Chapter 694 - The Crown is Here
“—Heeeeey! So yeah, yeah, yeah, with that out of the way, I'm sure all you lovely people in the audience have absolutely no idea what's going on anymore!!!”
“So energetic.”
“And so, the passion left on the stage by our two 'pinnacles' who did whatever the heck they wanted still hasn't cooled down! And like they don't give a damn whether we've been able to swallow that super-thick steak of an appetizer, the Triangle Duo mercilessly continues!!!”
“It's very lively, isn't it?”
“And our usual guest MC spot is already the most luxurious version ever, right from the get-go! They themselves look so inspiringly calm and composed, but! To be honest, leading these two is way too much for me, so I'd like to just erase my presence and become a wall!!!”
“Do your best.”
“Nonomi-san, how long has it been since we last met? Have you been well?”
“I think you can see for yourself.”
“That... fufu, it seems so. I am glad.”
“Honestly, as a fan, I'd rather just listen to them talk forever!!! But since I'm me, and this is my job! I have to work for my pay, so I'll reluctantly mix myself in! Please don't call me an impurity, I'll cry, you know—!!!”
◇◆◇◆◇
Not on the four giant displays—but on the countless small, translucent, ethereal screens projected to float in the air, regardless of whether it was on the stage or in the audience seats.
What was being shown on those broadcast screens were one plus two commentators, or rather, hype-men.
The former was none other than the former idol MC. And the latter two were the guest slots, nominated for each match from the ranked players based on a pre-event audience survey.
It was a fun, traditional event at every Triangle Duo, and a public execution feared by those who were not good with words. And so, for the third tournament, the opening act was, without a doubt, naturally chosen to be the [Sword Queen] and the [Sword Saint], but...—
“—...Hah, this is just... a total mess.”
“Well, can't be helped. Just like the Four Pillars War two years ago, this is an exception. We've got no choice but to go wild.”
“I get that, but...”
It was only natural. Their casual MC-ing, which made it hard to believe they were the ones who had just performed that heart-shaking sword dance, made him feel the same as the main host: just let them do this forever.
The audience was going wild, so wild it was almost exasperating. Do they even see us, the players who just entered the arena...? Well, it was hard to blame them for thinking that way.
After all, they were in a similar state of mind as the audience.
Following the mind-boggling, out-of-this-world opening act, was the true opening match. The young man who had once again stepped onto the stage—Tetra, also known as [Undying]—exchanged a wry smile with his partner.
“You think they'd forgive us for complaining about this, right? I already hate fighting in front of a crowd, but doing it in this weird atmosphere is just too much.”
“I couldn't agree more. As great as the Princess and the Sword Saint are, they're going to have to give us a proper 'sorry for making things so awkward' apology later.”
“Totally. In that case, give 'em a piece of your mind for me too, Auerin-senpai.”
“Yeah, leave it to... wait, why'd you just dump it all on me?”
Yes, while exchanging some half-hearted banter.
While jokingly trading complaints about the two performers of the opening act who had stolen the spotlight and excitement with their merciless charisma.
They locked eyes with their opponents across the stage—the [Poet & Cloud-Hider] pair who had teleported in with them—and muttered their shared, desperate resolve.
““““—Just you watch.””””
The opening act was just that, an opening act. All it needed to do was leave behind enough heat to carry over to the next stage. It was unacceptable to let them hog the spotlight and the audience's hearts forever.
That was probably a consideration on the part of the [Sword Saint].
She had sealed away all manner of excessive power and colored the opening with a pure exchange of 'skill'. In other words, there was plenty of 'room' left.
Room to paint the stage in a spectacular fashion and win even greater excitement.
[Adamant], [Undying], [Poet], [Cloud-Hider]—all of them had come here with their original plans and moods completely blown away.
Four men. As much as they respected the 'Strongest' and the 'Supreme' from the bottom of their hearts... they weren't about to quietly lose out to two beautiful women in a brawl.
Fueled by passion, they made a declaration.
To the crowd, who looked on, still captivated.
To the crowd, who had expectations, but had already set a ceiling on them.
To the crowd, who somewhere in their hearts, were already satisfied, thinking 'I'm glad I came.'
—Don't be ridiculous. The real show starts now.
As the interface lighting up in the void announced the start of the match.
“—[Zeruekusu Dekusutora (Severed Adamant Body)].”
[Adamant],
“—[Epitaphate Dark (Innocent King Enthroned in Shadow)].”
[Undying],
“—[Re-Jester (Singing, Playing Cavern)].”
[Poet],
“—[Olcamulus (Omnipresent Void)].”
[Cloud-Hider],
They each raised their crowns, announcing their 'names' for all to see.
As if to simply embody the fact that they, too, stood at the pinnacle.
First Round, Block A: [Adamant & Undying] vs [Poet & Cloud-Hider]
All things considered, the biggest victim here is the impurity (Nonomi-chan).