Ryuji went through the next three fights easily. Because he hid his style of fighting from others, using pure power and speed to tear the enemy apart. If they were respectful, he didn't kill them. Instead, just injured them or knocked them out.
He realised that in the first match, his actions scared many other heroes. So badly that even Alan spoke to him about how gruesome the nobles called him in their meetings.
It was coming to the last qualifying match. After that, it would be the real tournament. A battle where those who surpassed a certain quality level would take place.
Thus today, Ryuji was with Erika in the city like he promised himself.
'Thankfully, Yumiko thought having dates with each other alternately was a great idea. I asked to take Erika first because of how much I neglected her in the past.'
"Tough the cost, Yumiko asked, was significant..."
In return for letting Yumiko be second this time. She would get an entire day with him after their fifth match. He couldn't say no and had to do everything she wanted. The lustful glint in her eye made Ryuji wonder if she was entering heat or something!
"Ryuji, are you alright?" The beautiful gal beside him asked in a worried tone.
Erika leaned forward, enhancing the allure of her cleavage against his arm. She wore a pair of extremely small shorts that barely covered her ass with silver studs across the side. Then, two belts across her abdomen diagonally and a pair of long black stockings up to her thighs.
This created the most alluring bulge of thigh meat at the end of the strap possible.
Her shirt was something from the market with a red and black dye. The material seemed to be a special monster silk, which used a special type of spider or other mixtures, which cost four gold coins.
However, the material was both soft and smooth to the touch, and Ryuji didn't mind paying that much when seeing it make her look so sexy.
"Ah, I am great since you are with me. Sorry, this is technically my first actual date. (In this world) So I am a little nervous."
"Eh!? Someone like you? No way~ don't lie to me. Ehehe... then shall we get something light to eat first?"
Her eyes shone brightly the moment he mentioned it being his first, and then her hand, grasping his, tightened as she dragged him towards a small cafe that smelt of sweet bread and delicious jams and flavours.
'It reminds me of the bakery near home.'
"It reminds me of the bakery near school, hahaha!" Erika's words synchronised with his thoughts and this time. It was Ryuji's heart skipping beats while looking at her with a side cast glance. Erika's beautiful face and white teeth showed the brightest smile he'd ever seen.
"So what do you recommend?"
Ryuji asked while glancing at the menu. Erika immediately started describing many pastries and drinks in their world that she loved. Ryuji then tried to compare the different ones in this world while speaking to the shopkeeper.
"Excuse me, could I have one of those swirling pastries that looks like a cinnamon bun and a drink called the golden honey, please?" Ryuji asked while Erika looked at him with a bright smile. "Then, is that a cream cone with strawberry filling? If so, can I have one of those and your Crushed strawberry and milk drink?"
The shopkeeper was a woman in her late thirties and smiled at the sight of these two, especially the handsome young man. Her voice was pleasant and because of how earnestly the two were looking, she didn't frown or act impatiently. "Of course, I can.
The crushed strawberry drink is very sweet; might I suggest you add this small box of six cinnamon and apple doughnut balls to help balance the flavours?"
Ryuji didn't mind the suggestion and paid five silver coins extra for the total and a significant tip because of her service before sitting down with Erika.
In his country, tipping was rude, but he noticed that unlike his previous world, where some stupid countries tried to force you to tip, Grigor only asked for tips as a suggestion when the quality and service were above the customer's expectations.
"Ehehe, this is great. I have never had an actual date before, either. If my sister knew I was dating such a handsome guy, she would try to sleep with him for sure~ my damn sister was so horrible to me." Erika sat on a bench with the cream from her horn smeared on the tip of her nose as she started speaking about her family for the first time.
'Oh yeah... some people's family would still be around. I mean, even Dad was alive, and I never thought like this once... Am I a terrible son?'
"AHHHHHH!!!!"
"Ryujiiiiii!!"
Erika felt like her heart was going to explode as they shot into the air at such a speed. Then, with another kick, he shot over the city wall and landed in an area where nothing remained, only a large forest to the east and west, with a clear path to the centre. He ignored the path and darted into the eastern forest, each of his steps creating a heavy thud.
"Erika, are you okay? Sorry, I didn't want you to hear those vulgar things about you."
"Ahhhh~ Ryujii, I thought I was going to die!"
Erika's face was pale, her eyes still shut as he finally stopped. "Open your eyes. The date isn't over."
Ryuji's voice seemed a little raspy. His breathing slightly messed up as she opened her eyes to find they were standing overlooking the most beautiful scenery she had ever seen.
An endless lake rested below them, the water blue and so clean it reflected the sky like a mirror. However, Ryuji didn't stop there; instead, he jumped down a hundred-metre cliff and landed on the white sand of the lakeside. On either side were beautiful green trees with flowers and exotic birds.
"Wow... Ryuji... this place is amazing! How did you find it?"
Erika was still shocked and scared but felt her heartbeat settle, the warmth of Ryuji's arms making her feel so safe; she no longer worried about the past when she looked up at his slightly sweaty but still handsome face.
"I guess it was fate; I ran in the direction your hair fluttered, and we ended up here. Hahaha!"
Because of their date, she tied her hair into a neat side ponytail, with her bangs clipped back to show her lovely face more than usual. Ryuji's words made her giggle and lean closer into his arms as he carried her along the lakeside.
"This is truly beautiful; the water is so clear and clean. I have never seen such a sight."
"Really? I'm glad that even those idiots could bring us something special for our first date."
"Idiots!?" Erika's eyes lit up, and she looked at the peaceful Ryuji. "What did you do to them!?"
"Haha, nothing. Just used their mouths and heads to jump over the city wall. They'll be fine."
"Hahaha!" The pair laughed together before the trees behind them started to rattle violently; it seemed they were not alone. Erika looked up at Ryuji, who held a new pair of pure black and silver blades wrapped in beautiful cloth and sleek white leather sheaths.
"Did you think a date with me would not have some kind of combat, Erika?" Ryuji's face looked so charming as he held out the swords, their cold feel and the expensive leather grips... She knew he paid a lot for these, maybe the most expensive and priceless gift she ever received from a man.
"I can't wait~"
"That's my gal."
"Hehe, I will become Ryuji's gal and no one else's. Erika will become a knight worthy of Ryuji!"
"You were worthy of me the moment we met," Ryuji muttered, watching the change in her body, no shame or hesitation, her form instantly entering her half-demon state while wielding the two pristine blades.
"Then I will aim to usurp the empress's throne!" Her black sclera and azure eyes glowed when she looked back, the very statement-making Ryuji stunned for the first time. "Ryuji, let me fight this battle alone. I will show you my growth!"
"Of course..."
She took a deep breath before turning to him once more, the black shadow like a mist that flowed from every part of her body. Her eyes twinkled, locked on his figure while her red lips curled into a soft smile as she spoke with a sweet voice.
"Ryuji, I like you."