The feverish excitement of the opening ceremony had yet to fade from the arena.
At its center, atop the enormous main platform, the magical amplification device
carried the referee's impassioned voice, enough to set everyone's blood on fire:
"Ladies and gentlemen, sorry for the wait!"
"Now, about to begin..."
"is the eagerly awaited Dragon King Martial Arts Tournament, where mighty warriors gather!"
"-The High-Level Group's first round, first match!"
"First, let us give the warmest welcome..."
"to the commander of the Frost Giant Mercenary Group from the north!"
"A formidable man renowned for his strength and valor-'Mad Axe' Olaf!"
Amid thunderous cheers,
a burly man built like a bear, carrying an enormous battle-axe taller than himself that shimmered with frosty cold,
strode onto the platform.
Each step landed with a dull thud against the hard stone platform.
He exuded a terrifying sense of pressure.
He surveyed his surroundings, basking in the audience's cheers.
A supremely confident smile spread across his face.
"Oh... it's 'Mad Axe' Olaf."
"I recognize him. Last year in the north, he defeated a hundred-strong band of brigands all by himself!"
"He's strong enough to wrestle an earth dragon."
"Looks like this first match won't hold any surprises."
The referee's voice rang out again, with a slight, dramatic pause:
"And his opponent-"
"is a newcomer competing in the tournament for the first time."
"A Swordsman from the Asla Kingdom."
"Representing the Sword God Style-Miss Eris Boreas Greyrat!"
When Alice's name was announced,
the cheers noticeably dwindled.
In their place came murmured discussion.
Under countless gazes mingling curiosity, contempt, and doubt,
Alice slowly walked onto the platform, holding a short blade.
Her fiery-red figure looked so small and fragile before the mountain of a man opposite her.
"What's this? They're letting a little girl compete?"
"Sword God Style?