Volume 6 Chapter 31 Since We've Retreated, I'll Speak Freely With My Mouth, Not My Sword
There was movement in the Blood Duel Cup.
Following Brave Rangella's victory, Royal Banquet Garboros had also been defeated.
Now, Earth-Seer Horace and Holy Knight Masamitsu clashed with blades drawn.
"...Did I go too far?"
"If it kept going like that, I would've lost too. So I don't mind losing now... But charging at Horace? That was a mistake."
The spiritual dungeon known as the Forest of Soul automatically teleports you outside once you're defeated.
No matter how serious the injuries look, they never become real wounds. Instead of blood, magical energy pours out, and when you reach the point where you'd normally die, you're ejected from the dungeon.
Though both Rangella and Garboros had been defeated, they seemed completely unharmed as they returned to the arena.
Surrounding the coliseum was a bustling plaza filled with merchants. From national specialties to guild-run booths promoting their names, the place was full of life and variety.
Despite their popularity, no major reporters approached Rangella or Garboros. The Blood Duel Cup was all about crowning a champion—focusing too much on the fallen was considered bad manners.
Of course, some smaller reporters still tried to sneak in an interview, but all it took was a little pressure to send them scurrying away. Rangella and Garboros didn't need to worry about that.
Before the Demon Lord's rise, such disrespect was rare. But now, with the tournament revived after many years, a lot of the old etiquette had been forgotten. Some blamed it on society relaxing after the Demon Lord's defeat—but in the end, Rangella and the others didn't really care.
"Oh! Ms. Rangella! Great work out there!"
Lucia waved from the crowd.
"Oh, so you were here too," Rangella replied.
"Seriously, that was amazing. I didn't expect you to be that strong."
"Masamitsu finishing it in one hit was wild, but your pressure was just as intense," added Tiaris. Ramella nodded in agreement.
"...It's been a while, Garboros."
"Luster Report, huh?"
It seemed they had met before, back during Rangella's journey to the maritime nation of Abystal.
"To be honest, I didn't think you'd show up."
"I wasn't planning to. But I had a little business with Horace—maybe 20% of the reason."
"And the other 80%?"
"To buy long-lasting food. I figured they'd bring in good local stuff."
"So it's always about food with you. You haven't changed a bit."
Garboros was the captain of the infamous Five-Star Pirates.
He mostly operated in the seas around Abystal, a place known for its gourmet treasures. With a towering build over 2.5 meters tall, he wasn't just a glutton—he was also a powerhouse whose combat skill matched his appetite.
"...I've never seen anyone that huge before," Lucia said, looking up in awe. She was only fourteen, and pretty petite even for her age.
From her point of view, Garboros was basically a walking wall.
"You're not wrong. I don't have anyone like that around either," Rangella said with a smile.
Garboros glanced at someone sitting nearby. "You're the owner of Smith House Angel, right?"
"Huh? Mr. Garboros—you're from Abystal? You know Raig!?"
"I've known him for almost ten years. He's told me about you."
"A friend of Raig knows my story? Who could it be?"
Raig, the blacksmith of Smith House Angel in Jewel City Lapis, was also the director of the Order of the Sealed Dragon. Still, from the way he reacted, it seemed he hadn't kept many connections from a decade ago.
"Well, the world's big. It's not that strange to know someone," Garboros said, and Rangella casually popped a rice ball into her mouth.
"As for that alias... Apparently, it's 'Four Source Maidens.'"
"Pfft!"
Rangella burst into laughter.
She was, after all, the reincarnation of Ran Jailer—the Transcendent Frost Dragon and keystone of the Four Source Maidens.
Hearing that name out of nowhere caught her off guard. It wasn't something she could just brush off.
"...What? Do you know them?"
"I'd love to meet them."
Rangella sipped her water and let out a breath.
"Well, when they want to disappear, they're impossible to find. But anyway—who among the current participants do you think isn't going all out?"
Garboros glanced at the monitor nearby.
"...Probably Masamitsu. The guy who beat me didn't seem to be giving it his all."
"Oh yeah, I've heard Moonlight Nine has strong ties with the Four Source Maidens. What if they suddenly got a letter saying, 'Go all out'?"
"After screeching three octaves higher than usual from joy? They'd probably go all in without holding back."
"What a weirdo," Garboros chuckled.
Since they'd been eliminated, they no longer had any say in who would take first place.
But still... they were free to talk as much as they liked.
Notes:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ramella - B-rank blacksmith from the hero community, known for advanced, dangerous creations requiring skilled magic manipulation. Her 'failed creations' carry significant meaning. Wears tank top, shorts, and sneakers, revealing yet energetic. Skilled in combat, trained by Horace, with enhanced physical abilities. Uses Smith hammer, refers to herself as 'me (ore)'. Strict about rules, refuses to sell special sword without certification. Dominates problematic adventurer with ease. Creations highly regarded, respected in hero community.
• Tiaris - Blonde, busty maid with a charming smile. Manages the mansion, prepares Horace's workspace, and works independently. Grateful for being raised by Horace, dedicates herself to serving him.
• Raig - A blacksmith and shopkeeper of 'Smith House Angel' in Jewel City Lapis. He is married to Tracie, a former Adventurer, and has a young daughter. Raig created a legendary sword named 'Angel' a thousand years ago, which was given to Laris Glasha. He is immortal and has lived for a thousand years, currently serving as the head of the Order of the Sealed Dragon.
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