a card, I'll kneel down and apologize. But if the master loses for our sake, it's different."

"………………Okay, I understand."

　Then, let's give it a try.......

　When I glared strongly at Kannazuki, he widened his eyes.

"Oh? Still going to do it?"

"Sorry, my cards are still full of motivation."

"Hmm... if possible, I don't want to make you lose them. Well, it can't be helped."

　  With those words, Kannazuki became cold and expressionless.

Ugh, he- here it comes!

“Yuki, [Awakening of instinct2]!

"Awoooooo!"

"Awakening of instinct. Nice skill you have, but it has its weak points."

　The Mage moved silently as Kannazuki muttered in admiration at Yuki's roar. A black light that emitted from the little Mage's hand enveloped Yuki.

“The awakening of instinct is vulnerable to psychosis. That was a little careless of you...... Hm?!"

　The guy's expression turned grim when he saw Yuki coming toward him without any abnormality.

　Yuki does not suffer the demerit of [Awakening of instinct] due to the [Little hero] skill. Since there was also Renge who can bestow good luck, it was not so easy to be affected by status ailments.

　Yuki, who has increased her physical ability, jumped at Cat Sith. Just before her claws reach the cat fairy, the Lizardman quickly intervened.

That move, the [Protect] skill?

　The Lizardman used its skillful fighting techniques to fend off Yuki's arm and gave a front kick. Yuki offset the force of it by jumping backward, but it widened her distance with the enemy.

　The Mage’s magic bullet flew in right there. Yuki turned around and took on defensive form. A shadow loomed behind her – the Cat Sith. Yuki also noticed it, but had no time to deal with it. The Cat Sith clawed Yuki's side. The moment Cat Sith tried to land another attack, but Renge's magic bullet butted in.

　Without even a moment to breathe a sigh of relief, Yuki was about to be hit by a roundhouse kick from the Lizardman. Right then, Eliza, using her skill, rushed in. With her [Protect] skill, she caught the Lizardman's blow.

　At the same time, magic bullets of the Mage flew toward Renge, who was left open after covering up after Yuki. She ducked, dodged, dodged, and dodged. She continued to flutter and dance brilliantly to dodge the magic bullets, but there was no chance for her to back up the others.

　With the dizzying changes in offense and defense, I was too busy trying to understand the battle situation and didn't have the time to give any instructions. By the time I tried to speak, the instructions were two or three laps behind. It was no longer at the stage where human words can butt in.

Is this the power of Link...?

　Even while I was gnashing my teeth, despite everyone's efforts, the situation was getting worse on our side by the minute.

　The lacerations on Eliza and Yuki's bodies were increasing, and Renge's evasive maneuvers were less and less successful.

　At that moment, Cat Sith left Yuki’s side. The destination was Renka. The movements were completely visible to me who was at a distance, but Renge was concentrating on the magic bullets and did not notice.

　Before I can say, "Watch out," Cat Sith was closing in on Renge.

　In the slowed-down world, I struggled to deliver my words to her as soon as possible.

　But it was so slow. It is so difficult to deliver a single word. How frustrating it is!

“----Watch out!”

　I managed to squeeze out my voice.

　But the Cat Sith had already leapt toward Renge.

　Its claws, which looked like a bunch of knives, would easily cut through Renge's slender back.

　The moment the scene popped into my mind like a prediction of the future, my brain started to heat up.

　Zap,

A light flashed through my mind———— and I felt something connect with Renge.

“!!!!"

　Renge dodge the Cat Sith, who she should not be able to see. Not only that, but she sent a light bullet to Cat Sith while blocking the Mage’s magic bullets. It was as if her vision has suddenly widened.

　Renge looked at me in surprise. I saw myself through her. She also saw herself through me.

　——I remember this feeling of connecting hearts and minds.

　It was the same feeling I had when Eliza was done in at the battle with the Pied Piper of Hamelin, when I shared my feelings deeply with Renge.

　But it was as if this one was a stronger version of that.

　Is this the Link?

　Renge looked at me and smiled happily.

As expected of my master.

That thought reached my heart.

"......Just now, no way. It can’t be."

　Kannazuki muttered with a grim expression, as if he had guessed something.

　As if to test that, all three of his cards began to move simultaneously.

　While Eliza and Yuki were on the defensive against the increasingly harsh successive attacks of the trio, Renge had time to support her comrades while managing the blows against herself.

　Among my cards, only Renge's movement was noticeably different to the others.

Is this the power of the Link?

　Renge shouted,

"You have to open yourself up to the Master! Right now he's not skillful enough to connect the lines on his own!"

"----Huk!"

　First, it was Eliza who connected me to the line. There was no separation of mind between us, so I just had to accept her and so we were linked right away. Immediately after, the line with Yuki was also connected.

　With me at the center of the line, the girls suddenly became able to hold themselves better against Kannazuki’s cards.

　Eliza intercepted the Lizardman's attack on Yuki, and Renge caught the Cat Sith's movements to launch a surprise attack on Eliza. Yuki evade without even looking at the Mage's magic bullet that Renge missed.

“Ugh, ku......!"

　However, the cost was the burden on my brain. My head was hot. My brain was sluggish, like when I've been up all night cramming before a test.

　It piled up and up and up. My brain was still not accustomed to the sudden increase in the amount of information and how to utilize it.

　And even though they were able to fight better, they were only finally able to defend themselves properly. There was no real potency to overturn the unfavorable situation.

　Our Link was just at the initial stage. I can only share information with my cards now, but I can't give them instructions.

　On the other hand, it seemed that Kannazuki had no experience in fighting against a Link-capable opponent, and he seemed to be having a somewhat harder time in attacking.

　However, as time passed, more and more hits were sustained on our side. It was as if he had begun to get used to it.

"......Huu. I was surprised at first, but I guess there's a big difference in experience. Well, I've been practicing this for a long time. It would have been unpleasant to be overtaken so easily by someone who had just learned it."

"Ugh......"

"Looks painful. It was hard for me too when I first started learning it. I had a fever for about two days. You just learn how to do it, but if you push yourself too hard, you'll have a hard time later on. Why don't you just call it a day?"

"Ugh, guu, kuh, ah......"

　Even a little chat like this comes at me as a blatant strain. Every word he said seemed to reverberate and echo through my brain.......

　Seeing me like that, Kannazuki smiled.

"That seems real bad. Isn't it the senior's duty to let you rest?"

　After saying that, he closed his eyes.

　What?　Why is he closing his eyes? If he did that, he would not be able to connect his vision to his cards...

　My doubts were blown away in an instant. Because the pressure from his monster cards suddenly intensified.

"---Kh!"

　Eliza was blown away by the lizardmen's repeated blows.

“Gah!"

　Yuki was instantly cut up by the Cat Sith.

“Wha......."

　My eyes widened in astonishment.

　This was...... done in a blink of an eye.

　It was as though Kannazuki's will had boosted the cards' movement, resulting in extraordinary actions. Can the Link accomplish such a thing?

　Stunned, I looked at my partners. Eliza was on the ground, her arms and legs crushed. Yuki's green fur was dyed red and her body was shaking.

　Although I could still feel their will to fight from the line I had with them, their bodies were not in any way suitable for battle.

"Hey, Eliza, Yuki!"

　Renge expressed her agitation at the injury of her comrades.

You're leaving a lot of openings. Idiot, focus on the enemy in front of you now, calmness is supposed to be your selling point!

　Before I can get the link to warn her of that, her emotions were directly transmitted to me.

　..................I see.

I cast down my eyes.

　I wonder if the fact that the link connected her to her friends even relayed their pain to her. That was why she was even more upset, because of her affection for her friends.

　While the link drew out the strength of her friends, it also exposed an unexpected weakness in her.

　However. It was. It was too fatal a gap——

"Heuk!　......Gah!”

“Rengeee!”

　A spear of lightning struck Renge. I managed to catch her as she was falling to the ground.

　Looking at her injuries, I almost turned away.

　The lightning spear had pierced the girl's abdomen perfectly. About a third of her abdomen was gone, and the electric shock that had burned her entire body ironically seemed to have stopped the bleeding.

　I immediately took out a middle-grade potion and poured it on her. But it was far from a perfect cure. It was a life-prolonging attempt.

　Renge's plight was passed to the others over the Link.

"■■■■■■■■--!"

　Yuki let out a roar that made the air tremble and rushed toward the enemy. Her reason had completely evaporated, and her body, freed from all her shackles, seemed to have grown a size or two. Rampaging like a berserker.

　Eliza rose to her feet with steam rising from her entire body. Through the Link, her condition was conveyed to me. By eating her own flesh, this comrades-caring ghoul quickly recovered her wounds and strengthened her body. Of course, it won't last long. At this rate, she will devour herself. However, in spite of such a state, she stood up to the enemy.

　The struggle of the cards, which seemed to be burning out their own lives, overwhelmed Kannazuki's cards for the first time here.

　But it would be short-lived. It was just a fleeting, momentary glimmer of a return of light. Kannazuki knew this too, and so he continued to stay on the defensive, not pushing himself too hard......

"........................"

So it's this far, huh?

　I grit my teeth.

It is a, complete defeat.

We can't fight any longer.......

　Soon, my cards would end up self-destructing.

　In the first place, they were too superior in ability.

　Looking back, I realized that guy had taken it easy on me from the beginning.

　I was angry at first, but now I can only be thankful.

　The match that was supposed to be a massacre became a battle, and we gained a new technique called the 'Link'.

　Even my cards were spared from being destroyed.

　All of these were the thoughtfulness of Kannazuki.

I had misunderstood him because of his cold appearance, but if you look at him carefully, he's a pretty nice guy.......

In the end, this is the best I can do.

I'll give him the victory and the vampire card.

　This is the end of my first MonColo.......

[Tips] Link

　There is an invisible line between the card and the master. It is through this line that the damage to the master is taken over.  Link is a technique that uses that line to share sensations and emotions.

　This allows for quick instructions to be given to the cards, and the ability to cooperate between cards will be dramatically improved.

　However, this is only the beginning stage of Link.

　The Link holds many possibilities, and it could be said that adventurers who cannot use or master the Link are merely owning cards.

【Postscript】

Q: Why is Link not generally known to the public?

A:

It is the same theory that applies to the existence of Nen which is not known in the general Sky Arena.

　Our main character did not know about the existence of Link, but he at least knows that ‘professionals can control cards as if they were their own limbs’ and that ‘professionals are overwhelmingly stronger than other adventurers even if they use the same cards’.

　So why didn't they know the word ‘Link’?

　There are three major reasons. One is that the Link is basically a secret, confidential. Link, which allows the control of cards remotely, is generally kept secret because it can be used to attack other adventurers, disguised as a monster attack at first glance.

The TV programs as well, the broadcast with information about Link will be cutout, and if you use the word "Link" on social networking sites, you will not be able to post it as the actual word you meant here.

Then why did Shigeno-san mention that before? He will also be scolded a lot by his boss at the Guild after this.

　The second reason. That's because the number of adventurers who can use Link is overwhelmingly small.

Even if you can't use the word ‘Link’ on social networking sites, you can post something about such a thing that has the same kind of ability. It's like putting words in other people's mouths.

The reason why it is not widely known is because there are not many people who can use it.

Adventurers who are satisfied with being a one or two-star and having a card will likely say, "What is that? I can't use it. It's a hoax, isn't it?”

There are also many who become gladiators without knowing the existence of Link and are beaten to a pulp in MonColo, which people call ‘baptism’ ----(the rest is omitted).

　The third reason. This is the biggest reason. It is...... because, frankly, you can enjoy Monkoro even if you don't know the existence of Link.

Even if you watch real professional sports, you can enjoy the atmosphere even if you don't know the super-advanced skills of the players.

This is the main reason why the MC and the audience did not know Link’s existence. It's like they just thought that how the professionals use their cards like their own hands and feet is due to experience.

　...... I (the Author) had written it appropriately with a behind-the-scenes setting, but I will rewrite it more appropriately later because there are subtle contradictions and too much explanation is lacking within the main story.

　So for now, I (the Author) would be happy if you accept it as ‘the same way how Nen3 is not known in the Sky Arena’.

***

 Notes:

1  (Gaming slang), means: going insultingly easy on an opponent↩

2  Release wild instincts. It improves physical ability in exchange for reason, and at the same time lowers resistance to mental abnormality. ↩

3  From HunterxHunter (manga & anime) ↩