“How many fingers am I holding up?”

I look at the white gloved hand in front of me. Four fingers are held up as the doctor waves his hand from side to side, my head keeping still as my eyeballs follow.

“Four,” I answer.

“Ok good.”

The doctor before me is an older man with a short white beard, wearing a white coat. I’m currently in the infirmary that Will is so fond of for some reason. He’s to my right, watching the doctor examine me for any major injuries I could have sustained from my fight with..whatever her name was. What was her name? Sailor Jupiter or something? Ryder’s also nearby in his bed but the man’s asleep. I guess exploding things takes a lot out of you.

“Well you seem to be fine for the most part. The burns and bruisings you’ve sustained are being handled by those healing potions we’ve given you and those should go into full effect shortly. I say in two days you'll be completely healed.”

“Isn’t that great Quincy? That means you can keep fighting. Unlike me, who is too gravely injured to continue,” Will comments, clearly enjoying that fact.

“Wow thanks for reminding me Will. I’m oh so happy I get to fight even more” I sarcastically reply.

“I dunno, you really did seem to enjoy the end.”

“Yeah because that girl got what she deserved. It was cathartic.”

“I’m more surprised that your rock throw worked for once. From what you told me, that move never works.”

“Yeah usually it doesn’t but I guess I’m getting better at throwing rocks. You learn new moves and powers, I throw rocks harder.”

“Clearly we are equal in terms of power.”

“Obviously. Portals, rocks, same thing really. If we ever fight and I pick up a rock, you know you’re in trouble.”

Will and I chuckle at how ridiculous our conversation is. The doctor smiles, saying “I’m glad you’re in good spirits. You’re free to go anytime. I heard the next fight is happening soon.”

He gets up, heading to another patient to give them an examination. I got up from the stool the doctor had forced me to sit in, stretching my arms. In the doorway I see Akane come in with Sophie. The little girl has her ear muffs removed and comes to me, looking up at me with worried eyes.

“Are you ok Mr. Quincy?” she asks.

“I’m fine Sophie thank you.”

Akane joins, telling me “Quincy I have brought the child to heal you.”

“How would she do that?” Will wonders.

“The child is immensely powerful. Child, begin.” Akane orders.

“Please feel better Mr. Quincy” Sophie requests, touching my leg.

This girl is adorable. I play along, acting like her touch healed me instead of the healing potions.

“Wow, it's a miracle. I feel like a new man.”

Sophie laughs, saying “I know you’re joking Mr. Quincy.”

“No no I swear I feel rejuvenated. Your presence makes me feel better.”

“I told you child, your power is awe inspiring.” Akane swears. “She can heal right now William if you want.”

“Ughh….” Will begins. “...I think my injuries are so severe that not even a child can heal them. Leave my healing to the professionals”

“If you insist. Just remember, the child will never steer you wrong.”

“Yeah it’s ok Akane, I got this.” Nazuko declares, her head popping out from under the bed.

“Nazuko? Why’re you here? Weren’t you at the stadium?” I question, swearing I saw her before my fight.

Everyone should be back there. I was escorted to the hospital after my fight to make sure I didn’t sustain any serious injuries. Akane and Sophie clearly left to check up on me but Nazuko? I have no idea.

“I have to maximize my Will time so I’ve decided I’ll come visit him after every fight.” Nazuko declares, still looking up at us.

Will confesses “I didn’t know she was here either. Actually Nazuko, can you stop hiding under my bed like some monster in a bedtime story?”

“I refuse.”

She slowly recedes her head back under the bed. Will shakes his head in disappointment.

“Akane, if you want to come visit you can at any time, it’s comfy under here,” Nazuko offers from under the bed.

“Thank you but I must decline. There is something I must do. William, would you happen to know where Monk is receiving treatment?” Akane questions, picking up Sophie.

“Monk? Oh you mean Sirius. I have no idea. Maybe he’s on one of the other floors.” Will suggests.

“Thank you. I will find him. We have things to discuss.”

“I might as well head with you so we can go back together.” I add. “I’ll see you later. Bye Will, bye Nazuko.”

“Bye Quincy!” Nazuko says from under the bed.

Will tells me goodbye and looks over the side of his bed, muttering “What do you even do under there?”

I follow Akane up a floor to a different ward. The room is identical to the one I was just in. The floor is still covered with white tiles. The windows are on my left, evenly spaced out with the blinds open to allow sunlight in. Beds are aligned on both sides of the room, with one bed placed in front of another. Akane enters the room, scanning its occupants. She spots a man in a black gi at the very end on the right side. He has his eyes closed, taking deep breaths. Akane quickly heads to him, bypassing the other patients. Should I accompany her or stay here? Akane decides for me.

“Quincy, come with. I must show Monk my friend.”

“Ugh ok.”

I stride across the room, trying my best not to pay attention to the hurt people around me. Akane stops once she’s at Monk’s bedside. I stand next to her, realizing this is the first time I’m going to interact with this guy. Seeing him up close, I can see why Will had so much trouble with him. The man is very scary and looks like he could easily snap my bones.

“Monk. It’s been some time,” Akane greets.

“Swordsman,” he replies, opening his left eye to look at Akane. “It indeed has. I didn’t expect to ever see you again.”

“Likewise.”

“For what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Friendship.”

He opens the other eye, turning his head to her.

“I saw you fight in the tournament Monk, you seemed happy. You got to fight with all of your strength and it reminded me that out of all the Reapers, I disliked you the least. I was hoping we could be friends. Like what happened in a comic I read once.”

“A comic,” he says in surprise. “ You always were a strange one, Swordsman. But yes, I disliked you the least out of them as well. Still I’m surprised, I thought you would’ve tried to move on from it all, forget everything that’s happened.”

“Nonsense. It was all for the greater good. If none of it happened, I never would’ve become the hero I am now.”

“Hero?”

“Yes, that’s what I do now. I save people and defeat bad guys. In the process I’ve obtained a child.”

She holds up Sophie so Monk could be eye-level with her. Sophie gives a wave.

“H-hello” Sophie stammers.

“Hello” Monk returns, confused by her appearance. “Is she-”

“No, I'm afraid I did not give birth to her.”

“Not what I was going to say. I was going to ask if she’s a hybrid.”

He squints his eyes, staring at Sophie’s slightly pointed ears.

“She is. A former reaper walking around with a hybrid. You truly are an interesting person, Swordsman. Trouble is going to follow that girl,” he predicts.

“Worry not, I will protect the child. But as you can see, I am doing well for myself. I have child, friends, and I’m a hero.”

“Yeah hi I’m one of those friends” I add. “I’m the guy who defeated Archer. You beat up my friend Will, nice to meet you. I don’t know why I’m here.”

“To prove we are friends,” Akane clarifies.

“Really?”

“Yes. He wouldn’t believe me otherwise.”

“It’s true,” Monk admits. “Swordsman is…too unique for most people.”

“Oh yeah she’s a weirdo. I didn’t consent to this friendship. She forced it to happen.” I remark.

“Regardless, can we be friends Monk? Let bygones be bygones?” Akane asks, putting a hand out to him.

“Hmmm. I suppose we can.” Monk concurs.

They shake hands.

“Since we’re friends, you can call me Sirius.”

“And I am Akane: The bad blood bitch samurai.”

He raises an eyebrow at that but ignores it, saying “Funny how we only now learned each other’s names.”

“Indeed.”

“Do you intend on finding the Man of Stone?”

“Yes, why?”

“Don’t. Fighting Archer was one thing, Man of Stone another. If you really want to live a happy life, do what I thought you did. Put it all behind you. Especially since you’re with that girl. I don’t know why you have her but if you want her to live, move on.”

Sirius tries to look away as if ashamed by what he suggested, only for Akane to walk to the other side of the bed, locking eyes with him.

“Can’t move on until he’s dead.” she asserts. “You can help.”

“I’m not a fool. I’m not suicidal. The heroes, perhaps. They have potential. Not us Akane, we don’t stand a chance.”

“Ugh no if you can take out the Man of Stone please do. Actually if y’all can save the world on your own that’d be appreciated,” I suggest, really not wanting to think about all this right now.

They’re talking about beating the Man of Stone and I'm more worried about this tournament. I’m a one fight at a time type of guy.

“Sirius, you need to read more comics. They taught me there’s always hope. In fact I brought you some,” Akane pronounces, taking out a bunch of comics and putting them in his lap.

“Thank you, I think but heed my advice.”

“No. Read comics and join us.”

“Yeah you’re gonna have to do what she says, she won’t drop it” I point out.

He picks up a comic and looks at her.

“I suppose I can humor you.”

“Huzzah. I’ll be back. Have them all read by then. Goodbye Sirius, I have to make the next match.”

“Farewell.”

“Ugh bye. Nice to meet you.” I say to him.

“Likewise Second Hero. I’m glad Akane found the friends she’s always wanted.”

I nod and follow after Akane. After catching up with her I ask “Wait who’s about to fight again?”

“Adam,” she reminds me.

“Oh yeah.”

The realization makes me laugh as we exit the infirmary.

We returned to the arena, seeing that everyone’s in place, including Nazuko somehow. Unicorn’s Wonderland is still sitting a few rows in front of us but I noticed that when I walked by them, they didn’t try tripping me up this time. In fact, they looked pretty dejected. The magical girl was among them, covered in bandages, with a particularly large one covering her right eye. Her head was leaning on her guild leader, whimpering about how I cheated or something. She notices me as I ascend, giving me a mean glare. I smiled at all of them as I rejoined Dragon’s Descent. When I take my seat Warren asks me “Quincy you didn’t see Adam on your way back did you?”

I notice Adam’s seat is empty.

“No. Isn’t he about to fight? Where’d he go?”

“Don’t know. Bitch just ran off. If he doesn’t show up I’m kicking his ass.” Nerva curses.

“Well that’s not good.”

I look back at Jack expecting him to look all worried but that’s not the case at all. He’s leaning back in his chair, cowboy hat covering his face like he’s taking a nap. Armstrong is next to him, relaxed as he is.

“Shouldn’t you two be freaking out?” I inquire.

“If Jack’s not worried, neither am I,” Armstrong concludes.

“He’ll be here.” Jack guarantees. “He’s so excited he can’t stand it. I was nervous before my first fight in the Grand Skirmish. I was shivering in the bathroom due to the excitement and was trying to calm myself down. Armstrong had to come get me. Remember Armstrong?”

Armstrong smiles, nodding his head.

“I remember like it was yesterday. I wasn’t even trying to find you. I only needed to use the stall since I had a bad bowl of eel and it was working its way through my system.”

The two laugh at the memory.

“Who did you fight that day anyway?” Armstrong questions.

“Uggh…”

Jack leans forward in his seat, snapping his fingers to jolt the memory.

“Oh! It was Suleiman.”

“That’s right, that old man. That was a good fight. Too bad I was in the bathroom for half of it. He leads Griffin’s Nest now. I haven’t seen him yet though.”

“Oh I remember that fight! It was beautiful” Francisco adds, inserting himself into the conversation, his head tilted back as he continues to hold Sailor Jupiter or whoever in his arms.

“I also remember you fought me after that fight. It was the day we met. Oh what a pleasant memory.``

“Didn’t I break your jaw?”

“Yes and it was beautiful.”

All of Dragon’s Descent shivers. Tomorrow we need to find a different spot, anywhere that’s not near these guys. Speaking of seats, people are starting to sit back down, anticipating the next fight to start soon. Warren notices as well, getting up.

“Quincy, you mind coming with me? I’m going to get Adam.”

I sigh before reluctantly getting up.

“Man, I just sat down but fine. Where are we going?”

“Bathroom.”

I leave with him, noticing Jack reclining back into his seat, without a care in the world. We pass the countless people coming into the arena, traveling our way to one of the bathrooms located near the entrance. It’s located in a dimly lit hallway, the sun’s light coming in only from doors that lead to the stands. The floor is sticky, probably due to people dropping food as they walk. The walls are a standard white, reflecting how new this place is since the previous one got blown up. Warren stops in front of a wooden brown door marked ‘males’ in black print. Below is a silhouette of a large man with a beard to let people who can’t read know this is the male bathroom. He opens the door, heading inside. The bathroom is of moderate size, consisting of sinks and mirrors to my right, urinals to my left and placed to the right of the sinks, blue bathroom stalls. The ground consists of brown tiles and the ceiling is made of the same material as the main stadium itself. It’s not packed in here, given that most people are out waiting for the next fight. In fact there’s only one person in here from what I can see, someone occupying the first bathroom stall. Warren strides to it, motioning for me to follow. Once in front of it he knocks.

“Adam? Are you there?”

“H-hey Warren. I-I’m not feeling too good. Someone else is going to have to fight,” Adam says from the other side, his voice sounding slightly muffled.

“Really now?”

“Y-yeah. I-I can’t go.”

I bang on the door.

“Adam, you better come out! If you don’t fight, I might have to fight again. I’m beating you to a pulp if that happens.”

“Eep!”

Warren grabs my arm, slowly lowering it, his way of telling me to calm down. He lets go, leaning his back against the bathroom stall. I put my right forearm on the corner of the stall to lean on it.

“What’s wrong Adam?” Warren asks.

“I…I can’t do this. I-I’m not like you guys.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know…fight. I-I can’t. You, Quincy, Nerva, Akane, you’re all strong. I’m not. I’m a healer, even then…I’m not good at it. I know I’m weak, but now the whole world’s gonna know it. My dad’s gonna see, he was wrong to put faith in me. T-that’s why someone else needs to go. I don’t want to be responsible for our first loss.”

“Hmmm.”

Warren looks up at the ceiling, pondering something. Eventually he says “Not strong huh? You are the Adam I went to Ayana with, right? The same Adam that went through all that hell with me?”

Warren looks at me, motioning for me to continue. I know what he wants me to do, I just don’t know if I have the strength to do it but I have to try. I have to try being nice to Adam.

“Yeah.” I begin. “You are the Adam that helped me defeat Juvenile right? The same Adam that helped us beat Akane when we first met her?”

“The same Adam that saved us when fighting Lancer?” Warren adds.

“The same Adam that protected Nerva against Archer?”

A short pause follows as our words sink in, like they oozed through the bathroom stall to the other side.

“Y-yeah but I didn’t do much, not compared to you all.”

“You didn’t freeze,” I remind him. “The Adam I first met would have fainted as soon as he got into a fight but you supported us. You wanted to run away, yet you didn’t.”

“And when we wanted to do something detrimental to our health, you stood up to us. Because you cared” Warren states. “You sound like a strong person to me. If you’re not strong, then I have no idea who is.”

I hear someone else entering the bathroom, the sound of footsteps hitting the tile floor. I turn around, seeing that an elderly man wearing long white cloth has entered. He looks like a desert nomad, the cloth swirling around his body, enveloping him like a tornado made of clothing. He has darkened skin like he’s received a tan, a gray rectangular beard covering his face. Bags are underneath his surprisingly youthful looking eyes. He appears confused.

“I’m sorry, am I interrupting something?”

His voice sounds ragged, like his throat is parched.

“Yes!” I answer. “We were doing a thing. Go away.”

“B-but I need to use-”

“Don’t care. You ruined the whole mood dude. Now Adam’s never going to get out of here.”

“There’s someone inside? What’s wrong with him?”

The old man approaches, looking at the stall.

“U-ugh don’t mind me. It’s nothing you should worry about,” Adam says.

“Is it pre-fight jitters?”

“Something like that,” Warren replies.

“Oh, young lad, there’s nothing to worry about. Tournaments are supposed to be fun. It’s not about winning or losing.”

“I-I’m pretty sure it is,” Adam retorts.

“Bah, nonsense. We’re here to see how much we’ve grown, where we need to improve. Trophies are icing on the cake. Maybe it’s my old age but you realize there are more important things in the world. Win or lose, no one will think any differently of you. All this tournament is, is a lesson. You learn here. That’s all. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool.”

There’s another pause, the bathroom stall opens, revealing Adam. He steps out of the bathroom, rubbing his neck with his left hand.

“O-Ok. I’m ready.”

Warren pats him on the back. I give him a nod of approval.

“Let’s head back.” Warren orders, heading out of the bathroom.

Adam and I do as well until Adam stops, whirling back to look at the old man.

“W-who are you anyway?”

“Hmm? Folks call me Suleiman.” the elderly man responds, heading into a stall.

Adam and I exit the bathroom, catching up with Warren in the hallway, the three of us walking back to our seats.

“Thanks for saying all those nice things guys” Adam says.

“All I did was tell the truth,” Warren reacts.

“Unfortunately I have to concur.” I declare. “I’m glad we got you out of there. Plan B was to get Nerva.”

“R-Really? But she would’ve hurt me.”

“Oh definitely. Would’ve been funny.”

“Regardless, I think she’s mad at me for what I said to her father.”

“Why would she be mad about that?”

“I-I think I got into their business. I had no right to say what I did but I said it without thinking.”

“She’s not mad,” Warren proclaims.

“B-but she won’t even look at me and she’s calling me more names than usual.”

“Doesn’t mean she’s mad. She’s glad you defended her, she’s too embarrassed to say thanks.”

“You think so?”

“Definitely.”

“I dunno” I interject. “This is Nerva we’re talking about. She’s angry at Adam 24/7.”

“No I’m right. If I can read anyone, it’s Nerva.”

We make it back, everyone sitting eagerly in their seats, excited for things to begin once more. Nerva, without actually looking at Adam says “‘Bout time you made it back.”

“Y-yeah.” Adam responds.

“And you better not lose dumbass. If you lose I’m kicking your ass.”

Adam glances at Warren, who shrugs. I think Warren may be onto something. If you look beneath the surface, I think Nerva wished Adam luck.

“Welcome back son. Got the jitters out of you?” Jack inquires, looking down at his son with beaming eyes.

“N-no.”

“Ha! That’s to be expected.”

“Well folks, let’s get ready to rumble!” Emperor Marcus announces.

The crowd unsurprisingly reacts to his announcement.

“Dragon’s Descent, send out your representative!”

Armstrong gets up, taking in a deep breath but Jack springs up, yelling “We’re sending out my son! Adam Hardrada!”

In the midst of the crowd’s cheers I can’t help but look at Adam nonplussed. His last name is Hardrada? That’s a cool ass name. I would’ve expected his last name to be…Phillips or something. I dunno, something completely average. Hadrada is a warrior’s name. Adam awkwardly gets up, making his way past us to get into the arena proper. When he passes Nerva she crosses her arms, looking at the ground. He makes it to the railing, leaning on it, trying to figure out how he’s going to go down. Fortunately Jack decides for him.

“That’s my boy!” Jack exclaims, patting Adam on the back so hard he falls over, landing in the arena below onto his back.

“Owwwwwww” Adam moans.

“This is not going to end well going by his entrance” I comment.

“Nonsense.” Akane dispels. “He’s simply making a comic reference. Nondead + Nonluck, chapter 434. I remember it well.”

For some reason the people start to nod their heads in agreement, like that’s exactly the case. Adam gets up, looking nervously around.

“I really don’t think we’re winning this one,” Remi predicts. “Adam’s nice, but he’s not really a fighter.”

“Eh it’ll be fine” Nazuko dismisses. “Even if he loses, we’ll still be in the lead.”

“He is a healer. That will make things more difficult since he doesn’t use offensive magic” Lilith adds.

“Yeah but Azura’s a healer too and I’m pretty sure she can beat all of us up.”

The three girls nod their heads in agreement.

“I’ll…take that as a compliment” Azura voices.

“Now, Griffin’s Nest, send out your representative!” Marcus commands.

I scan the crowd, trying to figure out where their guild is. I hear a ruckus coming from the left. Turning my head I see they’re seated to the upper left, in the very back, right below their nobility. Like the guild, they are dressed in rags, looking like nomads except there’s a difference. Their robes have purple jewels embedded into the material along with golden glyphs on their sleeves. No matter which state it is, the nobility has to do something to separate them from everyone else. The only one that looks different is that jerk from earlier who antagonized all of us after Nerva confronted her dad. He’s seated in the far back, his eyes closed. He’s asleep ain’t he? Among the desert nomads one rises, and I immediately recognize that it’s the old man we met in the bathroom.

“Griffin’s Nest, chooses Donald Tunstall!” he bellows, shocking me with his booming voice.

Another one rises, his face obscured by his clothes. When he walks down to the railing I can’t help but notice that he has a massive lump on his back. Is he a hunchback? If he is, the hunch doesn’t appear to affect his movements because he effortlessly jumps down, the complete opposite of Adam’s entrance. He straightens his back, then cracks his neck. His hands are covered in white bandages. Adam looks on, terrified of his mysterious opponent.

“Heh, this is going to be a cakewalk” Jack pronounces, taking his seat.

“Where do you get your confidence from?” Armstrong inquires, perhaps realizing that this will not in fact be a cakewalk.

“Because he’s my son.”

“Fair maiden!” Luther bellows. “I wish you luck in your fight. No matter what happens, you will always be beautiful.”

“I wanna go home” Adam mutters.

“Begin!” Marcus shouts, hitting the gong with his hammer.

His opponent takes out a bandaged hand, grabbing his clothes. He whips them off in a flourish, revealing a muscular body underneath. He’s wearing a long sleeved red shirt with blue overalls. On his feet are large brown boots. He has a shaved head, with big bushy black eyebrows and silver eyes. On his back is some weird contraption that kinda looks like a vacuum cleaner. It’s a large container with a red lid filled with a rainbow colored liquid. On the side of is a nozzle with a grip and trigger attached.

“So you are the son of Jack Hardrada?” the man inquires.

Adam gulps in response.

“Yeah that’s my boy! Go Adam! Go Adam!” Jack cheers.

Dragon’s Descent joins in, everyone cheering Adam on. Instead of giving Adam confidence, it only appears to make him more nervous.

“Adam Hardrada, I will defeat you swiftly.”

“C-can we talk this out?” Adam meekly proposes. “Maybe we don’t have to fight.”

“Trying to use your charisma on me eh? It won’t work. I’ve honed my mind so much that not even succubi can affect me”

“Oh my, Adam has launched the first attack, seeking to make his opponent surrender without raising a finger. Perhaps he is well versed in psychological manipulation?” Marcus wonders.

“I would not be surprised.” Luther comments. “The fair maiden is truly charismatic.”

The audience for some reason starts to nod in agreement, saying it was an excellent attempt.

“No Adam Hardrada. We shall engage in a true brawl. Behold my first attack!” Tunstall announces, grabbing the nozzle.

He aims it into the air, pulling the trigger. A blue blob is shot from it, flying through the air before landing in between Adam and himself. The blob takes the shape of a ball, looking like Will’s slime. Little white dots pop out, looking at Adam.

“They call me the Slime Rancher!” Tunstall reveals. “And I shall defeat you with my slimes. You don’t stand a chance!”

Slimes? Aren’t those things harmless?

“Oh no.” Akane says. “Adam is in trouble. That slime can devour him.”

“But it’s just a slime,” Warren retorts.

“Exactly. If it ingests him. He’ll pass away in three years due to the slime’s digestive system.”

“The fight won’t last that long.”

“You never know.”

The slime slowly crawls its way to Adam, looking up at him.

“Aw it’s a slime” Adam gushes, picking the creature up.

“Oh my goodness he grabbed that wild creature like it was his pet!” Marcus says in shock.

The audience gasps.

“What a display of power. My mouth is truly agape” Luther reports, though he’s wearing a helmet.

“Hi little buddy” Adam greets the creature.

The slime stares, not doing anything.

“He’s completely tamed it!” someone shouts.

More gasps.

“H-how is this possible!?” Tunstall questions, baffled.

“Um…it’s just a slime.” Adam explains. “They’re harm-”

“If one isn’t enough, then I shall summon more!”

Tunstall shoots two more blobs from his contraption, landing between them once more. Two more slimes emerge. One green, the other red.

“Oh my! More slimes have been summoned. The fair maiden is truly outnumbered.” Luther commentates.

The two slimes roll their way to Adam. Adam eagerly picks up the two slimes, holding the three of them with glee.

“Aw you’re all so cute.”

The audience freaks out once more, in awe of this display of power that I guess exists.

“How!?” Tunstall asks in utter confusion.

“T-they’re still just slimes.”

“So you think you’ve won huh?”

“N-no not in the slightest.”

“You take my creatures, and claim them as your own. I’ll admit Adam Hardrada, you’re the most powerful foe I’ve ever faced.”

“I-I didn’t do anything.”

“I can’t believe it’s come to this. Time to unleash all of them. Including my most dangerous slimes.”

He aims the nozzle into the air, holding down the trigger. Dozens upon dozens of blobs are shot out into the air, landing all over the arena. The entire color spectrum fills the arena, looking like a bunch of crayons were dumped below. Slowly the slimes start to move around.

“You see Adam Hardrada, these aren’t your normal slimes. They include the most dangerous and rare variants on the planet. I spent my life collecting them. I never thought I’d have to use all of them in battle but-”

“Hehe yay slimes. There's so many.”

Adam is surrounded by the creatures but they all appear to be harmlessly crawling over him.

“Holy shit.” Tunstall curses.

“This is taking me back. This was like when I took Adam on his first hunt.” Jack reflects. “My wife and I took him out to hunt slimes. They crawled all over him like they are now.”

“Adam is good with animals” I admit.

“Indeed. My son is very charismatic. But it’s quite brutal. He killed them all. Truly an effective hunter that boy is.”

“Huh? How’d he do that?”

“He hugged them so hard they slipped out of his hands and fell off a cliff. I had never seen such a technique before so I was shocked.”

A slime that looks like it’s made of magma starts to approach Adam. He eagerly picks it up.

“Ha you fool!” Tunstall proclaims. “That’s an explosive slime! It’s going to detonate in your hands!”

Adam hugs the creature so hard it slips out of his hands, flying in arc, landing at Tunstall’s feet as the thing begins to glow.

“Oh no.”

The slime explodes, blowing Tunstall back.

“Oh no little buddy!” Adam cries.

Tunstall gets up, looking battered.

“My goodness, the first true blow has been struck!” Marcus announces. “And Adam has done it without even using his own ability. Will he truly win this fight without using any overt abilities of his own?”

The audience is shocked, seeing that Adam is winning without really doing anything. Adam’s not even trying right now, stuff is just happening. This is hilarious. More explosive slimes make their way to Adam, who is trying to back away from them.

“No, stay away little slimes. I don’t want to hurt you all”

Adam accidentally slips on a slime, inadvertently kicking it forward so that it hits Tunstall in the face. He falls onto his back, breaking the slime container. The slime rests on his face. He moans in pain.

“Oh no!” Adam hollers. “Um get away from me little slimes, go to your master, he needs help.”

The slimes stop moving, looking at Adam. For some reason they listen, slowly rolling their way to Tunstall. They climb on top of Tunstall, drowning him in affection.

“Nooo!!!!” he screams.

“What a genius move!” Luther exclaims with glee.

The explosive slimes gather on top, glowing brighter and brighter. Adam looks on with worry, realizing what he’s done.

“Wait I didn’t mean to-”

The slimes detonate, causing an explosion large enough to make Ryder proud. The slimes fly all over, splashing against the walls and floor. Adam is blown back as well, landing on his back. Around him are a bunch of colored splashes. Tunstall is in the same place, his body looking like charcoal. Fortunately he coughs, indicating that he’s alive.

“What a finale!” Marcus observes, making the audience erupt in excitement.

“Adam Hardrada, you truly are something special. You will win this tournament, using that overwhelming power of yours. I never stood a chance.” Tunstall concedes.

Adam sits up, looking around in confusion as the audience begins to chant his name.

“I-I didn’t do anything!”

It’s no use, the audience continues to cheer.

“Well Jack, guess you were right to place so much faith in your son” Armstrong admits.

Jack leans back, covering his head with his hat.

“Told you. My son is the best.”