Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 89: Style vs. Muscle
Moving on to a different block, the third match of the first round is Rozzo versus Joel.
Joel is slightly taller, but Rozzo’s physique is on another level entirely.
At a glance, Joel doesn’t seem to stand a chance based purely on muscle mass… but muscles don’t decide the outcome of a fight.
Despite the age requirement being 15 to join the kingdom’s knight order, Joel was accepted at just 13. A prodigy. If he can fight as skillfully as his abilities suggest, he has a chance to win even against Rozzo.
“Hey, Joel. Don’t you dare lose.”
“Y-Yes! I-I’ll win!”
“Whoa there! You sure you’re okay being that stiff even before the match starts? I’m not gonna go easy on you, y’know?”
“I-I’m fine! Please take it easy on me!”
“Alrighty! Let’s have a good match!”
He’s moving his arms and legs in sync—totally nervous. You can see it even before the match starts. On the other hand, Rozzo looks completely relaxed. It might be safe to assume he has the upper hand.
For reference, Joel is wielding a one-handed sword, and Rozzo is carrying a wooden mallet.
In this kind of match setting, a mallet might seem like a disadvantage, but given Rozzo’s smaller stature compared to other contestants, focusing on power might be his strategy. His sister, Brittany, also carried a greatsword that was larger than her own body—seems like Dwarves are a race confident in their strength.
“Begin!”
At Donnie’s signal, Joel made the first move.
He closed the distance quickly, raising his sword to strike.
Rozzo waited, drawing Joel in to the last moment, watching for the perfect timing to swing his mallet.
The mallet, drawn back like a bowstring, clearly packed serious power—his bulging muscles said it all.
One clean hit would almost certainly end the match right there. Combined with Joel’s visible nervousness, it was nerve-wracking to watch.
Still, Joel seemed to understand the danger of a direct hit. He kept his distance as he began his assault.
His footwork had a natural flow, showing real talent. He slipped into striking range for just a moment—textbook precision.
It looked like Joel might snag an easy win… but on his third strike, disaster: he slipped.
Rozzo probably didn’t mean it that way, but the timing of his swing lined up perfectly—his mallet smacked Joel right on the side of the head.
With a dull thud, Joel dropped to the ground. A small scream rang out, then silence.
I felt a chill myself—but Joel slowly got up, signaling that he was okay.
“I-I’m fine. I can still fight, please let me continue.”
“…Joel is deemed unable to continue. Rozzo is the winner.”
Though Joel insisted, holding his head, Donnie calmly called the match.
You never know what kind of damage a head injury can cause. Donnie made the right call.
After some convincing, Joel agreed, and Yui—who can use healing magic—was called to treat him.
“S-Sorry for killing the mood!”
“It’s not your fault, Rozzo. Anyway, congratulations on winning the first round.”
“Yeah. It’s all Joel’s fault. Losing like that hurt me too, but it should be a good lesson for him. Thanks for the opportunity.”
“No no, I just hope nothing serious comes of this…”
“He’ll be fine. He’s sturdier than he looks, and with the Hero Party’s healer looking after him, he’ll recover quickly.”
Donnie’s calm response helped me relax a little.
Sure enough, Joel soon returned in good spirits.
Despite the hiccup, the first round would now continue.
Next up, Match 4: Mash vs. Shoji.
It’s the evolved Mash’s debut—but unfortunately, his opponent is one of the heroes, Shoji.
Shoji had said he wasn’t suited for mock battles because he’s a tank, but a hero’s strength isn’t just for show.
I just hope Mash doesn’t get shut down and lose his confidence again.
Shoji’s weapon is a wooden shield and a one-handed sword.
Mash enters unarmed, but looking fired up and ready.
“Begin!”
At the signal, the fourth match begins.
This time, neither side moves, both watching each other carefully.
“What? Mash is the type to wait and see too? Then… I guess I’ll make the first move!”
With that shout, Shoji launches his attack.
His movements are heavy, but with his shield extended, he has no openings—it looks more like he’s defending than attacking.
Mash, using his short legs, dodges as best he can—but so far, there’s no noticeable difference from his pre-evolved self.
He counters with the occasional body slam, but Shoji absorbs them easily with his shield. If Mash runs out of stamina and slows down even a little, he’ll be taken out in an instant.
Just when I was silently praying for him to land even a single hit—it’s Shoji, not Mash, who starts slowing down.
Shoji had launched the initial attack, but Mash was clearly the one doing all the moving. There was no reason for Mash to tire out first.
…Could it be that Mash, in his evolved state, has gained a paralysis ability?
Those reckless body slams may have been a setup—each time Shoji blocked with his shield, he might’ve been subtly paralyzed.
If that’s true, then Mash is quite the tactician.
With Shoji’s movements slowing, Mash’s attack frequency increased. Every block made Shoji slower and slower.
In the end, without ever landing a clean hit, Shoji was completely immobilized—and Donnie declared Mash the winner.
“Damn…! I didn’t see that coming! Mash, you’re strong!”
Shoji, frozen and unable to move, praised Mash—who beamed with satisfaction.
Sure, their compatibility might’ve favored Mash, but this was still a huge upset.
Even if he loses in the second round, I’m going to praise him like crazy once the tournament is over.