Chapter 252 - Arena Inspection
The busy days have passed, and the sweltering heat of summer has faded. As autumn deepens, various matters have seen significant progress.
One of the major events is the inauguration of the Exembra Branch of the Magic Item Guild. This not only invigorated the surface society but also the underground world.
The Kikyo Society, the Clad Family, and the Anastasia Union, the Three Great Families, have strengthened their connections by leveraging the Magic Item Guild for mutual profit. This has contributed to the stability of the underground world, a development welcomed by many residents of Exembra.
With the rise in magic item-related businesses, the atmosphere has become increasingly festive as the major event approaches. After all, the Arena is about to fulfill its purpose.
The tournament, originally scheduled for spring, was postponed to this autumn. However, this delay has turned out to be a positive development.
Exembra is known as a thriving metropolis with rapid economic growth, attracting many young people seeking success. While the city has grown, driven by youthful energy, the underlying conflicts among the Five Great Families and emerging organizations have been a negative factor.
However, with the conflicts now resolved and the city stabilized, it has gained a favorable reputation among international merchants considering expansion. There has been a noticeable increase in specific business negotiations and inquiries from various guilds, indicating a promising future for Exembra's development.
Moreover, the Kingdom of Brenark, home to Exembra, has gained significant attention. The recent conflict, where the kingdom successfully dealt a heavy blow to the Medek-Legisamo Empire, has drawn considerable attention.
The organizations now reigning as the Three Great Families in Exembra, including the Anastasia Union, have also gained recognition for their contributions during the war. The Anastasia Union, being more visible, has received the most praise, while the Clad Family and our organization, working behind the scenes, have also gained prominence.
With all this attention, the tournament is set to be a grand event. Not only the residents of the city but people from across the continent are eagerly anticipating it. The excitement is palpable.
Of course, the tournament's popularity is not solely due to the attention it has garnered. The organizers have packed it with various attractions, making it an event like no other.
"Yukari, we're almost there. Are you still sleepy?"
"I'm already awake, so I'm fine. The jeep's vibrations were making me drowsy. Ah, I can see it now."
Today, with the tournament approaching, I decided to make a final inspection. The Arena and its surrounding facilities are already well-prepared, but as a board member of the organizing committee, and with the actual operations managed by the Kikyo Society, I feel responsible for a final check.
I plan to leave the overall coordination to Zenobia, the head of the Security Bureau, but I will also rely on the help of other team members, especially in the initial stages.
"Let's start with the exterior. I've been here many times, so I'm confident it's fine, but it would be embarrassing if there were any dirt or damage on the opening day. Even if the Security Bureau members check the details, I want to take a quick look myself."
"Sure, I've only seen the front properly, so let's take a full tour."
We decided to drive around the large parking lot adjacent to the Arena and complete a full circle.
As our vehicle slowly moved, some of Zenobia's subordinates greeted us with hand signals. The Arena is not just a significant asset for the Kikyo Society but also for the city and the country. While there are few who would dare to cause trouble at such a place, security is still a top priority.
The circular road around the Arena is wide, and with non-participants currently restricted, the drive is smooth and comfortable. The Arena is not only massive in size but also beautifully adorned with sculptures and decorations, making it a magnificent and artistic marvel.
"How big is it, exactly?"
"From what I recall, the diameter is around 280 meters, the height is nearly 60 meters, and it can seat over 60,000 spectators."
Wow, the specific numbers really highlight its grand scale. It's like a slightly larger version of the famous Roman Colosseum, with a similar atmosphere.
Functionally, it's equipped with various magical devices, creating a multidimensional facility.
"There are quite a few entrances, too."
"Indeed, there are 77 in total. Two are for security and equipment, one is for the combatants, and two are for VIPs. The rest are for the general public."
With so many entrances, a significant number of Security Bureau members will be needed for crowd control. More security personnel will be required inside, and the Kikyo Society alone won't suffice.
Therefore, we've decided to hire many external security personnel, mainly retired soldiers, mercenaries, and adventurers. This arrangement is well-received politically, as it aligns with the needs of the administrative districts and guilds, and it functions like a public works project.
Beyond security, the employment opportunities from food stalls and other facilities have also increased, garnering high interest from the guilds and regular residents.
While listening to Zenobia's stories, we completed a full circle and returned to the front. We then got out of the vehicle and entered the Arena.
From the outside, the Arena is elliptical and bowl-shaped, with the spectator stands surrounding a lower central area. The central area is probably larger than half a baseball field and extends to about two basement levels deep.
Combatants will fight in this central area, which is simply covered with white sand. The white sand might be intended to highlight the red of blood, though it's not clear if that was the intention.
"I heard the safety measures were fully supported by the Magic Item Guild. Are they in place?"
"They were surprisingly quick, considering the equipment had to be shipped from the Headquarters."
"Oh, right. They can't produce those at the Branch."
"Having a protective magic device for the spectator stands is the pinnacle of luxury. Without the full support of the Magic Item Guild Branch, it wouldn't have been possible. The Kikyo Society's connections are impressive."
Indeed, with the spectator stands protected by a protective barrier, combatants can use long-range attacks without hesitation. This is a significant feature.
According to reports, only a few arenas in the world are equipped with such facilities, which adds to the tournament's appeal.
The costs and bonuses are substantial, but considering the future benefits, they are a worthwhile investment, making everyone happy.
"Well, we've had our share of challenges, but they've all led us to this point. By the way, what about the roof? How do you handle rain? Is there a magical solution for that too?"
The Arena has no ceiling. While there are roofs over some areas, the central part and the upper stands will get wet in the rain.
"Special devices are installed to ensure the event can proceed smoothly in bad weather or at night. Additionally, the design ensures that direct sunlight hits any spectator for no more than twenty minutes. The VIP stands are completely shaded and can be made invisible to other spectators using magical devices."
"Wow, that's thorough. So, it's possible to attend incognito. That's nice."
Indeed, every detail has been meticulously considered.
"Our staff stands aren't as luxurious, but that's understandable. If we need any additional amenities, we can always add them later. So, let's go check the combatant facilities next."
Combatants are the stars of the Arena. While I imagine gladiators as slave warriors, such combatants do not exist publicly here.
Most combatants are professional fighters who compete for money, prizes, and honor. They are similar to professional athletes.
They receive substantial rewards from ticket sales and betting. Some have patrons, but I haven't heard of the state directly sponsoring any.
Thus, combatants come in various types. Some strive to improve their skills, some fight for financial gain, and others aim for fame.
"Have the final participant numbers been determined?"
"Yes, the recruitment was closed after reaching 5,000 participants. Unless special invitations are extended to famous combatants, the number won't increase."
Many renowned combatants from across the continent are expected to participate. The timing, when other major tournaments have concluded, makes it easier to attract participants. It's a fortunate situation.
But 5,000 participants is a lot. Many seem to be casual entrants.
"It's much more than I expected... I'm a bit worried about handling such a large scale for the first time."
"I understand. However, once we get through this, future events will be smoother. While the number is large, only a fraction are professional combatants. The rest are likely skilled amateurs. We plan to use a sieve-like system to filter out the less experienced."
We've left the specifics to the relevant parties, but the tournament will follow a straightforward knockout system. Seeded combatants will join later stages, while the initial rounds will feature multiple simultaneous matches in the vast Arena, significantly reducing the time required.
As the number of participants narrows, we'll hold individual matches to create a more special atmosphere. Many local residents will be attending their first tournament, so even lower-level matches will be enjoyable at first.
The higher-level matches will then highlight the skill differences, making the experience even more exciting.
"Many strong combatants are participating. I'm looking forward to watching."
"A former champion from the Kingdom of Brenark is returning. Additionally, famous combatants from Belizza and the southern continent are also expected. The event is bound to be thrilling, and we anticipate high-quality matches."
That's truly exciting.
"The title of 'First Champion' of the Exembra Arena can only be earned here, and the prize money is substantial. Anyone with free time would want to participate. I would have joined if I weren't involved in the organization."
Indeed, the prize money is a major draw. The grand prize is 500 million Gist, equal to the annual tournament in Belizza. While we've kept it from surpassing that to show respect, the impact is still significant. Various sponsors have also pledged additional prizes.
The runner-up will receive 100 million Gist, third place 50 million, fourth place 30 million, and so on, with participants earning at least 30,000 Gist for appearing.
Including the secondary prizes, the total prize pool is nearly 1 billion Gist, a lavish sum that guarantees significant publicity. Despite the high costs, the expected returns are even greater, making this a major success even before it begins.
Now, we must ensure it ends in success to set a strong foundation for future events.
"Besides the prize money, I think Rosabel-san's presence is a significant factor. Knowing she's here provides a great sense of security."
"Indeed. We owe a lot to her reputation."
Rosabel, the living legend and healer, is a crucial presence. The assurance that any injury, short of death, can be fully healed is incredibly appealing to combatants.
While killing is strictly forbidden, accidents happen. Her presence provides peace of mind, not just for those who might be injured but also for those who might cause injuries.
With her, the combination of her reputation, the prize money, the timing, the facilities, and the attention it has garnered, this event is already shaping up to be something extraordinary.
While talking with Zenobia, we entered the luxurious combatant facilities.