Parents Intervening in Children's Quarrels

Did I mishear that? Rokuko looked at Core 666. She thought she'd heard something about a duel.

"Um, sorry. What did you say?"

"695. I challenge you to a duel."

It seemed she hadn't misheard after all.

"A duel…? Is that different from a Dungeon Battle?"

"Right here, right now, we cross blades. That's all."

"That's all, you say…"

"Oh? Is that sword at your waist just for decoration?"

Rokuko had come dressed to impress, determined not to be looked down upon.

As part of that, she had a sword at her waist. Yes, purely for decoration. She'd completely forgotten about it until now.

"… Now, draw your sword."

"No, this really is just a decoration though."

"You think bare hands are enough against me? I see… You really are looking down on me. Perhaps I should make the first move."

Core 666 summoned her flame-wreathed magic sword and took a high stance. Rokuko just wished she would listen.

She glanced around, looking for help. Her eyes met Core 629's. He looked away. That useless orange rabbit… well, it was doubtful he could even serve as a shield anyway.

"Kukuku, serves you right, 695. Hurry up and get cut down!"

"My, 650. You're welcome to join in too, you know?"

"I-I'll pass! I don't do anything so barbaric!"

"… What? Dueling is barbaric?"

Before she knew it, Core 666, who had been right in front of Rokuko just moments ago, was once again pointing her magic sword at Core 650.

"Eek?! I told you to stop that!"

This time, Core 650 retreated and hid behind Core 652.

"Hmph. Well, my sword is too good to waste on the likes of you anyway… Now then, 695, shall we duel?"

Seeing Core 666's smile, Rokuko considered her options. The choices were——

1. Accept the duel.

2. Run away.

3. More importantly, I want to eat melon bread.

She wanted to choose 3 and escape from reality, but that would only serve as provocation. That said, if she chose 2, she'd probably get cut down from behind, and 1 was absolutely impossible. Damn it, I should have at least had Kehma turn this sword and these clothes into golems. But it was too late for that now.

"My, my, what fun you seem to be having, 666."

Just then, a savior appeared.

Haku, dressed in a white dress, came over with a pleasant smile.

"… Number 89-sama. Yes, I was thinking of deepening my friendship with 695."

"Even so… isn't dueling a bit extreme?"

"What a strange thing to say. Number 89-sama, do you not do similar things with Number 6 Jii-sama to deepen your own friendship? Then surely it is only natural for 695 and me to follow your example."

"Fufufu, how impudent. Is your discipline lacking? 6."

"Kukuku, what is it, 89? Isn't it 695 who lacks discipline?"

Another voice joined in as the "Great Demon King" himself, Core 6, clad in black armor, entered the fray.

Sparks flew between Haku and Core 6.

"Is that so? Recently, one of your children has been meddling with mine, and it's quite annoying. I wonder if you could keep them on a tighter leash?"

"Oh, I wasn't aware. I'll make sure to tell them to do it more obviously so that even I notice."

"Fufufu…"

"Kukuku…"

Core 6 drew his black-bladed sword.

In response, Haku readied her white spear.

What should have been a duel between Rokuko and Core 666 had somehow transformed into a duel between Haku and Core 6. The air grew tense, as if scorching.

"ORAAAAA! You lot! Let me join in tooooo!"

The 'Dragon King,' Core 5, came flying in with his massive black dragon body swinging about.

Thoom! The air shook as he landed, and he let out a tremendous roar.

Rokuko, who received that roar at close range, collapsed as her legs gave out. She wasn't entirely confident, but she was pretty sure she hadn't wet herself.

… Meanwhile, Core 666 stood unfazed, while the deadlock trio had fainted.

"I'll crush 89! 6, help me!"

"Are you trying to order me around? I'll crush you first."

"Hah?! The 'Betrayer' comes first, obviously!"

"I don't mind taking you both on at once."

"Big talk!"

Haku twirled her spear as a warm-up while provoking the two.

With the explosive tension in the air, the surrounding cores had fled at some point to avoid getting caught up in it. I want to run too, Rokuko thought. But she was one of the parties involved. Though at this point, it was doubtful whether she still counted as one. Besides, her legs wouldn't move, so she couldn't run anyway.

"Alright, stop right there, you three."

Suddenly, with a single word from 'Father,' the three of them froze.

"Sorry to interrupt when you're all fired up, but not here, okay?"

"Oh my, my apologies, Otou-sama. I got a little carried away."

"Gunununu… and just when I finally had a chance…"

"I did nothing wrong, Chichiue."

Each of them put away their weapons, with Core 6 even cracking a joke.

The atmosphere instantly became peaceful. On the surface, at least.

"However, 6, 89, 5. I think you three should deepen your friendship and get along better. All three of you take good care of the young ones, and your juniors learn by watching their seniors… Come now, shake hands."

Prompted by 'Father,' the Great Demon King and Haku shook hands while forcing smiles. The Dragon King also placed the tip of his claw on top.

It was truly a spine-chilling sight.

But 'Father,' watching through the monitor, seemed satisfied.

"Well, it might be good for you three to settle things decisively for once. You have your positions in the DP rankings, but perhaps through something else."

"… If you're saying that, you must have an idea in mind, Otou-sama?"

"89 catches on quick. That's right."

'Father' spoke with a smile.

"Let's have your juniors do a Dungeon Battle. Conveniently, all the 600-series juniors are gathered here, aren't they? … Oh, since 650 is the only one without a Master, as a handicap, 651 and 652 will team up with her."

"… Huh?"

"Hm, a duel——well, not quite, but this should work."

"… Wha?" "Hm?" "Hueh～"

The deadlock trio seemed to have woken up.

Somehow, before she knew it, it had been decided that she would participate in a Dungeon Battle. I want to consult with Kehma. Rokuko pressed her temples.