3,756I just finished catching up on the manga yesterday since I'm almost done with writing the Zeltoble Arc here. Have to say 10/10 read and artwork. I highly recommend it, just like the Third Season. Just as faithful to the Light Novel, if not more so, which is actually high praise considering how well adapted Season Three was, and yet like the anime, it also has its own unique take on the story (especially with the expressions of the characters faces, so many funny ones, lol).
Honestly, both the manga and the third season of the anime have my full stamp of approval. Good job to the animators and the mangaka team working on both.
You readers can take those words as you will, but that is my most humble opinion on those projects, and my not-so-subtle call out for you to once again go out and enjoy Shield Hero. Now, with that out of the way, onto the chapter!
Chapter Thirteen: Part One: Death Match
Three days.
Three whole days had passed since the dramatic conclusion of Motoyasu's fight with Murder Pierrot, and the events that transpired afterward.
The Grand Colosseum in upper Zeltoble temporarily stopped hosting its regular tournaments the day after. An impressive advertisement campaign was rolled out around the city on short notice. Posters, billboards, newspapers, and even criers were promoting the upcoming death match that would be held between the undercity's Grand Champion, the famous Nadia, and the now notorious newcomer, Sir Bubba, who had managed to land multiple upsets in quick succession during his brief stay in the city.
The Spear Hero was with Keel and Anya, escorting the pair to the Colosseum when they first found out about the schedule change.
"Awww, no fair. I wanted to fight in at least one more tournament while I was here." Keel pouted when she heard the news. "I still need to find a way to gather the coin I need to pay Bubba back."
Motoyasu had been about to comment again about how she didn't owe him anything, but Anya beat him to it. "No, this is good. That means we're closer to saving your friends than ever before."
"... right." Keel nodded. The demihuman girl didn't complain as they followed Motoyasu back to Hickwaal's new hideout.
Unfortunately, it was not quite as nice as the previous one. The place was poorly lit and dusty. The amenities here didn't even include running water.
It was another warehouse, but this one didn't have much in the way of living space, and Motoyasu and his friends only had some simple chairs and mattresses laid out on the stone floor for comfort. Rows of wooden crates containing a variety of goods lined the walls and floor.
Under the light of a portable magic lamp, that Sebas dug out from one of the crates, everyone studied the plans for the fighting pit that Sadeena had provided. It was the largest arena for fights in Zeltoble, even bigger than the Colosseum above ground. Thousands, if not more, could fit in the stands to watch. The best comparison to its size was the large sports stadiums Motoyasu sometimes saw on TV back home in his world.
Normally, this pit was used to house the many monsters that the city's bloodsport business required to operate. But for this special occasion, it had been cleared out and its original purpose was restored to house the numerous audience members who would come to observe and gamble on the outcome of the upcoming fight.
The plans that Sadeena had provided also included notes on how the barriers in these fighting pits worked.
A line of crystals was laid below ground in seemingly random areas along old maintenance tunnels. These crystals extended out from a central source that was well-guarded. But by having multiple mages insert some of their MP into the central crystal, they could control what crystals would receive the MP, activating the barrier, environmental magic, buff magic, debuff magic, and other types of magic in the various fighting pits.
The central device was too well-guarded to get to. But the maintenance tunnels holding these crystals were considerably less so.
They'd be patrolled while a match was going on to prevent sabotage. Yet if you messed with one of the crystals, and just pulled it out of its place, a part of the barrier would weaken. Pull out two crystals next to each other and that part of the barrier and the types of magic affecting the area near it would all fizzle out.
They couldn't sabotage them before the fight. For all the city's faults, the security of its wealthy tourists and visitors was always a high priority, due to the large source of income that they provided to Zeltoble. So the overseers always thoroughly checked to make sure that all the systems like the magic barriers were working smoothly before letting people in.
For Motoyasu and co this meant that their sabotage had to occur either while the audience members were getting seated, or during the match itself. They also couldn't sabotage the line of crystals leading to the fighting pit. There were backup lines that would automatically activate if the main one went down.
It was possible to sabotage things before the match. But because of the higher risk, Motoyasu wanted Anya, their resident sneakster, to do it during the match. With all the noise he'd be making on the arena floor, it'd make it far easier to sneak around in the tunnels beneath.
"Alright." Anya agreed to the plan immediately, seeing no obvious flaws in it and feeling pretty proud of herself for being entrusted with something so important.
"Can't I go too, in case Anya runs into trouble?" Keel asked.
"You're more likely to cause trouble if anything." The catgirl deadpanned in response.
Motoyasu and the cat girl ultimately agreed to Keel tagging along though. Sebas would have been a valid alternative, but he was staying with Hickwaal to make sure the Head of the Merchant's Guild remained safe amongst his enemies.
And since Sadeena was involved, as well as the rest of the dog girl's missing friends, Keel wasn't going to do something stupid to ruin things. And in case things did go south, Anya would be safer having someone to help her fight her way out.
…
That would be the end of it, under normal circumstances, but when the plan was finalized, Motoyasu brought everyone back home to rest before the big day. And when he went to feed Atla another dose of Ygdrassil Elixir, her brother surprised him with an unexpected declaration.
"Take me with you too!"
"What?" Motoyasu asked in surprise.
"I heard what you're up to! Those two are just going to get lost in the undercity and ruin all your plans! But I've lived there for a few years already! I know the layout of those tunnels! I'll make sure to bring your allies where they need to go! So take me with you!" Fohl shouted passionately.
"What my big brother's trying to say here..." The blind girl next to him sighed with a tired smile. "Is that he's finally starting to comprehend just how great of a kindness all of you have done for us, so he wants to pay it back somehow.
"Oh, and he's also worried about Keel."
"I AM NOT!" Fohl vehemently denied. "I am doing this because it would hurt my pride if that idiot got herself killed!"
"Volume, big brother." Atla chided him softly.
…
Yeah, somehow, the freed tiger boy convinced the Spear Hero to let him tag along as well.
Actually, it was because the Spear Hero learned that Fohl had been in those tunnels before. He knew his way below ground surprisingly well. Therefore, he could be a guide for the two girls.
And since there was a lot of free time before the big event, Motoyasu also helped Hickwaal with moving his remaining assets. Cheating just a little by using his Spear's gemstone to absorb entire warehouses of goods the plump merchant still had to his name.
He unlocked quite a few material weapon forms doing this too. After getting permission from the owner to do it of course. As easy as it would be for some things to get 'misplaced' in transit, Motoyasu was no thief. Even if Hickwaal was unlikely to miss whatever little things that would get pilfered or turned into energy for power-up methods.
Motoyasu did focus on his power-up methods a bit more with his disguised naginata weapon form, as well as with his most powerful weapon form currently, the Spirit Tortoise Heart Spear. His fight with Murder Pierrot made him realize his weaker weapon form left him at a severe disadvantage against stronger opponents, especially while he was debuffed.
As for strengthening and getting used to his strongest weapon form, well… it didn't hurt to be too careful in case things went south.
Motoyasu also sparred with Granny a lot. Way more than he usually would, at least. He still hadn't mentioned how he faced an opponent who used unfamiliar life force techniques. However, that was because whenever he thought of said opponent, his cheeks would burn red, and his heart would beat faster in his chest.
He still had that pin he'd found on his gambeson after his match. Each night before he went to bed, he pulled it out and studied it from every angle. From the handle with the small tiny pearl embedded on the front to the very tip.
As someone who sewed as a hobby, Motoyasu knew it was a good piece. It was something of higher quality than anything else he'd ever used since coming to this world. How that thing managed to get from the girl's hat on his outfit, he still didn't know. He'd smile a little whenever he had the thought of it as a token of her affection. But then he'd shake his head, knowing such a thing was ridiculous.
Still, he pondered on her now and then. Wondering if he would meet her again.
At the end of the second day, Motoyasu walked out of Melty's office with a flower bouquet in hand to check up on Elena one last time, before everyone would return to Zeltoble. Everything was ready for tomorrow. They only had to wait.
On his way home, he passed by the town's Church and briefly stopped, before taking the dirt path that led behind the building.
...
The Spear Hero found himself in front of the Memorial dedicated to the former residents of Lurolona. As well as the statue dedicated to the knights who'd perished defending the place.
He knew Aksel used to spend quite a bit of time back here after the Heroes first moved in. He hadn't known why at first but had respected the knight's wish to be left alone.
After all the times he'd been back here, however, he'd come to understand why Itsuki's party tank came here a lot.
The ashes of the knights who had families in Melromarc were sent back to them for burial rites. But the ashes of those who didn't have families or spouses to return home to had been stored in the statue's foundation. In effect, it was as if they were still around, helping to safeguard the town they'd given their lives to protect.
Motoyasu set the fresh bouquet at the base of his comrades' statue, before clasping his hands in front of him respectfully. "Gelford, sorry I haven't come by lately, I've been busy in Zeltoble, and you know how much Granny likes to spar with me whenever it looks like I'm slacking.
"I… just wanted you to know, I'm going to continue to do my best for this place. Just like you guys did.
"I'm… sorry again, that I wasn't strong enough to save you all. I still wish I could have done more when…
Motoyasu shook his head. "No. You guys wouldn't want me to blame myself... I promise I'll do my best to save those kids being held captive in Zeltoble. I'll protect them, just like you all did."
"I promise…"
…
After a moment, Motoyasu finally stood again.
He didn't recall feeling any unnatural presence at the time, nor did he feel any spiritual awakening or anything of the sort.
What he did feel was a sense of peace. A reaffirmation that he was doing the right thing. And that he was ready to step up just like his brothers had.
He was ready to play his part in the grand scheme of this world.
…
Finally, the day of the biggest match in Zeltoble's history came.
"Wellllllllcome allllllllll!" The now familiar and boisterous magically enhanced voice of everyone's favorite announcer man rang across the vast underground chamber.
The roar of tens of thousands filled the arena as the stands were packed full. People moved back and forth in large groups between aisles. The multiple entrances amongst the various tiers of seats were crowded with people still trying to get in. Salesmen offering various kinds of snacks and beverages were found amongst the crowds all over.
The only space where there wasn't an overabundance of people was in the VIP areas. Those who had no seating sat in bars and establishments outside the underground stadium, watching what was happening live through recording crystals broadcasting events in real-time.
Besides a few token guards to repel monster attacks up above and to guard vital warehouses and infrastructure, nearly everyone in the city was present at the event, whether inside the stadium or around it to watch the spectacle waiting to unfold.
"Remember! Betting for our grand championship match will be open until the ring of the first gong! Today is a little special, so all bets will be closed as soon as the contestants start their clash! I hope you all are as excited as I am!" The announcer's amplified voice rang across the vast space, mixing in with the thunderous cheers of the audience.
There were a couple of other announcers up with him, speaking different languages so the tourists from various countries who didn't have translators with them could understand what was happening. But none of them could rile up the crowd quite as much as the main announcer speaking in Zeltoblish.
Individuals amongst the crowds rushed back and forth, slips of papers, stacks of Zenis, and bags of coins in their hands as they took count of the people's betting, who the bets were being placed on, and so forth. Above the barrier, being broadcast from a recording crystal, was the amount of money being bet on Nadia and Sir Bubba as well as the odds between either side winning.
Right now, the odds were stacked heavily in Nadia's favor, but there was still a surprising amount of people betting on Sir Bubba.
The entirety of the City Council sat in a half circle on a row of plush red armchairs at the top of the VIP Balcony, having the best view of the arena for themselves. A large panda woman stood at attention nearby, observing the festivities along with some of her closest lieutenants. One was a human. Another was a lizard therianthrope. One was a familiar, scarred hakuko warrior. The last was an elephant woman the same size as Larsa.
The only one missing amongst the city Council's ranks was Ziro. His bastard half-brother, Khan, sat in his place instead.
"Is there a reason why Councilman Ziro couldn't make it to such an important event?" Councilman Judas spoke next to him, sounding annoyed.
"Master Ziro is… feeling a bit unwell today." Khan grimaced, still recalling the state his older brother had been in when he walked into his room earlier that morning. "A doctor is treating him right now."
"... a pity. I do hope it isn't the same problems his father had." Judas gave a look of fake sympathy.
Ziro's brother gritted his teeth but didn't respond. Khan, unlike his older brother, was smart enough to know that Judas and Saxon wanted to tear away their family's wealth and influence. His older brother missing this huge event that he was supposed to be in charge of organizing was an affront even Khan couldn't overlook.
After this was over, he was going to have a serious talk with his older sibling about his… twisted, tastes. Ugh, it was all he could do not to vomit as he forced the memories of that morning out of his mind and focused on the group of dancers on the arena floor who were providing some entertainment for the audience as a warm-up to the main event.
Meanwhile, in another part of the stadium, a certain short-haired redhead was fuming.
"Seriously?! That ugly fat boar couldn't even get us seats in the VIP section?!" Bitch yelled angrily. Even with her shrill voice, her comrades could barely hear her over the din of the crowd.
"Ugh, I should have beat him even harder if this was how he was going to treat us! Head of the Arenas my &%$!" Lesty crossed her arms in displeasure.
"Can they just start this match already!? There are so many peasants around, I can hardly stand their stench!" Mauld looked similarly displeased.
Ah yes, the trio was just as unlikable as ever. The group was close to their seats when Bitch was accidentally elbowed in the side by a passing wolfman, causing her to scream bloody murder at him as she threatened to end him. Words that angered the large and imposing tourist.
Unfortunately, a pair of mercenaries stepped in before a fight could break out, and Bitch got to her seat without any further incidents. She and her comrades were still angry, however, as they had to wait a few minutes longer for the courtesans down below to finish their performance.
Her anger was made even worse when that same wolfman sat in the seat directly behind hers. Oh, she hoped she'd get the chance to kill him.
Back in the VIP section, the last member of the City Council took his seat. "Ah, Councilman Hickwaal, I'm surprised you're attending." Khan addressed the plump merchant, who was closely followed by his half-dragonewt butler.
"Oh, why wouldn't I attend?" Hickwaal asked curiously, an eyebrow raised upon seeing that Ziro was absent. "It is my gladiator who is fighting today, you know."
"Yes, I suppose that is true. Still, Sir Bubba is in for quite the match today, from what I understand." Khan spoke tactfully.
Judas glared spitefully at the pair, before looking down at the arena again.
"Not to worry." Hickwaal grinned in the direction of the scarred man. "I have my utmost trust that Sir Bubba will succeed today, despite the overwhelming odds. He has proven himself to be a very capable employee.
"Isn't that right, Judas?"
The scarred man simply narrowed his eyes without turning his head to look in Hickwaal's direction as he spoke. "Where did you pawn that slave off to? Or are you hiding her somewhere?"
"Young Tulip has been returned home already, I assure you." The short merchant played with the corner of his mustache as a smug smile settled on his lips.
"LIES!" Judas suddenly slammed the armrest of his chair with his fist, making it let out an ominous straining noise. The scarred man's head sharply twisted in Hickwaal's direction, his expression furious. "The city is under complete lockdown! Every piece of cargo traveling in and out for the last few days was ordered to be examined by hand!
"It has been examined, by hand, right?" Judas turned his glare at Larsazusa when he spoke that sentence.
"Yes, councilman, it has." The panda woman responded in an even tone of voice while looking ahead of herself. "Whoever this young Tulip is, neither I, my lieutenants, nor any of the men under my command found anyone matching your description of her."
"That's right!" Judas leaned back in his seat, looking satisfied. "See! You wouldn't be able to smuggle out a single coin, least of all a child!"
"Well, what can I say?" Hickwaal shrugged. "I have my ways. Hohohoho."
"... yes, I'm sure you do. As we have ours." Saxon spoke before Judas could respond. The burly bald man grinned in his chair and flicked some ash off his cigar onto an ashtray beside him.
"W-will we really get to see Big Sis fight today?"
"I hope she won't get hurt. I heard this Bubba guy killed the nice clown lady that made us dollies."
Hickwaal could feel his heart fall as two small, trembling figures were led onto the VIP observation deck and seated on the floor next to Saxon. Unlike most slaves, the boy and girl were dressed in modest apparel, and they looked well taken care of. They were both demi-humans, the boy having long fox-like ears, while the girl had a small pair of ram horns on her head.
"Wait, are those...?" Khan turned his head to look at the pair of demihuman kids as well.
"Oh? Did Ziro not inform you? No matter, this is just a little something to incentivize my prized gladiator. That's all." Saxon smirked haughtily. "She wouldn't want something to happen to these two brats of hers now, would she?"
The crests on the kids' chests suddenly began to glow with an ominous purple color, and the duo quickly went quiet while trying to make themselves look as small as possible while leaning against the sides of Saxon's chair.
Sebas turned his head, a dark look crossing his features. But Hickwaal subtly gestured for him to remain quiet, so the dragon-newt looked away from the tense sight and down onto the arena floor below again.
The crowds continued to be loud and rowdy as the dancers finally finished their performance down in the pit.
As they took their leave, the floor began to glow a bright blue.
...
The glow of magic silenced the people bit by bit. Eventually, everyone stared at the floor of the pit, which had transformed from its standard layout into an oceanic environment.
The entire arena floor had been replaced by a twenty-foot-deep pit full of water. Circles of stone breached the surface here and there to provide meager footing for the gladiators. The heights of these pillars and islands varied, with two being just inches above the water, and the rest being several feet to at least a dozen feet above the water.
"Now, finally, for the moment you've all been waiting for! It is time for today's match to commence!"
As the announcer spoke, a tall, armored figure, clad from head to toe, began to walk out from an opening in the wall onto one of the stone islands. Walking next to him was a lovely teenage girl, with white wings trimmed with orange on the ends. She had a spear casually flung over her shoulder as she smiled and waved with her free hand at the crowds.
"Our challengers today arrived only a week ago to the fighting pits, having survived the destruction of their country by the Spirit Tortoise! And indeed, they have individually shown why they were able to survive against such a fearsome monster when many of their comrades did not!" The announcer began.
Motoyasu's armor had been repaired and polished since his battle against Murder Pierrot. Whoever that lemos man Hickwaal saved was, he did a superb job restoring the armor to its original condition. The Spear Hero hoped Hickwaal brought the guy with him to Lurolona when it was all said and done. They could use some more blacksmiths.
"From making the long-time veterans of the Unholy Triumvirate look like a bunch of powerless toddlers to the famous eye-boggling match against the famed Murder Pierrot, I admit, I thought his arena name was a little out there at first. But he has earned his right to be here, alongside his lovely half-shuzaku sister and comrade, who singlehandedly killed five level 110 Griffons with her bare hands a few nights ago!
Next to him, Amber twirled her new favorite weapon in her hands with a fancy flair. In the VIP section, Judas glared even more harshly, feeling provoked at the bold display of someone flaunting his property like it was theirs. He made sure to remind himself to reclaim his favorite spear from that girl's corpse or whatever would be left of it when Nadia was done with her. It was a mistake to arm one of his bodyguards with it.
Motoyasu in the meantime chuckled as he watched Amber twirling the spear around above her head. "It's fine if you like it that much Amber, but should you really be using it? You barely know how to swing it around."
"Hehe! It'll be fine! I watched how you use yours all the time, Blondie. And Granny gave me a quick crash course during the last few days too." The orange-haired girl grinned brightly and pointed the tip of the spear up at the ceiling where one of the numerous magic lamps shone, illuminating the vast underground chamber. "More importantly, now we match! I wanna get some armor soon too!"
"I doubt that we'll find anything better than your magic clothes, but we'll see." Moto shook his head in amusement and looked up at the announcer's booth as he finished introducing the pair.
"Both individuals bring plenty in terms of firepower to the table! Now here today to win the grand prize on behalf of their family and their destroyed nation, give a hand to, SIR BUBBA and AMBER of the Fiery, SWORN, DUOOOOOOOO!"
Streams of fire shot from the walls of the arena above the water line and up toward the ceiling. Heating Motoyasu as he and Amber were welcomed to loud applause.
"YEAHHHHHH!" "SIR BUBBAAAAA! WOOOOOOO!"
Motoyasu grinned, seeing his fan section amongst the thousands of individuals.
It was, perhaps expectedly, made up entirely of females.
Was that the green-haired paladin lady that Amber tried to marry Motoyasu off to in the front row? It happened a week ago when they first arrived, but he was sure that it was her! The rest of her party was there cheering for him too!
"Woo! Go, Sir Bubba!" The paladin girl screamed loudly.
"We're betting it all on you!" The other girl, a blue-haired mage wearing a witch's hat, shouted just as loudly as her friend.
Nice! He never thought he'd see them again, but this was cool!
He didn't pay attention to her party members last time, besides the mage next to the paladin, there was also a rogue who wore a brown cloak and hood that covered her face. Next to her was a martial artist in a tight-fitting black bodysuit similar to a shadow's usual getup. And the last girl was a warrior of some kind that... huh? How curious.
The armor the girl wore was very reminiscent of the set that Motoyasu usually wore when he wasn't undercover. Hers included a helmet, however, so he couldn't see her face. The armor also had a much darker color palette overall, aside from a crimson scarf wrapped around the neck.
He had no issues with someone stealing his old look, but...
"Hehe! Look, Moto! Now we match!" The blonde girl grinned proudly while showing off her new hoodie.
Her clothes were a darker shade than his current getup, but the eerie similarity was extremely offputting. Especially since the blonde man had only gotten his current outfit yesterday while at the mall with his friends.
"Heheh, indeed we do, Princess." Motoyasu smiled awkwardly. He didn't like the way he was feeling but was too nice not to bring it up.
"Moto, why don't we just stay here today, just you and me?" The blonde girl suggested.
"Nonsense. Momiji's already waiting for us in the car. We shouldn't keep her waiting, I say!" With a bright smile on his face, Motoyasu walked out the door of his apartment.
But even after leaving his apartment, that weird feeling did not go away.
"Everything good, Big Brother?" Amber asked as if she could instinctually tell that he was feeling tense about something.
"Yeah." Motoyasu shook his head and cleared it. "Yeah, I'll be fine." He instinctively reached out with his hand to touch the plume of his helmet where the pin that he got from his last match was embedded.
At the very least, he hoped Murder Pierrot would be watching this battle and would notice how he made it a part of his ensemble. What happened before was in the past.
There was no need to let it bleed into the present… even if it was sometimes hard to forget what he'd gone through.
…
The crowds continued to cheer for a while longer. But Motoyasu could almost feel the chill going down his spine as the sound gradually tapered off.
He looked to the other portcullis as it slowly cranked open. The Announcer Guy was strangely silent. There was no grand announcement for their opponent…
…
At least, not at first.
The water of the arena began to swirl. Motoyasu's hair stood on end as currents of electricity began to appear in the air.
"Oh my- before the fight even begins- LADIES AND GENTLEMAN! YOU ALL ARE WITNESS TO AN INCREDIBLE EVENT!" Announcer Guy was foaming at the mouth. His glasses were askew on his face as he leaned forward over the railing of his booth, taking the sight in. His compatriots didn't even say a word, leaving him to do all the work. "IT APPEARS OUR ALMIGHTY QUEEN OF THE UNDERGROUND HAS ALREADY RECOGNIZED SIR BUBBA'S STRENGTH AND IS THUS PREPARED TO MEET HIM AND HIS COMPANION WITH ALL OF HER OWN!"
The water began to swirl like a whirlpool. Dimly, a figure could be seen swimming deep below.
But, that couldn't have been Sadeena, for this thing was bigger than the woman they'd seen before.
"People of all ages and races! It is my pleasure to welcome the orca woman who stole the floor, and then our hearts all those months ago! Sometimes known by her nickname of Big Sis of the Underground, she has been undefeated since her arrival and is known by every gladiator who has fought in our arenas! Her fame extends even to Faubley!
"So without any further ado, give a big welcome for: MISS, NADIAAAAAAAAA!"
From the center of the whirlpool, an electrified waterspout rose. The top of it impacted the barrier above, showering the entire arena in a flurry of water droplets and electric sparks.
Motoyasu had to cover the top of his visor so he wasn't blinded by the flashiest of these sparks. But through the bottom portion, he was able to see his opponent land on the stone pillar opposite him and Amber, cracking the stone beneath her feet. Droplets of water fell from her large body. Her appearance unleashed a roar of approval from the crowds around them, one that far eclipsed what Sir Bubba had been given.
It was Sadeena… in her orca killer whale form.
Her therianthrope body consisted of a killer whale, with two large arms, legs, and a long tail. She was at least eight feet tall, towering over Motoyasu more so than even Larsa had. Her outfit consisted of a loincloth, as well as two strips of cloth attached to it that went over her front around the back of her neck, covering her breasts.
She wore a pair of wooden sandals on her feet. In her hands, she wielded a large, dual-pronged harpoon. As Motoyasu stared in open-mouthed wonder, electricity traveled up to the tip of the weapon, coalescing into a ball of deadly energy.
Sadeena grinned, revealing a row of sharp, glistening teeth in her mouth. This form of hers was certainly beautiful, but it was clearly far, far more deadly.
"Greetings, Sir Bubba, Amber, it is great to finally see such worthy blood make its way through the underground pits!
"I see even now, facing down your imminent deaths, that you stand tall and brave, unlike the spineless worms I've fought before!" Sadeena's voice boomed out with power and authority. "Truly, this is a grand day for us all!"
The crowd was loving it. Many around the arena began to chant Nadia's name. Far more than those who'd been cheering for Amber and Motoyasu.
On his HUD, Motoyasu saw the glow of power coming off her form. Simultaneously, he saw as he and Amber were hit with debuff spells that dropped their stats an astonishing amount. To the point where they were only a third of what they'd been originally.
He'd only lost half his stats against Murder Pierrot, and she hadn't even been buffed during that match.
The Spear Hero swallowed hard. The City Council really was trying to have him executed here. Between the fighting environment and the debuffs… yeah, there was no way a normal adventurer would be able to make it through a fight like this, even at max level.
"You may believe you have been brought here to replace me," Sadeena said, her voice not as loud and booming as before. It forced the crowd to start quieting down so they could listen to their favorite champion. "You may think you came here to attain wealth and fame. But in reality, your struggles are in vain.
"I have already ensured that condolences will be sent to your families after you die gruesome, horrible deaths here in this pit."
Sadeena banged the tip of her weapon into the stone pillar beneath her feet. The echo that came off from it emanated over the entire arena, silencing the rest of the crowd all at once.
The eyes of everyone trained on the combatants, waiting to see what'd happen next.
…
A deadly aura was coming off the orca therianthrope woman. But Motoyasu noticed that she was waiting for them to say something in return.
Motoyasu gestured to his companion, and Amber stepped forward and brandished her spear while still smiling confidently. She spoke on behalf of herself and her Blondie once again, just as she had for past matches.
"By the honor of those we protect, and for the sake of those we love, we promise that we will be victorious today!"
"Hmmm." Sadeena hummed. Her beady eyes looked back and forth between the Filolial girl and the Naginata-wielding Knight. "I am grateful as well then, that our match is not just blood shedding blood. It would seem we are both here fighting for something."
"Yes, and we will see to it that we will achieve everything that we've set out to do here in this country," Amber said. "On our honor, we swear it."
…
The end of the orca woman's harpoon flashed with electricity. Sadeena raised it high as she grinned. "Yes, indeed, you are both worthy to face Big Sis at her full power!
"May this battle surpass the legendary clash between Elrasla Ragnarok and Grim Reaper Judas from decades ago!"
The crowds began cheering once more at her words. In the VIP section, Councilman Judas smirked at being reminded of his old nickname.
Though, it was tinged with pain from the reminder of his great loss, which still marred the right side of his face.
The other members sat, almost looking bored or impatient at the theatrics. Saxon glared at the orca woman. The two kids sitting on the floor next to him, who looked excited earlier, quickly shrunk back again.
"It appears our resident Nadia is done waiting!" The Announcer Guy roared with delight, accompanied by the throngs of people. "Ushers! Rush on back to the counters! All betting will now be closed from this point on!
"May the best gladiator win!"
The crowds continued to roar. Bitch and her compatriots adjusted themselves in their seats. FINALLY! This show could get on the road!
Yet even if some of the people here didn't have the best of intentions in watching what was about to happen, all the noise inside the pit itself seemed to gradually fade for all three fighters.
All noise ceased. The three became aware of only their breathing.
Motoyasu didn't wait for the match to start. He was already preparing a fire buff spell under his breath for himself and Amber. On top of that, he was using the Hengen Muso techniques he'd learned thus far to boost his stats and improve his reflexes.
Unlike with these other matches, he wasn't going to hold back from the start. He could not afford to now that they'd reached this point at last.
He wasn't going to seek a win, but he was going to ensure they lasted long enough for Sadeena's plan to work.
"Let's do this, Big Brother." Amber nodded her head as she raised her spear to an offensive stance Granny had taught her.
Motoyasu nodded his head in response. He shifted into a defensive stance as Sadeena readied her own offensive stance. Her hands gripped the center of her large weapon, the tips of her harpoon aimed at his chest.
…
…
They waited.
…
…
And waited…
…
…
Gong!
Clang!
No sooner did the gong sound when Sadeena raced forward, her electrified harpoon being deflected by Motoyasu's quick counter. He immediately cast the buff spell on himself and Amber to increase their agility and start to counterattack.
"Flames of Hermes!"
Amber rushed forward. A fire spell covered her weapon. "Zweite Fire Lance!"
"Ahahahahaha!"
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sounds of battle rang out over the whole arena.
"So is there a reason why you can't cast illusion magic? I thought you'd be able to learn that by now."
"My magic affinities are shadow and wind. Illusion requires shadow and light to work." Anya rolled her eyes. "Though Mahoya has also told me it can be done with Shadow and Fire if you understand fire well enough."
"Huh, too bad you weren't blessed with a fire affinity then." Keel puffed out her chest with pride.
"Sure, because that's what I was hinting at." Anya scowled. She totally wasn't trying to point out that if Keel practiced more with her fire affinity, then they'd be able to practice combo magic and learn how to cast illusion spells together.
"Will you two quiet down? We're getting close to the control node. Follow my lead." The tiger boy in front of them glared back through the darkness of the tunnel.
Keel stuck her tongue out playfully at the tiger boy, causing his face to redden. Fortunately, she didn't say another word afterward.
Fohl had to hold back a growl as he faced ahead again. Thanks to their senses as demihumans, they were able to see in the dark pretty well. And what their eyes failed to see, their ears and noses were able to pick out pretty well.
The small group remained quiet as the sound of a loud Gong! reverberated through the stone around them, indicating the start of the match up above. Keel looked up in awe, almost feeling jealous that she didn't get to watch Sadeena-Neechan fight.
Anya frowned though. They were behind schedule if the match had already started. "Are we there yet?"
"Almost. Just another right." Fohl gritted his teeth. The sounds of battle could be heard even through the stone. With the occasional muffled distant Clang or explosion reaching their ears.
It'd already started so intense. Hopefully, this Spear Hero was made of sterner stuff than Fohl. Otherwise, he and his companion were going to be in for a bad time.
He'd watched a couple of Nadia's fights since she became Champion over half a year ago.
To say she was intense would be an understatement. He was a prideful tiger, but even he understood that he would never stand a chance if he was ever pitted in a fight against her.
The group rounded the corner, and Fohl sighed in relief at the set of double doors down the tunnel from them. Though, as they approached, Keel looked all around. "Why is everything made of metal?"
Indeed, the walls, the floor, the ceiling, and even the doors of this tunnel were made of solid engraved metal instead of smooth-cut stone.
Fohl shrugged at her query. "I don't know. What does it matter, anyway"
"Hmph. Some guide you are." Keel pouted.
"I got us here, didn't I?" Fohl replied angrily. "Now quiet down and stay back. I'll signal to one of Larsa's people that we're here."
The two girls quieted again as Fohl approached the metal doors. He then tapped on them with his clawed finger, three times in quick succession, then once more after a pause.
He then rushed back to where the girls had hidden themselves. A blanket of shadow covered the group of three.
…
One of the doors opened, revealing an armored bear therianthrope with a scar over his right eye. He had his arms over two smaller mercenary guards, and his maw was stretched wide in a grin.
"A-Are you sure we can go up?! I thought Councilman Saxon told us-" One of the two slave guards tried to speak.
"I already said drinks would be on me, didn't I? Come on, the match has already started, and it sounds more exciting than any other fight we've had to be down here for! Do you want to miss out on not getting hammered at the same time?!"
"B-But-" The first guard tried to continue.
"If we're caught slacking by the captain, I'll take full responsibility!" The giant bearman laughed. "Now come on, I can hear the alcohol calling my name!"
The two slave soldiers still looked unsure, but at the prospect of free drinks and witnessing the biggest match in Zeltoble's history for themselves, the two began to smile and go along with their compatriot's plan.
Neither of the two saw the bear therianthrope sniffing with his nose, before looking in the direction of the three teens. He gave them a nod, a gesture with his head, and one click with his tongue before continuing on his way, leading the two guards away.
…
…
After a moment, the shadow covering the three vanished, and they stood up. "Did he see where we were?" Anya frowned.
"He probably just smelled us out," Fohl answered. "I don't know what his name is, but that uncle is nice. He caught me stealing once, but let me go instead of giving me a lashing-" Fohl began to answer.
"Come on guys! The way is open!" Keel ran for the doors.
"Wha- Don't just run in blindly like that, you fool!" Fohl complained.
"Keel's right. We've got a job to do. And we're already behind schedule." Anya ran after her friend with a determined look on her face.
Fohl opened his mouth to scream again, only to force his mouth shut, biting down on his tongue, and chase after the two girls past the control node and into the crystal-embedded tunnels beyond.
The guard officer had indicated with his body language that they only had one other guard to deal with in the tunnels. But as long as they moved quickly and quietly, they should hopefully be in and out without alerting him of their presence.
Not to mention, if they did come across him, it was going to be three against one. Whoever the dude was would be toast. The higher-level slave guards were occupied defending tourists in the arena building above.
After running across the steel floor of the small control node, Fohl opened the door leading into the crystal-lined tunnels, and he and the two girls with him snuck inside to begin their sabotage mission.
…
…
…
"Hmmm, appears Mr. Saxon was right after all. Huhuhuhuhu."
A winged figure unfurled itself from where it was hanging upside down on the ceiling. A grin was spread across his bat-like features. "Guess it's time for I, Batty, to have my fun now!"
The bat therianthrope guard slunk his way down the side of the wall. He then slipped through the top of the open door, silently closing it behind him.
Motoyasu leaned back, the electrified harpoon his opponent was wielding came very close to grazing his visor.
He then thrusted with his naginata as Amber lunged with her Spear. But the orca woman deflected his blade with her weapon while sidestepping the Filolial Girl's somewhat clumsy thrust, pushing her in the back to send her down towards the water.
"Looks like the Fiery Sworn Duo is struggling to stand their ground against Nadia!" The Announcer yelled as Nadia thrusted at Motoyasu again. Only for Amber to reappear behind her, trying to strike down at her.
The Filolial girl had been successfully pushed off. However, before she hit the water, she'd managed to grab onto the ledge with the tip of her weapon, pulled herself up, and brought her spear down to strike the orca woman's back, all in one swift fluid motion.
Sadeena weaved, taking a glancing blow on her back as her electrified spear slammed down into the pillar.
A burst of electricity exploded out, and Motoyasu and Amber both had to leap to separate pillars as the pillar they'd been fighting on collapsed.
With a predatory grin, Sadeena's killer whale form sank beneath the waves that filled in the area she'd just destroyed.
Motoyasu took the few seconds he was given to breathe and throw Amber a Magic Healing Water from his belt. "Didn't you say you only had a few days to learn from Granny? Where the heck did you learn to do that move?" Motoyasu asked.
"Eh? I just did what you would do, Big Brother." Amber said, looking confused.
…
Ah, it was such a Filo-like answer. Motoyasu found himself smiling obnoxiously wide with pride. It turned out that Amber could have her moments after all, I say!
For a fight that was supposed to be an execution of the two, the pair were fighting reasonably well.
Reasonably in that they were still alive. Which was saying something with how stacked the odds were against them.
"Drifa Chain Lightning!"
Motoyasu had to cover his visor with one hand as several bolts of powerful lightning burst through the stone beneath his feet, slamming into his side. He had to resort to a quick healing spell before Sadeena appeared in front of him, attempting to impale him again.
His use of life force helped him to react to her speed though, blocking her strike and allowing him to exchange a flurry of blows with the orca woman as they danced around each other on the slowly collapsing pillar.
'So fast! Just how high are her stats right now?!' A gash was cut along the metal of his left arm at the same time his naginata left a deep cut on the killer whale's face.
Sadeena hissed in pain as she stepped back, her left arm covering the bleeding wound. Motoyasu almost raised a hand, concerned since he hadn't meant to hurt the orca woman that badly.
The Hero restrained himself though, and instead quickly hopped back as the rest of the stone structure gave way, giving his companion room to launch her spell.
"Drifa Fireball!" Amber, who'd jumped high in the air and was gliding with her wings to get a better attack angle, threw the massive fireball in her hands down at their opponent.
"Hmph!" Sadeena's tail planted itself into the falling stone as she pointed her harpoon up at the oncoming attack. Not much to the Spear Hero's surprise, the deep gash on her face was already closing up thanks to healing magic. "Zweite Lightning Ball!"
Boom!
The magic electric ball Sadeena created slammed into Amber's large spell, causing an electric explosion of smoke midair.
The sudden smoke blinded Amber as she was hit by the shockwave of the electric explosion, causing her to cough and falter in the air. As the Filolial Girl tried to recover her bearings, Sadeena appeared next to her. A red glint in her eyes as she brought her weapon down.
Clang!
Motoyasu appeared like a speeding bullet, his naginata catching the middle of Sadeena's twin-pronged harpoon and interlocking their weapons.
"Hahaha! Excellent!" Sadeena laughed in delight as gravity pulled them down. Amber glided away back to safety as she tried to clean out her eyes.
Fortunately, the pair were falling onto one of the few stone islands in the pit. Unfortunately, just before they landed, Sadeena brought her foot up, slamming it into Motoyasu's torso in midair.
The Spear Hero felt the plate mail over his gut get bent considerably as he impacted and rolled along the stone floor. He only barely managed to drive the sharp tip of his weapon into the stone in time to prevent himself from rolling into the water.
"This is fantastic! Neither side is giving an inch, ladies and gentlemen! Remember, a recording of this match can be purchased after its conclusion at the souvenir shop for only a thousand Zeni if you have a recording crystal! And if you don't, you can get one there too for a modest sum of ten thousand Zeni!" The announcer spoke a bit less enthusiastically near the end as he visibly read the advertisement script from a piece of paper in front of him.
Motoyasu took a second to readjust his helmet on his head, making sure it was still firmly attached, before popping his neck and hurtling himself toward the bloodthirsty killer whale again.
Clang! Clang! Whoosh! Clang!
The two darted and weaved around each other, using the extra reach of their weapons to strike and block each other's blows. In a way, it was almost like watching a swordfight. Except neither person tried getting too close to the other in the deadly exchange that released shockwaves of power, fire, and electricity now and then.
In the VIP booth, Judas and many of the others were frowning. Mr. Saxon was seething. Hickwaal and Khan, however, were grinning widely in delight.
"In all my years, I've never seen such a battle." Ziro's brother said, his eyes sparkling with awe.
"Hmhmhm, indeed! The crowd seems to be loving it too!" Hickwaal laughed.
They were loving it. Many of them didn't have high enough stats to see all the nuances of the fight. But those who did were blown away at the skill and prowess both sides were unleashing.
Sadeena suddenly jumped back, spinning her harpoon in the air above her. Her lips chanted as storm clouds appeared and rumbled overhead.
Motoyasu began to chant as well. It seemed only fair to meet her magic in kind with his own.
Only a few seconds later, both sides were ready.
"Drifa Lightning Bolt!"
"Drifa Hellfire!"
A large, thick lightning bolt stormed out of the clouds above as Motoyasu's large, fiery spell surged out of his hands to meet it.
KaBoom!
The two spells met in a fiery electric explosion that released a shockwave of heated wind and electricity over the whole pit. Even behind the barrier, the large crowds of people covered their eyes with their arms because of the bright flash of power.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Then the two were right back at it, with Amber having recovered and throwing herself back into the fray.
"Ugh, what's taking them so long to kill each other?" Bitch loudly complained.
"Shhh!" The wolfman sitting behind and above her glared at her with disdain after hushing her for the space of a second before focusing on the three fighters again.
It was honestly amazing that Bitch didn't try killing him on the spot. Then again, maybe she was waiting for the crowd to be distracted before she did anything.
"You know it's interesting, Sir Bubba." Amidst the sounds of their fighting, Sadeena began to speak to the pair of gladiators before her. "I don't quite recall your companion wielding a spear in any of her prior matches. How is she fighting so well with one right now?"
"Amber watched her Big Brother practice a lot. Amber is just mimicking what Big Brother was taught by Old Lady." The teenage Filolial commented, her spear blazing with fire as she struck once more alongside Motoyasu.
Sadeena was pushed back into the water blocking both attacks. 'No wonder her attacks appear unrefined. She hasn't had as much practice with her weapon as the Spear Hero.
Sadeena swam to the side before rocketing out of the water, striking at both individuals one after the other from a different angle. Her advance forced them back into defensive stances as her jaws tried snapping at one or the other between strikes. 'And yet, despite that, her attacks are becoming better the longer our fight goes on.'
Amber managed to trap the prongs of Sadeena's harpoon with her spear, allowing her Blondie to leave a gash in the killer whale's side before Sadeena broke free. She then ducked one of Sadeena's blows, using the butt of her weapon to land a strike on the back of her opponent's knee.
Sadeena didn't know it then, but that was a great thing about Filolials, especially Royal Filolials, I say. While many of them struggled to explain and teach basic concepts about things, they were great visual learners and excelled especially in the things that interested them.
Filo was interested in advancing her fighting prowess, but typically through magical means. Most, if not all of her powerful attacks, relied on magic in some way or form. Blue hadn't revealed what he was interested in quite yet. He'd need a little more time to discover that for himself.
As for Amber, she was already an accomplished mage herself after years of training under Fitoria, but now she also wanted to be able to fight side by side with the Spear Hero.
She wasn't comfortable fighting with her claws. Heavy weapons like large swords and morning stars hadn't interested her. But as she'd discovered a few days ago while protecting Merchant Guy and Little Girl alongside her Blondie, spears were the perfect weapon in her hands.
She ducked under Sadeena's electrified strike again, thrusting her weapon at the orca woman's chest. Sadeena staggered back, having barely blocked the strike with the handle of her weapon.
But her misstep also allowed Motoyasu to kick the orca woman full force in the gut, sending her flying off their small island.
Nice! The pair were getting in sync with each other! Motoyasu was so proud of Amber, I say! She was just so amazing, and-
Sadeena smirked in midair. "Drifa Lightning Bolt."
Looking up, Motoyasu saw a new set of storm clouds had formed throughout their clash.
He hadn't even noticed that Sadeena had been chanting while facing the pair…
Motoyasu pushed Amber to the side as a large lightning bolt came down. Fortunately, it didn't hit either of them.
Unfortunately, it slammed down into the island they'd been fighting on. Tearing it apart and reducing it to rubble.
The next thing he knew, Motoyasu's armored body slammed into the water like it was made of concrete. A gasp of pain escaped his lips as water flooded his helmet. With adrenaline and fear running through his veins, the Spear Hero forced his mouth shut and righted himself underwater to look for his opponent.
This was the most dangerous spot for him to be. Amber possibly had it worse, so he also looked around to see where the explosion had thrown her.
The Spear Hero was fortunate he'd unlocked weapon forms that made him see and hear better underwater. He just hoped the ones that increased his ability to fight underwater as well as extend the time he could hold his breath would be enough to-
'Oh cra-' Ka-Clang!
"Ahahaha!"
Holding his weapon with both hands in front of him, he barely caught Sadeena's thrust between the prongs of her harpoon as she appeared like a shark from the side. Even underwater, the sound of the orca woman's laugh reverberated through his ears as her momentum didn't stop.
Motoyasu's body flailed around as the orca woman pushed him around with wild abandon.
No, not wild abandon. A whirlpool of water was forming from Sadeena's movements. Just how fast were they going?! Was this even natural?!
Of course not, but stats trumped normal physics in this world. Sadeena could easily do this with how high her stats were right now.
It still didn't feel fair though.
The fastly forming whirlpool made it harder and harder for Motoyasu to keep Sadeena's weapon pinned with his naginata. The currents pulled his body left and right as Sadeena tried to break past his guard to impale him. Frankly, he was surprised she wasn't using lightning magic or trying to bite his face off right now.
Maybe if this was a real fight, she would have. But beyond trying not to kill him, she was also making this a show for everyone watching while buying their friends time.
Motoyasu coughed as the whirlpool formed low enough for his head to break water. This was beginning to tire him out. He needed a moment to break free and drink some Life Force Water.
He had one vial stored on his person, he wondered if he'd have to sneak one from his weapon though.
Oh, wait, Sadeena was chanting right now. Guess the electric shock was about to happen now that they were visible.
"Drifa Lightning-"
"Drifa Fire Lance!"
Suddenly, Amber appeared, thrusting her spear down. Her entire body was covered in fire, and even Sadeena was caught off guard by the speed and ferocity of the girl's sudden strike as she stopped mid spell to try and free her weapon from Motoyasu's.
Boom!
The teenage girl's attack landed, and the explosion sent all individuals flying away from each other. The whirlpool collapsed in on itself in a burst of steam that covered the whole field.
By pure luck, Motoyasu's body struck one of the stone pillars. Coughing, and while still covered by the steam, he climbed up to the top, pulled his visor up, and pulled a Life Force Water and Magic Healing Water from his weapon since, by the looks of the liquid dripping from his belt, the ones he had left on his person had been crushed.
He began gulping both down as Amber landed next to him in the steam.
"You okay, Big Brother?" She asked worriedly.
Motoyasu coughed again. "Y-Yeah. Just need a sec." He shut his visor after depositing both empty vials into his weapon's gemstone. He then used a quick healing spell on himself. Amber also assisted with a healing spell of her own.
Slowly, he could feel his life force start to recover, he'd have to lay off it for a bit though to let it recover properly.
Yeesh, what was taking Keel and Co. so long? It'd only been minutes, but it felt like hours!
At least Sadeena couldn't attack them while her vision was blinded by all the steam-
Wait, she was a killer whale. Motoyasu remembered that fact and the advantage killer whales had in environments with poor visual clarity just in time. "Amber, jump!"
The two jumped from the pillar just in time as a silhouette came down from amidst the steam, stabbing down into the stone with a burst of electricity.
Boom!
Yet another pillar crumbled into the water.
"Ahahahahaha!"
Sadeena chased after Motoyasu again. Just like earlier, healing magic covered her body, healing the burns and scrapes Amber inflicted on her with her last attack. "Big Sis hasn't had this much fun in a longggggg time!"
"Urgh. Nobody can see us right now, do you have to keep fighting this hard and yelling that crap?" Motoyasu snapped back.
The two's weapons met again and again. Motoyasu was forced to fight up close and personal with the orca woman so he could see all her attacks.
At the very least, she didn't try to bite his head off in those seconds they were interlocked.
"Yes, I do," The sounds of their weapons meeting over and over again masked their conversation. "Mr. Saxon approached me before the match with his guards.
"He said if it looked like I was faltering or doing anything suspicious during the fight, he'd kill the two kids he brought with him. They are in the VIP booth, sitting next to him right now.
"I am trying my best not to kill you and your companion too quickly, but I can't promise you any long reprieves," Sadeena smirked.
"H-Heh, if I was allowed to go all out right now, you wouldn't stand a chance," Motoyasu replied, smirking too as one of Sadeena's strikes lifted his visor for a second before his other hand brought it down and he stepped back.
"Ha!" Amber appeared at that moment, thrusting her spear once more. "Amber will make sure Big Brother has plenty of time to recover!"
"Thanks, Amber. Be careful."
Motoyasu adjusted the armor on his arms, releasing some of the water that'd been trapped inside as Amber took the brunt of Sadeena's assault. That was going to leave a nice rash later. He could almost hear his legs screaming at him for the chaffing they were going to experience after this.
If only he could use fire magic to evaporate all the water. Too bad he wouldn't be able to do so while disguised and debuffed.
At least, he didn't think he'd be capable of doing so in his weakened state.
As the steam cleared, he took the opportunity to turn his head and glance up at the Councilman's Balcony. It didn't take long for him to spot out the Council Members on their thrones, and...
His heart fell. The bastard really had brought two of the Lurolona kids with him...
…
The group of three continued to clash, to the entertainment of the crowds up above.
"You know… I'm surprised the hallways here are made of metal too."
"Seriously? You are still going on about that?" Anya asked, once more, in a deadpan.
"What, you want me to point out all the weird glowing purple crystals we're tearing out of the walls too?" Keel laughed.
"We could just focus on the task at hand and not make all this unnecessary noise," Fohl growled out.
"Come on, are you really not curious at all why this whole area is lined with metal? It must have been super expensive to furbish it like that, right?" Keel pressed on.
"I... okay, admittedly, that is a bit strange." Anya furrowed her brows in thought but then shrugged. "But this place is like, really old, isn't it? Melty said Zeltoble was founded a long time ago by the Axe Hero of the time. Maybe he was involved in building this place too?" As the catgirl said this, she pried another one of the purple crystals from the glowing line in the wall.
The tunnel was one large loop. Lit by the light of hundreds of small crystals. The light from these crystals traveled up the metal up into the ceiling. They were about halfway around the large magic device at this point.
They were pulling out every second crystal from the wall as they went along. It wouldn't have a visible effect, but once they were done with the loop, they could pull out another crystal from anywhere along it.
They could have tried to be more precise with it, but because they were underground, constantly hearing the fight going on up above, they had no idea which part of the barrier protected the VIP section specifically.
So they were going for a longer, but more simple solution. Knocking out the entire barrier all at once. As soon as they took out two crystals next to each other, the entire barrier would power down instead of just a part of it, due to the missing crystals around the entire circumference.
That's what they were guessing would happen, at least. Sadeena said in her notes that taking out every other crystal would weaken a part of the barrier while taking out two crystals would eliminate that section of the barrier, as well as any other that was missing crystals along its length.
Honestly, whoever it was that made this thing, they made it needlessly complicated with WAY too many failsafes.
…
…
Up above, surrounded by darkness, the bat demihuman began to chuckle to himself.
Those foolish, clueless children. They didn't even know that he was hanging there, ready to ambush them at any moment.
He'd already pictured it out in his mind. He was going to pounce down on the maid girl first. She seemed like the weakest link of the three.
Then, after he'd killed her, he'd slink off into the darkness again, wait as the other two got back to back while looking around themselves in fear, only for him to drop in between them. Laughing diabolically as he tore the two teenagers apart piece by delicious piece and feasted on their warm fresh blood.
…
Wait, wasn't he supposed to be a fruit bat demi-human though? Darn, they didn't actually eat other people or animals, did they?
Batty knew he was a bit of a freak amongst his race. If only they'd had their eyes opened like he had when he'd been invited to that one special place for lunch inside the city.
It'd only been once, but he'd never forgotten that experience even years later.
…
Mhmhmhmhm. This opportunity to indulge in those strange desires once again was just so perfect. He was so sick of guard duty being incredibly droll and boring. Being unable to fulfill his deepest darkest desires even in the fighting pits since he was never placed in a 'death match' against his opponents.
Batty still seethed with jealousy as the sounds of battle continued up above. How he wished it could have been him up there! But these morsels would have to suffice.
He chuckled to himself as he looked down again, ready to make his…
Wait, where had the cat girl gone?
His original target was moving beneath his perch now, but he couldn't see the cat girl who'd been between her and the tiger boy! His eyes looked around frantically in the darkest corners of the tunnel, trying to locate her.
"Hello."
His head turned to the side in surprise. Anya's shadow magic was covering her hand in a silky black film, forming a claw that was gripping the wall.
She raised her other hand which had a similar coating on it, forming the shape of a large fist.
"Goodbye."
Pow!
Batty the guard was out like a light before his body landed with a painful crunch on the floor.
"Huh, so that's the guy who's been watching us?" Keel poked his side with the tip of her shoe.
"Seems to be the case." Anya fell next to her friend. The shadow magic covering her hands and feet vanished. "I didn't find anyone else up there. Looks like that uncle wasn't lying." She said that part as she looked at Fohl.
"Yeah. Now let's hurry. If he was part of a party, it won't take long for his friends to notice his HP dropped." Fohl said frantically.
"Right." Both girls nodded, serious looks on their faces.
They left the knocked-out demihuman where he was, rushing to finish their sabotage.
"All Drifa Chain Lightning!"
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Motoyasu jumped from one pillar to another, stabbing his weapon into the last one to swing forward the extra distance as Sadeena's spell obliterated the stone structures behind him.
He landed on another pillar as he turned around. Amber was now taking up the orca woman's attention again with a flurry of fiery attacks that caused the water around them to steam. Despite having almost no land to fight on at this point, the Filolial Royal was doing surprisingly well in the water.
"Drifa Fireball!" After chanting and locking on with his HUD, Motoyasu sent another large fire spell back Sadeena's way.
Amber held the orca woman's focus up till the last second, kicking off some rubble beneath her feet and flaring out her wings as Motoyasu's spell landed.
The explosion and burst of steam sent her flying away from the orca woman, but Motoyasu grimaced as he got himself ready to face another one of her onslaughts.
He'd landed a solid hit on her, but that meant nothing when she was continuously healed.
Sure enough, the orca woman swam out of the cloud of steam. Her tail struck the water, and she was launched directly at him while covered in electricity.
Motoyasu jumped off his stone pillar onto the next, and then the next. Sadeena followed and destroyed each one with her massive body.
"Sir Bubba better be careful! He is running out of room to run!" The announcer's running commentary barely registered to the Spear Hero's senses at this point.
Motoyasu jumped onto the last pillar as Sadeena closed in, still covered in electricity. But then Amber appeared from the side, having used the wall to jump across the room to get in her way.
Their weapons met in midair, electricity battling against fire.
Motoyasu broke the deadlock before Sadeena overwhelmed the teenage Royal. His naginata pierced her shoulder as he flew forward.
With a growl, Sadeena bit down on Motoyasu's head, shaking him around as they fell towards the water. Motoyasu panicked as he felt his helmet begin to creak and buckle.
"Fast Fireball!" Using one of his hands, he slammed the spell into the side of Sadeena's head, causing her to cough and release the Spear Hero.
Motoyasu kicked off her just before they hit the water, sending her rolling across the water. He was still disoriented as he slammed into the water as well though.
He coughed as water flooded his lungs. The armor he was wearing dragged him down and he lost his sense of orientation as a large chunk of stone rubble clonked him on the back of the head while the rest of it left him partially buried at the bottom of the flooded arena floor.
This time, Motoyasu panicked. The impact from earlier had turned his helmet to the side. Worse yet, some of his long hair had escaped its confinement, covering his eyes. He could not see anything but darkness right now.
Air escaped his helmet in bursts as he desperately flailed his arms around. He could not think logically. The blonde couldn't even tell up from down.
However, as his panic reached unbearable levels, a pair of small hands removed his helmet. His freed hair moved to the side, allowing Motoyasu to see Amber staring down worriedly at him.
The Filolial Girl then pushed the rubble trapping his legs off of him, before pulling him back up to the surface with her.
The Spear Hero broke the surface of the water, taking in large gasps of air.
"And Sir Bubba is still in the fight, ladies and gentlemen! What a gorgeous and reliable sister he has!" The Announcer cheered.
Motoyasu still felt disoriented, and more than a little nauseous as his surprise encounter with death by drowning was met with applause and boos from those observing the match while Amber helped him onto the last remaining stone island in the pit.
"Booooooooo! This is too boring! Why even bother calling this a death match if nobody's going to die during it?!" Bitch was long since fed up.
Next to her, however, Lesty's face scrunched up in confusion. "Hey, isn't that-" She started to say.
"BOOOOOO! JUST DIE ALREADY, STUPID PEASANT!" Mauld roared out in frustration.
Those weren't the exact words others were using. But the sentiment was growing amongst parts of the crowd.
"Big Brother, are you ok?!" Amber asked worriedly. In helping him up, she'd had to drop her weapon in the water.
Motoyasu continued to cough up water. Amber held his helmet in her hands, which was dented from Sadeena's latest bite attack as well as the fragment of stone colliding with it.
"U-Ugh. I'll be fine. Th-Thanks, Amber." Motoyasu managed to utter between coughs.
After clearing his system, he put the bit of protection back over his head, making sure his ponytail would be secure this time before he lowered his visor over his face. He then forced himself to stand up, using his weapon to assist him.
The short exchange had at least left Sadeena worse off. Despite how much time had passed, she was scowling on the surface of the water several dozen feet away as she waited for the healing magic being cast on her to heal her left shoulder so she could use the left arm hanging limply at her side again. Motoyasu's quickly cast fire spell had also left the side of her face with severe burns.
Motoyasu's armor was dented in multiple places, however. It was only thanks to him using healing magic that he didn't have any bruises or aches to deal with currently. Amber was looking pretty tired out next to him too.
"What should we do next, Big Brother?" The girl looked at him worriedly.
Problem was, he honestly didn't know. Their fighting had wrecked the entirety of the fighting field at this point. This was the last bit of solid land they had to stand on.
Sadeena seemed well aware of that too. As her injuries healed, she began to raise her harpoon with one hand over her head to prepare a large-scale attack that'd put them both in the water.
This was the part of the finale where the opposing sides would go all in, putting all their strength on the table, right? Motoyasu had the thought that as cliche as that might be, maybe going all in here was the way to go.
"Amber, let's do that combo spell we've been practicing," Motoyasu suggested.
"Sun Flare? Are you sure?" Amber suggested.
Motoyasu grinned. "Yeah, she's probably tough enough to survive it." At the very least, the steam it'd produce on impact would obscure them long enough to restore themselves. If Sadeena was merciful, that is.
But it was a very powerful fire spell. He wouldn't be surprised if it got them obscured for more than a minute, even if wind magic was used to clear out all the resulting steam this spell would produce, I say!
"Alrighty then, Big Brother! I trust you! As the source of power, I order thee!" Amber started.
"Decipher the laws of nature," Motoyasu continued. "Bring about a sea of flame!"
A great ball of fire appeared above the pair. As Amber lifted her hands to continue chanting, it grew larger and hotter.
"Bring about a raging inferno, everything we have to bear!"
The ball of red-hot fire suddenly turned a bright blue. The water on the island around the pair began to steam.
"OH MY! EVEN AFTER ALL THAT FIGHTING, SIR BUBBA AND HIS COMPANION STILL HAVE THE ENERGY TO CAST SUCH A STRONG COMBO SPELL TOGETHER! MISS NADIA IS IN TROUBLE IF THEY GET THIS OFF!"
Mr. Saxon's scowl deepened even more. Without looking away from Sadeena, he activated the crests on the kids next to him.
They fell to the floor, screaming in pain and agony.
Even through the crowd of people, focused on the powerful spell in front of her, Sadeena turned her head, seeing what was happening to two of her kids.
"Burn the battlefield before us away!" Motoyasu and Amber stated as one, smiling widely in pride at managing to pull this spell out in battle together. "Go! Sun Flare!"
The large, burning ball raced towards Sadeena, evaporating all the water in its way.
Motoyasu's eyebrow knitted in concern. Even while heavily debuffed, was the spell too powerful after all? Screw making a bunch of steam. This spell looked like it was going to evaporate the entire field of water at the rate it was going.
Just before it made impact though, Sadeena raised a hand, having finished chanting herself.
"Anti-Sun Flare."
…
And just like that, the powerful combo spell Motoyasu and Amber had cast together collapsed in on itself. The area of water it'd evaporated in its path to reach the orca woman filled back in, the water level in the area dropping just a foot after it was all said and done.
…
Not even one of the dying flames touched the orca woman's skin.
…
…
Motoyasu stared in disbelief. Amber was similarly shocked next to him.
"Oh my, did you two not know?" Sadeena smirked playfully where she stood on the water.
In the VIP booth, the crests on her two kids stopped glowing as Mr. Saxon smirked with satisfaction.
"I'm surprised. I would have thought with how well you two fought against me that you'd studied up on my fighting style and abilities.
"Well, I guess I shouldn't be so surprised, it's rare for others to push me to use this trump card during my fights." Sadeena continued to grin in satisfaction. "I'm sorry if I led you on to believe you ever had a chance against Big Sis."
"You have fought well, Sir Bubba and Amber, no other foe has managed to last this long or deal such ferocious blows on me. Truly, I'm impressed."
…
Her predatory grin vanished. "But it's time for the show to come to an end."
The orca woman began to chant.
"Dragon Vein, hear my petition! Earth Vein, lend me your strength!"
Motoyasu's eyes widened.
"B-Blondie," Amber stuttered, breaking character. "S-She has a Dragon Blessing!"
"Surround myself in the torrents! Make the current my ally!" Sadeena yelled as the water around her rose. "Elements, hear my cry! Hear my pleas in my time of need! Give me the strength to turn this defeat into a victory!"
"Aqua Jet!"
The water around Sadeena covered her body. Flowing forward in front of her head and back, as if she'd surrounded herself with a never-ending raging river.
As if it didn't already look cool enough, electricity covered over the undulating shell of water. And Sadeena flew up in the air, covered in water and electricity.
"THIS IS IT FOLKS! SADEENA IS UNLEASHING ONE OF HER STRONGEST FINISHING MOVES! THIS IS THE END FOR THE UPSTART FIERY SWORN DUO!" The Announcer screamed in excitement before his voice was drowned out by the roar of the crowd.
Motoyasu's eyes widened in awe. He knew if that attack made impact while he was this weak, it could potentially be fatal. But… There was just something so amazing about the orca woman's magic.
She had powerful standard magic. She knew how to cast anti-magic on even combo spells. And she could cast the same type of magic only Wyndia had been known to use before.
Indeed, Motoyasu couldn't stop smiling, I say. There was still much he had to learn to become stronger.
"That's the last one!" Anya yelled.
The group of three completed their lap around the barrier generator. Every other gemstone on the wall was missing.
"Hmph. Finally." Fohl latched his hand around the gemstone next to the one he'd just pulled out.
Before he could tear it out, however, the wall of energy began to power down before his eyes.
Looking to the side in surprise, he found Keel had already torn out both the gemstones on either side of her. "What? I thought it'd go faster if I did two at once instead of just one."
…
"Urgh…" Fohl was just glad their sabotage mission was finally over, and that it'd been a rounding success.
At least he'd managed to start repaying his debt to this courageous group of people. He couldn't wait to get back home to his sister and brag to her about it.
As Sadeena charged for Motoyasu and Amber, the entire crowd and Announcer Guy cheering for her victory, the barrier around the fighting pit suddenly disappeared all at once.
"What the- fighters, please stand down! We are experiencing some kind of technical diff-" Announcer Guy started to yell as the crowd gasped in surprise.
"SAAAAAAXOOOOOOONNN!"
But even his trained voice doing the running commentary was cut off as a mighty, deafening bestial bellow shook the vast underground chamber down to its very foundations.
Everyone's surprise only grew as Sadeena's charge suddenly veered sharply away from Sir Bubba and his Companion, going up, right over where the barrier had been before. The orca woman was on a straight course for the exposed Councilman's Balcony.
Her target was the man in the white suit, who seemed to be stupefied since he was staring down his impending doom with a straight face.
Sadeena focused on him, rage from her kids being hurt just seconds ago almost blinding her senses entirely.
He was never going to lay a hand on them again.
He was not going to lay his hands on any of them, ever, AGAIN.
Just mere feet away from impaling the man with her double-pronged harpoon and smashing into him with the force of a whale going at least a hundred miles an hour while covered in electricity, Saxon's lips finally moved.
He was smirking.
CRASH-SCRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE-!
A horrible ear-splitting screech reverberated throughout the arena as Sadeena's electrified harpoon impacted against the purple translucent barrier that'd suddenly reappeared in front of the Councilman's Balcony.
"Ah ha ha! Nice try, Nadia! So close, but no cigar!" Saxon threw his head back and laughed.
Larsa's jaw dropped as she and her highest-ranked officers looked on in confusion. Hickwaal and Sebas likewise looked stunned, not understanding why the barrier had turned back on in front of them.
The rest of the City Council was just smiling with expressions of smug satisfaction, save for Khan who looked scared and confused about what was happening.
"...no." Sadeena's pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks as her theriathrope face took on a downright feral look. She bared her teeth and her blood-tinged eyes hyperfocused, singling out the man in the white suit, ignoring the horrible screeching noise of her weapon grinding against the barrier.
"NO! NOT YET!"
She was in the process of sliding off the barrier earlier, as she had lost her momentum when she impacted against it, but the current of water enveloping her body suddenly surged around her even faster and shot out behind her like a rocket's exhaust.
SCRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Saxon's smile faltered as the screeching noise from before, which had died down, suddenly reappeared, louder than before.
Every muscle in Sadeena's body tensed simultaneously as she let out another bestial bellow full of primal rage and hatred. The electricity surrounding her body flared even brighter, giving her body a glowing white outline. The sound of her harpoon grinding against the barrier became higher and higher pitched.
Crack.
A tiny spider crack appeared in the middle of the barrier.
Crack. Crack. Crack.
The hairline fracture rapidly spread out from where Sadeena was pushing against it with all her might. The dual-pronged tips of her harpoon began to break through.
The man in the white suit dropped his cigar, jumped out of his seat, and began to back away. "Larsa! Larsa, why the hell are you just standing there!? DO SOMETHING!"
"SAXON! I WILL KILL YOU EVEN IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO, YOU TRAITOR!" Sadeena screamed.
"No." Councilman Judas, who remained perfectly calm despite what was going on, casually got up from his seat, reached behind it to pull out a wicked-looking javelin with a serrated blade, and lobbed it forward with the ease and practice of a master.
The barrier that was preventing Sadeena from getting to the Council Members did nothing to stop the projectile leaving it from the opposite side.
With a sickening sound of rending flesh, the javelin pierced the orca woman's chest on her right side, running through her completely and flying past her into the arena floor below where it embedded itself into the wall, splattering blood on the stonework.
"...ah." Was the only sound that the orca woman managed to muster as her body fell back. Her harpoon limply fell from her hands.
The water and electricity surrounding her vanished as she tumbled down from the balcony until her body impacted the surface of the draining pit of water.
Cutting off the magical barrier hadn't just gotten rid of the protection for the crowds. It'd also cut off the magic sustaining the ocean environment, as well as the buffs and debuffs the gladiators inside had been experiencing until its disappearance.
The stone island Motoyasu and Amber were still standing on also began to sink back into the floor. But the two jumped off it, not waiting for it to disappear.
"SADEENA!" Both of them yelled at the same time.
"Oi?! Why's the wall glowing again?!" Keel asked.
"I don't know! Fohl, do you know?!" Anya asked, looking panicked.
"Why should I know?! This wasn't in the notes we studied!" Fohl, while trying to look angry, was also scared out of his mind.
All his senses were suddenly screaming at him that they had to get out of there, right now. If they stayed where they were even a second longer, things were going to go from bad to much worse.
"Come on, we need to go!" Fohl grabbed the two girls by the wrists, pulling them along behind him.
The two girls didn't complain. It was clear the plan had gone awry somehow. Anya wanted to retreat. Keel wanted to run up and assist Sadeena-Chan.
Unfortunately, even though they'd been close to the door to the control node, after throwing it open, the group of three found their escape route had already been cut off.
A large group of slave soldiers and mercenaries was waiting to receive them.
"Nice throw, Judas, dear." Delilah chuckled throatily. "A solid nine out of ten. I'll have to deduct a point for not killing that vermin instantly, though."
"Bah." The scarred man shook his arm a bit to get the cramps out of it. "I am truly too old for this. Had I been even ten years younger, she would have been dead before she hit the water."
"Good thing our retirement is just around the corner then." Cain, the pale man with the spiderlike fingers pushed his glasses up a bit, making the light reflect off them ominously.
"...heh. Good thing, indeed." Saxon just chuckled as he sat back in his seat again.
"Urgh…" Sadeena groaned while clutching the gaping hole in her chest. The buffs that'd been on her were gone. Her injuries were no longer being healed either.
"Sadeena!" Motoyasu and Amber rushed up. The Filolial girl had recovered her weapon and got under one of the orca woman's arms to support her while Motoyasu began using a healing spell to heal her injuries. He also unflashed a Healing Potion and brought it up to her face.
Damn people wondering how one had survived on his person the whole fight. The woman needed healing, now!
As it turned out, it was a good thing she'd been in her whale form when taking that attack. The javelin had somehow missed her vital organs and her major arteries while making its way through her body. Along with that, her larger HP bar had her bleeding out more slowly than what a normal person would be experiencing in real life right now.
Yet even as Motoyasu made her drink the potion, and even as his and Amber's healing magic started to work its magic, the large therianthrope woman slowly shrank down, returning to her human form as she became too weak to sustain her more powerful form any longer.
In a way, that made it easier for his healing magic to fix the damage, but it also showed how weak Sadeena was from blood loss right now. She'd lost a lot of blood throughout their fight. Not even being healed continuously could make up for that.
"Don't worry, Sadeena. We'll make it through this somehow. I promise, you're going to be-"
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.
But at that moment, the man in the white suit slowly brought his hands together, the sound being amplified amongst the crowds of confused individuals, wondering what the hell was going on.
"Uh… I'm lost. What's happening right now?" The Announcer Guy fixed the glasses on his face, looking down at the Councilman's Balcony in confusion. The other Announcers with him also looked confused.
"Not to worry, Mr. Strong. We, the members of the City Council, will take things over from here." Saxon's magically amplified voice radiated from the safety of the barrier.
"N… No… how? How did they…?" Sadeena looked up at her sponsor with dread in her gaze.
Saxon continued to smirk, however, as he cracked his hands in front of him. "Ladies and gentlemen, the death match between Nadia and the individuals of the Fiery Sworn Duo is hereby being made null and void by decree of the Council of Zeltoble."
He clapped his hands again, this time the clap was short and curt.
At the signal, hundreds of mercenaries and slave soldiers poured out from the various entrances to the pit. From the top in the back and from amongst the stands.
They all rushed down to the outer perimeter, wielding spears, swords, morningstars, pikes, shields, and many other weapons besides those. Forming a circle that trapped the gladiators inside the arena.
All the portcullises opened below too. From them, more mercenaries and slave soldiers flooded the arena. They encircled the three fighters down below, their faces expressionless as they followed the orders they'd been given.
"We shall now proceed with the real event. The execution of the Grand Champion Nadia, and of her accomplices, Sir Bubba and Amber, for the attempted murder of yours truly," Mr. Saxon bowed his head.
Finally, it was time for the true show to commence.
Author's Notes:
Huh, it's been a while since I ended on a meaty cliffhanger, hasn't it? I'd say I feel guilty doing this, but I think you all know me better by this point. :)
Enjoy these next two weeks. I know I will. Muwhahahaha…
Hero Clips!
Life Force Water
"Hoo, boy, it's about time I got a break from that Otherworld Arc. Phew. I wonder how things are going over here.
"I know I left Motoyasu plenty of notes, and I trust that Ren's been getting the help he needs with his traumas, but you can never be too carefu… huh?"
Allen paused in his tracks.
No, it wasn't because he was witnessing Motoyasu in a death match against Sadeena. It wasn't because he'd spotted Bitch in the crowd of thousands (though he definitely felt his blood boil at the sight of her). It wasn't because he saw that the chapter had ended on a cliffhanger (though he LOVED that it had for some strange twisted reason).
It wasn't for any of the reasons you were probably thinking of.
Instead, it was because of the stuff Motoyasu had drank in the middle of his fight. That he was finally taking note of for the first time.
…
Allen's face slowly blanched. "I… have never covered what Life Force Water was in the story before, have I?"
The author began to nervously sweat. Hadn't he always gloated to his readers how his mind was like a steel trap when it came to the small details of Shield Hero?!
&^%$!? How could he have passed over such a small yet important item?!
Allen did a Ctr F of his entire works on Ao3 and found one of the only few mentions of it was from Rishia in Arc 7, forcing her Hero to drink the stuff after overexerting his use of life force against the Spirit Tortoise. But he didn't even label what it was!
Allen suddenly received a ping on his Discord and checked who was contacting him now.
Galm: You're such a disgrace as an author. Unforgivable.
&^%$! &^%$! It was sent on his fan server too! Everyone on there was going to see that!
Allen had to fix this now before it was too late!
"OP AUTHOR POWERS, GOOOOOOOO!"
"What the fu-" Motoyasu suddenly looked around in surprise, as did everyone else who'd just appeared in the room.
"Eh?!" "Ah!" Ren and Wyndia both jumped away from one another as the handholding session they'd been having in the Capital was interrupted.
"Aw come on, I thought Ren was finally going to smile again!" Farrie loudly complained as she kicked back in her seat.
"And the day was going so well too." Tersia loudly sighed.
"Gah!" Gaelion appeared behind Farrie's neck, confused about where she was and why she was there.
At least Auntie was still there to pet her while her parents spent time together.
"You mean even the dragon got teleported with us?! Come on!" Blue loudly complained, glaring daggers at the small lizard who merely stared back, unsure why the blue-haired preteen hated her so much.
"Gwah (Rikka just wanted to see Cool Girl and Cool Hero be happy today. Was that too much to ask?)." The black-feathered Filolial sighed.
"Damn it, this is no time to focus on shipping or dragons you guys!" Allen yelled at the two teenagers' friend group as he flipped a chalkboard over, revealing hastily drawn details on the other side.
"What… what's happening right now?" Motoyasu asked in confusion.
"Yeah. Now that I think about it, I thought Author-Kun was still supposed to be over in the Otherworld with Proofreader-Kun for a few more days." Farrie stared at Allen in confusion as well.
"Gah (I'm hungry. Where's food?)." At least the little dragon was developing well by the looks of it.
"Look, we're at the point in the Otherworld now where me and Norin took turns disappearing briefly from the Otherworld to check on how things were going here! Weird for me to be talking about things that happened in the future that are technically in the past, but anyway, the reason why I summoned you all here is to explain this handy item Motoyasu randomly pulled out this chapter: LIFE FORCE WATER!
"Life Force Water is the Hengen Muso equivalent of Healing Potions, Soul Healing Potions, and Magic Healing Waters, all of which I've gone over before! At least my idiotic self had enough self-awareness to explain that they're made through a combination of Soul Healing Potions and Magic Healing Waters, though for some reason, he couldn't be bothered with remembering its actual name when he did that!
"ANYWAY, beyond that little tidbit my past idiotic self left behind, the use of Life Force Water is rather straightforward! They can be used to either A. help life force practitioners with recharging their ki, B. Supercharge a life force practitioner's ki so they can have an easier time training, or pull off even more insane and ridiculous moves at the start of combat! Or C. Help save the lives of those practitioners who used up a dangerous amount of their life force during battle."
"... Author-kun is aware that most of us aren't ever going to be drinking these, right?" Eclair asked everyone else with a concerned expression.
"Why was I summoned here?" Melty asked.
"AS for using it to recharge your life force during combat," Allen continued as if he hadn't heard the pair's rude interruption. "It is not that quick or instantaneous compared to the other potions listed above! Those who consume it still require several minutes for their ki to restore itself somewhat, with it taking longer if they're almost out of life force when they drink it or if they have a larger pool of life force compared to other people! So if you're stuck in continuous combat, unlike the other potions, this one WON'T be of much use during battle!
"Hence why its focus tends to go towards training and saving practitioners over use in practical combat!
"... Allen sounding like a college professor is making me glad I was isekaied as a High Schooler." Ren frowned.
"College Professor?" Wyndia asked.
"... I'll explain later." Ren sweatdropped, before blushing in embarrassment. Couldn't they just go back to their date in the Capital already? Holding her hand all day felt nice.
"Lastly, just because I have at least covered the taste of these potions before," Allen continued, almost feeling as if he was being ripped apart because he wanted to enjoy the two teenagers loving each other so badly but couldn't right now because of his past self's stupidity: "Naofumi compares the taste to being like Powerade or something like that in LN 6. I'm not exactly sure since he used the label of a sports drink instead of any specific drink from his world but because he said sports drink, then Powerade's probably correct since that's the one my dumb butt is familiar with, ahahahaha!"
"... Blondie, what's Powerade?" Amber asked.
"I think he's talking about PowerBee." Motoyasu put a hand to his chin in thought.
"Or maybe Powercede?" Ren offered.
"No, it's obviously PowerDeez-" The Blunt Weapons Hero, who appeared randomly out of the hole in reality Allen used to travel here earlier to make a dumb joke, was suddenly grabbed from behind by a shadowy hand and pulled back to a room where a big fight was going down between Naofumi, his allies, and the Trash Homunculi.
"I got him, carry on." The shadowy figure spoke before excusing himself.
"Oh hey, that was Proofreader-kun! Hi Proofreader-kun!" Farrie waved her hand ecstatically.
"What the- who the hell was that guy?! Was he a Hero?!" Motoyasu asked in shock.
"And that concludes today's lesson on Life Force Water! Any questions?!" Allen asked.
Everyone in the room raised their hands. There were so many different questions on things besides what Allen had just talked about.
"Good! SEE YOU LATER!" Allen then dived bombed into the hole in reality. Disappearing back through to the other side before it closed without a sound.
…
…
"... is he always like that?" Sadeena asked curiously.
"That was my question too," Larsa muttered, crossing her arms in front of her.
"He's a little quirky," Motoyasu shrugged with a strained smile. "But I swear he's good."
"It's going to be weird when he and Proofreader-Kun come back," Farrie said.
"I don't know who that guy was anyway." Blue scoffed.
"Gwah (Does that mean we're finally go back to seeing Cool Hero and Cool Girl holding hands again?!)" Rikka asked happily.
"Gross! Get out of here already!" Blue began pushing the white eyepatch-wearing Filolial back out of view.
And that was the story of how all the characters in the arc were randomly brought in for a crash course lesson on Life Force Water since past Allen never took the time to explain what the stuff was in the first place.
And nobody cared since they were all in the middle of very important plot events right now that were far more interesting than any lore lesson ever would be.
Man, past Allen really was a bitch doing this to future Allen. Flame past Allen to death for me, please. That should really confuse the future readers, lol.
Till Next Time
Allen