In the vast city of Meta, a sprawling metropolis that resembled a medieval kingdom infused with a touch of modernity, the streets buzzed with excitement.
After learning about the upcoming combat tournament, Eugene eagerly tugged at Kai's sleeve, eyes gleaming with anticipation of the grand prize—ten thousand units.
With a pleading expression, Eugene lightly tapped Kai's shoulder.
"Come on, Kai, let's join the tournament! Just think about it—if we win that kind of money, we could travel freely without relying on that bespectacled girl for ages. Come on, really think about it!"
Kai fell silent for a moment, mulling it over, before finally replying:
"Alright, Eugene. Let's go for it… We'll enter the tournament—for the prize."
But deep in his heart, another thought stirred:
If we win that much money, we'll have more chances to see new places… Hmm. Sounds perfect. And if things get rough, we can always just forfeit. Shouldn't be a big deal.
The moment Eugene heard Kai's agreement, his whole body lit up with excitement. Grabbing Kai by the hand, he practically dragged him through the bustling streets toward the grand arena at the city's center.
At the registration desk, Eugene slammed his hands down, impatient as ever.
"Hey, girl! I'm here to sign up—hurry and bring me the paperwork already!"
Kai gave a soft sigh, muttering under his breath:
"Calm down, Eugene."
The young receptionist only smirked widely before replying:
"Of course. Here are the forms. Since there are so many participants, we'll be holding preliminary matches first to determine who qualifies. However—since both of you were vouched for by Lord Ren, you may skip the preliminaries and head straight into the main event."
Both Kai and Eugene froze, exchanging bewildered looks before blurting out in unison:
"Wait—what do you mean?"
With a polite smile, the receptionist explained further:
"This tournament is hosted by the Overseers. And those chosen by them are no ordinary people. You've been granted direct entry into the main tournament."
Before they could respond, a massive man leaning against the wall spoke up with a chuckle:
"It means you don't have to waste your time with the small fry. Straight to the finals."
Kai and Eugene accepted their identification cards in silence and walked out of the arena gates. Under the shade of a great tree, they sat to talk.
Eugene furrowed his brow.
"So these Overseers… they must be loaded to throw a tournament like this. But for what? I don't get it."
Kai replied calmly:
"Probably to scout people with special abilities. To recruit them into their ranks."
Eugene slumped into the wooden bench beneath the tree.
"Hah… guess we're lucky. No need to fight the bottom-rung guys. Just two more days, huh? The others will be battling through prelims until then."
Meanwhile, across the arena, a match had already begun.
A hulking brute wielding an enormous axe glared down at a small girl clad in a hooded cloak.
"Hah! You're finished, little brat! Against my giant axe, you're nothing. Give up now—consider this your final warning!"
With a roar, he swung his weapon, cleaving the ground apart. The arena floor split in two with a deafening crash.
But the girl leapt aside in the blink of an eye. And before anyone realized what had happened, the massive warrior collapsed, unconscious, without even knowing how.
A shrill whistle pierced the air. The crowd erupted as the cloaked girl was declared the victor.
"What the hell just happened?!" cried one spectator. "That giant swung his axe—and suddenly passed out! Even I couldn't see what went down, and I'm one of the Overseers' top fighters!"
But when the spectators turned to look, the mysterious girl had already vanished, leaving only the fallen giant sprawled across the shattered arena floor.
Moments later, a booming announcement echoed through the city.
"The preliminaries have concluded! The contenders for the final tournament have been decided! And now—we declare the Festival of Ten Thousand Units officially open!"
Eugene, still lounging beside Kai under the tree, sat up in shock.
"What? I thought there were supposed to be two more days! That means… it all starts tomorrow?! Ha! This is getting exciting!"
Kai furrowed his brows, exhaling in disbelief.
"…The hell is going on here?"