Konbini Ossan Volume 8 Chapter 3 — Defense Game
“We, Otsugi Trading, are prepared to receive you. However, let us proceed without killing.”
“Why is that?”
“What matters is victory or defeat, and forcing the opponent to submit. Neither of us is here with the primary goal of killing the other, are we? If so, once the outcome is decided, there should be no need to fight to the death.”
“But if we do not kill you, there is a chance you may refuse to comply, is there not?”
“Yes. That is precisely why we establish rules for the game.”
I then explained the details of the rules I had already devised.
“Within this Otsugi Building, at the deepest underground level, there is our most important server, a facility that could be called the very heart of Otsugi Trading.”
“And you reveal this so openly?”
“It is no problem. We invite you to advance through the underground levels of the Otsugi Building and aim for that server room.”
“You mean to hand it over yourselves?”
“No. That is not the end of it.”
From here onward lay the true core of this proposal; the game itself.
“On the path to the server room, we have prepared seven checkpoints. At each checkpoint, warriors carrying Otsugi Trading’s finest combat power will obstruct your advance.”
“I see. In other words, we must defeat and break through these checkpoints?”
“Exactly.”
Vladgaria nodded, appearing satisfied with the explanation.
“And if we repel you without allowing you to reach the server room, our side wins. If you reach the server room, then victory goes to you, Vladgaria. The side that loses must comply with the demands of the victor.”
“I see. In such a situation, if you were to break your promise, we could rampage on the spot and inflict tremendous damage upon you, could we not?”
“Yes. That would serve as the guarantee that we will keep our word.”
At my proposal, Vladgaria fell into a thoughtful pose.
However, the one who spoke next was not Vladgaria, but Satira.
“Demon King. There is no need to accept such a proposal. We should simply trample everything by force and destroy it all.”
Satira’s stance was exactly what I had feared most.
There was no helping it; it seemed I would have to resort to intimidation here.
“Are you certain that is acceptable?”
“What did you say?”
At my words, Satira shot me an irritated glare.
“Do not get carried away, human.”
“I see. However, I believe I have made a proposal that would benefit you as well. After all…”
At that point, just as Vladgaria had done earlier, I released the magical power I had kept hidden, openly displaying it without restraint.
“W-What is this?!”
“Compared to everyone here other than Vladgaria, there is this much difference in power. If we were to fight head-on, regardless of who wins, both sides would suffer considerable losses.”
Startled by my mana, Satira, and the angel tribe members behind her, showed visible agitation and tension.
Leonis did not show it on the surface, but he too seemed to understand that reckless conflict was unwise, remaining silent as he observed how things would unfold.
And then, having judged the situation after witnessing my power, Vladgaria finally spoke.
“Very well. I shall accept thy proposal.”
“Demon King!”
“Be silent, Satira. If we fight here, you will most certainly die.”
“We are prepared for that!”
“And that is precisely why it is meaningless.”
It seemed that Vladgaria had decided to accept our proposal.
“Even if this were a trap, with my power I could crush it outright. However, power alone cannot protect you. And to move a nation, I require your strength as well.”
“Demon King…”
“Hmph. Bringing my subordinates while underestimating you as mere humans was a mistake.”
It appeared that the operation (persuasion) had succeeded.
By demonstrating overwhelming strength, I had effectively taken her subordinates’ lives as leverage. Only then did a battle that minimized losses on both sides become possible.
“Very well, human. Otsugi, was it? I accept thy proposal.”
“Thank you. Then, allow me to guide you. First, you will challenge the First Checkpoint.”
I led Vladgaria and her group into the Otsugi Building.
With that, the first phase of the operation concluded successfully.
Let us continue onward and ensure that the remaining phases succeed just as smoothly.
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E/N:
Ossan has opened with his pawn on the chess board! Will he be able to make the Demon King dance on the palm of his hand?
Stay tuned to find out!
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