"Hey, is that them? Are they the Heroes?"
"Yeah... Those are the Heroes... You should have seen them fight yesterday."
"Ughh... I knew I should have watched... Dammit."
Whispers and gossip spun in the air, the gentle breeze passing through the corridors. Three familiar figures walked amongst the crowd, parting the way as their footsteps resounded in the air, eyes indifferent to their surroundings.
It has been a day since Grey and Yuna's debut, and as Lisandra expected, rumors have spread all over the Royal Capital. Be it children or elderly, everyone had heard of their tale and how they crushed one swordsman after swordsman, not breaking a single sweat in the process.
In fact, they have become so popular, a massive crowd of people greeted them by the entrance of the colosseum, all wishing to be graced by their presence. It was like a fan reception, only that Grey and Yuna were not informed.
"Should we have gone to the other colosseums instead?" ［Lisandra］
"No, it's fine. We're quite used to this scene anyway. It would only cause trouble for His Majesty if people flock here and there looking for us." ［Grey］
"Un. Plus, it's not like they're bringing harm to us. As long as things are peaceful, we are more than fine with this." ［Yuna］
"Okay... If you say so..." ［Lisandra］
Or so they say, but there was quite a large margin between reality and their previous expectations. They thought it would only be a couple hundred at best, but the people that flocked had already reached more than a thousand.
Moreover, there were also many who had already bought tickets for the matches today, hoping to catch a glimpse of Grey and Yuna's duels. Things have escalated much further than how they previously thought it would.
A complete opposite to them, the staff of the colosseums were wearing big smiles on their faces. It has been quite some time since they saw such a big influx of customers heading inside the colosseum. Of course, that also meant more profits to be earned.
"A very delightful morning to you, Your Highnesses. Would you allow me to take you to your waiting area?" ［Administrator］
"Our... Waiting area...?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. We have prepared a private chamber for our important guests. I would like to present it to you if you don't mind." ［Administrator］
And now, they even have a waiting area of their own. They looked at Lisandra, and as it seems, she was also oblivious to the existence of such a place. She didn't know gladiators could also have waiting areas of their own.
They wanted to reject it, they really do. But with the bright and dazzling, smiling face of the administrator, it was hard to reject it. It was also an opportunity to head to a more quiet area. It was a time of desperate need.
"Haah... Please do." ［Grey］
"Hohoho. It would be my greatest pleasure." ［Administrator］
Humming to himself, the Administrator then led Grey, Yuna, and Lisandra to the waiting room he spoke of, and as soon as they arrived, a grand and lavish scenery greeted their eyes, a little bit blinding to see.
There were luxurious couches, fancy cabinets, a fluffy bed, air conditioning, paintings, expensive dishes, and many more. Rather than a waiting room, it was more like a small home, complete with all the necessities and luxuries.
They had just arrived yesterday and to think the colosseum had already prepared such a grand reception, they could only be speechless and amazed at the same time. No matter where one looked at it, it was too over the top of a treatment.
"Does the room suit your taste, Your Highnesses?" ［Administrator］
"Uh, yeah... It looks amazing... Too amazing, actually..." ［Grey］
"Hohoho. I am very much delighted to receive such praises. And please, if you find anything dissatisfactory, don't hesitate to call me. I will arrive at your beck and call, anytime, anywhere." ［Administrator］
Or so he says, but with how carefully the room was put together, there was barely something Grey and Yuna could nitpick about. They could only smile a wry smile as they replied to the administrator, not trying to think too much.
"Then, I would have to bother Your Highnesses any longer. I will be taking my leave now. Please enjoy your stay." ［Administrator］
"Un... Thank you very much, Administrator." ［Yuna］
A very satisfied and cheerful expression on his face, the Administrator soon left the three on their own devices, still shocked about how "warm" their welcome was. No matter how well they performed yesterday, it was still too much.
Well, it's not like they can do anything about it. If they refused, they could already see the Administrator and the staff kneeling down and begging to give them a chance. It would be troublesome if such a rumor were to spread around.
"Mmn... These are good. Want to try some too, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Yuna... You need to be a little more cautious..." ［Grey］
"Mmn... It's not like we can reject what was already given anyway. Why don't we just enjoy the room as we wait for our turns?" ［Yuna］
Yuna was absolutely right, looking at the positives as she gave up on thinking too much about it. She simply tried the snacks one after another, giving them reviews even when no one else was there other than the three of them.
Lisandra soon joined her, also eating the snacks displayed atop the fancy table, and before long, with an exasperated face, Grey also sat down with them. The day had just started yet they already felt exhausted as one can be.
"Oh... These are really good." ［Grey］
"Right～? Didn't I tell you?" ［Yuna］
Eating the snacks, lazing around, chatting merrily, and polishing their swordsmanship a little, time passed by ever so quickly. In the blink of an eye, several duels had already occurred, Grey and Yuna's turn drawing nearer by the second.
They wanted to watch the matches in the colosseum, but if they did so much as to step outside the room, they would surely be crowded sooner or later. Rather, Grey simply used his eyes and shared his vision with Yuna with the use of illusion magic.
As for Lisandra, she had unsheathed her sword once more and started practicing with the dummies located just in the room beside their resting area. She was as eager as ever, striking every strike with all she got.
Knock Knock Knock
Before long, a series of knocks echoed from the other side of the room. Grey and Yuna didn't even need to guess what it was about. Their turn is about to come and an escort has come to fetch them from their room.
"Please guide us well." ［Grey］
"A-Ah, yes... I will make sure to fulfill your expectations."
Grey didn't even let the escort speak a single word. As soon as he opened the door, he cut straight to the chase, Yuna and Lisandra following after him. They soon left towards the arena, the eyes of the other gladiators latching on them.
As they arrived, the ongoing match was already reaching its climax, both gladiators giving it their best in front of thousands of audiences. They fought harder than usual, not letting a single opportunity pass them by.
⟨⟨Heavy Slash!⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Pierce!⟩⟩
The shot they struck and a loud explosion echoed in the air. As the clouds of duet started to clear out, two figures were revealed once more, now in totally different positions as they gasped for their breaths.
One of them was keeling, sword now shattered to pieces, whilst the other was still stabbing, pointing his sword towards the former. The victor of the duel had been decided, the match had finally reached its conclusion.
"The winner is Gladiator Ruveeellll!!!"
A booming voice echoed in the air, followed by a cacophony of cheers. With the ending of the match, both swordsmen finally left the stage and excitement started brewing amongst the crowd, eyes watching the arena eager as one can be.
"Now, for our next matchー Oh!"
The announcer stopped his commentary and looked at his script. A familiar name was clearly written there, unable to keep his grin to himself. He then looked at the entrances for confirmation, smiling even more when he saw them.
"Folks! This is the moment we have been waiting for! A moment where we will once again witness history being made before our eyes! A moment of thrill and excitement for all ages! For he has come to duel!"
The announcer hyped up the crowd, cheers getting louder and louder with the slow passing of time. They have yet to enter the arena yet the audience is already in an uproar, loud shouts echoing from all sides and corners of the colosseum.
"Here he is! Hailing from the Kingdom of Alfrione! He had saved Oiros from disasters a many. His name has been sung by bards and his might is known all over the land. The one who they call the 'Grim Reaper'! His Highness! Archduke Grey!!"
"Whooo!! Your Highness, please look at us!"
"You're the best, Your Highness! Destroy them all!"
"Please sign my shirt! I'll make it our family heirloom!"
An over the top introduction and an over the top reception. As Grey stepped foot in the arena, the crowd only got wilder. They said all sorts of things, Grey seeing fans he never knew he had. It was simply too exhausting to deal with.
Heck, there were even some strange requests from the crowd that are better left not mentioned. They were so disturbing that Grey was left shocked for a moment. He didn't think Merusia would also have different sorts of insane people.
"And his opponent...! Ranked 27 and also a Commander of the army in his free time! The man they call the 'Knight of Avarice'! The one who destroyed a whole band of bandits on his own! Sir Kaylan!"
"Sir Kaylan, show the brat what Avalon is! Don't let us down!"
"Please give us a great show!"
"Sir Kaylan, you can do it! Don't let a foreigner defeat you!"
Their reception was just as warm as it was on Grey's side, a knight in heavy armor entering the stage, his heavy steps ringing out in the air. He was even larger than Klad, who was Yuna's opponent the day before, only much more intimidating.
Of course, to Grey, such a physique was worthless. All that mattered was that he could hold his ground against him. The man before him was a C-ranker and also has a 52% proficiency in the sword, all much higher than the ones yesterday.
"Good day, Your Highness. I don't know if you remember me, but I am part of the Royal Guards. I dare say your aura the other day was a menace to behold, I look forward to our fight." ［Kaylan］
"The feeling is mutual. Let's do our best." ［Grey］
"As you wish," ［Kaylan］
There was no hostility in Kaylan's eyes, only excitement as he looked forward to having a duel with Grey. He may have been easily subdued by his aura, but he prided himself in the sword. He would surely give him a good fight.
The announcer looked at the two of them and decided to start the match. He soon stepped down the stage and held his microphone tightly. He cleared out his voice with a series of fake coughs, and...
"Let the fight... Begin!!"
... Along with his announcement, a sharp glint glowed deep inside Kaylan's eyes. He immediately dashed towards Grey, closing the distance in just a couple of moments, his sword ready to stab and slash if needed be.
CLANNGGG BOOOOMMMMM
His sword came from above and his strike was heavier than any boulder. An massive boom reverberated throughout the colosseum as his sword clashed with Grey's, an intense shockwave following it soon after, letting out a string gust of wind.
Yet despite how powerful he was, Grey remained still in his position, not budging a single inch. He soon waved his sword and Kaylan was pushed back along it despite looking as if he didn't put any strength on it, flowing like the gentle streams.
Kaylan landed on his feet and did not let his momentum die down. He soon charged towards Grey once again, attacking in angles even he could not easily defend from. It was an attack pattern tailored to break the defense of most swordsmen.
However, Grey wasn't a part of the "most" swordsmen. Despite the difficult angles Kaylan struck from, he defended it easily, eyes darting left and right as he predicted the path of Kaylan's sword and how he should parry it.
⟨⟨Flash Rain!⟩⟩ ［Kaylan］
Kaylan tried to launch a merciless barrage, but they were all slow as one can be in Grey's eyes. He perfectly captured them in his eyes, narrowly dodging the attacks as he moved his body accordingly, moving his steps lightly like a hummingbird fluttering in the flowering forest.
'Crazy... So this is the Hero of Oiros...' ［Kaylan］
Only such thought entered Kaylan's mind as he continued his barrage. Even his eyes could not catch up to Grey's movement, striking pretty much every chance he could, all to be in despair as not a single strike has yet to graze the young man.
A dangerous light flashed in Grey's eyes, grabbing the opportunity as soon as he saw it. It was small, but a gap was still a gap nonetheless. Grey struck that very gap, easily breaking Kaylan's barrage of swords with brute force.
"It's my turn, right?" ［Grey］
Kaylan's offensive was now broken, and as if he was just returning the favor, Grey then started a counterattack, once again striking at impossible angles as if it was no one's business, giving Kaylan a very difficult time.
⟨⟨Bladed Tempest!⟩⟩ ［Kaylan］
Kaylan tried to defend by surrounding himself with a tornado of blades, all were razor-sharp blades to cleave boulders smoothly like a hot knife running through butter. It was an amazing defense which could easily render attacks useless. It also expanded with time, swallowing the stage little by little.
However, it wasn't amazing enough. With his eyes and the durability of his sword, Grey easily found gaps in the rotating storm of blades, landing stabs and thrusts one after another, peppering Kaylan who was hiding inside.
"H-How terrifying... To think even Sir Kaylan's defense was useless..."
"Is he even human...? How could he achieve such a feat?!"
The crowd was puzzled and baffled by such a scene. They have seen Kaylan's moves before, but there were only a few who broke through. And now, a young man who had fought him for the first time had easily broken through, it was nothing short of an achievement.
⟨⟨Heavy Slash!⟩⟩ ［Kaylan］
Turning the moment from his spinning blade into attack power, Kaylan shot a vertical slash towards Grey, packing enough power to demolish the arena if it weren't for the barrier looming around them, an overwhelming pressure crashing at insane speeds.
Yet there was not a trace of panic in Grey's face. He simply heaved a deep breath and put a little bit of strength to his sword. He struck back at Kaylan's and hit it by the side, a tingling sensation of ominosity looming in his heart.
'Crap! It's already too late...!' ［Kaylan］
Kaylan had already put too much strength to his sword and had no way of stopping it. With Grey's attack, the trajectory of his strike was then deflected, Grey only needing to step away once to fully dodge it.
BOOOOMMMMMM TREMBLLEEEE
Kaylan's sword crashed towards the ground and a large crater was formed, a violent burst of wind rushing towards the audience. Yet Grey received no damage. He was still standing there, unfazed as the clouds of dust cleared out.
It was a magnificent sight, yet Kaylan couldn't h,o but be irritated. He already knew from the start that Grey wasn't going all out on him. He knew the gap between them was a massive one, but he still wanted Grey to fight him with all he's got.
"Your Highness, please take this more seriously..." ［Kaylan］
Kaylan was right. Grey wasn't really being serious the whole match, simply trying to improve himself, thinking if it was training rather than a duel. But doing so was simply insincere towards the opponent. A smile blossomed on his face as he realized such.
"Very well." ［Grey］
At Grey's words, the atmosphere on the stage completely changed into one full of terror and domination. It was as if a mountain was weighing down on Kaylan, all the fibers in his body screaming about immeasurable danger heading his way.
Grey's eye glowed a cold and deadly glint, a storm of mana gathering unto his palms, getting more and more chaotic as time passed. Kaylan's instincts were telling him to bolster up his defenses to the max, anticipating the advent of doom.
⟨⟨Wailing Moon⟩⟩ ［Grey］
An insurmountable amount of pressure swallowed the whole colosseum, Grey's sword appearing to be as massive as a dragon. Fear and despair struck Kaylan's heart as he witnessed such a sight. The descent of death in the mortal world.
⟨⟨ ⟨⟨ ⟨⟨Guard!⟩⟩ ⟩⟩ ⟩⟩ ［Kaylan］
One after another, Kaylan deployed barrier magic to coat his body, creating more than a dozen layers all over his body. Yet, all were for naught as Grey's slash cut through them all with even halting a single second.
The attack passed through, blasting Kaylan towards the side of the arena, clouds of smoke rising towards the air as darkness devoured his sight. His eyes soon closed, losing consciousness as the reign of terror finally dissipated.
"Th... The victor is His Highness! Archー No! Gladiator Grey!"
The announcer didn't miss a beat, announcing the clear results as soon as he could. The booming cheers of the audience rang towards the vast sky, everyone excited to have witnessed such a ferocious fight.
After all, it was Grey's first time using mana in his matches, so it would only be natural that everyone was surprised. Thankfully, he managed to hold himself back a little, not harming Kaylan too much. He was soon healed with a bit of magic.
『Fufufu! You did well, Grey! That was amazing!』 ［Yuna］
『Thanks, and good luck. It's your turn next.』 ［Grey］
『Un! I'll make sure to surpass your expectations! Watch carefully!』 ［Yuna］
The unconscious Kaylan was soon carried out of the arena, and Grey walked out soon after. With the conclusion of their match, another pair of names was called out, one was that of a young lady's and one was of a veteran adventurer.
The crowd cheered loudly once, wishing to see more action between Yuna and her opponent. They wanted to see how an S-rank adventurer would fare against a C-rank when they possessed the same physical prowess, curious as one can be.
"A master of one hit K.O.! A cold beauty who dominates all frost! The Heroine of Oiros who had stopped all sorts of peril who bears the nickname of 'Phantom'! And the youngest S-ranker in history! Her Highness! Archduchess Yuna!!"
"Your Highness, you're so beautiful! Please be my bride!"
"Ah! She looked at me! She looked at me, didn't she?!"
"Waah... She's so gorgeous..."
Yet another fancy introduction coming out of nowhere. The announcer was out of breath the moment he finished his piece. Yet despite that, he was smiling, the crowd cheering even louder with him as they welcomed Yuna's entrance.
Or rather, they were all enticed by Yuna's goddess-like beauty. It didn't matter much whether they were men or women, all were stunned at her entrance. Some saying a few questionable lines better left unsaid.
"Fighting against her! Ranked 25 and a veteran adventurer acknowledged even by the General! He has completed all quests with perfection using his insane speed! Please welcome him! Mister Jackson!!"
"Jackson! Teach the brat a lesson, otherwise, you're a bastard!"
"Oii! Jackson! How dare you have fun before us?!"
"Jackson, you motherf*cker! Just die already!"
Though... The same enthusiasm couldn't be said for Jackson. A bunch of rough and rowdy adventurers cursing him rather than cheering. They were his drinking buddies who also happened to be idiots. The most stereotypical kind of adventurer.
"Please ignore them, Your Highness. They're just a bunch of morons." ［Jackson］
"Bastard! Who are you calling a moron?!"
"Who else would it be! And stop eavesdropping you piece of sh*t!" ［Jackson］
In fact, they were too lively for their own good, Jackson quickly snapping back at their antics. One even used his "Sharp Hearing" ability just to piss off Jackson. Yuna didn't know whether to laugh or cry or both.
"Then... Without further ado! Let the fight... Begin!!"
The announcer raised his hand and dropped it soon after. Strong bursts of winds ran wildly on the arena as two figures dashed towards one another. With the both of them specializing in speed, most of the audience only saw a pair of blurs.
Jackson had seen Yuna fight before, so before she could even think of striking, he immediately struck the most unstable points of her sword, all the while launching counterattacks whenever he saw the moment,
⟨⟨Dancing Snow Flower!⟩⟩
Jackson brandished his sword and cold winds blew all over the arena. Be it the moisture in the air or the water in the water jugs all started to freeze, blades of mana blooming like a flower as they rushed towards Yuna.
The flowers bloomed some more and it soon exploded into a storm of petals. Petals which were blades sharp as daggers, darting at breakneck speeds and wreaking havoc like a storm, freezing everything they touched.
"Waah～ So pretty～" ［Yuna］
Unfortunately for him, it was a super terrible matchup. If it comes to ice magic, Yuna reigned supreme between the two of them. She easily deflected all the petals as she prepared for her own counterattacks.
⟨⟨White Dream: Fluttering Snowflakes⟩⟩［Yuna］
Yuna's soft words rang out in the air and the whole arena turned white in an instant. Everyone was frozen in place, snowflakes starting to fall like leaves in an amber autumn day, pretty as the stars.
The Snowflakes danced to the symphony of the winter gale, gathering denser and denser towards Yuna's blade. She brandished her sword and a wave of blue rushed towards Jackson like a surging and unstoppable tsunami.
The man was devoured whole and his body was soon frozen in deep, blue ice. The fight was over as quickly as it started, not even half a minute elapsed on the clock. Even the announcer was in shock.
"Th-The winner is Her Highness! Gladiator Yuna!"
The peace and silence was soon broken with the boisterous cheers of the crowd. It may be a short match, but it wasn't any less impressive than what Grey had shown them. Everyone's eyes were sparkling brightly.
Just like that, Grey and Yuna continued the day, dominating every match they fought as if it was no one's business. Every fight they won, the crowd's excitement only rose along with their fame, loud cheers to be heard time and time again.
The excitement was far from over.
CHAPTER 308 END