As I watch Rowen win, I detect a fast-moving creature in the Dimension.

　Since I was concentrating on the game, I was a little late in noticing it.
　A huge blue wolf is approaching towards us, carrying a lone girl and using a small boat coming and going in the river as a foothold. Once across the river, the wolf jumped over to the fleet and ran over the roofs of the ship's structures, picking up more speed.

　Finally, it took a big leap and even leaped over the walls of the West Area Arena.
　Thus, the wolf appeared inside the arena, ignoring the main gate, and rushed through the audience like a gale, trying to jump into the fray.

　While the wolf flies and stays in the air, the girl on his back jumps.
　The girl jumped up against the clear white sun and landed in the center of the arena in a spectacular fashion.

　The girl swings the cloak she was wrapped in to brush away the dancing dust.
　Then she throws off the cloak and reveals herself.

　A girl appears, her golden hair fluttering like a feather.
　She is so beautiful that it is awe-inspiring to those who see her, and she is an alien being who repaints her surroundings from reality to illusion just by standing there.
　She was the most noble and precious girl in this Confederation, Rastiara Hoozeyars.

　Rustyala drew the sword at her waist in a fluid motion and split the air.
　It was an appearance like a scene from a play.

　The audience erupted with excitement at his bold appearance.　
　The host, who grasped the situation, sounded panicked.

''--Well, we're just in time!　There's no mistaking it!　The Celestial Princess of the Foozeyards, the present human god of the Levantine religion!　Enter Mr. Rastiara Hoozeyer's!

　With the proclamation, the cheers in the audience reached their peak.
　Rastiala smiled and waved to the cheers.

　The attendants running the event immediately proceeded to prepare for the match.
　They want to proceed with the 'Dancing Tournament' with this excitement. Hurriedly, his opponent emerged from the gate and took the form of facing Rustyala.

　There are three men in their thirty to forty years.
　They have a stern look on their faces and are dressed in black clothes that resemble military uniforms. They do not appear to be free adventurers or explorers, but rather people of some official agency.

　He had many old wounds, and I could tell at a glance that he was a warrior of the past. However, it would still be tough to deal with Rastiara.
　That's how different Lastiara is.

　After confirming that both teams were ready, the MC began to proceed.

''--Then we will decide on the match format.

　While looking at the materials at hand, I confirm the pre-match arrangements.
　It seems that the fighting style of the tournament is different for each game. It says that a discussion between the two teams is the basis of the tournament, and then they will decide on a duel vow and what to bet on.

　However, there is also a note that if the discussion goes on too long, the moderator will decide on the standard rules to be applied.
　It would mean that the contestants are free to do whatever they want as long as it doesn't pose a problem to the proceedings.

　One of the opponents steps forward and gives a deep bow to Rustyala.

''It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Rastiara-sama. I am the Shade of the Fare family who has been allowed to serve in the military in the mainland of Valt.''

　His voice enters the nearby host's magic tool and travels throughout the hall.
　Rustyala doesn't break into a smile and responds in a frank manner.

''It's nice to meet you, Shade. But it doesn't matter what your position is here, so take it easy.''
What a waste of words. ......
'Well, even so, there's nothing you can do about it: ....... So, how do you want to play the game?
''I wish to use the standard rules of the 'Ichinotsuki Allied General Knight's Seed Ball', 'Chest Blossom Drop' or 'Weapon Drop'.

　I've never heard of this word before.
　I hurriedly check the details of the rules from the handout.

It's better to decorate it with flowers, so let's do 'chest flower drop'. Moderator, give me the flowers.

　'Chest Flower Drop'.
　The documents describe it as a battle in which the contestants decorate their chests with flowers and scatter them about.
　It's a classic rule I've heard of in my world.

　Rastiara receives a dark-colored flower decoration, like a rose, from the host and puts it on his chest.
　His opponent does the same.

'--and when we have won, we would like you to return to the Cathedral of the Hooziers.
'Yeah, okay. That's fine.

　After preparing for the fight, his opponent proposed a reward for the duel.
　Rustyala readily agreed to it, and on the contrary, the man was more confused.

''It's fine, isn't it ......?
'I don't mind. I'm in for it.
'Are you prepared to be deported immediately if you lose? ....... That's a very good resolve. Then, when Lady Lastiara wins--
Blessings on our new beginnings then.

　In contrast, Rastiala's request was vague.

'I don't need your cooperation or support. You just need to pray for me.''

　Prayer request.
　In return, it would equal zero.
　But that's what Rastiala wanted.

'...... I understand.'
You can decide the style of play, too. I don't mind if you want to play three against one at once.
'No, let's decide everything one-on-one with me, our representative. It's the leanest way to go.
Okay. You want to have this one?

　With that, the two men distance themselves from each other once and for all.
　The rules were settled more easily than I thought. All that's left is to fight.

　The moderator confirms that the discussion is over and lets the whole group know the details in plain English.

'I was too afraid to interrupt, but ......, it seems that the fighting system has been decided!　It's a duel between representatives, plain and simple!　And the bet was placed on the extradition of Lady Lastiara Fuzzyards to the Cathedral!　If Lord Fare wins here, the Nativity debacle will be resolved at that point!

　The crowd's cheers echoed like a torrent as the MC spoke up.
　The crowd's excitement is nothing compared to Rowen's match.

　Rastiala is a celebrity in this world. If it were my world, it might be like having a top idol in the Olympics.

''-- Well then, the first match of the West Area of the 'Ichino Moon United General Knight's Seed Ball' will begin!

　As soon as the MC announced the start, the distance between Rastiara and the soldier became zero. At the same time, the swords are tied together and a high-pitched metallic sound is heard.

　In a hurry, the MC retreats to the outside of the battlefield.

　The two clash their swords together in the center of the arena, and they take their distance to be played.
　The military man has an astonished expression on his face, but it quickly changes to a stern expression and starts chanting. In response, Rustyala smiles and walks over to close the distance.

　At this point, I could see the flow to the end of the match.
　In the first place, it was impossible for both of them to go ballistic by clashing swords with that Rustyala. In front of her overwhelming physical strength, it would have to be a more one-sided result.

　I understood that Rustyala was staging an even match for the audience.

''-- 'Slit!'　Alto Zeer!

　The soldier unleashed a wind magic.
　Rastiara took a good look at how well the magic worked, then spun around like a solitary musician and slashed away the magical wind.

　He could have dodged it, but he decided that a four-scattering wind would look better. He went out of his way to prevent it.

　The soldier was rushing along with the magic wind.
　However, since the magic wind was so easily blocked, it was no longer just a rush.

　Rastiara leisurely intercepted the military man.
　The military man's dynamic sword-fight, Rastiara brilliantly deals with it.

　The competition between the stiffness and the softness of the sword makes the audience go wild.
　However, from my point of view, it's nothing more than horseshit. Rastiara's sword skills are a mess. In fact, it's not soft or anything else. It's something else that looks soft.

　I know this because Rowen taught me the basics of the sword. Rather, the military man's sword technique is a more logical soft sword.

　Rastiara's sword skills are the exact opposite.
　It's secondary to reason, he just wields his sword to look good.

　Even so, it's still a battle because Rastiara's dynamic vision and reflexes are monstrous.
　Most importantly, the speed of his sword is much faster. No matter how futile Rustyala's movements are, he can make up for that delay with his speed alone.

　I feel sorry for the soldier.
　Soon after, Rastiara muttered.

''Good taijishi, the power is perfect--''

　He is clearly dressed up.
　It's as deliberate as a play, and he lets his cool voice echo through the place.

　Then he steps in with the voice.

'But I'm not sure I'm ready to get on stage (or stage) yet.

　The soldier's sword was flung away by Rastiara's relentless flash.
　At the same time, the chest flowers were also scattered, and silver swords and white flowers danced in the sky of the arena.

　Fluffily, Rustyala's hair danced. The dust that danced when she stepped in was like the edge of a painting.
　Seeing this fantastically beautiful scene, the audience let out the biggest cheer of the day.

　Through the explosive cheers, the MC announced the end of the game.

''--Lastia Fouzeyers, you've satisfied the victory condition!　That's a win, and we're in the second round!

　As a sign, Rastiara puts away her sword and holds out her hand to the soldier. The soldier, who was taken aback, also holds out his hand with a bitter smile and shakes it.

Thank you very much, Mr. Shade.
'That was brilliant, Lady Rastiara. I didn't expect you to be so out of touch: ......
No, no, no, no, it was a good game, okay?

　Rustyala laughed and praised the soldier's good fight.
　It was true that as long as the evenly matched sword fights had been going on for a long time, it would have looked like a 'good match' in the eyes of the audience.

　However, the relative soldier could see that this was Rastiala's direction. Hence, he could only respond by laughing.

　Thus, Lastiara's first game was over.
　In order for the next game to begin, Rustyala walked to the gate where the waiting room would be in the back. He never forgets to smile, remembering to give fan service to the end.

　The distance between that gate and the audience is close.
　Seeing my chance, I weave my way out to the front row between the crowd.

　Then, as many people's voices come and go, I call out to Rustyala.

'Hey, Rustyala!'

　But the voices are not heard.
　I am crushed by the voices around me.
　I have no choice but to deploy 《Dimensional Winter (Di Winter)》 and call out to Rustiala with cold air.

'Rastiara--!

　Raising my voice, I call Rustyala's name.
　Rastiara reacts to the cold air and voice and scurries around to find me

Hmm. Is that Kanami?　Were you cheering me on?

　And he talked back to me as if he had found an old friend.
　The response warms my heart.

　However, it's hard to hear with the voices around me. It's enough that I can manage to hear it because of the 《Dimension》.

''Rastiara!　Do we have time to talk after this!

　Anyway, I'll just tell them what I want.

"What?　Umm, hmm. I've got a second game on the first day, so I guess I can handle it after that?

　Having spoken so far, people around me notice that there is someone talking to Rustyala. A lot of strange looks are given to me, wondering who is the one who is talking to that Rustyala Foozeyers in a friendly manner.

　I decide to quickly cut the conversation short to avoid standing out.

'Alright. I guess after the second round!
'Yeah. Kanami was winning the race, too!

　Rastiara smiles and looks away at me.
　I shake off the curious eyes around me and run away from the arena in the west area.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


　After watching the Las Tiaras game, I had come to a certain shipboard restaurant.

　We were free until the second game in the afternoon, so we were getting a bite to eat.
　However, I don't feel like I'm eating on board because of the endless string of ships. I can only see a beautiful blue color on the far distant horizon.

　After filling my stomach with a reasonably good view, I head to my room.

　If I wait in my room, an attendant will give me information about the second game.
　I'm in the midst of a jam-packed situation, but as a guild master, I have no intention of running away - yet. I waited for the attendant in my room while reading the materials for the "Dance Tournament".

　The sun has completely risen and it's noon when the announcement for the second game arrives.

　I went to the arena in the north area and entered the waiting room.
　The waiting room is a private room as a matter of course. A private room for lodging is a good example of how much money is spent on the contestants of the tournament.
　From that, you can see that quite a bit of money is being spent on this main competition.

　--my first match is about to begin in a few minutes.

　I sat down on a chair in a private room and deployed Dimension.
　I decided to figure out who my opponent was beforehand.

　I expand my senses and find the name of my supposed opponent.
　Then, I 'watch' in order to obtain that detailed information.


[Status]
　Name: Agnes Krooner HP143/147 MP156/156 Class: Wizard
　Level 15.
　Strength 3.31 Strength 3.15 Skill 1.89 Speed 1.26 Wisdom 6.23 Magic 8.23 Element 1.42


　The leader's name was Agnes. It seems that the wizard girls centered around that girl are my opponents.
　I could tell from the girls' uniforms and the content of their conversations that they were students of the academy in the northwest country of Eltralieu.

　The girls were earnestly confirming their battle plan until the last hour.

''-- Okay?　My opponent is that 'Epic Seeker' guild master. Don't let your guard down, I'll go all out from the beginning.
'Yeah, I know. I heard he's good at freezing magic, so I'm focusing on fire magic.
"I'm going to be the first one in line to keep firing fire magic--

　The last meeting before the game went down the tubes. This is terrible.

　When they started to confirm my formation, I couldn't listen to it anymore, so I turned off Dimension. The whole thing was going to be over before the game. It was so unfair.

　I had no choice but to spend the last time concentrating on my mind.
　Quieting my impatient mind.
　Rationally suppressing the urge to know the truth right away.

　Then, about half a minute passed, an attendant urged me to enter the arena.

　I nodded back, took out the Straight Sword of Crescent Pectrazi from my 'belongings' and slowly walked down the path into the arena.
　I walked through a dark passage of a dozen meters or so and passed through the entrance gate.

　The moment I enter the arena, I'm greeted with a stinging light and cheers from the sky.
　It's a gut-wrenching roar. I'm even terrified that it's all directed at me. It's a different kind of cheer than the one I heard at the Rowen and Rustiala game in the morning.

　If it was just the volume of my voice, it was louder than it was at Rustiala's.
　But the direction (vector) of his voice was different.　

　The cheers of the thousands of spectators were directed with a certain mass to me, the contestant, alone. It's no surprise that this is not the same as the loud cheers I heard from the back of the auditorium.

　I walk on the sandy ground and take in the voices and gazes of the entire audience.
　I'm thirsty from the excessive pressure.
　My chest palpitations speed up and my body stiffens with tension.

　I walk to the center where my three opponents are, with no expression on my face so that they don't realize it. Apparently, I was entering later.

　Then the MC's introduction echoes in the arena.

''-- He is the representative of Lauravia!　It's the master of Epic Seeker, the guild of the moment, Kanami Aikawa!　And what's more, this time I'll be competing solo!　He's the only brave man out of this main race alone!　Is that a sign of absolute confidence or is there another agenda ah--!

　It was Palinkron's idea.
　I would have gone out with the three of us if I could.

　The introductions were unexpectedly embarrassing, so I turned my head down and endured them.
　Then, when I managed to endure the pre-match speech, my opponent approached me.

''--Then please decide on the method of the match.

　The moderator urges us to have a pre-game consultation.

　The three graduate students looked as nervous as I was. The heat of this hall must be unbearable for a teenage girl.

　Agnes Kruner, the leader of the group, boldly steps forward.
　I decide to prepare myself, too. The plan is to push through the standard rule of no betting. I have no intention of resolutely withdrawing my request.

　However, my resolve to do so is fragile.

'Well, um, I'm a fan!　Please shake my hand!

　The girl blushed, bowed deeply, and held out her right hand towards me.

'Yes, eh ....... 'Ah, yes.'

　Overwhelmed by her fawning low profile, I returned the handshake.
　And then the girl keeps talking to me, holding my pace and my hand.

'I've heard the rumours about you in Lauravia!　I admire you so much for being the head of the guild, even though you're our age!　I saw him fight, and he was so cool!
Hi. ......

　I flinch at the unexpected turn of events.
　This is the second time I've met a fan of mine.
　I didn't think my opponent would be.

''We're hoping to work for a guild in the United Kingdom after graduation, so I was looking into the guilds in each country: ....... As I said, the best one was 'Epic Seeker'!　Among them, Aikawa-san is exceptional!
Oh, thanks, ......
With all due respect, sir, I beg you.　If we win, will you come to the Institute!
What, to the academy?
'Yes!　I'm told that Aikawa is an accomplished wizard and explorer!　We would like you to come as a temporary teacher - or, preferably, our tutor!　And tell me about the guild and the labyrinth!

　I'm confused by an unexpected request.

'Tutor ......?　Me?
''Yes, please. I heard from fellow contestant Franliure-senpai that the battle in the labyrinth is also tremendous. I would be very happy if you could come, Aikawa-san, who I have always admired.

　Franlure.
　A girl knight I met at a ball, I believe.
　She calls me 'Christ'. Perhaps I have shared a labyrinth search with her in the past. And they may have exchanged information with her and the other girls, who are also academy students and contestants.

　--unexpected.

　I was prepared to bet a lot of money, but I didn't expect them to want me to become a teacher.
　I just think it's a cute request. It would be like a soccer boy wanting a professional soccer player to coach him. I judge the request itself to be acceptable.
　I'm not confident I can impart my knowledge to anyone, but if I lose, it's not fatal.　
　Besides, refusing a girl's serious request is not cool as a guild master under the direct control of the state.

　-- only, there's certainly no advantage for me to nod.

　Since I don't have what I want from the girl in front of me, the bet is not valid.
　I'm confident I won't lose, but it's against my policy to only increase my risk for nothing.

　I'm torn as to whether or not I'm going to give in to that request.

　When the girl saw me, she looked impatient and shouted more words.

''If we lose, I'll do whatever it takes!

　My face twitches.

　If I let it go any longer, I might say something outrageous. I hear all sorts of unfashionable examples from the receptionist.

　I have no choice but to agree to the current terms before the situation gets worse.
　Let's just win quickly, say we don't need anything and get it over with.

'Hmm, hmm ....... Or, if you win. If you guys win, that's fine, all right?
Thank you!

　I feel like the audience got louder as they decided what they wanted from each other.
　Maybe they are excited by the size of the stakes (bets) when they hear the girls say they will do whatever it takes.

　But unfortunately, I'm not going to demand anything from them if I win. If there is, I'd ask you to patronize The Epic Seeker.

　I'm going to leave the crowd excited and decide how to win.

I'll leave the crowd excited and decide how to play," he said, "and the rule will be 'Chest Blossom Down. I don't want you to get injured. And I don't mind if it's three against one. And that's the basic rule, apparently.
'Yes, we were going to do the same thing with 'Chest Blossom Drop'!　And don't hesitate to let us have three people!　I'd like to borrow your chest!

　The girl smiles and agrees to the rules and distances herself from me. Then, fidgeting, I accept the chest flower from the hostess. She seems to be quite nervous.

　I'm suspicious of her, and I put on the chest flower in the same way.
　Then the MC explains the situation in a loud voice.

He said in a loud voice, "What the hell, Aikawa!　I've taken that horrible offer lightly!　His words are soft, but does he realize that this is a bet on each other's fidelity!　Or is this a sign of his overwhelming confidence!

　That was enough of an explanation to correct my mistake.

'What?　Identity?
I knew it!　As the word on the street goes, he's pretty much a natural, despite his skill!

　I understand the situation.

　I guess I was fooled by the peaceful word "tutor".
　After all, the red-faced girl in front of me is about to risk her body to get my body. And I took it lightly.

'Oh ......,'

　It was a blunder, even though the lady at the reception had warned me about it.

　The crowd would be excited.
　The air in the arena was even more heated and eagerly awaiting the start of the match.

''-- Well then, the second match of the North Area of the 'Ichino Moon United General Knight's Seed Ball' will begin!

　And the game began without me having time to put a stop to it.

' -- 'Pillar, rendezvous!　Flame Pillar!
Flame Flame! Flame! Flame!
'Make sacrifices', 'Give time', 'Play your determination'!

　And the girls deployed their magic at the same time. Despite the fact that they were camped in the vanguard, middle guard, and rear guard, they all chose magic. However, the girls in the rear guard have a long chant.

　There's no time to complain.
　I'm not going to be able to get to the nearest girl while deploying my magic as well.
　By the way, I put away the sword at my waist. I'm not going to be able to get the girl injured.

''-- Magic 《Dimensional Winter (Di Winter)》!

　Start interfering with all magic.
　Fortunately, I now have an understanding of fire magic. Not only will it be easy to shift (...), but it will also be easy to dissipate the magic.

　I tried to dissipate the vanguard's Flame Pillar, interrupt the rear guard's prolonged chanting, and dismantle the middle guard's continuous elementary magic Flame - and failed to interfere with one of them.

　There was no opportunity to interfere with the middle guard's Flame.

　I immediately understand the reason for this.
　The girl in the middle guard was wearing many rings.
　And I see that some of the expensive-looking red rings are shattered. I 'gaze' at the unshattered rings.


[Ring of the magic stone 'Scattering Flame'
　The ring that bears the power of the scattered flames.


　It turned out to be a magic tool with a specific magic built into it.
　The 《Dimensional Winter (Di Winter)》 couldn't interfere with the magic that was completed within the magic tool.

　I stop trying to pick the vanguard's chest flower. If I continue to attack at this point, I won't be able to reach them until I'm almost there. I had no choice but to respond to the Flame that was coming at me.

　But as I analyze the situation, I realize that my options are limited.

　I myself don't have a problem with the flames. Even if I were to take a direct hit, my HP wouldn't decrease by much. My body's durability is surpassing that of a human due to the increase in my level.
　What's more, I have a high resistance to flames. The Red Talisman, a magical tool against flames, is worn around the neck, which is also a major factor.

　However, the chest flower (...) is not as tough as me. Even a piece of firebrand would burn. That was the problem.

　That fact makes me choose an excessive defense.

''d*mn,--[Freeze]!

　I dodge all the "flames" with over-action with my physical ability while deploying the cold air of magic. This is because I'm not allowed to snatch them.

　Thus, the first move is over, and the leader girl in the middle guard gives me instructions.

This is the rumored 'counter-magic'!　Everyone, focus on the magic tools as planned!

　I'm less upset about the fact that I failed to activate the magic I tried to invoke. Apparently, he knows the effects of my 《Dimensional Winter (Di Winter)》 to some extent. As expected of me, I'm a fan.

　And the girls unfold their magic while shattering the accessories they wear.
　It's a wide range of fire magic that is suitable for the 'chest flower drop'.

　I admire their swift and precise actions.
　I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to get my hands on any of them.

　As you can see, expensive magical tools were being damaged in a jerky manner. The girls don't pay any attention to that. Probably, their families are rich. I've heard that the academy is full of such nobles.

　I sensed that the girls were familiar with them, preventing the flames. There was no stagnation in the sequence of events. I could tell that there was training in 'Chest Blossom Drop' at the Eltralieu Academy or something like that.

　They were doing their best and making their best moves within the rules.
　They are very different from me.

　I admire their skills and draw my sword. Next, I take out a thick cloth and water from my 'belongings'. Then I chastise myself for my arrogance.

　I knew that there was no chance of losing. That's why the pre-fight arrangement was appropriate.
　I didn't carry a weapon to avoid getting hurt. Because of that, I failed to defeat the vanguard in the first move.
　He was convinced that he could win one way or the other against any opponent. That led to a failure to gather information.

　As a result, in some cases, the possibility of defeat was even created.

''--Magic [Midwinter in the Overcrowded Dimension (Die Overwinter)]

　He mutters magic and thanks the girls for reminding him of his foolishness.
　I wrap the flowers on my chest with a wet cloth, creating a film of ice around them.

　This will last for a few seconds.

　Then I run as fast as I can through the blasts of fire magic as fast as I can.
　I close the distance while my clothes and epidermis are being scorched.

　Seeing me approaching in an instant, the girl in the vanguard shows an expression of surprise.
　However, before I could show that expression, the game was over. The chest flowers were scattered by the sword and I had finished advancing behind her.

　The middle and rear guards see that I've passed the vanguard and try to take a defensive stance.
　However, before I could take that defensive stance, the match with the middle guard was over. The tip of the sword that was extended by the 『Magic Power Freezing』 had finished scattering her chest flowers.

　And only the last person is allowed time to compete with me.
　The rear guard held his staff in his positive eye, shattered his magic tools and released a rapid fire magic.

''--Fu, [Flame]!
Magic, Midwinter in the Overcrowded Dimension (Die Overwinter). -- "-- Magic, The Freezing Sword (Ice Flamberge).

　I let 《Midwinter of the Overcrowded Dimension (Di Overwinter)》 crawl on the ice blade for a moment. Then, I stroked the released 《Flame》 with my sword.

　The magical power that suppressed the vibration of the icy attribute permeated the 《Flame》 and the flame disappeared.
　I confirmed that the flame was lost, and without hesitation, I reduced the distance to zero.

　And the girl's staff cut the sky, and at the same time, the chest flowers scattered in the sky.

　I run behind the girl in the rear guard and throw away the chest cloth that is about to ignite from the heat.
　I check that my chest flowers are safe and take a breath.

　Then, pointing to the girls' scattered flowers, I call out to the moderator, who had lost sight of me.

'Well, moderator. That's a win for me, right?

　The MC didn't seem to understand what had happened.
　But now all the girls' flowers had fallen away and only my flowers remained.

'--Yes, a moment!　It's truly a momentary attack!　One minute you'd think the team of academics were fighting for dominance, and the next minute they were all chest-flowers!　This is what Master Aikawa Kanami of Epic Seeker is capable of!

　The arena is abuzz with excitement as the exaggerated MC gives a rousing speech.

'Aikawa Kanami, you have met your victory condition!　Brilliantly advancing to the third round!

　I finished the game safely and let out a sigh of relief.

　Thus, I advanced to the third round.

　After that, some girls who looked strangely shy confirmed their demands in case we lost, but I softly refused them.

　The crowd saw this and booed.
　At last, I left the arena with a storm of boos from the audience.