Chapter 364: The start and the end of the Second semi-final match

"Ladies and Gentlemen! After witnessing the previous match I'm sure that all of you are eager to watch the next fight. Due to certain circumstances, we haven't seen the full power of either of these contestants. So let us witness the true power of the Holy Maiden, Natasha, and the wandering demon Hime!"

Henrietta's announcement was shorter than the previous ones as she too was excited to watch this match between the two. Even though her emotions were heightened she didn't notice the change since this was a normal occurrence for her. The moment Henrietta finds something interesting she would always feel this excited.

Hearing their names being called both Natasha and Hime stepped foot onto the stage. The two beautiful calmed and collected ladies entered the stage with a presence of unwavering dignity. The two standing in the same place looked like something that came out of a painting.

"So between the two ladies which one do you think is better?" Henrietta asked Afeus who was sitting beside her. When Afeus heard the question his face turned red as he opened and closed his mouth with no words coming out.

"W-w-w-what?!"

Seeing Afeus's reaction made Henrietta smile, it was pretty obvious what this guy was thinking. 'Should I tease him some more?... Nah, I'll do that later, for now, the match needs to start.'

"I was talking about who was better in battle, what did you think I meant?" 'Oops, I couldn't help myself.'

"I-I-I wasn't thinking of anything else!"

"I wasn't saying that you were, so who do you think is more likely to win this battle?" Afeus didn't speak and was silent for a few seconds before giving his answer.

"... I don't know much about the contestants fighting styles, but I do know a bit about the Temple of Justice. One of the few Temples that survived the great war, the Temple of Justice is known as one of the top three temples. The battle priests from that temple are said to be extremely vicious when fighting against criminals. It seems that when conducting what they believe to be justice the battle priests gain an incredible buff called [divine possession]. A portion of the Goddess of Justice's power is given to them to help them uphold justice. Seeing as Natasha is the holy maiden I presume she has a similar ability. To add to that fact it is said that all holy maidens of each temple are given a sacred artifact as a weapon. Well, in this kind of match she wouldn't be able to use it."

Afeus paused for a while as he pondered about something before he continued to speak.

"Now for Hime truthfully I don't know much about demons, I just started researching about them a few weeks ago. Based on what little I know the current demons are a mish-mash of different bloodlines of the ancient demon race. Today little is known about the ancient demons but what we do know is that they were a race that were born with higher quality mana. Since Hime is a part of such a powerful race and seeing how she herself is an excellent mage we should be having another exciting fight in our hands."

"Oh, and that's from you knowing only a little bit?" Henrietta smiled teasingly at Afeus who once again started blushing

...

"Hey, can I ask you something?" While Henrietta and Afeus were having their own conversation, Natasha initiated her own conversation with Hime.

"Hmmm... What is it?" Hime who had her eyes closed waiting for the match to start opened them and looked at Natasha.

"Why did you join this tournament?"

"That's a rather personal question, why should I tell you that?"

"Truth be told I joined this tournament simply because of Valdel. I just needed to do the bare minimum as to not shame the temple of justice, after that, I could withdraw at any time. I already achieved the bare minimum by advancing from the quarter-finals so victory or defeat doesn't really bother me at this point."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"For me, there is no justice to be found in continuing to participate in this tournament."

When Hime heard what Natasha said she frowned.

"So are you telling me that you're going to forfeit?"

"Yes, I'm going to forfeit that match... I can see in your eyes that you are in this tournament seeking your own personal justice. I just wanted to know what kind of justice it is you seek before forfeiting. Since I am the holy maiden of Temple of Justice, I want to help those that seek justice. Still, if you don't want t to tell me that's fine as well."

"..."

"Alright... I hope that the justice you seek is one of righteousness." As Natasha was about to raise her hand to forfeit Hime interjected by speaking.

"Who is the one to decide what is righteous and what is not? I cannot tell you what I wish to do, but the justice I seek might not be that of righteousness. So what will you do?" Hime started to emit a frightening bloodlust, but compared to the bloodlust that person emitted it was nothing so Natasha remained calm as she answered.

"I cannot tell another what is righteous and what is not, the person to decide that is you yourself. Though if your justice goes against my own justice then we will once again face each other, but at that time it will be a serious battle to the death."

"I see... Then I shall wish that our justices do not collide."

"I shall wish for that as well." Natasha then raised her hands and spoke out loud. "I forfeit!"

When the audience heard what Natasha said they all were dumbfounded but after a few seconds some of the audience members started shouting and throwing things onto the stage. Hime then glared at the audience while emitting bloodlust. The audience couldn't understand why but they started shivering. The audience finally calmed down and those that were angry sat back down with fear in their hearts.

"... Due to Natasha forfeiting, Hime is the winner of the second semi-final match. Now that's the end of the semi-final matches. Tomorrow will be the final match of the tournament, between the magic swordsman Valdel, and the wandering demon Hime!"