The day of the main event.
The arena in the martial arts city of Leolinea, which was chosen as the venue, was filled with excited spectators.
After all, well-known adventurers had gathered in this place, and they would be up against me, the Savior and the hero who had saved the world—though saying that myself was a little embarrassing.
Everyone was already very excited even before the match started, wondering what kind of amazing fights they would see.
Of course, for those who couldn't make it to the venue, Sinus-sama was broadcasting the event to every city with a water Magic Art, so everyone around the world could watch it simultaneously.
"Hahaha! The rumored Savior is so small!"
And so, the first match started right away.
My opponent was a big muscular man who was famous for his 'peerless strength'.
He was apparently so powerful that he was able to decapitate a steel dragon with one slash and was in possession of a weapon made of a fairly rare metal called 'mithril' that could withstand his power.
His axe did look refined.
It makes me remember my fight with Boreios… as I was feeling a little nostalgic, the gong to start the match sounded.
"No hard feelings, but I'm gonna end this in one blow, Savior!"
—Whoom!
The big man swung his mithril axe with both arms.
"—Berserk Mind!"
"!"
—Bekigoki!
And he used a high-level physical strengthening Magic Art on himself, making his body one size larger.
…I see.
Given his physique and weapon of choice, I thought he had an axemanship-type skill like Ophir, but it seemed that his was actually a Magic Art-type.
Although he didn't have an axemanship-type skill, with his well-trained body, excellent weapon, and physical strengthening from a high-level Magic Art, he was able to demonstrate strength exceeding those with one.
Skills were innate.
Some might acquire one that didn't match their personality. He must have established his current combat style through an extraordinary amount of effort.
For that, he deserved respect, and I had to give him that.
"Nuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"
Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang! The floor of the arena shattered into pieces due to the big man's powerful attack.
Take it head-on, and it'd be an instant death.
That was clear to anyone who saw it.
But.
『――Wha!?』
The audience, including the big man, widened their eyes.
It was only natural.
I'd caught the blow with nothing but the crimson gauntlet on my right arm, after all.
—Blaze!
Of course, I'd transformed into the Vermillion Bird Form.
I then wrapped the gauntlet on my left arm in flames and said, "Sorry, old man. I'm going to finish this in one blow, too. ――Grand Prominence Blow!!"
—Bang!
"Graaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh?!"
Taking my fist, the big man spun into the air at high speed.
—Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!
『Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!?』
Then he slammed into the wall of the arena, causing a shockwave that violently swept over the audience.
Maybe I overdid it a little? The surroundings were enveloped in silence for a while, but…
『Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!?』
…as soon as the loud cheer erupted, I patted my chest in relief.
◇
Amid the loud cheers, someone was gritting his teeth.
"Grr, as expected of Exa-sama… Taking down his opponent with just one blow, talk about cool…"
Of course, it was Porco.
Nazarie, watching the match next to him, folded her arms and said, "Well, even though his opponent was a famous adventurer, he is the Savior. The two aren't even in the same league. Or rather, are you really going to fight him? Your chances of winning are almost zero, you know?"
"…I know. However, there are times when a man must not withdraw!" Porco clenched his fist, burning with fighting spirit.
Nazarie stared at him and said, "I get you're trying to sound cool and manly, but when you get down to it, you're just trying to get your hands on his wife, aren't you?"
"I-I can't help it?! Exa-sama himself says he'll grant any of the winner's wishes?!"
"Good grief… Even if that's the case, you can wish for anything other than Magmell… You love big-breasted girls too much…"
Haa… Nazarie sighed, but Porco said something startling to her. "…Indeed. We've been together for so long, it's only natural for you to hold such feelings."
"Huh?"
"But I'm sorry, Nazarie… We aren't meant to be together…"
"Oi, do you want to die, you fat bastard? I've never felt that way about you in the first place, or rather I've never felt that way about anyone in my life."
"Seriously?!"
"No, why are you that surprised…"
Where did you even get that idea… Nazarie was quite put off.