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Erica had just collected the Holy Dragon’s Heart on the ground when an emotionless female voice echoed in the ears of all the participants once again.

“Day one’s bounty is over. Erica has successfully defeated Brady. Bounty rewarded: Five Holy Dragon’s Heart.”

As soon as the icy voice ceased, five Holy Dragon’s Hearts materialized in Erica’s hands.

“Huh? How? I didn’t even do anything. How did I defeat that Brady guy?” Erica had a confused look on her face.

Lilith crossed her arms and clarified, “Brady and Ash are one and the same. By taking Ash’s Holy Dragon’s Hearts, you were acknowledged as defeating the target, which earned you an additional five Holy Dragon’s Hearts as a bounty reward.”

“If Ash is Brady, then that means…” Erica’s expression turned incredulous as she realized she had been deceived.

“That’s right, Ash used a fake name. Brady is his real one,” Lilith stated knowingly. She continued, “If you had paid attention to where I was flying earlier, you’d have noticed I was heading toward the golden light that marked the bounty target’s position.”

“You flew so fast I could barely keep my eyes open. Who knows which way you’re heading.” Erica pouted, then asked, “If you knew all along, then why…”

“Heh, because I don’t care,” Lilith interrupted. “Since he gave us a fake name, that means he’s scheming something. It doesn’t matter though, I only need him to spread the word.”

Glancing at Erica, Lilith added, “Also… you’ve already exhausted your healing power just now, I didn’t want to accidentally kill him.”

“……”

That’s the real reason, isn’t it? You just wanted to beat him up!

Erica thought to herself secretly.

Not wanting to continue talking about violence, Erica changed the subject, “That’s a lot of Holy Dragon’s Hearts all of a sudden… Let’s see… Three plus three plus five… That makes eleven.”

Three were hers, three were Ash’s—or Brady’s—and five were the bounty rewards. Suddenly, her collection of Holy Dragon’s Hearts made her feel like a little wealthy lady.

“This one’s yours too. I’ll keep just one,” Lilith said, handing Erica the Heart that belonged to Estelle.

Her tone shifted, almost slyly, as she draped an arm over Erica’s shoulder and continued, “See? I won’t treat you badly. If you had tried to find these scattered Holy Dragon’s Hearts on your own, you might never have found so many. They could have been intercepted by enemies, leaving you with nothing. Doesn’t that infuriate you?”

Hearing Lilith speak in hushed tones like a cult leader, Erica, who had always been cautious around her, resisted the temptation of wealth.

“But I was gathering Holy Dragon’s Hearts just to pass the time. Since there’s no way I can make it to the top ten, they’re just worthless trinkets,” Erica said.

Despite its grandiose name, the Holy Dragon’s Hearts were merely scorekeeping tools. Even ordinary glass beads could fulfill the same purpose.

“Heh, looks like you still doubt my words.”

Lilith raised her eyebrows, initially viewing Erica as a naive girl, but now realizing she had her own little schemes.

“In that case, here’s my offer—help me, and I’ll ensure you make it to the top ten,” Lilith promised, patting her chest earnestly.

“Huh? Guaranteed top ten? Seriously?” Erica was taken aback. Making it to the top ten was a hard-fought goal for many.

“Absolutely. I swear on everything but my mom,” Lilith affirmed solemnly.

Erica felt a rush of excitement at the thought of advancing to the next round of the Martial God Tournament.

And on top of that, the rewards waiting for the top ten must be really generous… I heard that even the reward for tenth place can buy a mansion in the heart of Georgetown!

“Hehe, a big mansion…”

Erica’s eyes crinkled as she grinned foolishly while murmuring incessantly about big mansions…

Lilith sighed, rubbing her temple.

That silly girl… she doesn’t even suspect my capability. Day after day of being this clueless… someone might just take advantage of her one day.

“Alright, snap out of it,” Lilith said, smacking Erica’s round cheeks with both hands before pinching them. “We need to focus on some basic training.”

“Twaining…? What twainning…?” Erica slurred.

“Your facial expressions, of course! Do you think anyone will believe you are Lady Erica with that clueless look plastered on your face?”

“Oh, you’re right.” Erica nodded eagerly, resembling a hamster in her enthusiasm, making no attempt to deny the statement.

Lilith released her and said, “Alright, let’s start with a simple one. Give me a serious look.”

“I know how to do that!” Erica replied eagerly, then attempted a stern expression.

“Hmm… how do I put this?” Lilith crossed her arms, scrutinizing Erica from every angle, causing Erica to strain her face, cheeks puffed out as she fought back laughter.

“I can’t tell if it’s because you look naturally silly or your inability to manage facial expressions… but I just can’t take your serious face seriously. You look kind of cute instead,” Lilith said with a frown.

“Hehehe, you’re kinda cute too.”

“I wasn’t complimenting you!” Lilith sighed, rubbing her temples in frustration. She couldn’t help but wonder if Erica was part of a generation of idiots. Talking to her made Lilith feel like one too for some reason.

“I give up. Your face is beyond help.”
“Huh? Already? But I think I still have room to improve.”
“I doubt it. When the time comes, we’ll just find a mask for you. You can just play the role of a silent expert.”
“Dang it…”

In a remote corner of the little world, two figures danced across the clear sky, their silhouettes intertwining with each move. Their actions were swift and precise, each strike carrying the force of the wind.

Every blow they exchanged was accompanied by loud booming noises, stirring up gusts of wind that sent small animals fleeing in panic from miles around.

They fought like eagles, each move calculated and fierce. If there were spectators present, their blood would boil with excitement, itching to join the fray alongside the two combatants.

After hours of combat, neither had a scratch on their skin nor a speck of dust on their clothes.