Chapter 261 - Intermission and Unexpected Visitors
Even though the exhibition match was a memorable event, the Kikyo Society has no time to rest.
With the main tournament looming, the final preparations are pressing down on everyone. The festival is just beginning, and unexpected issues always arise at the last minute. We all knew this would happen, and we're ready for the challenge.
While some participants from distant parts of the continent arrived late, most have completed their registrations by the day before the tournament.
With a massive entry of five thousand participants, it's impossible for everyone to arrive on time, and dropouts are not uncommon. However, the star attractions we invited are all present, which is reassuring.
The invited fighters likely enjoyed yesterday's exhibition match and are now rekindling their fighting spirit.
We've also lent motorcycles to the invited fighters, allowing them to explore the city. This is a personal touch to ensure they enjoy their stay in Exembra and feel appreciated.
Back at the office, I spend my time reading through mountains of reports, time flying by.
"Is this schedule really going to work?"
Frederica, taking a tea break beside me, expresses her concerns.
"There's no point in worrying. The Anastasia Union's advisors have given their input, so it should be fine."
"I understand, but..."
With five thousand participants in a tournament, there will be five thousand matches. The tournament spans fifty days, but to complete all the matches, we need to average a hundred matches per day. At first, it seemed impossible, but it turns out the matches are quick due to the high lethality of the weapons and magic. Most matches don't last long, and the early rounds are designed to quickly weed out weaker contestants, often four at a time. Matches can run from morning until night to keep the schedule on track.
"There will be plenty of trouble, though. With so many rough characters, the schedule won't go smoothly. We need an organization like ours to manage the participants."
The early rounds will narrow the field to fifty, after which the seeded invited fighters join. These matches will be more competitive and highly anticipated.
"Indeed. The audience will fill the stands for the entire duration."
Every match is a betting opportunity, and with over sixty thousand spectators, the stakes are enormous.
The daily ticket sales for betting are expected to reach at least a hundred billion Gist, possibly even a hundred fifty billion or two hundred billion.
The betting ticket sales yield a twenty percent profit, and our share is twenty-five percent of that. So, with a hundred billion Gist in sales, the event's profit is twenty billion Gist, and our share is five billion Gist per day. After deducting costs, it's still a massive profit.
This profit allows us to offer a five-billion Gist grand prize with ease.
There are also revenues from entry fees and concessions, likely adding up to over three hundred billion Gist for the entire event.
Additionally, the influx of tourists will boost gambling, lodging, and dining businesses, further enriching the city.
It's not just a win for the Kikyo Society but for the entire city of Exembra.
"It's a bit premature, but what about the next event?"
"The next tournament?"
"Yes, with such significant economic benefits, it wouldn't be surprising if discussions for the next event start soon."
"We're still evaluating this one. There will likely be a similar-scale event next year, but the details are still undecided."
I plan to hold a major tournament once a year in the fall, with smaller events in the other seasons. This will ensure a steady stream of revenue and help with staff retention and fighter development.
Other countries also hold large tournaments in the fall, so it makes sense for Exembra to follow suit.
While the exact schedule might already be set, it's too early to discuss the next event while the current tournament is still to begin.
"The talks might start right after the tournament or even before it ends."
"You're probably right. But for now, I want everyone to focus on the current event."
I have some ideas for the future, but I want everyone to concentrate on the present. My plans might change, and I want to see how this tournament goes first.
I do plan to expand the Kikyo Society, and with unlimited resources, I'll continue to seek new opportunities and ways to invest.
"I'll go check on the city."
"It might be crowded at this hour, and you're going alone?"
"Valeria is at the arena, and I don't have any specific errands. I just want to clear my head after all the paperwork."
I put on my dark cloak and headed out.
I have two options: the large cruiser-type Bloomstar Galaxy and a smaller mid-size motorcycle.
Today, I choose the smaller, strikingly blue-and-gold motorcycle.
"Naming it, Neutronstar Andromeda, let's go!"
I straddle the motorcycle, infuse it with magic, and the engine hums pleasantly. I leave the garage, ready for my ride.
However, my adventure ends quickly as I enter Sixth Avenue.
"...Too many people."
I wanted to take a leisurely ride to check the city, but the streets are too crowded. Frederica was right about the crowds, but I didn't expect this level of congestion.
It's not impossible to ride, but it's not enjoyable, and I have no desire to go far. So, I decide to turn back.
I'm starting to doubt if the motorcycles will be used much. They might be more effective for attention-seekers, but it's hard to say.
I loop around the less crowded Lightning Street and return to the headquarters, parking the Neutronstar Andromeda in the garage. I feel a bit disheartened.
"Yukari? You're back already? But I'm glad you're here. We have a guest."
"A guest?"
I enter the main hall, where Frederica greets me. A partition separates the room, and a guest is seated on the other side.
I wonder who it could be as I approach.
On the other side of the partition is a large, bear-like beastman, a strong and imposing figure. I recognize him from somewhere.
"I apologize for the late visit. I'm deeply grateful for your help that day."
"What...?"
"You don't remember? I was one of the slaves you rescued in Narctopress Forest."
"Narctopress... Ah! That time."
I remember now. Before our expedition to the western continent, we visited a cluster of small countries in the south. Narctopress was one of them. We were looking for the McDallian family's drug plant when we stumbled upon a suspicious hut. Inside were many slaves, and the bear beastman in front of me was one of the leaders we rescued.
The incident is memorable for the improved magic-sealing bracelets we received as a token of gratitude. They were valuable and sold for a good price to collectors, and we still have some in stock.
"I promised to thank you. I'm late, but please accept this gift."
He hands me a leather bag, and I sit down on the sofa.
"What is this?"
"A specialty from my village. I had nothing else to offer, but please take a look."
I open the bag to find transparent, oddly shaped stones—gemstones in their raw form.
Most are tourmaline crystals, predominantly green and pink. They are large, and some could fetch a decent price.
One particular stone, green on the outside and red inside, resembles a watermelon and is quite unique. Beyond its monetary value, it's a beautiful piece for display.
"Thank you. But is it alright to give me so much? Is your village doing well?"
"You saved my life. My village is not wealthy, but this is the best we could offer."
"I can't refuse, then. Thank you. Since you've come all this way, tell me about what happened after we left."
The rescued beastmen, despite being formidable warriors, were captured and enslaved by the Snake Head Society. They used magic-sealing bracelets and took hostages to control the men. After we freed them, rather than fleeing, they chose to seek revenge. The fact that this bear beastman is here suggests they succeeded.
"Without the hostages, we wouldn't have lost. After you left, they came back at night, about ten of them. We took them all down. It was all thanks to you."
"I'm glad to hear that. You've rebuilt your village and come here."
He speaks matter-of-factly, perhaps not wanting to dwell on the painful memories. It's a good story, but I won't press him further.
"By the way, what do you think of these stones?"
"From my assessment, they're not bad. It's hard to say exactly, but a large piece, bigger than my hand, in its raw form could sell for around seventy to eighty million Gist. If it's a high-quality piece, it could go higher."
They need polishing to be sure, but they seem free of impurities and have good color and size. Tourmaline isn't the most valuable gemstone, but a well-polished, impurity-free piece could be worth up to thirty million Gist. As a non-expert, I can only give a rough estimate, but I don't think it's far off.
"I see. By the way, I have a favor to ask."
"Ah, Village Chief, welcome. Sorry, but Yukari is busy with another guest—"
The bear beastman was just about to ask something when another visitor arrived.
The timing is good, with the tournament about to start and many acquaintances likely to visit.