Pawahara Seijo no Osananajimi to Zetsuen Shitara, Nanimokamo ga Umaku Iku Yō ni Natte Saikyō no Bōke

[I Will Become Even Stronger]

Why did Arcadia knock out the guys who were supposed to be her own companions?

To me who was skeptical, she softened her sullen expression and said, “Well, don’t be wary like that. I have no intention of harming you.”

Seeing her up close in person made me realize that Arcadia was a very beautiful girl.

While Elma had a look that was universally accepted beautiful, Arcadia’s beauty didn’t lose out one bit against her.

If I had to say, Elma was a cute beauty, whereas Arcadia was a beautiful beauty.

“What are you playing at? Aren’t these guys your companions?” Anyways, I asked Arcadia what her real motive was.

Then, she said while laughing scornfully. “My companions? I don’t remember ever becoming friends with low-lives like these guys.”

“But aren’t you registered for the match as an adventurer of Gunfleet Firm?”

“Ahh, sure I am. But I’m fine with anyone. Anyone who can make me a spear that can withstand my strength, that is.”

After she said that, I took a look at the purple spear that Arcadia had in her hand.

From my amateur perspective, it looked to be of superior quality. “So what is your purpose? Why did you help us?”

“Why of course, it is to fight you at your full power. Why else?”

“No, what do you mean to fight me at my full power…” Was she really saying that she went against her employer’s intention for that reason?

I really couldn’t make heads or tails of what she was thinking.

“You don’t have to believe it. I did it out of my own will, after all.”

“…I see. So, if you can’t stomach someone, even if they’re your client, you won’t show them mercy.”

“That’s right. This is why I like men who are quick on the uptake.”

“Well, thanks. But is it okay? I don’t think the Firm will accept this quietly.”

“So what? I’m Saintess Arcadia. If they have any complaints, they can try make me obey them by force. Though, I don’t think there is anyone in this world who can beat me.”

“I-is that so…”

I wondered…

I wondered if saintesses were all presumptuous people…

When I was thinking about that inwardly, Arcadia said with leisure on her face. “But you have a lot of potential, Flame Swordsman. I’ve never seen your way of fighting before. I think I’d be able to have an exciting fight if it’s with you.”

“Yeah. With a ‘saintess’ as an opponent, looks like it’s gonna be dangerous if I don’t give it my all.”

“Fufu, what are you saying?”

“?” I tilted my head at Arcadia who immediately began to laugh, wondering what was wrong.

Then, Arcadia said like a matter of course. “Whether you give it your all or not, there’s no way you can beat me, right?”

“……” Damn, I really want to break her nose right now…

That was what I thought as I looked at Saintess-sama who was a little too confident of herself with half-closed eyes.

◇ ◇

Then, the day of the final match.

While salute of guns echoed in the clear sky, I confronted Arcadia in the center of the arena.

I knew Arcadia told me I couldn’t defeat her yesterday, but naturally, I had no intention to lose.

It wasn’t because I was a little irritated by her words andbehaviors, but because I wanted to win this tournament for Leia-san and Fio-chan, in the first place.

I didn’t forget my original purpose.

That was why, when I regained my composure, I once again vowed to fight for them before I came here.

Why, Arcadia would calm down a little if I won, anyway.

It was hitting two birds with one stone.

“First of all, I commend you for coming without hesitation.”

“Right back at you. I was quite a persistent child growing up, so prepare yourself.”

“Fuh, rubbish. Then I’ll have you learn with your own body that your persistency means nothing.” Hum hum, swinging her spear casually, Arcadia got ready to fight.

Naturally, I also pulled out Hinokaguzuchi from the sheath on my waist and took the single-edged sword quick-drawing stance.

Then.

――Gooon!

““——!””

Together with the signal to start the match, we both kicked off the ground.

◇ ◇

“Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

――Clang!

“Uo!?” Should I say, as expected of a saintess?

Her strength, speed, and judgment——were all at high level.

No wonder she was overconfident.

“Oraa!”

“Naïve!”

――Slash!

“Guhaa!?”

Roooll, I rolled on the ground.

Anyway, she was so skilled was to the point she was even instantly able to deal with the irregular attacks of Hinokaguzuchi.

She was clearly an absolute strong person unlike the opponents I had faced so far.

This was the power of a saintess who had the 《God Spear》 skill, huh.

“…What’s so funny?” Arcadia suspiciously knitted her eyebrows and asked me, who was trying to raise my body.

Apparently, I was smiling without knowing it. “No, it’s just I’m happy, you see.”

“You’re happy?”

“Yeah. ‘Cause I’ve never met a strong person like you.” Flames began to overflow from my body. “And ‘cause, I can still become even stronger!”

――Blaze!

“Wha!? That shape…!?”

It must be quite a surprise for her.

Because Arcadia was solidified in astonishment.

That was natural.

After all, the weapon I had in my hands was a long-handled weapon that could be held with both hands.

Yes——it was a ‘spear’.