The Gaun Grand Arena.
“And now, the day has finally arrived! The greatest tournament in the Gaun Grand Arena, the one that makes the blood of beasts across the country boil! The Beast King Festival! It’s finally opening!”
“Wooooooooh!”
Roaring cheers erupted from the arena stands. The commotion reached our ears even in the food court set up outside. Could that familiar voice belong to Ronowee, who was doing the commentary for my mock battle with Silvia? While I admit that rousing the audience’s excitement is a fine job for an announcer, a question popped into my mind.
“…It’s still over an hour until the Beast King Festival begins, isn’t it? Aren’t the audience and that announcer jumping the gun a little?”
“It seems they’re going to hold an exhibition match before the main event, the Beast King Festival. It’s a joint performance by warriors who unfortunately missed out on qualifying for the festival. Kelvin, would you like to watch if you’re interested?”
Ange told me this while looking through the Beast King Festival guide she’d somehow purchased.
“Hmm, I don’t really think so.”
“Oh?”
Missing out on qualification means they’re probably around the same skill level as the Gaun soldiers who lost to Ryuka the other day. It’s probably not worth going out of my way to see.
Several days have passed since we arrived in Gaun, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our sightseeing here. Time flies when you’re having fun, and before I knew it, today was the day of the Beast King Festival. I don’t have any luggage since all the bulky souvenirs are stored with Kuro, but still.
“More importantly, I’ve been playing around all this time, so I’m worried my body might be getting sluggish.”
“Ahaha, all the other competitors should be in peak condition. I’m a little worried too, Older Sister. Since we have time, shall we do a final confirmation of the Beast King Festival?”
“We have time, so it’s a good idea. Well then, first, regarding our party’s participants in the Beast King Festival—”
While munching on something that looked like a frankfurter from the food court, I turned my gaze to the three of them. They immediately seemed to notice, and stood up on the spot—
“Me!”
“And me!”
“Me!”
—And for some reason, they struck a bizarre pose right there. Sera and Rion had said the night before that they couldn’t sleep with excitement, like elementary schoolers before a field trip. But what’s with this strange tension circuitously? And Rion, you’ve got food crumbs on your cheek. Come here before Gerard does something weird.
“After discussing various things, it was decided that I, Sera, Rion, and finally Dahak will participate.”
“Oh, I figured Efil-chan wouldn’t participate, but Gerard-san and Mel-san aren’t either?”
“I prioritize my time with Ryuka and Shutra. I also want to cheer Rion on. So, I’ll pass this time.”
Well, actually, Gerard can’t participate due to the Beast King Festival rules. His unique skill, ‘Self-Transcendence,’ changes his equipped weapons and armor, and this tournament doesn’t allow for items that hide the face, like helmets. Gerard’s mysterious chivalric code probably wouldn’t permit it either.
“I’m more suited to cheering from the audience with food in hand. There’s still so much delicious food I haven’t eaten enough of.”
I wonder how many more stalls she intends to devour.
“Master, the rules for the Beast King Festival are here.”
“Ah, Efil-chan! That was my…my job…!”
While Ange was on the verge of tears, I took the pamphlet distributed at the arena reception from Efil. Here’s a summary of the rules for the Beast King Festival matches.
1. Equipment used in matches must be selected from those already prepared by the arena. However, accessories and other decorations are limited to one item that can be brought in. The use of any other items is prohibited.
2. The use of magic is prohibited during matches. However, the use of unique skills is permitted. The barrier covering the stage will determine whether it is magic or a unique skill; if magic is used within the barrier, it will turn red.
3. While a barrier is in place around the arena stage to protect the audience, any act that harms the audience is considered a foul, regardless of the barrier. This may result in a criminal offense and punishment.
4. Victory is achieved when the opponent is knocked out or indicates their intention to surrender. Knocked out does not necessarily mean death, but if the opponent is killed, a fine will be imposed.
5. The matches will be conducted in a tournament format with a total of 64 participants who have earned their right to compete. The matchups will be decided by drawing lots on the day of the event.
“The points to watch out for are ① and ②.”
“For me, it’s precisely because of rule ① that I can participate~, as a hair tie.”
Sera was able to participate this time because of the rule allowing one accessory to be brought in. This made it possible for her to hide her horns and wings. However, this could also be a disadvantage. It’s clear that other participants, like myself, Rion, and Dahak, will bring equipment to gain an advantage in the match. For example, the Ring of the Goddess with Melfina’s mark that I possess. In a one-on-one battle, the difference between having and not having resistance to abnormal status effects is enormous. At this point, Sera is already at a disadvantage compared to everyone else.
“Huh? Does Sera’s hair tie have any special effect?”
“N-no! It’s an item with sentimental value, so I don’t want to take it off! Absolutely!”
“I gave it to Sera a long time ago. Right?”
“Y-yes! Actually, it is!”
“Oh, I see… Hmm…”
Sera, flustered, tried to cover for herself with Ange. Since what she said wasn’t entirely a lie, Ange didn’t press the issue further.
*Sera, don’t say careless things in front of Ange. You’re still hiding your race, remember.*
*Ugh, I’m sorry…*
*Well, you managed to deceive her, so it’s fine.*
Losing interest, Ange seemed somewhat absent-minded.
“Anyway, I’ll leave the choice of accessories to each of you. Use whatever you like. As for ②, the use of magic is prohibited. You absolutely must not use it during the match.”
“Okay! I won’t use it during the match!”
A keen observer would notice, but rule ② has a loophole. Magic is prohibited during matches— While it cannot be used during the match itself, it can be used at other times. It’s even permissible to enhance one’s physical abilities with magic right before the match begins. The Beast King Festival, which appears to be a close-combat tournament, is quite a cunning event.
“Oh my! Is that a handsome guy I’ve seen somewhere? It’s Kelvin-chan! And also, Gerard-ojisan!”
“Eeek!? The gentlemen you recommended so highly, Older Sister!? Where, where!?”
Gerard reacted with excessive alarm. That intensely sweet voice from behind us… yes, it could only be that person. However, perhaps I’m mistaken? The voices seemed to overlap…
“It’s been a while, Pritia-chan—”
“U-um. You seem as energetic as ever—”
We turned around. We turned around.
“Hiii♪”
There stood Pritia-chan, dressed in a pink dress, and a dandy with a bald head but the bearing of an English gentleman. While not quite on Pritia-chan’s level, he too had his clothes puffed out by well-defined muscles. In terms of appearance alone, he’s several times better than Pritia-chan… but his speech pattern is completely that of a flamboyant lady. And why are the two of them making a heart with their hands? Are they trying to attack Gerard? We haven’t communicated with each other, but for the first time, I feel like Gerard and I are thinking the same thing.
*Something has increased…*
*Something has increased…*
These are the strong enemies who will likely rival the Beast King in this tournament, huh…
“Who the hell is that handsome bastard…!? He’s all over Pritia-chan…!”
Dahak was shocked in a different way.
“Rosaria, move your hands. I can’t see anything.”
“You must not look. It is too soon for the pure and innocent Shutra-sama.”
I want to appreciate Rosaria for her surprisingly good work.
