The next day, the 4th round began. Because there was only 16 contestants left, this round was kept at one stage instead of being spread across the various stages in the city.

Because of this, everyone was in one place for the first time. Both the audience and the fighters. There were people who never saw each other fight and only heard rumors, coming together.

“The round of 16, just three more matches until the finals.”

Rory said while looking around. He had the same carefree air about him that he had before the tournament even began. It was correct to say that he had yet to face someone challenging.

“Just three more matches…”

Amelia on the other hand was a bit more serious. Although she only had one serious battle since the tournament, because of the short intervals between the rounds, it was obvious that her body won’t be on tip top shape for the majority of the tournament.

“The ones that made it this far are indeed something else.”

Rory said while looking at the contestants.

Amelia looked as well, but other than the Brook Sisters and Black Bull who caused a commotion in the preliminaries, she didn’t know the rest.

“Oh, I remember that you said that there were three Princes striving to inherit the throne, and that they were using this tournament to show off the strength of their faction.”

“I did. The reason why this tournament is even happening is because the battle between the princes had made the country tense, and the king wanted the citizens blow off some steam.”

Rory answered.

“If I remember correctly, the Brook Sisters follow the second prince, while Black Bull Omar follows the first Prince.”

Rory nodded.

“But you also said that there was someone who followed the third prince who was far stronger than the first three, but was keeping a low profile.”

She looked around.

“Is that person still here? Did they make it to this round?”

Rory smiled and nodded.

“Where are they?”

“You see that person sleeping under the tree in the back?”

Amelia looked and saw someone sleeping under a tree really far away from everyone else.

The person was a man with curly greenish hair, a slacker’s face, and had a medium built. He was dressed in full grey and wore a black mantle.

“Huh? That’s strange.”

Amelia noticed something odd about the man.

“Even though I see him, I don’t feel any presence from him at all. It’s like if I look away, I would think that he wasn’t there in the first place.”

“Oh? You noticed.”

Rory smiled.

“That’s because of the technique he’s using to conceal his presence.”

“You mean he’s purposely hiding his presence? For what reason?”

“He might not have any. It might be a habit of his to keep himself hidden because of the life he lives.”

Rory answered.

“What kind of life is that?”

Amelia asked. She didn’t know for sure, but only someone who lived in the shadows would have such a habit.

“The 4th Round will now begin!”

The announcer’s voice echoed out.

“Will everyone please take their seats. As for the first fighters, please enter the ring.”

“Well, I’m up.”

Rory took one leap and landed on the ring.

“That’s him, the guy who was seen hanging out with Sir Allen.”

“I heard that none of matches have last past a minute.”

“He beat that gangster Jecko, with a single slap.”

The moment he entered the ring countless people were whispering about him. However, Rory didn’t seem to mind and just stood there with his usual smile.

His opponent soon made his way on the stage. He was a giant of a man, who carried a gigantic axe.

“I am the head executioner here, my name is Killer Kay.”

The man said.

“I heard about your easy time making it this far, but let me tell you. This is where you-”

“Um, could you not waste everyone’s time with your evil monologue? If you’re going to fight just do it. Is there really a need to hype yourself up?”

Rory cut him off and said. He looked like he wasn’t the less intimidated by the man.

“Y-You!”

The man lifted his axe.

“I’m going to kill you!”

He swung down the axe on Rory.

“He’s not going to dodge?”

Rory stood in place and didn’t showed any intention of block.

“If that’s the case, then I’ll take this shoulder as repayment for mocking me!”

*Bam!*

The axe slammed down on Rory’s body, however instead of chopping off a piece of his shoulder, the axe shattered when it came in contact with his body.

The only thing that was damaged on him was his clothes.

“Oh? You’re more capable than I thought. To be able to cut through my invisible defense and touch my clothes, I see why you’re the head executioner.”

Rory praised.

However, the man didn’t react to his words at all. That was because he was shocked by what he just saw. He put all of his strength into that swing, and he could only cut his clothes? That level of shock was enough make someone lose their mind.

“Are you done? Or are you going to use your Animus?”

Rory asked.

“Animus?”

The man muttered.

Even though he still hadn’t used his Animus, he knew that it wasn’t something impressive enough to defeat someone who could tank his strongest swing. The difference in power was too obvious.

“I….I…”

The man couldn’t speak in the end.

“Is that so? Then should I attack?”

Rory asked.

The man stepped back when he heard that. He heard about Rory’s strength and knew that it wouldn’t end well for him if he took a hit.

“I surrender!”

He immediately tried to surrender. However, he spoke a second too late.

*Bam!*

Rory’s fist slammed into his chest and sent him flying out of the ring. The man flew for several meters, and headed towards the tree that the person who follows the third prince was sleeping.

Rory smirked when he saw that.

With his eyes closed, the man lifted one arm and caught Kay with ease. He then threw him to the side like he was trash.

“Winner, Rory!”

Since Kay had surrendered, Rory won.

He took one last look at the man sleeping under the three and left the ring.

“That Rory guy, is indeed strong.”

Black Bull said as he watched Rory walk towards Amelia.

“But it doesn’t matter. I’ll win this tournament and bring honor to the prince!”

After Rory’s match was over, the other matches proceeded as planned.

Amelia won her match in only 5 minutes by going for the win from the start of the match. She didn’t even allow her opponent to use their Animus and crushed them with everything she got, thus once again preventing her injuries from worsening.

The brook sisters and Black Bull also won their matches, and moved on to the quarter finals.

As for the man who served the third prince, his match was last.

He faced a famous general who was considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, the match was over in an instant.

Before the General could even make his move, the man appeared in front of him like a ghost. He then hit the general on the side of his head with the handle of a sword, which he took from out of his mantle.

The strike from the sword handle was so powerful that the General was immediately knocked out. Amelia noticed that what the man targeted was the man’s temple, which was a vital spot on the brain, and he did it so naturally.

“This man is used to fighting strong opponents.”

She mumbled to herself.

“No, he’s used to killing people stronger than him.”

Rory said nothing more and stared at the man. The man also stared back at him for a bit before leaving the stage.

“The winner is Roc. With his victory those competing in the quarter finals have been decided.”

The announcer declared.

“So his name is Roc.”

Amelia muttered.

“He’s strong.”

“Yup. My fight with him in the semis should be fun.”

Rory said.

“You’re talking about the semis already? You haven’t even fought in the quarter finals yet.”

Amelia said.

“Your opponent is Black Bull Omar, who’s under the first prince. I doubt he can defeat you, but don’t be careless.”

“Thanks for the advice. As for my match tomorrow….”

Rory glanced at Omar who was glaring at him from a far.

“It should be fun as well.”

The next day, it was finally time for the quarter finals. The venue was changed to a stadium that was created over fifty years ago. The amount of people spectating had by far surpassed the normal amount. It was like a grand event similar to a holiday.

“The king really is going all out.”

Said Rory after entering the stadium.

“He must really want to prevent a war from breaking out.”

“The people look like they’re enjoying the tournament, so you could say that it’s successful.”

Said Amelia.

“My match is against one of the brook sisters, while you’re facing Black Bull. If we defeat them I wonder how would the crowd react.”

“They’ll cheer. Everyone loves a good twist after all. Especially since we’re so mysterious, I’m sure there a lot of people cheering for us.”

Rory said.

“Are you one of them?”

As Rory said that, Allen appeared beside him.

“While I admit that seeing one of you win would be fun, I’m obligated to root for the citizens of our country. It would also be better that a citizen of the country wins.”

Allen replied.

“Is that so?”

Rory laughed.

“Well, I have no intention of losing. So if your country wants to win they better give it their all.”

After he said that, he walked away from Allen and headed towards the ring.

“Is he always like that?”

Allen asked Amelia.

“You’ll get used to it.”

She replied.

“Now ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the moment that you’ve all been waiting for!”

The announcer’s voice rang out. This was the same announcer from the preliminaries who were a mask.

“It’s time to start the quarter finals!”

“Ohhhhhh!”

The people cheered with excitement after hearing the announcer.

“We’re down to the best 8, which means that these 8 have conquered 120 persons to reach this point! They’re definitely not your average people!”

The announcer spoke with excitement.

“We have 4 matches and let me tell you, each match will definitely blow you away!”

At this point black bull Omar walked on to the stage. The announcer pointed at him.

“First, let’s start off with this man! The young rampaging bull that’s not only taken this tournament by storm, but has gained fame as powerful soldier who has protected our country again and again as a part of the military, Black Bull Omar!”

The audience cheered loudly for Omar. It was obvious that he was really popular.

“And here’s his opponent!”

Rory walked on to the stage.

“He’s a mystery man who came out of nowhere and literally walk over everyone he faced to reach this stage! A man whose matches haven’t last passed a minute! None of his opponents could make him break a sweat! Just how strong is this monster! Rory!”

Even though the cheers he got couldn’t compare to Omar’s, Rory got a surprisingly warm welcome, despite being a outsider.

‘It must be because of Allen. A lot of people witnessed us talking casually, so they might think that we’re friends. I won’t be surprised if some believed that he invited me to join the tournament.’

Rory thought to himself.

“Well, it doesn’t really matter.”

He looked at Omar.

“I should take this time to enjoy what’s in front of me.”

Omar was glaring at him and seemed ready to go. Seeing that, Rory grinned.

“This is why I can’t stop fighting.”

He said.

“When they’re people like you out there I can’t help but be a bit hot blooded myself.”

He stretched his hand out towards Omar.

“Come. Let’s both enjoy ourselves.”

“Ready? Start!”

The announcer declared the start of the match.

“Let’s go!”

Omar charged towards Rory like a bull freed from his pen, and threw a powerful punch.

Rory punched out as well.

*Bam!*

Their fists clashed and caused a loud sound to echo out.

“Ugh!”

Omar groaned from the stinging sensation he felt from his fist. Rory threw a kick, which he avoided by jumping back.

‘What a punch!’

Omar exclaimed in his mind as he looked at his fist that was now tingling.

“Not bad. You have some skill, I’ll give you that.”

Rory said to him. Unlike Omar there wasn’t any hint of pain on his face. He then cracked his fingers.

“I’ll definitely enjoy this!”

He charged towards Omar. Seeing that, Omar took a fighting stance and welcomed him.

The two cross fists and punched the other in the face. Omar was forced back a couple dozen steps with a red face, while Rory didn’t budge in the least.

“Dammit!”

Omar clenched his fists and they immediately became metallic as well as the rest of his body. He had activated Iron Skin, and was preparing to use its offensive variation, Iron Fist.

He charged forward once again. Rory once again, crossed fists with him.

*Bam!*

He punched Rory in the stomach, while Rory punched him in the face. He wasn’t forced back like last time, but his head was forcibly turned by the fist.

“I-I can take him!”

Omar forcibly turned his head and hit Rory with a hook to the face, which made his head fly back.

*Bam!*

“Cough?!”

Rory countered with a body blow which made Omar let out all the air in his lungs.

He clenched his teeth and hit Rory with a left hook and then followed up with a punch over his heart.

“Good. You have spirit.”

*Bam!*

Rory lifted him off the ground with an uppercut.

“Show me your tenacity!”

Omar fell on his back, but soon struggled back to his feet.

“Ohhh!”

He roared and released his anima to the max to power himself up. His skin soon looked even more metallic, especially his fists.

Rory laughed when he saw him pump himself up. However, don’t misunderstand. Rory wasn’t laughing to mock him, he was laughing to express his excitement.

“Come, young buck. Let’s see how far you can push me!”