There are only two days left in the tournament. The semi finals are today, and the finals tomorrow.
Apparently there’s no match for third place, and there won’t be an undercard tomorrow either.
But that’s not the case today.
When it’s time for the semifinals to start, the crowd erupts into a roaring cheer when the competitors enter. I feel like it’s the loudest yet.
“This one’s tough.”
Says Siphon, and I nod.
End, the beast king, is the one receiving the cheers. He waves at the crowd with a smile, looking like he’s in a good mood.
It’s because it’s finally his time.
“It’s incredible how popular he is.”
“If we’re only looking at that, he really is incredible.”
Ryuryu says in response to my whisper. She’s holding her head too, so is she all right?
The beast king has no hidden agenda and a strong sense of justice, so I think having him rule the country brings people a sense of security.
I’ve heard that he sometimes goes out to help people in need. Ah, come to think of it, Rurika and Chris saw something like that when they first came here.
My eyes then turn to Geitz, who is definitely the away team in this match.
But he looks perfectly calm. Actually, he’s focused on the beast king.
I haven’t seen him this focused since the dungeon.
Once the match starts, so does the fighting.
Geitz holds his shield up, and the beast king runs at him directly.
He isn’t the least bit scared of the shield, swings his right arm, and a loud sound echoes. But Geitz doesn’t move at all.
There are cheers, and the beast king continues to attack despite the shield.
Of course, he’s not just punching and kicking head on, he’s also moving around, but Geitz keeps his movements to a minimum, and only moves to face the attacks head on.
This is Geitz’s usual fighting style. Block attacks, and let the opponent drain his stamina.
It might seem like a boring way to fight to an amateur, but adventurers and skilled people are watching closely.
He’s using a shield, but blocking attacks still takes a toll on one’s spirit. Unlike attacking, missing when you block can be fatal. Especially against the beast king, where every attack carries full power.
Will the beast king tire out, or will Geitz lose his concentration first? That’s basically what it’s all about.
Most spectators know how strong the beast king is, so they’re impressed by how Geitz is blocking him completely. I hear some shrill voices too.
“This is bad.”
Says Siphon, when the match seems to be at a stalemate.
“Yes, he’s on the back foot.”
Jin nods, and others’ continue.
“Look at Geitz’s expression.”
Says Siphon, and his face does seem twisted from time to time.
“Sora, you might not know this because you only fought him once, but the beast king’s attacks reverberate.”
Siphon says that even if you block the beast king’s attacks, they still get through. Of course, not with their full power, and if you’re careful about it, you can block it. In fact, it was Geitz who told them how.
But still, with this intensity of attacks, it’s impossible to block everything.
“So Geitz is at a disadvantage?”
Asks Rurika. Geitz has been teaching her a lot.
“The beast king was a bad match for him anyway, but he prepared himself for it.”
Says Siphon, and everyone’s eyes turn back to the ring.
And as if the beast king was waiting for that, he attacks… And Geitz’s shield is flung away.
It heads straight to the audience, but people’s eyes are still in the ring.
Geitz, who has been fully on the defensive, goes on the offensive. The beast king restlessly moves to block with his gauntlets, and sometimes evades, but Geitz chases him and attacks on the left and right with his swords.
Yes, he’s attacking with twin swords.
But that’s just in the beginning when he has the momentum, and the beast king gradually starts to counterattack.
They both attack and clash, and a dull sound echoes.
“This is crazy…”
Someone from Argo’s party says.
I agree. I’ve seen Geitz use a sword, but it was just the one he had on his waist. Where did he even get that? I know one of the swords is the one he always had, but the other…
“It’s nothing that crazy, and it was hidden behind the shield.”
Says Siphon, and he explains his reasoning.
“I know we think of Geitz as someone who uses a shield, but that’s not all he can do. He basically absorbs this stuff.”
He means that as Geitz faces adventurers in training areas, he learns how they fight.
Geitz also asks Siphon and the others to help him practice when others aren’t looking.
Why is that? Apparently to do a good job giving people advice when they ask. He can’t do that if he’s not proficient with weapons.
Everyone’s surprised to hear this. His advice is always on point, but they didn’t expect this to be the reason.
I keep watching, and clench my fists. It’s incredible. The audience’s voltage goes up as they watch Geitz more than hold his own, but he’s facing a bad match for him.
After over ten minutes of an intense back and forth, Geitz’s movements start getting worse.
Why is that? A skill difference? No, it’s stamina.
I see big beads of sweat on his forehead, and he’s breathing heavily.
In the end, Geitz can’t block an attack properly, and when the next one hits him, he falls on the arena like he’s crumpling.
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