Chapter 634 - The First Spear
A quick run through the maze was all it took to grasp the situation. It seemed the density of the 'net' in this maze changed depending on the distance to a 'Pillar.'
The farther away, the denser; the closer, the thinner.
As I approached, the number of black iron pillars decreased, and within a twenty-meter radius of a 'Pillar'—where a barrier preventing long-range attacks from both inside and out existed—the ground was perfectly clear.
This implied two things.
First, one could roughly determine a Pillar's location from the density of the obstacles.
And second, these obstacles would probably start moving soon.
I can say this because the 'Pillars' in the Four Pillar War have a specification where, after being destroyed, they respawn at a random location after a cooldown period.
This means that when a new tower rises, it's highly likely that the distribution of the great black iron net filling the maze will also change. I have no way of knowing exactly how it will behave right now, but as time passes, this gimmick will likely become a factor in the battle's progression—
—and so, I continued my running commentary, reporting my observations to my boss.
"—Hmm... At this rate, I could probably just leave the rest to him without any issues, huh?"
I shattered a blue pillar—a Northern Faction 'Pillar'—with a single punch. Amidst the explosive phosphorescence scattered as its remains vanished, I watched the ninth beacon rise in the distance and stopped the legs that had been working at full capacity just seconds before, muttering to myself.
Just over three minutes had passed since the start. I had scored six pillars, and Kanata had scored three.
I'd managed to maintain a double score to show a little senpai pride... but the 'Pillars' in the Four Pillar War aren't something you can just snap in half one after another in a matter of minutes, by any conventional measure.
In other words, Kanata had already thoroughly demonstrated his capabilities as an exceptional runner to allies, enemies, and spectators alike. The opening was more than just a success.
Furthermore, with the physical and mental endurance he'd rigorously trained, I could trust him to continue rampaging spectacularly.
Excellent. I couldn't ask for a more reliable junior—which is why.
"Sorry Goldow, a delinquent-looking guy picked a fight with me right away, so I'm taking a break from running."
'...Well, that's what I expected—so, any problems?'
"None."
'You said it. Don't go turning into a clown, [Acrobat].'
"Didn't you say that last time, too?"
There was no further reply, only the sensation of the war-time exclusive «Telepathy» skill cutting off in the back of my mind. He's being pretty brief, isn't he? I'll take it as a sign of trust.
Well, if I don't pay him some attention soon, a 'spear' might come flying... I turned back to face the reason I had stopped—or rather, the reason I'd been forced to stop.
"...Look at that confident face. You've gotten even cheekier than last time, haven't you?"
"Hahaha. Just like last time, I'm choosing my opponents, so please forgive me, my senior."
"That's what I'm sayin' is cheeky, you bald-headed—"
"Hey, I'm not bald. If anything, this avatar has more than enough hair, you tiger bastard."
I'm still having trouble getting used to how heavy one side of my head is—but that aside.
In stark contrast to me, who had cleverly woven through the 'net,' he must have charged forward, pulverizing everything in his path. The guy was standing amidst a pile of crushed rubble.
Since I'd been enjoying my high-speed hurdles, I hadn't tried it myself yet, but I see. Unlike the walls, it seems players can destroy them... but that's also beside the point.
With a crown of black and gold fangs on his spiky hair, a tiger-striped blouson, and a black cross-spear in hand, just like a repeat of last time, the one who appeared before me as I was cruising along was...
"Still, to come charging in all by yourself... Did you miss me that much, Tracky?"
"Who the hell is Tracky—I told you, it's Tiger ☆ Lucky, you dumbass."
Northern Faction (Nortalia), Rank #7, the [Great Tiger], Tora-kichi.
He was the spear user I, the [Acrobat], faced in my public debut, and like Irori, he's one of the precious few guy friends I can fight without holding back.
According to him, his name is 'super cool because he's a Tiger, a Star, and Lucky,' but don't let the weird name fool you. He's a hardcore martial artist powerhouse, just as strong as anyone in the East, if not stronger.
"Geez, you're knockin' down pillars left and right again... —And what's with that? You finally got so stupid you learned how to clone yourself?"
"'So stupid'... Well, who knows? If you're that curious, why don't you go and see for yourself?"
"Hah, you're right. Then I'll just be on my way."
"…………"
"…………"
The butt of his black spear tapped the maze floor with a clack.
The tip of a crimson spear of my own whirled, slicing through the air with a high-pitched whistle.
A sharp gaze pierced through me, as if to say 'You're not looking down on me, are you?'... Ah, of course not.
My title is [Acrobat].
I don't choose my tools. I'll put on a show all the same.
"Come at me—whether it's with a sword or a spear, I'm not the same newcomer I was back then."
"...Hah, you really are—you just can't help but provoke people, can you...!!"
It was like a ritual where we both just piled firewood on the flame.
At the end of our taunting, the same kind of smile bloomed on our faces. As if we couldn't care less about the world broadcast, we both let our vicious fighting spirit show—
""—Go to hell!!!""
We pushed off at the same time. The crossing black and crimson, once again,
announced the grand opening of the festival with a tremendous clash and a shower of sparks.
By the way, one of them is an unbelievably beautiful girl with white hair and blue eyes (1 cm shorter than Sora-san).