We slept soundly and woke up in the morning. (I wasn't able to peacefully wake up because a half-naked Arcana tried to attack me.) We woke up around 11 and ate our breakfast, just so that we would be able to get to the tournament on time. All four of us left together and headed for the tournament venue, which is... I don't know where!
There were lots of people around our group. They seemed to be heading for the same place as us. Which appears to be that coliseum over there. It's big and tall but slightly shorter in height compared to the clocktower.
I was pushed several times by scary-looking guys. They were like "outta my way, kid" and shoved me out of the way! It's incredibly rude, but I can't do anything since their faces always scare me off. Sometimes I believe that I'm a coward on the inside. Which, I guess I am.
'So, what'll happen if we face each other?'
Sakurako asked.
'What else? We fight each other at full throttle!'
Arcana said while jabbing the air like a boxer. Sakurako looked moved for some reason.
'Right! As expected of Cana-nee!'
When did they get so close that Sakurako looks up to her like how a younger sister looks up to their older sister. I don't remember seeing them together much, so, what happened? Ah, it could've happened when Sirius and I were chilling together yesterday.
But, anyway, I was thinking the same thing. However, in my case, if I fight any of these three with only melee, then I'm losing for sure. That's why I'd like to avoid fighting these guys at any cost. Why? Because I need money for god's sake! I know I hadn't originally intended on participating but now that I am, I should just focus on getting first. Unless some other guys eliminate these guys, I can't get first! Well, as long as I can get 5th then I'm fine. I mean, first is only for military recommendations, a cursed sword and more money. I just want money, so...
'Wait, now that I think about it, I don't know what a cursed weapon is. Do you guys know?'
In games, they were usually weapons that, when used, would put a curse on the wielder. The sheet said something about being stuck with it forever if it is drawn from its sheath. Sirius faced me and explained.
'Cursed weapons are, as the name implies, a weapon with a curse on it. Don't believe anyone if they say that they put a curse on you since only minorities can put a curse on the wielder. But, basically, cursed weapons usually have souls inside of them, and the soul forms a contract with the wielder. Nobody uses them because they say that those who form contracts with cursed weapons go mad and insane. Python houses a soul too, but no one knows if they'll go mad if they wield it.'
Now I don't want to aim for 1st.
Finally, we reached the coliseum, not after too long. We were told to say our names and the attendant searched like ten different papers. There must be many participants for them to have lots of different papers.
'Ah, found you. Altair Nox, you're participant #1172. You're in the final group, Group C.'
She gave me a wristband which displayed the letter C. I'm guessing it was for Group C.
'Now please, walk inside.'
And so I did.
'I know they allowed people above six to enter, but still, it's horrible.'
I heard that attendant say.
'Yeah, I know. I just hope that he doesn't get beaten too hard in the group stages.'
Another said.
'Maybe I shouldn't have permitted him to go. I can't bear to see a child get beaten to death.'
'You have a soft spot for children, don't you, Erika?'
I just wanted to jump out and show off my skills because of the conversation the two attendants were having behind me. Really, I just want to smack up some guys in the coliseum to prove them wrong. I regrouped with the other three. Sakurako was in Group A with Sirius while Arcana was in Group B.
'Sakurako, please go easy on me. Or just don't go for me at all.'
Sirius said, nervously laughing. I know he hasn't seen Sakurako fight, but I'm sure he's tasted a few of her punches and kicks. He's maybe even heard about the battle between her and his sister.
'Maybe, it depends if the people in our group are weak or not.'
In other words, she acknowledges Sirius as a strong opponent even though she's never seen him fight. Meanwhile, the blue-haired boy trembled beside me. What did his sister tell him?
We continued inside and we reached the armoury room. These guys even provided armour for us. I already knew that they'd give us weapons but wouldn't armour be cheating in a way. Oh well, I'm going to take any armour. I feel like it would only weigh me down.
Sirius and Arcana went forward and selected some weapons. Arcana went to go and find the best daggers for herself while Sirius just took a bow he found at first glance. From what I remember, Sirius fired blue arrows made from flames. Meaning that he didn't need a qui–gah! He's taking one anyways. I won't question him. Ah, wait, that'd count as magic if he used it, wouldn't it.
Sakurako and I were sitting on a bench not too far from a layer of bars. There are lots of people here. The majority of them are men. They were bulky, skinny, and even old. I barely saw any kids. The women who were here were beautiful. Like any guy would want to be with them. I got the sense that they were either cute or beautiful but I didn't feel turned on. I mean, if I was Tatsuya Kimihiko, my son would definitely rise, but he's not in this body. Ah... being a child comes with its disadvantages.
'Okay, everyone.'
A woman came in. She wore a distinct red uniform. It was like a military uniform with a mini skirt and a military cap.
'Everyone in Group A, come immediately. We're planning to start ahead of schedule on the order of the king. Now, come along.'
People charged through. They barged, pushed and the like, as they went through the large arc. I guess they were pumped. Even Sirius was gone, but Sakurako stayed next to me. I looked at her with a disturbed/serious look.
The woman noticed her wristband.
'Miss, aren't you going to the coliseum? If you don't, you'll be disqualified.'
'I'm going.'
She stood up and walked away through the arc. The woman bowed and followed her. She bowed like a Japanese. So they do have that tradition here! I looked around to inspect the room, specifically the number of people, and it didn't feel empty despite the large number of people who walked out.
Arcana was still looking for the perfect pair of daggers.
I heard slight chatter.
'Look, the broadcast is starting.'
'It is. The mana bot is starting to transmit.'
Everyone looked in the same area and I followed their gaze. On the wall, there was a strange circular object. Seconds later, a large screen appeared. It was transparent and slightly tinted with blue.
['Hello everyone! This is the Riel Colleseum and I am your commentator for the tournament period! For those who don't know me, I'm Alex Vincent! And with us, throughout the tournament period, we have four special guests!']
A man spoke with a microphone in his hand. He seemed very happy. The camera turned to an old man. He looked like he was in his fifties. Some of his hair was white while others were grey. His eyes were yellow and his skin was pale. He wore a regal outfit. This guy emitted a certain kind of aura. From simply looking at him, one would know that he was the king.
['The king of Riel! The Shield! His name is Malcolm Turdish! The first-ever king in Riel who accepted different races! It's thanks to him that we have a large variety of fighters in the tournament today! Next, we have–']
The camera turned again. This time to a woman. She looked around the same age as the king. Her hair was brown and her eyes were green. It looked like the stern glare on her face couldn't be removed. As if it was pinned onto her face.
['His wife, the queen of Riel! The Sagestress! Her name is Fiona Turdish! She's the ultimate queen, who has access to almost every magic affinity thus giving her the moniker, Sagestress! Then we have their two beautiful sons!']
It turned once again onto two boys. They looked similar, though one had yellow and the other had green eyes. They both wore the same clothes and had the same white hair. One was younger and the other was older. Girls' "kya~!"s could be heard through the screen. Kind of ticked me off.
['We have the two princes! Eustace and Guist! Some call them twins, but they're actually just normal brothers! Eustace is the older brother and Guist is the younger one! Princess Sacharissa couldn't make it because of some problems. It's predicted that she won't be able to get here throughout the entire tournament period. Anyways, now!']
The screen changed to the coliseum floor. Which was filled with people.
['Now we have 500 people willing to fight in Group A in the first battle of the group stage! I imagine everyone knows the rules, so we'll just get right into this! Let Riel's first mixed melee tournament... Begin!']
There was a large beep and everyone on the coliseum floor started moving. The first preliminary battle had begun.