No Game No Life Vol 1 Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Part 1

At the time when the majority of the crowd had already believed that the selection of the king

In front of the throne, a small table and two chairs facing opposite sides around it were placed.

—Leaning against the table, expressionlessly crossing her arms, wearing a black veil draped over

haired girl—

An old man whose appearance matched that of a high ranking official said.

challengers?" Although there was lots of noise and clattering in the hall, evidently there was no

Kurami.

Kurami closed her eyes to this fact, and added a non-emotional feeling to her original deadpan

"—Then, complying with the late king's last words, Kurami-sama— will become the new king of

"Ah, yes, yes. Objection! Objection, we have an objection~!"

Kurami, opened her eyes.

A butler, along with a white-haired girl— Sora and Shiro, stood up and raised their hands. "Yes,

".......Un."

With her blank expression, Kurami's line of sight fell behind the two people. "—Stephanie

Standing behind those two was Stephanie, whose shoulders were shaking. Still devoid of

"—Since you lost to me and aren't be eligible for the election, you sent your servants? What a

However, towards Kurami who sent an undisguised look of contempt. Sora only smiled and

"Ahahaha, that sentence, you're not in any position to say that." "—What do you mean, eh."

throne, it's not really my cup of tea, you know."

narrowed her eyes.

with children."

"It's neither a position you can give to someone who 'cheats by borrowing the strength from other

— Strength from other countries? — what is that? However, those chattering were filtered out.

"—Is it there?"

Identifying the photo displayed on the screen, there were people who were recognizable in this

Shiro answered.

"Bingo. Then point her out with this current opportunity." ".......Un."

what is going on? What thing about another country's strength?" Steph quietly whispered in

For example—"

"Conspiring with elves, using magic to achieve total victory to become the next king, and

Fear started to mingle with the commotion in the hall.

"...............But then, if such a major problem wasn't even noticed, perhaps the defeat of the

"—Hey, you."

The expressionless face that was concealed by the veil exuded out a unique sense of coercion.

"Don't be like that; didn't I say 'For example'? Or did I really hit the mark?" However, that sense

Sora carefreely ignored that kind of pressure, and still carried a very blatant provocation. This

"—Fine. Since you have an objection, I'll take it as you want to play a game now?" "Fineeee~.

Then, Sora interrupted Kurami who was just about preparing the poker cards.

Afterwards, as if responding to Sora's smile, Shiro stretched her fingers.

the direction of that finger.

That small and relative change— was easily seen as a sufficient lethal point. "— What are you

"Ah, really? Then, could someone take down that guy's hat?"

hat. Two ears were exposed.

Chatter chatter.

That bitch, used magic to cheat!?

Ridiculed by Sora, Kurami's expression remained undaunted.

"Ah~really. Then throwing him out would create no problems right?"

After that, he turned to face Kurami again, and retrieved out another one— Shiro's phone. "Okay,

While holding the cellphone to use, Sora laughed and said.

Kurami with her usual deadpan, shut her eyes and said.

with magic............ Am I right?"

provocation from Sora, "Either way, I also have dignity."

penetrate through Sora.

intervene, and demonstrate our true strength by deciding a showdown using games."

"Well~ Article 5 of 'Ten Oaths' , the challenged party has the right to decide the contents of the

not getting to the bottom of that♥" Saying that, he aimed the phone's camera at Kurami, taking a

"Hmm, you really aren't photogenic, huh? It would be lovelier if you could smile a little."

What he got back was a glare filled with killing intent, but Sora merely made eye contact with

—An observant eye that could see through anything.

Part 2

one's true strength. She simply said "Please wait a moment", before abruptly leaving King city.

sunset. Sitting on a bench, both Sora and Shiro fiddled with their phones while awaiting.

Confirming that there was no one in the vicinity, Steph excitedly inquired Sora. "—The, then, I, I

".......Your, voice, too loud."

—But, she finally understood the truth behind the cheat that defeated her.

comprehensible to her. However, Sora who was considering something else, replied absently.

of magic was it?"

In addition, the only human who saw through that facade was Sora.

from a different world— maybe it could detect the usage of magic?

have absolutely no clue."

silent Steph, Sora dismissively replied.

the hand that she collected was just too obvious. Shiro and I immediately spotted that out."

"What a fussy little sister eh...........but it doesn't matter."

Outside the tavern, in the midst of the poker game between Steph and Kurami.

towards the game inside.

"If you want to ask me how that happened, I certainly have no reason to know. After all, I know

"........"

"Ahh, magic is really powerful eh. If 'Memory tampering' or 'Rewriting the fold' can't be proven,

when it comes down to their gut feeling."

Resurrecting from the petrochemical state, Steph shook her head and asked. "Wait a moment,

"Huh? It's impossible to win."

"It will be weird if you could win when dueling with those kinds of opponents. The words are

But, Steph recovered again and started shouting, with Sora adding more words in. "So that's why

"—Eh?"

"Listen carefully, I am going to describe it as simply as possible." "Guuu, okay...."

the winner will be the representative of the human race."

"But this kind of proposal is flawed. Because there will be lots of leeway for other countries."

Being pointed something that Steph didn't even realize, she unwillingly set her gaze away.

determine the electoral law.

completed. Humans would completely lose and eventually perish.

"—Which also means this is not an individual battle. But a national, diplomatic war. OK?" "Ah,

"So, it is the Elf......right? Although those group of guys want a human puppet to be elected as

the only race involved right?"

"The other countries are considering the same thing, whether the first implementation has been

Then—

'Also the same as humans'."

"Owning equipment that humans can't possibly have, looking as if the device was used to detect

Furthermore, the key performer has already been suspected and driven out—"

A smiling face started appearing on Steph, but Sora only furrowed his brows, before drooping

"—You ah, to what degree is your naivety." "Wh, why am I suddenly lectured!?'

Which is to say, they would naturally take into account the sudden emergence of people like me

"Ah...."

"—It's safe to assume that the enemy is prepared. Preparing something that even in this case, can

........

"Steph, do you remember that the human race can't use magic, but can play with 'Magic-driven

As if pondering on the answer, Sora exposed a candid expression.

guessed that in response to other countries competitions that have technologies able to detect

game— I'm afraid that she is going to get 'That' ."

".......Then, if that happens. Wouldn't it make things much more difficult for you?" "—Huh?

"Eh? Because if it was a complex magic—"

"I said— towards us humans who are too pure, 'Memory tampering' and 'Visual reading' those

are going to use a game that is the same as gambling for the country, that kind of magic won't be

Which also means, a game that appears on the 'Surface'.

And being unable to perceive it— interference won't be made from the outside party. Most

But, the constant 'Victory' like when challenging Steph will cease to exist. In order to allow them

For that purpose, the phone was used.

Suddenly, as if understanding, Steph uttered the right opinion.

there a problem with that?"

is a game that can be won in theory, for 『 』 , losing is impossible."

Just when Shiro had won against the chess application installed in her phone set in the highest

.....—At this time.

From the approaching silhouette— It was Kurami who had spent a considerable amount of time

Sora murmured to Shiro in a voice audible to her only, in which she responded by nodding her

As if affirming her answer, the first word that Kurami spoke out was, "—I'll be straightforward

Sora felt relief in his heart, but prevented it from showing on his face, merely laughing as he

"Ah, yes, in fact, we are from another country— Hey, do you really think I would say that? Are

"I already know. Because you want to give it to the Elves right~~" "...Wrong."

denial. "I won't hand it to anyone. Imanity's country, belongs to Imanity alone."

For an 'Oh, what an unexpected answer', Sora urged her to continue speaking, to which Kurami

"Using the Elf's strength is to ensure the survival circle of Mankind—although you can't possibly

necessary to hand over the territory— I will sever all ties with the Elves."

Even if it's Sora, he can't help it but have a mood as if embracing his head.

"Exposing your plan to someone you suspect as a spy, are you an idiot? Do you want to die?"

Sora. ".............No matter which country's spy you are from, you will never win against me, you

"I'm just telling the truth. This world's biggest country Elvengard —an impenetrable fortress that

having a head-on fight with them is an irrefutable defeat."

".........Since you are a human—"

"I'll advise you, if you still have some feelings for this country, for the sake of Imanity, I hope

Elves."

Facing the words which sounded like a plea, Sora did not utter a word.

Her face covered by the black veil, Kurami hinted out an expression of unwillingness.

and obtaining

....Oh.

Indeed, borrowing strength from the strongest race could certainly get a territory.

else, but at the same time, able to keep everything else. It's just like chess, where the strongest

However, towards these words—

already......" "Then, you will surrender......?"

"I refuse!"

reason?"

Sora hugged his little sister who was watching with an expression that could not be discerned.

""Standing in a position where the opponent has an advantage and denying it with a 'NO' !""

Originally unclear of the plot, Steph and Kurami could not arrange this reasoning properly. Only

"Wahaha! 'I always wanted to try and say the number four lines[19] ' —and I really said it out!"

Seeing the siblings raising a thumbs up, Kurami's shoulders started to tremble. Was it a

"—Looks like I have wasted my time. I will beat you down with the power you so desire to

"Yes~~yes~~. Go and prepare 'the borrowed power that people fawn over ' " While watching her

think there is some truth in it......" "—About that, I think it's time for you to 'suspect others'

Sora said while putting up his finger.

Feeling slightly embarrassed as she understands it, Steph shyly lowered her ear. Ignoring her

"Two, if she really has the means to win, then why did she bother coming here to persuade us

"......Ah!"

"To lessen the chance of losing............. In other words, she can't guarantee her victory!?" That is

Getting a rare answer that was correct from Steph, Sora smiled while putting up his third and

"Three, even if what she said was true, we can't trust someone who discloses that sort of

finished if they figured out our playing cards, ok?" Widely opening her mouth, Steph could not

"So, so careful consideration was put in before saying those words eh......."

Gazing at Sora with candor, she realized her cheeks were flushed and shook her head, panicking.

the hall of King City.

With a nod, Shiro took steps to move forward. "She underestimates us, the human race."

Returning to the hall.

whole time. And then in front of the throne there stood a small table, and a pair of chairs.

This time—the one confused was Sora. An unfair game infused with the Elves' magic... He had

do you cheat in chess? Sora was concerned about this being slightly out of his expectation.

"Yes, chess. But this is not just normal chess."

—Then.

on the board. It was as if—

Kurami answered.

command." "...I see. That's how it'll be, huh."

Sora thought through the possible ways she could cheat in his mind, and clicked his tongue.

If it were regular chess, then Shiro would definitely win. But that was only if it were regular

Not to mention that the opponent had definitely put in some magic, intending to cheat. "...Don't

Saying this, Shiro boldly walked forward.

"Hey, it's fine if we switch in the middle right?" ""—?""

"Unfortunately, the two of us here are one player. Also, that seems to be a game that only one

It's to even the playing field, right?"

Sora's eyes. However, it didn't seem like she managed to learn anything from Sora's eyes.

Concerned about the cellphone in Sora's hands, or is it that she was alert since she couldn't read

"...Nii, do you think, Shiro will...?"

"Shiro, you're being too hotheaded. If it were regular chess then there's not even a 10000 to 1

Shiro nodded as if that was obvious.

—However.

"Don't forget. The two of us are one, the two of us are 『 』 . Okay?" "...So...rry. I'll be...

"All right! Then let's do this!"

their cheating and come up with a plan, go win this." Nodding in confirmation, Shiro slowly

"Are you done talking?—Then let's start, you can have the first move." "...—"

toe', was what Shiro had said. What she said was no less than giving up the win.

player wins'.

start thinking about a 'tie'.

With a slightly spoiled mood, Shiro said, and the match started.

pieces automatically move.

—But, Kurami had said.

There was no way that was referring to just moving automatically—. While Sora was immersed

Instantly—the commanded pawn.

The people who raised their voice were Sora as well as the audience. "These are 'pieces with

A light smile appearing on her face, Kurami spoke.

king', and move according to that—don't you think it's a suitable game for deciding the king?"

Sora clicked his tongue—but there was no need to panic. "...d2 pawn, d3."

...However, provocations have no use against Shiro once she starts playing.

gods.

Unfazed by Kurami's pieces continuously moving against the rules. Not even falling into danger

"...I see."

If it was as Kurami said, and in this game the 'pieces with their own wills' were the key, then—

"Pawn 5, forward."

Did not move.

For the first time since coming here, Shiro showed a confused expression. Similarly, Steph and

"—As I thought, it's like that huh."

game being that with charisma then the pieces will move ignoring the rules—was wrong. 'That

'soldiers' then first of all a strategy that could not be used normally— that was,

—For the sake of the war, happily giving up their lives, such soldiers normally didn't exist. The

made this strategy possible in the beginning. But now that 'sacrificing pieces' had been sealed—

Shiro bit her nails, and for the first time entered a long thought.

smiling Kurami were, without any disorder, continuing to move...It was the first time they were

—The situation quickly worsened. With their morale diminished the pieces started ignoring

commander transmitted to the soldiers, making the situation even worse—...If this continues,

"..."

it was enough.

With the eyes like a zombie, filled with self-scorn, no matter how you look at it there was no

form of the cheating.
—Placing his hand on his sister's shoulder, Sora said. "Shiro, let's switch."

"..."

probably hid a thin layer of tears.

sister had not once lost in.

"—What's wrong."

Saying this, Shiro buried her face in her brother's chest. But, hugging that head, Sora said.

"—The two of us together are 『 』 —until I lose too, it doesn't count as a loss."

that it was impossible to lose, confidence.

"...eh...?"

Rubbing the tears from his sister's eyes, covered by her bangs, Sora. He couldn't tell her

up from the chair as urged—but Sora stopped her.

can make a comeback at this point... it does seem like the two of you have the qualifications to

Ignoring those words by Kurami. Lifting the body of his sister off the ground, Sora. "...?"

—Raising the overly light, even if she was only eleven, sister. Reached the table and sat her on

"...?"

hand." To the speechless sister, Sora said.

pinch."—then.

"In this cheating game that you got from the elves by selling this hole or that hole, I'm gonna

you prostitute."

Facing towards the board, Sora. Taking a big breath of air—and then.

Including the sister sitting on his lap. Everyone in the hall covered their ears, in a voice that

"THOSE WHO EARN AN ACHIEVEMENT IN THIS BATTLE—BY THE AUTHORITY OF

LIKE ONCE!"

Suddenly, a silence like the bottom of the sea wrapped around the castle. What the silence

"Furthermore! All of you soldiers who fight on the front line, after this battle is won you will be

will guarantee you veteran benefits! Therefore—don't you die a virgin! Also, those with family

Due to the exceedingly vulgar speech, once again the castle replied with silence.

—A war cry resounded.

"To my army, to my men! Lend your ears to my words! This battle is ours—Alkia's, mankind's!

mankind! Listen well! Open your eyes and look, at the king of that country—"

"Leaving it to this zombie-like idiot, this bitch lacking in intelligence, are you really okay with

Then, ignoring the stunned Kurami, he grabbed his dejected sister's drooping head.

long hair was a skin white like snow. Also revealed were her beautiful ruby-like eyes, filled with

"If we achieve victory, then she will be the queen! That's right, think about what happened back

her as 'ruthless' and caused her to cry! I'll only ask once—"

Then, immediately, he gave an order to a pawn.

stalemate, then we'll be hit from the sides 'rush and flank them!'—secure the initiative!"

flanked the enemy pawn—destroying it.

Towards the bewildered Kurami, Sora spoke with a huge grin.

Grrr..."

"...If this was a real battle... then with this the soldier should be tired... and can't move for a

"Yeah, it's as you say, but—second cavalry team! Don't let go of the opportunity that the seventh

Then, without waiting for the opponent's turn, he continued.

move towards the front lines."

Shiro, opened their eyes wide.

"H, hey! What are you doing ignoring my turns—!"

"Huh? Are you an idiot? Is there anyone who waits for their opponent's turn in a real war?"

"If you're worried about your turn, then why don't you give commands before I do, stupid♥"

throwing out absurd arguments one after another like they made sense, Sora. But—the reality is

"Guuuu—pawns, advance in order! Build a defense wall!!"

Immediately, Sora found a flaw.

an exaggerated wave of his hand, in perfect acting, he yelled.

kind of queen are you! The king and the queen—the rulers, are the ones who should guide the

work according to your titles! Protect the infantry and 'prove yourself'!"

speech which would've been called 'propaganda tactics' in the real world, the pieces hurriedly

"Hmpf—using the elves' magic to forcefully raise the morale of your own troops—it could be

"—"

If you think that wouldn't have been enough for him to realize he hit the bull's-eye, then you'd be

"I see, it would be hard to prove, and would bring a crushing advantage in this game. Even if the

sacrifice pieces, they would fall into disorder..."

Then, once again he resumed his speech in a loud voice.

tyrannically were referred to as great kings, because more than anything people fight only for

Usually, the spiritless younger sister with eyes half closed. The continuation of the situation

beautiful girl who would enchant anyone who looked at her.

with tears again!"

Once again from the board, a war cry that shook the table resounded. "—That's right...

Sora boldly declared.

the room—but he paid no attention to that. There was no way that the residents of this world who

—The reason men risk their lives and fight, no matter which world it was this didn't change. That

—It was for the sake of 'eroticism'... there was no other way to say it... "—Pawn number 5!

The pawn that Kurami ordered attacked his army's knight—but.

yelled!

at the level of being defeated by a measly pawn! With the name of the queen, as well as your title

can't do anything but take your back. Turn around and retreat, maintain the line—break open a

As the pawn that should've been attacking captured the knight— Right before that, instead, it

From Steph to Kurami, everyone in the castle let out a similar sound. However, that sound did

Really placing himself in the battle, Sora once again yelled.

be the sword of the people! —But, for now you should rest that sword for a while and recover!

As he did so, the knight—a mere chess piece. Turned towards Sora—no... towards the 'king'. An

the table.

as if mocking her, Sora responded.

never lost in Civilization or Daisenryaku, did you think you could win in a simplified version

That's right—this was not chess. This was a 'strategy game'. A magic that maintains the

than something that maintains the statuses of the social systems or the wonders of the world.

In essence, that was the playing style that results from relying on those effects— If the

It could not longer be called a match.

Confidently, aiming straight for checkmate, Sora yelled out a command, and the piece faithfully

—The pawn was dyed black. """—Wha!?"""

the first time—Sora had been part of that group. Kurami could clearly tell from Sora's expression

spoke.

definitely possible, something like this."

In other words, all of the attacks from this side were completely sealed.

——Shit. Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit!

believed that the cheat the opponent had been using was to 'maintain a crazed morale amongst

—The mistake he had so arrogantly pointed out to Steph a few days ago had come and bitten

I failed—failed failed failed failed! What a grave blunder—! That is, when the threat of losing

possibility of risking a cheat that might have been detected as abnormal in the face of loss—!

"—All units, retreat! The enemy is using brainwashing magic, do not approach them!"

retreat. However, "Fufu, trying to be a war king? A king trying to be a rear guard, stop messing

Seeing the tides change, Kurami barked an order against the 'king'—in other words, at 'Sora'. The

"Behead the enemy king, my queen! Checkmate!" "Brother..."

approaching piece, Sora said. "—Oh queen, please lower thy sword... for thou art—beautiful."

"""—Huh?"""

coax the piece—the queen.

prithee, listen to thy heart. Is that king one worthy of thy service?"

beautifully woven words. It was as if he was a handsome young king on the battlefield.

who made you stand up to everything yet remains frightened within, is such a king worth

that brought us to meet as this, as enemies. Prithee, lower your blade, and take a good look—

—Clang—.

—This time, the black queen became dyed in white. Not a single sound could be heard any

words, and the slightly snickering Sora.

"Kukuku, galge[20] are one of the few games where I'm better than my sister." "—Y-you..."

the same thing as the enemy, the situation is back to a draw—is what they probably thought.

only be done because it had been Sora and the enemy queen. But Kurami—though it could not

completely—the enemy could attack without holding back. The only thing that awaits ahead—

—What do I do. What do I do Sora, you 18 year old virgin—!

fiercely searched for a way to somehow overcome this situation. Well—to be accurate, he had

There is—a way. It's a possibility... but will the opponent fall for it!?

failed—then his chance of victory would be completely crushed. Compared with the risk of the

secretion of hormones in his brain even compressed time, Sora continued to think.

Wh...?"

Sora in the eyes, and in a small voice continued.

"...The two of us are... 『 』 ..." Ahh...

"......Are you, okay?"

The brother's eyes silently asked, and the sister, slightly, but strongly,

—Right, Shiro—this genius girl—his proud sister. Against an opponent who moved without

not be possible unless she could read what the opponent—Kurami, will do. In psychological

Once again, Sora thought to himself.

situation, had asserted that it will work. Then, what he must do is believe in his sister, and with

"—Knight! Cut down the double-crossing queen!"

inner conflict, and then—

"W-why... w-what did you do!?"

able to stand if she was really fighting for humankind, and her 'reaction' towards that betrayal.

the outline of the only remaining way to achieve victory. Ahh, to be expected of my sister.

cat. Then, as if it was all as planned, Sora spoke with an indomitable smile.

would doest well to calm down. Those shoulders shaking with anger—they are not what the

"You—traitor...!"

cheat, Kurami. On that face was not the zombie-like sense of helplessness or sense of

arrogant, fearless, and filled with confidence.

That even right at this moment, Sora was the one who, heart pulsing with a force as if it would

gained through various quiz games and history games. Recreating battles to the limit of what he

—That's right, the situation hadn't turned for the better in the slightest.

plant the seed of doubt in the opponent. It was a dangerous tightrope where just another attack

Win without fighting?

—And then.

"—Shiro. I'll leave the command of the troops to you. Can you maneuver them so they will not

Without asking for the reason, the sister saluted and took control of the troops.

guaranteed win. There were only two ways to come out victorious in this situation. As far as

"Oh dear queen—"

"I cannot bring myself to order thee—nor thy faithful, proud knights who lowered their swords,

no longer but a meritless brawl should be clear to anyone—thy king—is now but a crucible of

Then, Sora, within the span of the seconds hand making a full revolution. Several thousand lines

"Thy citizens are thy citizens—the one to guide them in place of the 'mad king' can be no other

Sora's speech. Its aim. Not one person in the castle, not even Kurami could uncover it. Thus the

the something that would exceed all expectations—they waited in silence. Then—finally, a result

The originally black queen—but what is now a white queen.

In addition, the black pieces in the front line mostly turned red. "———Huuuuuh!?"

members had been able to comprehend what just happened. However, with the continuation of

"I commendeth thee for taking a stand, oh respectable and brave queen! Righteous ones who

Furthermore, I doth not believe that thy brethren wishes to cut thee! The ones who shall mark the

through brainwashing, is none other than thee!"

Inciting a 'revolution'—the advent of a third power.

sides to lay down their swords. I will not allow any more blood to flow!"

increased.

"—Y-you, it doesn't matter! Dispose of all traitors!"

"You have made yet another mistake, oh foolish king. Since old, dealing with revolutions

—Though they have no hesitation in cutting down their enemies. Even under the effects of

that Kurami commanded turned red one by one.

She who tried to protect mankind, going as far as to borrow the elves' power, Kurami. That

"... All units, support, the red queen... expand the perimeter... don't, let anyone, die."

pieces strategically. It wasn't anything spectacular. It was just to use the pieces that Kurami's

she manipulated the pieces in the red queen's forces to create a situation where attacks from both

—The result.

my commands—cut down and dispose of all traitors."

magic had been cast. Eerily, silently, the black army started its advance. Red pieces or white

annihilate everything, as those in the castle held their breath.

As a slight amount of cold sweat started to form, even the sister pointed and said. However, Sora

"I know—that's why I did it." Crack—

king.

The cracks spread across the black king. Towards the confused Kurami staring stupefied, Sora

"A tyrant that continues oppressing, ruling through fear, and brainwashing—is a strange thing."

"It's fine while he continues winning, but if ever he lost, no matter which world it is, for some

...That is.

—This was something that

Chapter end