As the tournament progressed, Kazuki found himself increasingly drawn into the political intrigue surrounding the event. His victories in the arena attracted attention, and competitors began to approach him, some seeking alliances while others aimed to challenge him.
One evening, as Kazuki and his friends prepared for the next round, they were approached by a tall, imposing figure with a confident stride. He wore armor that glinted in the lantern light, and his presence commanded attention.
"Ah, Kazuki! I've heard much about you," he said, extending a hand. "I am Sir Alaric, knight of the realm."
Kazuki shook his hand, feeling the firmness of the knight's grip. "Nice to meet you, Sir Alaric. What brings you here?"
"I've seen your matches. You have a unique style," Alaric said, his tone appreciative.
"It's rare to find someone who combines speed and strength the way you do. I would like to propose an alliance."
Kazuki exchanged glances with Serena and Leo, unsure of what to make of this offer. "An alliance? What's the catch?" Kazuki asked, suspicion edging into his voice.
"None, I assure you," Alaric replied, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I've been watching the tournament closely. The demon king's forces are lurking, and with your skills, we could bolster our chances against them. It's wise to gather strong allies in these times."
Leo leaned closer, intrigued. "You're saying the demon king's forces might try to interfere with the tournament? That's serious."
Alaric nodded gravely. "Exactly. Many of us believe that this tournament serves as a facade for the greater conflict brewing beneath the surface. If we don't unite, we risk facing the demon king alone. I've also heard rumors of some competitors who might not be what they seem."
Kazuki crossed his arms, contemplating. "So you want to team up to keep an eye out for each other?"
"Yes, exactly," Alaric affirmed. "We can support one another not only in the tournament but also in gathering intelligence. And when the time comes, we can face the demon king together."
Kazuki took a deep breath, weighing his options. The idea of an alliance sounded appealing, but trusting strangers was always a gamble. However, Alaric's earnest demeanor put him slightly at ease. "Alright, let's say I'm in. What do we do next?"
Alaric smiled, his expression brightening. "We keep competing and winning, of course. But we also need to reach out to other competitors who may share our concerns. Let's find those who are willing to join our cause."