The day after the party.

　Marie was holding her knees on the bed.

　She was biting her thumbnail, but she let go and muttered to herself.

'Who on earth is that mob!　Why are you upsetting my perfect plan?

　He had been holed up in his room by himself since yesterday, saying he didn't feel well, but he was self-consciously convinced that the boys he was attacking were in shock at being asked to duel.

''Don't worry. There's no way those five could lose, and besides, that mob looked kind of unreliable and weak, so it's okay. I mean, it's annoying to watch that guy. He reminds me of my dead brother.

　As I muttered that he was really a stupid brother, I knocked on the room and Kyle, my resident servant, came in immediately.

''Hey, hey, wait for my answer!

　Kyle let out a sigh of frustration at Marie's caution.

'I'll be more careful next time.'

I warned you the other day.

　Kyle prepared breakfast quickly and efficiently, and he had no problem looking and working well. However, his personality was a bit quirky.

　That's why he was sold out, and even when he was sold, he was sent back to the slave trading house. That was the way it was set up.

''Today's breakfast is more vegetables.

I don't like that vegetable.

You should eat this much. You're a miserable master.

　He talks to me like he doesn't even think of my husband as his master.

(I thought he was a twinkly character in the game, but he works and is a cute little brother, but it kind of pisses me off that he does this every day. (Well, I forgive him because he's a beautiful boy.)

　Although they'd only known each other for a few weeks, Marie thought it was nice to have a beautiful boy to take care of himself.

　She thought she would have done well in her former world with a man who could do this much housekeeping and who cared for women.

'What happened to the duel?'

　Kyle poured the tea into a cup and then offered it to Marie.

'They've gotten permission to use the arena. I heard that Zirk and Brad had a hard time convincing the academy to let them use the arena, though. I heard from a fellow servant that that guy, Leon, has good grades, but he's in the upper echelon. Everyone said he's no match for them.

Yeah, yeah.

　Then Marie, relieved to feel safe, eats her breakfast.

'More compliments, please. I've had to go around asking my fellow servants about it.'

Oh, thank you.

　I'm my own personal servant who is strangely patronizing in some ways, but I put up with it considering that I look good and can do the job.

(Huh, I'm so healthy. If it were any other girl, I'm sure she would have been dumped in a heartbeat. And I'm the one who allows that to happen, being tolerant.)

　Open-minded me, Marie thinks, thinking about it.

(My plans got a little screwed up, but now I can get rid of Angelica quickly. (That woman, when I agitated her a bit, she offered me a duel, and she's a real idiot)

　Knowing Angelica's fiery personality, he deliberately encouraged her at the party. She approached Julius, and soon afterwards, she showed him how to get close to a different man and hold his hand.

(The rest of us have to prepare for a lot of things during the summer break. I need to collect items in the dungeon and then that thing too.)

　A thing, was a piece of equipment that the hero should originally have.

　Marie knew that it would be the key to the future story.

◇

You look terrible after what happened yesterday.

　I crossed my arms in my room, which had been ransacked, and looked up at the ceiling.

　The Luxion, which had been disappearing, appeared.

　As the sphere descended to my gaze, it projected an image around me as it was.

'While Master was out, the boys got in and vandalized it. The perpetrator is the group that Master belongs to, and there's another group behind him.''

　I picked a fight with the crown prince, so I guess a group of rich people used a lower caste group to ravage me.

　When I came back from the school building, it was a terrible situation.

　In the video you can see Daniel and Raymond being ordered around.

'Those two were made to do it too?

"A fragile friendship.

'You just put your future ahead of your own. I can't blame you for looking at the two of you being ordered around with a dark face. You have a small heart.

　When I agitated Luxion, he got angry and said back.

''I don't want to be told by a petulant master. Also, the betting has already begun in the school with this duel.''

　Looking at the footage, I'm the big hole. But even if I were to bet, I would only make a small amount of money betting on His Highness and the others. Or rather, the bet wasn't even close to being made.

''That's overwhelmingly unpopular,''

'You thought it would be popular?　That said, we are ready to go here. The package will arrive on the day, what will you do until then?'

　I thought for a minute.

"Can you get me 10,000 gold pieces?　No. Would five hundred white gold coins have more impact?　Anyway, one point bet on me. These things have to be fun, right?

''He really is a terrible person. Besides, shouldn't you have interceded without bothering to take the duel?　I didn't even feel the need to stir things up.'

　I paused for a moment before answering.

''So you want me to watch those five guys go out with one Marie?　I'm the kind of guy who takes care of everything at once.

You're the type who makes a lot of mistakes.

'I don't want to be involved for long in the first place. I want to make it quick. And then it's my mood that got me riled up. Mood. I resent that condescending attitude.

...I see.

　Being on campus is a kind of a different world, being isolated from the outside world. It's also the reason why there are unspoken rules that are accepted within the academy.

　To many students, it would appear to be nothing more than a form of quarrel between a duchess and a prestigious aristocrat, led by His Highness. It's obvious who is more powerful.

　However, it's tricky because it doesn't end with just talk in the school.

''Well, after receiving the white gold coin, let's go to the bookmaker's place.

　If you bet this much on me, the students of the school will come out and bet on their highnesses.

　People will think I've earned this amount of money in the dungeon, and it's good to know that they won't be suspicious of me if I'm not good at it.

　I'm looking forward to it.

'Then we'll deliver it right away. Come and get it at the floating island that is the port. Oh, my two friends are waiting for you near your room.'

　I walked out of the room and sure enough, I saw Daniel and Raymond both lying face down there.

　I can't blame them for looking blue.

　Raymond whispered.

'I'm sorry,'

　Daniel looked frustrated too.

'He told me to stay away from you already and we couldn't resist.

　I call out to the two men who are about to cry and walk past them.

Your next dueling bet is on me and I'll make it worth your while. ...I'm sorry, both of you. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you.

　I left as quickly as I could.

◇

　The school cafeteria.

　There were about five boys gathered there.

'What do we do now?　It's not a betting game in a duel.
Everyone is betting on His Highness.
If only the five of us were here at least...

　The bookmaker presiding over the betting.

　I pushed a cart up to the five of them. They look at me and give me a horrified look, but I go on with my story without hesitation.

"You bet me a point on all these.

　When they opened the box, they found a pile of white gold coins that shone stronger than gold. The five of them gasped in front of the pile of white gold coins, which were worth more than gold coins.

''With this many, the bet would be valid, right?　And I'm going to leave this guy right here. You know if you take it away, right?　I'm going to publish the amount of money I've spent.

　They are also students who want to graduate from the school without incident.

　They don't want to incur the enmity of the other students at the school.

　A game that they will definitely win. And if it's a game that you know will be profitable, there will be fools who will bet on it, even if it's unreasonable.

　One of them will check me out.

These are all white gold coins, right?　Ho, you really want to bet all this?

　1.5 to 2 billion in modern times?　Well, that's a lot of money.

　It would be a large amount of money for a student to handle.

'Of course. I'm the guy who conquered the dungeon. I bet all my money on myself.

　The five of them gasped and began to check that they were all real.

'This is going to make some people come out and bet on it.
We need to get the word out now!
We're gonna have a blast this time!

　I'm glad you're having fun.

　A voice comes from behind me.

"Well Balticphalt, I need to talk to you.

　I turned around.

　I had thought it would be my second brother or my second daughter who would speak to me first, but it seemed that Angelica-san was the first to speak to me.

　The place fell silent.

◇

　The place they called me was an unpopular room.

　They rented the place where the boys usually hold a tea party.

'I told him I would use it for a discussion with you and he was willing to let me use it. You must be on good terms with the teacher.

　I didn't think it was the teacher - or perhaps the master - who was being thoughtful? A master who embodied that gentleman would naturally have this kind of concern.

　I was so happy that I started to cry.

''.........Baltphalt, you will withdraw from this duel.''

　Angelica-san tells me to stop the duel with a slightly disheveled look on her face.

''It was decided right then and there, so I can't face that now either, can I?

　I don't care about the face or anything else, but I want to participate, so I'm participating.

　Angelica smiles a small, powerless smile.

'I think you've been beaten up too.　The room was a mess. They plan to beat us thoroughly like this until the duel.

　They're trying their best not to give one victory to ten thousand.

　His Highnesses wouldn't know that.

　His Highness's cronies around him are very attentive. What loyalty!

　But I can't forgive you for putting up a fight with me.

　I'm a small man. And I'm a mob.

　So when I'm hit, I usually hit back.

　Normally, I would just sit back and wait for the commotion to die down, but this time I decided not to cry myself to sleep.

'I have no more power. I can't do a single thing you'd expect me to do.

　I let out a sigh.

'Did your parents say something to you?'

　Her shoulders trembled in response. Angelica-san gripped her arms tightly as she hugged herself.

''Well I was told I was being short-tempered for asking for a duel. But, but I wanted to do something about it. I'm willing to do anything. I wanted to get that woman away from His Highness!　Then my mind went blank. I wrote back and was instructed to stay quiet. I'm done. At best, I'll be under house arrest or in the boonies. At best, I'll be under house arrest or shipped off to the frontier.

　--I suppose it's self-incrimination. You're asking me to pay with my life.

　I don't think that's going to happen.

'You are mistaken. Frankly, I don't give a d*mn about the dukes.

　Angelica-san looks up and makes a surprised face.

''Then why did you come forward on the spot!　Are you nuts?　You're an absolute idiot!　Listen, whether you win or lose in this duel, you're done. Your opponents will be the Crown Prince and other noblemen of great prestige. You're going to be the first to put up a fight, and what are you going to do now?

　I gave a meaningful little smile to Angelica, who gasped for breath as she stood up, and I gave her a meaningful little smile.

'It doesn't matter. I don't need the status and honor of a nobleman. Do you know how you are treated as a lower caste in the senior class?　When you work hard and become independent, you're in a girl's good mood every day. I'm tired of it. Then I figured I'd just punch all the guys I don't like and quit.

Your family will pay for this!

I'm still an independent knight. It's only temporary. Well, I don't live at home anymore.

What's the ramen?

　Angelica-san is nodding her head, but that's not my purpose. It's the same for me that I can't leave the woman called Marie.

You want to keep Marie away from His Highness. I want to beat the shit out of all those people. Now, they deserve to join forces with each other.

　Miss Angelica staggered backwards and took a few steps back.

'Are you crazy?　You're up against some of the best in your grade.

　I have no problem with that.

　This might have been tough if the duel had happened in the third year - or even the second year - but I have a better chance of winning at this stage.

''Don't worry. I'm strong.

'You can't trust me!　Speaking of which, I've heard that many adventurers who conquer dungeons have a few screws missing from their heads. You're one of them!

'How rude!　You challenged me because you have a chance of winning. You're the one who challenged me to a duel in the first place!

'So, I'm telling you it was a bad idea!　I'll take care of it. You will stay in the school. I can't involve you in this... well, it's enough that you came forward at the time.

　It must have looked to her as if I had come to her rescue without loss while everyone else seemed to be the enemy. I'm probably the hero in Angelica's mind.

　I'm a mobster and a little thing myself.

'No, I can't turn back when I've come this far, and I'd rather not turn back because I'm embarrassed to do so.

"...do you realize that you're dealing with Greg and Chris?　Those guys are strong, no kidding.

　That's right. Not only those two, but the other three are also exceedingly strong in their grade. In the school, that is.

'And you, you're betting a lot of money on yourself!

　

　He should have been looking at the pile of white gold coins, but he wasn't surprised in the least. Normally, he would be more hip or astonished.

　I'm jealous.

'What would you bet?　If you bet on me, you'll make a fortune.

No!　Do I look like I'm in need of money?

　This is why the young lady......well, okay.

''The harassment will be over soon. We only have a few days before the duel.

　I was leaving the room.

◇

　The day of the duel.

　The arena in the academy where you can use armor is very large.

　The bleachers are protected by magical barriers and are well secured.

　The school's arena. It's a very good idea to have a good time in the arena of the school.

　As I'm changing in the waiting room, I look at myself.

'It looks good on you. Well, it's a piece I made for the master with the proper materials, so of course it's natural.''

　The suit, which is mainly dark gray to match the fuselage color, is a style of pants or vest worn over the innerwear that sticks to the body.

　The neck area is protected.

'It's not what I was expecting. I demand it be rebuilt.

'We decline. There is no difference in performance, even if the color and design are slightly different. Please bear with me if you don't like it.''

　Does this guy really think he's the master?

　When I put on my jacket and left the waiting room, Olivia-san was waiting for me there.

''--ah!''

　He was leaning against the wall, waiting, and when I came out, he hurriedly approached me. The distance feels very close.

'Oh, um - I can't do anything about it, but I'll support you!　I'll be rooting for you, Leon-san!

　It's a strange feeling, like the main character is rooting for you. He's supposed to be the one on the other side.

'You bet on me?　Then you're dead on. I'm going to make you a fortune.

　I raised my thumb and turned to leave, but Olivia denied it.

'What?　I'm not betting on it. I don't think we should bet on it.

Oh, oh.

　I'm embarrassed to remember that I've spent a lot of money on myself, as I'm told by very beautiful, clear eyes.

　Is this what the power of a hero is all about?

　As the two of them headed out of the waiting room towards the arena, the five people on the other side were already there.

　They had already prepared their prized armor and were showing it off to the crowd.

　It was shaped more like a robot than an armor, and was nearly three meters in size. It's like a power suit, a mysterious humanoid weapon that can even fly.

''Oh~ A flashy coloration!

　Starting with the white armor of the Dauphin's Highness, they were each lined up with fancy ornamented armor in turn.

　When I came out, they all booed at once.

　Looking into the audience, I could also see Daniel and Raymond. When I look at them, they show me the red bills that prove they bet on me without being seen around me.

　If I bet on their highnesses, I get a blue bill.

''Those guys ... well, I'll do my best too, shall I?

　As I came out, Angelica ran up to me.

'Hey!'　Why didn't I get my armor!　You were so confident, you wouldn't say you weren't prepared!

　I look up at the sky, though they're losing their reserve against me.

　The roofless arena.

　The sky was blue today.

'No problem. We're here.

　I point, and I see a black dot in the sky. Luxion, who was hiding in my jacket, tells me in a voice that only I can hear.

'Aroganz, coming.'

　A large box fell from the sky.

　Five meters high. The box, which was four meters wide, opened from the front when it landed in the arena. There was a single piece of armor standing there with its arms crossed.

　The last time I used it, it was for work, not combat, but when I look at it this way, it still has the dignity or style of a battle. It's a perfect piece of armor that I'm sorry I used when I first dug a hole in the floating island.

　But the name. I don't know what it means.

"...what does it mean to be an allogantz?

　I don't know if I've heard that before but it sounds awesome, so it's my personal favorite.

"It's a good word for you.

Yeah. You can be smart for once in a while.

　The dark gray armor was different from the current mainstream smart armor, but it was sturdy anyway. The body itself was larger than normal armor.

　It looked like a rugged robot without any piercing ornamentation, perhaps for real battles.

　If His Highnesses' armor was a highly mobile, slim type, my armor was a heavily armored, dull-looking armor.

　The crowd in the arena erupted in loud laughter at the appearance of my armor.

　The gathering ranged from first to third year.

　Anyway, I got the impression that as many people as possible had gathered for this event on the first day of summer vacation.

　There were thousands of people in attendance, but there were more than enough seats to go around, probably because the capacity of the auditorium was designed to accommodate tens of thousands of people.

　Angelica gave me a questioning look.

'You're going to fight this?　Could it be a lost item?　So you don't think he's strong, do you?　Lost items are just unrepeatable, it doesn't mean they're strong!

　Olivia puts her hand to her cheek and nods her head.

'But it's kind of cute,'

'There's something wrong with your aesthetic. Sure, it's not just rugged, but it's unsuitable for today's combat.

　In this world where offense is more important than defense, moving quickly and taking down enemies is the norm.

　In other words, heavy armor looks outdated and unconventional.

　I prefer the heavily armored ones, though.

You'll know it when you see it.

　I went inside the arena - up to the stage.

　As I walked up to the armor, a purple armor descended into the arena. It was an elongated image, with a number of lance-like weapons on its back.

　From the coloration, it looks like Blood.

　When the chest of the armor was released, Brad's figure was there.

'I'll give you credit for coming out without running away. But did you think you could beat my armor by bringing out such useless old armor?　I had a master craftsman make this armor for me, and the cost of making it alone was a fortune in white gold--

　Ignoring his bragging, he released the chest of his armor.

　Slipping inside, he slips his arms into the holes in front of him on either side. I grab the control stick inside. What looks like a game joystick is in the arm of the armor. When I grip it, my chest is tucked away and my vision is blocked - but.

'Allogants activated.'

　Aroganz activated in response to Luxion's words. In front of my eyes, I could see the images as if I was actually outside.

　The machines inside move to protect the head and neck - the torso and other parts of the body.

　I looked forward as I completed my preparations and saw that Brad was still bragging about his armor.

'He's still bragging about it?'

'From what he tells me, it looks like a drone like weapon that he's carrying on his back. Would you like to deploy this one against it as well?'

No need. Let's start with a flashy one. It's meant to show off this guy's performance, but basically, purple isn't easy to hit.

　The game made me really struggle as it sunk in quickly.

　When Arroganz stepped out, he saw Brad's angry face. He didn't like the fact that he was ignoring the conversation.

　''It's okay I've heard you properly and I know the characteristics of your armor.

''........I'm angry at your attitude.''

　With that, he closed his chest and showed his battle stance, so I decided to take out my weapon as well.

''Let's see, the best blade.''

　Then out of the storage box in the backpack came a shovel. It's a sword shovel, perfect for digging holes mainly.

　It's big because it's for armor, and it's a good size.......but it's still a shovel.

''Huh?''

''Last time, you stored a shovel in the first place.

Bring up the blade!

The master has given me the number one pick.

　This guy definitely knows what he's doing.

　When I held up the shovel, I could hear the crowd laughing - and Brad was furious because he thought he'd been licked.

'You're making fun of me like that!

　The voice of the teacher, the referee, echoes in the arena.

''Both of you, let's start with a duel vow...''

　But then Brad takes a big step and jumps out of the way.

　Such a Brad stabs at me with a spear in both hands. He's aiming for the body. It looks like he's planning to kill me with all his might.

　The tip of the spear was tinged with light from the generation of magic.

　Luxion is impressed.

''It's a wonderful step.''

You are...

　I tried to move the armor, and it worked just as I imagined it would. The heavily armored armor nimbly stepped to the side, and as it was, I grabbed Brad's arm and held it down.

''Ha, let go!''

Yes, calm down. Look, I have a duel vow to make. I've got a lot of stuff to get through, so let's make sure it's done right.

◇

　Angelica broke out in a cold sweat as she watched Aroganz's movements.

　Next to her, Olivia, an amateur with no knowledge of armor, was holding her hand and cheering Rion on.

'Angelica-san, Rion-san seems to be able to do quite well!

　Looking at Olivia like that, she could only nod and say, "Oh.

　I just knew inwardly that it was impossible.

(What was that move now?)　How could such heavily armored armor move so nimbly?　That's impossible. What kind of armor is that? (The more weight you put on it, the more it sucks up extra magic from its owner.

　The weight of the armor is impossible, based on the theory of the armor.

　And the momentary movement is amazing, but it's the power. The power that held Brad's armor down with one arm is impossible.

(That's the armor the Field family got for their heir. This isn't just a few pieces of mass-produced armor. This is real knight's armor. You'll need...)

　The two men in the arena say an oath on behalf of the duel.

　An oath like that of not holding a grudge even in death.

　More than those words, Angelica couldn't take her eyes off of Leon's armor.

　Voices could be heard from around her.

''What. Get on with it.''
I've put all my money on His Highness. That's a lot of money, isn't it?
I borrowed money from my parents too!

　Many in the crowd were hoping that Rion would lose soon.

　Some of the students even went into debt to bet on Julius and his friends winning in large numbers. Both the boys and girls are trying to make money on this opportunity.

　Angelica smiled.

''Aha, ahahahaha!

　Olivia looks at Angelica, who starts laughing, and Olivia looks at her in horror.

''D-Do you want to know what's going on?''

'That's not funny. That man is truly a terrible man.

　Olivia retorts.

'It's not terrible!　Mr. Leon is a kind man!

'Yes. It was.

　Angelica pondered while treating Olivia appropriately.

(But then why did you side with me?　I know you've decided that you have a good chance of winning for sure, but it's a poor idea to side with me in the future. (I know you're not the head that can't see that.)

◇

　Brad was in a hurry.

　In the cramped armor, his breath ricocheted back to him as he exhaled, his raw, warm breath bouncing back.

'What the hell?'

　If you look at the arm of the armor, the place where it was gripped is dented into the shape of a finger. The armor's armor is also strong, but it's protected by magic to begin with. A slight attack won't even scratch it.

　It shouldn't have been able to scratch it.

　Besides - I couldn't move at all.

　I tried to resist, but I couldn't move, and my opponent didn't seem to be overwhelmed.

　Now that we were waiting for the signal to duel, the leeway we had before we started had been blown away.

'If it comes to this, I'll have no choice but to use this guy.

　A spear without a grip on its back - an elongated cylinder is a weapon that can be magically levitated and attacked.

　It was the back of Blood's hand, who had a high aptitude for magic.

　The four spears charged from all sides and stabbed the opponent in a deadly attack.

"Then, both of you--begin!

　As soon as the duel begins, he releases the spear he was carrying on his back and floats it around. There are four of them.

''There is no way you can withstand simultaneous attacks from all four sides--''

　Brad had just uttered that much when a dark gray steel giant was coming up in front of him.

　Just then, I saw him swinging a shovel wide open with both hands.

''--Heh?''

◇

　The violent sound of metal clashing echoed through the arena.

　I charged in as soon as it started, and when I hit him with the shovel, he was blown up to the walls of the arena.

'What power!'

　The overwhelming difference in the aircraft's performance ended everything before the opponent could set up.

　Just by going straight in and slamming the shovel down, the purple pointy hat was driven to the point of being unable to fight.

''I've held it down even with this, though. I admire the armor that works with magic, but that's the only technology to see. It's needlessly ornate and not smart.''

　　Well, since it was created by Luxion, he might be quite concerned about it.

　I slammed into the wall and approached the warped purple armor.

　My opponent managed to move, but I stomped on it.

　I can hear a creaking sound.

''No, stop!　It's hard--help me!

　The opponent's armor was dented, but the shovel wasn't freaked out at all. He might as well just keep fighting with the shovel.

　I ignore Brad's call for help.

'Look, I'm going to crush you. You've got to admit defeat soon.

''Twisting down with overwhelming force.......you are a master. ''It's not often that the word "cowardly" fits you so well.

You're being sarcastic.

'No, it's a compliment. Because cowardice in a game is a compliment. If I don't think I can win, I won't fight. I wish I could be like that.'

　--Yes, I put my name to the duel because I can win.

　With a shovel in my right hand, I carried it on my shoulder and stomped on the purple bastard.

　And while I'm at it, I wanted to punch these guys in the face. The memories of my past life tell me to crush those troublesome bastards.

　As I gradually increase my stomping power, I can hear a strange sound as if the important skeleton of Blood's armor - the basic frame - has warped.

'Come on, get on with it and admit defeat or you'll die.

"Admit it!　I'll admit defeat!

　Slowly raising my right foot from stepping on Brad, I turned around and looked at the arena. The spear that Brad had fired was either sticking or rolling on the ground in the arena.

　The arena's bleachers were silent.

　I looked at the ref.

'Referee, Brad has conceded defeat.

　The referee shouts my name at the word.

'Sho, winner!　Leon Fow Baldfalt!

　The only applause that could be heard crackling was a few people clapping in the large hall.

'You have a few people clapping,'

　Angelica and Olivia would have been understandable, but there were several others clapping as well.

　Among the people that the camera at the head discovered, the teacher, Master, stood tall and clapped proudly.

　.........Master is a gentleman even at times like this.