CH 221.2

Chapter 221.2. Sense Of Crisis Towards The Future

-Masatoshi’s POV-

Only Shin, who possesses the unique magical attribute of the void, can defeat the Demon God.

If he was kept in captivity without meeting the witch or undergoing training, weak as he is, humanity would face a complete annihilation route.

With a sigh, I pointed my finger forward.

[Lovers]

A small magic circle appeared at my fingertips, and a straight line of lava flowed toward the target. The ground transformed into magma, erupting explosively, instantly obliterating the target and even the wall behind it, leaving no trace behind, incinerated by the scorching hell.

The ground turned into a boiling river of lava, and the intense heat distorted the air, causing mirages to shimmer. The hot wind blew, and beads of sweat formed on everyone’s foreheads.

“Amazing…”

“That’s Aguni Masatoshi, the genius of fire…”

“The heat is unbelievably intense.”

“Wouldn’t the Empress find this more amusing?”

Everyone was in awe, shocked by the power of my magic, louder than the imitation Shin from earlier.

I casually brushed my hair and sneered at the fake Shin, or rather, at Taiyou.

“What’s with that weak and feeble magic? It’s laughable as you’re Dukedom’s successor with such pathetic power. I don’t want to be mistaken for a fellow successor of Dukedom. So, what do you say? Let’s duel, and I’ll show you my true strength!”

And with that, I pointed my finger sharply.

A duel to win my freedom from Shin. A nice touch, befitting a novel’s plot.

Taiyou should be proud too, and running away here would damage his position as the next Duke, so he had no choice but to accept.

According to the setting notes, Aguni Masatoshi never lost a duel until now, destined to lose to Shin.

Thus, there is no fate for the Taiyou to lose, and my power is superior. There are no elements for me to lose.

Thinking I’m a genius, I smirked and observed Taiyou’s expression, expecting him to be angry.

However, Taiyou looked troubled, scratching his cheek. Huh? Why isn’t he angry? In a novel, he should be furious.

“Um, do you want something you’d like to win?”

“Huh? No, that’s not it. You were just mocked, right? That isn’t the place to say it’s fine and all?”

Though I expected people around to cheer and encourage him, he was dumbfounded.

Did I mess up something?

“Masatoshi-san, Masatoshi-san. That might be a bit too much. Have you lost your mind so you suddenly propose a duel?”

Stroking my hem, Sena-san said worriedly, gazing at me.

Hehe, did you see that, Taiyou? I’m increasing my likability as Sena-san worries about me. Feeling proud, I puffed out my nose.

“Let me communicate through telepathy.”

“Huh? Sure.”

I switched to telepathic communication and conveyed my genius deductions and the solution to Sena-san. I skillfully concealed Yamiyo’s existence, Yoshiyuki’s impact, and explained how Shin hadn’t awaken his mana but hadn’t been exiled, and kept in captivity. Shin and Taiyou have switched places.

And then, I expected the flow to lead to a duel, but it seems the people around are stunned, so it feels oddly out of place in the novel’s world.

[I see… So that’s your deduction about the fake Shin. An interesting deduction indeed, and it was possible that the answer you got after gathering information.]

Sena-san nodded. Silver particles danced in the air from her silver hair, making her features even more beautiful as I found myself captivated by her appearance.

Sena-san nodded, then leaned in closer to me, almost to the point of kissing.

[Understood, Masatoshi-san. Please leave the negotiation to me.]

[Roger that. So, I need to close my eyes?]

[Yes, please keep your eyes closed.[

I thought she might kiss me, so I tightly shut my eyes.

While I kept my eyes closed, Sena-san swiftly turned towards Shin and gave him a faint smile, as if I knew when the kiss would come, having my eyes half-open.

“Katsuragi-san seems to want to have a match with you here. Just like the one we had with Mi-chan and the others in front of His Majesty the Emperor 2 years ago!”

A power struggle under the guise of the Susano’o Unit and the Holy Knights’ debutante ball. When I mockingly lose as a member of the Susano’o Unit. Shin’s eyebrows twitched, and he started to laugh amusingly.

“…Ahaha, 2 years ago, huh? That’s interesting. So, what are we betting?”

“You can suggest something first.

Sena-san’s smile didn’t waver, but her provoking words caused Shin to stop laughing and squint his eyes.

“In that case, how about this? Since I know there are many girls who like Masatoshi-kun. Can you take them on a date?”

“Sure thing. How about Shin-san gave me the privilege to visit your place whenever I want?”

Sena-san accepted without any hesitation. There was no hesitation or jealousy. I wish she’d show a little bit of jealousy.

“Alright, it’s a deal. How about the duel for tomorrow? I want to prepare myself.”

“That sounds good. Please refrain from using magic tools other than the magic armor and weapons!”

“Understood, Sena-san.”

Just like that, the duel was decided. Sena-san’s negotiation skills were impressive. She must be planning to visit Shin during the night to find him.

On the other hand, I only have one date to worry about. Even if I lose, it will be a breeze.

“Kyaa, let’s do it in order.”

“We have to buy a love potion…”

“Love pills taste awful. How about a love potion instead?”

The girls next to me began to make a fuss.

Huh? So those are Taiyou’s conditions. Could it be that many girls like me?

Wait, seriously? Sena-san, aren’t you tricking me?