kscans

Chapter 694 - The Crown is Here

"—Heeey! Alright, alright, alright, so with that, I’m sure none of you in the audience have been able to process what just happened, but!!!"

*"You’re energetic."

"And so, the two at the top did whatever the heck they wanted, and the heat they left on the stage is still smoldering! They don’t give a damn whether we’ve been able to swallow that super-thick steak of an appetizer, and the Triangle Duo is mercilessly continuing!!!"

*"It's very lively, isn't it?"

"So, our usual guest MC spot is starting off with the most luxurious version ever! The two of them are so calm and composed it’s almost moving! But to be honest, it’s way too much for me to lead them, so I just want to disappear 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… hehe, it seems so. I’m glad."

"Honestly, as a fan, I just want to listen to them talk forever!!! But I’m also a thing, and I have a job to do! So I have to work for my pay, and reluctantly I shall insert myself, so please don’t call me an impurity, I’ll cry!!!"

◇◆◇◆◇

Not on the four giant displays—but projected countless times, floating in the air throughout the stage and spectator seats, were small, translucent, intangible screens.

On those broadcast screens were the commentators, or rather, the hype-squad: one person times two.

The former was none other than the former idol MC. And the latter two were the guest slots, nominated from the roster of ranker players for each match, based on a pre-event audience poll.

It was a fan-favorite event of every Triangle Duo, and a public execution for the less talkative members. And so, for the third tournament, the top batters were, without question, the Sword Queen and the Sword Saint…

"—…Hah, this is just… a total mess."

"Well, can’t be helped. Just like the Four Pillars two years ago, this is an exception. We’ve got no choice but to go wild."

"I get that, but…"

Of course, it was only natural. They were acting so laid-back, you’d never guess they were the ones who had just performed that heart-pounding dance of blades at the summit. Just like the main MC, my heart was screaming keep it up forever.

The roaring crowd was so ecstatic, I had to wonder if they were even watching us as we entered… well, I suppose it couldn’t be helped.

After all, we felt the same way they did.

Following the mind-blowing, absurd opening act, the first round of the main event began. The boy who had re-descended onto the stage—Tetra, the Undying—exchanged a wry smile with his partner.

"We’re allowed to complain about this, right? I already can’t stand fighting in front of people, and now the atmosphere is all weird. This is impossible."

"I wholeheartedly agree. As much as they’re the Princess and the Sword Saint, they’d better at least apologize later for making us feel so awkward."

"Totally. So, make sure you give them a piece of your mind for me, Auerin-senpai."

"Yeah, you got it… wait, why did you just casually push that all on me?"

And so, while exchanging nonchalant, half-hearted banter,

They threw playful complaints at the two who had mercilessly stolen the spotlight and the passion with their captivating power.

As they faced their opponents—the two from Poet & Cloud-Hidden who had been transferred to the stage with them—they exchanged a look of mutual understanding and muttered their shared resolve with a hint of desperation.

""""—Just you watch.""""

The opening act was the opening act. Leaving behind a heat that would carry on to the next stage was more than enough. It wouldn't do to let them hold onto the spotlight and the audience's hearts forever.

That, the Sword Saint had likely considered out of kindness.

She had sealed away all excessive power and colored the opening with a pure, unparalleled exchange of skill. In other words, there was still plenty of room.

Room to paint the stage in a spectacular fashion and win even greater excitement.

Adamant, Undying, Poet, Cloud-Hidden—all of them had completely thrown their original plans and moods out the window to stand here.

Four men. As much as they acknowledged the Strongest and the Supreme from the bottom of their hearts… in an arena of combat, they couldn't just quietly lose to two beautiful women.

And so, out of passion, they declared.

To the crowd, who looked on, their hearts still captured.

To the crowd, who expected much, but had already set a limit.

To the crowd, who somewhere in their hearts, already felt the satisfaction of “I’m glad I came.”

—Don’t be ridiculous, it starts now.

As the interface floating in the void signaled the start of the match.

"—Zel-Ex Destra, Body of Severance."

Adamant.

"—Epitaphate Dark, Innocent King Enthroned in Shadow."

Undying.

"—Re-Jester, Singing, Playing Hollow."

Poet.

"—Orcamulus, Omnipresent Void."

Cloud-Hidden.

Each raised their own crown, and so declared their names.

To embody the simple fact that they, too, stood at the summit.