Chapter 267 - The First Champion and His Wish
Garcia's strategy of overwhelming with magical attacks is flashy and impressive. His rapid-fire performance leaves no room for the opponent to play tricks.
But Shamrock is no slouch. He dodges the barrage of small yet powerful spells with exceptional physical prowess and keen judgment.
While the attacker's magic reserves are a concern, the dodger's focus and stamina are what worry us. However, Garcia still has plenty of magic power to spare. His continuous magical bombardment shows no signs of running out. It's hard to imagine how Shamrock can keep dodging without getting hit, let alone turn the tide.
To the untrained eye, it might look like a race to see who runs out of energy first, but the outcome is already clear.
"Leader, this is the decisive moment, isn't it?"
"That's right. Now it depends on whether Shamrock has a trump card to break this deadlock."
The Leader, who doesn't say much, clearly understands that Garcia will win if things continue this way.
But even a trump card can be tricky. Strong fighters usually have a few up their sleeves, but a trump card that works in every situation is rare. It depends on whether the current predicament aligns with the card they have.
"Oh! What's that? Shamrock's sword is glowing blue!"
As Margaret points out, the silver sword has changed color. It looks like he’s about to use his trump card. Is it a last-ditch effort, or can it truly turn the tide?
Shamrock's concentration on dodging seems to have slipped, and he takes a few hits from fire spells. The damage doesn't look minor, but he doesn't give up. He continues dodging, and his trump card is about to be unleashed.
Garcia, not silent, increases the density of his attacks, but it’s not enough to stop Shamrock.
The tension among the spectators rises. Everyone understands that the outcome will be decided by how the trump card works.
"Don't miss it, it’s about to happen."
The Leader kindly announces the timing, and the audience holds its breath in anticipation.
Just before the trump card activates, a spell hits Shamrock's foot, and the trump card is unleashed simultaneously.
It's a decisive, all-or-nothing move, like a meteoric strike. A brilliant blue light beam pierces through just above Garcia.
At first, it seems to have missed, but it was a feint. Almost at the same moment, a silver sword shoots from Shamrock's hand like a streak of silver, moving so fast that even I would struggle to react in time. The attack is undoubtedly powerful.
The silver streak grazes Garcia, passing through and exploding in a burst of sand when it hits the white sand ground.
The attack shattered the side of Garcia’s armor, but he doesn’t fall. Instead, he continues his barrage of spells, hitting Shamrock head-on. The impact envelops Shamrock in an explosion.
The referee, Rosabel, quickly steps in with a small shield, and the accompanying officials deploy defensive magic, stopping the match. It's over.
A moment of silence is followed by thunderous applause.
"Decisive! It's decided! The counterattack narrowly missed, and Garcia has claimed victory! The champion is decided! The first champion of the Exembra Championship is the young fighter Garcia from Berliza!"
Margaret's victory announcement echoes through the cheering crowd, where the sounds of praise and the mixed emotions of bettors swirl together.
Garcia, the winner, seems to have taken a nasty hit to his side, as he kneels, clearly in pain. However, Rosabel and Colette are already on the scene, tending to the injuries of both fighters. They should recover without issues.
"Well, Leader, what did you think of Shamrock's final attack?"
"A very close call. Using a conspicuous blue wind spell as a decoy to launch the sword, if that had landed perfectly, the winner would have been Shamrock. However, the hit Garcia made just before the attack slightly altered its trajectory. It was a brilliant combination of attack and defense."
"Indeed, the battle was decided in an instant. As you heard, it was a match where either could have won! Let's give a big round of applause to both fighters for this spectacular battle!"
As the commentator says, the timing of the hit before the trump card made the difference. If the attack hadn't been deflected, Garcia might have lost.
We stand and applaud, genuinely impressed by the fight. It was a high-stakes, intense battle fitting for the first champion. Many in the audience will remember it as a classic match.
"This is the last big task, I'm heading back to work."
"Alright, let's celebrate after. Come back soon."
"Zenobia, it’s all up to you."
Zenobia stands to complete the final task, but I stay in the observation booth to see it through.
As Margaret and the Leader continue discussing the final match, the healing of Shamrock and Garcia is completed, and it's time for the winner's interview. Shamrock quietly retreats to the locker room.
"Garcia, Garcia! Congratulations on becoming the first champion of the Exembra Championship! How do you feel right now?"
"Phew, it was close. I feel lucky. I'm really happy to have won against Shamrock. This is the best feeling ever."
Garcia answers the Public Relations Bureau member with a bright and cheerful demeanor. Fighters are often rough and tough, but Garcia seems quite approachable.
The audience, who are mostly staying, seem to have a good impression of Garcia.
After a few routine questions, Garcia says something unexpected.
"Sorry, can I ask a favor? Leader, can you hear me?"
What's he up to? Is he an acquaintance of the Leader?
The Leader, who couldn't ignore such a call from a champion, responds.
"I didn't expect to be addressed, but first, congratulations on your win."
"Thank you! Since I’ve won, could you grant me one request?"
"Are you asking for a prize? I’d be happy to grant it if it’s within reason, given we’re from the same city."
This is an odd exchange.
They could have a private meeting later. But the Leader wouldn't turn down a champion's request for a meeting.
We, the audience, watch this unexpected interaction with great interest.
"Then, Leader, fight me! I came here to fight the strongest fighter in the history of the Berliza Championship, you!"
What a passionate plea.
We were told Garcia came in second last year in Berliza, and there was a tournament this summer. Neither Garcia nor Shamrock’s recent records were mentioned, but maybe they came to the Exembra Championship to challenge the Leader.
"Please!"
His sincere request, far from arrogant, is endearing. He already won over the audience with his attitude during the interview.
Even if the Leader is reluctant, it’s hard to ignore such a heartfelt plea from a young champion.
I think he should just do it, but the Leader remains expressionless and replies coldly.
"I'm sorry, but I retired from fighting a long time ago. It would only disappoint you."
"No, it won’t! I’m sure you’re still strong."
I agree. From what I see, the Leader is definitely stronger than Garcia.
But I understand the Leader’s hesitation. It’s one thing to step in when you’re retired, but it’s another to beat a champion. The Leader might have his reasons, and it’s not for others to force him.
"Any other wish, and I'll consider it."
"My only wish is to fight a strong opponent! Please, Leader."
He’s genuinely passionate about becoming stronger. Garcia keeps pleading, but the Leader doesn’t seem swayed.
I catch the Leader glancing at me, but it’s probably just my imagination. Overthinking isn’t good.
"Then I'll introduce you to a strong fighter I endorse. How about that?"
"What do you mean by that...?"
"This conversation is over. Wait in the locker room, and I'll fulfill your wish later."
The Leader ends the conversation and leaves the booth.
"Wow, this is getting complicated. I might just go home."
"The Leader was looking at you, Onee-sama."
"Yeah. Yukari, you should hear the champion out."
"Why me? Gradena or Valeria could do it."
"I could, but this is a chance to recruit him from the Berliza Championship."
"Onee-sama can do it easily."
Hmm, what should I do?
The champion has already been rewarded with prize money and other perks. But if there’s a benefit for us, it’s worth considering.
Bringing the first champion to the Exembra Arena would be significant. It would boost training and inspire other challengers. It would also avoid the risk of the champion never competing again and would be a favor to the Leader.
But I’m hesitant because Garcia is the first champion, and a fresh one at that.
Defeating him would be a real letdown. So, no public match. A secret one might be okay, though. Only Kikyo Society members could watch.
"President, you have a guest."
"Must be the Leader. I’ll be right there."
I know it’s the Leader before the Security Bureau member even calls me.
Fine, let’s talk. If he agrees to our terms, I might consider it.
"Onee-sama, can I watch?"
"Already starting it?"
"Yep. Once the guests leave, we’ll get it over with. But only if he agrees to my terms. Also, get the staff to clear out anyone who’s not one of us."
After instructing Gradena, I walk down the aisle and talk to the Leader.
"Hey, why are you passing this to me? You could have done it."
"I apologize. I can’t keep accepting every challenge. But this might be a good opportunity."
"I won’t argue. But let him negotiate the terms. It’ll be quicker."
"Alright. Recruiting him to the Exembra Arena, then?"
"Yes, but he has to commit for at least three years. If he agrees, I’ll take him on. And this fight will be kept secret. Even you can’t watch."
"Me too?"
"Do you want to peek at a woman’s secret? That’s a bad hobby."
The Leader lets out a sigh, and I remind him that this is a favor to him. I follow him to the locker room.
"We’ll start as soon as the audience leaves. Sort out the details first. I’ll wait over there."
I point to the direction and head to the sandy battlefield, waiting for the audience to leave.
The arena, once noisy, now feels eerily quiet and empty. It’s like the aftermath of a festival.
As I reflect on the long preparation, the two of them approach, having settled the terms.
"Is... is this her?"
"Calling her 'this' right away? How rude."
I’m tall for a woman and have a commanding presence. I don’t look weak, but compared to the muscular Garcia, a fight seems mismatched. But that’s a testament to my superior magical skills.
"Agreed to all the terms. It’s up to you now."
"Well, thanks for the commentary. Let’s get started."
This is his request, so even if there’s a benefit for us, I’m doing it reluctantly.
In the Exembra Arena, the Leader of the world’s top organization, the Anastasia Union, and I, the head of the Kikyo Society, are equals. I won’t hold back.
The Leader leaves, chuckling, as Garcia looks confused.
In the end, the fight is on.
The main arena events will continue next time.