Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (WN) 2018

c109 - Tournament - Finals Part 4

It's the main act. Milim was extremely excited; she was encouraging (threatening) the Lion mask. I heard her say "Do you understand what will happen if you lose?" but whatever could she mean? Perhaps it's better not to know. And with the signal audible to all, the match began.

They stood in the middle, observing each other. The two devils before us were displaying an overpowering presence. And the fact that they did not release even a hint of their aura made the situation all the more bizarre.

.

Karion never doubted his position as a being of strength. Until he was defeated by Milim, that is. But as a result of his loss, he learned that a league beyond his own existed. Thus, today he was observing his opponent with a composed gaze of a true warrior, not the prideful gaze of the strong.

This guys is insanely dangerous.

(Wha... the... hell? What's a devil on par with a demon lord doing here?!)

Normally, Karion wouldn't care about his opponent's strength–rushing in with a smile on his face, ready to accept defeat. However, even though he has delegated his royal responsibilities to Milim, he lived as Milim's shield. "Lose a battle, win the war!" Is not an excuse he could rely on. So, training with these thoughts in mind caused him to increase his powers beyond what he had as a demon lord. After all, he has been used as daily stress relief for Milim during what she called sparring sessions. Of course he'd get stronger from that. Let your guard down and you'll end up in a different world. Survival required him to strengthen his own body. Thus, he became much more cautious, and stronger. And yet, even the experienced eyes of Karion could not see the depths of his opponent's strength.

"Hey, Lion Mask! You do understand, right? Your job is to trash that doll (Beretta) in an upcoming match! I will not allow failure here! As my underling, get fired up!"

Yet for some reason, he felt no encouragement from her words. Large drops of sweat fell from Karion's forehead. What will happen if he loses? There's no need to guess: a hell of a training will await him. So far, he's endured easy mode and normal mode training, but has yet to unlock hard mode. And according to the rumors, there's also the ultimate course "hell mode" which cannot be reached by an average person. If he loses, he will certainly be thrown into it. So even against such a dangerous opponent, there's no choice but to get fired up.

"Kufufufu. You don't look too well. However, I cannot hold back. Since I have joined the battle for the sake of my rank, I must be a little serious this time."

Tch. Tch. Looks like the opponent isn't holding back, Karion thought,

"I, too, cannot lose. My bad, but I'll be going all out from the start!"

He replied. And immediately afterwards,

"Begin!"
Editor note: this must be the signal that Rimuru noted previously. So no, this chapter does describe the start of the match twice.

Souka's command reached their ears. And as if tearing the air around them, a battle cry reverberated through the arena. It was Karion who roared. Covered in white silver bristles, he revealed his magic beast form. He was not aiming for victory while preserving his strength; rather, he sought to win quickly by using all of his strength. Denting the arena floor itself, he released his fighting spirit along with the Byakko-Seiryugeki. A large crack ran through one of the stone slabs on the floor. The depth of the crack testifying to his steps' power. "I got him!" He thought, and confidently slashed the Byakko-Seiryugeki at Diablo's neck. He had just covered 10 meters in an instant to land a fatal blow, while wielding the Byakko-Seiryugeki–a legendary item that could cut through any and all barriers. Half-baked defensive barreirs will not be able to withstand its mighty blade. Karion's confidence came from the fact that no being could evade the coming blow.