Volume 6 Chapter 47 The Festival Is Over, A Few Days Later
"I didn't think I'd get such a huge trophy. Would it be okay if I melt it down?"
"You probably shouldn't. Valzeil would definitely cry."
And just like that, the Blood Duel Cup came to an end.
The tournament wrapped up with Horace standing as the victor, earning the title of strongest in the world—a title that would remain unchallenged for the next four years.
There was no room for objections.
If you want that title, then you have to win. That's all there is to it.
Especially at this level, where combatants like Horace clash, cheap tricks are useless. Only refined techniques and well-honed abilities matter. Even strategies born from personal skills can be countered with enough strength. Gimmicks are just noise at this point.
Everyone accepts this. So if you're called the strongest in the world, then you really are.
"...Still, that press conference after the tournament was exhausting. Isn't there any way around it? It's scheduled from the very start, and once you're in the tournament, you can't say no."
"It's necessary. Calling someone the strongest in the world is the same as saying they hold the greatest destructive power. Knowing what kind of person holds that power is essential from a public safety perspective."
"Hmm..."
"Besides, if the one who holds that power turns out to be a decent person, it can help with diplomacy. It could even calm down others who were invited to the Blood Duel Cup but declined."
"Ah, so there's a deeper meaning behind it too."
"Exactly."
There are lots of traditions that adults cling to, but at least the first time, there's always some kind of logic behind it.
Take the press conference for the Blood Duel Cup, for example.
The original intent was clear: it's a tool for maintaining global order.
The level of power involved is so immense, even a single nation might not be enough to handle it. That's why reporters are heavily restricted. They aren't allowed to ask reckless questions. In fact, the questions are prepared in advance, distributed as documents to guide the conversation in a specific direction.
"...So, Horace. After taking part in the Blood Duel Cup, what did you think?"
"What kind of question is that?"
"You saw everyone fight. With your abilities, you must've had a good read on their strength. That's what I meant."
"Their strength, huh..."
Horace let his mind drift back to the fights at the tournament grounds.
"They were strong. Some were familiar faces I'd barely spoken to before. Others were people I used to hang out with when I was a kid. But yeah... this world really is full of powerful people."
"In that case, inviting you was worth it."
"...So there really are strong people out there. Was that the reason you called me here?"
"Exactly. That realization will help you down the line."
"Sounds more like it's just convenient for the Five Divine Gods."
"I'm not denying that."
"Actually..."
Horace paused, recalling Sumeragi's odd behavior.
"Back when we were at the Brave mansion, all he ever did was snack. Even on the ride to the arena in the mobile base, he just kept eating. Valzeil even threw a party the night before the tournament, and he didn't stop eating then either."
"You remember that well."
"Of course. Which is why it's hard to believe that someone like Sumeragi, who only thinks about food, would care about being 'convenient' to anyone. Did one of the other gods ask him?"
"Yeah. It was Lilina—the Star Pulse God."
"..."
With that, the name of the fourth of the Five Divine Gods left Sumeragi's lips.
"That said, the other two usually take their time and plan everything carefully. So things should stay peaceful for a while."
"Whether it's peaceful or not doesn't really matter to me. I'm only challenging you because I don't like how you're hogging the dungeon."
"Can't argue with that."
Sumeragi smiled.
"...So, about the other two—how does she compare to Arzent and Shildress?"
"In terms of planning, I don't think they're much different."
"You mean they kinda think in broad strokes, never really deciding anything concrete, and just wing it with a vague plan?"
"What's your impression of Arzent and Shildress?"
"Exactly what I just said."
"I see. Well, I've got nothing to say against that."
"You've got nothing, huh..."
Horace let out a deep sigh.
"...Alright then. Time to hand this over."
Sumeragi held out a single ingot. Horace took it and examined it closely.
"...This is the power of the God of Iron-Cutting."
"That's right. It's the 'God's Name' granted to those who clear the dungeon Thy Name, which lies deep within the Great Mine of Gold World. I assume it'll be integrated into Deus, but I'd really appreciate it if you used it with care."
"...I'll do that."
"I mean it. Use it carefully. If you don't, you'll never surpass Eudynes."
"...Was he really that dangerous?"
"Absolutely. You still haven't drawn out the full power of Terra Disas—Keystone Dragon of the Four Source Maidens. But if it were Eudynes, he'd have already unlocked it completely."
"...That's hard to believe."
"Right? That's why you've got to keep pushing forward. Right now, your golem isn't strong enough, and Magic Sword Duran still can't unleash its true swordsmanship."
"...History's kind of wild, isn't it?"
"It is. If you dig deeper, you'll find all kinds of interesting things."
Sumeragi looked like he was genuinely enjoying himself.
"..."
Horace suddenly felt something.
A strange unease, lingering in the back of his mind.
But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't quite put it into words.
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.
• Deus - A mischievous, childlike entity who transformed from Horace's battle equipment into a five-year-old boy with bright red hair. Energetic, curious, and chaotic, he calls everyone 'mommy,' survives lethal blows from Horace’s golem, and casually discusses alchemy and magic. Horace's exasperated yet intrigued companion.
• Eudynes - Weird adventurers from a hundred years ago who were the first to understand the 'Golem Master' concept. Horace respects them but uses their story as a cautionary tale.
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