Drank too much again last night.
Of course, not me.
No matter how much I drink, I never get drunk. That one trait alone—maybe having poison nullification isn't always a good thing.
After all, eating is essentially taking in poison. So everyone has some natural resistance to it, which is the state of things.
Well, I can still enjoy the *feeling* of being drunk, so I do like the act of drinking itself.
The ones who drank too much were our invited guests.
Perhaps the excitement from yesterday's battles hadn't worn off, because they'd been drinking and talking late into the night.
And so, everyone looked a bit tired as we headed to the arena.
At the arena, all the contestants gathered and lined up in the center.
More like forming a circle, facing the spectator stands.
A large monitor displayed each contestant on separate screens, so their expressions were clearly visible.
In front of those contestants, I was supposed to give a greeting through the loudspeaker.
Incidentally, I hadn't called Veldora again after yesterday.
He was absorbed in creating the underground labyrinth, so I deliberately didn't summon him.
He'd go on a rampage again, and that would be a nuisance. Besides, there was always the risk of *that guy* who hung around him showing up.
If Milim came, she'd definitely want to participate. I didn't think she'd be satisfied just sending a proxy.
So today's commentary fell to me as well.
First up: contestant introductions.
I gave the signal, and the introductions began one by one.
The big screen switched displays, and I'd instructed it to show each contestant as they were introduced.
First, the three winners of yesterday's battle royale.
As
The format called for a brief word from each contestant.
Well then, let's get started.
First up, Ox-Head.
I'd praised this one for yesterday's victory and given him the "name" "Gozurl."
Naming had become second nature by now—I didn't drain much in the way of magicules, just stimulated a small amount of growth.
But he'd been a top-class A-Rank to begin with.
His species had also evolved into an Ogre-Ox tribe, and he felt like a completely different person from yesterday—radiating raw power.
Specialized in attack, it seemed.
He'd acquired the Unique Skill "Dominator" and the Extra Skill "Self-Regeneration EX."
He hadn't gained any other special abilities or skills; instead, he'd drastically enhanced his physical capabilities.
The Unique Skill "Dominator" created a space where only restricted abilities could be used.
However, it required the target's consent—otherwise they could resist and reject the domain.
It was an unwieldy ability.
He might be able to force someone in, but that would depend on the opponent.
Among equals, it would almost certainly fail.
He was probably thinking that, like a Sacred Barrier, setting it up in a space with rules like "skill use prohibited" would let his physical specialization shine.
An interesting concept.
If used cleverly, it could prove useful, so I made sure to absorb it into my "Lord of Vows."
Since it was spatial-type, adding it was simple.
"First up—the champion of yesterday's first match, Gozurl!
He put a hundred-year feud to rest and earned his ticket to the main tournament!
His power will stir up a new wind sweeping through the monster nation!"
Soka was on a roll with her words.
She had a knack for this.
Her appearance was cute too, and she went over well with the audience.
She had a tail, wings, and horns, but none of that mattered one bit in the face of "cute."
"And this Gozurl is the champion of the monster nation's underground labyrinth!
Behold his strength! And let anyone who believes they can defeat him make their way to the labyrinth!!"
She was really getting into it.
She'd even worked in a promotion for the labyrinth.
They hadn't opened it to the public yet, so nobody would be particularly moved by hearing about it right now.
Well, we'd see if anyone showed up to challenge the labyrinth after witnessing this display of strength.
It also depended on how he performed in the first round. If he lost badly after all that hype, it would be embarrassing.
But then again, think of it this way—being underestimated would only bring more challengers chasing the prize money.
Anyway, it all came down to the opponent. Everything would be decided by the lottery.
Next up, Dagla.
The eldest of the three
I'd already received greetings from Dagla, Ryura, and Debra along with their report of yesterday's victory.
Apparently, their father Dagruel had sent them off to learn various things in this country.
"We'll handle any errands or odd jobs, so please allow us to stay in this country, Demon Lord Rimuru!"
All three had bowed their heads in unison.
For convenience, I'd assigned
They'd been wearing shirts that said "Shion is life"...
Learning the truth and having their illusions shattered was only a matter of time, but that too was part of their way of life.
Their power alone was tremendous.
But this eldest son was said to be the most well-rounded and strongest of the three.
"Next up, the second-match champion, Dagla!
With just the overwhelming aura he exudes, he blows away all the dark spirits of the Great Forest of Jura!
His presence is truly overwhelming—what does his hidden full power look like!? Does his strength hold up against the monster nation's top executives?!
Expectations are rising!"
Dagla waved in response to the introduction.
Compared to Gozurl's quiet fighting spirit, he radiated composure.
The question was how long he could maintain that ease. If he was still the same as before, it wouldn't be enough against the executives.
Now then, next up: Hero Masayuki.
Whether this guy's abilities were the real deal would be determined by today's matches.
That said, today had four matches, so depending on the lottery it might not be until tomorrow.
"And yesterday's third-match champion, Hero Masayuki~!!
No one has ever witnessed his magnificent swordsmanship! Because by the time the blade is drawn, they're already dead!
With overwhelming strength, he's made a name for himself—that man who calls himself Hero at such a young age!
Countless women are captivated by that sweet face, and there isn't a single woman who, once gazed upon by those eyes, can resist falling for him!
Ma~sa~yu~ki~!! Those who witness his heroic figure in the main tournament are truly blessed~!!"
Really?
Is he really *that* popular?
Also, did Soka come up with that promotional copy herself?
If so, that was an unexpected talent.
It was mostly lies bordering on killing with praise. What was that "Ma~sa~yu~ki~!!" about?
Listening with a straight face would probably make people think something was wrong with you.
Being promoted like this and then losing in the first round would be more than embarrassing.
In a way, this was a form of harassment.
High-level harassment, Soka-style, without a doubt.
The remaining contestants were the special entries and the executives.
First up: Arnaud.
"Now then, next up—special entry contestant introductions!
First to be introduced: Holy Knight
The most powerful Holy Knight of legendary fame!
He clashed in fierce battle with us, the monster nation's executives, and earned their respect as an equal!
His goal is complete victory—a draw is something his pride won't allow!
This time, he'll unleash his full power in pursuit of the championship!"
Yeah.
She really was talented.
Arnaud had a strained expression, sweat beading on his forehead.
What was this about a draw?
They hadn't even drawn, yet somehow the atmosphere had shifted to where even a draw wasn't acceptable.
Was there demon blood running in Soka's veins or something? The way she cornered people was something else.
Far too sinister to be the natural-born sister of the carefree
"Our next special entry contestant! His name is—
A mysterious man dispatched by a mysterious organization!
His goal in participating this time is to sell his strength through combat!
Can he prove his worth as a mercenary?!
Demon Lord Rimuru is deeply interested—expectations are high!"
No, no.
The "deeply interested" part was right, but "mysterious organization" was a bit much...
I looked over at the person in question, who wore a fearless grin.
No problems, it seemed. Good to know it was fine even if his name got out.
Well, I'd been consulted beforehand, and I would've stopped it if there were issues.
"Next—another special entry! A mysterious masked man crashes the party!
A lion-masked figure of unknown identity—champion of justice or demon's emissary!?
What kind of battle will they put on!?
Oh, and here's a message from an anonymous individual: 'I trust you understand, but if you put on a pathetic performance, be prepared.' What could it mean? I have no idea, but it sounds exciting~!"
No, I understood perfectly.
Soka knew exactly what it meant and was enjoying every second of pushing people into corners.
All I could do was pray for the Lion Mask's good fortune.
"And finally, our last special entry!
The ultimate battle maniac, before whom neither holy nor demonic holds meaning!
The introduction from our anonymous source reads: '
No.
You weren't expecting anything at all.
She'd forced the transition and wrapped up the introduction.
True, very few people knew of Beretta's existence, and their strength was still an unknown quantity.
But what she said wasn't wrong.
"Now then—here come the true powerhouses!
The monster nation's proud executives.
Each one is worth a thousand warriors.
First up—Go~bu~ta~!!
Many are captivated by that nihilistic mask—this elite warrior!
A young warrior captain who bears the title of genius!
What kind of battle will he show us this time?!"
"Please stop~!!" I could almost hear
He'd gone pale.
Of course he had. If he drew the Lion Mask, he'd be more than half-killed.
Oh well.
Gobta might get desperate and fight his hardest.
"Next up—Gabiru!
Leader of the Dragonewt squadron, warrior of the open sky!
With the dragon blood coursing through his veins, can he awaken as an invincible warrior!?
Incidentally, he's also my actual older brother.
With Father watching too, he can't afford to put on a lackluster performance!"
Wow...
She showed no mercy to her own brother.
But the real test came after being backed into a corner.
Depending on the opponent, we might actually see an awakened Gabiru.
Father Gabil watching was also true, so there was some reason for hope.
"The opening act is over—now comes the main event!
Next up, Ogreman Tribe's Geld!
The monster nation's guardian deity—the immovable pillar of iron defense!"
Whoa—she'd just called everyone else the opening act.
True, what came next was genuinely powerful. Her tone had shifted, and she'd switched into full serious-introduction mode.
"Hakuro is a master of the blade.
He's been appointed as our swordsmanship instructor—the master who trains us.
Shion is Demon Lord Rimuru's first secretary.
Matching her intellectual bearing, she's a woman who can handle anything.
She protects Rimuru-sama and serves as his confidant. One could say she holds the enviable position that every woman aspires to."
Huh?
Had she pulled strings behind the scenes?
That was something to keep an ear on, but Shion was nodding with satisfaction.
It seemed some kind of deal had definitely been struck.
"Souei-sama is both my superior and the man I admire.
He handles everything perfectly—no one truly knows the extent of his abilities.
This time too, he'll surely put on a spectacular show!"
Souei with the "-sama" honorific.
And she was saying it with a genuine blush.
Well, whatever.
"Now then—the only non-humanoid, beast-type contestant in this tournament:
Ruling as Rimuru-sama's bodyguard—the lone wolf who suffers no one's approach!
Next up—one of the tournament favorites,
His true power is unknown, and no one has witnessed him in a proper battle!
Will any contestant exist who can expose his secrets this time!? We may see a battle on an entirely different level!
And now—let's introduce our final contestant!
The monster nation's commander-in-chief,
Said to be the strongest among Demon Lord Rimuru-sama's subordinates—just how powerful is he really?
He's also rumored to be equal to Souei, but is that true!? This time, the truth should finally come to light!"
The last introduction was properly done, at least.
But honestly, I had no idea who was truly the strongest.
Diablo, Ranga, Souei, Benimaru.
Plus Shion and Beretta.
Hakuro had been training them, so their levels had been rising lately too...
Oh, and Lion Mask—that was former Demon Lord Carion, wasn't it?
How far could our executives go against a former Demon Lord?
I was quite looking forward to that.
With introductions complete, they drew lots to determine the matchups.
Since it was a tournament, the first and second days would have four matches each.
They drew their lots, and names began filling in the bracket.
Results: Day One Match 1...... Benimaru vs. Gozurl Match 2...... Souei vs. Dagla Match 3...... Gobta vs. Hero Masayuki Match 4...... Gabiru vs. Ranga Day Two Match 5...... Arnaud vs. Beretta Match 6...... Lion Mask vs. Diablo Match 7...... Hakuro vs. Damrada Match 8...... Geld vs. Shion Those were the results.
The lottery was fair, so there was no room for complaint—but Gabiru had it rough.
He was the cocky type, so it would've been fine if he'd drawn someone he could handle, but against Ranga, he didn't stand a chance.
His expression was one of despair. Yeah—I just hoped he'd do his best.
Then there was Gobta.
If the Hero truly matched Hinata in power, Gobta wouldn't stand a chance.
As a litmus test against a Hero, though, Gobta was well-suited.
I just hoped he'd put up a good fight too.
Otherwise, in my estimation, the remaining matches looked like they'd be decent bouts.
Incidentally, Wisdom King had produced a complete prediction.
I wouldn't share it, though—that would take the fun out of it.
Apparently, with free will, someone could take actions that overturned ten thousand calculations, so nothing was set in stone.
Conversely, if the opponent was being controlled, 100% prediction of their actions was supposedly possible.
Well, predictions aside—who knew how things would actually turn out?
The first match was about to begin.
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− Match 1...... Benimaru vs. Gozurl They were squaring off in the center.
Neither responded to Soka's "Begin!"
"Heh heh heh—what luck drawing you first.
Benimaru, I hear you're the commander-in-chief. But that ends today!
Starting now, it's my era—Gozurl's era!!"
Gozurl was already on the verge of spewing out that kind of line.
Damn it—giving him a name had apparently inflated his ego.
Was this also rebellion against me...? That was what I thought at first— "Please watch, Rimuru-sama!
I, Gozurl, will become your newest right arm!
And when that happens—I request Shion as my bride!!"
He bowed respectfully toward me while spouting such nonsense.
At those words, "Shion is our bride!!"
Boos erupted from the crowd.
She apparently had a passionate fanbase in some quarters.
Whatever—it was all ridiculous.
Anyway, the match had already started...
"Just fight properly. I don't need a loudmouth."
I said it through the loudspeaker, and it echoed throughout the venue.
The audience burst into laughter, taking it as part of the performance.
Since I'd been completely serious, I was relieved by the misunderstanding.
What an embarrassment.
"Begin!"
Soka gave the signal again.
This time, the fight truly began.
Gozurl had the advantage. Then, a magic circle suddenly appeared on the ground.
"You fell for it! The commander's seat is mine!
Unique Skill—'Dominator'—activate!"
Oh, he'd used it right away.
An ability an idiot couldn't master. He'd drawn the magic circle on the ground to prevent rejection.
Not bad.
But Benimaru looked like he was letting it happen on purpose.
Despite all the provocation, he showed no signs of anger. Before, he would've snapped without question.
Since being named commander-in-chief of the nation, Benimaru had lost his short temper.
And a calm Benimaru was terrifyingly strong.
Now he could spar with Hakuro without the blade clash ever ending.
And he'd achieved this while controlling his physical abilities to Hakuro's level—meaning his swordsmanship had risen to match.
Having lost his short temper, he'd become more careful and attentive to his opponent's words.
That was the source of his growth.
Gozurl's "Dominator" restricted abilities, banning skills, sorcery, and magic.
"Ahahahaha! I hear your specialty is heat-based attacks!
How does it feel to have your signature move sealed off?!
If you cede the commander's seat to me, I might make you my vice-commander!"
Hm.
Gozurl was getting way too carried away.
I really shouldn't hand out names so easily—it seemed like it would mass-produce idiots like this.
Even if he was loyal to me, if he couldn't respect his seniors despite their strength, that was no good.
When the seniors were in the wrong, that was one thing, but still.
Even Diablo, who was clearly stronger, treated people with courtesy.
Well, nobody dared act casual with Diablo because he was terrifying when angered...
So how would Benimaru respond?
In the past, he would've killed his opponent by this point. Half-dead at best.
Gozurl, having sealed the enemy's abilities, pressed his advantage with his great axe.
Having banned sorcery, he must have believed his own strength and speed were superior.
But: "Hey—is that the extent of your power?
Nothing left to do?
Thirty minutes are almost up. Until then, I'll let you attack all you want.
I'd suggest you put your heart into it—lest you regret it."
Thirty minutes.
That was the match time I'd set beforehand.
I'd discussed with Benimaru that roughly thirty minutes per match would be appropriate.
In other words, he was deliberately letting his opponent run wild to stick to that time limit.
I could only marvel at how much Benimaru had grown.
"What!? Don't talk nonsense!
You can barely keep up with my attacks as it is—taking them is all you can manage!
Save the excuses!"
Gozurl hadn't realized the gap in their abilities and believed he was dominating outright.
Gozurl was faster and stronger?
No—that wasn't it.
Benimaru had been dramatically increasing his abilities at some point.
Perhaps even his maximum magicule count had risen significantly.
Because he was suppressing his demon aura, it was hard to notice even if it had climbed.
The Wisdom King had measured it precisely, of course, but it wouldn't tell me unless I asked.
And the instant thirty minutes elapsed: "Time's up."
Benimaru murmured, and Gozurl dropped to his knees.
The blade—
His right fist caught Gozurl and drove a refined penetrating strike into his solar plexus.
That single blow disrupted the flow of magicules, leaving Gozurl unable to even stand.
Even with a barrier up, Benimaru had burst through everything in that one instant.
A decisive, overwhelming victory by Benimaru.
"You need to rebuild your character from the ground up. Better steel yourself for that."
At those words, Gozurl lost consciousness.
Match 1, concluded.
I'd tried to rush through the digest and failed.
It's dragged on a bit longer than expected.
Bear with me a little while more.