Chapter 247 – First Victory

Yato-san had lost his second stock early on, but somehow managed to turn things around and snatch the win.

She claimed she was holding back, but judging by the faint sweat on her brow, she’d been nervous the entire time.

With that, the first round began. The seeded players mostly advanced without issue, but the only one to break through a seed was Rose-san.

Though she spent most of her time in the recreation room reading manga and was supposed to be a complete beginner, she’d apparently learned by watching experienced players. Her fighting style showed a skill beyond that of a true novice.

Watching the emergence of a potential rival for Yato-san had me a little anxious. My own semi-final opponent would be Helena.

A formidable player who almost daily sparred with Sheila-san, she’d even won her first match against Yui-san without trouble.

I tightened my focus and prepared for the match against Helena.

She chose Fox as her character.

Fox is a fast-moving character, likely selected to disrupt opponents with speed.

In truth, my reflexes have declined over the years, so fast characters are difficult for me to handle. But Fox has been around since the N64 version.

Being familiar with the character, I knew exactly how to fight him.

Helena’s choice was clever in targeting my weakness, but using such a long-standing character backfired.

Well, she probably didn’t know Fox was such a veteran character, so it wasn’t entirely her fault.

There were a few moments where I couldn’t keep up with her speed and got hit, but, as with the match against Ren-san, I didn’t lose a single stock. The match ended in a clean victory for me.

“Master! You’re… way too strong! I didn’t expect you wouldn’t even lose a single stock!”

“That was partly because I know this character well. Helena has been steadily getting stronger too.”

“No, I still need a lot of practice. Master, you absolutely have to win the championship!”

Receiving Helena’s encouragement, I scouted the finals.

The second semi-final was Mika-san versus Sheila-san.

Last year, their matches were closely contested, but this time, Sheila-san maintained control from start to finish.

Though Mika-san lost two stocks, the match felt like Sheila-san would win nine out of ten times if they played ten rounds.

“Sato-san, I’ve advanced. Looking forward to the finals.”

“Likewise. But first… the beginners’ final, right?”

They shook hands, but the first match was the beginners’ final: Yato-san versus Rose-san.

Incredibly, Rose-san, a complete beginner, had made it to the finals.

Her growth had been astonishing. Her semi-final opponent, Norman-san, should have been fairly experienced, yet she won purely on skill.

At that rate, Yato-san could easily be overtaken.

Meanwhile, Yato-san had scraped through both of his matches with narrow victories.

I had thought he was the overwhelming favorite, but the outcome was unpredictable.

“Rose, I won’t lose!”

“…I will avenge Isabella.”

With those words exchanged, the finals began.

Yato-san chose Bowser, Rose-san chose Zelda.

Yato-san liked bulky characters, so the match started with his style of heavy, straightforward attacks.

Though Bowser isn’t particularly strong in recovery, his raw power stood out against a beginner.

Each hit was heavy, and his grabs could launch opponents. Yato-san scored an early stock by grabbing and launching her midair.

Among The Legend of Zelda characters, Link is strong with ranged attacks, but Zelda is tricky to handle.

It was impressive she made it this far, but if she couldn’t get close, she had no chance.

After losing her first stock, the match continued at Yato-san’s pace. But at some point, Rose-san seemed to master a delayed attack, and the tide began to shift.

Bowser’s heaviness made him difficult to launch, and while Rose-san was ahead in damage, it took significant hits to get him airborne.

She briefly tied the stocks 2-2, but Yato-san quickly regained control, leaving it 2-1.

Rose-san was in a position where one more launch would cost her the match.

The battle continued back-and-forth. Yato-san made a misstep in recovery and lost a stock early, but…

Her early lead and Bowser’s durability allowed her to secure a kill with a grab into a side-B, ending the match in victory.

“Ugh… I-it’s over! I won! I’m the champion!”

“…You were strong. Congratulations on your victory.”

“Nu-hahaha! My first championship feels incredible! And thanks to you too, Rose!”

The two shook hands, receiving applause from the spectators.

Though the latter half was tense and all three of Yato-san’s victories were narrow, it was truly great that she won.

Seeing her smile so brightly made me happy too.

Given her prior losing streak, this first championship must have felt especially satisfying.

I, too, will aim for my first victory and work hard so I won’t fall behind Yato-san in achievements.