Chapter 39: Arena (2)
The method to participate in the arena was not difficult.
Just apply through the head guard, and that’s it.
– Hahahaha! A fine warrior has come!
Felix greatly pleased him.
– ……Two? You asked for two participants?
– Yes. There is no rule that only humans must participate, right?
– That’s true… but who?
– This friend.
– Oh, a small and cute companion indeed. Looks like a monster. Be careful not to lose him.
Luckily, Golem No. 5 also agreed heartily to participate.
This much would do!
“…Is there something on my face?”
“No.”
The shrine maiden stared intently at Evan.
To an almost uncomfortable degree.
Luckily, her gaze did not last long.
I thought my skin was going to develop holes.
Evan wiped his cheeks.
The shrine maiden then approached Felix.
“Mighty one. By any chance, when you mentioned walking the [Pilgrimage Path], could I hear more about it?”
“Hm?”
“Why? Is there a problem?”
Isis asked with curiosity-laden voice.
The shrine maiden shook her head.
“Not a problem. Just a personal curiosity of mine.”
“Curiosity about what?”
“The Pilgrimage Path, a great ritual of destiny. A sort of celestial magic. Though forgotten, I am curious how you are practicing it…”
“Ah, that’s where the issue lies.”
Felix nodded.
“I don’t use magic.”
“……”
The shrine maiden paused briefly in silence.
Then raised a question.
“Eh?”
“It’s just walking. It’s my path to strength. Meeting strong ones or saints and gaining insights to reach Swordmaster status. That’s my Pilgrimage Path. It’s to transcend limits.”
“……Could I inquire about your current level?”
“Mid-Expert.”
“……”
A level far from reaching Master.
The shrine maiden lost her words this time.
Usually, those who walk the Pilgrimage Path or talk about transcending walls should be at least Upper-level.
Middle?
Not even Uppermost?
“……”
“……”
An awkward silence spread among the group.
Lapis, munching on vegetables skewered earlier, suddenly widened her eyes and pointed with her finger.
“Ah! Felix is running off somewhere strange!”
“Hm?”
Felix was already heading down another path.
He seemed to notice the oddity, turned his head, and scratched his head.
“Ah. My mistake. I’m directionally challenged, you see.”
“……”
The shrine maiden looked at Felix in astonishment.
What kind of person is this?
Evan nodded.Clearly understanding.
“There’s some kind of reward, right?”
Holding Felix tightly by a string, we arrived at the Colosseum.
We entered a nearby restaurant.
Isis glanced at the menu with surprise.
“This place isn’t just an arena?”
“Yes.”
Evan frowned at the drink with a coarse taste and pulled out a potion from his pocket to drink.
This is way better.
Is this… a prototype?
While soothing his irritated mouth with the potion, he spoke.
“The Colosseum also serves as a gambling den and auction house.”
“Does the state allow such things?”
“Yes.”
In response to Lapis’ question, the shrine maiden answered.
“To gain competitiveness, these measures are necessary.”
“Competitiveness?”
“Compared to the Empire, Demesia Kingdom doesn’t have many standout qualities.”
She cast a separate spell so the sound wouldn’t leak.
Thanks to that, the shrine maiden casually replied.
“Demesia Kingdom is located in the middle of the Sahara Desert, so the land is barren. We survive by relying on ancient ruins and river systems discovered, but living here is tough. The only thing left is individuals with powerful strength, like knights. They stay because they were born here.”
The conservative tendencies also play a big role.
The Empire accepted all sorts of new things to develop.
It wasn’t random that magic, swordsmanship, alchemy, elemental magic, astrology, etc., developed.
On the contrary, what about Demesia Kingdom?
As can be seen from the atmosphere, they rejected the new and only revered their own martial prowess.
A tendency to remain satisfied with the present.
No wonder they couldn’t hold up against demon invasions in the future and collapsed.
“And always needing a powerful leader to guide these people stems from similar reasons.”
“A powerful leader?”
“Have you heard the name ‘Purity’?”
Lapis shook her head back and forth.
Well.
Only read books related to the Empire; didn’t bother with other kingdoms’ literature.
Because the timing for others hasn’t come yet.
Though Frey already found everything long ago since he’s smarter.
Not that Lapis was smart enough to bring along anyway.
“Purity is the current leader and ruler of Demesia Kingdom, the strongest knight. In terms of physical power alone, they say he surpasses even the Emperor of the Empire.”
“……Really?”
“Since it’s just a rumor, I can’t verify its truth, but if such rumors exist, it’s probably true.”
True in terms of physical power.
Just with a big flaw.
The shrine maiden continued in a drowsy tone as if reading a fairy tale to a child.
“Because such a powerful leader exists, this country can function. Barren territories naturally give birth to heroes.”
“What if no hero appears?”
“With the population we have, at least one will appear, won’t they?”
“If none appear among the nobles….”
“Ah, that’s what you’re wondering? Here, ability is valued more than lineage.”
“So there are no nobles??”
“Right?”
There are nobles, but if the next generation fails to prove themselves, that’s the end.
A country where only the strong survive.
Ironically, a country that can only survive with the strong.
Warriors who shout honor and strength might find it livable, but it might be a bit tough for others.
“In that sense, the arena is both a proving ground for knights and a gathering place for various businesses. It’s not strange that there’s an auction house and gambling den where money flows and joy can be felt.”
“Hmm… fascinating.”
Lapis seemed to receive a fresh shock.
Such an arena plays such a large role.
Evan didn’t care.
Just doing the job well is enough.
As inconspicuously as possible.
Even though it’s slightly harder, Evan wanted to earn money quietly.
Definitely not because he’s a slacker.
“Oh!”
At that moment, Isis exclaimed in admiration.
She pointed to something on the menu.
“Look! There’s elixirs too.”
“Is it a Sandworm elixir?”
“No? It says mixed elixir.”
Mixed elixir.
Primarily enhances mana and removes bodily toxins.
Random grade but relatively cheap, making it popular among beginners and veterans alike.
“Hmm. Kinda disappointing? This is the most expensive item here.”
Isis licked her lips after looking around other menus without finding anything else.
Then she looked at Evan.
“Rather, learning Alchemy would be better, wouldn’t it?”
“Alchemy?”
“Yeah. A type of alchemy that creates pills or elixirs and can regenerate human bodies. Hard to obtain though. Like golems, it disappeared.”
“Isn’t it available in the Backworld?”
“No. As far as we know, nothing’s been revealed yet.”
Alchemy will appear in the future.
Even then, it’ll briefly show up and disappear, like an Easter egg.
Hard to find.
If you’re lucky enough to find it, good; otherwise, not.
“…Both of you used to be alchemists, huh?”
The shrine maiden’s question.
“Yes. That’s correct. Can’t you tell by looking at the golem?”
“I… thought you were a magician.”
“Don’t you know Evan? He’s super famous on the continent. If you don’t know him, you’re a spy.”
“!”
The shrine maiden’s eyes wavered.
“I… am slow with rumors…”
“We said you should know this level of rumors.”
“W, who said that?”
“Evan.”
The shrine maiden’s pupils wavered even more.
That’s when—
Whoosh! Clunk clunk!
A sandstorm blew in through a poorly closed gap.
Geez! Sand got into my mouth.
Evan unconsciously frowned.
Don’t they manage this properly?
Was about to complain, but seeing the owner’s build made him slightly hesitate.
Hmm.
Everyone’s pretty big here.
Should I just let it slide?
“Evan. Should I complain?”
“…It’s fine.”
I’m broad-minded, so I should endure it.
Evan coughed lightly.
Sandstorm.
Though Living Armor blocked it, it couldn’t prevent it from entering the respiratory system.
I need to make a mask later.
When I felt the gritty sensation in my mouth, it happened.
Cough!
“Ah.”
A little blood splattered out.
My throat feels slightly irritated, seems like I’ve gotten a wound.
Did I eat too much sand?
I didn’t even intentionally get out of the carriage.
‘Whoa, dizzy.’
Is the blood in the health ring already used up?
Or maybe it’s because I’ve been exposed to the high temperature for too long?
Feeling a bit dizzy.
Drip.
“Ah.”
“Evan!”
Blood started flowing from Evan’s nose.
After being perfectly fine until now, why is it coming out suddenly?
‘Is the blood in the health ring depleted?’
Hmm, glad I didn’t spit blood.
At least my body isn’t completely broken.
Even sleeping less makes me feel unwell.
I’ll have to endure this extent.
Though I dislike being sick.
“Don’t tilt your head back. Hmm!”
“…I can handle it.”
“Quickly. Hmm!”
Lapis firmly handed over a handkerchief.
Eventually, Evan carefully wiped his nosebleed.
No. 5 tapped him gently and handed over a potion. Evan nodded and drank it.
“Ah, you said you weren’t feeling well. Are you okay?”
“Yes. This happens often originally.”
In response to Isis’ concern, Evan nodded.
Well, to this extent…
Now that I’ve become a real man, it’s time to stop overreacting.
Clang!
“Uh, uhuh!”
…The sound of someone presumed to be the owner ‘accidentally’ falling, but let’s overlook it for now.
“You…”
“?”
The shrine maiden looked at Evan.
Her eyes seemed to catch something, sparkling faintly.
Her lips, which tried to utter something, closed tightly.
“…Never mind.”
A complex expression.
First, it was clear.
Whatever she imagined, it wasn’t that.
That’s when.
“Eh? Evan!”
Lapis, who was manipulating threads, looked at the menu and pointed to the characters written in the corner.
[Basic Alchemy Book]
[Bid Condition: Achieve 3rd place or higher.]
“Isn’t this what you’ve been looking for?”
“Basic Alchemy Book?!”
Isis jumped up.
“Why is such a rare item here?!”
‘Exactly.’
This… is appearing?
Too shocked to even speak.
Is this luck?
Evan glanced at the menu while hiding his uneasiness.
Seems like they know it’s valuable; there’s a bidding condition attached.
Achieve 3rd place or higher.
In other words, only those with skill can obtain it.
Probably a way for high-ranking warriors to make money.
Buy low and sell high.
Deadline is until the day after tomorrow.
Just two days left.
“Are you planning to enter the top 10?”
Felix, who had been meditating silently, hesitated before speaking.
“Warriors ranked after 10th place are all powerful ones who have never descended once. Even I can’t guarantee victory.”
“It’s fine.”
Evan shook his head.
Didn’t trust Felix from the start.
Middle Expert.
Not bad, but somewhat ambiguous to call it strong.
Then what should be done?
Trust someone else.
“No. 5.”
Swish.
Evan took out the heart of the sand golem stored in subspace.
“Let’s modify it a bit.”
[Disassemble], [Rebuild]. Blue light burst from Evan’s hands.
That night.
[Felix No. 88. Prove yourself as a warrior.]
Felix quietly polished his sword blade.
The sword passed down from his father, Elim.
Though worn from years of service as a wandering knight, it hasn’t broken yet.
This is Felix’s belief.
Though continuing the grand journey named “Pilgrimage Path,” his belief hasn’t been completed yet.
‘I will definitely become a Swordmaster.’
A dream his father couldn’t achieve.
He will achieve it in his stead.
This was Felix’s goal.
Though they haven’t met recently….
‘Would it be alright to ask that lady?’
She’s benevolent.
He knew that.
Even though he gets lost to the point of losing his way, at least he’s never been deceived in this aspect.
She should know where he is.
Recently, he’s been unsure about how to proceed.
Still young.
That’s why the future is more urgent.
Because having courage to move forward gives strength.
‘Father, please show me the way.’
[Warrior Felix, the time to prove your strength has come.]
The words of the knight managing the waiting room.
Felix nodded and stepped outside.
Beyond the iron gate, he could still see the ongoing matches.
At that moment, Felix doubted his eyes.
‘…What?’
Bang!
Uhhhhhhh!
A single punch from a golem twice the size of Felix knocked down a powerful warrior.
The 23rd ranked warrior.
A warrior who kept undefeated records and was writing new legends, K.O. with a single punch.
“Uwaaaaaaaah! Teddy Bear, no Dead Bear! A rookie breaks our unbeaten sanctity!!!!!”
“Waaaaaaaaaaah!”
‘Can such feats be achieved with a golem?’
Unbelievable strength.
Felix might also be knocked down in one hit.
Prepared this beforehand?
Too thorough to be accidental.
Felix slowly raised his head.
Across the way, the VIP seats.
The expensive seats that require payment to sit in.
Evan was staring down at them, maintaining a terrifyingly expressionless face.
‘I have no idea what he’s thinking.’
Cold sweat trickled down Felix’s forehead.
Meanwhile, Evan.
Evan, watching No. 5 knock down the enemy under the pseudonym [Dead Bear], thought.
‘Ah, my back itches.’
Should I ask Lapis to scratch it?
Or just go to a nearby inn and sleep?
Just as he was seriously considering it, someone knocked on the VIP seat.
Lapis, adjusting the salt on the vegetables, turned her head.
– A member of the Alkart family has visited and wishes to meet briefly.
“Evan, what should we do?”
Isis asked while yawning.
A cold and elegant face.
Wondering what she’s thinking.
Evan thought.
‘…Should I just say I’m not here?’
