Chapter 124: Why Are You Here?
The first day ended after conducting one more match.
After every contestant’s first match finished, about 5,000 people were eliminated, and the remaining 5,000 waited for their next match. Just before it got dark, my match was scheduled.
As I stepped onto the stage, the same scoffing laughter was no longer heard. Instead, I could feel cheers from the nearby audience growing slightly louder.
Turning my head, I noticed some spectators whistling and waving their hands.
“Come on, Blood-soaked Moonshadow!”
“I’ve bet all my fortune on you in that upset bet!”
“End it in one blow again!”
It seemed a small fandom was already forming. Anyway, this uncontrollable charm was really something.
While I was indulging in this self-absorbed excitement, the referee conducted the match.
“15th Arena, match beginning!”
I briefly glanced at the man standing opposite me.
He had blond hair and blue eyes, wore plate armor, and was equipped with a shield and spear – a handsome knight-like Western warrior. His name was ‘Camel Randrock,’ according to the referee’s previous introduction.
What did his looks or name matter anyway? He’s just another extra to be sent off by me, following Han Seong-gwang.
I raised my dining utensils again and quietly uttered the prepared ‘provocation line.’
“Charge if you think you’re ready.”
By the way, I prepared a total of ten provocation lines. Last night, I practiced various lines for situations like attacks, dodges, and finishing moves, ten for each scenario.
There was a memorable moment when Karhalas caught me practicing in front of the mirror. The expression on her face then was truly priceless.
“You… are you mocking me?! Haaah!”
Camel contorted his handsome face into a fierce grimace and charged at me, ramming his shield forward with his spear outstretched like a wedge. It was hard to find an opening to break through.
Of course, breaking through wasn’t my plan, so it didn’t matter.
‘Toxic mist deployment.’
Gurrrr.
The arena floor lightly vibrated as a sharp miasma spread. The response was dramatic.
“Keuhk…?! T-this is…!”
Suddenly, the guy stopped in his tracks, clutching his throat and starting to croak.
Bang! Unable to withstand his own speed, Camel Randrock took a loud fall. He quickly gathered himself and stood up, but he could no longer take a single step toward me.
“Hmm.”
A laugh escaped me without realization.
Complete paralysis set in. Judging by the appearance, I didn’t even check his status window, but his level was probably below 148.
Approaching him step by step, I kept the toxic mist deployment active.
“Come to me. I’m right here.”
“One provocation line.”
“I’ll give you the first attack. Try to struggle.”
Another provocation line.
“Why are you hesitating? Am I… scaring you?”
A final provocation line.
Concluding my flamboyant performance, I reached Camel’s nose.
His completely stiff, pitifully trembling body remained. I placed the metal spoon against Camel’s neck. Surprised by the cold sensation, Camel suddenly reacted.
“S-spare me, please.”
His grip loosened, and he dropped his spear and shield. Clang. The spear rolled on the ground, producing a clear sound.
This signaled the end of the match.
“The… winner is number 112 contestant! Blood-soaked Moonshadow!”
Once again, without a word, I turned my back and walked away, my cloak billowing widely and gracefully.
Thanks to me, many upset betters at the totos cheered unusually loudly.
“Genius Pi Jeok Dal! We trusted you!!”
“Wowwww!”
The exhilaration of successfully pulling off an upset bet. I know it well. You guys can continue to rely on Park Jeong-yong from now on.
While doing my best to suppress the escaping smile, I returned to the waiting room.
*
“Those who have finished their two matches today may return to their lodgings! Please gather here again at 7 AM tomorrow morning! In case of tardiness, we will not be responsible for any disadvantages. Please pay special attention not to be late!”
As I was killing time watching subsequent matches in the waiting room, one of the staff members made an announcement.
“Ah. It’s already this late?”
Looking at the clock on the bulletin board, it was almost 8 PM.
Indeed, watching fights makes time fly incredibly fast.
“Are today’s matches limited to two rounds?”
At least three more preliminary matches will be needed to reduce the count to 500, but with the number of participants being halved each time, the game turnover rate will improve. The remaining matches will be done faster than expected.
“Contestants who are leaving! Please take a certificate issued to each one!”
Understanding, I left the waiting room, mixing with the crowd flowing out like outgoing tides. As I exited, I was handed a certificate proving my participation in the tournament, and I took one.
[Certificate – Contestant 112 / Blood-soaked Moonshadow]
[This certificate confirms the owner’s participation in the 57th Divine Masters Tournament.]
It seems this is necessary for identity verification when we gather again tomorrow. A faintly glowing magical seal is placed at the center of the certificate for verification.
I naturally slipped it into Box of the Dead. As usual, it emitted a faint lavender glow before returning to silence.
“Uncle… is not finished yet?”
I looked around just in case, but Fray’s figure was nowhere to be found.
I had anticipated meeting him might be difficult given the sheer number of people. I should have exchanged a few more words of gratitude, knowing it would turn out like this.
I returned to the entrance of the Colosseum while licking my lips.
“Should I just continue watching?”
And pondering thus, I reached that conclusion.
About a third of the second round’s matches remain. Whether for analyzing the strengths of the contestants or just to pass the time, there’s really nothing else to do besides watching matches now.
Most importantly, I have to look out for people with concept overlaps.
As for masked concepts, I can handle that.
Since wearing masks is permitted in preliminaries anyway, participants from all sorts of backgrounds are showing up in masks. The organizers aren’t stopping them, so I can’t blame them.
“But I can’t forgive the ‘spoon murderer’ concept.”
The concept of ‘instant defeat through ordinary utensils’ is something I’ve come up with through painful deliberation on how I can be portrayed as the strongest. I cannot tolerate plagiarism.
Of course, it’s highly likely I’m the only one who would actually do this.
“Stop.”
I planned to enter the spectator seats with a serious look, deep in thought, but two staff members blocked my way.
“Please present your viewing ticket.”
“Ah.”
I realized only then. After all, watching the Divine Masters Tournament was a paid event.
I, as a contestant, didn’t have a spectator’s ticket, so I showed them the contestant certificate I had received earlier.
However, the staff members frowned and slightly shook their heads.
“Sorry. As a rule, only ticket holders can enter the spectator area.”
“Che. I see.”
“Please understand. Contestant sir.”
The staff members politely bowed 90 degrees with great formality.
The moment they recognized me as a contestant for the Divine Masters Tournament, their attitude completely changed. It made me wonder if everyone was taking this sacred competition too lightly, treating it like a mere game.
Anyway, with that, my plan to watch the matches got canceled. With complicated feelings, I trudged back to Adrang’s mansion.
Except… I had started turning toward it.
“Hey Jong-yong! What are you doing here? Did you get eliminated?”
If only Sesena hadn’t approached with a radiant smile.
I enthusiastically waved at seeing her.
“Ah! Sesena.”
What? Wasn’t she watching the matches inside? With a tilted head and lingering curiosity, I quickly replied to her question, grinning triumphantly.
“Not eliminated! I made it to the second round before checking out early.”
“Really?! That’s unfortunate! I should have seen that match!”
“Why are you out here? Tired of watching fights?”
“No, not that… I just went to say goodbye to the inn I’d been staying at.”
“Aha.”
Now that I think about it, she did mention working at an inn, didn’t she? She had various things to take care of as well.
Nodding in acknowledgment, Sesena walked up next to me. Then, as I stood there, she asked casually,
“And what are you doing here anyway? Planning to watch the remaining matches for today?”
“Right… but they told me I can’t enter without a viewing ticket.”
“Aah, don’t worry about that!”
Sesena giggled and waved her hand while handing over a piece of paper from her pocket to the staff members.
Their eyes widened instantly.
“Oh, ohhh… Is this what I think it is?!”
It was as if they had eaten legendary sticky rice soup, their exaggerated reactions spouting out.
The staff members quickly regained their composure, snapping into proper posture, and gave an orderly salute.
“Lady Knight of Adrang! We apologize for the oversight!”
“Not at all. Can we enter?”
“Of course!”
“Thank you. Good work!”
After giving a friendly wave in response, Sesena led me into the spectators’ entrance.
Ultimately, it’s about who you know. Who would have guessed that Grand Duke Halsenberg’s influence could reach this far? I guess I really am on the right lines.
On the way, I asked Sesena various things.
“Are Seop Baek and Ruci in the spectator seats?”
“No, Seop Baek is… receiving the Lord of Seven Majesties’ ring, and Ruci doesn’t like crowded places, so she didn’t come from the start.”
“Ah.”
Ruci had suffered severe motion sickness from being surrounded by the crowd. A Great Demon King from 30 years ago, who once struck fear into humanity.
He probably hasn’t recovered his mana yet… I thought. I really need to ask him seriously someday why he ever tried to conquer the world in the first place.
“So, originally, I was going to come alone, but Lady Karhalas accompanied me, so we managed to get in for free. It was like hitting the jackpot!”
“Indeed.”
“Ye! Hahaha.”
I nodded gently while listening to Sesena’s stories.
At a certain point, she stopped walking and pointed to the spectator seats before us.
“We’re here! Here we go!”
“Wow, really good visibility.”
When we arrived, it was a prime spot where the whole arena was visible at a glance, and the large crystal mirror descended from Leviathan was the clearest it could be.
As I marveled at the scene before me, Sesena lifted a finger and added,
“Hehe, this is a special seat designated for Cavaliers’ VIPs only.”
“Truly impressive connections.”
“Come to think of it, this is all thanks to you, Jung Yong! Thank you! Hehe.”
I smirked and waved it off.
Soon, Sesena quickly took a seat, tapping the spot next to her.
“Come on, here! Sit next to me!”
She pointed at the seat next to her. Looking over, I immediately lost my smile.
…It was Adrang. Adrang was there with a subtle smile, sitting next to Karhalas.
“Wh-what?!”
For a brief mental freeze. My body stiffened as I tried to understand the situation.
My confused mind was unsettled by Adrang’s calm voice drifting over.
“Nice to meet you, Blood-soaked Moonshadow.”
My breath caught. An overwhelming wave of embarrassment swept over me from the top of my head to the tip of my toes.
What? How did he find out I was Blood-soaked Moonshadow? Karhalas, you were supposed to keep it a secret! Did you give me away? You don’t have the discipline you look!
I instinctively rolled my eyes, but quickly stopped due to the intimidating glares I could feel targeting me.
This will end up being questioned. My Hero Sense sent a warning near certainty.
“Just sit down. We might as well talk while watching the match.”
“Y..yes, sir.”
Reluctantly, I sat next to Adrang. Sitting on a bed of thorns is exactly this feeling. My rear tingled as if I wanted to escape instantly.
In the midst of this, Adrang casually opened his mouth.
“Today in the morning, I tried to bring you and Seul Baek as important references to an important state banquet, but you weren’t there.”
“W-well.”
“I had to interrogate Karhalas several times just to figure out your whereabouts.”
Hey Karhalas, weren’t you told to keep this a secret? You really aren’t as reliable as you look, are you?
I briefly glared at Karhalas, but Adrang’s questioning wasn’t over.
“Are you interested in politics?”
“N-no.”
“Your attitude didn’t show any interest in honor or status. Was I mistaken?”
“Correctly assessed.”
“You seem like the type who dislikes inconvenient tasks and especially dislikes noble sacrifices.”
“Spot on.”
By then, Adrang’s gaze sharpened momentarily.
“So why exactly did you enter the Divine Masters Tournament?”
“Eh… well, I thought I’d try to make some quick money… heh-heh.”
The atmosphere grew tense. Why? Was the “heh-heh” inappropriate?
No. This is not about that. That look is because he doesn’t believe my words. It seems related to whatever Karhalas is anxiously fidgeting with beside me.
Karhalas, what exactly did you say?
“Hum.”
When I gave Karhalas another glaring look, the pressure in Adrang’s eyes slowly dissipated. He softened his tone and spoke again:
“Well, I don’t care about the reasons. Participating in the Divine Masters Tournament isn’t illegal after all.”
“Th-that’s right? Ha ha.”
“I do have one question, however. ‘Blood-soaked Moonshadow?’ What’s the deal with that ridiculous nickname? Was this also under my daughter’s orders?”
“…”
No answer came to that question immediately.
Just no comment. Let him assume it was Karhalas’ idea.
Then Adrang sharply turned his head to look at me directly. I froze instantly, unable to move.
“Let me make one thing clear.”
“M-may I ask what you mean…?”
Embarrassed, I turned my head and pretended to look at the arena, trying desperately to ignore Adrang.
Du-dung. Accompanied by an ominous sound effect.
Something unexpected appeared.
[Your point of Undying Return has been updated.]
[Time – Continental Year 1108, January 21st, 20:58]
[Location – Markeuteuriseu, Capital Crossfade, Gladiatorial Arena of the Divine Masters Tournament]
“I strongly dislike being lied to.”
Adrang’s low remark echoed faintly in my foggy mind.
Wa-wa! A powerful roar of cheers immediately drowned it out.
“…”
My staring eyes fixed on the notification of the Reset Point appearing and read it over and over again.
