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——Though it was just a fluke, being able to take a point off Tytus means your upcoming opponents should be manageable.

You've developed your own Arts techniques, but it doesn't seem to work against particularly strong opponents, unfortunately.

For example, if the Left-hand Knight had fought seriously from the start, you would've probably lost even if there were four of you.

I can teach you swordsmanship and tactics, and you can ask V about archery techniques. He may not look it, but back in the day V was an expert your granddad respected.

——But when it comes to Arts, you are the only one who can grasp your light.

Got it?

Mm-hm!

Yes... Even though there were unexpected incidents, our plans are progressing on schedule.

What? No, you're overestimating our clients. There will definitely not be any condemnation from the audience. They're not a particularly moral bunch.

Yes, you're right. I am very thankful for the two... helpers you've provided me.

I will ensure that they all receive an excellent report.

Bless you, sir.

...And now, everything is ready.

Let us await the beginning of this remarkable competition.

Oh... you're back.

Didn't they promise no rain? Why'd it still end up raining...?

Hmph... You really can't believe all that crap they put on TV, whether it's news, sports or weather forecasts.

What about Maria! Ain't the competition today?

I've got food and wine for the both of you.

How was it?

...Whaddya mean how was it? It's been so long... There's a few less this year too.

Always less of us to visit the captain's grave.

*Sigh*... She said she'd challenge me to a drinking contest, but she left before the booze was even poured.

...Forget it, it's all in the past.

Yeah... Who'd have expected that the two of you really stayed single your entire lives for her sake.

Stop twisting the knife. Out with the wine!

That's right! Enough talk about who's still alive and who's not. We're here to enjoy Maria's performance!

Cheers, Kowal!

Cheers! V!

Here's a great bargain for today, self-service for all drinks. Help me watch the joint.

Oh? Is it free?

In your dreams.

Where're you going?

The arena.

Huh? You got ahold of a ticket?

...I got someone to get me one. Tickets nowadays are so overpriced.

That's called business.

Good day, sir. Here's the midday sports news.

Thanks, kid. Have some milk.

Nice! Thank you, sir!

The midday sports news, huh——

——Wait, what's this?

Welcome! Welcommme, one and allllll, to the Fireblade Arena!

The previous match just ended, and the blood of the 'Softwind' Knight still stains the ground. But that's just seasoning for the next battle!

No doubt, everybody's here today to witness the splendor of Nearl——! This lassie here may yet be young, but she's already done miracles before our very eyes!

We'll have an extra short break. In just ten minutes the temporary duo of Maria Nearl and the Fartooth Knight will——

Go against this year's rookies——The alliance of vengeance formed by elites of past years who've failed to enter the Major——The Snowyheel Knightclub!

A brand new legend versus the blade of vengeance, in an all-new two-on-two point match. What an unbelievably thrilling sight! The match shall begin soooon!

Maria, your wounds?

Right! They're much better now! It's all thanks to you taking care of me!

Alright, I believe you.

...Mm!

Hmm, she's late... Fartooth has always been bad with time.

It doesn't matter, as long as she makes it here before the match——

Miss Maria! Miss Maria Nearl! Please head over to the waiting room and get ready! We're about to begin!

Ah. It's about to begin...

I'd better get going, Zofia.

...Yes.

...Zofia? Where's Maria?

Marcin? Why're you here?

Oh... I get it. You're still waiting for the Fartooth Knight.

She's not coming.

——What?

Here, the sports page.

Hmm... The Fartooth Knight... seriously injured?!

She got dragged into a fight between knight fans and is now MIA.

At least, that's what the paper says.

Wait...she got dragged into a fight?

This must be fake. What kind of fan violence can cause a battle-hardened knight to 'disappear'?

Wait... could it be...

Right now, the question is what do we do for the match?

Something is wrong, Zofia. Just think about it.

Maria has to forfeit! We're out of time, follow me——

No rest for the wicked, eh——What? You still think we're letting them rest too much? Come on, we've got to at least act like we're clearing up the battlefield, alright?

How many of you are here for Nearl?! How many of you want to see the lovely Nearl?!

Speaking for myself here, as someone who's followed every step this super rookie has taken, I've personally watched this prize pool grow to the king's ransom it is today!

Let's look at the numbers! Right here, right now, in every city, every village in the country, the crowd watching this fight is in the hundreds of thousands!

Who do we have to thank for this?! I'm sure we all know!

But! I have some tragic news. The Fartooth Knight suffered heavy injuries in the incident last night and remains missing!

Even so! Maria did not choose to forfeit! She steps into a two on one fight completely undeterred!

Let me see how much her bravery means to each and every one of you!

Presenting——The hottest rookie of this season! Nearl's little knight, Maria Nearl!

Oh no, is she not here yet? What should I do...?

...No, I can't give up easily. To give up before I've even begun is to disrespect knighthood!

Knighthood...yes, knighthood.

And on the other side! Two veterans of the Snowyheel Knightclub!

Back in their old Knightclubs, they failed to make it into the Major two seasons in a row. Looking for a way out, they finally ended up together in this Knightclub of vengeance!

The two members of the Snowyheel Knightclub here today are also well-known knights! They are——

A sudden deafening sound interrupts the announcer.

Wait, what's this? Am I seeing things?

N-no, there's a weird smell, it's really gross——

What's happening?!

Heavy footsteps resound within the twenty thousand seat arena.

As people regain their senses, the entire place remains silent.

...Ugh.

A rare occurance in the world of knight sports. In a place that should be packed with vivacious enjoyment, tens of thousands of tourists and spectators hold their breaths, as if listening for the source of the footsteps.

The first to grasp it are VIPs on the grandstand, themselves knights.

...Is that fog on the field? Originium Arts? Or some special equipment?

Is there anyone like that in the Snowyheel Knightclub... hmm...?

...No. Not them. It can't be them.