kscans

Chapter 698 - Carrying the Torch

“—And it’s over! Seizing victory in a split-second exchange that was too fast for us mere mortals to follow, the first win of the day goes to the tag team of [Adamant & Undying]!!!”

A professional voice, raised to be heard over the cheering crowd yet never devolving into an unseemly shout, colored the overwhelming conclusion. And so, the audience that had just witnessed a brutal display of shadow and darkness…

“—Whoa, Tetra-kun is terrifying. That was insane.”

“S-Seeing it live… the sheer impact is on another level…!”

“‘Erebus’… I’ve never heard that skill name before. Is it an ability and not a skill? Does it come from his Narrator's Armament, his Anima, or a combination of both…?”

“So he’s on the same level as that guy… or in the public eye, maybe even higher… incredible…”

Among the general admission crowd, a group of four invited guests sat, completely struck by the unreality of their first live fantasy experience. They voiced their own impressions and astonishment, each face flushed with an excitement that showed no signs of cooling.

One of them had come close to fainting from the sheer intensity, but thanks to the preemptive measures taken the day before, he managed to stay on his feet and avoid a trip to the infirmary.

Now, all that was left was to surrender to the fever pitch alongside the other virtual world fans around them.

And then…

“To you both, and to Tet-kun—ahem. Lord of Darkness, could you perhaps provide some commentary on that final move you just showed us? Even I am not quite familiar with that one!”

“…I don’t know. I’ve never seen anything like that. Ui?”

“No, I am not familiar with it either.”

“I see. Perhaps I’ll ask someone about it later.”

“Yes. Let us inquire about it afterward.”

“You guys are so chill! Can you please just do this forever?!”

“…………To think he’s friends with this star-studded cast of commentators, and is their disciple, and is in a romantic relationship with them…”

“Feeling it in person like this, the lack of reality is so insane it’s almost funny, don’t you think?”

“The Sword Saint… is happily… chatting… with the Princess…!!!”

“…I really feel like I’ve used up a lifetime’s worth of luck to be here. Kaede, breathe.”

“I am breathing…! Stop talking like I’m some weirdo who’s always holding their breath!”

The incredible fortune of being able to view this fantastical stage from a truly special perspective, a privilege unattainable for most. They could only hold it close to their hearts and savor the moment.

◇◆◇◆◇

““““—Huh…?””””

That was the first word uttered in the waiting room after the memorable opening match came to a shocking conclusion. The four voices that rose were, by a strange coincidence, all filled with utter bewilderment.

“…Why are you so confused? Aren’t you in the same clan?”

“I am, but I’ve never seen anything like that. What was that, Hina-san?”

“You’re asking me? That was the first time I’ve seen it, too… What exactly did he do?”

“Tetra-kun’s abilities were always a mystery, but… still, I had no idea he was actually that strong. A three-person wipe is pretty incredible, wouldn’t you say?”

The reason was simple: none of them had a clue what the [Undying] had actually done. Shadows filled the field, Tetra suddenly cut himself, and then the other three simultaneously suffered an insane number of debuffs and died instantly.

They could grasp the phenomenon that occurred, but they couldn’t immediately comprehend the trick behind it.

Naturally, they all thought the same thing.

“Yikes, that’s terrifying. I do not want to deal with that.”

“Worst case, it’s an instant, incomprehensible kill…”

“Was he hiding it, or has he changed… Ohoho, how frightening.”

“Oh, no… I’m not good at dealing with special or conceptual types…”

Purely and simply: “I don’t want to fight that.”

◇◆◇◆◇

—And now, for the next set of actors.

A few minutes after the two teams from the first match left the stage to the sound of thunderous applause, and after an incredibly short interval that offered no time for the excitement to cool, the next to descend upon the stage were, one and all:

“Alright… no way we can lose now, Mar-bo. Let’s put on a show for them, too.”

The [General Commander], who had witnessed the boy—usually so cool and unconcerned with such things—show his fighting spirit and deliver a magnificent opening victory for their faction.

“Right. I may not be much, but I’ll do my absolute best to assist you.”

The [Amorphous], standing alongside his larger-than-life partner, ready to respond with respect and solidarity, his spirit kindled by the same natural heat.

“…Alright, no need for a strategy, Gen-san.”

The [Great Tiger], pretending to be swept up in the excitement. By focusing his gaze intently on his opponents, he was pushing the real-world audience out of his conscious mind.

“Yeah—all we have to do is fight.”

And the [Twin Fists], standing with his usual quiet, simple, and unadulterated fighting spirit.

The only thing they brought to the stage was the fever pitch passed down from the best opening act to the greatest first match, a fervor for this “serious game.”

And so, for the second match in a row, it was four men.

“Alright. Well then… let’s do this, boys.”

“Let’s.”

“Time to fight.”

“Yeah.”

A simple smile from each was more than enough to bring on the brawl.