My name was Ojes. I was Ojes of the Flame Dragon race. And yes, despite my rough way of speaking, I was actually a woman. I apologize for any confusion.
In Maruura, located within Big Roof Shashato in Shashato City, they had set up counters and tables specifically for large demi-human races like the Minotaurs and Centaurs. Their portions were on a completely different scale. It was well-known that food expenses were a constant struggle for the larger races, but I honestly envied how much of Maruura’s curry and hamburger steaks they could pack away. I could eat just as much if I shifted into my dragon form, but I couldn't enjoy the flavors nearly as much as I did when I was human. It was quite a dilemma.
Personally, I preferred mild curry over the spicy variety. And I’d take apple juice over sake any day. It was delicious.
The floor was inches from my face.
What happened? Oh, right. I’d been punched and knocked flat.
I’d entered the General Division of the martial arts tournament, but I’d been knocked out in the preliminaries. It was frustrating, but watching the others fight made me realize just how weak I truly was. I decided right then and there that I needed to start my training from scratch and challenge this tournament again properly.
I’d made up my mind, but then Lord Giral went and shoved me into the main tournament anyway. It was a classic "unwanted favor."
No, no, no, no. I’d already fully acknowledged my lack of skill! I was sorry for being conceited! Someone, help me!
Hyfryguta of the Wind Dragon race and Kihatroy of the Earth Dragon race had also been gunning for the title of Magic Black Dragon along with me. We’d done nothing but bicker until we reached Lady Raimeiren’s place, but now we were the best of friends.
"Let's do our best!"
"Don't you dare die!"
"We’re all making it out alive!"
With those cries of encouragement, we reluctantly stepped into the main tournament.
In the first round, my opponent was the same child who had insta-killed me during the preliminaries. My memory was perfectly clear. I could even recall her name. As for breakfast... what did I eat? I remembered it being tasty. I hadn't eaten lunch yet, though. I figured eating before a match would end in disaster.
The tents surrounding the venue were giving off such an incredible aroma that I just had to have some. I sat there watching the tournament while eating a plate of stir-fried pasta from the griddle. At first, I was alone, but then my best friends Hyfryguta and Kihatroy joined me. They’d worked hard out there.
"Want some pasta? It’s great."
"Hmm? What’s that sweet thing you’ve got? Which tent is that from? The red one with the crepes? Got it, let’s head there later."
The winner of the General Division was the child who had defeated me. She had to be some other kind of creature entirely, merely wearing the skin of a child. The Village Head was busy praising her, but he wasn't normal either. He was the husband of both Lady Hakuren and Lady Rusty. I’d never heard of a human becoming the husband of an Age of Gods Dragon before. Maybe it had happened and I just hadn't heard about it, but honestly, the idea that a human could defeat Lady Hakuren and take her as his wife was beyond belief.
Even if the Village Head had told me himself, I wouldn’t have believed it. But since Lord Dos, Lady Raimeiren, and Lord Draim were all saying it, it had to be the truth. Word was, he’d even defeated the Wyvern of the Iron Forest. That creature was so powerful people called it a "Wyvern Fraud" because its strength was more akin to a dragon's. Among the Post-Age of Gods Dragons, only Lord Dandaji might stand a chance—and even for him, it would be a desperate struggle. Yet the Village Head had taken it down.
If only it were a joke. But I believed it now, deep in my soul. After all, this was the man who had Lord Giral doing manual labor in the fields. If he weren't that powerful, my worldview would have shattered.
The tournament moved along to the Warrior Division. Every fight was spectacular, and every participant was stronger than me. I was once again glad I’d stayed in the General Division. A Mountain Elf took the victory—it was a sight to behold. Even in defeat, the High Elves and Dwarves were impressive.
Then the Knight Division started, featuring the Angel race, the Devil race, Inferno Wolves, and even Demon Spiders. A Lizardman and a Beastman both lost, but they put up an incredible fight. I found myself wanting to fight like that too.
The winner was Malbit, the leader of the Angel race. She’d arrived at the village just as the Knight Division was about to start, stepping in as a substitute for the Village Head's wife, who was out of commission from exhaustion. She was incredible.
The highlight of the division was the first-round match between Malbit and Kierbit—a mother-daughter showdown. They fought with a ferocity that made you forget they were related. Especially the daughter, Kierbit. Her attacks were the very definition of "going all out." I didn't think those were the kind of strikes you were supposed to aim at a parent. Malbit dodged them all with ease, delivering annoying little counters like she was teasing a child. She showed her daughter zero mercy. The Angel race was not to be trifled with.
After the Knight Division came the exhibition matches known as the Hero Division. These weren't a tournament format, but rather a series of one-on-one matches with opponents chosen by lottery. The lineup was... well, was the world coming to an end?
Lord Dos and Lord Giral were practically trying to beat the life out of each other. That Demon Spider was definitely not your average spider. And Yoko—was she really the legendary Nine-tailed Fox? The Demon King was impressive too. He was clearly outclassed in terms of raw power, yet he fought with everything he had. I truly respected that. On that note, who was the vampire lady absolutely dominating him? Shiso-san? I’d never heard of her, but it made me realize just how many people out there were stronger than me.
Lord Draim was in a state of pure panic. He was screaming about how it was a trap and asking why he’d even been entered. His opponent was Lady Raimeiren. All I could do was wish him luck.
The fighting continued even after the official tournament ended. This village was a terrifying place. I didn't give a damn about the title of Magic Black Dragon anymore. I’d had my lack of strength shoved in my face more than enough times.
I was going to work hard. Really, truly. If I got stronger, I might actually be able to win the General Division. Maybe I could even make it into the Warrior Division. No, I would make it. Until then, I’d put the Magic Black Dragon title out of my mind. I’d tell Lord Giral tomorrow. Yes, that was the plan.
"Hey, Ojes, Hyfryguta, Kihatroy. You’re up."
Lord Giral called out to us. Our turn? I didn't understand. And why was Lady Hakuren doing warm-up stretches right next to him?
...I didn't want to understand. I didn't want to, but I did. Curse the intellect of the Dragon race. I shouldn't have waited until tomorrow. I should have told him right this second.
I looked at Hyfryguta and Kihatroy, and we all nodded in silent agreement.
"Please, spare us! We're sorry we got cocky about wanting that title! We're so sorry!"
Even though our apologies should have reached Lord Giral’s ears, the match with Lady Hakuren went ahead as planned.
Being alive is a wonderful thing.