My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 76: The Colosseum ④

Episode 76: The Colosseum ④  

(Note: Special for this chapter, dialogues through speaker, faraway voice, or telephone are in ‘……’.)

‘…W-We will now prepare for the third match, so please wait a moment.’  

Despite the announcement, the third match did not begin immediately. And some time was allotted for preparation.  

“What’s this? I thought there weren’t supposed to be any breaks?”  

Rindou was caught off guard by the announcer’s words. He voiced his irritation. But Kyousuke and Ayane both exhaled in relief.  

“Hm? What’s up with you two?”  

“What’s up is, we’re relieved!”  

“That’s right! Believe it or not, we’re tired over here!”  

Hearing their explanation, Rindou tilted his head in confusion. It was because he himself didn’t feel particularly fatigued.  

“Why aren’t you tired, Rindou-san?”  

“Well, even if you ask me that…”  

“…Maybe it’s because of the skill [Resonance],” 

Kyousuke suggested in Rindou’s stead.  

“Why would [Resonance] keep only me from getting tired?”  

“It was just me back at the novice players’ gate. But now Ayane-san is with us too.”  

“…Oh! So the ability of [Resonance] strengthened because the number of participants increased?”  

Realizing what Kyousuke was implying, Rindou spoke. And Kyousuke nodded emphatically.  

“And with Ayane-san’s skill [Group Command] added to the mix, it’s likely that you’ve been receiving a significantly stronger buff compared to Ayane-san and me.”  

“That makes perfect sense!”  

Satisfied with Kyousuke’s explanation, Ayane nodded. But she suddenly lapsed into thought.  

“…What’s on your mind, Ayane?”  

“Well, if that’s the case, doesn’t that make Rindou-san our greatest asset in combat?”  

“Huh? Why me? It’s obviously either the A-rank Ayane or the seasoned veteran Kyousuke.”  

“I agree with Ayane-san.” 

“You too, Kyousuke? What are you saying?”  

Rindou was bewildered by Kyousuke’s agreement with Ayane’s assessment.  

“I appreciate your respect for senior or high-ranking players. But as a player, you need to objectively analyze the situation.”  

“Well, that’s true…”  

“No need to be so defensive. We’re just saying that with [Resonance] and [Group Command] in play, you’re currently the strongest among us.”

While raw physical ability wasn’t the sole measure of strength, when the difference was vast enough, it became a decisive factor. Having fought through two consecutive matches without showing signs of fatigue, Rindou was now undeniably that decisive factor. At least he was in Kyousuke and Ayane’s eyes.  

“Don’t worry; we’re not disregarding our own experience or abilities.”  

“Exactly! We’re not planning on losing in situations without buffs either!”  

Their confident expressions made Rindou shiver slightly. He was energized by their resolve.  

“…Haha, you’re right. I’ll make sure not to fall behind either.”  

“Good! Then let’s spar once we clear this place!”

“I’d like to join as well. I’ve been meaning to test my full strength against you, Rindou-kun.”  

“L-let’s not, maybe?”  

Rindou’s face stiffened slightly as he doubted his ability to leave such a spar unscathed.  

‘Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for waiting! The preparations for the third match are complete!’  

At that moment, the announcer’s voice echoed throughout the Colosseum.  

‘Due to the challengers’ unexpected valiant efforts, we apologize for the lack of excitement in the first and second matches!’  

“What’s this about ‘unexpected valiant efforts’…” 

Rindou muttered irritably but kept listening.  

‘However! From this point on, the Colosseum truly begins! Until now, the representatives were merely slaves, not true warriors!’  

The announcer’s lively tone exuded confidence.  

‘Now, let them make their entrance! The finest creation of our world’s god of creation! The elite of the Elves!’  

With the announcement, their next opponents appeared—tall, slender creatures with dramatically pointed ears. These Elves were strikingly beautiful and possessed a commanding presence.  

At first glance, the Trolls and Dwarves from the first and second matches seemed physically more imposing. But the malice and overwhelming aura exuded by the Elves were on an entirely different level.  

It was clear to Rindou and his companions that achieving another unscathed victory, as they had so far, would be nearly impossible this time.  

“How dare you kill our slaves.”

“Honestly, it’s such a hassle to replace livestock.”

“Perhaps you’d like to take their place as livestock? No, that won’t work—you’re worse than trash.” 

With expressions of absolute confidence, the Elves glared down at Rindou and his group. Their disdain was evident.  

Each Elf held a weapon: a bow, a staff, or a curved sword. Grinning wickedly, they prepared their arms, ready to fight.  

Seeing this, Rindou and his team also raised their weapons. They prepared for the inevitable clash. The announcer’s booming voice filled the Colosseum.  

‘Now, behold the slaughter brought by the strongest race! Witness the spray of bl00d from the challengers! The third match—begins nowwwww!’  

With the starting signal, both sides charged forward at the same time.