"Da Vinci, seriously, it's your system, so why do I always have to complete time-limited missions to get event cards?" Hoshino grumbled to herself as she listened to the frustrating BGM playing from the system, silently cursing Da Vinci in her heart.
But even though she was complaining, there was no way she could just leave Lily behind. After all, who knew if she would ever have the chance to get Lily's card again after leaving this virtual world?
"But 1,000 gold coins? That's way too much!" Hoshino muttered, frowning as she walked aimlessly down the street, thinking of ways to make money. "If I drag Jonouchi and Yugi along to fight monsters, I wonder if we could make enough in one day."
"Take a look. Take a look!"
"Hm?"
"The King's Gladiator Tournament in the Desert Capital opens today! The victor will receive a huge cash prize and the legendary equipment—the Sword of the Hero!"
"!!!" The dejected Hoshino trembled slightly when she heard the announcement from a street vendor at the corner.
"How much is this 'huge cash prize' you're talking about!" Hoshino rushed over eagerly, looking with anticipation at the vendor handing out flyers. "Could it be 1,000 gold coins?"
"Uh…" Startled by Hoshino's sudden appearance, the vendor paused before looking her up and down with a disdainful gaze. "Yeah, it's 1,000 gold coins, but Miss, don't tell me you're planning to enter the tournament?"
"Why, can't I enter?" Hoshino spun around in place to show herself off, then smiled confidently. "Do I look weak to you?"
"Hahaha, Miss, you're killing me!" The vendor laughed uproariously, clutching his stomach, and handed Hoshino a flyer. "Take a look at who you'd be up against."
Feeling mocked, Hoshino unhappily took the flyer and glanced over it. It was the usual kind of gladiator tournament advertisement: massive, muscular men showing off their biceps, or heavily armed warriors posing with long swords.
"They don't look that tough to me," Hoshino muttered dismissively.
"Huh? Are you blind, Miss?" The vendor waved his hand in front of her face, looking at her like she was crazy. "With that small frame of yours, you'd get crushed in a second in the arena!"
"I don't have time to argue with you!" Frustrated with the vendor's refusal to understand, Hoshino decided not to explain further. "Just tell me how to sign up."
"Signing up is simple. Just give me two gold coins as the registration fee, and I'll give you a number card. Just show up at the arena at noon." Seeing that Hoshino was determined to go through with it, the vendor gave up trying to dissuade her, holding up two fingers to indicate the fee.
"Two gold coins, huh…" Hoshino fumbled around in her pocket. It was her first time using this world's currency. "So I just give you two 1-gold-coin cards, right?"
"Thanks for your patronage! Here's your number card." The vendor took the coins and casually pulled a card with a number on it from his pouch. "Sigh, you're such a cute girl. Why can't you find another way to earn money? Why throw your life away? Just don't blame me when you get hurt."
"Don't worry, old man. When I win, I'll share two gold coins with you~" Hoshino said cheerfully as she accepted the number card and looked at it closely. Besides the number 12, there were no other noticeable markings on the card.
"What a shabby entry proof. Is this tournament even legitimate?"
Hoshino had no idea that, despite how easily this entry proof could be forged, most people wouldn't dare to enter such a tournament.
"Well, anyway, I should check out the arena first~" Hoshino's mood lifted now that she had found such a quick way to earn money.
The Desert Capital Arena was one of the most prominent structures in the city, a colossal circular building reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, located in the southernmost part of the city. Today, with the opening of the King's Gladiator Tournament, the arena was packed with spectators, leaving barely any room to move. Hoshino pushed her way through the dense crowd toward the entrance.
"Hey, Miss, why are you pushing so hard?" A security guard at the arena's back entrance called out when he saw the girl squeezing through the crowd. "If you want to buy tickets, you need to go to the main entrance. This is the entrance for participants."
"Sorry, I'm here to participate!" Hoshino replied, pulling out the number card she had just bought from the vendor.
"For real? A girl like you is entering this tournament?"
The guard was stunned as he took the number card, his face full of disbelief. "Are you sure, Miss? This is suicide."
"I'm sure, why does everyone keep saying that?" Hoshino fumed, patting the deck of cards strapped to her thigh under her skirt. "When I win, I'll use the gold coin cards to slap all of you in the face!"
"Well, go on in then~" The guard sighed, feeling like it was a waste. But since the number card was valid, he had no reason to stop her.
The Desert Capital Arena, Contestant's Lounge—
"Hey there, my good buddy Jon! Your chest hair's looking even thicker today!" A burly man with a bare chest slapped the chest of another man with a similar build across from him.
"Of course, Bob! I had a whole bowl of nails for breakfast today!" The man named Jon flexed his chest muscles and laughed.
"So what? A bowl of nails is just a snack to me~"
"Hmph, I didn't add any milk!"
"You win this one. I admit defeat!"
...
"Whoa, are these guys even human?" Hoshino, who had just entered the contestant's lounge, marveled at the monstrous figures sitting inside.
"But then again, they're just NPCs in a game. Of course, they aren't human."
"Hey, guys, look at this little cutie I found!" Despite Hoshino's tiny stature compared to these giants, Jon's sharp eyes immediately spotted her. "Little girl, this place is dangerous. The kids' section isn't here~"
"Hahaha!" The crowd burst into laughter at Jon's joke as they stared at Hoshino.
Ignoring the shallow taunts, Hoshino chose an empty spot and sat down.
"Wait, could she be a new ring girl? Why would they hire such a scrawny ring girl?" Jon scratched his head in confusion when he saw that Hoshino wasn't leaving.
"Hmph, when the match starts, I'll make you the ring girl~" Hoshino smirked, crossing her arms and tapping her foot.
"You seem pretty strong!" Unexpectedly, the fully armored man sitting next to Hoshino didn't mock her like the others. Instead, his deep voice was filled with excitement. "To think I'd encounter a formidable opponent like you in a place like this. It was worth coming."
The sudden compliment startled Hoshino. Despite not having used her Phantasm Summon ability, this man could already sense her strength. This made Hoshino scrutinize the man before her. Unlike the other muscular brutes, he had a physique closer to that of a normal person, clad in pitch-black armor that covered his entire body, even concealing his face, making it impossible to see what he looked like.
"You don't seem too bad yourself, at least much better than those muscle-head fools," Hoshino politely returned the compliment.
After this brief exchange, the man fell silent, merely sitting there quietly, waiting for the tournament to begin.
Noon—
"Ladies and gentlemen! The annual grand event of the Desert Capital, the King's Gladiator Tournament, has officially begun!!"
"Yeah!!"
"We've been waiting so long for this!!"
"This is what I live for every year!!"
Hearing the sudden eruption of cheers outside, Hoshino frowned and murmured to herself, "So, it's finally starting."
"First, since this is the King's Gladiator Tournament, we must first invite our King into the arena!" The host, who was excellent at stirring up the crowd, dramatically gestured toward the contestants' lounge opposite Hoshino's. "The champion of last year's tournament hailed as the strongest in the Desert Capital, the warrior who never removes his mask—The Bull Warrior!!"
"Finally, the Bull Warrior is here!"
"We love you, Bull Warrior!"
"Crush them all!"
On the opposite side of the arena, a hulking warrior wearing a red bull-headed mask emerged from a rising steel gate, basking in the cheers of the surrounding audience.
"He's amazing, like a real star," Hoshino commented enviously as she watched the Bull Warrior soak up the applause.
"Although most of you are probably familiar with the rules of the King's Gladiator Tournament, I'll explain them again for those watching or participating for the first time." With the Bull Warrior now in the center of the arena, the host continued the proceedings.
"Participants can challenge the arena champion, our strongest warrior, the Bull Warrior, at any time. If a contestant defeats the Bull Warrior, they will become the new champion. To claim ultimate victory in the tournament, one must defend their title as champion for ten rounds."
"The arena imposes no restrictions on fighting methods. You may bring your weapons or use those provided by the arena. To all the powerful contenders gathered here, hold nothing back and unleash your most ferocious strength!"
"Victory belongs to the warrior who stands last! And the strongest warrior will earn the honor they deserve! In addition to the grand prize, the champion will receive this year's special award—the legendary weapon wielded by the hero, the Sword of the Hero!"
"Now, embrace your dreams and determination, and fight to claim the glory that belongs to you!"
"Yeah!!!"
The host's impassioned speech not only whipped the audience into a frenzy but also filled Hoshino with excitement.
"No wonder so many people come to watch. This tournament is something special." Hoshino, eager to compete, clenched her fists in anticipation.
"Now that all the contestants are in the lounge, let's wait for the first warrior to challenge the champion!"
"Oh? It's finally starting!" Hearing the host's announcement, Hoshino prepared to step forward as the first challenger.
"Little girl, I can tell this is your first time in a tournament like this. You should wait a bit and observe first." Jon, the burly man who had blocked Hoshino, surprisingly showed her some gentle concern despite his rough appearance. "Watch a few rounds before you decide whether to participate. Even if you choose to withdraw afterward, it's allowed by the rules."
"But I don't have that much time to waste!" Hoshino replied impatiently, looking at Jon. She had been waiting in the arena for the tournament to begin for a while now, and she knew Jonouchi and the others would be worried if they couldn't find her. All she wanted was to compete, win quickly, and claim the prize money.
"Then let me, Jon the Great, go first and show you just how brutal the top-level gladiators are!" With that, Jon slammed his fists together and walked forward with overwhelming force. "Referee, I'm entering! Contestant number 7, Jon!"
"Alright, please wait a moment. Do some warm-ups or choose your weapon." The referee, who was recording contestant numbers and information, quickly relayed the data.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we've just received word that our first contestant has been decided! It's none other than the man known as the Human Meat Grinder, the mighty Jon!" Receiving the information from the referee, the host instantly became excited. "As one of this tournament's top warriors, Jon is competing first! It's truly a battle of kings right from the start!"
After the host's enthusiastic announcement, the iron gate in front of the contestants' lounge lifted. Jon's massive body barely squeezed through the gate as he entered the arena.
"And now, the first match of the King's Gladiator Tournament: Bull Warrior versus Jon—Begin!"
At the signal to start, Jon let out a furious roar and charged forward, dragging his massive frame with terrifying speed.
[Human Meat Grinder Jon][ATK1800/DEF1800]
"Hm?" Hoshino's eyes widened as she noticed a stat line suddenly appear above Jon's head once he entered combat mode. "So, like the monsters in this world, the NPCs also have their abilities displayed?"
While Hoshino was still in shock, the two giants had already collided. Neither the Bull Warrior nor Jon chose to use weapons—these monstrous men believed that their bodies were the most powerful weapons.
"Jon is really in top form today!" Jon's best friend, Bob, remarked with a smile as he watched Jon force the Bull Warrior back step by step. "Maybe the Bull Warrior will lose his title in the very first round."
"No, Jon won't win," Hoshino said seriously, watching the two collide in the arena.
"Huh? Can you understand this match, little girl?" Bob was visibly displeased with Hoshino's opinion, which contradicted his own.
"Just wait—you'll see." Hoshino's smile was confident, her eyes locked onto the arena as she anticipated the Bull Warrior's counterattack.
Just as Hoshino predicted, Jon had cornered the Bull Warrior, believing victory was certain. But to his shock, the Bull Warrior used the wall to his advantage, hoisting Jon into the air.
"Oh my! I can't believe it! Our giant Jon has just been lifted off the ground!" The incredulous host exclaimed in shock.
With Jon hoisted high above his head, the Bull Warrior bent his knees slightly, then leaped into the air with Jon's massive body in tow.
"It's here, it's here! The Bull Warrior's finishing move!"
Midair, with the Bull Warrior's immense strength, Jon was flipped upside down and pinned beneath his opponent."
With a mighty roar, the Bull Warrior used his full body weight to slam Jon down, the impact of the two titans hitting the ground shaking the entire arena.
"Finisher: Crow Flying on an Airplane!!"
When the dust settled, only the Bull Warrior remained standing in the arena, while poor Jon lay on the ground, eyes glazed over and foaming at the mouth.
[Bull Warrior][ATK1900/DEF2000]
"Indeed, it didn't take long for me to understand the brutality of gladiatorial combat." Hoshino let out a bitter smile as she watched Jon meet his swift defeat.
"Jon... he lost!" Bob was in shock, not because Jon had been defeated by the Bull Warrior, but because Hoshino, who didn't even look like a contestant, had predicted the outcome so accurately.
"The match is decided, and our Bull Warrior still seems to be in top form. Let's wait for the next challenger."
However, no one came forward to challenge the undefeated Bull Warrior. Jon's crushing defeat probably made everyone reluctant to face the bull warrior in peak condition.
"I told you to let me go first! See? All that time wasted, and it's still my turn now~" With a shrug, Hoshino walked over to the referee under the gaze of the crowd.
"Contestant number 12, Hoshino Chiyuki, applying for a challenge."
The referee was stunned. It was his first time seeing such a young girl participate in a gladiatorial tournament.
"Referee! Did you hear me? Number 12, contestant!" Hoshino knocked on the table, trying to rouse the referee, and emphasized her request again.
"Oh, right! Please wait a moment!" The trembling referee recorded Hoshino's information and handed the card out just like before.
"Alright! Our next contestant is decided!" Shortly after, the excited voice of the host came from outside. "Judging by the name, it seems to be a female contestant. It's rare to see female participants in our arena, so I wonder what kind of performance she will bring us."
"Please welcome contestant number 12, Hoshino Chiyuki!"
Slowly passing through the rising iron gate, Hoshino walked into the arena empty-handed.
"..."
The host was at a loss for words as he saw Hoshino step through the gate with nothing in her hands. He had expected even a female contestant to be a burly woman with muscles, but instead, a frail-looking girl, seemingly too weak to even harm a chicken, appeared, making the host feel a bit embarrassed.
"Little girl, are you sure you didn't walk into the arena by mistake?"
"Hahaha!"
"Bull warrior, did you bring your daughter here for a stroll? Hahaha."
After a brief silence, the entire arena burst into thunderous laughter.
"Host, why don't you hurry up and announce the start of the match!" Instead of explaining with words, Hoshino thought it would be easier to show these ignorant spectators herself.
"Oh...!" The host snapped out of his daze and picked up the microphone again. "Round two of the King's Gladiator Tournament: Hoshino Chiyuki versus Bull Warrior, begin!"
"Go for it, little girl! Try to last a few seconds!"
"Minotaur, don't hit too hard! It'd be a shame to break such a little girl!"
"Ha! Phantasm Summon!" Without intending to drag out the fight, Hoshino lifted her skirt and quickly drew a card from her thigh.
"Whoo! She lifted her skirt! So sexy! Is she trying to use seduction?"
"Hahaha, who would have thought the Bull Warrior might be gay!"
However, the next second, the card in her hand silenced the crowd.
"Servant! Leonidas I!" As a bright light enveloped her body, Hoshino's short skirt outfit instantly transformed into fully armored Spartan gear. The girl, now armed with a giant shield and spear, had only her face exposed.
"Cool! She transformed!" The audience, who had been laughing moments ago, fell silent as the air around Hoshino shimmered with power. Their laughter turned to murmurs of awe as she revealed her ability.
Feeling the immense pressure emanating from Hoshino, the Bull Warrior didn't slack off just because his opponent was a girl. He charged towards Hoshino, swinging his iron fist that looked solid and powerful.
The thunderous impact echoed through the arena, reverberating off the stone walls and silencing the crowd for a split second. On the battlefield, Hoshino, holding her giant shield, accurately and steadily blocked the Minotaur's heavy punch without stepping back even an inch.
"Oh! She's got some skills, this girl!" The blood-pumping clash instantly earned thunderous applause from the audience.
[Heroic Spirit - Leonidas I (Hoshino) ★★★ (3 stars)][Earth] [Warrior][ATK1400/DEF1900]
In Hoshino's deck, there were no normally summoned monsters with an attack power that could directly surpass the Bull Warrior's 1900 attack power. So, starting first, Hoshino chose to use Phantasm Summon to call forth Leonidas, using his high defense to withstand the Minotaur's first wave of attacks.
"Minotaur, you're done for!" Seeing her strategy succeed, Hoshino smiled confidently from behind her shield and reached into her skirt armor to draw another card.
"Phantasm Summon! Nero Claudius!" Taking a big step back, the Spartan armor on her body dissipated in a flash of light, and Hoshino's outfit instantly transformed into Nero's red dress. "This magnificent colosseum is indeed the perfect setting for such a glorious attire!"
As the Spartan spear and shield vanished, they were replaced by a uniquely shaped longsword. Gracefully wielding the Aestus Estus, the rising flames gradually dyed Hoshino's hair red.
[Heroic Spirit - Nero Claudius (Hoshino) ★★★★★★ (6 stars)][Fire] [Warrior/Effect][ATK2300/DEF1900]
"How splendid, how elegant!" With Hoshino's second transformation, the atmosphere in the arena reached a new height.
"Unbelievable! Simply unbelievable!" The equally excited host shouted as he witnessed the scene. "Who would have thought that the frail-looking Hoshino Chiyuki, after two transformations, would completely overwhelm our champion, the Bull Warrior, with her aura!"
"This will be the final blow, Bull Warrior!" Pointing the blade at the massive figure before her, the flames in Hoshino's hand ignited the fighting spirit in her eyes.
"Bask in the thunderous applause as I bring down the curtain, (Laus Saint Claudius)!"
(*****)
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