A/N:
Is it because the original work isn't famous that this isn't getting readers?
Is my writing bad or something?
I mean… should I just drop this?
***
Clang!
The sound of metal crashing echoed across the arena. The audience covered their ears as the volume of the clash surpassed even their cheers.
"You're one strong man…" grinning wildly, a giant beastman with the head of a tiger said as he pressed harder against the blade.
Wielding a massive sword, the tiger-headed warrior faced a human—slightly taller—who didn't even flinch as the beastman's full power bore down on him.
Both competitors held their weapons firmly, competing for dominance!
It was morning. The sun had risen, and so had the citizens of Parnam. Tournaments were nothing less than festivals for the people.
The city was alive with events and hopeful challengers ready to make a name for themselves. From sunrise to sunset, the martial arts tournament took the stage.
Warriors—the finest of them all—fought for victory and recognition. The evening would bring the talent competition and grand prix, while the night would hold the famed "Big Eater" tournament and other events.
As the sun reached its peak, Damon faced his assigned opponent: a giant beastman of the tiger race. Wielding a greatsword, the man radiated strength and dominance.
Taking a defensive stance, Damon didn't answer the beastman's taunt. Instead, he used his immense strength to swing his axe, sending the opponent flying backward—showcasing his overwhelming power.
"Urgh!" The tiger-headed man groaned as he felt his body lifted off the ground before landing hard, struggling to find his footing again.
He has an easy going personality and do enjoy talking.. though enjoy won't be a correct word but anyways he is also a serious and focused man. Being a beginner in combat he doesn't take any opponent lightly and fights with all seriousness.
Humans in this world were remarkably stronger and more physically gifted than those of the Reiwa era. All humanoid races shared similar physiques, each possessing monstrous potential.
While their strengths were comparable, racial characteristics granted unique advantages to each group. Beastmen, especially those resembling tigers or bears, tended to be stronger than humans physically.
Yet Damon still held the upper hand. His body had been enhanced to the very limit of human potential—surpassing even many beastmen renowned for their prowess.
Not giving his opponent time to recover, Damon lunged forward, swinging his massive axe with wild force toward the tiger-man.
"Damn kid!" the beastman snarled. Seeing the fast-approaching blow, he stabbed his sword into the ground as a yellow aura flared from his body. "Earth Wall!"
Cracks split the arena floor. As if the earth itself rebelled, a massive wall of dirt and stone erupted upward, forming a pillar that blocked Damon's attack.
Boom!
The axe smashed into the barrier, and the wall of magic exploded into dust and debris. The tiger-man barely reacted in time, his eyes wide as he saw his defense crumble in a single strike.
"What a monster…" he muttered, sweat trickling down his face as he steadied himself into a combat stance.
The rules of the tournament were simple: knock your opponent unconscious, force them to surrender, or push them out of the arena's boundary.
'Does this guy even know killing isn't allowed?' the beastman thought grimly as he prepared his next move.
"Grand Spike!" he roared, stamping his foot. The earth split open once more, and a massive spike of rock surged toward Damon.
Reacting instantly, Damon sidestepped, twisting his body as his axe spun from his hands—hurtling straight toward his foe.
"What?!" the beastman yelped, barely dodging the double-headed axe that sliced through the air. But before he could breathe in relief, a fist filled his vision—then darkness.
That was the last thing he remembered before being knocked unconscious.
"And the winner is—Damon Ravonir!"
***
"That was so awesome!"
"Did you see that? He sent that giant tiger flying! What power!"
"Dad, I wanna be that strong too!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and admiration. The strength displayed by both warriors—especially Damon—stirred the hearts of all who respected power.
"T-that was great! Damon, d-do you know? E-everyone's talking about you! They say you're the strongest of all the participants!"
Poncho, who had come to watch Damon's match, spoke excitedly, stuttering but full of genuine admiration.
"Hahaha," Damon laughed, saying nothing more. He had won—and it was only natural. Peak human strength was no joke, especially with a body like his.
His combat skills might not yet be refined, but his raw strength was absolute—and he loved the feeling of it.
"This is it for the morning. My next match will be held in the evening. Wanna grab something to eat?" Damon suggested, wiping the sweat and dust from his body.
Poncho's eyes lit up. "Sure! Lunch is on me this time!"
"Don't say that. Didn't you mention you were broke after using your last savings to come to Parnam?"
"U-uh… y-yeah, that's right," Poncho muttered awkwardly, recalling the sad state of his wallet. Damon laughed as the two entered a giant cafeteria, ready for another overpriced meal.
"The Red-Eyed Giant is here!"
Damon's entrance drew attention immediately. His towering frame and unmatched strength had already become the talk of the town. Rumors were spreading fast that he would be the one to win the tournament.
The martial arts tournament, in a world that revered strength above all, received the most attention. Any participant who displayed power became a celebrity overnight.
Three matches—that's all it had taken for people to start calling him the Red-Eyed Giant, a nickname Damon wasn't sure whether to be proud of or embarrassed by.
The commotion gradually settled, but people still gathered around Damon, eager to befriend him. He chatted amiably—until his gaze fell upon a lone figure.
A man dressed in black, with sharp features and dark hair, sat calmly, sipping his drink as he waited for his meal.
People noticed Damon's shift in attention and began whispering.
"Oh, that's Hakuya Kwonmin. They say he took the top spot in the Gift of Wisdom exam. Some say he's a genius… but honestly, he's kind of an oddball."
"Hakuya Kwonmin.." the black robbed prime minister of Elfreiden.