The Failed Swordsman Who Became the Strongest After Spamming the 100 Million Years Button

167. Allen Cell and Political Marriage [18]

Clown-san looked me straight in the eye and said『Grow up』.

(…Perhaps what he’s saying is right.)

Realistically, even if we go to the Empire, the chances of rescuing the president is low.

If you think about it normally, it’s almost zero percent.

After all, the enemy this time is the Holy Ronelia Empire.

It is an evil superpower that joined forces with demons, defeated the Principality of Teresia, and declared war on the whole world.

It will be extremely difficult for us students to rescue the president.

(And if we fail… we die.)

Clown-san is right, I should just grit my teeth and let things be.

We should build up our strength for the future and prepare for the chance of counterattack that will surely present itself someday.

Yes, this is surely the correct and『adult』decision.

However…

(I still want to save the president!)

I want to act『now.』

I want the uncertain『now』rather than a sure future.

Not a『tomorrow』without the president, but I want a『today』where I can laugh with the president.

「Clown-san, please. Please let me see Rain!」I said, bowing my head deeply.

Silence falls in the branch chief’s office, as the hand of the clock quietly ticks away the time.

「Haa… I wonder if this pure, simple honesty is the one that struck Rize-san’s heart.」

Clown-san whispered.「Nee, Allen-san. Why don’t we play a『game』?」

He brought up a proposal.

「…A game?」

「Yes. If you win, I’ll take you to the dungeon where Rain is. Of course, I won’t stop you guys from going to the Empire.」

「Is that true!?」

「Yes, I’m not going to lie. However, if I win, you will have to give up going to the Empire. What do you say? Do you accept this game?」he pressed for my choice, with a serious expression.

(A match, huh…)

Clown-san didn’t try to explain what the game would be.

There is no doubt that there would be some unfavourable rule towards me.

(But still… This is the chance of a lifetime!)

At present, we have nothing to hold onto but『Rain’s information.』

If we let this opportunity slip, the path towards the Empire will be closed.

But conversely, as long as I win the game with Clown-san, a straight path to the Empire will be opened up!

「Understood. I accept that match.」

And the next moment I nodded,

「Okay. So let’s get started right away. Repulse〈Lonely Crown〉!」

He suddenly developed his soul dress.

「C-Clown-san!? What are you…!?」

A tremendous『weight』began to press on my body.

「Like I said. We’re going to play a little game.」

He moved from the sofa and stood at the far end of the room.

「The rules are simple. If you can move me one step from here, Allen-san wins. If you can’t do that, it’s my win. However, the use of『darkness』is prohibited. Well then, let’s get started with the game.」

Clown-san laughed mysteriously and declared the start of the game.

(I see… Overcome his soul dress with just pure physical ability without the use of darkness.)

As expected, it seems that he would not let me meet Rain easily.

I slowly got up from the sofa and took a step forward.

(This is quite tough…)

It’s as heavy as if my whole body had become metal. Even raising my leg was a struggle.

「Allen, are you all right!?」

「This ability is… You used it on『Don Gorg』once before, right!?」

Ria ran up to me worriedly, while Rose approached Clown-san with a sharp look.

Don Gorg – A man who used to serve as an instructor in the Orest branch of the Holy Knights Association.

I remember that when I, Ria and Rose, were attending as『special trainee』Holy Knights, we had a small problem with him.

「Now that you mention it, something like that did happen. Don-san, I wonder where and what he is doing right about now?」

Clown-san looked into the distance, acting as though affected by it.

「Well, let’s put that boring story aside for a moment. Let me explain my ability in simple terms.」he said, and pointed the plain black and white sword forward.「〈Lonely Crown〉is a soul dress that manipulates『repulsive force』. Currently, there’s a powerful repulsive force field acting on Allen-san. To put it simply, he’s now exposed to “ten times gravity”.」

And when Clown-san mentioned his ability,

「T-Ten times more gravity…」

「In such a state, it’s impossible to even stand straight, though…!?」

Lilim-senpai and Ferris-senpai turned pale.

(Ten times, huh… no wonder my body is so heavy.)

I moved against the repulsive force acting on me and looked up. My and Clown-san’s gazes intersected.

「Allen-san, I am going to test your 『resolve』 and 『potential』 a little.」

「I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.」

This is how the serious match between me and Clown-san began.