That Time I Got Reincarnated as an Underground Labyrinth Manager

BANG!!!

————

The deafening crash drew everyone's attention.

By now, the crowd had long realized something:

Those girls weren't normal.

Each one had terrifying strength.

But that's the Cursed Sword Hero?!

And he lost too?!

Who could believe this?!

"Wait… am I seeing this right? Was that really just an arm-wrestling match?"

"If anyone dares say girls can't open bottle caps, I'll be the first to shut them down!"

"I told you that little girl wasn't to be underestimated! Even the Cursed Sword Hero lost! I don't feel bad about losing anymore!" Dust shouted indignantly.

"…Are we really seeing this? The Cursed Sword Hero… lost to a little girl?"

"That can't just be someone who looks like him."

"Yeah, it might really be him!"

The crowd nodded as they discussed.

After all, in their eyes, Mitsurugi Kyouya was one of the strongest fighters in the entire kingdom.

No way someone like that could lose to a little girl… right?

"The Cursed Sword Hero defeated the Demon Lord's army in the capital! How could he lose here?"

"He must be an imposter."

Claire's mouth dropped open, her pupils dilating.

Others might not know, but she did.

That really was Mitsurugi!

The swordsman who once fended off thousands of kobolds on his own?!

Even among the Royal Knights, few could rival him.

But now… that same person…

Got flung like a ragdoll by a little girl?!!!

"You've got to be kidding…"

She glanced at Iris, visibly shaken.

"Thank goodness I didn't let Miss Iris go up there…"

———

Chishiya stepped up beside Mitsurugi.

Poor guy. He could've picked anyone else to mess with.

Chishiya gave his usual corporate smile. "Consolation prize, 20% discount coupon from our store."

Without giving him time to react, he shoved the coupon into Mitsurugi's hand.

"Thanks for visiting. Come again."

Behind him, the two girls who accompanied Mitsurugi stood in a stupor.

Huh?

Wait… the one who just got launched was Mitsurugi-sama?

He actually lost?

How… how is that even possible?!!!

"Hold on!"

A voice rang out.

Mitsurugi stumbled to his feet, disoriented.

He rubbed his dazed head.

He didn't expect the girl to be that strong. He had definitely underestimated her earlier.

It's fine. I just wasn't ready. I'll win once I take this seriously.

"Let me go again."

"I wasn't ready last time."

His two companions finally sighed in relief.

"I told you. As long as Mitsurugi-sama uses his full strength, he won't lose."

"He was just being too cautious. Underestimated her."

"Well, she's already beaten so many challengers. She clearly isn't weak."

"Just try again."

They whispered encouragements into his ears.

"Mitsurugi-sama, don't go easy on her just because she's a girl."

"Fio and I were worried, you know! Let's win this time!"

Mitsurugi patted their heads.

"Don't worry. I was just afraid of hurting her. Didn't want to go all out."

"She's a lot stronger than I thought."

"This time, I won't hold back."

"Okay~!"

Chishiya glanced around.

None of the challengers stepped forward to interrupt.

Everyone seemed curious about whether this yellow-haired guy was really the Cursed Sword Hero.

Chishiya turned to Milim. "Milim, want to go again?"

"Of course!"

Milim cracked her knuckles and bared her little fangs.

How dare this guy act so smug in front of her!

If she didn't beat him into the ground today, how could she call herself the "Destroyer"?!

Chishiya sighed inwardly. This poor guy…

"Registration fee, and damages for the table."

"Here."

Mitsurugi casually handed over his wallet to Chishiya.

This time… he would unleash his full power!

Luckily, no one had figured out who he was yet.

Otherwise, if word got out…

That a brave hero needed to go all out just to beat a little girl?

Too embarrassing.

Chishiya reset the playing area.

Mitsurugi planted his elbow back on the new table.

He smiled confidently. "Alright, I'm using my real strength now."

"You'd better be careful."

Milim didn't even respond.

"Ready!"

This time, the countdown came from Chishiya himself.

The crowd had completely forgotten they came here for some kind of "beautiful girl" event.

Everyone was locked in, eyes glued to the table.

Chishiya called out, "Begin!"

BOOM—!!!

The moment the word left his mouth—

Not even half a second later, there was another explosive crash.

Just like before, Milim moved so fast she left a trail behind her.

Mitsurugi was once again spun in midair like a ragdoll.

He crashed into the ground even harder than last time.

A massive crack split open the stage floor.

Mitsurugi lay sprawled out, unable to speak. His eyes vacant. His head spinning.

"?!!!"

The audience went silent.

Everyone had seen it with their own eyes.

No tricks. No delay.

It was a clean, overwhelming victory.

"Who… who is that girl? She's ridiculously strong!"

"Wait… did she go easy on us earlier?"

Everyone swallowed nervously.

Their eyes locked onto Milim, who stood proudly in her cat-ear outfit…

Only now did they truly understand what it meant.

Beautiful things can be lethal.

Who could possibly handle this child when she grows up…?

And then reality caught up.

The crowd began to doubt.

They started murmuring.

"Maybe that guy just looks like Mitsurugi Kyouya…"

"There's no way he's the real Cursed Sword Hero."

"A hero's someone who beats the Demon Lord. Not someone who loses to a little girl."

The two girls rushed to Mitsurugi's side, helping him up.

They looked just as confused.

"Didn't you say you'd go all out…?"

"Why did you fly again…?"

Could it be…

He's still holding back?

After all, Mitsurugi would never get rough with a girl.

Fio leaned close and spoke softly.

"Mitsurugi-sama, you really should use your full power. She's not as easy as she looks."

"There's no point being modest anymore."

Mitsurugi didn't reply, but his heart was racing.

I… already used all my strength!

But how could he admit something so humiliating out loud?

Dammit…

Losing in front of so many people.

If word got out…

Especially if Princess Iris found out…

His noble image would be ruined!

But now…

He had no choice.

He had to grit his teeth and go through with it.

Milim placed her hands on her hips, smiling mischievously.

"Oh~?"

"Coming back for more?"

"Perfect. I've been itching for a warm-up."

"Just don't give up too fast."

She rubbed her hands together in anticipation.

Chishiya rubbed his temples.

After spending so much time around her… it's easy to forget…

This girl is actually a Demon Lord…

(To be continued.)

***

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