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The battle to decide the next Beast King will take place over the next three days, starting with the preliminaries which are being held at a place called the Demon Wolves’ Feeding Grounds, which is located at the foot of the Cress Kingdom’s holy site, the Sacred Beast Hill.

Incidentally, on the other side of this hill is the Earth Dragons’ Bed, similar preliminary matches are also being held, and on the fourth day, the winners of both sets of preliminaries will clash in the final match which will be on the Sacred Beast Hill itself.

For that reason, I’m currently at the Demon Wolves’ Feeding Grounds where the first preliminary match is set to take place—specifically, I’m at the exclusive pavilion for VIPs, however…

“…this is just a fancy way of Isolating me, isn’t it?”

I have a complete, unobstructed view of the entire arena grounds from atop the specially built tower. On the opposite side of the arena was an area filled with tents— The many chiefs and elders of the various beastmen tribes would surely be gathered together within those tents. Remembering how they all hunched over in fear, having instinctively sensed the sheer threat I posed, I let out a sigh.

Rather than the seat of honour, I’ve actually been seated in the gallery¹, haven’t I?

“Are you displeased, princess?” Tengai asked, standing beside me dressed in a tuxedo. I thought for a moment before answering honestly.

“…. Yea, I am rather dissatisfied, but it can’t be helped I suppose. From their perspective, I’m an uninvited guest afterall.”

Actually, this tower had plenty of fruits, nuts, food and even drinks lined up, but there wasn’t a single person here to entertain us. They were basically saying “help yourself”.

“If you don’t mind waiting for but a moment, shall I go ahead and remove the cause right away?”

– suggests Tengai casually, as if he was going to clear some litter from the hallway, while lightly bowing.

Wait, are you going to crush them all before the tournament has even started?!

“There’s no need to do that, but since they’re telling me to do as I please, then I shall do just that. —And that’s why, could I ask you for a small favour, Tengai?”

“Of course……?”

◇◆◇◆◇

Tension was in the air inside the tent of the Nu Gruv Tribe as they were fighting in the first match of the preliminaries.

“Hey yo. How’re you both doing? Are you still affected by yesterday’s injuries?”

At the open space in front of the tent, was Revan who was warming up; and Asmina who wiped his sweat, gave him water to drink, and nonchalantly touched her (milk) brother’s body as she pleased. Both their jaws fell open simultaneously when they saw my face which was hidden under an inconspicuous robe.

“Eh…. Your Majesty….?”
“What are you doing here…eh, huh? But you’re at the VIP seat… right?”

Asmina pointed at a 5m tall stage-like tower made of logs that can be seen from anywhere in the venue. Situated atop that tower is ‘me’….. Overlooking the surroundings with a placid expression.

“Ah, that’s a stand-in.”
“S, Stand-in? As in a body double?”

With a face that screamed, “I’d heard of such things, but this is the first time I’m seeing it for real,” Asmina looked at the ‘me’ over there with a curious expression.

“Well, to be precise, it’s a magic doll imitation of me, but unless you get up close, I don’t think you can tell the difference. ”

By that I mean, if you get close you can tell by the feel of the skin, or the movement of the eyes, or the body temperature; all of which have an unmistakable doll-like feel to it. Only a moron wouldn’t be able to notice it. I won’t say who though.

Also, when he laid eyes on the real thing, Maroudo’s eyes lit up and he begged: “Please give one of that!” so I beat him to a pulp.

And for the sake of camouflage, was Tengai, standing behind the doll while looking sullen. As expected, this sort of entertainment is only enjoyable when seen from ringside seats.

“Anyway, that’s how I snuck out, but you certainly seem to be in good shape. ”

As if he’d just returned to his senses upon being spoken to, Revan’s mouth suddenly curled into a happy smile.

“Indeed, thanks to you.”

Even though the match– no, the deathmatch was just coming up, I sensed neither an enthusiastic fighting spirit, nor grim resolve coming from him. Rather, his smile was brilliant like a clear blue sky that had not a single blot.

—My, my, it seems you’ve completely transformed in just one night.

In his current state, Revan would surely put up a good fight. That thought made me happy.

“I’m glad to hear that. —Yeah. You’ve got a good face on you today. Don’t worry, you can win this.”
“Thank you. That said, the one who blew away the me, who was useless until yesterday, was none other than Your Majesty. Therefore, in gratitude for that I promise you that today you will not see me fight in an unsightly manner.”
“I see.”

Regardless of whether you win or lose, you’re going to be giving it your all eh? Good, good. With this, he’s looking really promising.

“….. Umm, Your Majesty…?”

For some reason Asmina’s voice was accompanied by a frightening aura.

“Oddly, you seem to be having a good mood with my brother. Surely you’re not trying to steal my brother from me… there’s no way right? ” Looking at me with eyes that were like bottomless caves, I hurriedly shook my head with all my might, to deny it.

“…Any…anyway, you’re awfully lightly dressed. Aren’t you going to wear some armour or something?”

Revan wasn’t wearing his usual traditional clothing, but the only real difference in his current outfit was that it had no sleeves, to allow for easy movement.

“Haa? Unnecessary armour is only going to restrict my movement. – Is this not good?”

“Ummm, Normally I think it’d be alright, but this time it seems that powerful weapons are making their rounds amongst your opponents. It’s probably better for you to at least use some minimal defensive equipment, don’t you think? ”

At that moment, suddenly feeling playful, I took out some equipment from the storage bag on my waist and showed it to Revan.

“…Arm guards and leg guards? ” Seeing the plain, black equipment, Revan’s honest impression spilled out of his mouth.

“Yup. The arm guards are called ‘Kanshou’ and the leg guards ‘Byakuya’. Something as simple as this should at least be okay right?”

Revan accepted the equipment and put them on. Kanshou were some sort of long fingerless gloves with sleeves that extended up the arm, whereas Byakuya had belts to adjust the fit, so he should at least be able to wear them, even if they don’t fit perfectly.

“They’re slightly big and heavy..… but not so much that they get in the way.” Revan tried out some swift hand and leg movements, then gave his opinion of the equipment I gave him.

“That’s good to hear. Though, once you reach a level that’s suited to those, the size and weight will be just right, and they’ll adjust themselves to suit you, and their true abilities will finally manifest. ”

• —and with that, I shall recognise you, whom no one else yet acknowledges, as the ‘Beast King’.* I added, in my heart.

“Well, for the time being, just think of them as really solid armor.” At words Revan bowed his head with admirable expression.

“Understood. I shall be borrowing these then.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll give them to you. There’s no point in holding on to them as I have a use for them.”

“Is it really okay? Aren’t these really valuable items?”

“They’re just tools, and tool’s are meant to be used.”

It’d be just like those players who finally got hold of the ultimate sword, and because its incredibly rare, they think it’d be a waste to use it and let endurance drop; so they store it away safely, and instead use inferior weapons to fight. For me however, I’d say “what’s the point of having something if you don’t use it?” and would proceed to use it without hesitation, right until it was destroyed.

“Understood. I gratefully accept these,” said Revan, accepting my gift with a bow.

The equipment of the former Beast King ended up in my hands, which I’ve now passed on to the successor of the current Beast King. I don’t believe in things like fate but perhaps this sort of connection could itself could be a form a destiny.

“….Well, as a matter of fact, these were the property of a pervert that groped my b̲o̲o̲b̲s̲, so you could say I don’t even want them.”

“Haa…”

Revan looked upon Kanshou and Byakuya with a complicated expression.

◇◆◇◆◇

And with that, the first match of the preliminaries begins.

The next chief of the Lionkin tribe, Revan VS Chloe, an adventurer of the Rabbitkin tribe.

The arena – though it’s called that, is actually just a cleared wasteland with a sumo-ring like 100 square meters of flattened, piled up dirt – was surrounded by members of both tribes. Along with those with vested interests in upcoming matches, all manner of cheering and angry shouts emanated from around the arena, though unlike the Rabbitkin tribe, the excitement amongst the Lionkin tribe appeared to be considerably more subdued. Not unlike Revan yesterday, they were no doubt looking down on their opponents, seeing that the opponent is from the weak rabbitkin tribe, and a woman to boot.

Finally, at the signal of the referee, both candidates stepped up to the center of the arena –

“…. I guess I was mistaken. She doesn’t seem to be a player. ”

Seeing the female adventurer of the rabbitkin tribe who was to be Revan’s opponent, I tilted my head.

On the other hand, Asmina who was sitting next to me grabbed and shook me with incredible force while frothing at the mouth, as she pressed me for answers.

“What the hell? What the hell is that?! Is that a rabbitkin?! Do all female adventurers look like that?!!”

“…..No, that is probably one of a kind….”

The ‘that’ being referred to is the opponent- the rabbitkin tribe’s female adventurer, Chloe. If I had to describe her in one word, it’d be RIPPED.

With a height approaching 2 meters, sharp eyes that were topped by thick eyebrows, a square cleft chin, and a body full of muscles that seemed ready to burst. Each of her arms were about as thick as my breasts. Furthermore, she was wearing bikini armor that covered a huge bulge, though I wasn’t sure if they were breasts, or simply pectoral muscles that were full to the point of bursting; had 8 pack abs, and a muscular backside that was so lacking in femininity, it practically screamed “Aniki’s² Butt!” Also the bodyline from her backside to her feet were also just a mass of muscles, looking like the roots of giant trees intertwined.

On the top of her head, hung a pair of lop type rabbit ears that drooped down as if they were sorry to be there.

Yeah, for that to be a player character would be pushing the limits in more ways than one.

◇◆◇◆◇

Seeing the towering opponent before him, Revan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

—–Thank goodness. In this case I won’t need to hold back.

Just like that time he responded with a “Haa…” to Hiyuki, he felt that to raise a hand against a woman was rather shameful, even if she were an opponent. However the one currently in front of him was unmistakably a ‘warrior’. Therefore, it would be rude to hold back when fighting against her.

That’s why his feelings spilled out naturally, “—What a relief, that you are my opponent for the first round.”

Hearing that, Chloe frowns, with clear displeasure on her face.

“Ah? ‘Zat cuz yer looking down on me?”

“Not at all. You are without doubt a formidable opponent. So I won’t have to hold back, and can hit you with everything I’ve got. That’s why I’m glad.”

For just a moment, Chloe had a stunned look on her face; which then transformed into a bloodthirsty smile.

“Fufun, you sure say the nicest things eh? I thought you were a delicate little boy, but it turns out you’re a ‘so-so’ man huh. —Plus I can see you have some really ‘fine women’ around ya.”

Revan glanced back behind the field, noticing his younger (milk) sister who was anxiously watching him while biting her hands, along with Hiyuki; then answered with a bitter smile.

“That’s right. I’ve got women I’m not worthy of…. By the way, my rating in your eyes is only ‘so-so’ huh?”
“—Hmph, if you can beat me, I’ll acknowledge you to be a ‘fine’ man!”
“In that case I won’t hold back!”

At that moment, the word “Begin!” resounded, along with the beat of a taiko drum to signal the start of the match. Both of them took their combat ready stance, with Revan raising his fists and Chloe holding out her 2 meter staff – though usually a rod shaped striking weapon made of wood, this staff seems to be made of metal.

“Fnn!” with a shout that reflected her fighting spirit, Chloe thrust the pointed end of her staff at Revan’s face.

And at the moment he thought he could comfortably dodge it-
“Extend!”

Sliding at a speed that far exceeded expectation, the staff smashed into Revan’s face faster than he predicted, and together with a loud sound, his body was blown away.

◇◆◇◆◇

“Brother Revan!”

I calmed down a panicking Asmina, whose face had distorted as she leaned forward, about to run out to Revan at any moment.

“Don’t worry. He was able to guard against it just in time, and even though it looked like he was sent flying, he actually jumped backwards himself, eliminating the force of the hit, so from what I can see, he didn’t actually take any damage.”

Then, with a rather stern eyes, I looked at the red staff Chloe was using.

“Isn’t that a drop item from Eternal Horizon Online, the Nyoibō? It’s not something that would typically be available for sale. I knew it, there must be some conspiracy behind the scenes… ”

Hearing that, Asmina turns to me with a worried look on her face,

“Will everything be okay?”
“I… think so.”
“Also, before the match started, brother Revan was being real friendly when talking to that woman. Should I be worried that he’ll cheat on me?”
“….. You never let up, do you?”

1. TLN: The gallery or the ‘cheap seats’ are the worst (and thus cheapest) seats you can get when you go to watch a play at the theatre. They are high above and you usually can’t see very much at all. Often the gallery doesn’t even have seats and you’re just standing.
2. Aniki, while lit. meaning “big brother” is basically used to refer to the big boss of gangsters or to superior sportsmen you admire. edit: thanks to Rainbow Flavour for pointing out that aniki butt is most likely a reference to the Cho Aniki muscleman game series. Just see this google image search to get an idea of the kinda butt Chloe has