Overpowered Archmage Doesn’t Hide His Talent

Chapter 217: …I Won?

How many people had gathered to watch the match?

The very fact of the birth of a hero. And the result of who became a hero. It was natural for people to have expectations about it, but the audience also wanted to observe every step of the process.

So, with such thoughts in the minds of the audience, a thrilling match had just unfolded in front of them, and it was natural for everyone to cheer.

“Flan… It’s Flan, right?”

“He deserved the invitation.”

One of the major factors contributing to Flan’s rise was that he had “never been defeated, not even once.”

And just now, he had once again demonstrated his unyielding nature, pushing even higher. The audience’s cheers and shouts of excitement were only to be expected.

Becky scratched her cheek in confusion.

“The cheers are amazing. And it’s not even just Flan’s match. Other matches are taking place in other arenas as well…”

As the girl mentioned, in the arenas divided like a chessboard, those who hadn’t received invitations were clashing with each other.

Of course, few people paid attention to that.

No, it wouldn’t be strange to say no one did.

The reason was obviously Flan.

Was it because he maintained his undefeated reputation and won with a single blow? Everyone here was showing intense interest in Flan.

The crowd murmured.

“Hey, isn’t that guy who fell Fade?”

“Fade? That’s right! I couldn’t recognize him with all those scars… It was Fade!”

“He’s a well-known guy in the west. But he was easily taken down by Flan…”

“Flan isn’t famous for nothing.”

This place was where everyone boosted their fame by outshining others. Some called it cruel, while others said it was natural, but this was the reality.

“Flan! Flan!”

“Just one more match!”

Despite the huge interest and cheers, Flan disappeared leisurely into the waiting room.

The representatives of the Magic Department also stood up soon after. They intended to move to the waiting room to greet Flan.

Even in the waiting room, which they prided themselves on being well soundproofed, the chants for Flan were still audible.

Snap─.

When Flan snapped his fingers, the noise from outside was instantly cut off. They finally had perfect soundproofing.

“Ah, Flan. Here.”

Maiev fidgeted and took out a handkerchief from her bosom. She hesitated to wipe Flan’s face herself and then shyly handed it over.

Flan quietly accepted it.

Maiev murmured.

“Congratulations, Flan. And well done.”

“I just dealt with a small fry.”

Facing Flan’s nonchalant attitude, the representatives felt a mix of emotions. Overhearing the murmurs of the crowd, they knew the opponent wasn’t weak, yet the match had been decided in a single attack.

In terms of time, just 3 seconds.

In terms of number of attacks, just one.

That was the time and number of moves Flan took to capture the attention of everyone in the arena.

Was it an easy task?

Absolutely not. Some people revealed their weaknesses and made themselves look foolish the more they continued their attacks, and some bored the audience, but Flan wasn’t entangled in such things.

“Uh?”

“Just do it as you’ve practiced.”

Flan brought the coffee cup back to his lips.

“You will definitely win.”

Next up was Maiev.

◈

Were there only ordinary people in the audience? No, there were not.

“Hmm.”

The escort knights assisting the Paladins each let out a sigh of admiration.

“Fade always called himself a reclusive master. I was curious about his swordsmanship, but it ended before I could even see it.”

“Should we call it a spectacle? He seems to understand well how to make people cheer and take an interest.”

“Come on, it’s just a simple victory. Do you think he calculated everything down to the last detail before fighting?”

There were various opinions, but in the end, they all unanimously praised Flan.

“Flan…”

“Flan.”

Everyone muttered that name once.

‘No matter what, he can’t compare to the Paladins.’

The escort knights all thought so.

This wasn’t about not acknowledging Flan. They readily admitted that Flan was great, but they believed the Paladins were even more remarkable.

This was because they had watched the Paladins’ strength for a long time, partly due to their loyalty, and due to various other reasons.

However, after witnessing Flan defeat Fade with a single blow, they had no choice but to revise their thinking.

And all those murmurs seemed like music.

“Hmm~”

The Dean of the Magic Department, Conette, nodded very slowly. It would have been best to remain still to maintain dignity, but he couldn’t help his body’s reaction.

Conette was satisfied with this, but the professors of the Magic Department sitting beside him couldn’t hide their excitement.

“As expected of Flan!”

Not only that, but even though only one match had taken place, there were already people trying to talk to Conette.

Those sitting in the front row before Conette turned halfway around. They smiled warmly and began to speak.

“Haha…. We must greet you in advance. It looks like the Magic Department will prove a lot this time as well.”

“We would be grateful if you think so.”

“Ah, instead of this, let us introduce ourselves…. We operate several merchant guilds, and if it’s alright with you….”

But then.

“Isn’t it just Flan?”

The voice belonged to Con, the escort knight of Viola, a Paladin. With hair as white as Viola’s, he continued, throwing cold water on the conversation.

“How long will you keep talking about how great Flan is? Isn’t this a place full of remarkable people?”

“Huh?”

“We should focus on the other representatives of the Magic Department. They participated thanks to Flan, didn’t they? We should carefully see if they are qualified.”

The merchant guild leaders awkwardly corrected their posture.

‘Sigh.’

The escort knight of the Paladin Clot quietly sighed.

‘Doesn’t Con realize he’s being a nuisance to Viola?’

Despite Viola being a knight famous for her courtesy, it was always her escort knight, Con, who flaunted their power.

Con continued speaking.

“According to the schedule, Flan is up next anyway. We’ll naturally find out after watching a few more matches. I don’t think it’s something to rush to conclusions about.”

But the next moment, everyone blinked.

It was because of the person who appeared in the arena.

“…”

After a moment of silence, everyone started speaking again.

“No matter how you look at it….”

“It’s not Flan, but another representative?”

“That’s right.”

It was Maiev who appeared in the arena, not Flan. Flan was supposed to be the one to come out.

“Dean? What’s going on…?”

Even if someone asked next to him, Conette couldn’t answer. He didn’t know himself.

The place became chaotic.

“It looks like Flan directly substituted a player.”

“If he was in his right mind, he wouldn’t do that. What should we do? Should we call Flan and ask him? Delay the match for a bit….”

But before they could even understand the confusion.

Bang─!

A black-and-white explosion reminiscent of an ink wash painting.

At the same time, the person who had been standing opposite Maiev was pushed out of the arena. It happened so quickly that there was no time to even identify the opponent.

Maiev stared blankly at her own hand.

Professor Violet muttered.

“…She won?”

And everyone’s gaze turned toward Con, the escort knight of Viola.

“…”

He, too, couldn’t hide his surprise.