Battle Universe ④ (Cecil’s Perspective)

"I'm fine with an even match," he had said. "But in exchange, if I win, you have to do one thing I tell you."

"Are you... actually serious?"

"Yeah. I'm talking to the world champion, Cecil."

"Hehe, how interesting. But what’s in it for me if I win?"

"You can decide that for yourself."

"Hmph. Fine, those are good terms. I'll take you up on that."

Fansent and I had once made a bet within the Battle Universe. I was the one who won back then. He told me about the Calamity and how he really felt, and I ended up agreeing to lend him my strength.

That moment was definitely connected to this one. The past creates the future—it was exactly as Fansent said.

I want you to see. This is what I’ve become—

"Cecil, that’s..."

"Teacher Chloe, I’m weak," I said. "But I don't want to lose, and I can't lose. This is my answer to how I make that happen."

Construction Formulae surged and intertwined as Mana took physical shape in my hands. Then, two whips appeared.

My job was to lead everyone to Victory from a safe distance. If that was the case, I didn't need some world-shaking power. I just needed to be just a little bit better than the person standing right in front of me.

"Then let's see just how much power you've got!"

With that, Teacher Chloe charged straight at me.

――――

――

―

Fansent. I’ve actually become strong.

I lashed out with my whips over and over, shattering her defenses until I finally smashed the Shrine.

The Magic Bird shrieked.

[Chloe Lorets’s Shrine has been destroyed by Cecil Antwerp. Executing Forced Teleportation.]

The next moment, my head spun and I collapsed on the spot. I still had Mana left, but the mental strain was way more than I'd bargained for.

But I did it. I actually pulled it off.