Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter's Hero Dream - Chapter 250 p2

Chapter 250 Supreme Martial Arts Festival ②
Part 2
“But what’s with this matchup, desu! That’s too messed up, desu!” (Kruz)

　Kruz *bachibachi* taps the tournament match-up. Tino agrees with her.

　Master’s~ opponent, his first-round opponent, is Kryhi Andrichhi. Obviously, he is a fake Master~.
　I heard that there was a fake (Although Master~ said that he was the real thing), but I completely did not expect that they would fight in the first round on this grand stage (Moreover it was at the very first match, including all the other participants’ matches). It is punishable by a thousand deaths to try to impersonate 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 whose name is well-known throughout the four corners of the world.
　And Master~ facing that opponent is another reason for Tino to bet on Master~.

　Because, see――I could never say that the real thing is inferior to the fake one.

　Sven laughs pleasantly at Kruz’s legitimate indignation.

“Hahahahahaha, but this guy is pretty strong. He is a skilled Magi. And he absorbed quite a lot of Mana Material.” (Sven)

“Aaah, you told me that you met him, right, desu? But if he’s that good, it is even more ridiculous to use a pseudonym, desu! This is the Supreme Martial Arts Festival that is well-known even among Spirit People, desu!” (Kruz)

“It seems to be his real name.” (Sven)

“!? And you believe it, desu! There’s no way this could be a coincidence, desu! Calmly think about it, what are the odds that their Alias even look alike, let alone their name, desu!” (Kruz)

　I’m very worried. The Master is God, but there is a cunning side to him.
　A fake with a real name that looks just like his own――Or rather, it is more natural to think that he tried to be a fake because his real name was so similar――Or something along this line is very likely. Master’s~ kindness is both an advantage and sometimes a disadvantage.

　Apparently, from what I could hear so far, those who did not know Master properly did not know which one was the real one.

　Cry Andrich and Kryhi Andrichhi. 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 and 《Infinite Sky Flower (Senten Banka)》.
　Initially, Master~ is not a person who shows his face in public very often. Aside from his Alias, his name and face are probably less recognizable than those of other high-level Hunters. Of course, it was intentional, but it had backfired.

　If he loses this match――Kryhi could be treated as the real thing.

　Either way, I have already bet all my money. All Tino can do at this point is to lean forward and cheer for him.

　I puffed my cheeks as hard as I could. I encouraged my heart that was about to be discouraged despite nothing happening to it.

　I am going to be able to see the battles in such close proximity. I cannot just cheer for Master~, I must learn something from this tournament.

§

　And then, the time came. The buzz that filled the place changed.
　The whirlpool of enthusiasm remained the same, but the arena, filled with a strange silence, was strangely uplifting to the spirit.

　A large man appears in the spacious arena.
　He is a man with a stature that could rival Anthem, the 《Unshakeable Permeance (Fudo Fuhen) 》. And he was also――The 『Previous War Emperor』 who had reached the top of the tournament with his overwhelming power in the previous tournament.

　Held in his right hand is a huge metal pole that made him look small. It is a pole made of adamantine, which is said to be the sturdiest and heaviest rod in the world aside from Relics.

　As a warrior, Tino also has information about him, but in the last tournament, this man crushed all arts and techniques with just his metal pole and a steeled body.

　Anthem does not take off his armor, but this man did not wear any armor.
　His bare flesh is so inhuman that just one glance is enough to give one the chills. It is hard to believe that he is of the same species as me.
　Is it a miracle from the Mana Material that a human being can have physical abilities that far surpass those of legendary beasts and Monsters?

　This year’s competitors must have been thinking about how to break through this Previous War Emperor.

　The Previous War Emperor took a quiet breath. Then a thunderous voice echoed through the spacious arena.

　A shockwave passed through Tino’s body. The sound was so loud that I covered my ears in reflex. If it had been at close range, he would have knocked me unconscious by the sound alone.

　He certainly has the skill of someone who stands at the top of this world.

“In this place called Cleat, one year has passed! All those who desire my throne, the new throne of the 『War Emperor』, have gathered here after removing all their obstacles! I hereby announce the opening of the Supreme Martial Arts Festival!!” (War Emperor)

　Easy to understand sentences. But there was a gleam in his eyes, the gleam of a beast in front of its prey. His voice was eager and demanded bloodthirsty battles.

　I knew at first glance. This man is waiting for a challenger able to threaten him.
　The title of War Emperor comes with enormous money and honor. However, this is a man who desires neither money nor honor, but only power. The one who has kicked out his rivals and becomes a War Emperor is probably this kind of man.

　Tino had a hunch.
　In order for Master~ to become the War Emperor, that man, the Previous War Emperor, will be his biggest obstacle.
　Tino is fully and completely on Master~ side, but I wasn’t too sure if Master~, who always had a gentle smile on his face, could beat that man who looks like a monster.

　And so the first round begins.

§　§　§

　Finally, it’s here. I’ve been waiting for this.

　The air that caressed my skin contained a lot of the audience’s enthusiasm. Euphoria filled my body.

　Kryhi Andrichhi, the 《Infinite Sky Flower (Senten Banka)》, closed his eyes for a moment, focused his mind, and then flipped his switch.

　He is in perfect shape. Kryhi used to be a solo Hunter until Kool and his friends invited him to join their Party. For a solo Hunter who can’t get help from anyone, being ready for a battle at any moment’s notice is a vital skill, so to speak.

　Kryhi is a Magi, but he is used to fighting solo. In that sense, the battle in the Supreme Martial Arts Festival is in Kryhi’s favor.

　Generally, in this type of competition, close-quarter combatants are considered to be the strongest. In fact, the Previous War Emperor was a monster-like man who specialized in physical strength.
　However, even if Kryhi shudders at the sight of his majesty and the extreme strength that oozes out from him, Kryhi does not intend to lose at all.

　I’ll keep winning. It’s how I’ve lived my whole life. For hunters, the desire to win is more necessary than anything else.
　But this time, Kryhi is not only fighting for himself.

　I’ll become the Warrior Emperor. And I’ll make the name 《Strange Freak (Nageki no Akuryo)》 legendary.

　For the sake of my friends who always look somewhat unsure of themselves, but follow me.

“I’ll go all out, Cry. And I will carry your will with me as well.” (Kryhi)

　Muttered Kryhi Andrichhi to himself and proceeded to the battlefield.