NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32
So, I easily defeated my opponent in the first round and returned to the waiting room.
It seems that the people here have generally finished their first-round matches. Those who have matches coming up soon are already outside. The atmosphere is quite tense, filled with adventurers preparing for their next battles.
I’ve never experienced it, but I imagine the ambiance at an audition venue would be similar.
The opponent for my next match has also returned. He’s tall and carries a long spear.
I won’t be able to beat him with reach alone. I’ll need to get inside his guard.
Though the tournament continues, no one here seems particularly interested in watching it.
However, everyone left to watch the last match.
“Is there an interesting match or a championship contender?”
I asked a man who might be my opponent two matches from now.
“A maid is participating. Wonder who she is.”
A maid showing up in a place like this… I have a strong hunch.
When I went to watch, my guess was spot on.
Lena was standing in the arena, dressed as a maid. The cheers were the loudest yet. She’s certainly eye-catching.
She’s probably dressed as a maid so people won’t realize she’s a former thief. The image of a maid and a thief don’t usually connect.
I also caught Misha’s eye.
Her expression seemed to say, “Surprised, aren’t you?” She must have prepared this surprise for me.
She likely registered with the guild just to participate in this tournament. Without an adventurer rank, participation wouldn’t be confirmed.
“Let’s do this properly.”
Lena held a wooden knife in her stance.
On the other hand, her opponent, a man as large as a bear, looked quite relaxed.
“Lucky me, getting paired with a weak-looking maid.”
He seemed to think he’d already won.
Lena should be around Lv 17, a bit above the average for adventurers here. She might face stronger opponents, but we’ll see.
Also, a high level doesn’t necessarily equate to strong combat abilities.
The match started.
Like setting a rhythm, Lena jumped in place three times, then—
She accelerated with her wooden knife in hand.
Of course, her opponent prepared for this.
But it was almost futile.
Swiftly, Lena leaped from the side.
Her maid outfit fluttered.
Then, she struck the man’s neck with her knife.
The man winced in pain, but he wasn’t down yet. No actual blades are allowed, so what would normally be a lethal blow isn’t sufficient.
It’s a rule that’s disadvantageous for non-power fighters like Lena, but—
Unfazed, Lena continued her attacks.
“Damn! That hurts!”
The man swung something like a club, but Lena dodged every blow.
If even one hit landed, Lena would be blown away—
But she dodged them all at the last moment.
I could see a smile on Lena’s face. She was dodging on purpose, just barely.
“You’re too slow! I could yawn here!”
“Why is this dog-eared maid so fast?”
The man’s irritation gradually turned into frustration.
“Isn’t it obvious? I’ve been honing my skills in real battles.”
As expected of a former thief. Her experiences must be different from those of average adventurers.
“Well then, let’s finish this.”
Grinning, Lena—
Took a great leap.
The man also swung his club with all his might.
If it landed, he’d win, so he was desperate.
Conversely, if he missed, it’d be futile.
“Bad timing. Up you go.”
Lena landed on his club.
It was like a circus act.
“Wha—”
The man was speechless. It’s unlikely he’d ever considered someone would land on a blow he’d aimed to be a finishing strike.
With that, Lena closed the gap completely.
“This is the end!”
Nothing stood in Lena’s way as she jumped off the club.
She struck the man’s neck with her knife.
He fell flat on his face.
After a brief pause, the crowd erupted into cheers.
It was natural, considering a maid had elegantly defeated her opponent.
I could see Misha yawning, her face saying, “This was to be expected.” Clearly, there was no cause for concern.
Lena returned after her match.
“Master, I decided to participate too!”
Forming a peace sign, Lena smiled.
Ah, so the peace sign exists in this world too.