Every gladiatorial match held here in the "City of Swords" is a betting contest.
　It is said that in large tournaments, or matches with good cards, huge sums of money can be raised.

''With the top guilds, old and new, the stakes are quite high.

　In the waiting room before the game, Lilia tells me with a nervous look on her face.
　She says that the amount of the prize money for winning is based on the amount of the bet.

　But that's still not enough to pay off the debt.

Dragonfang's popularity is one-sided, and our odds of winning are over 20 times higher than the odds for us. That's why, if you win this one, you'll be out of debt.......

　Apparently, contestants can bet on themselves, and Lilia has placed a significant amount of money on "Dragonfang".
　Anyway, if he lost, the guild would go out of business.
　It's probably the last big game she played.

It's really healthy, isn't it? The daughter is trying her best to protect her father's guild. It's dazzling. It's very dazzling.''

　Such a voice from the entrance.
　When I turned my head to look at it, I saw a courageous old man.
　He was tall and slender, with vagrant mane of hair.
　He has a taunting smile on his face, but only his eyes are glittering and sharp like a wild beast.

''Ha!　Georg.........!
'However, I did hear that?　I didn't think it was possible to have an "unemployed" as a member. Even for a headcount match, it's too much, indeed.

　He glanced at me for a moment.

'Lilia, do you know each other?'
''I don't know anyone or anything, this guy is the head of the Blackblade guild...''

　Hmm.
　I thought this was not just any man, but this man is the head of the city's largest guild?

　Lilia glares sharply at her opponent.

''Gee, you don't need to look at me with such hostility. It's a good thing that you're able to seize this last chance thanks to me, you know. Of course, I'm sure you understand this very well, but it would never be possible for a guild that has fallen this low to this point to be able to compete with my guild.

　Even if it was a new old top guild or something like that, the difference between them was obvious.
　I thought how they were able to set up a match with that, but it seems that this man had a say in it.

''I'd hate to lose my former rival guild, too,'' he said. I just wanted to do something for them.

　Of course it wouldn't be with good intentions.
　Even I, who've never met him before, can tell that much by looking at the smile sticking to this man's face.
　He's the kind of guy who enjoys tormenting the weak, isn't he?

But it's up to you whether or not you can repay the debt, right?　But don't worry. If you fall into debt and fall into slavery, I'll buy you out.
.........

　Under the man's mousy gaze, Lilia hides her body with her arms.

''I won't let that happen........!
"Chuckle.

　After a disgusted sneer, the man turned on his heel.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. It's a pity to lose an arm like someone else.

　With that, he leaves.
　Lilia looks away from it resentfully and then

Don't be absurd.　You're the one who's happiest that your father's arm became like that, and you're the top swordsman because of it...!






Now let's begin today's main event, the Blackblade versus Dragonfang guild competition.

　The field has sprung up loudly.

　We step onto the field as a large crowd looks on.
　There is a square stage set up there, and the game seems to take place on it.

'Hey, look!　Dragonfang, there are only three of us!
'It's true!　I heard that you'd fallen off the wagon, but I didn't think you'd be able to produce anything but that much!

　The crowd buzzed as they saw us, with only three members competing.

　Meanwhile, ten Blackblades, the largest number, appeared on the field.

''Whoa!　It looks like we've got four A-class swordsmen over here!
The remaining six are all B-level swordsmen!
As expected from the Great Swordsman Georg, but even so, these guys are no match for a few guilds.

　Next to me, Lilia's cheeks twitched.

''I can't believe they brought out four A-listers...''

　Since there is not a single A-class swordsman here, he was probably expecting the other side to drop their guard and drop more strength.

'That's the type of person who enjoys hunting rabbits by going out of his way to mess with them. Well, as far as I'm concerned, I'm grateful to fight a strong opponent.
You're good, aren't you?　And when you lose, you just have to quit as soon as you can!
'Hmm, you're right, but so what?'

　It's a guild that my mother belonged to, but I have no further contact with it.
　They don't want you to be asked to get involved in their emotions.

''That said, is Laina okay?''
Don't call my name so casually!

　When I approached my hometown girl, who had been silent for a while now, she yelled at me like that.

''Why are you angry?''
Oh, shut up!　I'm not angry!

　Apparently he still cares that he lost to me,
　Lilia said pleadingly.

''Laina-san please.......I know you're frustrated about losing to Arel-san, but for now, please focus on the game.......''
"I know, I know!　Or rather, I'm not regretting it, you know!

So let's get this first game underway!　The Gladiator from the Black Blade!　His opponent is Dragonfang's... what?　M..... M... Unemployed Arel...!