Idle Tycoon System

The medical team rushed onto the platform with stretchers, muscle memory developed from years of experience taking over as they quickly assessed the two fallen swordsmen.

Kenzo remained unconscious, his body limp as they carefully lifted him onto the first stretcher. Saika had regained partial consciousness but was moaning in agony, his back requiring immediate stabilization before transport.

"Clear the platform! We need space for medical procedures!" the head medic shouted, waving back the curious spectators who had started creeping closer to get a better view of the aftermath.

As the medical personnel worked, the head judge approached the center of the platform with obvious reluctance. His face showed the conflict between his duty to declare a winner and his awareness of the complications this victory would create. But tradition demanded completion of the tournament regardless of circumstances.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice carrying across the now-silent arena through the sound system. "Despite the… irregular conclusion to today's final match, a victor has been clearly established through the competition."

He paused, seeming to gather his resolve before continuing. "The judges have unanimously decided to award the championship title to Noah Carter, who demonstrated superior swordsmanship throughout the tournament and particularly during today's final bout. His win was absolute and there was no questioning it."

The announcement triggered mixed reactions from the crowd. Some spectators erupted in applause, genuinely impressed by Noah's overwhelming display of skill. Others remained silent, their expressions troubled by the violence they had witnessed and the implications of what would surely follow.

Tanaka stood and clapped loudly from his section, pride evident on his face despite his concerns about the future consequences. Several of the eliminated competitors joined in the applause, recognizing that they had witnessed something truly exceptional regardless of the controversy surrounding it.

Two tournament officials approached carrying a large wooden case, its surface intricately carved with traditional martial arts imagery. They set it on a presentation table that had been quickly assembled at the platform's edge, then opened it with care.

Inside rested a katana that drew gasps from everyone close enough to see it clearly. The blade gleamed with the unmistakable lustre of pure gold, every inch of its surface polished to mirror brightness. The craftsmanship was exquisite to say the least.

"The championship blade," the head judge announced, gesturing toward the magnificent weapon. "Forged by Craftsman Takeshi, this sword is constructed from solid gold and valued at over eighty thousand dollars. More importantly, it represents the pinnacle of achievement in competitive swordsmanship."

Noah approached the presentation table with measured steps, his expression showing appropriate respect for the honor being bestowed despite his internal awareness that the weapon's monetary value meant little to someone with his resources. The symbolic significance held more weight than the gold itself.

He accepted the sword with a formal bow, lifting it from its case to examine the craftsmanship. The weight distribution was good despite the unusual material, suggesting the master craftsman had somehow managed to create a functional weapon rather than a mere trophy.

"Congratulations, Champion Carter," the judge said formally, though his tone carried undercurrents of concern that had nothing to do with the ceremony itself.

The crowd's applause grew louder as photographers captured the moment, immortalizing Noah's victory for tournament records and promotional materials. Several journalists were already typing furiously on their devices, preparing articles about the unknown competitor who had emerged from obscurity to dominate premier martial arts tournament.

As the medical team finally departed with their patients, sirens wailing as the ambulances rushed toward the nearest hospital capable of handling severe orthopedic injuries, the ceremonial atmosphere began to dissipate. The reality of what had transpired was settling over everyone present like a heavy fog.

After the formal photographs concluded and most spectators began filtering out of the arena, still discussing the shocking events they had witnessed, the head judge approached Noah with a grave expression.

"Champion Carter, would you please accompany us to the tournament office? There are matters we need to discuss privately before you depart."

The request was phrased politely, but Noah recognised the underlying urgency. He nodded his acceptance, following the three judges through a side entrance that led away from the main spectator areas toward the administrative section of the facility.

The tournament office was a modest room dominated by a large conference table surrounded by chairs. Traditional calligraphy hung on the walls alongside photographs of previous champions, creating an atmosphere that emphasised the historical weight of the competition. The judges gestured for Noah to sit before closing and locking the door behind them.

Their expressions transformed from formality to something approaching dread as they took their own seats across from him. The shift was so dramatic that Noah almost found it amusing, though he maintained his neutral exterior while waiting for them to speak.

"Champion Carter," the head judge began, his voice heavy with concern.

"Sigh...We need to warn you about the consequences of what transpired today. Master Hideaki, the instructor of both Kenzo and Saika, is not someone who will accept what happened lightly."

The other judges nodded solemnly, their faces showing genuine worry as they discussed Hideaki's likely response.

"Master Hideaki doesn't have many disciples; he only has those two," another judge explained. "Still, his reputation extends far beyond competitive tournaments. He is considered one of the greatest living swordsmen, someone who has achieved a level of mastery that perhaps a dozen people alive can claim."

"More importantly," the third judge added quietly, "he is fiercely protective of his two students."

The head judge leaned forward with an expression of barely suppressed anxiety. "We have seen what happens to those who cross him. The man operates by old codes that don't always align with modern legal systems."

"To put it bluntly, he will come for you," another judge stated. "Perhaps not immediately, since I had last heard he was in seculsion trying to break through, but he will seek revenge for what you did to Kenzo and Saika. The fact that it occurred during a sanctioned match will mean nothing to him."