Chapter 97

“Anyway, if you’re going to ignore me and the hero and declare war on each other… I’ll crush you first.”

At my calm words, the representatives of the elves and dwarves let out a deep sigh.

Having roughly understood what kind of being the Dragon Priestess is, and realizing that such an event is indeed possible…

They must be well aware that provoking me recklessly would lead to their utter destruction.

Therefore.

“Thus, select five representatives for 1-on-1 duels, with best 3 out of 5 determining the winner.”

Best 3 out of 5. That should be convincing enough.

“Five fights… three wins…?”

“Hmm. So even losing twice is acceptable, huh? There will be differences in skill and compatibility among the five representatives, so the order of duels will also be important.”

Hmm, as expected, the Dwarf’s mind works pretty sharp. Already understanding the strategy behind best 3 out of 5.

“Some more detailed rules need adjustment, but we’ll likely make it so that knocking down the opponent within a limited space wins the duel, with the restriction that killing is not allowed.”

“Why shouldn’t we kill our opponents? Those puny dwarves would be gone in an instant anyway.”

“Ho, so you want to try, huh? You tall sticks of elves. Shall I make you fall like trees chopped by axes?”

Once again, the elf and dwarf representatives start growling at each other. Seriously… Though Igdrasil and Sagarmatha get along well, why don’t their followers?

Must be due to too much racial difference. Cough.

“Don’t drain your energy trying to intimidate already, save your strength for the real fight. Since preparation will take some time, let’s set the duel for three days later.”

“In three days. Understood.”

“In three days, I can finally crush those ridiculously high noses!”

“If your hands even reach my face.”

There they go again.

Seriously, they keep growling at each other. They’re completely oil and water.

These guys were supposed to have good relations through letters… Hmm, thought I knew but still confusing.

Anyway, after the elf and dwarf representatives left, I turned to look at the hero who was just standing there blankly.

“Well then, this is a rare opportunity to see how other races fight, so watch carefully with wide eyes. Got it?”

“Yes. Understood.”

Since this was a rare chance for the hero to observe other races’ combat styles, it should be used as an educational opportunity.

Unlike physically strong dwarves, elf spirit magic has quite tricky tactical potential.

Observing the battles between these two races should help the hero grow.

“Well then, shall we prepare the arena for the duel?”

Since elves use bows, it needs to be fairly wide, but too much distance would disadvantage dwarves.

Let’s make it a 100 meter square. That should allow dwarves to somehow endure arrows while closing in.

The overall situation – can dwarves withstand arrows while approaching? And handle elemental magic after closing in?

Though it seems advantageous for elves… Let’s see how it goes.

Still, since they came declaring war, they must have some skills.

Better not show any signs of weakness!

—

Three days later.

“Now! The great duel deciding the honor of the two races! Replacing war, five battles where only taking life is forbidden! Anything else goes in this decisive battle!!”

With voice amplification magic, I looked around from the arena.

A 100 meter square arena surrounded by tiered spectator seats filled with elves and dwarves.

“Now here! Elves vs Dwarves! Dwarves vs Elves! Which side is stronger?! Are you ready to witness the duel!!!”

As I finished speaking, loud cheers erupted from both sides.

This is getting fun!

“Alright! The ten duelists representing the honor of each race! Enter!!!”

With my voice, five elves and five dwarves entered the arena from both sides.

Elves lightly armored, while dwarves heavily armed with large shields.

All elves carried bows and arrows, but dwarves had various weapons – huge hammers, axes, two-handed swords taller than themselves, multiple small axes, and one dwarf’s weapon wrapped in cloth… Oh, that’s the Dwarf Representative.

So the representative is participating directly… Impressive.

While the Elf Representative is just watching from near the arena with an air of “How could someone like me possibly do such things.”

Too arrogant.

Initially thought elves might have advantage, but now not so sure.

“Duelists leaving the arena lose. Anything goes as long as no killing. Though you probably couldn’t even if you wanted to.”

Made a magic spell during the waiting time.

A magic that blocks one fatal attack – similar to a headband of determination… though people unfamiliar wouldn’t know. An item lost in the hype of Determination Bands and Ribbons.

Anyway, a magic that blocks one critical hit.

Adding a knockout spell – results in unconsciousness after surviving a fatal blow!

Seems suitable for duels.

“One revival from death situations, but you’ll faint instead. Cast this magic so fight without holding back. However, attacking unconscious opponents will be stopped by the referee.”

Of course, the referee is the hero.

Close observation opportunity.

Thus began the battle for honor between elves and dwarves.

—

Can’t describe all matches or it would go on forever, so summary:

Match 1: Lightly armored elf archer vs dwarf with many small axes.

Elf shot arrows from distance while dwarf approached with shield blocking everything.

Shield slowed dwarf down, allowing elf to circle around and target unprotected sides.

Dwarf deflected arrows with small axe in right hand while steadily advancing to center.

Planted large shield into ground and started throwing axes carried all over body.

Elf panicked dodging flying axes, especially when some were chained together.

Eventually hit in head by an axe and fell.

Who would’ve thought countering archery with axe throwing? Quite impressive.

Reaching center from start with such strength and accuracy wasn’t something learned overnight.

Thus, dwarf took first win.

Match 2: Two-handed sword dwarf vs lightly armored elf.

Similar to first match.

Difference being dwarf carried two-handed sword instead of shield.

Ended up looking more like a porcupine than dwarf.

Impressive durability of dwarf armor despite dozens of arrows.

Still lost eventually!

Back to 1-1.

Hmm, quite entertaining.

Watching mediocre battles is most enjoyable, as they say.

Only problem is, this way hero doesn’t have much to learn from…

Maybe limit arrow quantity? No, then second match would’ve been dwarf win.

Considering how dwarf endured dozens of arrows without fainting, limiting arrows would result in human tanks charging in.

Let’s just leave it be. Might accidentally favor one side while trying to balance.

Besides, first match already shows dwarves can win.

Just keep observing.

Would be nice if elves showed off flashy elemental magic to help hero’s growth.