Chapter 118
The time it took for the champion of the Hirpus Coliseum, Arjuna, to lie on the ground was just a little over 2 seconds. To break down that time into a process, it went as follows.
At the moment the host’s hand went down, the challenger moved. It took about 0.2 seconds to take a stance and kick off the ground.
Then, it took approximately 0.5 seconds to leap toward Arjuna.
In the process, the sword swung to break Arjuna’s shoulder armor and knocked him down, taking 1 second.
Finally, it took 0.3 seconds to stomp on Arjuna and stand over him.
Every action was efficient and devoid of hesitation, as if expecting an “A” would inevitably yield an “A” result as well.
Although Arjuna wore a helmet, obscuring her expression from the crowd, she was speechless, her face reflecting her bewilderment.
Among the sequence of events, the only thing Arjuna distinctly saw with her own eyes was a single sight: Nahun, approaching her while swinging his sword. By the time she became aware of it, it was already too late to react, and the match had concluded.
The shocking and astounding scene left not only the parties involved but also the audience, the host, and even Glashalavras, who organized the match, frozen in disbelief.
“Uh… uh?!”
The host, after regaining his senses a beat too late, stammered in apparent confusion before finally announcing the results of the shocking spectacle.
“The challenger wins! Champion Arjuna has been defeated!!”
“T-This can’t be!!”
“Insane… what the hell is that?”
“What the hell, are you kidding me? Did he start before the match began!?”
“Ah~ the underdog tastes sweet. Hey, fair-weather fans, you finally come to your senses?”
“Isn’t this cheating!?”
Countless conflicting reactions began pouring from the audience. Many expressed skepticism about whether Nahun had started before the starting signal.
“This doesn’t make any sense! How can that speed be achieved!?”
“To be honest, I didn’t even see it.”
“Are your eyes messed up? I saw everything~.”
“You underdog fan, defending him just because you won your money. Nobody here saw that guy move, how do you know? The host must have missed it too!”
Nahun had knocked Arjuna down so quickly that some speculated whether he’d launched a surprise attack before the signal was given.
However, there was someone who swiftly ended these reactions.
“No one violated the signal.”
It was Glashalavras, the owner of the arena, who had managed to read Nahun’s movements unlike Arjuna, who missed the entire sequence. Even if she barely grasped the details, she had indeed witnessed it.
“The challenger merely started as the host signaled. Thus, it was a legitimate contest.”
With the declaration from the owner and master of the arena, the murmuring audience quieted down, and the following reactions were filled with astonishment.
“Wait, so….”
“He started right after the signal went off, and knocked Arjuna down?”
“That makes even less sense!”
“Is he insane?”
“Serves those cowardly fair-weather fans right! The underdog wins, haha.”
“Hah, I should have bet on the underdog today even if it meant losing my head.”
After the host’s declaration of victory and Glashalavras’s assertion that there was no foul, Nahun finally stepped aside from on top of Arjuna.
He extended his hand and said, “Are you okay?”
“……”
Arjuna simply nodded in response. Nahun then spoke to her.
“I’m sorry. You must have wanted an honorable duel… but we had our circumstances.”
Arjuna… Eliza continued to nod in shock.
She didn’t know the exact circumstances, but she could guess. Just looking at her lord, Glashalavras, who had come to watch the match was enough to form an inference.
Glashalavras signaled to the host from the balcony to end the duel, and the host hurriedly wrapped up the match.
“What a tremendous fighter has appeared! This marks the end of the pre-event!”
“It was a pre-event?”
“I thought it was the champion’s deciding match.”
“So, Arjuna remains the champion?”
“To be honest, watching a champion like that would be dull if he finishes everything in one blow.”
“That’s a fair point.”
The audience didn’t object much to Arjuna retaining his champion title. A match ought to have its charm; ending it so abruptly might have shocked them at first, but it would soon make watching a match unexciting.
Both the audience and Nahun achieved a satisfactory result. Nahun looked up at the balcony, where Glashalavras smirked and signaled to the host.
“Uh, can the champion and challenger please come up to the balcony?”
“Yes.”
Eliza was surprised to hear that she was also called. Nahun said to her, “Let’s go. It seems we’re both being summoned.”
Eliza was puzzled as to why someone who had never sought her out before would suddenly call for her. Still, following Nahun’s lead, she headed toward the balcony.
#
“Both of you, hurry up and come over.”
Glashalavras awaited them on the balcony and greeted them warmly. With a bright smile, she praised Nahun.
“I saw your strength. It was impressive. That’s indeed why Debata has grown so much.”
“You flatter me. But since I’ve taken the test, it’s time for my reward.”
“Hmm, good. I will hear your story. But first, could you wait a moment?”
Glashalavras turned her gaze to Eliza, who was beside Nahun.
“I have something to discuss with someone who hasn’t fulfilled their duties.”
Nahun thought it was just as he had expected. Since Glashalavras had instructed him to defeat the champion, he had suspected from the start that the champion would be one of her subordinates.
Although it was a baseless assumption he hadn’t voiced before, hearing that Glashalavras summoned the champion alongside himself cemented his suspicion.
With a tent over the balcony to obscure the audience’s view, Glashalavras commanded Arjuna.
“Eliza, remove your helmet.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
And the voice that came forth belonged to a woman. Nahun was slightly surprised by that voice and looked beside him, and Arjuna, having removed her helmet, revealed herself to be an impressive woman with bright blue hair reminiscent of a clear sky.
‘So Arjuna was a pseudonym.’
Nahun found this unexpected fact intriguing as he looked at her, and Eliza briefly met his gaze before kneeling before Glashalavras.
“Your Majesty, I did not betray my duties.”
“I never said you betrayed them. I said you failed to fulfill them. In the end, didn’t you fail?”
“My duty was to hold the champion’s position until someone able to overcome me appeared, correct?”
“You understood my intention well. But even if that was the case, the command I gave you was to ‘hold the position of champion.’ You failed, Eliza.”
Hearing Glashalavras’s words, Nahun felt a strange discomfort. After all, hadn’t Eliza done her duty? But the Demon King, who knew nothing beyond strength, didn’t see it that way.
“Though it wasn’t an official match, you lost. Without the ability to do anything about it. Don’t you think that’s a humiliating defeat to keep you as my subordinate?”
To her, loyalty meant little. What she demanded of her subordinates was overwhelming “power.” Eliza had maintained the champion’s position and had proven that, but this time she had failed.
‘They said she had a 12-match winning streak… is she being dismissed for losing just once?’
Indeed, she thought the Demon King was remarkable in many ways. Of course, not in a good sense. If Seere acted like that, simply imagining it was horrifying.
Eliza slightly bowed her head at Glashalavras’s words.
“…If it’s an order, I will comply.”
“I won’t punish you since you’ve worked hard all this time. However, you can no longer work under me.”
“I understand.”
With her head bowed, Eliza spoke.
“May You reign forever, Your Majesty.”
Glashalavras simply nodded and sent her off, and Eliza left the balcony with a glum expression.
“…That seems excessive.”
Nahun, who had watched this unfold, commented, and Glashalavras shook her head.
“No, it’s not that excessive. There can be no ‘losers’ beneath me.”
“Isn’t there experience gained from defeats?”
“I wonder. Everyone says that, but… I see it as an excuse of the defeated,” she replied, unconcerned.
“…Is that so?”
Nahun had no intention of disputing Glashalavras’s values. He simply couldn’t comprehend that such talent would be dismissed in such a way.
‘If only I could draw her to my side…’
While Nahun pondered this, Glashalavras spoke.
“If you want, you can take her from Debata. I won’t mind.”
“…Is that really alright?”
“Of course. Now then…”
Glashalavras smiled widely.
“It’s time for a reward. What do you wish to say to me?”
“It’s about the ‘prohibition on entering the human realm’ clause, which was decided during the previous Demon World council.”
“Ah… that ridiculous measure, is it?”
Indeed, it seemed Glashalavras disliked the measure, as it was counter to her warmongering nature to close off access due to fear of mere humans.
“Why bring that up now? It shouldn’t have benefited anyone but Debata, who owns the 72nd floor.”
“We wish for the prohibition to be lifted.”
“…Oh? That’s unexpected. You’d be guaranteed safety, so why?”
“It’s difficult to explain in detail. However, I hope you understand that we are also in a position where that measure doesn’t sit well with us.”
“Then you’re bringing that up with me now means….”
Glashalavras smirked.
“You intend to bring it up as an agenda item at the upcoming Demon World council?”
“Your insight is commendable.”
“It’s something even a child could think of. There’s no need for praise for such things.”
While she said that, a satisfied smile lingered on her face. A simple Demon King who pursued only power. For Nahun, who had known her well in advance, she was an excellent person to utilize.
“I hope you lend your strength when we put forth that proposal at the next Demon World council.”
“Hmm, but will that be alright? After all, that measure was enacted by Belzebut. It would be difficult to pass the agenda with only my opinion.”
“Don’t worry about that. We’re planning to gather a few more factions.”
“…Oh? I see.”
Glashalavras chuckled.
“Planning to gather Demon Kings who share my views, huh? It’s impressive that you figured out there are many Demon Kings dissatisfied with that measure.”
Nahun had knowledge of the Demon Kings’ traits and personalities, which enabled him to deduce this. Although learned through games, it seemed Nahun’s perspective impressed Glashalavras.
“…I find this appealing.”
A talent possessing overwhelming strength and outstanding information-gathering abilities. Such talent was hard to find even among Glashalavras’s own ranks.
“Do you have no desire to work under me?”
“I’m afraid I have no intention of doing so, even slightly.”
“I could readily grant you the position of my second-in-command.”
Nahun seemed to ponder for a moment. Observing his reaction, Glashalavras thought that he might be interested in her proposal, but that was merely a misunderstanding on her part.
“Your Majesty is not large enough a vessel to take me in.”
“……”
Glashalavras widened her eyes slightly, and the guard knights beside her reacted angrily, drawing their swords.
However, she raised her hand to stop them and spoke.
“Is that so? Debata is acceptable, but I’m not?”
“Yes.”
“Then if I had been a member of the Ten Great Clans, would it have been possible then?”
“No. It’s not a matter of bloodline. Only Debata could take me in.”
Glashalavras locked eyes with Nahun. His golden gaze revealed the truth.
“…Huh, you’re quite the interesting one.”
“Yes?”
“It seems you don’t intend to leave the Debata faction… but that feeling doesn’t stem from ‘loyalty’.”
Nahun was slightly taken aback. Indeed, the reason he assisted Seere and the Debata faction wasn’t ‘loyalty.’ His goal was to elevate Seere to the pinnacle.
However, Nahun didn’t show this openly, feigning ignorance.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Never mind. It might just be my mistake.”
Glashalavras smiled lightly. Then she agreed to accommodate Nahun’s request.
“I see no reason to refuse a proposition from Debata. If you take the initiative to gather factions, that will make things easier for me. I will lend my strength.”
“Thank you.”
“Is that all for our discussion?”
“There’s nothing more I desire. Just your support in advancing that agenda is enough for me.”
“Is that so?”
Glashalavras gestured for Nahun to leave as if there was nothing else to discuss. Nahun bowed to her and departed from the balcony.
Yet, still feeling a tinge of regret, Glashalavras attempted to call out to Nahun once more. But at that moment, she caught sight of something.
“!”
From behind him, ominous black mist swirled, revealing savage fangs, threatening her as if to warn her of some ‘monsters.’
‘What the hell is that?’
Even for the aggressive Glashalavras, who was normally curious enough to confront anything, her expression hardened, leaving her no choice but to allow Nahun to leave unchallenged.
#
Nahun hurried back to Seere and spoke urgently.
“Seere.”
“Teacher! You’re truly amazing!”
She greeted Nahun with a beaming smile, complimenting him on the overwhelming power he had just displayed.
“You finished it all in an instant! That was incredible!”
“Thank you.”
Hearing his disciple’s praise filled him with pride. While Nahun chuckled, Seere asked,
“Did you finish your discussion?”
“Yes. The task is done, but it seems we need to act immediately.”
“Hmm?”
“We need to recruit talent. It’s urgent.”
Nahun briefly explained, then moved ahead, while Seere and Cecili tilted their heads in confusion and followed him.
Nahun exited the coliseum and looked around the streets, searching for Eliza, who he had seen moments earlier.
‘She’s a useful talent. I can’t let her slip away.’
Although he had defeated her in a single strike, he also knew that she had read his movements at the last moment.
In truth, it was because Nahun had acted intentionally that most couldn’t follow his movements. The fact that she was able to catch up to him, even just at the last moment, indicated that she was quite a talented individual.
And judging by the fact that Glashalavras had appointed her, the champion, as a test to select talent, her skills were essentially validated.
“…I discarded such talent on the ground. There’s no way I can just leave her.”
It was the one who picked first who got the prize. Nahun scanned the vicinity, searching for the woman with bright sky-blue hair, whom he had seen earlier.
“Teacher, whom are you looking for?”
“I’m looking for a woman with sky-blue hair.”
“…A woman?”
“…I don’t know what kind of misunderstanding you’re having, but this is purely about recruiting talent. Glashalavras discarded the talent on the ground; I intend to pick her up. Besides, we’re already short on senior members, aren’t we?”
Indeed, Seere’s ranks lacked senior personnel. Right now, a barely adult Veronica was in charge of commanding the legion.
Though Seere was slightly displeased that her teacher was looking for another woman, she acknowledged the need for experienced members.
“Who is she?”
“She’s the champion I just fought a little while ago.”
“Wait, what?”
But the person they sought had been knocked out in one blow. Of course, Seere was aware of how strong Nahun was…
“Is there a reason behind this?”
“She managed to keep up with my movements at the end.”
“Ah….”
At last, realizing, Seere nodded in understanding.
“Alright, then let’s split up and search. We’ll converge back here in a bit…”
“Um, could you kindly step aside?”
Nahun, Seere, and Cecili, who were standing at the entrance of the coliseum, turned their heads together. And standing there was Eliza, the very person Nahun had sought.
“Uh… didn’t you leave first?”
“Yes?… Ah, I was just tidying up a bit.”
“Ah.”
He was looking for someone in a strict place. Nahun awkwardly laughed, while Seere and Cecili looked at him with a mixture of confusion and disbelief.
“Do you have business with me?”
“…I might seem strange for asking this, but I have one question.”
Nahun said to Eliza.
“Please come with us.”
“……What?”
“Oh, no. There’s no strange intention behind this. I am from the Debata faction. Glashalavras has discarded you, hasn’t she? So I was wondering if you might be interested in working with us…”
“Now I see where you came from,” Eliza sighed.
“Forget it. I won’t be of any help.”
“No, that’s not true!”
“…What?”
“You would definitely be a great help to us. And we don’t engage in absurdity like discarding talent. Right, Seere?”
Nahun turned to Seere, who nodded beside him.
“If you come under my command, I promise you a fair treatment and status.”
“But isn’t this person a maid?”
“Ah.”
Since Seere was dressed as a maid, Eliza naturally thought that way. Nahun and Seere were momentarily taken aback, then both cleared their throats and said.
“This appearance is for a specific reason….”
“Ahem, I am Seere von Debata.”
“…Huh.”
Eliza chuckled lightly.
“You’re daring to step into the upper ranks of the Demon Kings, aren’t you?”
“After all, nobody here will recognize my face.”
“Is that confidence born from self-assurance, or…?”
Eliza glanced at Nahun.
“Both.”
“…Is that so?”
Eliza pondered. After all, she had been living as if abandoned in such an arena, and any loyalty she once had towards Glashalavras had long since faded.
However, simply crossing over to the Debata faction would not sit right with her conscience. Just then, Nahun added one more point to his argument.
“Glashalavras said, ‘You may take her.’ She has already discarded you. You’re of no interest to her.”
“….”
“So please come to us. We will give you the appropriate treatment you deserve.”
Nahun’s proposition honestly swayed Eliza. Despite having garnered Glashalavras’s attention with her considerable talent and secured a place among her subordinates, she had once again fallen to nothing more than a candidate for talent selection in the coliseum.
Indeed, none recognized her potential, as she had never been fairly selected, which led her to feel disillusioned with her role.
“If it’s too much to decide now, you don’t need to rush.”
It was Seere’s voice.
“If you think about it later, come visit the 50th floor. We’ll be glad to welcome you then.”
Seere made a brief remark and looked at Nahun, as if asking, “Is this enough?” Nahun agreed with her sentiment.
“We’ll take our leave now. We hope to see you again.”
After Nahun and Seere left, Eliza remained behind for a moment, staring blankly at where they had been.
“Proper treatment….”
Is something like that even attainable for me?
Eliza slowly began to walk. Although her path still diverged from her heart’s desire, it would not take long before her steps mirrored her true feelings.
