Rising Of The Shield Hero Web Novel ver

Practice of conflict

The castle garden had become a duel ground.
Torches are lit in the surrounding area, while those enjoying the party look forward to the battle between the heroes.
However, the outcome is already considered a foregone conclusion.
A fight between myself, the Hero of the Shield with no means of attacking, and none other than the Hero of the Spear Motoyasu.
A battle between the Hero of the Shield's party and the Hero of the Spear's party... that's not what this is. It's just me and Motoyasu, one against one.
As one might expect, Motoyasu's personal pride would not allow it and so it became a duel.
Tsl Note: would not allow him to lean on his party
Anyone can more-or-less imagine the result.
The normal voices of people placing bets at such an event cannot even be heard.
There were not only the many nobles who stay in the castle, but also adventurers who fought in the wave.
Normally, there is no way there wouldn't be gambling going on.
In other words, everyone is clear that I am looking at my defeat.
Ren and Itsuki were also on the castle terrace, looking on while laughing.
My defeat, me losing my slave, it seems everyone is looking forward to it.

Shit! Shitshitshitshit!

Every last one of them just wants to rip things away from me without a care.
Even during the wave I was rained on by fire.
In the whole world, all that can be found are enemies who ridicule me.
...fine. It seems that defeat is my only option. But, it won't be for free.
Look out, Motoyasu. My grudge against you can't be suppressed.

King: "Now then, the duel between the Hero of the Spear and the Hero of the Shield will commence! The outcome will be decided when a finishing blow is about to be made or one side concedes."

Moving my wrists around to loosen them and cracking my fingers I ready myself.

Naofumi: "Who will win in a battle between Spear and Shield? The answer to that... isn't so set this time."

Motoyasu shows his scorn by glaring down at me over his nose.
What a joke.

Naofumi: "Well then..."

Motoyasu, I'll teach you how battles aren't just about defeating your opponent.
The surrounding people start arguing, talking about the word contradiction; if a merchant peddles the strongest spear and the strongest shield, which of the two is actually the strongest? It is a word that points out things that don't match up.

Tsl Note: Contradiction is written 矛盾 in Japanese, which is the characters for spear 矛 and shield 盾 put together, hence the analogy. 矛 more specifically means halberd which is the form Motoyasu's 'spear', or long, pointy, weapony thing is currently in

However, this word contradiction I think is a contradiction in itself.

Tsl Note: 矛盾 again referring to spears and shields

After all, what decides the outcome of a match?
It's the same in Shogi and Go.
For example, even if you're holding a losing hand, what will you do?

Tsl Note: not sure about this sentence

Spears are weapons designed to kill the opponent.
Shields are guards designed to protect the bearer.
Expanding on this, if it manages to stop the strongest spear, the shield wins; it did as intended.
Their purposes are fundamentally different, a spear and a shield.

King: "Fight!"
Noufumi: "Uooooooooooooo!"
Motoyasu: "Deriyaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

I run over to Motoyasu looking like I'm winding up for a big punch, while Motoyasu likewise runs with with his spear poised and takes a tentative jab at me.
The distance shrank at once and, as I came within range, Motoyasu grabbed his spear tightly and thrust it at me.
An attack that can come from anywhere is an attack that can't be dealt with.