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It was as if the strike cleaved through dimensions.
His swordsmanship was so refined that his eyes pierced through every possible path, toppling a Dwarf whose raw strength dwarfed his own with a single, flawless move.
To be fair, the Dwarf Hawks' charge paled slightly when measured against the likes of Takeshi Momotani, a prodigy ranked among Hagun Academy's top ten.
Enhanced by the surge of Magical Power, Takeshi Momotani's charge carried the weight of several tons, barreling forward like a runaway wagon, capable of shattering bones with the slightest graze.
Yet, to him, even that fearsome rush seemed amateurish. He could read its course effortlessly and turn it against itself. By comparison, Dwarf Hawks' charge barely registered— tracking the arc of his axe demanded more focus than it was worth.
"…What just happened?"
"Why'd Hawks throw in the towel so fast?"
"Are you serious, Hawks? I staked everything on you, damn it! Are you rigging this?!"
The crowd exploded into a chaotic roar.
Most spectators stood frozen in disbelief, while a handful of bettors vented their fury, hurling insults at Hawks.
The Amazonesses had poised themselves to swoop in and snatch the striking youth the moment he faltered, but his stunning upset— felling the Dwarf in one stroke— left them gaping in confusion.
"Quiet! This duel was fought honorably! The human contender earned his victory fair and square!"
As the arena churned with noise and bewilderment, Shakti's commanding voice rang out, cutting through the clamor and stifling some of the crowd's skepticism.
"Captain Ganesha's judgment is beyond question."
"Then how'd Hawks lose so fast? That shouldn't happen— he's a Dwarf, for crying out loud!"
"You're just not getting it."
"Oh, and you are?"
"Nope, not a clue."
"Then why're you spouting off?"
"Because I feel like it."
Below the stands.
"Captain, are you sure there's no issue with this outcome?"
The announcer murmured to Shakti, brows knit with unease over the fight's conclusion.
"No issue at all. I'd stake my name on it."
Shakti handed the Magic Stone amplifier back to the announcer, her face alight with wonder.
"The reason it's beyond you is simple: his skill with a blade is leagues above the norm. Frankly, if I'd been in his shoes, with the same stakes, I doubt I could've ended it so cleanly!"
Mortals cling to the boundaries of what they know. When something shatters those limits, they're left blind— mistaking genius for trickery, transcendence for lunacy.
The young swordsman's craft was simply too far ahead of its time. His blade wasn't forged for show; it was honed to reap foes.
A warrior of such caliber, yet he bore no Blessing, no Falna?
Were the Gods beyond these walls asleep?
Shakti's pulse quickened with anticipation.
This was a raw diamond, unclaimed and brimming with potential. If she could bring him into her fold, he'd blaze brighter than anyone could fathom!
"I will wait for him to step off the stage, then extend an invitation to join my Familia!"
Shakti resolved in silence.
Word of this youth would sweep through Orario like wildfire; she had to secure him first.
Atop the arena.
Dwarf Hawks trudged off, shoulders slumped in defeat.
After collecting his valis for holding the stage through six bouts, he started toward the exit… only to pause mid-step. A spark of curiosity flickered, and he dropped into a seat among the spectators.
He had to know how far this extraordinary fighter could take it!
Could he shatter the arena's record, unbroken since its founding?
If he reached that height, the sting of loss might fade. Hawks could even brag someday: "See that legend? I crossed blades with him once!"
"Let's give a warm welcome to our newcomer, the human contender, who goes by the name Ryoji. A name with an Eastern ring to it, perhaps? Captain Ganesha assures us his triumph isn't just talk— it's the real deal! We'll take a ten-minute breather, then kick off this contestant's first title defense!"
The host's final words reverberated, stirring the crowd into a growing buzz.
With a Level 1 Adventurer's seal of approval, this rookie's prowess was undeniable. To take down a seasoned low-tier elite as an unblessed mortal—and with a single strike, no less! It was a feat that left jaws dropping.
The shock rippled through the stands, sparking a wildfire of excitement among common folk and Adventurers alike.
The Amazonesses traded knowing looks, opting to bide their time.
Charging in now would paint them as glory-hounds in Shakti Varma's eyes, and she'd make an example of them without hesitation. Better to wait until the striking youth stepped off the platform before they pounced.
Up on the stage, Ryoji scanned the crowd, his face etched with disappointment.
Not one bold maiden daring to rush up and wrap him in a warm embrace?
Where was their spirit?
For ten minutes, the arena hummed with energy—friends shouting to friends, the air thick with anticipation—while bettors hunched over, scrutinizing odds for the next bout.
Ryoji, meanwhile, took his ten-minute respite onstage.
"Hey, could you come here a sec?"
He beckoned the host over with a casual wave.
"Got any requests?"
The host tilted his head, curious.
"I've got over two million valis stashed in my pouch. Put it all on me to win, and I'll toss you a cut after."
Ryoji leaned in and spoke in a low voice.
The host's eyes rolled so hard they nearly vanished into his skull.
What a guy— asking 'him, ' the announcer, to play bookie. A first for the ages.
And was he really that strapped for cash?
"How much?"
"Ten thousand?"
"Make it twenty, at least!"
"Done."
"...?"
The host's face froze, a slow question mark practically forming in the air.
Moments later, it hit him— he could've pushed for more.
Ten minutes passed.
The host's voice boomed again, signaling the start of the next fight.
"Thank you for waiting! Our challenger this round is a Bearman from the Beastman tribes, calling himself Kumariki. A straightforward name, huh? The Bearman are famed for their brute strength! Will he claim victory, or will he, like DwarfHawks, crumble despite his might? Contender, step forward!"
In the stands, Hawks muttered to himself, "…"
'Don't drag me into this, thanks.'
Onstage, a hulking Bearman—towering at 1.9 meters—emerged from the prep room. His glare locked onto Ryoji, icy with murderous intent.
"Hmm? Oh? Contestant Kumariki, what's with the mask?"
"Is there a rule against it?"
"Uh… not exactly…"
The host faltered, grasping for a reply.
But down below, Shakti's expression hardened.
Something was wrong.
This aura— it didn't feel like a Level 1's. Even for a Bearman, it was too intense. And that name, Kumariki? It sounded slapped together, paired with that masked swagger—
"Hold it."
Shakti strode forward, planting herself in front of the so-called Kumariki.
"Today's arena is for Level 1 Adventurers only. Level 2s and above are barred from competing. You know that, don't you?"
(End of This Chapter)