Chapter 149
Lamberton Dormitory Building, Cornell Academy, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, the Year 2041, Planet: Grimoire
Was it fifteen or twenty minutes into the unofficial games? So far, Grifton has recognized two exhibitions from pros as past champions. Firenze had participated in the two exhibitions. That meant he had to sit out the first two rounds and wasn't happy to hear that.
Grifton smiled when he caught Firenze's eye and raised a hand to acknowledge seeing there in the stands.
For now, Grifton was okay with just watching. It gave him time to assess the variety of participants. So far, there were only so many Grifton could view as possible threats to peoples' safety. He stood relaxed and observed everything.
"This is completely different from what I remember," Grifton remarked. "I like this format, though."
Harold smiled. "Yes, it is an improvement. Now that we see the exhibitions, we see examples of what the newbies should strive for. We can put our unique spins on what we've seen." He shrugged, looking to Grifton. "Or, in your case, just do what works best for you."
Grifton nodded with a faint smile. "I'm glad they're willing to let people get creative."
Gladys rolled her eyes. "Wasn't that the point of these?" She looked at them in surprise. "I'm just glad that we can let loose." She stretched as she spoke.
"We should be getting called up soon," Harold murmured. "Though I was surprised those in the exhibitions had to sit out."
Grifton shrugged. "It just means they have time to rest and are refreshed." He distinctly recalled that was another improvement. "They also see what they're going against in the third and fourth rounds." Grifton shrugged when Gladys rolled her eyes. "Provided no one gets so injured they're disqualified first thing."
Gladys grunted. "It used to be that no one got a break, not even those showing off at the exhibition shows." She explained when Harold frowned at her skepticism.
"First round of participants, please come forward." A referee glanced at Grifton and gawked. "Man, I feel sorry for some of the newbies." He shook his head, but he was grinning. "Idiots ran their mouths." He gestured for Grifton to step forward along with Gladys and Harold. "Now they get to see what you're like for real."
Gladys winced. "We're up against arrogant bratty newbies? Well, that sucks."
"Hmm, I don't think that's the case." Grifton's gaze ran over the ones they were going up against in their individual sections. "Nah, these ones?" His hackles rose when he recognized them. Jerks from the Locust gang. "They've been here before." Grifton shot a warning signal to Gladys. "They probably just got smug because we haven't been here for some time." He'd caught a signal from Firenze earlier and knew it meant trouble.
"Oh great, people from Locust are here?" Gladys exhaled in frustration. "Guess that means people will go flying."
Harold goggled at her. "Do you mean that literally?" Clearly, he'd seen some events, but not to that extreme.
"Eh, depends on just how idiotic they decide to act tonight." Gladys shrugged.
"Yes, it does depend on their behavior," Grifton confirmed. "Though I hope I'm not the one who does the throwing this time." He had no interest in tossing misbehaving people out. If Grifton recalled correctly, that was a job for the guards.
Even as he spoke, a red shade shimmered around his platform. "What the hell is this?" Grifton frowned as he glanced at the small dialogue box popping up? A new innovation that players used for something, he guessed. "A fight to death challenge already?" Disappointing and so unoriginal, "Can I reject this?" Grifton studied it without enthusiasm.
"No," the referee watched, his face darkening with exasperation. "Normally, these wouldn't activate toward the end." The referee shrugged ruefully when Grifton scowled in disgust. However, the rules were changed about a year ago."
Oh, this explanation had better be worth listening to. "So, what was the reasoning for allowing this to happen?" Grifton sighed loudly, although he was getting info on the opponent, what there was of it. This guy evidently didn't believe in showing his stats unless forced. There was no help for it; Grifton would gauge his strengths and weaknesses while fighting him.
"Wow, a death match already?"
"Boo!"
The referee shook his head. "It was changed so nations' participants could deal with grudges once and for all." He shrugged. "Since this is supposed to be neutral, we weren't pleased with the addition but couldn't say no either."
"Not cool!"
"This isn't a place for political grudge matches!"
Hmm, Grifton regarded his opponent with contempt. He disliked fools of this type the most. Guaranteed they knew how to ruin the mood with actions designed to draw the wrath of people in general.
"Good grief, so much for a good showing."
"What a waste of time."
Now that he understood there was no denying what that fool wanted, Grifton heaved a loud sigh. He could play to the crowd as well. A faint grin crossed his mouth when he looked at the crowds and bowed his head.
"Oh, he's up to something."
"Hehe, this is going to be interesting."
"Hmm, whenever something like this occurs, it means he's pissed."
"Fine, I accept." If it was to the death, then there was no helping it. He would have to do his best, but he wasn't going to show all his abilities while dealing with this annoying cretin. That went against his personal code of keeping trump cards hidden in case of emergency.
"Hah, bastard, think you're so good." The opponent taunted. "I'll make you cry."
"Oh, them's fighting words!"
"Don't let such a foul mouth make you do something rash, Tinroy!"
"Bah, what a loser. The foe can't stand a humanoid champion as the jerk's opponent?"
"Why is there such a creep as a participant.
With the encouragement of the crowd booing his opponent, Grifton just shrugged. "Ah well, can't be helped." He waved his hands at the spectators. It would be better to keep their spirits in good shape. "Thanks for your encouragement."
On turning to face his opponent, Grifton changed his appearance and stared coldly at him. "Well, what are you waiting for?"
Now, facing his opponent, he looked shocked at his shift in attitude and saw the appearance of horns, fangs, and a primarily draconic appearance. The other man began to sweat. "So, you're the dragon, eh? Heh, bless my luck, I've been waiting for you." His eager anticipation and addition of pheromones made Grifton's nose wrinkle in disgust. Was he an Alpha on top of everything else? Ugh, repulsive. "Just get on with it before I throw up. You stink." He glowered at the man in contempt. "Not only that, but you're not my type."
The foe's eyes narrowed dangerously at his pure hostility. "We'll see how long you can remain standing."
Grifton shrugged. "Who says I'll remain on the ground?"
That's when the aggressor attacked. However, Grifton's senses were on high alert, and he could defend and parry. Not only that, but he wasn't in the mood to put up with this jackal, either. He brutally punched the foe in the gut, and once he was knocked speechless, he kicked out his knees and one shoulder.
The man fell to the ground.
"Grifton Tinroy wins!" The referee announced.
When the foe tried to attack him once more, that's when Grifton sent him flying.
"WowWee! We see him in action once more."
"Nice, hope the fish get a good meal."
"That's what he gets for being an ass!"
Grifton heaved a sigh. He hadn't wanted to do all of that, and now he stank to high heaven. "Damn, repulsive jerk." He muttered in disgust.
Firenze came over to him. "I'll show you to the shower room." He grimaced when catching the scent, the other Alpha tried pouring onto Grifton. "Eesh, no wonder you reacted so violently."
Grifton grimaced. "I wasn't kidding when I made that remark about vomiting." He shook his head and followed Firenze without another word. He was eager to get rid of that revolting stench.