Chapter 36 – ３６ – What is a Duelist?

Debut Match Arc

What is a Duelist?

To begin with, a duel is a fight conducted under rules agreed upon by the parties involved to achieve various objectives—a practice that has existed among humanity since ancient times.

The weapons used in a duel must also be agreed upon by both parties.

In the modern era, this means fighting using the technology brought by the Goddess known as the Masquerade. It is a means of resolving matters that cannot be settled through ordinary laws, treaties, or negotiations.

Of course, such a method is extremely violent and simplistic. Because it seems to disregard the lessons learned from the two World Wars, it is deeply loathed by some.

However, according to the Goddess: “There are matters in this world that can never be resolved through discussion; things that only worsen the longer they are dragged out, and must be dealt with by force. If one wishes to end such matters with minimal damage, the best way is to produce a clear result in the form of a duel.”

However, not everyone is capable of fighting.

There is the Magic Capacity, a very straightforward indicator of the disparity in combat power.

Thus, humanity created the profession of the “Duelist” as those entrusted with conducting duels.

✧

“Now, as you can tell from this history, a Duelist is basically someone who fights on behalf of another, not someone who fights for their own profit.”

This was a morning class, one day after my duel with Fuchibeni.

For some reason, today’s schedule had been suddenly changed, and we were now taking a lesson on the history, position, and mindset of duels and Duelists.

No matter how I look at it, this is because of the duel between me and Fuchibeni. I get it.

“But Teacher, I was there too, so let me say this: Fuchibeni’s remarks were not something that could be overlooked.”

“I agree. If that had been left alone, things would have gotten even uglier, wouldn’t they?”

“Same here.”

Sitting with me were the usual three—Tōsaka, Tokuto, and Magariya. Together with me, we make up the “Four Idiots” of this year’s A-Rank Evaluated group.

Though, when I say “idiots,” I’m talking about academic grades; we aren’t the kind of idiots who commit crimes or cause trouble.

That’s probably why they’re speaking up in my defense.

“True. That is why I do not condemn this particular duel. However, speaking as your senior, I must tell you: it is truly best to avoid frequently initiating duels for one’s own sake. I know several people who challenged everyone they disliked one after another, and every single one of them met a terrible fate.”

“A terrible fate?”

“Being beaten to a pulp in a duel is the best-case scenario. I’m talking about debt hell, exploitation by black companies, the collapse of their families, depression, and subsequent suicide. Oh, in overseas cases, there are stories of people being forced into the role of drawing the Goddess’s ire…”

“…”

“It is fine to fight for your own profit when it is truly important. But a duel is originally intended as a last resort. Therefore, to ensure the sincerity of your anger is understood, do not overdo it. A threat becomes far more powerful precisely because it remains hidden most of the time.”

“Yes…”

Since we aren’t that kind of idiots, we all—including me—nodded and replied seriously to what the teacher said.

To elaborate slightly on the process leading to the “terrible fate” the teacher mentioned:

By initiating too many duels, one gains too many enemies and loses all allies.

In such a state, the weaknesses of one’s own Masked Form easily leak out, and the same happens to those around them.

Yet, they receive no support.

In a state of total isolation, one cannot win fights that should have been winnable, and the only companies that approach you with a smile are the worst kinds.

And so, as a final result, they meet a terrible fate.

That seems to be how it goes.

Yeah, I’ll make sure not to let that happen to me.

“Now, back to the topic. As I said, a Duelist is basically someone who fights on behalf of another. So, who is this ‘another’? The variety is truly immense.”

“Meaning?”

“Individuals, groups, associations, organizations, companies—and though rare, even local governments. Oh, and of course, nations are included. So, you could say almost anything goes.”

The teacher’s topic shifted.

“There are mainly two options when working as a Duelist after graduating from the academy. One is to work as a freelance Duelist, a sole proprietor taking requests from individuals or groups. The other is to belong to a company or organization and fight under their instructions. In most cases, the former is the party initiating the duel, while the latter is the party being challenged. Of course, there are exceptions, and I will provide specific examples once you are second-years.”

In a sense, this is a talk about career paths after graduation.

Whether to move independently or within a company.

I don’t think I’m capable of making that kind of judgment.

I feel like it would be better to just rely on Suzu.

“However, regardless of which position you take, one thing is absolute… once you have accepted a duel as a job, you must approach it with everything you have and aim for victory. This is an absolute, unchanging rule. I can state this with certainty.”

“Well, that’s only natural. If you slack off because you don’t like the client, the client would be devastated.”

“Exactly. If the client or employer betrays the Duelist first, that’s one thing, but otherwise, it is absolutely unforgivable for a Duelist to betray their client or employer. Anyone who does such a thing cannot remain in the Duelist community. Remember that.”

“Got it.”

Betrayal is unforgivable.

Well… that’s so obvious I have nothing to say.

Furthermore, because of this mindset, it is apparently standard that when one enters a duel at someone’s request, they are not held responsible or required to pay damages should they lose.

By the way.

If the betrayal is particularly heinous, it seems the Goddess may intervene and take various actions.

Though apparently, that rarely happens.

“By the way, Teacher. Regarding requests from the state, does that mean people working in those national agencies?”

“Basically, yes. There is the Duel Agency, which is a prestigious destination for Duelists. However…”

“However?”

“If the opponent is special, the conditions of the duel are unique, or if it’s simply judged that a Duelist employed by the state is unsuitable, the state will issue an order to a Wild Duelist, who will then enter the duel. This is sometimes jokingly referred to as the ‘Red Paper.'”

“Can you refuse it?”

“You cannot. And you should not assume that defeat is forgiven when you are affiliated with the Duel Agency or have received a Red Paper. After all, these are matters that result in a duel only after the state has exhausted every other possible avenue. If you lose, in the worst-case scenario, the nation could perish.”

“…”

Apparently, working for the state is grueling.

Yeah, I want no part of that.

“Oh, Midorikawa, you in particular should be prepared. Given your Magic Capacity, you should consider the possibility of being called upon regardless of your status as a student. The people at the Duel Agency only care about winning; an excuse like ‘I’m just a student’ won’t fly.”

“Ugh. I absolutely hate that…”

“Hang in there, Midorikawa.”

“I’ll do whatever support I can.”

“I’ll help as much as possible.”

I really don’t want to be involved!

But it seems that, in my case, I can’t afford to say that… so I guess I have no choice but to build up my strength so I can handle it if I’m called. Probably.