Part 1
"Over 7 billion players online now! Moving towards a future of
infinite possibilities – Create a story that is truly your own!"
... Reality.
From a broader perspective, our precious lives are but a game.
Just hearing that attractive slogan makes us want to imagine
being part of it.
Exactly as the title states, the game called "Life", is truly an
epic game that lasts for a lifetime.
Game start.
First, you cooperate with your parents and automatically begin
the process of character customization.
After receiving blessings from your father, mother and many
others in a touching opening cutscene, you can finally begin
controlling your main character.
Even though the controls take a while to get used to, you
eventually learn them, and you are thrown into a hub of social
competition – school.
The realm where this game takes place in – Earth.
We were thrown in a corner of this gigantic map, and faced a
massive sandbox game. We saw the slogan and were instantly
hooked, but we quickly noticed –
-- "We were tricked".
Infinite possibilities – Well, this statement may not be false.
But the catch to this game was, no one told us that we could do
things our own way.
Disadvantages were caused by insufficient character levels,
experience points, funds and not to mention spawn location.
Seemingly endless shackles ruined the freedom allowed in this
game.
However, we continued to work hard.
Trusting in the fanciful slogan, we constantly fell down and
picked ourselves up.
We truly believed that we possessed infinite potential.
So, we engrossed ourselves in raising our levels, farming
experience and earning money.
Despite our complaints about the unfair conditions given due to
the "Talents" or "Qualities" and other skills we received during
random character customization, we did not give up, but relied
on "Effort" to increase our experience points, endlessly
working hard – That's the kind of game "Life" is.
This really is a story that motivates and touches the heart, isn't
it?
- But, that has no meaning at all.
No matter how high your score is, you will never be able to
beat this game.
This is because even though your level, experience points and
funds have reached the cap, you will still suffer – in this case
being ostracized.
Why?
- Because of putting in "Too much effort".
Because even if it is something acquired by "Effort".
Others will still claim it is completely unfair.
When you own "Something that others do not", they will
undoubtedly claim that it is unfair.
Because of that, we were "Punished".
Receiving punishment from seven billion other players,
shackles were imposed on us.
At this point, a thought flashed through our heads –
- Does freedom truly exist in this game?
No matter what choices we made, we would still receive
criticisms from society, other players or from god-knowswhere.
Even if we accepted the criticisms and continued on with the
game, as long as we once again wished to achieve success, the
same fate would befall upon us.
Looking back on it all, we realized –
Our actions were not carried out upon free will.
The path we have walked, was only a pre-regulated path built
according to a combination of the wishes and commands from
others.
When we realized were merely – "Walking a path built by
others"...
Our suspicions were only confirmed.
No mistake about it, this massive scam called "Life" was no
doubt a massive and vast sandbox game.
The thing is – The players were not ourselves.
So we unconsciously lowered our heads and looked down at
our hands.
- Looking at those hands bound by infinite but yet
infinitesimally small ropes, our suspicions turned into
confirmations.
So we unconsciously surveyed our surroundings.
- Looking at the others around us bound by infinite yet
infinitesimally small ropes, our confirmations turned into
understanding.
As long as we shook our heads, we would hear creaking noises,
which was when the gamer siblings realized.
All the players were actually puppets. Everyone was adhering
to the countenances of others and fulfilling their preset role in
this game called "Life". Just like puppets in a puppet show –
Just like NPCs.
So, after you've considered the above, let me just ask one
question.
"For what reason are you living?"
- Is your answer to this question, truly based on your own free
will?
- .........
- This is the world as seen through the eyes of a <>
(NPC)>.
The did not question this truth in the ten years since
the game began.
The soulless did not feel anxious nor worried when
faced with that truth.
Just like , we only look upon the faces of
others, and make requests to though we are
not even sure if they exist.[1]
All it prays for is that the tricks would one day bring about
some sort of benefit to mankind.
- Until that day.
Part 2
Elven Gard – Tillnog County, Lower Miguel
This was merely a district within the territory of the faction
with the largest amount of land, stretching three continents and
52 states.
Located southeast of the capital, close to the kingdom of the
Dwarves – Harden Fell.
- It is the city of those who were born in and would receive the
blessings of the forest, the elves.
The architecture found there was completely different
compared to the Imanity's – Elchea.
In the center of the city lies a "Heaven Tree" – With one
branch stretching up and beyond the clouds, an unbelievably
large tree towered, with its roots tangled at the forest floor like
blood vessels, expanded by the elves to form a network of
roads. Houses and street lights tangle and merge with the
stumps and vines growing from the earth, filling the cracks and
bumps between the pavements.
That fashion of architecture was completely unlike flattening
forests and reclaiming land to build "buildings" made of brick
and stone.
This could only be done through well-practiced and potent
magic, truly a "Living City".
Within the streets that were one with nature, there lies a
particularly large mansion.
That is the residence of the mayor – Ron Barter.
At that time, a young lady was passing by the the gates that
were embroidered with rosebuds.
She had a mane of silky golden hair with a few curls.
A pair of pointed ears signified an Elven heritage, and the ruby
on her forehead produced faint streaks of light when struck by
the sun's rays.
The person coming out to receive the girl was a man that
looked as if he had just entered old age, similarly had pointed
ears, and was dressed in clothes clearly meant for higher
echelons of society.
"Welcome, Miss Fii, or should I call you Miss Nilvalen?"
The girl known as Fii replied gently in a diplomatic voice,
"I don't mind what you call me, Barter, for I have not
officially inherited the position of the head of the family."
The man - Barter hearing her reply, curled up the corners of his
mouth into an evil smile.
He stepped back, spread out his arms, and invited Fii into the
mansion completely made of flora.
"To allow a young maiden to travel so far just to visit my
humble home, I offer my sincerest apologies."
"Fufu, your talent for flattery sure has not deteriorated in the
slightest, I see."
"I never thought you would say something like that. I may be
old, but I believe my ability to appreciate beautiful flowers has
not been lost.... Despite the fact that you are nothing but an
ugly weed compared to my garden, of course."
"A flower that is being appreciated can still bloom, you know.
Oh, I should also mention that the time it takes to do so is the
same as well~"
While the two of them were walking, their smiles did not
diminish even by a fraction, however during the entire trip,
they did not look at each other at all.
Barter led Fii into the main hall.
In the center of the hall, decorated by various flowers and
plants, laid a table and two chairs.
As Fii sat down, Barter took a seat on the other end as well.
"This must be extremely boring for both of us, so let's get
straight to the point."
He jumped right into the main issue without beating around the
bush.
"For this round of senatorial elections - Nilvalen, may I
request that you withdraw?"
Barter addressed Fii by her family name directly, as though it
were a command instead of a request.
- Despite the fact that Fii had said she didn't mind what she
was addressed as – There was an unspoken rule within the
circle of nobles in Elfen Gard, which was....
Addressing someone directly by their family name was akin to
an insult.
However, Fii maintained her composure and continued smiling
with not even a twitch of the eyebrow.
"Is that all?"
"Of course not, I also request that you personally recommend
me for the elections, officially under your family name of
Nilvalen."
"Oh~ so that's how it is."
"Yes, the election deposits and earnest money would also be
your responsibility. Another thing, a close friend of mine, Sir
Castor Lesto desires your Golden Dragon Bone Harp, as long
as you give it to him, he will recommend me for this round's
elections."
"Hmm... that's my family heirloom, you know! Previously,
an entire city was traded in exchange for it –"
"That is what I heard as well, I'm sure he would enjoy this
gift very much."
The corners of his mouth twisted once again, revealing a
cunning smile.
His eyes drooped downwards, with his line of sight directly
fixated upon her large and supple breasts.
"I won't force you to make the decision right away of
course, so why don't you stay over tonight. We need to sit
down nice and proper and have an 「all-night」 talk regarding
how our relationship should proceed from here? Hmm?"
"No matter how a person's outward appearance is decorated,
the personality will remain the same you know?"
Fii replied, almost failing to hold back her laughter.
"Essentially you want money, land and women right? In this
current age, I would imagine that even mountain bandits would
have more reasonable demands."
"That is because they know their place as small fries. Don't
you think that a person of my position and caliber deserves to
request for correspondingly important demands?"
"I completely disagree, but if you want to think that way, then
it's your own decision~?"
Fii continued to maintain the smile on her face, then replied:
"So, you think I would accept that kind of request, are you
drunk or something?"
"Haha, compared to being drunk, I prefer being intoxicated
by the beauty of flowers. You should have known I would have
these kinds of demands, but you still came here, didn't you?
Anyway – "
Barter snapped his fingers once.
As she sensed an Elemental Gallery being accessed, a tea set
with steam still billowing out of it appeared on the table.
A piece of tissue paper as though dancing through the air,
gently landed in front of Fii's position at the table.
"... As the current vice-congresswoman, you actually
attempted to liberate the slaves – If you're not afraid of me
exposing you, you could always refuse the deal? Sounds good
to you?"
Hearing the threatening words spoken by Barter, Fii continued
smiling nonetheless.
She merely inspected the piece of paper on the table
wordlessly.
The content written on it was simple, merely a record of Fii
and her group's affiliation with the act and also evidence
regarding the matter.
If the laws regarding slaves were removed, the society of the
Elves would not be able to remain stable, thus her actions were
likened to a crime.
If this list were to be exposed to the public, it would not be a
surprise if Fii and the others were convicted with treason –

"Since you've already dug up so much information about us,why don't you go ahead and expose us?""I personally believe in free will, and only do things thatwould benefit me personally, what good would it do me if Iwent ahead and exposed your little tricks?""So you're using this to threaten me instead? Freedom reallyis the best, isn't it?""Threaten? There you go again with such strong words... Iam only offering suggestions to a silly woman. I will train youproperly, so how about you kneel down and beg like a dog forforgiveness? Hmm?""I appreciate it, but no thank you – How about we get straightto the topic here?""Hah, you really can't wait, can you? Hmm? – Fine then."After Barter spoke these words, he snapped his fingers yetagain.A complex-looking magical formation appeared out of thin air,and a deck of cards materialized from the center of it."The game is 「Oracle Cards」– I trust that this does notneed explaining?"Oracle Cards.A game popular among the Elves, where twenty-two magicalcards are used for combat purposes.- It is also a dangerous game used to settle disputes.For someone with weaker magical ability like Fii, it would be adisadvantageous duel.By the 「Ten Oaths」, the challenged party, Fii, had the rightto select the game. But then –"So, let us now decide upon what each of us are willing tobet."Fii carefully answered her opponent with her line of sightdirectly fixated upon him, her expression ever unchanging.Both were deciding the requests that would be fulfilled underthe absolute authority of the 「Oaths」."Well then, I want all your personal rights – and you willbelong to me for the rest of your life, if I win, of course.""We want you to forget everything related to our efforts, andassist us unconditionally to any extent."- This was a reasonable demand.If Barter were to acquire Fii, he would acquire everything toher family name and also her virginity.On the other hand, Fii's demand was for him to relinquish allhis evidence that he could use threaten them, and also to drainhis personal savings dry as revenge by acquiring his services."No problem – but for a third-rate thug like you, it's best thatyou don't think about winning too much, you know... Whenimagination goes overboard, it becomes fantasy you know?""Your obvious attempts at bluffing are really entertaining,hmm? Does the disgrace of the Nilvalen family really think shecan beat me?"After a brief exchange of taunts and loaded glances – Bothparties immediately swore on the pledges.「「 Acciente 」」As though corresponding with the spoken word, the spells caston the table were activated, and the game began.Barter and Fii were both given twenty-two cards each.Their cards automatically hovered in the air at fixed positions,shuffling themselves at an angle where the opponent wasunable to see the card's face.After, both would draw cards of equal amount and type, thenbattle face-to-face.- This was the game known as 「Oracle Cards」.The simple game played with tarot cards then began.- When both parties of the game are elves, cheating with magicis almost impossible.Because both parties are able to detect each other's spells andElemental Galleries, if any party attempts to use magic to cheat, it would be impossible, thus Elves particularly enjoyplaying automatically controlled games powered by magic likethis.Among which, this game known as Oracle Cards, wasparticularly popular for its entertainment value and for itsvictory conditions."Set two cards down."Fii spoke one simple sentence, and immediately two cardsdisappeared from the deck floating in the air.At the same time, those two cards materialized on the tableinstantly in a face-down position. Barter smiled, and said:"Set two cards down."This time, it was Barter's cards that landed face-down on thetable.Both would use the two cards they had each drawn to decidethe victor of the match.Barter then uttered, rather impatiently:"How about we reveal our cards?""Fine~ now then-"The two competitors simultaneously spoke a single word.「「 "Draw" 」」Immediately after the word was uttered, both their cardssimultaneously flipped over.In an instant – the surrounding air seemed to have implodedupon itself, as massive amounts of energy were drawn out ofthe Elemental Gallery.The cards Barter drew were 「Strength」and 「The Chariot」.The combination of the cards was known as -「Fame isPower」.Fii's cards were 「The Fool」and 「The Lover」.「Love is Insanity」.The cards belonging to both parties began to emit a bright light,and semi-transparent images began to materialize in front ofthem.Barter had summoned a fully armored knight that immediatelydrew its sword and began its attack.And the figure that was summoned from Fii's cards wasinstead a half-naked maiden with an expression of exquisitepain.The maiden moved gracefully as if she were a dancer, grabbedthe knight's neck and softly spoke a few sentences into his ear.The knight raised its head as though it was very troubled – thenturned his blade in the other direction.He turned around while carrying the maiden, and slashed hissword towards the one that had summoned him instead -Barter.- Created by the seventh most powerful among the「Exceed」, and the most adept with magic, the elves.This was the game of cards that could only be created throughthe harnessing of that magic.The 「Return Seal」 spell that was triggered on the cardsharnessed the mindless violence emanating from the knight andredirected it towards Barter.His response to this was – Muttering a few words, stretchingout his palm, and instantly conjuring a defensive shield.Two magical formations appeared from thin air, to block thesword of the knight.An extremely large noise echoed throughout the room, and ajet of bright light burst forward.Large amounts of spirits exploded and burst through the entirecourtyard progressively, then disappeared.Despite bearing such a powerful counter-attack, Barter stillappeared to be unaffected."Actually using a combination to reflect my attacks since thebeginning, it appears that even the cowardly weakling is afraidof being injured, hmm?"Fii likewise replied with an unwavering smile."Avoiding risks in the first hand of cards is a perfectlyreasonable strategy, you know. And I would feel frustrated aswell if the victor was decided instantly in that fashion.""Hehe, that's exactly the reason why others can't put up withyou.... Using that sort of tricks in games, you clearly don'tunderstand the style of play, so how about I teach you a lessonabout the methods that are up to standards truly befit for one ofnoble descent, hmm?"Essentially, this is a game of 'Oracle Cards' (Magical TarotCards).- This was the ultimate duel game played by the seventh rankedrace, the Elves.Both participants have the same twenty-two cards, and everyturn two are drawn to form a combination.Combinations not only consist of raw power, but also possessdifferent affinities, and the losing party will suffer an「Attack」 of power corresponding with the ability of thecombination used.And those attacks can only be blocked by the magic of theplayer.Used cards will be dumped into the graveyard, and after elevenrounds – meaning after all the cards are used, both parties willbe given the option of surrendering or continuing the game. Ifthe option to continue is selected, both players will be givenanother twenty-two cards and restart the duel – as long as one party is unable to continue the game, then victory will bedecided.There are a total of two hundred and thirty-one combinations –predicting and countering each one of them would be animpossible feat.Hence the key to victory would be 「Dodging attacks」.- Also a test used to gauge the standards of aspiring Elvenmages.Those who are able to 「Quadruple Cast」 would be only thebest mages, despite Barter being incapable doing so, he wasstill a very capable 「Triple Caster」.While Fii, on the other hand –" – You are only barely capable enough to 「Double Cast」even after using that kind of runic magic and the support soulgems used by beginners. Do you really think that with that kindof standard, you, the disgrace of the Nilvalen family, cantriumph over me, hmm?"- No doubt about it, in this game, victory is decided by the skillof one's magic.The amount of spells that one can cast simultaneously – alsorepresents the strength of one's magic and the times one hasused it.Fii that could barely reach the standard of a Double Caster, towish of defeating a Triple Caster like Barter, would be animpossible feat.However Fii merely laughed nonchalantly. "Yes, of course I dothink that way! You're already becoming this cocky even onlyafter blocking this first attack. How about you land a hit on mefirst before you act so savagely, hmm?"Then, she glanced upward momentarily.The movement of the spirits had not ceased, and the secondfloor of the mansion was visible from the central courtyardwith petals still flying about from the aftershock of theprevious explosion.Fii glanced through a window on the second floor – a girl withblack hair and clothes – the shadow of her 「Partner」 walkingwas visible, and the corners of her mouth faintly had a ghost ofa smile.No doubt about it, this magic game had absolutely no room forthe Imanity who could not use or detect magic.As long as they took a single hit, they would definitely lose,thus it wouldn't even be considered a game.But – images of two people flashed through her mind's eye.A young man and a little girl wearing expressions of pride andcondescension, but at the same time carrying a hint of sadness–- Why do you insist on taking on the opponent head-on?Also –"The game ended before it even began, you know?"Part 3"...Cheh, that bastard Barter."Observing the duel taking place in the central courtyard fromthe second floor with a bird's-eye view, Barter's butler, Fritz,rudely swore.- From his master's deal, his ulterior motives were obvious.Grasping his opponent's weakness, forcing the opponent into agame she couldn't possibly win, and win over her personalrights.As long as he were to defeat that woman, the house ofNilvalen's vote, power, money and of course the one thingmore precious than gold – breasts, would all belong to him.Despite Barter's expression being generically villainous andcomposed, he was almost certainly thinking of what he woulddo after he achieved victory.He most definitely was thinking how he would enjoy thatmassive pair of breasts in bed at night.How could he be so certain? Because he who was standing inthe blind spot of the woman, helping Barter block the「Attacks」 from her cards, was also thinking of nothing butgigantic breasts.Also the most important things related to women were herbreasts, looks, butt, waist, and legs, and not to mention thesewere only accessories as compared to her breasts for accompaniment, valued just about as much as the napkins onewould receive at a restaurant for lunch.Her intelligence? Her skill with magic? Those were completelyunimportant.- Essentially, Fii was exactly Fritz's type of girl."Ah, to meet in a place like this, it really is a coincidence.Barter's butler... Your name is Fritz, right?"" -?! You are Nilvalen's –"Fritz desperately turned around, and was staring at a blackhairedand black-clothed Imanity... Nilvalen's slave.'Her name was Kurami I think,' Fritz thought while renderedspeechless."Cheh, you flat-chested woman, don't simply approach me."Just being spoken to by a pitifully flat-chested Imanity wasalready bad enough.Also he had no time to entertain her words.Because he had more important things to do, those being tosimultaneously assist Barter and enjoy the view of Fii's chest –and as the flat-chested one probably couldn't read his innerthoughts, she continued to speak in a calm tone:"To meet in a place like this must also be the doing of fate,how about you 「Challenge me」 to a game?""... Watch your words, you lackey. At least let your chestgrow three times bigger before you talk, you inferior being."Hearing the words carrying condescending, insulting andinfinitely other meanings, the girl still maintained the smile onher face."Words... huh? How about something like –"Her glance immediately sharpened. "I wish to expose you andBarter's cheating – what do you think about these words?""... I don't know what you're talking about.""You were thinking of saying Imanity aren't capable ofdetecting magic – right?"".........."While remaining silent, the flat-chested girl instead shook herhead as though acting in a play."That definitely is the case, for example... Note that this ismerely an example. For example, for a Double Caster to defeata Triple Caster would of course be difficult, but not impossible,but if you assist Barter in deflecting her 「Attacks」, then thisgame for you of course would be a 「Guaranteed Victory」;and I who of course have no ability to detect magic would beunable to prove it, thus my master – Fii is in a lot of dangerhere.""........"However – the flat-chested girl chuckled while covering hermouth, and continued:"Actually I have no need to actively expose you. Because youwill admit it anyway.""... What?""I'll say this again, do you want to 「Challenge me」 to agame? Because if you refuse –"The girl revealed a cunning smile, and produced a smallgemstone. "You have been using Barter's funds to produce「Highly concentrated magical potion」, and have beensecretly selling it to the Dwarves – the neighboring country, Iwill report this to the police and ruin your reputation – what doyou think of this phrasing?""What-!?"Fritz let out a cry that sounded as if it were a wail.Understandable, of course.The gemstone that Kurami was holding in her hand, wascoincidentally the potion he was selling – a prohibited product."Compressing and liquefying spirits then absorbing them toincrease the amount of spirits in one's body. This is a potioncreated to boost magical powers, but it also has side effects –no, it should be mentioned that it was exactly because of theseside effects that result in massive amounts of people abusingthis drug, and thus it was banned."And that side effect was –"The adrenaline rush and feeling invincible after an overdose,is just like those acquired from drugs.""......!""You should understand the situation by now right? Quicklychallenge me to a game, or else you will have no otheroptions."Kurami spoke with an unbelievably sinister and cunning smileon her face, and Fritz who was looking directly into thatfrightful expression couldn't help but twitch the corners of hismouth slightly in fear.It's impossible.Just end it here."... Ugh!"No, I must endure it, I can't do it yet, must not laugh yet...!Laughing at a pitiful flat-chested girl who thinks she possessesan advantage despite only having a bit of information, wouldbe too shameful!Fritz turned his back toward the flat-chested girl, and hisshoulders were shaking uncontrollably.Don't I look like a man that has no other options and has trulybeen pushed to his wit's end? – Stupid, this whole thing wasunbelievably stupid.This duel was instigated by Barter challenging Nilvalen.He adopted a close-one-eye attitude towards Nilvalen'sschemes in attempting to free the slaves and used it as acondition for the game to force her into accepting unfavorableconditions, and to grasp an even more decisive victory, he evenmade Fritz help secretly.But – he recalled a sentence the super busty one (Fii) had saidpreviously...- I would feel frustrated as well if the victor was decidedinstantly in that fashion...( - So essentially speaking, their target from the start was notBarter, but me instead.)Fritz struggled to hold his laughter in, as he realized that Fiiaccepting Barter's challenge so easily was also part of the plan.In a situation where his hands were tied in assisting Barter,even a young Imanity girl could force him into a corner.That sort of dirty tactic should have been obvious to spot.Also he himself should have predicted that something like thiswould happen.Him smuggling and selling magic potions, and that Fii andKurami would come into contact with him during the duel, allthese things were already notified in advance to him by Barterhimself.Why? Because they had went to discuss the matter with himinitially.- Your butler has been committing such crimes, and you are hismaster, so as not to damage your reputation, we plan to secretlymake him admit to everything by himself, thus we seek yourassistance in this matter.They created this situation, just so he would fall into their trap.(... That is definitely what they had thought of – It's just toolaughable!)What these two had not realized is that, the person that theyhad sought assistance from, Barter, was the ringleader of thesmuggling ring.Barter would not sell him out, because as long as Fritzconfessed, not only the smuggling pipelines, but even evidencethat Barter himself was the ringleader would all be leaked out.Thus he had pretended to cooperate, and planned to acquire Fiifor himself in the process.Barter himself had come up with the plan, and chose his ownmansion as the venue that the entire course of events wouldtake place. Since the premise was that the plan was a secret,other than this flat-chested slave, no others had accompaniedthem.- It was too easy.So the Imanity with the pitiful chest and the busty Elf with thepitiful brains – the two that had attempted to frame him, endedup being trapped in the spider's web instead."... You are really unexpectedly stupid, to let even an idiotunderstand, I shall attempt to explain this again."The flat-chested girl's voice was like a jet of ice-cold water,sprayed at Fritz who was still trying to control his laughter."You have no other options, so do you want to play a game,or have your life ruined? Do you understand?"Hearing this hilarious challenge, Fritz clenched his teeth andheld in the urge to laugh uncontrollably, then raised his head.His line of sight left the courtyard, and instead he turned tolook at his opponent.Fritz tried his best to act calm, and sat down at a table locatedat his side."... Fine, however I am bored as well, so just end thisquickly.""What a coincidence, I cannot let this game drag on due tomy partner, so let's just play a simple game."The flat-chested one sat across from him."Here is a perfectly normal deck of cards." She drew threecards and placed them on the table.The cards were the Ace, Queen and King of Spades."King trumps Queen, Ace trumps King, Queen trumps Ace."As she said this she laid the cards face-down again, thenshuffled the cards multiple times on the table."We will each draw one card in its face-down position, thendraw our cards to decide victory. I'm sure even an idiot likeyou will be able to understand this?""-Hmph, so what is your demand?""Isn't that what you should be stating? Or do you want to justbeg for mercy?"The flat-chested girl laughed in an insulting manner, anddespite feeling angered by her actions, Fritz conceded to herrequests just the same."... Then I request the destruction and forgetting of theinformation 「You both」 have acquired regarding thesmuggling.""Fine, then I request that you 「Confess」 and 「Testify」,and not leave out a single detail."Hearing her request presented in a warm tone, Fritz's browjumped slightly.Her aim was – for him to confess all the details related to thesmuggling, and cheating by interfering in the game currentlytaking place in the courtyard.So, these two stupid and pitiful women may be foolish, butthey had thought out their own interests before coming here, asif they hadn't fallen into their trap from the start...."- Fine, 「Acciente」.""OK, 「Acciente」......"- Draw.While maintaining the card he had drawn in a face-downposition, Fritz used a tiny bit of magic.(So you think I cannot assist Barter and use magic at the sametime?)And the opponent was merely the shame of Nilvalen.Fii Nilvalen – The most incapable existence since the foundingof the House of Nilvalen.Even graduating from school – 「Towering Alabaster Trees」[2] proved to be too difficult a task for her, if not for the runicmarkings on the back of her hand and her forehead, shewouldn't be able to even Double Cast, being anunderachiever; on the other hand, Barter could Triple Cast, andhis opponent was a stupid busty woman overconfident with theillusion that it was a false competition, even if he leftmomentarily, what could go wrong?- Using the spell known as 「Perspective」, he saw that hiscard was an 「Ace」.Sadly he was unable to see through his opponent's trick beforethe game had started, however this was a game suggested byhis opponent, and cheating was to be expected.He confirmed that he couldn't feel the presence of magic, sothe only cheating method a species like Imanity would becapable of is – Did she mess with the deck when she shuffled,to control the card that she would draw?No matter, the only card that the flat-chest could beat him with– would definitely be a 「Queen」.The predetermined cards were only three.Even if he turned his 「Ace」 into a 「King」, as long as theremaining card was flipped open, his cheating would berevealed.But, if that happened, all he had to do would be to 「Usemagic to swap the images on their cards」.Even if she messed with the deck during shuffling to controlwhich card she would draw, but that action itself would becheating.Also, even if Fritz used magic to switch their cards, Imanitylike Kurami that cannot detect magic would be unable to proveit.- She would be thinking something along the lines of this.(You puny species (Imanity), do not underestimate me.)He used the bare minimum force required to use his finger totap the tabletop so it would not produce any sound.In an instant, the spirits that flowed across the table told himthat the flat-chest's card was 「King」.Essentially speaking, she guessed that her card would beswapped with his – and intentionally picked a card that wouldlose against him."- After all, it is the 「Shame of Nilvalen」 and her slave...How naïve."Fritz at this point didn't bother concealing it anymore, thenburst out laughing."A dumb busty woman is better than a smart flat-chested one,women's vitamins rather than being sent to the brain, would beeven more of value if they were transported to their chests.However – if one is both dumb and flat-chested, then it's areally incurable case.""... It appears the rumor that character cannot be developedwithout having it from birth is true."The flat-chest wrinkled her forehead in displeasure.Fritz cleared his throat slightly, as he did not need to doanything besides let his opponent fall into his trap."So, can we flip our cards now?""Fine, then it will be your loss."They flipped over their cards simultaneously.Fritz's card, as expected, was an 「Ace」.And the flat-chest's card was –- A 「Queen」."... H-How could this be - !? This is impossible!?"Fritz kicked away his chair and yelled.How could this be possible? Impossible, it shouldn't be thisway – hearing Fritz's howls, a smile appeared on Kurami'sface.- It was a gentle smile. Yes, spreading on her face like the sun."... Heh, it was different from the card you peeked at, are yousurprised yet?"- After the pitch of her voice changed, Kurami's body appearedto shimmer."Magic, should be used only after you detect who you'reusing it on, you know!"The black-haired girl disappeared as though she was a mirage,and instead turned into a girl with a mane of blond hair, whichwas to say –"You.... You are Nilvalen!?"Fii who had previously taken on the image of Kurami, returnedto her original form."Yes, I am Fii Nilvalen."Fii smiled indulgently, with the shape curling up into asideways half-moon."You were saying compared to my brains, my vitamins hadall went to my breasts right...? Then I have a question for you,in the case of you, where did your vitamins run off to – thegrowth of your thing down there doesn't seem that goodeither."In an instant, spirits scrambled over Fritz's body, inspecting thecondition of his body, and Fii smiled until both her eyes werebut tiny slits."Both the top and the bottom are not being used adequately, Ireally feel sorry for the vitamins that you have absorbed, youknow!"But Fritz did not take particular notice of her insults – He lost?Lost to Nilvalen!?"You do not need to be this bewildered, hmm? Despite beingboth small and short "down there", there will definitely bepeople that will like it... But if your brains and appearance areboth lacking, then I really have nothing to say~?"- Then – t-t-then!?"... Impossible! Then the one currently dueling against Barter– who is it!?"Part 4"Kurami~ I'm already done on my part~"Fii Nilvalen stretched her body out from the balcony, andwaved towards the courtyard.Instantly – the body of Fii Nilvalen that was currently in a duelagainst him – no...The one that was merely imitating her appearance – took offher veil, returning to her normal appearance.The black-haired and black-clothed girl that appeared in herplace – Kurami Zell, took a bow gracefully."- Thank you for your cooperation, Sir Barter.""... No, no, my servant has been doing illegal things behindmy back, I have to take responsibility for not realizing earlier,um."Upon seeing the Imanity female that had bowed deeply, Barterhid away his shock, and spoke with a wrinkled brow."No, but this is different from what we had agreed on earlier?Hmm? You both agreed with me that this would be carried outin secret... I had not heard that there was another accomplice."When she heard Barter's question, the girl exclaimed "Hmm?"and tilted her head in confusion."If I may speak, if there were any uninvited intruders in yourmansion, you would have detected them before anyone elseright?""Um, uhm...."That was the truth, and Barter had nothing to say in return.The mansion only had him and Fritz, Fii and Kurami, andnumerous other helpers in it.It was his own mansion, as long as there were others inside, hewould have detected it, as within the mansion there werenumerous spells of this capability.Not to say that he intentionally utilized this advantage to carryout the duel in this venue, but –Then how did this female Imanity, carry out the duel with himpreviously?The black-haired female chuckled and said:"According to the deal, only the both of us came.""Yes, yes, forgive me for being rude... Then, then this gamewill be considered null and void, so let's end it now, hmm?"- Not right, something was not right.Barter felt a strong sensation of unease, and stood up from hisseat.First things first just void this duel, and quickly plan whatneeds to be done next –"Hmm? Sir Barter, did you misunderstand something?"- Hearing that line that chilled him to the bone, Barter quicklyturned around.The black-haired girl, Kurami, had stood up as well – with anexpression of extreme mockery on her face."Set two cards down."Two cards from the girl's deck disappeared and materializedagain on the tabletop."I have not agreed – to end the game you know?""- What!?"In a situation where both parties have yet to agree to end thegame, the game will not end."You, you, what are you trying to do!?""To continue the game of course, please return to your seat, ifyou wish to surrender, then I have no choice but to redeem thereward."Hearing the words Kurami spoke, Barter's eyes opened wide.He had previously thought that he would definitely win, so hedidn't pay much attention to her demands.- "We request that you forget all about our plans, and assist usunconditionally and to any extent."Even though the phrasing was somewhat different, but it wasof the same severity as his request to Fii – no, even worse.He would forget even the details of the game, and wouldbecome their slave.In comparison to this: Barter's request was:- "I request your personal freedom – and you must obey me forthe rest of your life."In this situation, the person that had agreed to the duel wasKurami, and not Fii.Even if Barter had won, he would only win an insignificantslave belonging to the Nilvalen family.He had initially believed that the opponent had agreed toconditions advantageous towards him – but instead he was theone that had accepted disadvantageous terms - !?"You, you both!?""Barter! Your time is almost up, do you wish to surrender?"In contrast to the emotionally unstable Barter, Kurami askedthe question nonchalantly.- If one party has already picked their cards, and the other doesnot draw theirs within a given period of time, it would beregarded as the other party's defeat.Barter remembered this rule, and quickly yelled out:"- ! Set two cards down!!"Following Barter's order, two cards disappeared from his deckand materialized on the tabletop.Kurami smiled with pride.「Draw」When the command was uttered, the four cards weresimultaneously revealed.Barter's cards were 「The Moon」 and 「The HighPriestess」.「Within the robes lie Deceit」.Kurami's cards were 「Justice」 and 「The Emperor」.「My rule is Absolute」.As compared to Barter's combination's ability which dispelledthe enemy's attack and resisted the opponent, Kurami'scombination's ability was to carry out its own will over allothers while releasing all possible status effects upon theenemy. The sword drawn by the emperor, revealed the trueidentity of the high priestess, and relieved her of her position.Removing the opponent's power and influence, the emperor'sstrength was then directed towards Barter who appeared to bestill in a daze."- Ugh!?"He hurriedly casted a defensive spell.Just as the emperor's sword was about to connect, three spellsactivated at once.But the hurriedly made defensive shield made a cracking noise,and caused scalding damage to Barter's Elemental Gallery asthe sword broke through.After the explosion and blinding light had subsided, a voicespoke behind the panting Barter."Oh no! It appears that strike had diminished your stamina byat least half, hmm!"Turning around, he saw Fii leisurely walking towards him withhis dejected-looking butler trailing behind."! Fritz – you actually lost to a weakling like Nilvalen!?"Upon hearing Barter's scolding, Fritz's facial expressiontwisted slightly, but he remained silent and bent his headdownward.While Fii who was standing beside him spoke with a relaxedsmile:"It was inevitable, wasn't it? He let down his guard becausehe thought I was an Imanity.""You shut up, Nilvalen! You bitch, how dare you lie to me!?""Sigh~ what do you mean lying, such an ugly word...Because..."Fii's line of sight shifted towards Kurami who was still sittingat the table.And Kurami merely nodded her head once, a cold smileappearing on her face."- You were the one that had planned to cheat us to gainvictory, weren't you."Barter took a deep breath, and Kurami continued:"You were the one that ordered your butler to smugglecontraband and earn illegitimate cash – did you really think wewouldn't know?""As long as you pretended to cooperate and set a trap for us,you could eliminate the evidence, and gain all the benefits –""When the plan fails you call off the game, and refuse toadmit anything – you really are a dirty person." [3]Upon hearing Fii and Kurami's accusations, Barter's facialexpression twisted violently.The plan was a failure from the beginning, they clearly knewhis intentions, but instead they used it against him - ...No!"Heh, heh heh... You're still one step behind, Nilvalen.""Yes? Looking for me?"Fii opened her eyes wide and tilted her head to the side inconfusion while Barter confidently shouted:"Since I've found out that the one dueling against myselfwas this little strumpet, then the evidence of you cheating isobvious! Because a normal Imanity would never be able toblock the 「Attack」 of the cards, it was you who helped here,wasn't it!?"- No mistake there, since the game began, they had alreadycontested three rounds with seven battles between them.So in forty rounds, Kurami had been targeted by several「Attacks」.Barter clearly saw her using magical shields to deflect theattacks.Since Imanity are unable to use magic, then it was definitelyFii who was helping her – but...Fii was speechless when faced with these accusations, insteadscratching her cheek and replying with a chuckle:"The person who had instructed his butler to do the exactsame thing, shouldn't have the right to say anything, right~ ..."Kurami continued:"Also that wasn't even considered cheating – you fool."Faced with a direct accusation, Barter was momentarilystunned."How about you take a moment to chew on the pledgesregarding the game – when I confirmed the conditions, Iclearly said 「We」."- At this point, Barter really opened his eyes wide, unable tothink of a reply.Since the opponent had stated 「We」, then the game wouldbe considered as a duel between Barter and a tag teamconsisting of Fii and Kurami. The rules did not restrict leavingthe area during the course of the game, so even if Fii wascasting defensive barriers at a distance, it wouldn't beconsidered as breaking the rules – no, wait, before that.(She changed their appearances so as not to let us find out, andwas simultaneously playing a game on the second floor whilecasting defensive barriers -?)Kurami sighed and frowned slightly."... Fii, it appears this moron has finally realized it.""Since he has an unfair disadvantage of blood overlyconcentrated in his posterior area and not being transported tohis brain, we can forgive him for now right?"Fii said that while chuckling, but her voice sounded chillingenough to cut through bone."He fell for it even when using such a simple word game,how disappointing. I had even prepared much more complicated back-up plans, strategies and traps – for nopurpose since they're all unnecessary now anyway."The underachieving girl standing in front of him sighed asthough she couldn't take it anymore."Just a quick mention... Your cards were too easy to guess,initially you would definitely take the offensive, and use acurse combination if the attack were to be blocked. Since youdon't like countering, you wouldn't use it, and the combinationjust now was just a result of your panic, to survive the round,you attempted to use cards to 「Prevent Attack」, even anidiot could – sorry, if it was so, it would be normal if youcouldn't guess that."Barter's shoulders were shaking uncontrollably due to anger,shame – and a pang of fear that was almost painful to admit.In the forty rounds of cards, Kurami only suffered very few「Attacks」.And that was only in the early phases where luck played amuch bigger role, in the later rounds – all his cards were seenthrough by her.This was not the doing of an Elf, but a puny species (Imanity)had managed to –"- Don't underestimate Imanity, you useless old man."This unpredictable black-haired girl...."...OK – Let's continue the game!"... She said it with a laugh as though from a god of death.--.......Sharp and fast-flowing spirits bound Barter's arms – disruptingthe nerve systems within his Elemental Gallery.A pain too exquisite to describe, made the centuries-old man,cry like a baby,After the blow sufficient to scatter all the flowers growing inthe courtyard had subsided – The Elven old man had fallenfrom his chair, writhing in pain, while the young Imanity girlwhispered to him gently:"– This concludes the fourth round, what do you plan to dofrom here? Sir Barter.""Eh, eh""Also, you should have noticed by now, Fii... my master (FiiNilvalen) – is a 「Hex Caster」."When he heard that whisper, the old man's skin turned whiterthan a piece of paper.He knew that it was not a bluff.Because if it were untrue, it would be impossible to explain thevarious things Fii was capable of doing.Kurami crouched down, as though to console the pale,shuddering old man and continued:"No problem, even though you look as if you have noremaining energy to cast defensive barriers – you still have agood chance of winning, as long as you are able to predict allmy following cards and finish me without taking a single hit,draining the power of the Hex Caster in the process."- After stating the one-in-a-trillion chance, Kurami laughed."There's no problem even if you lose, it will only hurt a little– you'll only die if you're not careful."- Yes, the exact feats entailed in that were – what Kurami hadpulled off just minutes earlier.Even a puny species could do it, so it shouldn't be too hard foran Elf –"I su- I surrender! I've lost! So please, stop the game!""-OK, so it's our victory then. It's been hard on you, SirBarter."Kurami ignored the pitiful old man, stood up from her seatwhile Fii embraced her with a cheer."You are amazing!! An Imanity besting over an Elf in thisgame, it must be the first time huh?!""... Beating this old fool has nothing deserved to be praisedso much about, after all, he was the weakest among all ourrecent opponents."Fii looked as if she was comforting the unhappy Kurami,stroking her hair gently, then turned around."Now –"Fixating her eyes upon the still-prone Barter and Fritz who wasstill standing motionless in shock."So Sir Barter, please adhere to the pledges, and forgeteverything related to our business."And then – Kurami spoke with a large smile on her face."Continue your illegal smuggling and vending as pernormal."-Wait... What?!"And then, Mr. Fritz! You will 「Confess everything」 in –half a month's time."- What is going on?While Barter and Fritz were still in the midst of theirconfusion, Kurami walked closer to the table."Now we should be taking our leave. But, before that –"She lifted up the deck of tarot cards used in their game, andshuffled them while smiling."I will predict your futures as a gift.""Eh? Kurami, you actually know how to do this? It's the firsttime I'm hearing of it.""Yeah, because it's the first time I'm trying it today, but –these futures will definitely come true."Kurami said that jokingly but yet somehow sinisterly, andbegan shuffling the cards –"Oh, some interesting cards have appeared, um – let me takea look?"After she said that, she flipped open the four cards one by one.-「Temperance」."After today, you will successfully continue your potionsmuggling and vending business with the Dwarves."-「The Tower」."But half a month later... Oh no, this is terrible, the Dwarvesdoing business with you will confess 「For some reason」."-「The Wheel of Fortune」."Also 「Very coincidentally」, the butler will be foundimplicated in the affair, your evil doings discovered one by one... Then –"-「Judgment」."Sir Barter will be brought to justice by the government –story ends, please restrain your grief."Ignoring the two pale-faced men, Kurami spoke to Fii asthough acting in a play:"Heh, interesting isn't it, Fii. If Sir Barter is arrested, Iwonder who will assume position of head of his company thatso happens to be the top trading company of Elven Gard, WillAndomoro (ウイル アンドモロ)?"Oh, coincidentally it happens to be the young master of theEnrihl (エンリヒ) family whom we 「Played with」 just threedays ago."- All this, was in their control. When he saw their sinister andyet all-knowing smiles, Barter furiously roared:"Nilvalen, you – no, what are you both planning!?"Both replied with chilly smiles:"Eh? It's OK if we tell you actually~""You'll forget everything anyway, which of course includesthis meeting we had."Barter couldn't help but shudder upon seeing the innocentsmiles on the faces of the two demonic women.- What kind of monster have I provoked?"OK, now just like we swore on the pledges – Goodbye, SirBarter.""I will pray for your sake, hope your business thrives fromhere on out~"- Just like that.With a snap, as Kurami and Fii snapped their fingers...All their memories regarding the events that happened on thatday, vanished without a trace.Part 5Kurami and Fii pulled down their identical veils to mask theirfaces.Both of them were not there, and were never there.That was the way things worked.Carefully avoiding the detection of the eyes and ears of others,both of them leaped from the top of Sir Barter's mansion.The spell conjured by Fii caught them mid-air with a forcegreater than gravity, lifting them both gently up and into theair.- They overcame air resistance, and flew through the night sky.Only the red moon, the starlight, and the light of the city wereleft, illuminating the surrounding landscapes.This was the city within the forest, a green metropolis woventhrough utterly and completely trained magic. It was a sightKurami was used to seeing – but even for those seeing it for thefirst time, and obvious despite the faint light, Elven Gard'sdifferent castes of civilization could be observed – the duo'shoods billowed in the wind as they cruised through the skiesabove the city."Kurami was perfect just now~"From the trees – no, from one building to another, as if hoppingfrom roof to roof, Fii said:"You had to defeat that useless old thing without any helpfrom me, I was really worried you know.""... Let's drop the subject, Fii, are you OK?""Hey, it's not a bad feeling to have Kurami worried once in awhile, you've really grown~"Fii maintained the spell that allowed them to continue floatingin the air while replying with a mischievous grin on her face.But even in the faint lighting, Kurami could clearly see that thegemstone on Fii's forehead had lost its usual glimmer and wasnow dark due to overuse of magic.Sir Barter and his butler Fritz...They were 「Triple Casters」 and 「Double Casters」respectively, although they were not yet considered top-ranked,they were still exceptional mages.But... Kurami glanced at the girl cruising through the night skybeside her, and was immersed in thought. - Fii Nilvalen.Kurami was serving her master as a slave, head of one of thevery few highly prestigious families in Elven Gard.Due to poor results, she was expelled from the most prestigiousmagical learnin