Chapter 405: The First Match

"Oh! Ahhh... Of course!" Rupert scratched his head. "AB0301 is the code to his arena… If you want, we're actually heading there right now. We might as well—"

"Nahhh, it's okay! I know the way," She laughed, dismissing him. "Thanks for telling us though!"

"Yeah," The girl in red slowly nodded from her side with a smile before they both turned away. 

"Hey! One sec!" Rupert called out. 

"Huh, what is it? We're kinda in a hurry you know?"

"Just one question! You two also one of those super fans for Lor— K-Kane…"

"Su-Super fans?" She burst out laughing, clenching her stomach. "I'm way above those sorry chicks! I bet they literally wish they could be me every day!"

"Sis, we have to go now! We can't miss the match!" The red-haired girl nudged her friend to her side, now revealed to be her sister, making her slightly calm down. 

"Yeah, yeah! Let's go! Ain't no way I'm missing this! Good luck with your matches too I guess fire boys!" She laughed heartily once again before she and her sister faded away in the crowds.

"Who were they? They knew who we are!" Rupert blinked and looked over towards a smirking Regrit. 

"If I didn't know as much I would think you're shy talking to women…"

"Qu-Quiet you! It's not like you spoke at all there! I have years and years of experience with the ladies! But those two are even hotter than succubi! Especially the blue-haired one!"

"Huh!?" Regrit raised an eyebrow, almost as though he was shocked. "The red-haired girl was way better! You blind!?"

"You cheating on Hikari now?"

"Wha!? We're not dating! And I already told you there's nothing mutual between us!"

"Ah, if you say so…" He shrugged. "Well, we're gonna go spectate the same match, so we're bound to run into them again right? They seem to be from strong, wealthy families or something, sisters even! How cool would it be if each of us dated one of them! You know, since we're brothers! Of course, only if they are willing to join our glorious household and prove useful, then we can be really close!"

"Sh-Shut up with your delusions! I'm not that desperate! And! you're not my brother!!"

"The look on your face says otherwise..."

♦️ ♦️ ♦️

Moby's match was about to begin, the announcer had already talked up both fighters as the combatants before they even entered the Arena. 

In the area they all planned to meet, Artorias, Hikari, and Elizabeth were there, yet there were two others oddly missing and came in just in time before the match began. 

"Hey! What took you two so long!" Artorias gave them the eye as they sat down. 

"We got a bit lost," Regrit responded. "Who knew this arena would be so full just for a preliminary match! I don't think I can see many empty seats in this loud arena!"

"Well, it makes sense. Moby does have quite the reputation even outside the elites. It's only natural, he IS a hero after all…" Elizabeth responded.

"Yeah, but even still… I never expected there to be THIS MANY people here! Even two of the guild leaders showed up to see this match! And the principal herself! I feel bad for whoever has a match at the same time… I bet that arena must be really em—"

"Shhh! It's about to start!" Elizabeth leaned in closer and whispered.

"Ladies and gentlemen!! This may be the first match of the day, but even I never expected to see the seats this packed! I guess that's what happens when two tournament favourites end up together for a match this early!"

"You already know who they are! You don't need me to explain it! So without further ado! Meet your two fighters! Moby Kane! Annnnnnddddd!! Raymond Scott!!"

The announcer that stood upon the center tile of the Arena spoke, and suddenly, both fighters emerged from their respective ends, trodding upon the path surrounded by the outer grass, going up the stairs until they met eye to eye.

They both wore student combat uniforms along with standards weapons given by the military to ensure an equal playing field with litter to no outside advantage. Moby of course wore his signature katana strapped onto his waist while his opponent had a great sword sheathed upon his back. No, such a thing could not be considered a great sword but more like a large slab of metal attached to a hilt instead.

Both fighters looked rather similar, at least from a top-down view due to their jet-black hair. Yet, upon closer inspection, one was clearly more refined and carried himself with confidence, while the other most certainly let his arrogance shine through beyond his smirk directed towards the crowd and his sombre opponent in the distance. 

And as they made their walk, the crowd certainly let their favourite of the two shine through, drowning out the voice of the other's supporters even as they cried their hearts out to make their voices heard.

"So… You must be Moby Kane huh! You don't look so tough! You're the most overrated guy in the entire tournament for no reason! You may have some of the best grades sure, but whenever someone challenges you to a match you always dodge them!" 

As per standards, both fighters were connected with a microphone blasting their voices throughout the crowds, almost certainly used to add excitement and drama to a fight if the fighters desired. It's only natural that one would want a lasting impact upon the crowds, yet it seemed like Moby did not even make the effort to put on a show. 

"That's because most challenges aren't worth my time… And why would I do challenge matches for points when I don't need any? I don't see the point in fighting when I reap no benefit and just expose my techniques to the public…" He sighed, shrugging off Raymond's words as though they were nothing. 

"That's the same excuse all cowards make! And I'll—" 

"Enough blathering… Actions speak louder than words…"

"Wha— You... Fine then! Just wait and see until I put you in your place! People really think you can win the whole thing! That's laughable! No one will ever care about you after you lose in round 1! 

"I don't need to explain myself." Moby sighed once again, shaking his head. "If you want to expose me or whatever then go ahead and try. I can more than justify my claims with just pure power and skill… As for you, I'm not sure I can say the same…"

"Hmph! Gladly!"

"Wow! Tension is rising!! Both contestants seem fired up! The stakes of the match have reached a whole new level! Both have something to prove, and the eyes of everyone will be solely on them as they test their metal!! Are both contestants ready!" The announcer screamed from within his booth, pointing towards both contestants as they both nodded towards him. 

"ALRIGHHTTTT!! Both contestants seem about ready as can be! So without further ado, let's get this started!" The announcer shouted, excitement clearly emanating from his voice as the crowd exploded in its wake, the two fighters taking stance… Raymond's figure rather stiffly grabbing the hilt of his sword while Moby was far more relaxed, his knees slightly bent and his hands hovering over his katana ready to draw.

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

"BEGIN!!