The human boy stood in front of him, holding a sword. His dark eyes looked down at him with a calmness that seemed to declare that victory and defeat were already determined.
And that was precisely the case.
"Victory and defeat already determined! Human contestant Ryoji wins the second arena match!" The host appeared in time to announce the result of the match.
He lost.
Kumariki collapsed to the ground, his expression blank. He had truly lost, as a top-tier Adventurer, to an ordinary human boy who wasn't even an Adventurer.
For a moment, his mind was empty, unable to summon even the slightest emotion.
"You didn't lose to me; you lost to yourself." Ryoji looked down at the Bearman, his eyes devoid of joy or anger, as if he didn't care about the outcome of the match at all as he spoke. "If you were a true warrior, you wouldn't have fallen for such a simple trap. Only when your mind is unsettled does your hand follow… You've been bullying the weak too much, haven't you?"
Even when facing an opponent several times stronger than himself, Ryoji's heart would not waver. In his case, he might even become more excited, striving to win at all costs.
Speechless.
The Bearman's expression was extremely complicated, completely unable to refute.
"Whoosh!" Ryoji swung his sword again and the mask covering the lower half of his face was split into two pieces, fluttering down.
His hand was steady, leaving no trace of a wound on the Bearman's face, only revealing a frightened expression, his courage almost completely lost.
"Who is that guy…?" Outside the arena, those who were close enough to see the Bearman's exposed face pondered for a moment, then their complexions changed drastically.
"I remember him! What was his name… But isn't he a top-tier Adventurer at Lv. 2?"
"Tower Bear Barus! He's Lv. 2 Tower Bear Barus, a top-tier Adventurer with a bad reputation! I thought he was strange. Lv. 1 Adventurers usually don't have that kind of pressure!"
In Orario, most top-tier Adventurers have some level of fame.
With so many spectators in the arena, the Bearman was easily recognized.
"No, wait a moment, doesn't that mean…?!"
"He defeated a top-tier Adventurer at Lv. 2! Even though he's just an ordinary person?!"
"Am I dreaming?"
"Unbelievable. Is he hiding his strength?"
"He's too strong!"
The entire arena erupted in an uproar and explosive applause came from all directions, and cheers filled the air.
"He actually did it. It's simply unbelievable." Shakti was full of admiration, her eyes frequently flashing with amazement.
With her insight, she could tell that Ryoji was truly just an ordinary person, his physique only slightly more trained than the average person. For an ordinary person to defeat a top-tier Adventurer… In her lifetime, she had never heard of such an exploit!
"It's not too unbelievable." A graceful woman appeared beside her, her face adorned with an intrigued smile, her gaze fixed on the handsome and imposing boy on the stage.
"Since the gods descended to the mortal world and promoted Blessing(Falna), the children of the earth have overwhelmingly relied on Blessing(Falna) rather than honing their techniques, making heroes with outstanding techniques like in ancient times extremely rare. This is the evolution of the times, an interesting aspect of the children of the earth."
"Goddess Sama?"Shakti was slightly startled.
The beauty before her, with a charm that surpassed mortals and an elegant demeanor, exuded a divine power that made one want to bow down. She was unmistakably a goddess.
Shortly afterward, as if thinking of something, Shakti's expression gradually became tense.
"Hehe, no need to be nervous. I'm just passing by, and my Familia is an agricultural Familia. We can't attract a boy like that." The goddess licked her lips as she spoke but that didn't stop her from developing some other relationship with the boy.
After so many years in the mortal world, it had been a long time since she encountered a male who made even a god's heart race. This time, she couldn't miss the opportunity.
"What is he going to do?" The goddess suddenly spoke with doubt. Shakti turned her head and looked toward the arena.
Kumariki, or rather Barus, who was unable to move, had already been carried away by members of the Ganesha Familia. His actions violated the arena's rules, and the punishment would be given by the Guild. From now on, his reputation would be completely ruined, and he might even lose his Adventurer status or be thrown into prison.
Ryoji waved his hand, calling over the host. The host approached with a puzzled expression, but before he could speak, the Magic Stone-made amplifier in his hand was snatched away.
"Everyone in the arena, listen well! My name is Ryoji, an ordinary person from outside Orario who has not received a Blessing(Falna)! Remember this: it's important and will be tested! My purpose in coming to Orario is to become a powerful Adventurer, and to do so, I must choose a Familia to join! However, I am not interested in weak Familias. If there are any Familias confident in their strength, please come and contact me!"
His declaration rang out like a triumphant song. Ryoji's voice, amplified through the device, resonated throughout the arena with fervor.
"Wow————!!" The entire arena erupted like a boiling pot, reaching an unprecedented level of excitement!
An ordinary person from outside Orario, possessing a stunning presence that surpassed even the gods, had defeated a top-tier Adventurer at Lv. 2 with exceptional sword techniques!
And now, he was looking to join a powerful Familia!
This news was etched into the minds of all the spectators, spreading like wildfire through the streets and alleys of Orario.
Fame in one battle!
Shocking Orario!
"That kid..."
Shakti couldn't help but smile wryly at the scene.
She had just planned to wait for him to come out of the arena and invite him to join her Familia. If she acted quickly, with the Ganesha Familia's reputation as a top-tier Familia, she wouldn't have to worry about him refusing.
But unexpectedly, he had boldly announced his desire to join a powerful Familia right there in the arena for everyone to hear. This would surely attract formidable competitors.
"Hehe, it seems that even if I don't compete, once the news spreads, many will want this child." The goddess beside her smiled charmingly, her pink lips curving upward.
"Our Ganesha Familia might not lose either," Shakti added somewhat competitively.
"Ganesha Familia is indeed the best in the city, but if the Loki Familia makes a move, it will surely bring tremendous pressure. Not to mention, if that goddess also takes an interest… everyone else combined won't stand a chance." The goddess pointed toward the Tower of Babel, a playful smile on her face.
Then, she lifted her foot and walked gracefully toward the arena.
"Where are you going?"
"To interact with that boy and see if there's a chance to win him over~"
The goddess left behind a bold declaration, causing Shakti's mouth to twitch.
"Sigh… If my Chief God were a goddess, perhaps I could increase my chances, but unfortunately, he's a foolish male god."
(End of Chapter)
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