Translator: Kazumi
Editor: Silavin
After reaching the 56th Floor, Kousuke put his investigation on hold. Instead, he had secluded himself in the Amamiya Tower Administration Floor, claiming he had something important to prepare. While he occasionally returned to Seichun for events like Kouhi’s recent arena battle, he generally remained focused on his work.
Meanwhile, Peach and Lirica found themselves busy defeating monsters in the Tower alongside Cecil and Arisa, compiling the information they had gathered. However, they too had been forbidden from venturing beyond the 56th Floor. Kousuke had explicitly stopped them. Their restraint was directly connected to whatever project consumed Kousuke’s attention. In essence, they were all waiting for his creation to be completed.
With Kouhi’s arena success, their group’s advancement to the 56th Floor, and the activities of other members, Wolf Fang’s influence had undeniably grown. The persistent obstacle of their small membership had been resolved through recruiting from Crown, and Crown itself was actively supporting Seichun’s operations. The time was approaching to announce Wolf Fang’s backing by Crown, ideally after Kousuke’s group reached the 60th Floor.
Since almost no adventurers could currently reach the 60th Floor, they could afford to be somewhat aggressive in their approach. However, with Kousuke occupied with his mysterious project, they were postponing any announcements for now.
—
Since Kousuke had returned to the Administration Floor, Mitsuki accompanied him, leaving Kouhi alone in Seichun. Despite Kousuke’s assurance that they could return immediately if needed, Kouhi disagreed with his assessment. With Crown’s backing still unofficial, she wanted to minimize any reasons for unwanted questions.
Her caution proved wise, as Kouhi now found herself speaking with an unexpected visitor at the Guild.
“I didn’t expect you to come here in person,” Kouhi remarked, taking a sip of the drink Eku had prepared while studying her guest.
The visitor nodded with a slight smile. “I suppose not. I never thought I’d end up doing something like this myself.”
The person who had come to visit Kouhi was none other than Gianna, her recent opponent from the arena.
Kouhi’s eyes narrowed. “So someone told you to come here?”
“You’re half right and half wrong,” Gianna replied cryptically.
When Kouhi tilted her head in confusion, Gianna elaborated. “It’s true that Carmen and Yana told me something, but nothing from the place you’re thinking of.”
Kouhi had been wary, suspecting that Gianna’s background, specifically the Arena Guild, had sent her with some kind of agenda. She had already heard about accusations being made regarding their recent battle, accusations that both she and Gianna could only describe as false. She wondered if they had come to propose some kind of deal.
Feeling Kouhi’s intense stare, Gianna shrugged. “Well, whatever you’re thinking, it has nothing to do with what I’m here to discuss today, so I’ll be direct.”
After this preamble, Gianna continued as Kouhi remained silent. “I came here today to give you advice and encouragement.”
“Encouragement?” Kouhi tilted her head, puzzled by both concepts.
“The advice is simple. There’s a fool who knows nothing about fighting trying to crush you. Don’t worry about it though; he’ll destroy himself without your help.”
Kouhi’s expression urged Gianna to continue. “As for the encouragement, I wanted to let you know that your next opponent is about to be decided.”
“Is that so?” Kouhi nodded with understanding.
Through this exchange, Kouhi finally grasped what Gianna was trying to convey.
“Oh, you’re not surprised?” Gianna observed.
“I expected as much,” Kouhi answered concisely.
Gianna studied Kouhi with narrowed eyes for a long moment, but when Kouhi showed no change in expression, she gave a bitter smile.
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about. But more importantly, I want you to crush that delusional fool’s pride.”
Kouhi tilted her head again at this sudden declaration. “What do you mean by ending his delusion?”
Since Gianna had made the effort to say such a thing, it was obvious she was referring to Kouhi’s next opponent, and Gianna confirmed this assumption.
“Exactly. He’s a delusional bastard who thinks he’s the best in the world.”
“Is he actually the best?” Kouhi asked.
“I would have thought so before I fought you, but now I realize it was just delusion,” Gianna declared with confidence, looking at Kouhi with a small smile.
Her attitude made it clear who she now considered the best.
“Is that so?” Kouhi nodded slightly.
Seeing this response, Gianna laughed softly.
“What is it?” Kouhi asked, tilting her head at Gianna’s amusement.
“Nothing. I never thought I would feel this way before our fight. Thank you.”
Kouhi nodded slightly in acknowledgment of the heartfelt, if quiet, expression of gratitude.
—
A few days after Kouhi and Gianna’s conversation, Kousuke returned from the Amamiya Tower Administration Floor.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. I’ve finally finished, so we can resume our challenge,” he announced, calling out to Lirica, who was resting in her room.
He held a plate-shaped object in his hand.
“Did you make that?” Lirica asked.
“Yes, that’s right.” Kousuke nodded and began distributing the plate-shaped objects—to Peach and Lirica, naturally, but also to Kouhi. He had already given one to Mitsuki while they were at the Administration Floor.
“I’m giving one to Kouhi just in case. You might need to use it,” he explained.
“Yes,” Kouhi replied obediently, accepting the item.
After examining the plate-like object, Peach asked, “So what exactly is this?”
They knew it was some kind of magical tool since Kousuke had made it, but its purpose remained unclear.
“Let me show you how it works,” Kousuke said, retrieving the card he used to access Gazenran Tower from his pocket and placing it within the magical tool. The card fit perfectly, completely concealed.
“When you cover the card with this tool like this, it will only function as a teleportation gate card.”
In other words, Kousuke had created a tool to hide their progress in conquering Gazenran Tower. Normally, entering the Tower with their cards would record their conquered Floors, but with the card placed in his device, no record would be saved.
While Kousuke intended to surpass the highest recorded Floor, he believed the appropriate time for announcement would be around the 65th Floor. This tool would be used for making further progress beyond that point. He had created it just after they passed the 56th Floor to ensure it worked properly before they needed it.
“I see,” Peach and Lirica nodded as Kousuke finished his explanation.
“Kousuke-sama,” Kouhi spoke up after listening to the explanation.
“Hmm? What’s wrong? Did you notice something strange about it?” he asked.
“No, it’s not that. My next match has been decided.”
“Oh, it’s been decided. Was it earlier than expected, or later? Well, either way is fine. So who’s your opponent?”
“Hartvin. The number one ranked fighter,” Kouhi stated calmly, without any particular excitement.
However, despite her composed expression, it was clear to Kousuke that the moment they had all been waiting for had finally arrived.
“I see. Finally.” Kousuke said, looking at Kouhi before falling silent.
Regarding the actual battle, there was nothing more he could say to her.
With the tools for conquering the Tower now prepared and Kouhi’s match against the number one decided, a turning point in Seichun’s history was undoubtedly approaching.