The largest arena in the world, an amphitheater built in Regalia, was packed to overflowing with people.

More than 40,000 spectators had gathered for this very special day.

All the spectator seats were filled, even the stands were full, and there was a long line of people outside the arena.

What they were waiting for was the opening ceremony of the martial arts tournament.

This is a big event where many strong men from inside and outside of the country gather, compete, and decide the strongest of the year. In a world where entertainment is not as developed as in Japan, this may be one of the most enjoyable times of the year.

I am on the top floor of such a place. I was looking around the place from the guest of honor's seat, which I was allowed to enter because I was a related to Schneizel.

'Look Norwin! There are so many people! All those people crowded around like peas in a pod, they're all spectators, aren't they?"

'You don't have to say they're all crowded, like bugs."

It's true! We're fighting in the midst of all this!"

It may indeed be the greatest pleasure of all, to defeat the enemy and get the attention of tens of thousands of eyes and frenzy.

Perhaps imagining this, Saraswati leaned forward from her seat of honor, her eyes shining.

'It's dangerous to be too forward, "

'You've been whining and nagging me for a while now! I'm going to enjoy myself as much as I can today! Lucy would have preferred it that way!"

"------, you're being a little loud."

"But you can't hear me very well if I don't yell!"

Indeed it was.

The roar of tens of thousands of people's voices echoed through the hall, and if one did not shout, even next to each other, one's voice would not be clearly understood.

But what would make Saraswati shout would be even more exciting.

The screams and enthusiasm of tens of thousands of people filled the venue. The emotions of the people waiting for the battle spread through the crowd, and even I felt a strange trembling in my heart.

---But suddenly, the excitement that had been building up to such a level suddenly died down.

"What?"

There was no signal, and moreover, there was no indication among the audience.

"What was that?"

The moment the "man" appeared in the arena, everyone's eyes and consciousness were glued to the man.

'Norwin, that's General Galdias."

A tall, lean man with a presence at least as strong as Schneizel's, if not stronger. I wonder how strong he is. I am too immature to even estimate his ceiling.

By the time the main story begins, Schneizel will be the strongest, but at this point, I think he is stronger.

They are the identical human beings, but they are fundamentally different as living beings. That thing cannot win. I can't believe that even a monster like that is not the final peak.

"------ fuhaha!"

I heard laughter coming from right beside me.

he intends to catch up. Even after seeing that, se is still convinced that he is better than the others.

Wow, that's amazing. But yes.

I have no intention of losing no matter who the opponent is. I think I have to challenge with that kind of mindset.

"Saraswati."

"What?"

I force my fighting spirit and Saraswathi and I laugh at each other.

We should be strong enough to leave those geniuses behind at our own pace.

When we had settled down, the opening ceremony of the martial arts tournament was about to begin.

"The ceremony for the 406th martial arts tournament is about to begin."

A man standing next to Gerdias, looking very distinguished, presided over the ceremony.

The voice of the MC echoed in the silence as the more than 40,000 spectators, all of them fierce participants in the martial arts competition, were overwhelmed by the presence of this one giant, Galdias.

'We will be holding a preliminary round today to select the finalists from the opening ceremony, and we hope you enjoy it. The detailed schedule can be found on the bulletin boards placed throughout the site..."

The MC explains the day's events. The moderator continues with a long, rambling speech, but in short, he seems to be saying, "This is the schedule for the preliminary rounds, so please be patient."

The redundant words of the MC reminded me of the principal's long speech, and I instantly felt that this time was a waste.

However, everyone around me was listening intently, as if they wanted to make the most of the day, so I had no choice but to follow their example. (I found out later that the host of the event was the head of a noble family, so I had to put on a serious face even if I didn't want to.

The above is the schedule and notes for today's event. We will now continue with a few words from the winner of last year's adult competition, the great hero of our country, General Galdias, who is the pride of the world.

The MC handed a magic device that looked like a loudspeaker to Ghardias.

Ahhhhh, I wonder if he can hear it

The calm tone of his voice naturally resonated throughout the venue. That is natural since he was using a loudspeaker, but I had the feeling that "Ghardiaz's words had a strong power" overtook the venue as a concept.

Anyway, the standard is different from that of ordinary people. That is a hero.

'As I was introduced to you earlier, I am Ghardias. As I used to be a freed slave, I am not very good at using noble language. Therefore, I will just state the facts."

Even as he said this, he wore more brilliance than any of the nobles who had entered the hall.

If anyone could match him, it would have to be the royalty who have yet to be seen.

'Decades ago, my life changed when I won a martial arts tournament. I was a mere freed slave, but because of my results, I was recognized by the then general and made a special exception so that I could serve in the army. Everyone who takes part in this tournament has an equal chance to do so. I do not discriminate against the powerful because of their status. If a person is truly strong and of good character, I will immediately offer him or her a seat at the table."

It is a dream come true.

He says he will even pick up slaves who would not normally be allowed to participate in the war. This is allowed because the Kingdom of Arcadia was once founded by a single fighter.

This country has been with warriors from the beginning, and from the moment of its birth, it has been a believer in power.

"Therefore, I want you to fight with all your might. For the Kingdom of Arcadia, for yourselves, for your loved ones, whatever the reason, it is fine. Your good fight is what we are looking for. That is all."

With these words, Ghardias left the arena.

No one said anything. It was impossible. Everyone remained enthralled by his words.

Thank you very much! We will now begin the qualifying rounds..."

After Gardias' words, the MC announced the start time of the preliminary rounds, and the ceremony ended.

The preliminary rounds were to be held in order from the youngest to the oldest, and I would be the first to compete. In other words, one hour from now, my battle would begin