The Arena Contest was a single-elimination tournament. With sixty-four pairs in the tag-team division, I’d done the math: we would need to win six matches to take the championship. Since our primary goal was simply to prove our worth as warriors, winning the whole thing wasn't strictly necessary, but I intended to give it my all anyway.
Furthermore, the Giderde Clan Recommended Warriors were also competing in the tag-team division. Defeating them would be the ultimate proof of our strength, but the bracket was set up so that we wouldn't cross paths unless we both reached the finals. That was another reason I was aiming for the top spot.
Today’s schedule was to narrow the field down to the Best 8, which meant we had two more matches to go. We weren't allowed to leave the waiting room between bouts, so things were getting a little dull.
Only Lowell and I occupied this particular room. Contestants tended to be on edge before and after their matches, and minor friction often led to major trouble. The organizers had likely provided multiple waiting rooms just to avoid such incidents, even if it meant the rooms themselves were quite cramped.
At the moment, however, I had something else on my mind: our opponents for the third match.
As it turned out, Zephyr and Marl were also participating in this tournament. And, if things went according to the rankings, we were destined to face them in the very next round.
They’d told us they were only here for the sightseeing, so this came as a total shock. They hadn't breathed a word about it when our own participation was finalized.
"Do you think they’ll make it through?" I asked.
"Oh, without a doubt," Lowell replied with a fearless smirk.
Personally, I thought fighting friends would be a bit awkward, but Lowell didn't seem to share my reservations.
"You don't seem very enthusiastic, Tort."
"It's not that, exactly... It's just hard to get into the right headspace when the opponent is an acquaintance."
When I honestly confessed my feelings, Lowell nodded with a faint, understanding smile.
"You’ve never had much of a stomach for conflict, have you? But remember, we aren't fighting out of hatred. Why not look at it as an opportunity to showcase your growth?"
Showcase my growth, huh?
During the Chrome Beetle extermination, my combat style had focused almost entirely on my golems. In that sense, I hadn't really shown what I was capable of personally. Of course, golems were one of the weapons in my arsenal, but still.
Lately, I’d found myself relying on them more often than not. Even so, I knew I had grown stronger. If I treated this as a chance to prove that to myself, it might not be so bad.
"Yeah... I think I'm starting to get motivated!"
"Good."
Lowell’s smile deepened. I felt like I was being watched over by a kind older brother, which was a little embarrassing.
Time passed in that slightly awkward atmosphere until a staff member finally came to summon us. We cleared the second match without any major issues. And then, our opponents for the third match were revealed—and sure enough, it was Zephyr and Marl.
"Yo! Bet you're surprised!"
Zephyr called out to us with a grin that practically shouted mission accomplished. This was despite the fact that the signal to start the match had already been given.
"I’m shocked! You could have told me!"
"Where’s the fun in that?"
Incidentally, it seemed they were competing via the Dolkis Clan Recommendation Slot. I wanted to ask how they’d managed that, but we were in the middle of a bout. If we stood around chatting for too long, the audience would start throwing things.
"Well, we can talk details later! We’re gonna show you that you aren't the only ones who’ve been leveling up!"
"Hmph..."
"Hey, Lowell! Did you just laugh at me?"
"No. I only thought that we were likely thinking the same thing."
"Heh, fair enough!"
Zephyr and Lowell continued their banter as they began to trade blows. That said, taking a hit from Zephyr’s Greatsword head-on was a recipe for disaster, so Lowell focused on parrying and redirecting the force. The two of them clashed with such intensity—even though Lowell’s sword was still in its sheath—that it was impossible for me to find an opening to interfere. Besides, it probably wasn't the kind of duel a third party was supposed to jump into.
Which meant...
"Since those two are busy with each other, I guess I’m your opponent, Tort-kun!"
Marl’s Mace swung down with a heavy, terrifying whoosh. I dodged it, of course, but I didn't even want to imagine what would have happened if I hadn't.
"M-Marl, you’re not holding back at all!"
"Ahaha! You’re a B-Rank adventurer, right? This much shouldn't be a problem!"
Marl continued to swing her Mace with a bright smile. I wasn't sure why, but I got the feeling she had an exaggerated idea of what a B-Rank was capable of. In my personal opinion, if someone took a direct hit from that Mace and acted like it was nothing, they weren't human anymore.
Against such a heavy weapon, parrying with a Dagger was out of the question, but the swings were large enough that dodging wasn't impossible. However, she wasn't leaving herself wide open, either. After that first massive overhead swing, she switched to more compact movements, clearly trying to throw off my balance.
Then, for a split second, Marl’s momentum seemed to carry her too far. Seeing a chance, I lunged forward to counter, but it turned out to be a feint. She evaded my thrust and immediately swung the Small Shield in her left hand at my head.
"...Whoa! Since when do you use a shield like that?!"
"Oops, I missed."
That was a close one. I’d had to practically throw myself to the ground to scramble out of the way of the shield. I quickly put some distance between us to reset my stance.
Man, she’s tougher than she looks.