For Just Such an Occasion...!!

The Undefeated Legend has finally fallen.

This news rippled through the ranks of the Arena Maniacs.

Even though it was only the preliminaries, "Undefeated Legend" Goldoh had been a Spellsword who drew a decent amount of eyes. While many were shocked to hear that a complete unknown like Jimina had toppled him, they found themselves nodding in understanding once they heard the details of the fight.

"Sounds like he just got lucky."

That was the frank consensus among the Arena Maniacs.

However, a handful of those junkies—along with the spectators who had actually witnessed the bout—harbored doubts about that assessment.

They flocked to Jimina’s next match, determined to measure the man’s true caliber from the front row.

And yet...

"Aaaaand he’s down! Quinton is down! He’s not getting back up! Jimina Seinen wins again with a single blow!"

The Preliminaries B Block Final ended exactly like the others: with Jimina’s victory.

One hit. Again.

Even the Arena Maniacs couldn’t get a read on him. With today’s win, Jimina’s spot in the Main Tournament was locked in, but nobody could figure out exactly how he’d clawed his way to the top.

It was a bit too consistent to be a total fluke, so he clearly had some level of skill.

His opponent in the final, Quinton, was a Spellsword with a reputation for solid, reliable ability, even among the most critical Arena Maniacs. Since Quinton had been dismantled without being able to lift a finger, they had to acknowledge Jimina’s strength on some level.

Still, because no one understood how he was winning, his actual power remained a total enigma.

Sure, he was probably stronger than Quinton, but did he really have the right to stand on the stage of the Main Tournament?

Even if he did, could he even hope to compare to the legendary champions of the Bushin Festival?

Debates grew heated among the fans.

In the end, most predicted that Jimina’s standing among the Main Tournament contenders would be rock bottom.

Given his track record, it was only natural.

The other fighters were all people who had built their names through tournament results or on the battlefield. Jimina, however, had none of that.

Objectively speaking, there wasn't a single shred of evidence to prove his worth.

Predictably, his reputation tanked.

However, a small niche of maniacs began pushing Jimina as a dark horse.

Looking at the roster for the Main Tournament, this year’s victory was already a foregone conclusion for Iris. But, if there was anyone who could possibly flip the script... it would have to be this bizarre youth whose ceiling remained a mystery.

Leaving those expectant gazes in his wake, Jimina exited the ring.

The Main Tournament was set to begin next week.

The 1st Round: Jimina Seinen vs. Annerose.

Ninety percent of the fans were already betting on Annerose’s victory.

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JIMINA

I headed for the exit, thinking about how that middle-aged guy I fought today was surprisingly high-energy. What was his name again? Quin-something? The way he kept pelting me with pure, unadulterated hostility felt fresh. I liked it.

With that, I’m officially in the Bushin Festival Main Tournament. My next match is next week.

The audience’s reaction has been decent so far, and since I plan on actually showing some "true power" in the Main Tournament, I guess I’ll just spend the week doing image training.

While I was mulling over my plans and walking down the long corridor of the Player Entrance, a woman with light-blue hair blocked my path. If I remember right, that’s Annerose.

"Do you need something...?"

"I’ll admit, I didn't think you'd actually make it to the Main Tournament. Not bad."

Her sharp, strong-willed eyes bored into me.

"It was the only possible outcome."

"I see. It seems I misjudged your strength; that's all. But let me give you a word of advice."

"Advice...?"

"I’ve seen through your movements. Don’t expect to keep winning the same way you have been."

Annerose flashed a smile full of confidence.

"Heh..."

A small smirk played on my lips. As if I had nothing left to say to her, I started to walk past her with total indifference.

Please, talk to me! I screamed in my head.

"What’s so funny!?"

Annerose glared at me.

Thank you!

I turned just my head, catching her in my periphery with a cold stare.

"Let me give you a word of advice..."

With that, I unfastened the Wristbands I’d prepared specifically for just such an occasion and dropped them at her feet.

Thud.

The weights hit the stone floor with a heavy, metallic ring.

"Th-this is... No way. You were fighting with these Weights on the whole time!?"

"These weights are the chains that bind my power... The time for games is over..."

Thud. Thud. Thud.

I unstrapped the remaining weights from my other wrist and both ankles, then started walking again.

"Tch... W-wait!"

But I didn't stop.

"I said wait!"

Annerose hurriedly circled around to cut me off again.

"Don’t think that’s enough to win. Just watch..."

Then, Annerose gave her neck a sharp crick.

It was... unnecessarily fast.

"I can do that much too, you know...?"

"I see..."

I didn’t really get what she was going for, but I just walked past her smug face.

I wonder what she was trying to accomplish?