Before the Storm

The main street of Imperial City was more crowded than usual.

There were shops lined up like in a festival, from early in the morning was overflowing with parents bringing along their children and adults taking a day off from work, and everyone was heading for the same place.

An amphitheater usually used for entertainment that can accommodate thousands of people. 

Today's event is The Imperial Warrior Academy Graduation Commemorative Match.

This tournament selects the best among the newcomers who have yet to become warriors.

The event is not a small one, but also a showcase of young people who will bear the future of Imperial City. It is a grand event with a long-standing tradition and style in which not only the commoners but also nobles and the Imperial family including the Emperor watches.

Therefore, some patrons stop their carriages in front of the arena, and from the passenger cabin escort guards and the gorgeously dressed elite were seen. With more security than usual, some warriors wore armbands throughout the arena.

It's such an important event for the Empire, much less this year's match which is a little different from the usual. The rumormonger gossip ran amuck:

"Hey, who do you think will win today?"

"If you go in order, it'll probably be the Princess or a Reval."

"I'm here for Reval~! He's too cool!

"Hmm, by far I'm with Mr. Poh."

"Fu is super first class as a mage too, but what about the duels?"

"No, you don't understand, do you? The matchups will be announced on the day, so if the Princess and Reval face each other early"

"Ah. Terran might be the dark horse here." 

I can also hear my name in the conversation among the guests arriving at the arena. It's only natural. Today, four children of the Seven Heroes who defeated the Demon King and saved the human race and the world over ten years ago will be graduating the academy and showcasing their talents.

They're all looking forward to seeing the next generation of heroes and the potential for the future. 

Enuma said, "Seems quite the proper excitement. Though this is a game between children."

I replied, "That's just what peace means compared to your time."

Enuma said, "I see. If so, as a matter of fact this is quite the exciting situation that draws out one's spirit."

As I tried to run around the venue for a warm-up, Enuma mentioned that he was impressed as I saw where people were getting into the arena. I'm ready to fight myself. I carefully performed shadow and ladder training to get peak level performance.

Ready to fight, I said, "Well, it's about time I got in too"

As many people gather at the main gate of the Arena, I go in through the back door used for officials and contestants.

In the square in front of the entrance going straight through a narrow corridor that leads directly into the arena, everyone else had gathered and was waiting. When they saw me, the Princess and Poh ran up to me.

Poh said, "You're finally here, Terran!"

Uriko said, "Terran, good morning!"

Even though I was already around and warming up, but I replied, "I was taking a little walk."

Uriko said, "Easy Going guy. Do you really know what today is?"

Poh said, "Is that right? Terran. I'll tell you Terran, I won't go easy on you, got it?"

Won't go easy on me. In other words, Poh unconsciously believes he's much stronger than me. Looking down on me.

I replied, "Same with me to win, I won't lose the championship. To anyone, that's it."

And the Princess also sees a man with a cool atmosphere, his eyes closed in the corner of the room, as if declaring war. 

Reval was there. not speaking 

He's trying to unify his spirit with a cold air as if he was saying, nobody speak to me. Either he was done, or he noticed my existence, he opened his eyes, glanced my way and came up to our group. 

Reval turned to the Princess, who he declared to win for, and said, "I'll win."

Uriko replied, "I won't lose."

They clash and show off their will to not lose to each other. 

Revel said, "Poh… How are you?"

Poh replied, "I'm in my best shape."

Reval said, "When I think about it, I've been studying abroad with you for a year, but this may be the first time I've fought you."

Poh confirmed, "That's right"

Poh's childish face also changes completely, and he shows a manly smile as sparks fly between him and Reval.

Well, this selection match is a tournament of 16 contenders, so there are others in sync besides us, it's just like they're saying, someone among us will win.

In fact, it feels like they're nervous. And Reval looked at me last… Reval then said "Terran"

I smirked, "Hmm?" 

"I'm in this tournament. No matter who sees it, I'll show off the obvious difference in power and win the championship and prove my strength."

I stare blankly with no interest in his superiority complex 

Revel said, "To the Empire… To the people… To his majesty… To my father and the former heroes. And... To the princess to whom I offer my sword."

A declaration of war on me. Or rather, all I hear is confidence and superiority complex. Two months ago, I would have said it back here, but since it was on appointed the day, I can't stand it with just words.

I retort with just turn away and show him my back. Shut them out and suppress my emotions!

Poh exclaim, "Oh, hey, Terran! What's that attitude towards Reval! If you're a man, say it back! That here, you too. what?"

Uriko said, "It's not like Terran, is it?"

The princess and Poh annoy me, with the platitudes but I don't take any part of it.

Reval said, "Two months ago, just saying that is that your answer today? Terran, it doesn't matter to me anymore, but at least you'll try not to fall before you fight us."

Perhaps he lost interest in me with that, Reval looks at me with a slightly cold eye, but I won't say anything back.

Enuma laughed, "Kukukuku… Your patience wears thin, does it not?"

The only person who understands my feelings right now is Enuma, who has a grinning smile on his face.

I told the demon king, "Yes, I can't stand it anymore."

I didn't think I could endure so much yet not raise my clenched fist or say anything. If I had talked with Reval more, I would have said, I want to end the fight right now. 

I was looking forward to it, just like Reval was settling everything today.

Enuma noticed something, saying, "Hmm? Is something wrong, boy? For some reason, your expression tells me you have a fiendish scheme in mind."

I retorted with a smirk, "Ah. I don't think I can put up with it anymore. So, if I'm doing this, I'll do it quickly."

Enuma replied, "Hmmm. I see. Your malicious intent is oozing out. This is intriguing."

The tournaments will soon begin a lottery to determine the opponents. The tournament bracket is decided by drawing lots in front of the audience. 

So, I thought I'd give my response, everything I wanted to say here, in front of a large crowd anyway.