And, with a grand laugh, he was off. Yuri simply stared at his back until he was completely gone.
As the power drained from his body, the ice shattered and the sword was released.
“...I’m sorry for causing such a ruckus.” Yuri apologized not only to Fram and Athena but to all the people who had gathered to watch.
“It’s nothing for you to apologize for. If you hadn’t moved first, Yuri, we would have hit him.”
“You got that right! Someone like that should just get kicked out of the city!”
The girls nodded in support of him.
“But...it seems you’ve made some headway.” Elias tossed him a towel, glancing over at the rubberneckers watching the events that transpired. The exchange had left them with dubious looks on their faces, and they were beginning to gossip.
“That one was a bit...you know?”
“Don’t wanna get involved with The Tormentor, but...refusing to fight as a duelist, now that’s gotta be wrong for someone living in the duel city.”
“Don’t forget, he did all that after the mix-blood kid apologized.”
“Yeah, that’s definitely going too far. Wouldn’t want to be grouped with him.”
“Don’t you think city management will do something if they file a claim for this one?”
“I doubt it. Management is harsh on the abuse of contracts, but bad behavior just gets a warning. Duelists are supposed to solve their own personal problems.”
“Wasn’t there a talk about this before?”
“Yeah, you know, when the God of Destruction killed a duelist in the dungeon.”
Yuri listened in to the bustling conversations—and suddenly lifted his head.
“I see... If I do that—”
“...Yuri? What’s up?”
“Did you think up a good idea?”
“No, it’s not a good idea. I think it’s the worst possible method.”
He did think up something, but it was definitely worse than any of his other ideas.
“One wrong move and we might not be able to take part in the Roulette. Forget about that, I might even be exiled from the duel city.”
It was simply that poor of a play. He would actually consider himself lucky if exile and the confiscation of his Proof were all that happened to him. The reason being—he would be risking not death in a duel, but actual death.
“My apologies, Athena, Fram, please stay on standby for this one. It’s far too dangerous. I’d like to do it alone.”
“Do you honestly think we’ll listen after you’ve said that?”
“Gnnn... I don’t want you to be in danger alone. Let me help out!”
“Hm. Start by saying what it is. If I support it, I’ll keep them here.”
Getting those replies from Fram, Athena, and Elias, Yuri gave a general outline. At the end of it, the three nodded—
“Umm... You’re not joking, are you?”
“How should I put this, Yuri, you’re a genius at being reckless...”
“You’ve definitely inherited the worst parts of Reilly...”
—And offered a scathing review.
“But it’ll definitely be effective. As you said, it’s the worst method, and we’ll be punished for it, but...we’ll have a chance to get rid of those fiends.”
Having received Elias’s seal of approval, Yuri turned back to the gossiping crowds.
“—Duelists! Could you lend me your ears for a minute!?”
He raised his voice, causing the mob to grow silent.
“I...cannot forgive that Navie Ionesca! He framed my innocent friend, showed no remorse or shame for his actions, conducted himself in a way unbecoming of a duelist, and insulted the duelists who fight with pride and conviction!”
Cheers of endorsement sprouted from all around.
“You said it, rookie! You’ve got my vote!”
“Even with the Beheader as your opponent, you didn’t run away! You’re a hundred times more a duelist than that scumbag!”
“Got that right! Anyone who saw your fight, we duelists especially, know you’re in the right!”
The voices gushed forth; they raised their arms in approval. And seeing them...Elias couldn’t help but smile.
“I knew it, Eniastar really is fit to be a leader.”
“Yes. It took just a few words to move the hearts and minds of so many people. He takes exorbitant actions strong enough to sway people... That’s our leader,” said Fram to Elias as she stared at Yuri’s back. “If he lived in a different time—perhaps he’d have been called a hero.”
Her words were erased by the cries of the crowd. And Yuri raised his voice loud enough that it wouldn’t be drowned out.
“Perhaps the duel city will be in an uproar because of us. Even so, I will fight. We live to fight, and no matter how cowardly and underhanded my opponent may be, I shall stand against him with my fists!” Yuri proclaimed, seeming rather proud of himself. “For that is a Duelist’s way of life!!”