Volume 3 - Chapter 4: The Tournament

Kami-sama’s POV

…

Kami-Sama: I see...myself is beginning to evolve…

….

Unknown: He’s already reached that stage...you should hurry up with the process...

….

Kami-sama: Rain huh? Unique name…He’s lucky he doesn’t have a name like Moon moon hohoho....I’ll have to block out everything on his status...If he starts to remember too quickly, the stage might revert...

….

Unknown: You should limit his powers for a bit...I mean the entire process of getting Ryuu’s abilities into your descendant is going to alert everyone...

….

Kami-sama: Yeah considering that the others are looking for him…I wonder how he’ll do against them...

….

Unknown: Don’t mess with him…remember the whole plan for this...you are lucky your descendant chose the right path….like its his destiny or something...did you force him to choose it or anything?

….

Kami-sama: His memories….are returning….

….

Unknown: Uhhh...you listening to me!? I hope your descendant isn’t like you, you damn cynical bastard

….

Kami-sama: OH! my bad, sorry….Well I’m not sorry but….well I didn’t force him or anything...He chose the path….He could’ve copied me simply by thinking and he would’ve returned to earth….

….

Unknown: Well you’re lucky that your descendant is better than you...Knowing you, you would’ve abandoned this world by now...

….

Kami-sama: Oh, you! You know me too much -.-

….

Unknown: Well stupid, we are brothers after all….

….

Kami-sama: Anyways….would the kingdom mind if they saw an apostle of mine...meaning would they like myself to destroy them?

….

Unknown: Really….you would risk the chances of the other apostles that Garoth has under his control to come after him…

….

Kami-sama: Then he would just eliminate them...as long as they stay peaceful towards his family he wouldn’t kill anyone in spite…

….

Unknown: Yeah he wouldn’t, but I know you would, you damn sadistic bastard, you would torment them….

….

Kami-sama: Hahaha...mufufufu...hehehe….

….

Unknown: You do know that throughout the rest of the planets….the other gods are looking for him...He is somewhat related to us...and we were banished….me only recently...

….

Kami-sama: Well, that’s why you want to limit his powers?

….

Unknown: Not only that...I mean he already took on my form! From a lesser creature too...He gained my powers already...

….

Kami-sama: Ohohohohoho, I see you are getting scared at my descendant….you know he’s just like Ryuu...until he got married...

….

Unknown: Well, if we’re gonna keep him safe from the others...you should place a limiter...

….

Kami-sama: Well, he’s already at the second stage anyways…His power will change and Ryuu’s abilities will come to him...but until then...he’ll just have three forms that take on his abilities...Raijin, Fuujin, and Ryuujin...

….

Unknown: Brother...are you stupid...those are a few of Ryuu’s greatest forms...With his ability, he could shape the land with his fist...are you saying you want that to happen…

….

Kami-sama: Well, the apostles won’t notice him...because unlike our abilities where our Ki and energy are easily recognizable, these forms of Ryuu Kurogane is pure unadulterated power…

….

Unknown: Whatever...You remember what happened when Ryuu was here right….Before the kingdoms and cities were built....he destroyed our planetary belt -.- This is why the worlds are no longer connected!!

….

Kami-sama: HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW….that a single human could do that -.-

….

Unknown: WELL YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE UNLOCKED HIS INNATE ABILITIES!! This is why the other gods went against you….You’re lucky I am your brother…

….

Kami-sama: AHHH!! Enough arguing...I have to contact my descendant soon…

….

Unknown: Blah...Well I have to return….I have to meet with your descendant’s family...hopefully they’ll welcome me...unlike the other people of Earth...they stared at my body...

….

Kami-sama: I wonder how he’ll fare against the third stage that even Ryuu Kurogane, himself couldn’t even scratch...Oh, myself let’s hope you master your path...since you chose the path of a…..

….

Unknown: Yeah yeah ignore me -.- I will leave now...

….

….

….

….

Kami-sama: You should introduce yourself to him once he returns…...Asmodan.

….

* * * * * *

The girls were sleeping peacefully throughout the night while the city nearly turned upside down. Tomorrow was going to be hectic as everyone wanted to marry the mercenary beauty that excelled in swordmanship and her beauty was unmatched. Even some twisted the words from Klain about Neiru’s engagement to further include the rest of the girls in the house. Everyone wanted to at least try and win the tournament and for Rain, this is going to be his first tribulation…

While Rain slept….

….

“Where am I….”

…

“Where is Akane and the girls…”

…

“I miss them...I hope they are fine…”

…

“I have to wake up soon…”

….

Rain began to toss and turn as the words echoed loudly in his dreams…

….

“Souma...remember...who you are…”

…

“Remember Kami-sama...I am Kami-sama….don’t forget who you are…”

…

“Planet earth...your home…”

…

“You...will...win...these abilities….will unlock your memories slowly…”

…

“Listen to Ryuu’s voice…..come...to...the tournament….unprepared...do not...try to...learn anything…”

....

“You….this….path….chosen….here….”

...

The voice began to fade slightly and before it disappeared in Rain’s dreams, it said three words…

….

“Raijin….Fuujin….Ryuujin….”

….

The voice that echoed in Rain’s mind finally disappeared into nothingness and finally Rain began to dream peacefully throughout the night…

Two more days until the Tournament

Rain and the girls finally woke up and found letters pertaining to the Tournament and how the girls were the men’s prize. A lot of the girls shivered but they were confident in Rain. The girls shielded their conviction and decided to let Rain handle it. They were going to teach Rain but Rain told them to let him handle everything… He felt that he would win no matter what…

The girls looked at the memory-loss boy and wondered what had happened but they decided to let Rain handle it. Even in the off-chance he lost, they simply would kick the men out as usual and they wouldn’t do anything. Leia was still surprised at Rain after yesterday’s debacle with his unimaginable pressure….only a King or someone of equal power can have such a presence like that...and she began to admire him secretly but simply abused Rain at the chances she had.

On the first day, Rain wandered into the city aimlessly looking for nothing but just to talk to the people. Everyone knew who he was since he was on a ‘date’ with one of their leaders and most of the men scowled at Rain but he was clueless at their attempts to scare him. Rain visited the places he went with Neiru yesterday and greeted everyone respectfully.

As the afternoon sky darkened after Rain’s city adventure, he went to the blacksmith forge to meet Kanari. He was still surprised at the heat that emitted from the forge but he finally got used to it. Rain called out to Kanari and the two talked. Kanari fidgeted a lot since the two were alone and she was having a conversation only with Rain. Kanari wanted to ask Rain about his relationship with Neiru since the rumours have been circling around about Neiru’s engagement with the tournament. However, she could not ask as Rain was extremely handsome in her eyes and she was blushing too hard to even ask a personal question. Rain left after greeting Kanari and went to the Mercenary HQ to register.

Once he got to the 5-story building, the glares continued endlessly as Rain approached the desk. Rain had to sign up for the tournament since Neiru explained the details this morning about registering and everything. Some of the women in the building were swooning for Rain but he completely ignored them since majority of the stares were from angry males. He quickly left after signing up and went to the house on the makeshift hill.

Everyone did their daily routines and a lot of them received letters but they threw the letters away. The girls would trust Rain even if he was a little amnesia-stricken. Everyone ate their dinner and fell asleep. As Rain laid in bed, he wondered where the voice that called in his head came from but tonight it didn’t call out to him. Rain wondered what the voice meant and who this Souma character was but he decided not to dwell on it as much since he received something this morning about 3 forms. Rain eventually decided that tomorrow he would spend the day thinking about what to do. He finally slept in his room and tomorrow was going to be a peaceful day.

One more day until the Tournament

The girls woke up and decided to prepare breakfast for everyone. Rain woke up and went downstairs to talk to some of the girls. Before he could talk, Neiru interrupted him…

“Rain...tomorrow is the tournament….I want to thank you….for sticking up for me...but if you can’t handle it….please quit...I don’t want you to get hurt…” Neiru spoke solemnly to Rain but he still had that puzzled look on his face.

“...don’t worry….I think I’ll be fine…I promise….” Rain finally spoke and his words had a little conviction behind them which reassured Neiru but she had to say something…

“Rain...I have a plate that bestows your stats and skills...it’s best to see what you can do now an-” Neiru was frantically speaking but Rain interrupted her…

“...I will..be fine...no need for stats..I think I just need this voice…” Rain spoke bizarrely at Neiru and she continued to stare at Rain confusedly…

‘What does he mean voice….? Does he mean my voice...ohh rain~...I’m glad I found you..you are so romantic….’

Neiru moved around erotically while smiling at Rain and blushed at the man who apparently needed her voice to continue on in the tournament….but she was slightly...well blatantly wrong…

Rain began to think…

‘That voice...Raijin...Fuujin...Ryuujin...I think….?..Why...is..Neiru...looking at me...like that...’

Rain was looking confused at Neiru who happily went into her fantasy…

Everyone ate peacefully at the table with Neiru on his left and Neena at his right. Leia and Alina glared at the two that sat next to Rain but Shina ignored them and continued to stare at Rain’s appearance. Shina stared at the confused boy and looked at his eyes that had a piercing glare but it was filled with kindness and mystery. She knew Rain was an enigma and he was very handsome with his golden hair that shined with the morning sunlight.

After they ate, Rain finally dismissed himself and left the house. He walked around the hill and found a plot of land that was leveled with the hilltop and sat there. Rain began to think of what had happened and the voice he heard in his dreams…

‘That voice...said something about Raijin? Fuujin? and Ryuujin…? I wonder what they mean...I do not know...how I’ll do in the tournament...but I feel like my body...is telling me it will...be alright...I do not know...what will happen….but my heart….feels pain...when Klain talked to Neiru...like that...I will...fight….for...her...it hurts to see Neiru...disrespected like that...’

Rain pondered on what he would tomorrow but he eventually decided that whatever happens...he wouldn’t give up until the end…

The day was uneventful as Rain spent majority of his time thinking about the events that happened and where he was and he still wanted an answer on who he was. The day ended and Rain returned to the girls that prepared a feast for Rain as he was going to participate in the tournament tomorrow. Everyone sat down quietly and no one muttered a single word as they stared at Rain. Nobody wanted to say anything and the silence continued on as they ate. Rain couldn’t take the silence and began to talk…

“..Well..I will do my best...do not worry…” Rain spoke slowly to the despondent women that ate silently to at least calm them down.

Neiru and the girls looked Rain and memories of their encounter past by. They barely knew the boy and he was new to them. But to them, it felt as if their emotions were intertwined with that young man and tomorrow was an important day for him. After the whole declaration from Klain and the entire city turning upside down because of a little misunderstanding, they were really happy at Rain who has amnesia since he is entering the tournament. Rain barely knew the women but to them, they felt a connection with him…

The girls smiled at Rain’s comment and they began to talk about what they did today. Rain smiled at the girls that happily ate and continued to think about tomorrow’s event.

Everyone slept peacefully except for Rain who stayed up for a few hours on the roof. Rain stared into the endless sky that was filled with millions of stars expanding infinitely. He had complex feelings about tomorrow’s event...He wondered what would happen if he died...he wondered if the people he knew before losing his memories would miss him…Rain stared for a long time into the night sky wondering about himself and who he was but he didn’t have an answer for any of the questions that popped up.

Rain wondered who this Souma person was, and the voice that called out that name….He decided that once his memories returned...he wouldn’t leave this home without taking care of the girls that took care of him while he had no prior memories of his past…

He finally got tired and returned to his bedroom and fell asleep. Rain fell asleep quickly to ensure he had a good amount of rest for the tournament and he would at least give his best since he promised….

The day of the Tournament

On the bell tower, a guardsman rang the bell to alert everyone that the Tournament has started. The bell rang sharply around 8:00 A.M. and all the participants were already wide awake for the event.

Rain woke up before any of the girls and got dressed. As he was exiting the door, all 5 of them were still in their nightgowns staring at him from behind. Rain was about to leave but the girls stopped him as they had something to say. Rain turned around and stared at them...

“Rain...I hope you win…” Neiru nervously spoke but Rain nodded in agreement.

“Rain-cchi...You better win so we can play later…” Alina put her best smile to work and Rain smiled in response.

“....Rain-kun...don’t….lose...experiment...never...lose….” Neena, still melancholy as ever, spoke to Rain but he understood her words perfectly and lightly patted her purple hair.

Shina was sobbing and sniffling here and there barely able to summon any words but she finally did…

“R-r-rain-s-san….d-d-don’t….d-die! *sniffle* *cough* *sob*” Shina was stuttering through her words and Rain gave her a confident smile that made her finally stop.

Leia was the last one who said anything, if anything at all…

“T-t-this s-slave i-is arrogant! L-leaving h-his m-m-master by herself….y-you should be punished….” Leia stuttered with her usual tsundere self and Rain patted her head which made her pout and scowl at the same time..

“Hmpf!...arrogant slave…” Leia straightened herself and put her usual cool(cruel) beauty mode on. I think she’s a sadistic princess but I would probably be beaten to death…if I said anything....

After the girls said the words they wanted, they left Rain to leave the house and they got dressed to attend the tournament as part of the “audience”. Neiru especially had to get ready as she was one of the special attendees considering her status as one of the leaders of the city.

At the city gate, there lined multitudes of market stalls and shops parallel to the entrance giving off a pathway to an area where several magicians gathered. The magicians were gathering to create the tournament grounds using Earth magic and they needed a team of 8 magicians to complete the stadium with multiple seating rows and a large platform in the middle for the tournament to be held. On the left side was another earthen plot of land but it had a gigantic platform that covered area and another set of seating rows but not as much as the main arena. The left plot of land would be used as the preliminary entrance grounds where the mercenaries would fight to enter their blocks.

At the city square, where every fighter gathered, was a huge platform that had a single person at the podium that was beginning to speak…

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am going to be your announcer and my name is Vince! I would like to enter the tournament myself and try a hand in marriage for the lovely Neiru and/or the other girls but alas I am but a spokesman!” The announcer, Vince, spoke vigorously to raise the spirits of the crowd but everyone just casually listened to him.

“Well, enough with introductions, Welcome to the 53rd Tournament of the Silversword! As usual, I will explain the rules for those that are new to the tournament but this is a special tournament between two men. I will not expose their identities but the reason this is special is because of the rumour that has been circulating around the city!

As majority of you have heard, this tournament is to select Neiru’s future husband and there is a major conflict between two men. A very vigorous fellow and a silent man will be fighting for her hand in marriage but as you all know, everyone wants a chance so let’s go and have at it!

Now in this tournament, we have a set of rules for everyone to follow…

During the tournament, one cannot ensue a killing strike

No underhanded tricks: i.e. Poisoning or smokescreens

No outside assistance

Magic is included but only up to Intermediate tier

Weapons included only up to Rare class; except for long-ranged weapons, i.e. Polearm or crossbow. Only exception is a bow and arrow

If the fighter has no weapon, the city will provide the fighter with an appropriate weapon of their choice.

For female fighters only: They are able to use magic up to Advanced

Female fighters: Handicap or unrestricted

Any attacks used by someone that aims for ‘delicate’ parts deliberately is promptly disqualified; Only exception is through accidental movements

Five minute breaks between each fight; Preliminary tryouts will continue with no breaks.

With that being said, the rules are strict but allows many to exhibit their potential however in the final bout, the rules will be uplifted and a new set of rules will be in place. Only the two contenders can fight at their fullest to win the tournament. The set of rules that will be in play are…

Killing strikes are usable

Trickster moves are included

Magic: Advanced tier (Female fighters are able to use Master class magic)

No Outside assistance

All weapons up to Epic class; No long-ranged weaponry except for bows.

Before the final fight, the two contenders will be given a break period of 20 minutes.

The rules change slightly but enables the two fighters in the last fight to go all out. Anybody can register be it male or female or demi-human but after the preliminary fights, everyone will be separated into 3 blocks forming a bracket system.

Block A

Block B

Block C

Block A and B are organized with the male fighters while the female fighters will be categorized in Block C.

The Female fighters can fight to the end where there is a male and female pair that won, however only the male is eligible to attend the Kingdom Of Algarun’s annual Tournament that is held in the capital. If the female wants to fight in the tournament, they will either be given a handicap or fight with no restrictions. If the female chooses the latter, she will be regarded as another male fighter and fight to kill. However, if the handicap is placed, they will be using the tournament’s base rules and fight with no worry of harming each other. Female fighters can decide whether they want to fight or claim their reward. The male or female that wins the entire tournament claims the unique Silversword made by Kanari, our city's blacksmith. However if the female decides to receive her reward from winning in Block C, she will get a fitting position in the City. This is how our lovely maiden, Neiru received her position as one of the key leaders in the Mercenary HQ and the only person to defeat Klain in the tournament.

As everyone fights, the winner will truly gain the Silversword. It is a custom broadsword extended to a meter-class weapon with it’s width extended to provide a powerful strike. Also with the silver material infused with special properties, the weapon becomes half the weight of a normal broadsword, increasing mobility. However our lovely Blacksmith created a special Silversword. She, herself, created this sword in mind of a special man. A person she recently met and her feelings are transferred into the sword. Only the person that the sword is meant for can only access the sword’s innate abilities to its fullest.

Well, now that the rules and terms are done with, let’s continue with today’s event. I will be your host for the tournament and good luck out there, People of Evercliff. I shall see you soon.”

Vince had a long speech regarding the entire rules and everything similar to the tournament. Everyone listened without much trouble since they knew that if anyone interrupted Vince, they would immediately be attacked by Vince. Rain simply listened to the flow of words as Vince meticulously said them out loud and shrugged at the part where everyone was doing the tournament for Neiru’s hand in marriage….Rain didn’t even know what marriage was but apparently he had a lot of competition…

Everyone has one hour to prepare and Rain used this time to visit the outside where the magicians were creating the Stadium…

Rain walked past the market stalls and shops that lined parallel with the pathway and approached the magicians that were using Earth Magic to construct the gigantic platform for the fighters. Rain watched as the magicians raised the platforms and shifted their plots to form the seating rows made of earth and refined them to become suitable for everyone to sit in. He was in complete awe as he saw two groups of magicians creating two platforms for both the preliminaries and the main event stage. Little did he know was that he had already mastered Earth magic and he could not learn anything from the magicians since he had already mastered it….

The stadium had finished and the hour had finished and everyone reported to the left stadium for the preliminary rounds. Vince stood at the center of the platform and began to talk once again…

“Alright, fighters! Males and females, for the first half of the tournament, we will be eliminating the trash! and separating them from the pros! And that is why we have this preliminary round, to do the separation for us. Please do keep in mind that the tournament rules apply during the Preliminary rounds and nobody shouldn’t hurt but we do have those occasional buggers that manipulate the system so….” As Vince talked, he paused for a few seconds and his tone drastically changed…

“I...will personally...kill those that manipulate my rules…”

Vince’s tone suffocated the entire room while Rain and a few others weren’t affected but majority of the fighters shivered in fear…

Vince returned back to normal and continued his normal speech by telling everyone the rules one more time and finally dismissed everyone. Everyone had to prepare and every contestant had an individual number that represented their entry number. Rain’s number was number 44, so his slot time was allotted between the 21st and 22nd slot. So he had quite a bit of time until his preliminary round.

The female fighters were fighting in a separate arena that was reserved only for Block C contestants and they were already beginning seeing as there weren’t as many female fighters a opposed to the amount of males fighting.

Neiru would’ve participated in the tournament herself but she wouldn’t want to embarrass Rain. She would’ve made Rain look pathetic if he backed out and she fought instead. This is the reason why Neiru was pouting as she arrived with the rest of the girls to watch the contestants of Block C.

A few moments passed and finally Rain was finally up for his turn. Rain didn’t have a weapon so he requested for a standard broadsword to be given to him. The moment his hands caught hold on the sword, his hand started to heat up. His entire arm felt on fire but he couldn’t let go of the weapon. The burning sensation continued and marks were being carved onto the top of his hand with strange symbols. The symbols lit up but the burning sensation continued and he had no choice but to move forward.

Rain stepped onto the platform hesitantly as his entire arm was burning internally. His opponent immediately noticed Rain’s predicament and decided to take advantage of the situation. His opponent was a sword user with a height of 5’8” and he had a proportionate body that matched his height. Rain’s opponent took the charge and rushed directly at Rain which he responded by dodging stupidly. Rain swayed left and right with barely any space to dodge the strikes that his opponent dealt. Be it luck or divine intervention but Rain was barely hanging in by a thread as a sword nearly lopped off his arm.

The arm that held the sword continued to heat up as Rain barely managed to dodge the impending strikes and his opponent was getting impatient. His opponent let out a roar to raise his spirit…

“YOU DAMMMMN COOOOWARD!! FIGGGHT MEE!!!” The man fighting Rain yelled at him from a distance before charging once more.

He simply wanted to spite Rain to get him to attack. All Rain did was dodge his sword strikes barely and nothing really happened except for several instances where Rain tripped but crawled away to dodge the sword strikes.

Rain’s opponent was a nobody with the name of Gali and he, just like everyone, wanted to marry one of the beautiful ladies that lived in that house on top of the hill. Gali was extremely distressed because his opponent was barely hanging in there without even attacking. It was extremely discourteous to someone that is wholeheartedly challenging someone and his opponent is just dodging barely. Gali grew furious as seconds passed after he spoke those words and began another round of strikes to tempt the cowardly man named Rain.

The symbols on his hand began to expand to his entire arm but no one paid any attention to Rain as they were laughing at his stunts. Klain, who had already won his preliminary match, was laughing with snot rolling down his face. He was laughing way too much as he watched Rain prance around the platform, barely dodging the attacks. He had thought Rain was strong but now all that disappeared as he saw a man running away from his opponent. Rain, however was busy focusing on his own body as his arm tinged with a burning sensation and the heat continued to grow. The markings approached the top of his shoulders and stopped expanding. Rain felt his body heat up and he struggled heavily as Gali continued his barrage. Suddenly within the deep recesses of his mind, a familiar voice called out…

....

“...Fight...Souma…”

….

“Strike….and win…”

….

“Your body...knows what to do….”

….

Rain, within a split second, heard the voice call out to him again, to fight, as if he already knew how to. His eyes lit up with a bright glare and instantly charged at Gali. His opponent, Gali, did not expect this as Rain instantly thrashed at him and shattered the blade and hilt of his own weapon in an instant. Gali stumbled and fell onto the floor as Rain pointed the tip of his sword at Gali’s neck…

“I-i g-give!!”

Gali immediately forfeited as he was far outclassed by the man with the strange markings that suddenly appeared on his right arm.

Rain suddenly looked around confusingly and noticed his opponent was on the floor cowering in fear. Luckily, he had won but he felt in a daze as he recalled his movements but they felt so natural that it scared him. His movements weren’t his but he felt as if he’s been doing those movements for years…

The audience stared with their mouth agape as they saw a man, who was once a coward, take down a mid-rank mercenary with strange movements that destroyed his sword. Vince was smiling at Rain as he found a potential candidate for his trials. There is something Vince had been looking for years and that was an apprentice or a student to pass his knowledge of untold power. However all of his apprentices were greedy and he killed his students as they drowned in greed with their powers learned from Vince. As he has been the host of majority of the tournaments, he finally found a potential student that seems funny but somewhere within that man lies untold conviction and wonders.

Rain was still confused in the middle of the platform until Vince finally spoke that he had finally won after cowardly dodging his opponent’s attacks. Rain walked to the area where the people had won and saw a scowl on his number one opponent, Klain. Klain blatantly ignored Rain and scoffed at his appearance as he won unexpectedly and with a flash to boot.

The rounds passed quickly and there was about 50 contestants left including the winners to be dwindled down to 20 for both Block A and B. The number dwindled fast as many of the contestants gave up wholeheartedly as there were unexpected fighters that excelled in their craft.

For Rain, he had to look out for a number of people to fight within his block. There was an exceptional marksman that used a bow and arrow from the knee position and instantly ended a match by firing a single shot with his eyes closed. Even with the marksman’s normal appearance, the arrows he shot were imbued with magic which caused certain effects to the opponent that got hit. Along with the marksman, there was a melee fighter that fought with strange movements but his punches resounded everytime he attacked causing his opponent to go limp. However besides the strong people, there was a mysterious mage that wore a dark cowl that covered his entire face and his dark magician robe gave a dark aura. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary as the mage used basic spells to entrap his opponents but the weird thing Rain found was that his aura grew larger after every fight. He pointed the aura out to some of the winners and they simply did not know what he was talking about. It seems as if he was the only one who was able to see the dark aura and Rain swore he saw a sadistic grin on the person’s face.

The preliminary rounds went quickly as those 50 contestants dwindled down to 20, making the two blocks for a bracket tournament. The blocks separated the men into two groups of 10. Rain was in Block B while Klain was in Block A, which made it easier for Rain. It eased his mind as he wouldn’t be fighting Klain just yet, as long as he wins in Block B.

The female fighters finished their preliminary rounds and they were added to the board as Block C. Each block had 10 fighters within their respective opponents already categorized and Rain was in the last slot with a fighter he saw during one of the early preliminary rounds. Rain will be fighting soon and his opponent was a bow user however not as adept as the marksman he saw earlier with the magic-imbued arrows. However, Rain had never fought a ranged enemy much less had any experience with fighting since he doesn’t remember anything. He felt quite dull as he didn’t have the experience of fighting people and relied on a voice that called out to him.

As everyone transferred to the main arena, the girls spotted Rain and waved at him. They were shocked that he had won but they were more happy that he made it without any bruises or scratches. The girls sat in the area reserved for prominent people as Neiru was a special attendee. Rain smiled at them and continued moving forward while gaining a multitude of glares from majority of the male contestants as none of the girls looked at them but only at Rain. This confused Rain as he was used to being glared at from the other day but he did not understand why they were angry at him. Rain simply shrugged everything and moved to the waiting area.

A gigantic board displayed the entire bracket system of Block A,B and C with everyone’s name on it. The first match would be Klain and a magician that is prominent in Fire techniques. Rain only paid attention to Klain’s matches and every match was pretty much hack-n-slash with some unusual fighters winning.

Magicians had high aptitude for the arcane arts but majority of them had to chant their magic which often costed them the entire match. Swordsmen had a upper hand but a skilled archer or a skilled magician could easily wipe them out from a distance. There were a lot of instances where Swordsmen lost to the marksman that imbued magic in his arrows. A lot of things can be taken into account for winning the match, as long as you have the upper hand in your speciality, then you can pretty much win.

Also, there are 3 ways to win: Knockout, Out of Bounds, or Forfeiting with the exception of the final round where you have an opportunity to decapitate the other fighter. Many didn't kill at the end since they would be frowned upon later as a gilded champion. This gave a bit of leeway to some of the fighters who shivered as the unusual fighters fought. It allowed them to forfeit without much worry but Rain didn’t mind the rest of the fighters. He was constantly worrying about Klain and that mysterious magician who won with unpredictable moves.

Finally, the match before his, ended and now it was time for Rain to enter the platform. As usual, he requested for a broadsword as he did not have a weapon but nobody minded him. The two entered the platform and looked at each other. Rain’s opponent, Rudil, was once a prominent knight that fought during the siege of another city. He simply entered this tournament for the prize of returning to the Kingdom of Algarun where he would become a knight of the kingdom once again. Rudil stared at the man named Rain while he readied his stance. Rain looked puzzlingly at the broadsword and the symbols on his arm released a glare of light and this acted as the start of the match. Rudil simply ignored the symbols that emanated from the man’s arm and initiated his frontal assault. Rain, who immediately noticed Rudil, quickly around making his entire body vanish as his speed was increasing and reappeared behind Rudil. He looked confused as usual but the voice continued to speak…

“...Fight….”

“...Win…”

“Feel the power surging….”

The voice echoed in his mind and Rain continued to let his movements flow. Rudil was surprised that the man instantly disappeared and reappeared behind him but he felt danger approaching from the man. Rain moved swiftly from left to right, making Rudil confused and Rain used the sword’s edge to slash at Rudil’s joints. Rain made swift work of Rudil and soon he was on his knees as his entire body ached in pain.

Nobody in the stadium could’ve counted the amount of strikes Rain did except for Vince. There was a total of 17 strikes that Rain used on Rudil, all over his body. Vince continued to evaluate Rain and smiled at his performance. Along with Rain, there was three prominent fighters that Vince looked out for: Rain the silent underdog, Klain the swordsman, and ??? the Magician. Rain was someone that Vince took a liking to, since he displayed a weird sword technique and his speed was exceptional. Klain had a similar speed and knight training but Vince knew there was something about Klain that interested him. While the two were being evaluate by Vince, he wondered about the magician that gave no name but Vince noticed the aura around him. The aura that the magician gave felt like death and every opponent he fought, the aura increased. Vince decided to focus more on the magician as he did not want multiple casualties in the tournament.

The crowd was shocked at Rain’s performance and the girls were shocked beyond control...They stared at Rain who was once a simple man, who lost his memories, wipe the floor from a distinguished knight that once fought for the Kingdom of Algarun. Everyone was simply silent as they expected Rain to fail miserably but he won astonishingly and no one could see his movements.

Rain stood in front of Rudil and held out his hand for support as his joints and several parts of his body had been sliced. The two shook hands and everyone cheered for the good performance. Klain, who sat in the waiting area, scoffed and clenched his fist as Rain won his first match. Rain and Rudil finally exited the platform and the other fights continued. Rudil was treated by the healers that stood around the waiting area and Rain spoke to Rudil…

“Good fight..” Rain spoke confidently at Rudil and shook his hand again. Rudil, who was being healed, smiled and spoke..

“It was a pleasure fighting you...If you do win...please go to the kingdom for me...I want to cheer on the person that defeated me..” Rudil responded and smiled again at Rain who nodded in agreement.

Rain left Rudil to be attended and watched the remaining fights until his turn was finally up.

The fighters advanced quickly in Block A, as most of them forfeited against Klain and the mysterious magician. Block B, where Rain was fighting in, progressed a bit slow since many wanted to fight Rain but the unusual fighters quickly disposed of them. Now it was Rain’s turn again and he has to fight the unarmed fighter that displayed mysterious movements but to Rain it felt similar. The voice in his mind began to resonate and spoke..

....

“No...weapon...fight him Souma...Fight!”

….

“You are my descendant…”

….

Rain, who had nothing to lose, simply followed the voice that spoke to him in his mind. The unarmed fighter was confused since Rain had used a sword during his fights but here he was standing with nothing but his fists. His opponent, Vigil, was a practitioner of an ancient art that reigned in the far east. Vigil looked at Rain and he furrowed his eyebrows a bit…

“You...why no weapon?...” Vigil spoke out to Rain expecting a reason for his weird actions.

“I fight...like you too…no weapon...” Rain spoke in response to at least alleviate Vigil’s puzzled look but it merely angered him…

“You...mock me?....No...You will regret it…” Vigil spoke and readied his fighting stance and Rain simply guided his hands to his side and stood still.

Rain looked at Vigil and as Vigil started to move, his entire body slowed down. Rain could easily move but the voice in his mind told him to watch carefully. As Vigil approached, Rain’s entire body was covered in black markings that heated his entire body. Vigil’s movements were slowed to the point where Rain could easily take him down but the voice simply guided his own body and stood still. As vigil was 4 feet within Rain’s distance, suddenly Rain’s body moved swiftly. His arm latched to Vigil’s neck, simply lifting his entire body, and his expression slowly changed as his body was barely keeping up with Rain’s movement. With Vigil raised into the air, Rain simply slammed Vigil’s entire body onto the the ground, knocking him out with an incredible force.

The crowd didn’t see anything but after Vigil moved, for a split second they found him on the floor knocked out. The white in his eyes were clearly visible and Rain stood above Vigil with a triumphant pose. Rain simply walked off the platform and went to the waiting area. Everyone was beyond shocked, including Vince, but he had to say a few words at the astounding performance. After speaking, Vince returned everyone back to reality and initiated the next match.

Each fight went according to the schedule, with the females of Block C already completed and their female champion simply wishing for a respectable position and she also silently requested to have Rain to herself for a day as a reward. The fights in Block A went fast and finally approached the final bout between Klain and the mysterious magician. In Block B, Rain had advanced to the final fight between him and the marksman.

Like the other fights, Rain simply moved too fast and dealt with the arrows that flew past him with his broadsword. The marksman, Hayha, had trouble keeping up with Rain’s movements and eventually lost. The two shook hands and Hayha had swore to serve Rain wherever he went. Hayha, was a wandering marksman that traveled throughout the northern regions that were covered in snow. He was an assassin that worked for a Northern kingdom but he finally escaped after the Kingdom sent assassins after him. Hayha wandered to one of the Southern kingdoms and came to the city of Evercliff. He swore loyalty to Rain as Rain was simply better than himself and it wasn’t like he had anywhere to go.

Rain, who gained a companion, finally won the matches in Block B but as he watched the match from Block A, he was stunned….Klain was tired and his entire body was completely slowing down. It was as if his life was slowly leaving his body as he continued to fight the magician and Klain eventually lost against the magician….

There….a smile perched on the magician’s face as Rain looked at the magician with a stunned appearance.

Klain, who was completely tired, finally exited the platform but suddenly his entire body began to decay faster. The healers continued to cast their spells to prevent the process from increasing but his entire skin deteriorated. Vince, who saw the entire thing, prepared a divine spell on Klain to stop the process temporarily.

There on the platform, stood the magician and Rain, who then continued to stare at each other. Vince ordered the mercenaries to apprehend the magician but a barrier was formed around the platform and only an Advanced Barrier Mage could dispel the barrier.

The females shrieked and the girls rushed to the scene but there was nothing they could do to help.

The magician then spoke to Rain…

“...Finally...I found you…”

The entire stadium darkened and the magician and Rain disappeared into the dark fog that covered the barrier…

Clashes could be heard and the darkness grew heavily and the sky darkened….

Lightning struck nearby the area and everyone was ordered to evacuate and suddenly…..

PreviousMainNext