Nothing can be done about it now

So anyway, I realized I'd messed up, but…

Yeah. Just like Aishia said, there's really nothing that can be done about it now!

I can't change the fact that I defeated the king, and if I lose, my 82 gold coins go poof. I have no choice but to keep winning…!!

"And here Menowe concedes! Karina's winning streak just won't stooop!!"

"Kuh! To think my magic spear Pro-Tube couldn't even graze her clothes!!"

"An invisible spear thrust attack. Well, it might've worked on anyone but me."

Also, these clothes are a present from all the Five Elders, so I can't let them get damaged or have holes poked in them.

That said, since instant-killing everyone would be a bit mean, I decided to fight with some showmanship in mind.

Gotta liven up the tournament at least… you know?

Huh? If I'm doing that, doesn't it leave the king who got instant-killed in the first match without any dignity?

Nah nah, that's different. I just didn't have the luxury to hold back. He was a formidable opponent. The kind where I had to finish him before he could strike first.

Anyway, next up was an elven archer.

… Normally, getting hit by an arrow would mean serious injury, right? I thought that, but apparently potions can heal it, so as long as you don't take one to the head, you're fine.

Now then, let the match begin!

"Hm? The scent of the forest… You, do you have dealings with elves?"

"Yep, I do. She's a party member."

"Hooh… An elf who fraternizes with the Human race. Must be small fry."

"Hah? Say that to my face if you want me to get serious, punk."

"Hmph, if you think you can manage it, then go ahead and—"

"Hey, ref. Is weapon destruction allowed in this?"

At that moment, the bow the elf had been holding was somehow in my hands! Ah, so as long as it happens during a match and is unavoidable, it's allowed.

"Wha!? Wh-When did you!? Give it back!!"

"Weeell, this is just unavoidable during the match, right? If I give it back, I'll get done in! And so! Here we gooo! Time for some snap-crackle-pop punishment!!"

"My beloved bow Rebellion!?"

Heh, I snapped his precious bow into pieces. That's divine punishment for badmouthing my Dea without even knowing him.

Since I only destroyed his weapon, he could still continue if he wanted. But really, can an archer fight properly without a bow…? Of course not!!

"It's your fault for not having a spare bow!"

"M-My bow has always been with me. Having it stolen is inconceivable!"

"What? I literally just took it from you. Com-plete-ly-de-feat-ed!"

And so, I achieved victory over the elf without incident.

"… Next up is General Garou, huh."

Next up was finally General Garou of the Black Wolf Clan - the opponent Mashiro-san had warned me about. Standing across from him on stage, he was indeed a black fluffy one.

His fur was nice in its own way. Though Mashiro-san's is better.

And man, his killing intent was intense - he clearly wanted to avenge the king.

If things went badly, he might try to make it look like an accident or something.

Well, he won't succeed though. My Spatial Magic defense is the strongest!!

"The power that drove back King Barbaros. I won't be careless from the start."

"You could afford to be careless, you know. So serious."

"Save your breath."

After that light exchange, the referee's signal came. Ready… fight!

"Hah!!"

"Whoa there."

I dodged a dart. Starting with a projectile, huh. Plus, he clearly expected me to dodge and had positioned himself to thrust his sword right where I'd land.

I dodged that too, and when I tried to pinch the blade and wrench it away, General Garou instantly let go with both hands and kicked me instead. Oomph!

"Tch, hard."

"Well yeah. Here!"

Time to counter with my own projectiles. I drew my revolvers from the gun holsters that Aa-chan of the Five Elders had sewn for me. With dual pistols, I aimed for his limbs. A headshot could be instantly fatal, after all.

BANGBANG!! My twin revolvers blazed. General Garou saw through it and dodged. In fact, he turned it around on me, slashing right after I fired to exploit the opening.

"Even two shots at once won't hit me! Take this—"

"—Ever heard of a ricochet?"

The next moment, a bullet gouged through General Garou's calf from behind.

"Nguaaah!? D-Don't tell me you adjusted the bullet's trajectory!?"

"Relax. I'm not aiming to take your life."

Not that I'll tell him, but of course I just changed the trajectory with Spatial Magic.

I did use magic, but in a sense it was a ricochet, so I'm not lying!