“Oi! Stop pushing!”
“Oh no! A pickpocket! Catch that guy!”
“What? How can they charge this much for a single chicken skewer?!”
The streets were bustling with an eruption of voices from every corner. The capital, already crowded with people coming and going, had seen its traffic nearly double recently. And the reason was obvious—because of the ‘Olympia’ event.
“Already down to the quarterfinals, huh? Time sure flies, doesn’t it?”
“That’s true. I thought this student tournament would just be kids playing around, but look at this—it feels like there are more people here than even at the famous Kaiser Coliseum.”
“Looking at these students gives me hope for the future of the Empire.”
With half the competition already over, the festival atmosphere grew hotter by the day. Merchants in the capital weren’t letting this opportunity slip through their fingers. Night markets were now open too, drawing in as much money as possible.
After a slightly awkward start during the preliminary rounds, the lodging business picked up steam. Rooms were now being rented out for several times their usual price, yet still unavailable. Those affiliated with academies that had been eliminated early were probably regretting checking out so soon, smacking their foreheads in hindsight. Probably.
“Wow, it’s packed again today.”
“I hate crowds. They’re uncomfortable.”
Black Wolf scrunched her face and pulled her robe tighter over her head. I agreed with her completely. Maybe it’s because I’m naturally a loner, but crowded places always make me uneasy. Of course, even someone super social might feel overwhelmed by this level of chaos.
“Since today’s first match isn’t ours… how about we hang around a bit longer?”
Cain had passed on the information earlier. Unfortunately, except for my own students, all the graduating seniors from Minerva Academy had been eliminated. But since making it to the main tournament already granted them enough points to replace their midterms, no one seemed disappointed.
“Sounds good to me.”
“Yeah. Let’s check out that direction.”
These merchants were incredibly creative, changing their wares daily to suit the festival vibe. Yesterday’s chicken skewer vendor was selling duck skewers today. Scanning the area, I spotted some mouthwatering meat dishes.
“This looks delicious.”
It was a roasted pig leg, what you’d call “cartoon meat” in manga terms. Though a little heavy, it was manageable to eat by hand. So, with faces-sized pieces of meat in hand, we strolled leisurely down the busy street.
“Oh! There’s a circus over there. Let’s go watch.”
“Mmmph mmmph.”
In place of words, Black Wolf nodded while munching loudly. She sure knows how to tear into food. Watching her reminded me why people keep pets.
The street circus turned out to be surprisingly entertaining. As we were enjoying it, a strange sensation prickled the back of my neck.
“…?”
I looked around carefully but couldn’t spot anything unusual.
Casual couples chatting, shopkeepers hustling for customers, children mesmerized by the circus, and drunkards stumbling about in broad daylight. Nothing out of the ordinary.
“… Am I imagining things?”
As I tilted my head, feeling uneasy, Black Wolf tugged at my sleeve.
“I’m tired. Let’s head to the arena already.”
“You’ve only been eating for how long…?”
By now, Black Wolf’s hands held nothing but clean bones. Her defleshing skills are impressive…
“Well, it is time we should go. Let’s move.”
I wiped the grease off Black Wolf’s mouth and headed toward the arena. Still, what was that strange feeling just now?
***
In the teahouse overlooking the grand square, a woman cloaked in a flowing robe sat leisurely savoring her tea amidst the bustling festival crowd. Customers who had sought refuge from the chaos outside gazed curiously at her. The reason? Dozens of dessert plates piled high on her table, each no bigger than a palm. They were the teahouse’s dessert offerings.
“So, even from this distance, you’ve noticed me? You really *are* an anomaly.”
Muttering under her breath, she devoured an entire strawberry shortcake in one bite. Unfazed by the curious glances of other patrons, she ordered another dessert.
“Excuse me, ma’am, may I assist with your bill so far…?”
The server hesitated, asking cautiously. Even though the desserts were reasonably priced, ordering dozens changed the story entirely. If she bolted without paying, the owner would surely have harsh words.
“Oh, this will do fine. Include my latest order and throw in one of each menu item as well.”
The woman pulled a small pouch from her robes and placed it gently in the server’s hands.
“…!”
The server’s eyes widened dramatically upon opening the pouch. Inside were rare gold coins gleaming brightly. Swallowing hard, he quickly bowed.
“Yes! Right away!”
Watching the server rush off, the woman lifted her lukewarm tea to her lips.
“Hmm~ These modern times are great because there’s so much good food. Who would’ve thought such a small shop could serve desserts this tasty? Before I knew it, I ate way too much.”
Stretching lazily, her robe shifted slightly, revealing the impressive contours of her bust. A man nearby muttered absentmindedly,
“Is that a watermelon or a chest…?”
“Hey! What are you looking at?”
“Ah, n-nothing! I wasn’t looking!”
“You ruined the mood. I’m going home.”
“Wait, honey…! Where are you going!!!”
Annoyed, the girlfriend stormed off, unaware that moments ago, a tiny fly insignia adorned the mysterious woman’s cleavage.
Despite the minor commotion, the woman continued observing the crowd below as if nothing happened.
“How peaceful… While the world remains engulfed in chaos, these people live blissfully ignorant, like frogs in a well.”
Just as casually spoken words left her lips, three-tiered desserts arrived at her table. The panting server smiled apologetically.
“I brought what was ready first. The rest will arrive shortly. Would you like another cup of tea?”
“Sure, quick service is always appreciated.”
Smiling sweetly, the woman caused the server’s face to flush red. Her beauty was captivating, even to another woman.
“T-thank you. I’ll return shortly.”
Flustered, the server hurried back to the kitchen. Sipping freshly brewed tea, the woman yawned lazily.
“There’s still plenty of time left… Enjoy yourself until then.”
Her name was Gula Mosca. Beneath her enormous presence and insatiable appetite lay a sinister identity:
A heretic serving the Demon King. A villain branded as evil by the world. One of the Seven High Priests: The High Priest of Gluttony.
***
“Did we make it in time? It took longer than expected.”
Who would’ve guessed the crowd would grow even denser in such a short span? Movement became nearly impossible due to the press of bodies. Afraid we’d miss our schedule, I instinctively deployed divine powers. Using Shadow Concealment to hide and Windstep to glide across the air, I rushed to the arena.
“Good job. Please take a seat.”
Seeing our strained expressions, Cain handed us water. We drank greedily. Nearby, Angelica’s voice reached us.
“The player introductions just ended. We’re not late, so don’t worry.”
“Phew… Finally, I can breathe…”
The icy water revived me instantly. Setting the empty glass on the table, I asked.
“A Don Quixote Academy student named Benar Lapont. According to his profile, he ranks second among the graduating class.”
Keeping his gaze on the field, Cain answered. Following his lead, I looked down at the stadium where a slick-looking young man with slicked-back hair stood facing Amy. Graduating second… stronger or weaker than Carlos?
“Carlos is top-ranked, so logically, he has lower grades. However, there’s no guarantee that the top student is always stronger, right?”
“Donning Quixote colors, it seems natural that the top student would be stronger… but who knows? Plus, the weapons used by both students differ.”
“True, until now, Amy has only wielded a sword conventionally.”
“At this stage of the quarterfinals, either he’s unleashing his full power or employing a distraction tactic. We’ll see.”
Only after hearing Cain and Angelica’s conversation did I notice the weapon Benar held.
A long spear-like staff ending in a crescent blade.
Anyone familiar with Romance of the Three Kingdoms would recognize it immediately.
It was a Moonblade Spear.
“A glaive… indeed, it’s rare to see one. Warriors specializing in spears are few and far between.”
So it’s called a glaive.
Curiosity sparked in my eyes as Cain chuckled softly.
“You seem interested. Truthfully, so am I. It’s not an easy weapon to handle at a student’s level.”
“Have you ever tried wielding one?”
“With curiosity driving me, I swung it a few times… Definitely not suited for me.”
“Seems like we’re lacking info. Hopefully, it won’t cause issues.”
“Are you worried?”
Worried…
I smiled faintly in response.
“Not at all. Regardless of whether it’s a glaive or anything else, Amy will win.”
I stated confidently.
Because unless someone was a Master, no one in this tournament could defeat Amy.
At that moment, a gruff voice echoed throughout the room.
“Of course! Who could possibly beat my daughter? You’re definitely worthy of being my son-in-law!”
“G-goodness, Duke!”
“When did you…?!”
Caught off guard by Balkan’s sudden appearance, the professors showed their surprise openly. Meanwhile, Black Wolf and I greeted him calmly, having already sensed the subtle ripple in space.
Seriously, does this guy need to use teleportation just to get here?
The mind of an Archmage is truly incomprehensible.
“There were too many people, so I figured the carriage would be slow. Hence, I came ahead. Hahaha!”
Balkan plopped onto the sofa with a hearty laugh. Watching the professors squirm uncomfortably, I could only shake my head.
***
“That’s an interesting weapon. Haven’t seen you use anything but swords until now.”
Amy asked curiously, eyeing the unfamiliar weapon.
Benar ran his fingers through his hair, flashing a suave smile.
“Scared? If our lady wishes, I can switch back to a sword.”
“… Pfft.”
Amy suppressed a wave of nausea, muttering under her breath.
Was this some form of mental disruption?
Whatever it was, it hit her psyche hard.
Fortunately, Benar didn’t seem to hear her curse and continued nonchalantly.
“To clarify, this isn’t a diversionary tactic. There was simply no need to reveal my full strength before.”
“Ah, understood.”
“My academic rank may be second, but I’m stronger than Carlos. I didn’t bring this out during exams.”
“I’m not particularly interested.”
Despite Amy’s cold reception, Benar remained unfazed, seemingly oblivious to her words.
“With this weapon drawn, Lady Amy stands no chance. Therefore, I suggest you surrender. I wouldn’t want to harm you.”
“Haha, useless concern.”
Judging by the faint frost enveloping his strange weapon, the opponent was clearly skilled. Coupled with such confidence, his prowess must at least match Carlos’. Having watched Ariana’s match, Amy didn’t underestimate him. Nevertheless…
“… When did you get here?”
Turning her head, Amy glanced toward the VIP lounge. Her father’s grinning face didn’t even register in her vision.
“As long as Professor Allen is watching…”
Knowing Allen was observing made any thoughts of losing inconceivable. Turning back, Amy declared boldly.
“I’ll win.”
