The battle for curry

You might be wondering, based on the chapter's title, whether we're about to have a culinary battle instead of a fight. That was actually the author's original intention when he introduced the origin of the elves' rivalry—a disagreement over the best way to prepare curry.

But the author forgot one crucial detail: he doesn't know how to make curry. When he started researching cooking methods to add authenticity to the scene, he got lazy halfway through and changed his mind.

Because of that, we ended up with yet another boring, repetitive power battle—the kind you've probably read a hundred times before, and likely better ones at that.

The bastard wanted to change the chapter's title, but I didn't let him. Everyone deserves to know what this chapter could have been if he weren't so lazy and uncommitted.

Well, I won't waste any more of your time. The battle between the elves—with VIP guest appearance by the bear—is about to begin.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the competitors are in position, and the second match of the day is about to begin. Any comments on the fight, Assistant?" the announcer began the broadcast of the battle against the generals.

"From what I've gathered, the Dark Elf twins are known for their agility. They wield the extremely rare Black Lightning and have highly synchronized teamwork. This fight promises to be tough for our friends Ted and Sylph," the assistant commented.

"And the gong sounds! Ladies and gentlemen, the second match of the finals begins now!"

Before the announcer could even finish speaking, the twins were already shrouded in black lightning, moving at blinding speeds.

Right from the start, it was clear that the elf and the bear would struggle to keep up—especially

Sylph, who was a long-range fighter, but that was not a option.

"Poor Sylph, she's getting beaten up" I commented, trying to hide my excitement.

Okay, we've become friends, but I'm still annoyed about those lying songs she's been writing.

"I didn't know you could be so cruel, my prince," the Queen teased, giving me a sultry look.

"At least now I won't feel bad about rooting for you to get your ass kicked in the next fight," Sabrina added.

Hold on! I just said I felt bad for the elf getting wrecked. Why is everyone turning on me?

"Don't worry, Miss Sabrina. I'll make sure to fulfill your wish," Sebastian replied, staring at me in a way that sent chills down my spine.

See what you did, Sabrina? Putting ideas in the enemy's head…

"Where are Mary and the weirdo, anyway? Aren't they watching the fight?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"She said she was going to 'test out her new toy,'" the Queen answered with a mischievous grin.

I have mixed feelings about that. On one hand, it's fun imagining Mary having a good time; on the other, it's a nightmare remembering who her "new toy" is.

And the fight? You ask? Nothing interesting was happening—just Sylph getting stomped while Ted struggled in vain to help her.

"Boring. I thought you'd put up more of a fight," one of the twins said, giving Sylph a moment to catch her breath.

Ted desperately tried to shield her, but the other twin kept him busy. He managed to block her attacks, but none of his own landed.

"Not gonna say anything? This is no fun," the twin toying with Sylph like a ball of yarn taunted.

Sylph used that brief respite to cast a wind spell and boost her speed, but it was useless—the twins were just too fast.

"Git on over here, sugar. I'll keep this ol' shield 'tween you an' them troublemakers." the bear instructed.

But it didn't look like the twins would give her that chance.

"Well, assistant, it seems this fight hasn't ended yet because the twins are still having fun," the announcer commented.

"I don't know about that, announcer. The protagonists of these stories always pull some last-minute strategy out of... well, you know where... to turn things around. So I wouldn't bet on such an easy victory for the twins," the assistant replied.

And as if the assistant's comment had been deliberately foreshadowing a shift in the battle, something happened.

Ted, realizing the elf was in trouble, hurled his shield at the twin attacking him, stopping her movement. Then, he threw himself with all his might between the elf and the other twin, who was preparing to strike.

The twin's blow, meant for the elf, landed squarely on the bear's back. But it seemed to have done nothing to him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, could this be a turning point in the match?" the announcer remarked.

"Like I said, announcer. The protagonists always find a way," the assistant added.

"Aren't we going to make a bet, prince?" the Queen asked me.

What? At the climax of the battle, she wants to chat?

"Of course, my Queen. Same as before?" I replied.

She simply nodded with a smirk full of mischief.

"Then I'll bet on the twins."

For me, it made no difference. Win or lose, I'd come out on top either way.

But you might be wondering: why are we talking about a meaningless bet right now? Because the author needed to split this fight into two chapters to avoid making one too long. But this chapter was getting too short, so here I am, stalling.

Now that I've stalled enough, something seems to be happening in the arena.

The bear had picked Sylph up in his arms and was maneuvering so the twins' attacks only hit him, shielding her completely.

"Ted, you're going to get hurt like this," Sylph said, worried for the bear.

"Ain't no need to fret, lil' blossom. Ol' Ted's got ya covered."

Ted tried to reassure her, but the twins' blows were clearly taking a toll.

"Darlin', yer fightin' all backwards! Weren't you fixin' to be some kinda singin' bard? How come that purty lute ain't in yer hands?" the bear asked.

"My lute wouldn't help in this situation, Ted," the elf replied.

"Darlin', that sweet singin' o' yours? Makes my whole world line up proper." Ted's words struck Sylph deeply.

Ted managed to create some distance from the twins and set Sylph back down.

"Let that sweet voice fly, darlin'. I'll keep these bothersome critters occupied." The bear said, gently placing her on the ground.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what's happening? Sylph is picking up her lute! What could she be planning?" the announcer exclaimed.

"Are we about to witness one of those musical moments, announcer?" my assistant added.

That, you'll have to wait until the next chapter to see.