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“So you’ve been waiting all this time? Until the magic circle reacted?” (Lanpeach)
The magic circle, which seemed poised to open a portal, was being suppressed by the power of the surrounding swords. It was clear that Muramasa had anticipated such a scenario and prepared for it in advance.
“That’s correct. I discovered long ago that a ritual altar was buried in this garden. Since then, I set a magic trap that would teleport me here when the altar was activated.” (Muramasa)
Muramasa responded to Lanpeach’s question with a cold smirk. His eyes gleamed with an obsession so intense it was palpable, radiating with murderous intent.
“Geez, your ancestors would be crying if they knew about these underhanded tactics.” (Lanpeach)
“I married into my wife’s family, so no worries there. I’ve waited over twenty years since learning about this altar. There’s no way I’m letting some bird of prey snatch it away from me.” (Muramasa)
“If your wife found out that you married her just for this altar, she’d be in tears.” (Lanpeach)
“Of course, I love my wife, and I also told her about my objective. The only time we almost broke up was when I forgot our wedding anniversary. I had to grovel and take her to a fancy restaurant to make it up to her.” (Muramasa)
“Man, if you’d just said you married her for the altar, I could’ve beaten you down without feeling guilty.” (Lanpeach)
Failed to persuade.
In situations like this, it would’ve been easier if he’d said he married for the key, but the reality was too relatable, causing Lanpeach to sigh.
Their verbal jabs exchanged, the two readied themselves for a fight. He was sorry for Touka, but it’s game time now.
“But once this is over, I hope you’ll regret facing me from your hospital bed.” (Lanpeach)
Lanpeach shifted his breathing and adopted the god eye view and glared at Muramasa.
Supernatural energy emanated from his body like steam. Muramasa couldn’t sense this power, but his instincts were ringing alarms and his expression grew cautious.
“I’ll put you to sleep in one punch!” (Lanpeach)
Lanpeach -now Michibiki- channeled the power within him and stepped forward. His body blurred with a speed that closed the gap between him and Muramasa in an instant.
“Hmgh!?”
In a flash, Lanpeach was right in front of Muramasa, his fist aimed at Muramasa’s face in a strike meant to knock him out cold.
*Gong*
But the spirit barrier was activated and his fist was stopped by the translucent shield.
Lanpeach had already anticipated this, he followed up with a palm strike from his left hand.
The second strike shattered the spirit barrier like glass, sending a shockwave through the air. Lanpeach was repelled by that, but he used that recoil to deliver a powerful kick to Muramasa’s side.
“Kuh, so fast!” (Muramasa)
Muramasa’s face contorted with shock as he hastily activated a spell.
“[Short Teleport]!” (Muramasa)
“Oh?” (Lanpeach)
Muramasa’s body vanished just before Lanpeach’s kick could land, reappearing some distance away.
Lanpeach quickly pulled back his leg with a ‘woah woah woah’ and turned to face Muramasa.
“Teleportation magic, huh? It’s rare to see. Why are you managing a failing hotel? Is finding this so-called legendary land that important to you?” (Lanpeach)
Teleportation magic is high-level magic only a few mages could master. Even in the game, there would be teleport shops that have mages who would teleport you, but they charged exorbitant fees for their services.
“Mages seek wisdom. It’s not trendy nowadays, though.” (Muramasa)
Muramasa clapped and released mana, his lips curled into a twisted smile.
“You’re more skilled than I expected. But now, it’s time for my counterattack.” (Muramasa)
[Knights of the Round Table]
A holy aura surged forth from the swords embedded around the altar, taking on humanoid forms.
“What?! Living Armor?” (Lanpeach)
[Soldier, I sense a special mana coming from those swords! Be careful! Analyzing Muramasa’s stats!] (Libra)
[Muramasa Tsurugi: Level 5]
Libra analyzed Murama’s level while saying she will be useful this time for sure.
Lanpeach didn’t react to the level that was within expectations, but…
[Knights of the Round Table: Level 6]
She analyzed the surrounding enemies as well, and Lanpeach was shocked by their strength and couldn’t help but groan.
“So they’re not Living Armor?” (Lanpeach)
(Level 6? Level 6!?) (Lanpeach)
The so-called Knights of the Round Table were clad in splendid silver armor with golden designs, connected by blue flames at the joints. Their longswords radiated mana that even Lanpeach could tell was formidable.
“Fuh! I’ll still accept your surrender if you give up now. Will you hand over the key?” (Muramasa)
“No, I don’t plan on surrendering, but what’s this? They seem stronger than you.” (Lanpeach)
Lanpeach glanced at the knights surrounding him, their movements far too fluid and smooth for Living Armor or golems.
“These are my collection, the Swords of the Round Table. Each of the twelve swords houses the spirit of a knight hero from long ago. Even a Star 9 warrior wouldn’t stand a chance against this formation.” (Muramasa)
Muramasa gave a slight bow with an air of superiority., it seems like he is more of a mage than a swordsman.
“Star 9, huh? So you’re saying you’re Star 9?”
“No, my highest rank is Star 7. However, I stopped exploring partway. I believe my power surpasses Star 9.” (Muramasa)
That was probably true. Muramasa didn’t seem to be lying, and he radiated confidence. Lanpeach ground his teeth in frustration after seeing this.
“If you’re afraid, just hand over the key. I won’t chase you down or attack you from behind.” (Muramasa)
Muramasa assumed that Lanpeach was regretting the situation after sensing the difference in strength.
But Lanpeach’s frustration was for a different reason.
[Libra, he’s claiming to be above Star 9. Redo that analysis! Level 5 can’t be right. At least make him Level 6 like the summoned knights!] (Lanpeach)
The reason for his frustration?
[The Boss’s level determines the quest rewards! A difference of one level means 5,000 EXP!]
It was because he wanted the EXP. It might sound petty, but every player would complain about it.
[Relax, this guy’s just a mid-boss, right? The main boss should be higher level.] (Libra)
[Even so, missing out on 1,000 EXP from this boss fight is a big deal! They should compensate me!] (Lanpeach)
[You’re pettier than I thought!] (Libra)
Libra was baffled, but 1,000 EXP was pretty significant. Muramasa, however, didn’t wait for the stingy minor villain who was contemplating how to demand compensation from the game devs as if he were waiting for the apologems**. <When devs apologize in gacha games, they normally issue paid currency. This has been dubbed as apologems in some communities.>
“Seems like you’re finding it hard to give up. But time’s up.” (Muramasa)
Muramasa issued his command with a flick of his wand.
“Knights of the Round Table, kill him!” (Muramasa)
The knights obeyed this order. They drew their swords and charged at Lanpeach, leaving deep footprints in the lawn as they advanced.
“Tch, guess I’ve got no choice.” (Lanpeach)
Lanpeach clicked his tongue and turned to face the first approaching knight. His expression shifted from the playful banter of before to that of a master, exuding an air of confidence and calm as if he were seeing something else.
The knight, eyes blazing like fire through the helmet slits, thrust its sword forward, creating a gale, and delivering a powerful strike that pierced through the wind.
But Lanpeach gently brushed the sword aside as it came forward, diverting its path, and countered with a punch to the knight’s helmet using his other hand. Lanpeach followed up with a kick to its torso as the knight staggered, sending it tumbling to the ground.
Lanpeach avoided a second knight’s thrust aimed at his back with a swift spin and delivered a kick to its side. A third knight swung its sword horizontally, but Lanpeach quickly ducked, sweeping its legs out from under it.
The clanging of metal echoed noisily as the remaining knights halted their attacks, staring at Lanpeach, who smirked in response.
“Bunch of dummies just like the random thugs you find around. You are telling me these are the Knights of the Round Table? What, are they Lancelot, Lancelot, and Lancelot or something?” (Lanpeach)
Despite trying to act cool, the only knight Lanpeach knew was Lancelot. He even wondered if Joan of Arc was part of the Round Table.
Muramasa was astonished by the man who called himself Michibiki. In just a few moves, it was clear that this man’s skills were extraordinary. But now it was time to show his true power.
“My title is King Arthur. Allow me to demonstrate that power.” (Muramasa)
Muramasa poured mana into his wand with a smirk and activated his most deadly spells that have defeated many.
[Legion Up.]
[Legion High Up.]
Red auras enveloped the knights, enhancing their power.
“A spell to boost an entire legion? I’ve never seen those spells before.” (Lanpeach)
“Don’t be too surprised. The true power of the man called King Arthur comes next.” (Muramasa)
[Blessing of the Round Table.]
[Blessing of King Arthur.]
[Holy War.]
A silver magic circle appeared in the sky, causing the Knights of the Round Table to glow with a radiant light. This was Muramasa’s ultimate formation, the Holy Knights of the Round Table led by the King.
“Each of these Knights of the Round Table possesses the power of a Star 9. Do you think you can stand against them? I’ve never lost while using this formation.” (Muramasa)
Muramasa waved his wand, confident of his victory. The Knights of the Round Table that Lanpeach had previously defeated stood up again, swords drawn, and charged at him.
Earlier, their footsteps had been heavy, thudding across the ground, but now they were light and quick, almost as if their armor weighed nothing at all.
Three simultaneous thrusts came at Lanpeach from different directions like arrows. The clashing of metal rang out as the knights’ swords struck each other, and Lanpeach’s figure vanished.
“My apologies. It’s unfortunate, but I’ve spent many years preparing for this. If you must hold a grudge, do so for not coming here as a guest. I might have spared your life then.” (Muramasa)
Muramasa was certain that he had won, but…
“My apologies for not being able to afford a stay at your hotel.”
A voice called out from above, and Muramasa’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Lanpeach had evaded the attack by flying into the air, where he now hovered, his clothes fluttering in the wind.
The other knights quickly pursued him into the sky, their swords slashing as they crossed paths with him. The wind howled, and Lanpeach’s form blurred. He landed gracefully as if nothing happened…while the knights were severed and fell to the ground in pieces.
“…When did he change into spirit armor?” (Muramasa)
Seeing the unbelievable sight before him, Muramasa’s first words were those of sheer disbelief.
Just moments ago, Lanpeach had been wearing a tracksuit, but now he was clad in the garb of a swordsman. Moreover, the outfit exuded immense mana, the likes of which even Muramasa, who had traveled the world, had never seen. It was as if each thread had been woven from pure mana, making the garments more valuable than a national treasure.
“What a coincidence. If yours is the Knights of the Round Table, then mine is the spirit armor of a Sword Saint. Let’s see which is stronger, shall we?” (Lanpeach)
Lanpeach gave a cool smile as he dramatically flicked his cloak.
[Sword Saint’s Garb: Defense 150. Increases Attack Power by 50%, Physical Abilities by 50%, and unlocks the [Sword Saint] skill.]
This was an incredibly powerful spirit armor that couldn’t be obtained in your first playthrough. It is equipment purchased from the colony shop for 10,000 EXP.
[Switching from a tracksuit to armor is so cool, Soldier! From a tracksuit, no less!] (Libra)
[I’ll buy some regular clothes later, so don’t bring that up.] (Lanpeach)
Lanpeach was wearing a tracksuit until just a moment ago.
“Kuh, to think you have such equipment… I’m curious about who you really are, but the true power of the Knights of the Round Table starts now.” (Muramasa)
The knights, who should have been sliced apart, were suddenly engulfed in flames and began to reassemble, standing up as if they had never been harmed. Muramasa grinned smugly at this.
“This is the power of the holy sword Caliburn. How long can you fight against these immortal Knights of the Round Table with their infinite regenerative abilities?” (Muramasa)
“So, all of the Knights of the Round Table wield this so-called Caliburn, do they? Well then, let’s see how far I can go!” (Lanpeach)
Lanpeach didn’t lose his confident smirk even as he faced Muramasa and his formidable army. He grinned as if he was enjoying the challenge.
Dude named Muramasa, after a legendary Japanese swordsmith… Is summoning stuff from the European King Arthur mythos… I… Why. Of all the cool historical stuff surrounding Muramasa… Oh well.
Thanks for the translation!