Volume 6 Chapter 24 Blood Duel Cup Begins
The great arena stood tall and strong. It was full of lights and noise. People filled the seats, waiting for the big event.
From the most grand seat, Valzeil rose. He wore fine clothes and held himself like a king. His voice was strong as he spoke to all.
"Friends," he said. "After fifteen hard years under the Demon Lord's shadow, today we open the Blood Duel Cup. I, from my heart, wish this day good fortune."
He paused, looking at the crowd.
"To be honest, I once thought this Cup could not happen. The Demon Lord's mark is deep. Many who have power must first use it to heal what was broken. Only after that should they aim higher. This is the 'right' opinion many whisper quietly."
Valzeil's eyes burned bright. "But the one who could kill the Demon Lord was a strong fighter called Luster Report. He had the power to strike down evil. Helping the people close to you is good. But to break greater troubles in this world, power must be used for bigger fights."
People nodded, some tense, some hopeful. They knew power could be used many ways.
"True strength of humankind," Valzeil said, "comes when many strong ones build a place to reach higher. Before this Cup, there was the 'Maximum Fest.' Its meaning was clear: to make strong heroes who can face the hard days to come."
He smiled, calm but proud.
"Every event has a slogan. It calls the right fighters to gather. And all must follow the rules and show their power. That is where pride lives."
Nearby, Sumeragi whispered, "Did they write that down somewhere?"
Valzeil laughed softly. "To all fighters, I ask two things. Fight to show hope to the world. And to those who watch, see heroes and find strength to live."
His strong presence slowly faded as he finished.
"That is all from me. Judges, please start the match."
He sat down as a man climbed the stage holding a starter pistol.
"Now, the Blood Duel Cup begins. Fighters, ready your weapons!"
At his words, the fighters moved. Horace, called 'Earth-Seeing,' raised his magic sword, Duran. Rangella, 'Brave,' held her Dragon Silver Sword, Tel Agatha. Ivan, 'Soul-Singing,' showed his Sacred Sword, Yggdrasil, and his magic sword, Dark Matter.
Rivela, 'Unscalable,' gripped the Great Flame Sword, Surtr. Cain, 'Sword-Eyed,' held magic sword Nitegawa Tebes. Sumeragi, 'Iron Cutter,' raised his Iron Cutter Sword, Kamiuchi. Sid, 'Joyful Water Alchemist,' controlled his slime, Journey Slime.
Zachariah, 'Hundred-Heaven Blade,' swung his Lucas Boomerang. Masamitsu, 'Holy Knight,' held Holy Sword Venus Breath. Vande, 'Abyssal Tree,' raised the World Tree Axe. Garboros, 'King's Feast,' wielded Great Cleaver — Salvation Whale. Tokohime, 'Unarmed Two-Hander,' showed her Legendary Sword — Muso Kojin.
All took their battle stances, eyes sharp.
"Blood Duel Cup. Start!"
The pistol fired. The sound of gunpowder echoed. At the same moment, Zachariah threw his giant boomerang high into the sky. It flew like a shadow across the sun. Then, suddenly, the world around them seemed to shatter like glass breaking.
Notes:
• Sumeragi - One of the Five Divine Gods, known as the 'God of Iron-Slicing.' He introduces himself with a pleasant smile and seems to have a purpose in meeting Horace.
• Ran - A silver-haired, busty, and beautiful young girl with a dominating spirit. She is one of the 'Four Source Maidens' and is deeply affected by her mother's disappearance.
• Rivela - Leader of 'Muspelheim' and wielder of the 'Great Flame Sword Surt.' She is 18 years old, energetic, and a participant in the Blood Duel Cup. She earned the nickname 'Unscalable' for creating a huge wall of flames during a monster rampage.
• Cain - A 14-year-old beautiful boy with short, light purple hair. Newly appointed Commander of the Diamante Kingdom Knight Order. Highly talented and efficient, tasked with managing the 'Forest of Souls' dungeon and participating in the Blood Duel Cup. Twin brother of Abel.
• Zachariah - Known as the Hundred-Heaven Blade. Court sorcerer of the Azette Kingdom. His appearance is not described. He congratulated Horace on his promotion, suggesting a respectful relationship.
• Masamitsu - Known as the Holy Knight. Member of the 'Moonlight Nine'. His appearance is not described. He expresses concern about Horace being in the spotlight, indicating a friendly or cautious relationship.
• Garboros - Known as the Royal Table. Captain of the Captain of the Five-Star Pirates. His appearance is not described, but he is known for his immense strength, capable of taking down powerful sea monsters alone. He is primarily interested in gourmet food and has little regard for honor or material possessions. His relationship with Horace is one of acquaintance, and he participates in the Blood Duel Cup seemingly for the experience.
• Tokohime - From 'the Sword Nation Shirogane', known as 'Unarmed Two-Hander'. Her appearance is not described. She asks about Horace's baby, suggesting a friendly or familiar relationship.
• Vande - Known as the Abyssal Tree. Leader of the Underworld Tree, known as 'Abyssal Tree'. Their appearance is not described. They seem surprised that Horace is still alive, implying a history between them.
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