Chapter 15: tournament for Power- part 2
.....
Dayama stood on top of the hill looking over the construction of his master's empire to be.
"I hope your ok master shiori...." He muttered calmly observed the others.
...
"What?! Lady Shiori are you really going to crash the ceremony?!" The elf boy's face paled as if she'd said she was about to declare war on a nation
"That's shiori-sama, to you" kuroha corrected.
"And the answer to your question is yes!" Haru smiled
"What?!" He was about to pop a blood vessel with how ridiculous this all was.
"Now let's take back what's ours!" I opened the door wide.
....
"Now as accordingly to the late king's last wish, we shall crow Mr axel gramdel as our new king!" The priest announced
"Anyone who object, please speak now or forever hold your peace" no one spoke up.
"Very well axel gramdel, with the power bestowed upon me, I crown you! King! Of!-"
"I object!" Everyone turned to us as we stood by the door, my phone rised in the air as I yelled
"I object to this!" I said again.
"Are you saying you wish to enter the challenge?" The priest asked
"That's right!" I nodded
"You couldn't beat me so now you're sending you're servant, this is politics min, not some childish game..." Axel frowned.
"We've got it backwards, he's the one serving me. And don't think it's a bit hypocritical to say..."
"What are you talking about?" He queried.
"I mean a con artist working with a foreigner to obtain the throne" I showed him the picture of the cloaked figure.
"What is the meaning of this!" Axel scorwled
I smirked, facing the crowd.
"Let's say hypocritically! Having a human who teamed up with a mystical type species as your leader, the nation is screwed for sure!" I announced.
Everyone gasped with surprise and shock.
"Are you suggesting I cheated?" He gave a sly grin.
"I'm only speaking my opinion, or is did I scratch to close to home..." I smirked
"Very well, I accept your challenge..." He said
"Thankyou. However, your little partner won't be assisting you this time!" I smiled innocently, pointing at someone in the crowd.
Just then, kuro lifted someone's cloak, revealing a fairy, who had a collar around her neck.
"Busted!" Haru points like a kid snitching on a fraud
Everyone gasped as Axel froze, his face paled in horror.
"We'll be playing fair, meaning little miss fairy over there won't lift a finger to assist you"
"Very well, I shall play but I'll determine the game and place. I'll send for you once it's ready." He said
"Thankyou for you cooperation" I smiled gesturing my hands together.
....
"So he cheated after all!?" Eliot was surprised, pleased and dumbfounded.
"Obviously. I had noticed back at the inn" I said eating a cookie without a care in the world.
"So that device can detect magic" he awed staring at my phone.
"Magic sure is incredible, ability to manipulate cards, you won't have stood a chance " I Deadpanned
"I see, but in that case, why didn't we get rid of the fairy?" He asked. I sighed disappointed
"Look I'll dumb it down for you, humans are considered a supreme and populous race, but are easy to manipulate once you've got the right stuff. Other races can use this advantage and manipulate a human into entering the challenge, aiding them to win. Once they have there puppet of a ruler, they'll take over the land" I explained.
"But now that she's exposed, we can make him play a game to which it's impossible to cheat!" He smiled
"Are you stupid?" I rose a brow
He gave a defeated look.
"Now that they believe we're working with another race, they'll only upgrade their magic so no one can detect it" kuro explained.
"Say what?! So what now?!" Eliot panicked
"Don't worry, master has a plan" haru gave a thumbs up.
On one's pov
On a rooftop the fairy was being scolded by axel.
"You got sloppy! And now we've been discovered!" He kicked her in the sides as she yelped in pain.
"So useless, I was so close and now some bitch shows up. No matter, it wasn't completely unexpected, i just have to up my game" axel smirks
Shiori's pov
We arrived at the venue. A large temple surrounded by shrubs and trees.
"Hold up now, aren't you going to tell us the plan?" Eliot asked as walked down the corridor
"There's no need" I replied
"Huh?!"
"Look, the walls have ears so I can't just blab out my plan. Just sit tight and watch " I said.
"Huh?! This may seem like a game to you but to me it's practically life or death! I can't sit idly by and watch everything I love crash and burn to ashes like it's some kind of entertainment!" He snapped
"Ok then....." I sigh as i brought up one finger
"first! This axel isn't going to play fair so saying things out loud is risky."
I brought up another finger
"Second. We're playing fair and square to crush his ego."
" Third. I'm not one of you, if they find out anything about me, were all screwed!"
"Ok?" I explained easy enough for a five year old to understand.
"Wait what do you mean by your not one of us?" He queried
"For someone whose claims to have common sense, you sure ask a lot of questions" I sighed walking ahead, opening a double wooden door.
It led to a balcony, below it was a massive life size scale of a chess game.
"What's going on?" Eliot asked looking around
"Were going to play chess, but not ordinary chess, the pieces have their own will." axel spoke from the balcony opposite from me.
"But they still follow orders, easy right" he smirks
Yeah, too easy. I narrowed my eyes.
"Then I would be your opponent" I stepped forward.
Normally I would have perfer my brother to play with me back that's not going to happen. Also I'm worried kuro would just eat the pieces
"Very well, your team goes first" he smiled.
Everyone knows the one that goes first has a 80% of winning, There's no way he doesn't. I have a bad feeling about this.
"Pawn, move forward by two" the pawn moved on it's own, according to the command.
"Bishop forward!" He ordered
"Huh?, that's not according to the rules, it's cheating!." Eliot pouted
"I told you, this chess is different! The pieces have will of their own" Axel cackled
"I see now. So in this chess pieces mover according to motivation and morale from there leaders " I queried
"That's right! Bishop forward and take out the pawn" He replied.
the pawn was smashed to bits.
But the real question is...
" Knight take the bishop " nothing happened.
Just as I feared, in this game, the pieces won't follow every order. No idiot would gladly march up to his own death, which means.....
"I can't sacrifice any of my players, but how is he able to? ..."
"This is bad! What are we going to do now!?" Eliot panicked
"Shut your whining, sir Eliot, as of now, shiori-sama is in deep concentration, once she puts her mind to do something, nothing can stop her not even axel" kuroha smiled proudly
My eyes scanned throw the board looking for loop holes, just then they widened at the realization
"Better hurry, times almost up!" Axel smirked. Already tasting victory.
I stared at the game flatly, then to everyones surprise, I took in a deep breath.
"ATTENTION! EVERYONE ON THE BATTLE FIELD! LISTEN UP! AS YOUR QUEEN I HAVE THE POWER TO ERADICATE YOU FROM PAYING TAXES!
YOU'LL BE SPARED FROM FIGHTING AFTER THIS WAR. MEANING EARLY RETIREMENT!
AND AS FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE LOVE ONES WAITING, DO NOT FALL! YOU HEAR ME!".
There was a pause of silence before the whole room erupted with heartly cheers, piece all ran into the battle field and destroy other pieces with the adrenaline of someone with nothing to loss.
"What?! Impossible!" Axel frowned.
"Pawns go assist, as for you king and queen, get your asses on the battle field! Your rank doesn't give you a free pass to skip!" I barked orders as he pieces did as told.
"Hey! It's my turn!" Axel said pissed off at the sudden turn off events
"Huh?, in real war what kind of imbecile waits for their enemies turn? I must say, using magic to boost your pieces morale was quite the bold move. I don't know if I should call it an incredibly smart choice or an exceptionally foolish one..." I smirked
"You knew?!" His eyes widened
"Listen up, No matter what you guys plot. I'm always going to be three steps ahead. Now finished it, queen!" Everyone was surprised, staring at the game with new eyes. the queen was right behind his King, slicing his head off with one clean slate.
There was silence.
"And the winner is lady shiori!" The priest announced. axel grumbled.
Eliot stared dumbfounded, she had won. She had conquered the throne now, his dream was coming true! He smiled remembering how his grandfather would be so proud.
"Oi! I believe this it yours," I smiled giving Him back his bracelet. A tear ran down his cheek as a smile crept up on his face.
"Thanks, shiori-sama!" He smiled leaving the girl speechless
"Did You just call me?!" I blink
Outside the building, the gods watched everything, tet in particular smiled at the sight
{Location: melvialine palace}
"With no more competitors, according to the late king's last wish, I crown shiori koromi! As your new ruler!" The priest announced placing a pretty tiara on my head
I sat on my new throne as everyone else bowed down, my followers by my side.
"This feels incredible! Operation save the country is complete."
.......
A few days later
I stood in front of the merchant guild, still feeling awkward for the past few days.
Flashback....
"Huh?! You're a monster?!" Eliot was speechless, staring at my fox ears.
"Duu..." I deadpanned at his bewildered expression. I had made Eliot my ambassador, meaning he'll handle the human kingdom as my voice.
Naturally I thought it would be better to tell him the truth about my identity as well as my mission and the white lotus.
He seemed intrigued but surprised that I was making him an ambassador even after roasting his intelligence.
"I just want to spend to much time handling one place, as well as conserve my identity. Don't worry, I'll explain the solution to every problem so you don't manage to screw us over" I shrugged playing my console
He stared at the ground defeated before his ears perked.
"Wait, you said you're a merchant right? Have you registered at the guild?" He asked curiously.
"That's actually why I'm in melvialine"
"I see, well I hope you pass the test" he smiled
"Thankyou..." Then it processed.
Hold on, test?!
Flashback ends.....
I stood in front of the counter as the receptionist explained.
"Yes for merchant to join the guild they have to take a mandatory test" she said
"What does the test involve and where is the test taken?" I asked
"The test themselves can be taken anytime, first is the written test, for that you can reference the merchant guild manual. Next is the practical test to which you'll be retrieving supplies." She explained
"What kind of supplies?"
"That varies, it ranges from easy thing like mushrooms to more exceptional items like Ignis Magnus crystal.
After you've managed to pass both, they'll ask you to show your finance strength, either by paying monthly dues or loans"
I guess that makes sense, you'll need capital to run a business.
"Please note that if you fail you won't be able to take the test again until half a year"
"I see, can I have a manual, please."
"That would be two gold coins"
That is expensive!
"You don't necessarily have to buy it, most would internship under a trading company--"
"That won't be necessary " I cut her off. I dropped the coins on the counter.
"Um, okay then, here " he handed me the manual
"Thankyou " I opened the book, we eyes widened with disbelief.
What?! What exactly is on this test?!
"My she froze up, I guess that's a normal reaction as the tests are extremely hard" the receptionist thought
"Um excuse me...." I smiled at her
"Sorry but even I don't understand most of it" he grinned
"Oh it's not that, I was asking if I can take the test now" I replied. Her was caught off guard.
"Um, huh?!..." She tensed
In the exam room, I sat on a seat. Memorizing all the legal and illegal merchandise.
The invigilator walked in.
"Thankyou for waiting, please keep the exam faced down until told to begin" the invigilator said placing the exam in front of me before snatching my manual.
"You may begin" he said as I flipped the exam over and begun answering
The key is basically memorizing the goods for sales and purchased as for the calculation, they seems to be a mana blocking device stationed here, so I can't use my language barrier.
But if I translate with brute force, then I can deduce it, however, it's practically for first year highschool students, for a studious chick like me this is no problem.
The professor nodded smugly
"Difficult isn't it..." He smirks
",I'm done!" I spoke as his face twisted with surprise.
"You shouldn't get cocky..." He look through the exam bewildered.
"In all my life, seeing a perfect score on this exam is unheard of!" He clutched his head, frustrated.
L
"But the practical is way harder!" He pointed to a box. I picked out a ball at random.
"Let's see, Ignis Magnus, moonlit lily, zippy rabbit pelts and some cuta fruit, those are the materials you must aquire and bring back." He smirked smugly.
What?!
"You have three days, bring those or something of equal value" he explained
I see. "Here you go! I don't have any rabbit pelts but I do have komori wolves pelt " I smiled casually dropping the items on the table.
He was utterly speechless "impossible, how did you aquire such items?!"
"Some adventurers gave them to me" I lied
"Congratulations, you've passed!" He cried placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Um ok..."
"Be more excited, this is a once in a lifetime that' I'm seeing such a feat!" He whined
"Come back in three days for your certificate" the receptionist smiled brightly.
What's with the change of attitude. I deadpanned as I exited the building.
{Location: Ethereal city}
I kept trying out different things on the blob, from Mana infusion to healing circles, even potions but nothing changed.
"Well this sucks, you seem to have quite the curse blobby" I sighed placing the book down.
I've gained alot of knowledge about alchemistry, however, having an alchemist would be far more handy.
"Ouch!" I yelp, a drop of my blood dripped into the vile of potion I had been working on.
I sucked on my finger to soothe the pain of the paper cut. Turning to the table, I noticed something strange. The potion had changed from baby blue to faint glowing green.
"Huh, that's weird" I picked it up and poured some on blobby. there was a bright light as the rotten flesh was repairing itself, the blob reshaping into a form of a man.
My eyes widened, jaw slacked, face redder than a tomato.
AAA HHHH HHHH HHHH!!!!!!!