Chapter 216: Where Is My Opponent?

Chapter 216: Where Is My Opponent?

Chapter 216 Where Is My Opponent?

At the edge of the Imperial Palace grounds, there exists a place known as the ‘Nest of Heroes,’ each sectioned into separate spaces.

Named as such because it is a place where heroes are born, its size alone was as large as combining three or four noble estates.

It felt almost impossible to fill it with people, but finally, it was realized. Currently, there wasn’t a single inch of space due to the people gathered here to watch the match.

“Excuse me. This is a passageway for people to move, so you need to relocate to another place.”

“What? I spent the night here just to watch the match.... Are you saying this isn’t a seating area?”

“There’s no other way. To manage the large crowd, this has to be used as a passageway. Please move to another seat.”

People were bustling around to watch the desired match, others trying to secure good seats, and some just hoping to find any place to sit....

The spectators were so densely packed that it was hard to see ahead or even find a place to step. Despite the best efforts of the Imperial Family, it was a struggle.

It wasn’t that this situation wasn’t anticipated. However, even with both prediction and preparation, it was still a level that was difficult to handle.

“No, wow, so many people.... Wow....”

Becky muttered, her mouth agape. The girl couldn’t keep her head still, constantly looking around.

“It’s a good thing they provided a special viewing area for participants. If it weren’t for this, we would be pushed around everywhere too.”

“That’s true.”

Trixie agreed with her from the side. Becky found this fact rather awkward.

“What’s up, Trixie? Why are you agreeing so easily?”

Trixie didn’t bother to reply. Well, it wasn’t worth pointing out, considering the sheer number of people gathered here.

Becky pointed her index finger towards the arena ahead.

Although luxurious with the royal emblem and statues at each end, it didn’t stray from the conventional image of an ‘arena.’

“But, is the match going to take place in that arena?”

“You’re stating the obvious.”

“No, it’s not obvious. The terrain described on the cards included cliffs, jungles.... But no matter how you look at it, that’s just an ordinary arena, isn’t it?”

At this, Trixie sighed deeply.

“Becky.”

“What?”

“There isn’t just one arena.”

“Hmm....”

Trixie wasn’t wrong.

The arenas, identical in size, were lined up like a chessboard. From this far and scenic spot, it was easy to see them clearly.

However, Becky’s curiosity wasn’t completely satisfied.

“But even those look pretty ordinary.”

“Becky.”

“Yeah?”

“Just watch. Please.”

The moment Trixie said that.

Rumble─

Each arena began to change its terrain and appearance. Forests, plains, cliffs.... The terrains were as diverse as the cards described, and the audience cheered just at that sight.

“Oh, so that’s how it works.”

Becky scratched her head.

“But are they going to use all those arenas at once? With so many people gathered, I thought they’d do a bit more, but it looks like they’re trying to finish as quickly as possible.”

“Even if they use all those arenas, it won’t end quickly.”

“Really? Why?”

At that, Trixie turned her head to look at Becky.

As if to say, “How could you not know that?”

“Thanks to the invitation Flan received, we are officially participating in the match. Right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“But actually, today’s event isn’t just for those who were formally invited.”

Flan had once said he would make them believe in themselves.

...Maybe this is what he meant.

Becky, with a slightly different expression than before, asked,

“Alright. Now I feel more relaxed. Anyway.... What about Flan’s match? We have to watch Flan’s match, no matter what.”

None of the representatives answered.

But Becky didn’t need to hear the answer. Flan was starting to walk out from afar.

A swordsman covered in scars appeared in the arena. Then, a member of the royal family appeared. The royal representative spoke first.

“In the name of the Imperial Palace, the match will proceed fairly. Now, let’s begin the main event.”

The scarred swordsman asked,

“Where is my opponent?”

“Well.... It’s Flan. Flan?”

The royal representative looked around for Flan. It was only when he called Flan’s name again that Flan slowly revealed himself.

The swordsman grumbled.

“Isn’t it too arrogant to be this late?”

“I arrived on time.”

“You always have something to say.”

The swordsman sneered and drew his sword.

“Let’s see if you’re unbeatable in this match as well.”

“....”

Then Flan looked at the royal representative without a word. After a moment, as if he didn’t understand, he added,

“I heard there was just a guide.”

“Ah, it seems the message wasn’t fully conveyed. Since you had the fewest votes, you have to participate in a match.”

“Ha.”

Flan let out a laugh, as if it were ridiculous.

Of course, it was natural that the swordsman’s expression hardened as he listened to the conversation. He trembled with anger and interrupted.

“You didn’t know this was a match? What do you take me for?”

“Stay still.”

Flan silenced the swordsman. In the end, unable to contain his anger, the swordsman pressured the royal representative.

“Start the match immediately.”

“Ah, understood.”

As soon as the match began, the swordsman drew his sword. He had intended to take the match seriously from the start, but now he was also fueled by rage.

“I’ve been hearing a lot about you lately, but I didn’t know you were this arrogant. You brat.”

Flan didn’t respond.

Bang─!

Then the swordsman felt it. Suddenly, Flan seemed to shrink. Was he really this insignificant...?

“Huh?”

But he soon realized that Flan hadn’t actually shrunk. The sound of the air being split roared in his ears. He was being pushed back endlessly.

Crash─!

The swordsman rolled out of the arena. His clumsy movements didn’t stop until he hit the stands, and the spectators’ voices reached his ears.

“Unbelievable!”

“As expected, Flan is Flan.”

Hearing such words, the swordsman lost consciousness.

“....”

Flan, silently trying to leave, added,

“Advise my opponents to forfeit once. We both detest wasting time, don’t we?”

He was, as always, himself.