| Author: Eltria | Original Source: Syosetu |
| Translator: Mui | English Source: Re:Library |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | |
| Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library. |
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Since we had arrived at the arena well before the start of the exhibition match, we decided to spend the time after surveying the place by having a light meal that doubled as an early lunch.
It seemed that the special viewing seats not only came with seating but also complimentary drinks and snacks. We had planned to buy some food and drinks with our pocket money, so we were caught off guard when a female attendant brought over a basket.
“This really feels like the full VIP treatment, huh.”
“We’ll have to make sure to properly thank the Professor.”
Inside the basket, there were drinks, sweets, and bite-sized sandwiches for three, all arranged neatly and elegantly. Given that we were offered such wonderful seats for free, it seemed only fair to give something back in return.
Thinking about what might make the Professor happy, it became clear that completing that report was the way to go. I had already explained from the start that reproducibility would be low, but perhaps I should take some extra care with the blood used to draw the magic formula. Of course, I couldn’t use my own blood, so I decided to consult Melua about procuring blood from a magic beast with high magic power. Then again, since anyone with a Pure Eye could immediately tell that the Blood Grail used my blood, maybe adding just a few drops would make it feel more authentic.
In any case, since I was claiming that the Blood Grail, the magic staff, was a freak accident of good fortune, I needed to reproduce about half of its performance to convince the Professor.
“Ah, looks like it’s about to start!” Alfe called out.
While I had been lost in thought over the magic staff report, quite a bit of time had passed. Turning my gaze toward the arena in response to Alfe’s call, I saw a man with chestnut-brown hair slicked back, dressed in a matching set of white clothes, stepping into the center of the arena.
“That’s probably the announcer!” Alfe said excitedly, pressing closer to the glass at the front. Hom also packed up the basket and watched the scene unfolding below with great interest.
Come to think of it, the event was being broadcast live through an image disk. The announcer was holding a small magic microphone, which seemed to project his voice both inside and outside the colossium.
“Laaadies aaand gentlemen! Thank you all for waiting!”
The announcer called out in a loud, resonant voice. At once, the chatter in the arena ceased, and all attention focused on the man standing at the center.
“We will now begin the Zersteller Exhibition Match! I am your host, Johnny—Johnny Sparrow! A pleasure to make your acquaintance!”
Introducing himself as Johnny Sparrow, the announcer gave a dramatic flourish, sweeping his left arm to one side of the stage with a deep bow, then repeating the motion with his right to the other side, before extending both arms wide and bowing deeply toward the audience.”
Each time he bowed, applause rose from the corresponding side of the audience, and when he completed the final bow, a thunderous round of applause erupted throughout the arena.
“Wow, amazing!”
Alfe and Hom clapped along with the crowd, their cheeks flushed with excitement. The arrival of the host had already heightened the audience’s anticipation for the exhibition match, and the atmosphere inside the arena was starting to reach a fever pitch.
“Now then, everyone! The players are about to enter!!”
Johnny the announcer spread his left arm wide and pointed toward the entrance gate on stage right. The deep crimson curtain hanging over the large semicircular gate—big enough for even Mecha Soldiers to pass through with ease—fluttered aside, revealing the crimson-colored Löwe of the ace team from Canalford Military University, Burning Blaze.
“Everyone knows them—the champions of the previous University League season—Buuurning Blaaaze!!!”
The three units piloted by Nile, Heath, and Amelie entered the arena with remarkably smooth, almost human-like movements. Being the champions of the University League, the three crimson Löwe exuded a sense of vastly superior power and performance. Their joints showed none of the usual mechanical stiffness, and the drive sounds were quiet and pleasant to the ear.
Thanks to the sound-collecting magic device installed near the ceiling of the special viewing area, we could vividly experience the presence of the Mecha Soldiers, and I found myself completely absorbed in observing them.
“Leading the team, Niiiile! Mid-range attacker, Heeeath! And the unsung hero of the University League, the marksman who never misses her prey—Ameeeriiiii!!”
As Johnny introduced each competitor, their fans erupted into cheers.
“They’re so popular!”
“I think Nile’s fighting style might be worth studying.”
“I’m gonna keep my eye on Amelie!”
Judging by the weapons their units carried, it seemed Nile, wielding a sword, was the close-quarters fighter; Heath, with a spear, specialized in mid-range combat; and Amelie, armed with a crossbow, provided rear support.
You could really feel how well-balanced they were as a three-person team.
The three Löwe reached the center of the arena and raised their units’ arms to respond to the crowd’s cheers. Flashes from magic cameras sparkled across the arena, illuminating the beautifully gleaming crimson machines in a dazzling spectacle.
“Hahaha, ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear a few words from the leader of Burning Blaze!”
With a flourish, Johnny the host pointed the microphone toward the unit. Nile’s machine smoothly turned to face the central broadcast camera.
“Doesn’t matter who we’re up against—Burning Blaze will crush the competition!!”
Nile’s fierce declaration sent a fresh wave of cheers and shrieks rippling through the stands.
“Ooooohhh! A fiery victory statement from Nileeeeee!”
Johnny gripped the microphone tightly, his whole body vibrating with excitement.
“But wait—today’s exhibition match won’t be a walk in the park! They’re facing none other than the mightiest of the mighty! Will these undefeated champions be able to defend their pride against the ultimate challenger!?”
As Johnny threw himself back and roared toward the heavens, the blue curtain covering the left-side entrance gate snapped open dramatically.
“Here they come! Give it up for the Mecha Soldier, Selem Salkhhhh!!”
The curtain whipped aside—and stepping onto the stage was a machine clad in brilliant white and emerald-green armor, radiating a commanding presence.
“Th-that unit…!”
Hom pressed her hands against the glass, leaning forward as if drawn toward the machine.
“You recognize it, Hom?”
“Master, that unit is—”
“That unforgettable debut still blazes fresh in our memories!!”
Hom’s trembling voice was swallowed up by the roaring cheers and Johnny’s explosive commentary. I instinctively moved closer to her and pulled her into a protective embrace.
“The unstoppable ace of last year’s Zersteller’s champions, Sylphid—Estea Sidraaaaaa!!”
The colosseum shook like it was about to crack open. Applause thundered in a deafening storm, whirling the entire audience into a frenzy of excitement.
“Estea…”
I couldn’t believe it—the athlete Professor and Melua had been talking about was Estea herself. This wasn’t just a chance to learn a few tricks, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness her full, unfiltered power.
“Whaaaaat!? In this exhibition match, Estea is taking on Burning Blaze all by herself in a completely craaaaazy challenge!!”
Even I could hardly believe what I was hearing from the announcer. Facing off against three Löwe units with just a single customized Löwe… the difference in combat power alone was staggering.
Was Estea really planning to overcome that gap purely through her own skill as an operator?
“Even if she’s incredible in close combat… they’re still the university league champions…”
“Honestly, even I think this might be pushing it.”
Alfe looked genuinely worried that Estea might injure herself before the all-important Zersteller. I couldn’t blame her—I felt the same way.
If Estea had been asked to enter as part of a team, sending both the machines and pilots into a match so close to Zersteller would have been far too risky.
Maybe this crazy stunt was her way of minimizing the risk, by taking everything on herself?
“Does Estea Sidra really have a chance at winning this match!?”
“Estea, please tell us your fighting spirit going into this battleeeeee!!”
“I would not have entered if I did not intend to win. Please, face me with everything you have,” Estea answered calmly.
Hearing her response, I realized I had been wrong about her.
Estea did have a plan. From the very beginning, she had entered this match with every intention of winning on her own.
“Hah! We’ll see if that’s confidence or arrogance—we’ll make you find out the hard way!”
Fired up by Estea’s declaration, Nile raised his sword and shouted.
“Indeed. I’m sure this match will give us the answer,” Estea replied softly.
With a smooth motion, she drew her sword from its sheath. In that instant, the gleaming emerald-green blade caught the light—and for a moment, it felt as if a gust of wind had swept across the entire arena.
Selem Salkh
The sixth-generation Mecha Soldier piloted by Estea Sidra.
It’s a one-off unit specially commissioned by the Sidra family for her exclusive use.
Because it reused the internal frame of the Löwe, there are similarities in their silhouettes, but their performance is entirely different.
During the construction of the machine, the highest-performance parts available were used wherever possible, resulting in mobility and reaction speed far beyond comparison to the Löwe. In particular, extraordinary attention had been given to the aspect of tracing the pilot’s movements; a dedicated control cockpit was even manufactured specifically for this unit.
The completed Selem Salkh1 became a masterpiece capable of fully reproducing Estea’s swordsmanship. Additionally, the machine’s design was handled by an engineer from Canado, giving it a strong Canado-style aesthetic.
Footnotes:
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