Confronting the giant Golem Goliath, Reiko first examined the opponentâs movements.
That was not the first time she faced a giant opponent. Sham Dragon, Sandworm, Hecaton Cale, Death Sea Serpent, and Giggers.
The current opponent in front of her paled in comparison to those giants.
âBut carelessness is oneâs greatest enemy, is it?â
That was something she learned from Jin. Reiko reminded herself that she should never let her guard down no matter who she was fighting against.
Goliath was fast, but at most only several times faster than humans. However, Reiko could be several hundred times faster.
Goliath attempted to stomp and crush her. Reiko evaded. Instantly, she moved behind him while he was still trying to adjust his position.
Then she kicked the back of his left knee, which was supporting his weight. That maneuver was called single leg âknee dislocationâ.
Goliathâs left knee, which supported almost all of his body weight, collapsed. He lost his balance. He reached out his left arm for the ground to prevent himself from falling over.
Reiko was anticipating that move.
She hugged his left arm and pulled while twisting it.
It was a high-level throwing technique that not everyone could utilize. Due to the precise amount of force, Goliath had completely collapsed.
The loud thud echoed throughout the venue, accompanied by a cloud of dust.
âO-oh!â
âWow âŠ.â
The audience gasped in disbelief.
âNo way. Was that an âArm Twist Throwâ*?â
Sitting next to Her Majesty the Empress, Marquess Gueren Theodoric von Eisen was fascinated.
That was a secret fighting technique of the Shouro Empire, used only to beat an opponent empty-handedly when a fighter had lost his sword: Dodged the opponentâs incoming blade, twisted the whole body while holding the opponentâs arm, locked the opponentâs elbow and shoulder, then collapse while throwing.
That was the only known application of that technique.
âGueren, what is an âArm Twist Throwâ?â
The Empress, who was sitting across from the Prime Minister, inquired. The Marquess briefly explained,
âThat technique is using the opponentâs power, one mistake could result in the userâs self-destruction. And that Automata Reiko successfully executed it. Well, not only Iâm interested in when she learned that technique, but also how amazing that she could actually master it.â
âO-oh? Your Majesty, look!â
Prime Minister Jung Fowles exclaimed in astonishment. At the same time, the audience cheered from their seats.
Before Goliath could get up, Reiko slipped under his body and lifted it: with her tiny body.
The 1.3-meter tall Reiko lifted the 6-meter tall Goliath with ease. It was surreal.
However, Goliath did not stay put while being lifted. He was flailing and stretching his arms in an attempt to grab Reiko.
An instant before she was caught, Reiko threw Goliath up in the air.
Goliath weighed about 4 tons. Reiko had enough power to throw him more than 30 meters up in the air.
âWha âŠ.â
Both Viscount Georg Randall and Marcus Grinwald were lost for words at the unbelievable sight.
Reiko evacuated from Goliathâs falling path. The law of gravity took care of the rest. Goliath plunged and crashed on the ground.
A thunderous impact shook the entire arena. It created a crater of more than 10 meters in diameter on the ground.
Goliath lied motionless at the bed of the crater. Looking closely, his hip joint was crushed and damaged.
After waiting for a few minutes, Goliath still did not move. Reiko then walked over the referee, the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Magical Technology, Christoph Valde Von Tarnat.
âIs it all right to call it done?â
Christoph snapped back to his senses upon hearing Reikoâs words, collected himself, and then said,
âThatâs a wrap! We have a winner! Winner, Jin Nidou, and his Automata, Reiko!â
As the announcement echoed, the quiet spectators gave enthusiastic applause and cheers as if they had just been revived.
âWonderful!â
âAmazing!â
âCute! Reiko!â
Reiko bowed in response to their cheering, and the applause seemed to become more intense.
âLord Jin, sheâs a wonderful Automata.â
An interview was held with the winner while waiting for the arena to be cleaned up.
âIs there any secret for such a cute Automata to being that strong?â
âNo, I simply worked real hard in creating her.â
Jin tried to elude the question.
âThere is no secret. My father made me. Thatâs all there is to it.â
Reiko explained while praising Jin.
At this stage, the audience was finally beginning to cool down. Some of them thought Reikoâs unfathomable power was fearsome.
Meanwhile, others who had witnessed her power concluded that it would be better to get on Jinâs good side instead of interfering.
And everyone knew that was the wisest choice.
âWell then. This marks the end of the competition.â
The moderator announced the end of the competition, followed by the official statement from Empress Gelhart Hilde von Rubies Shouro.
âThere seemed to have been some disputes, but this yearâs technology expo ended with great success. We would like to thank all participants, all visitors, and the executive committee members.â
To the brief statement from the Empress, the venue gave a thunderous applause.
Jin was also clapping. He hated long speeches but welcomed the Empressâ brief statement.
âAfter this, the award will be given to these brilliant people after a short break.â
âNo way ⊠no way, no way! I canât believe this! Something like this canât happen!â
Viscount Georg Randol, was muttering in response to the incredible display of Reikoâs abilities.
âBut this is the fact. Father, ⊠Jinâs true ability is the best in the world. It was a mistake to challenge him.â
However, Elsaâs words fell on deaf ears.
âShut up! What the hell do you know? Iâve been compared to my outstanding elder brother since I was a kid, and I couldnât even become his successor. But now, I finally managed to earn this position. Just when I was aiming higher, he showed up. Why?! Why does he get in my way?!â
â⊠Jin doesnât get in your way. Youâre one-sidedly seeing him as your enemy, Father. Jin is very kind to friends and colleagues. However, he is very tough on his enemies. Heâs such a person.â
Upon hearing Elsaâs words, Georg glared at her with bloodshot eyes.