"But I really don't have any experience competing in this kind of tournament."
Luka said sheepishly,
"Like that last match—if it hadn't been for Mr. Executive Officer, I really might have lost."
"But even if Mr. Yan Huan were in the audience, he could still airdrop support equipment," Camille reminded him.
"But then there wouldn't be any tactical guidance."
"Forget it." Yan Huan stood up and said helplessly,
"At least we're competing fair and square. So what if you have a co-pilot? It's all within the rules, much cleaner than the shady props they're using."
"Get ready to head onstage. Let's see what that plant thing across from us is made of."
That afternoon.
At the Martial Arts Ceremony arena.
"Dear viewers, welcome back to the Stellar Martial Arts Ceremony!"
"The two contestants in this match are [Iron Arm] Lu~ka! And—[Where is the Amazing Plant]!"
Luka stepped onto the stage and found a Mara-struck monster standing opposite him.
"?"
Jimi loudly explained,
"The committee would like to clarify that [Where is the Amazing Plant] has not used any of Lord of the Blight's power, nor has he fallen deeply into mara!"
"He merely looks rather [Abundance]-like! Please enjoy the match without concern!!"
"Hahahahaha—!!"
The monster grinned viciously on the arena floor, cackling.
"Glory to the Medicine Master!!"
"Do you make medicine?" Luka greeted him.
"Hello. The plants on you... are pretty nice-looking."
"Looks like your dog eyes aren't blind after all!" The monster waved his withered-branch-like blade.
"Who knows what possessed the organizers to actually let me compete? Hahahahaha!!"
"Fine, fine!"
"Perfect timing—I can meet you outsiders and promote the effects of the Elixir of Immortality while I'm at it!"
"Elixir of Immortality?"
As Luka stood there bewildered, a drone swiftly dropped an iron box beside the monster's feet.