Kuro waited for the cheers erupting at the declaration of the festival's opening to subside before she spoke again.
"The Six Kings Festival will last for seven days. For the first six days, excluding the last, you'll be able to enjoy the festivities planned by each of the Six Kings. The order will be... the War King, the World King, the Death King, the Dragon King, the Phantasm King, and finally, myself. In other words, today is the day of the festival planned by the War King, Megiddo."
That was the announcement of the schedule. However, since the order had been written in the invitations, I had already known it beforehand.
It didn't matter much to someone like me who planned to attend all seven days, but for people like Fia-sensei who couldn't stay for the entire duration, they apparently used this schedule to pick which days to join.
"By the way, the order was decided by drawing lots," Alice added.
"I see."
The Six Kings really were on good terms.
While I nodded at Alice's explanation, Kuro stepped back on the stage, and Megiddo-san moved to the front.
"Alright! I'll take over the explanation from here!"
Since it was Megiddo-san's festival today, it was only natural for him to give the briefing. But... knowing his personality, I had a bad feeling that his idea of a festival wouldn't be anything other than a series of fights.
"The theme of my festival is—well, you've probably already guessed it—'Battle'!"
I knew it. I would have been more surprised if it were anything else.
"Now, there's no need to be so tense. This is a festival, after all. Let's just have a good time!"
Well, Megiddo-san was actually a lot more thoughtful than he looked, so I hoped it wouldn't turn into something too disastrous.
"I'm not fond of long-winded explanations, so I'll keep it brief. I've prepared various attractions throughout this city. Each one is staffed by one of my subordinates. If you clear the conditions they set, you’ll earn a stamp. You'll receive your stamp card at the very first attraction you visit."
I hadn't been to many amusement parks, but it sounded a bit like a city-wide stamp rally. Depending on what the attractions were, it actually sounded like it could be fun.
"And don't worry. It's not all fighting. There are quizzes and sports, too. I've designed it so even kids can enjoy themselves. You can exchange the stamps you collect at the exchange office in this plaza for prizes. You can start trading them in with just one stamp, but obviously, the more you have, the better the prizes. Got it? I'm not saying it twice!"
This actually sounded like a blast. I could just focus on the sports and quizzes to get stamps for prizes and ignore the combat-oriented ones. Even someone like me could enjoy that.
"Oh, and since my subordinates are in charge, that means the Five War Generals are out there, too. Their attractions are 'Combat Only,' though we've prepared handicaps based on the participant's strength. If you beat one of the Five War Generals, you'll get an Extra-large Stamp. If you collect five of those—in other words, if you defeat all five of them—then come to the Central Tower! I'll give whoever pulls that off the right to a match with me!"
A deep, boisterous roar of excitement rose from the crowd, but I remained indifferent. It was all about combat, and according to Megiddo-san, I was only at a Slime Level. It had absolutely nothing to do with—
"Oh, that's right! Hey, Kaito! You'd better defeat them all and come see me, you hear?! It’s a revenge match!"
Hey! What are you doing, pointing and calling me out like that, you big gorilla?! Everyone was staring at me now. And more importantly... what kind of insane demand was that?! Why was he telling a slime to go defeat his top executives?
"Start with Bacchus! I've already talked to him. You got that, Kaito? I'm serious!"
"..."
"Anyway, I've said my piece. Aside from the attractions, there are plenty of stalls. Enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"
Megiddo-san's voice was drowned out by another massive cheer from the crowd, but I was too stunned to care. I just stood there with my mouth hanging open.
After Megiddo-san finished, the other Six Kings gave brief explanations of their own upcoming days, and the opening ceremony officially concluded.
Shortly after, Lilia-san and I regrouped with the others.
"My, how impressive. Miyama-sama, to be personally called out by the War King-sama... I'm quite envious," Lunamaria teased.
"I'll gladly trade places with you, so why don't you go instead, Lunamaria-san?"
"Hahaha, you joke."
This no-good maid had a sparkle in her eye. She was clearly enjoying my misfortune.
"Kaito-senpai, good luck! Aoi-senpai and I are going to have some fun in the sports area," Hina said cheerfully.
"I'll be praying for your safety, Kaito-san," Aoi added.
"You two have certainly become... pragmatic," I muttered.
My juniors were getting far too good at dodging trouble. It was enough to bring a tear to my eye.
"Let's see... according to Phantasm King-sama's guidebook, Bacchus-sama is located... north of the plaza," Sieg-san noted.
"Should we all head over there together for now?" Lilia-san suggested.
I felt a wave of relief at the idea of having company, but the world wasn't going to be that kind to me. Fia-sensei and Rei-san peered over Sieg-chan's shoulder at the guidebook and noticed something.
"Wait a second, Sieg-chan. There's a note here..."
"Let's see. 'Challenges to the Five War Generals are restricted to those who have collected ten or more stamps. However, those holding a Black Rank Invitation are exempt and may challenge them immediately.'"
There was a restriction?! And of course, I was the only one treated as an exception!
"Well... should we go around and collect some stamps together first?" Lilia-san asked tentatively.
"Milady, if I may," Lunamaria interjected. "Why don't we let Miyama-sama head there on his own first?"
"Luna?"
"Since the War King specified Bacchus-sama as the first stop, he likely has some specific message or instructions. It would be rude to keep him waiting. Miyama-sama can go ahead and listen to what he has to say. He doesn't have to start the challenge until we arrive."
"I see... what do you think, Kaito-san?"
Lunamaria's logic was sound. If Megiddo-san specifically told me to go there first, there was probably a reason for it. It seemed best for me to go ahead and wait for Lilia-san and the others to catch up after they got their stamps.
"Alright, I'll go on ahead."
"Master? If you wish, I can forgo the attractions and accompany you," Anima offered loyally.
"It's okay, Anima. You should go and enjoy the festival."
"I understand... if that is your wish, Master."
Anima looked worried, but I wanted her to have a good time. Besides, it wasn't like Bacchus-san was going to eat me.
I parted ways with the group and headed toward the attraction where Bacchus-san was waiting.
"Ah, you've arrived, Miyama Kaito! It has been a while!"
"It's been a long time, Bacchus-san. Are your injuries fully healed?"
"Indeed, I am in perfect health."
Following the guidebook, I arrived at a place that resembled a large arena. There were no spectator seats; it seemed strictly designed for combat. Bacchus-san was waiting at the entrance and greeted me with a hearty grin, though his expression soon turned to one of confusion.
"Hm? But... did you come alone?"
"Yes. Everyone else went to collect the stamps they need to participate."
"Ah, so you knew. I had intended to explain that once you arrived, but I see you were prepared."
"Right. So I figured I'd come ahead and listen to the explanation first."
"Very well. I shall give you a brief overview."
Bacchus-san nodded and produced a large crystal ball.
"What we do here is battle, but naturally, there are handicaps based on the challenger's strength. This crystal is the tool used to determine that. Go ahead, give it a touch."
When I touched the crystal as prompted, glowing numbers appeared in the air.
"This magic tool measures the approximate strength of whoever touches it based on their magic power. It cannot measure specific skills, so it is only a rough estimate."
"I see."
"Miyama Kaito's strength is... hm, '3.' I would say that is somewhere above a slime but below a goblin."
I'm that weak?! Well, at least I was stronger than a slime this time. It was progress, I suppose, but I really wished it had been a bit higher.
"In this case, as a handicap, I shall be prohibited from attacking, prohibited from using both hands, prohibited from using one leg, prohibited from using magic power, and subject to movement restrictions. If you can touch me even once, you win."
"That's... an incredible handicap."
"Do not be fooled; I will not be defeated easily."
Well, I was relieved that he wasn't allowed to attack. That was a huge weight off my mind.
"The time limit is twenty minutes, and you only get one attempt. If you lose, you will not be able to reach Megiddo-sama."
"I wonder why Megiddo-san is being so insistent about this..."
"I am not entirely sure, but it seems Megiddo-sama has something he 'absolutely wants to teach' you. Please, do your best to meet his expectations."
"I'll... I'll try."
"Hahaha! I won't be making it easy for you, though!"
I still didn't understand what Megiddo-san was thinking, but if he was expecting something from me, I wanted to deliver. If all else failed... I'd just have to apologize.
"Oh, I forgot to mention, you are allowed to have a 'proxy' participate in your stead."
"Wait, really?"
"Indeed. However, the proxy must be someone who accompanied you using your invitation. In that case, we would measure their strength with this tool and set the handicap accordingly."
"I see. That's good to know."
"Hahaha! No matter who you choose as a proxy, I will not let you clear this easily. I am one of the Five War Generals. I cannot afford to repeat the unsightly performance I gave before."
A proxy... If I could use my companions, then someone like Anima would give me a real chance at winning.
"Well, that's the gist of it. Miyama Kaito, do you wish to challenge me now?"
"Oh, no, I'd like to use a proxy, so I'll wait for the others—"
"Understood."
"What?"
Before I could finish saying I would wait, a shadow suddenly appeared in front of me.
Pure white wings on her back, beautiful blonde hair... and an overwhelming pressure.
"E-Eden-san?"
"Hoh? So you are Miyama Kaito's proxy? I see you possess tremendous magic power. You are a formidable one, indeed! Now, place your hand on this tool—"
"Affirmative."
"What?!"
Eden-san nodded as if this were the most natural thing in the world. The moment she touched the crystal, it shattered into a million pieces.
"Incredible... to think it would be unmeasurable! Fufu, my blood is pumping! You are more than a worthy opponent!"
No, no, no, Bacchus-san! Not her! Anyone but her!
"B-Bacchus-san! Stop! Run away!!"
I watched in horror as Bacchus-san readied his great axe, looking completely fired up. I finally snapped out of my shock and screamed at the top of my lungs.
Run! Seriously, get out of there! Eden-san is radiating pure murderous intent!
"Hahaha! What are you saying, Miyama Kaito? I am Iron-blooded Bacchus, one of the Five War Generals! No matter how powerful the foe, I do not have the shame to turn my back and flee!"
"Disrespect."
This wasn't the time for cool dialogue! Bacchus-san, please, just run away!
Dear Mother, Father—
Thanks to Megiddo-san's outrageous demand, I found myself facing the Five War Generals. And when I was told I could use a proxy, of all people, Eden-san appeared. I’ll say it as many times as I have to—Bacchus-san, run!
Today's Eden Maman
"Disrespect... To think that a mere piece of talking meat would refuse to comply with my beloved child's suggestion... It is a sin deserving of ten thousand deaths. My child's words are a revelation from the heavens. They are to be followed absolutely; it is no exaggeration to say they are the very laws of the world. And yet, this trash... Ah, how lamentable. This world has yet to understand even a billionth of my child's greatness. How tragic... I must take action. As his mother, I must properly educate these pieces of garbage on just how wonderful my child truly is..."
Bacchus, run! Run for your life!