When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 183

Episode 183

One strike, two strikes, three strikes. The sky echoed with thunderous sounds.

Jez had deployed Civilian Control – Enlightenment Leviathan – Chaos Gate. He swung the massive gauntlets attached to his hands. Gerald, dressed in his usual military uniform, blocked them barehanded. Every time their fists clashed, the dense remnants of magic power danced through the air, creating a fantastical scene that resembled fireworks lighting up the sky.

Despite the bright daylight, the overwhelming density of magic power from the two Normans was so intense that the brilliance could be seen even from a distance in Foresval.

“Father!! You’re still as reckless as ever!!”  

“And so are you!!”

Meeting face-to-face after a long time, Jez and Gerald exchanged fists and smiles that bordered on madness. It was as if they were catching up on each other’s lives. Having known each other for nearly 20 years, this was their way of reconnecting.

Yet, Gerald’s strength remained as extraordinary as ever. Even though Jez was simultaneously deploying three conceptual armaments, Gerald was still able to fight on equal terms, if not better. Jez could not recall a single time he had ever completely won against his father-in-law in a mock battle. Gerald Norman, known as the strongest human, was certainly living up to his reputation. And Jez was reminded of this once again.

By the way, dear readers, do you remember the following passage from Episode 1?

・　・　・

*A man, formerly a business improvement consultant in his previous life, after being reincarnated in another world, briefly considered going “I’m OP” during his childhood. However, the unexpectedly dangerous nature of this world led him to utilize his cheat-like knowledge from his past life to live peacefully as a bureaucrat—until he was accidentally caught in the act of handling (literal) paperwork by a princess knight, who dragged him to the frontlines.*

・　・　・

Leaving aside the story of the princess knight, who has been a bit out of the spotlight recently, the reason Jez gave up on being OP was right before his eyes—Gerald.

After the sudden Stampede that destroyed Izmirnaia Autonomous Zone governed by the Wist family, Jez’s birthplace, the 2nd Legion came to the rescue. Following that event, Jez Wist was consumed by intense regret. He sought power to protect and prevent such a loss from happening again. He seriously pursued strength for a time. But after witnessing the overwhelming existence of Gerald Norman, he shifted his focus to gaining the means to protect through not only military power but also knowledge and wisdom.

Nevertheless, as he aged, his body became more refined. He never ceased his training in martial arts and magic. With the addition of the conceptual armaments from his irreplaceable friend, he now had all the necessary tools. Could today be the day he surpasses Gerald?

“Victoooorrrr!!!”

Determined to surpass his father-in-law, Jez roared as he charged through the sky. Victor was on the bridge of the Ark Mandjet/Mesektet soaring through the sky. Hearing Jez’s cry, he responded.

“Yeah, yeah. Here we go.”

In stark contrast to Jez’s fiery determination, Victor pressed a certain button with his usual laid-back attitude. At that moment, a gigantic main cannon unit, far larger than any human, was released from the top deck of the Ark Mandjet/Mesektet. It spread its wings and began autonomous flight.

Seeing this, Jez quickly distanced himself from Gerald and closed in on the massive flying unit.

“Hidden truth lurking in the shadow of light. As you ascend, your brilliance dims, leading you into the abyss of nothingness.”

As Jez and the flying unit drew closer, the unit split into three large sections.

“Tear away the veil of vanity, and expose the corruption of truth in the harsh light of day. The mask that speaks of justice crumbles, and the shadow on the throne bares its fangs.”

The central unit docked onto Jez’s back, while the massive cannon units that had split left and right docked onto Jez’s hands.

“Power corrupts, and the sacred is tainted with poison. Oh, hollow crown, now witness your own decay.”

The docked units fully synchronized with Civilian Control – Enlightenment Leviathan – Chaos Gate. A brilliant light ran through all of Jez’s equipment, releasing an overwhelming surge of magical power.

“Bring down the blade of judgment and reveal the path to destruction. Let the sound of the bell announcing the end resound here. Conceptual Armament: Power Corrupts – Osiris.”

Jez was now equipped with the massive support weaponry that had served as the main armament of the Ark Mandjet/Mesektet. He sped through the sky in a high-speed spiral. From the colossal cannons attached to both of his arms, he summoned immense magical blades. He then swung toward Gerald with all his might.

The sheer intensity of the scene captured the attention of everyone, from Victor and the others aboard the ship to the members of the 2nd Legion watching from the ground below. The overwhelming magic power made even those witnessing it wonder if Gerald Norman might be in real trouble this time.

However, as Jez charged at him, Gerald simply smiled faintly.

“Jez, you’ve found yourself a good friend… but you’re relying a bit too much on your tools.”

With those words, Gerald let out a focused breath. With a burst of energy, the muscles in his upper body swelled. The wave of magic that accompanied this caused his shirt to explode off, revealing his well-sculpted physique in the sunlight.

“Indeed, you’ve grown stronger. Your conceptual armament is undoubtedly powerful, and mastering it is certainly a testament to your strength. But…”

Gerald took a deep breath and quietly declared,

“In the end, the only thing you can truly rely on in battle is your own well-trained muscles. Let’s go, Pseudo-Conceptual Armament: Strongest Human – Gerald Norman.”

As he spoke, a violent surge of magic erupted from Gerald’s body, despite him seemingly being unarmed.

The Pseudo-Conceptual Armament: Strongest Human – Gerald Norman is a concept embodied by Gerald himself. The concept was recognized not only by him but by those around him and by the world itself as the strongest human. Though termed a pseudo-conceptual armament, it could be considered the most true to the essence of a conceptual armament.

Jez was slashing with all his might, supported by his friend’s weaponry. He faced Gerald, who trusted only in his own strength, and met him head-on with a powerful punch.

The clash of these two forces created a massive explosion in the skies near Foresval.