A-Class Tournament Opens

And so… while I spent my days in a hectic rush, time flew by like an arrow.

March came, and the day of the A-Class Tournament drew near.

In response, the surroundings buzzed with excitement.

Walking the streets, talk of the A-Class Tournament grew more frequent.

For my part, I'd been treating the A-Class Tournament as basically a routine match I'd win by playing normally, with the real fight being the Ursula bout afterward.

So the fervor surrounding the A-Class Tournament went beyond what I'd expected.

A-Class Master, S-Class Master, in this world they wielded power above B-Class and were nobles, but…

More than that, they were superstars. They were heroes.

If you compared it to Japan, the S-Class Tournament probably corresponded to the World Cup or the Olympics.

But the A-Class Tournament too corresponded to something like Pro Baseball's Japan Series or soccer's Emperor's Cup, by no means a small affair.

Walking through the city, the talk was of who would win this year's A-Class and who to watch, and on TV the A-Class Tournament special programs had begun, hyping things up.

The Garumon Battle Weekly Report also put out an A-Class Tournament special edition, stoking the flames.

The whole world had a festive air to it.

With this year being the season for the once-every-four-years S-Class Tournament in October, apparently this excitement was even on the restrained side.

Even so, the buzz was tremendous.

Of course, Garumon Battle was something every single person in this world had been compulsorily involved with at least once, and remained involved with even now.

The intensity of public interest had to surpass any sport or competition in Japan.

Baseball plus soccer plus shogi… no, all the competitions added together, probably.

Because there weren't any other proper sports in this world besides this one.

So, having taken the A-Class Tournament a bit lightly, I was pushed by the people's heat into straightening myself up.

To think I'd take part in such a grand festival as one of the contestants.

Unthinkable in my original world.

The A-Class Tournament.

Held every March.

A major event held at the great arena, with a capacity of 100,000, in the main district of Ainsworth.

It was televised, too. The broadcast went out on two channels: a magic TV for magical-communication use, and an over-the-air broadcast for cathode-ray-tube TVs.

Nobles and a portion of the bourgeoisie watched on magic TV; among commoners, the somewhat well-off watched on home TVs.

Other ordinary commoners watched on street-corner TVs.

In the arena itself, the spectators were mostly citizens through knights who had won the lottery.

Those who made the top 8 of the A-Class Tournament became A-Class ranks 1 through 8, and could challenge S-Class in April's S-Class swap match.

Starting from rank 1, they chose their opponents in order, and the same opponent could not be chosen by more than one person.

So if you wanted to challenge Ursula for certain, the only way was to be number 1.

… Well, ordinarily, the weakest, most desirable target among S-Class 17-24 was rank 23, Zeiros. The chances of Ursula being claimed early were low, but I wasn't thinking about anything other than becoming number 1.

Last year's winner had been Eclair Feradria. Her Master at the time had been Sario Shard, though.

Since I was the one trying to defeat that Eclair, this was a title I couldn't afford to skip.

And of course, claiming it would bring its share of glory.

A tournament championship was a decoration I could never have managed back in my original world, no matter how I struggled.

For a game tournament I think I could have reached a moderate level, but there were countless people above me.

… But if you brought those super-gamers to this world and made them play Garumon Battle, I think, and want to think, I'd be above them.

To prove that, I couldn't afford to lose.

"Now then, Naoto. From tomorrow, the A-Class Tournament begins at last. Are thy preparations all in order?"

After a long while, Ursula came to visit my home.

Well, she'd been stopping by properly for the pubic-hair check.

"Hey, Ursula. So you came to worry about me."

"Worry… is not quite the word. With thy current strength, I do not think thou wilt fail to win the A-Class Tournament.

"… However, when it comes to a tournament, there are those who tense up and cannot fully demonstrate their strength.

"I came to encourage thee, just to be safe."

I'd call that worrying.

I gave a wry smile.

"Well, I'll be fine, I think. As for preparations, I'm confident I've done my best."

That was my answer.

"Mm, a fine answer."

Ursula nodded several times.

"It is late to bring this up now, but allow me to explain the A-Class Tournament once more.

"All the matchups for the A-Class Tournament are decided by complete lottery.

"Therefore, there are cases where it becomes an extreme tournament where all the title contenders clash early on.

"The roster of participants must be decided before the lottery results are out.

"By 10 o'clock tomorrow, that is.

"Whether to assemble a formation that won't have problems no matter what kind of opponent comes, or to put together a specialized party with the resolve to throw away certain matchups if countered.

"That is each individual's judgment.

"Well, this much is preaching to the choir for thee."

That an otherworlder like Ursula used a saying like "preaching to Buddha" (is there a Buddha in this world?) gave me a slight twinge of dissonance, but it was probably the result of system translation.

"Even if thou losest once, if the opponent who beat thee makes it to the top 4, thou canst go to the loser's bracket.

"The winner of the loser's bracket fights the loser of the top 8, and if they win, they can become a representative.

"Once thou reachest the top 4, thy representative spot is confirmed.

"… Well, for thee, who aims for the championship, the loser's bracket is irrelevant.

"If thou losest even once, at that moment thou shalt become my Sub-Master."

Ursula laid out her conditions, but…

"Yeah, that's fine."

I answered easily.

If I was going to lose at A-Class, there was no way I could beat Ursula anyway.

"Hmhm, a fine answer.

"Now then, I shall look forward to it. I await the day thou winnest and challengest me."

With that encouragement… she left me to my preparations and went on her way.

The encouragement itself was, of course, a passionate paizuri-fellatio that brought me pleasantly to ejaculation.

… Since I'd received a kiss from the goddess of victory, I absolutely could not lose.

I renewed my resolve.

 

*

 

"Now then, everyone. For the A-Class Tournament starting tomorrow, I want to take it on with two themes.

"One is Colette's training. I want to raise Colette, currently LV49, to LV50. I think the A-Class Tournament will be a good proving ground."

My declaration seemed to be more or less what everyone expected.

"U-um… ex-excuse me…"

The one who raised her hand and spoke up was Luna's manager, Farida-san.

"Um, first… is it really all right for me to be present in a setting like this?

"This is a strategy meeting for tomorrow's A-Class Tournament, isn't it?"

"Farida-san is family to Luna, so it's no problem at all.

"Besides, it's better that you know which match Luna will be in, right?"

"That's certainly true… Thank you very much. Then, let me sit in once again.

"And, um…"

Farida-san whispered into my ear so Colette wouldn't hear.

"Colette-san is currently a Lesser Hero, a restricted job, isn't she?

"The disadvantage of all stats being halved is far too heavy, and I've heard there are even Masters who release her over it.

"You're going to send someone like that into a duel between A-Class Masters…?"

Farida-san had a hard time saying it, but she said it anyway.

She probably found it hard because it felt like she was speaking ill of Colette.

But she couldn't stay silent while I made a reckless attempt… so she said it even though it was hard.

… What a good kid.

"Yeah, as Farida-san says, it'll be a tough fight.

"… But isn't it the case that without overcoming a fight like that, she can't become a Hero?

"Incidentally, if Luna and Colette are sent out together, Colette's disadvantage is completely nullified."

"…! Then…"

"So I won't be sending Luna and Colette out together. As a second party, sure, that'd be fine."

"Wh-, no way…"

"It's all right. All my companions are strong. I'll show you we can win even without putting Luna in.

"… The other theme is to fight at full strength.

"Once Colette safely reaches LV50, I think I'll stop restricting myself or holding back any further.

"Colette who's become a Hero, Luna's Messiah, Suzanne's Michaela, I'll use them all aggressively, aiming to win in as few turns as possible."

"My, didn't you mean to forbid Michaela from being used twice for the duration of A-Class?"

Suzanne checked with me.

"Yeah, I did think so.

"… But I'd hate it if Suzanne or Luna weren't selected as one of the 24 Strongest Garumon because I restricted them."

… In April, I'd heard the year-299 issue of the Garumon Yearbook would be published.

In Japan, the May issue would come out at the start of April; they hurried to put it out as early as possible. But in this world, a delay of several months to half a year was the norm. They casually put out the year-299 issue four months late. Such a relaxed pace.

No wonder the latest issue I'd bought last year had been the year-298 one.

The reason they published in April was probably to reflect the results of the S-Class promotion match.

… In other words, this me would be listed as the S-Class number-24 Master. It had to be that way.

"At that time, my plan is to have Kanan come along as my partner representative Garumon, but…

"I think all my companions deserve to be in the yearbook.

"I had a change of heart. I'd hate it if their true strength weren't recognized because they fought while holding back, and they didn't make it into the Garumon Yearbook."

That was my explanation.

"Concealing one's true strength through tactics and strategy is a standard technique. If it's for Onii-sama's sake, I don't think I'm so foolish as to complain about that, you see?"

Suzanne, oddly, looked dissatisfied at my consideration.

True enough; in a relationship of mutual trust, being treated with awkward consideration was the more unwelcome thing.

"… S-sorry. But I want to brag. I want to show the world how strong and wonderful a Garumon Suzanne is."

S-Class top rankers had their elements and such almost entirely revealed, but they were still overwhelmingly strong, I'd heard.

If that was the case, I wanted to aim for that level too.

I knew the system shielded information on my behalf, but since I could swap members and outwit opponents however much I liked even when they prepared countermeasures, the disadvantage of information leakage wasn't a big deal.

"It seems I made you think too much of it, Onii-sama. But, I'll let it stand at that.

"In that case, I, Seraph Michaela Suzanne, shall demonstrate my full strength to the utmost!

"Of course, Luna will be alongside me."

"… Yes! Let's do our best, Suzanne-san."

The two clasped hands.

The sight of them was so beautiful that…

"… Um, Suzanne-san, would you have any interest in being an idol…?"

"Farida-san. No."

I'd be in trouble if she scouted everyone willy-nilly, so I cautioned Farida-san.

Well, if I were a talent manager, I'd absolutely scout her too!

"In actuality, the chance of an A-Class Garumon being selected for the 24 Strongest Garumon is basically zer～o… But Naoto-san, I think your attitude is wonder～ful."

That was Patty's appraisal.

"No no, you've got plenty of qualifications to be selected too, Patty."

We chatted noisily like that.

With the decisive battle the next day, we were quite at ease.

… All right, time to seriously think about tomorrow's formation.

The opponent could be anyone from A-Class 1 through 128.

The particularly strong ones were A-Class 1 through 8, Masters with S-Class promotion experience, virtually S-Class.

By all accounts, they were supposed to be on par with Griera.

… Was it really true? Comparing Griera to S-Class 23 Zeiros, Griera looked stronger to me.

Well, I'd take them as virtual Grieras, then.

Whether I could win with a party including Colette… honestly, it'd be insanely tough.

As one approach, I could throw the 1st party and bet on the 2nd, but that defeated the purpose of fighting with Colette in the lineup.

If I put Luna in to nullify the half-stat penalty I could fight normally, but that wouldn't be very interesting.

I could also use Haru's Reverse Element to flip the disadvantage, but…

"No, let's go in head-on. Kanan, Adelia, Colette."

"Yes! … I'll show off the techniques I've honed while getting beaten down by Suzanne with quadruple stats."

"Nya! Let's do our best, Colette!"

"Yes. I'll protect both of you! I'm counting on you, Kanan-san, Adelia-san."

I think Colette no longer thought she was holding people back either.

Well, in practice, since pairing with Colette made others stronger, she was a hot commodity in high demand.

I, and Colette herself, could grow stronger.

We were making the most of this Lesser Hero class.

Almost to the point that I felt a little reluctant about her growing further.

"All right, as for the 2nd party, who to put in…"

"…"

I felt a thought beam from Farida-san: pick Luna and Setsuna～.

A new idol debuting in the A-Class Tournament probably made for a nice promotional push.

The 2nd party was one I absolutely couldn't lose with, but Luna and Setsuna were unimpeachable in combat strength, too.

If it was Farida-san's request, it'd be fine to grant it.

"The 2nd party will be Luna, Setsuna… and Maika."

Attacker Luna, supporter Setsuna. Going with the natural flow it'd be one of the defenders, but I deliberately left them out.

The plan was to wrap things up quickly with double attackers.

Given the 1st party was Kanan and Adelia, Maika came to mind unconsciously.

I guess at my core I was relying on the three who first became my companions.

"Yes, leave it to me. Let's do our best, Setsuna-chan, Luna."

"Yeah!"

"Let's give it our all."

The three put their hands together and pledged to fight well.

I don't think anyone left out felt they were being benched as out-of-strength.

… Except Yumi.

"Yumi, are you depressed?"

"I-I'm not depressed! … I just thought, again I have no turn…"

"Turn… in mock battles, in monster subjugations, in B-Class Master fights, you've fought quite a lot, I'd say…"

"That's true! But I haven't been fighting strong opponents in critical moments at all!

"… Well, it's fine. Colette has to reach LV50 quickly…!"

… Right, since Colette had reached LV49 within a week of my sleeping with Patty, sex with Yumi had been put on hold.

I was disappointed too, but Yumi was even more dejected.

Because of that, Yumi had built up a sense of pent-up stress.

In the next match, I'd have her fight properly.

… Just as preparations had come together, too.

 

*

 

And so… the next day.

Whoosh, boom-boom, boom…!

Magnificent fireworks shot up.

Wahhhhhh…

There was a great arena in the main district of the A-Class town Ainsworth.

A massive arena where 100,000 spectators could watch.

It was called the holy ground of Ainsworth's Garumon Battle, and all of the A-Class Tournament's matches were reportedly held here.

Today was the opening ceremony. And the lottery. Furthermore, the matches were said to begin in order from round 1.

There were a full 127 matches, and they'd all be held at one venue, so the schedule was quite hectic.

A flashy parade, a fife-and-drum corps performance, a concert by beautiful Garumon: it unfolded with the kind of glamour you'd expect from an Olympics opening ceremony on Earth.

Compared to an Olympics opening ceremony it was probably plain in terms of science and technology, but given the magic and the beauty of the performing Garumon, their advanced techniques and physical ability, it didn't look inferior at all.

Well, comparing watching it on a TV screen to the live atmosphere of being there might be a mistake.

Ahh, really… that I would take part in such a grand event was unthinkable on Earth.

I was below average in athletics and academics. I was somewhat good at games, but not at a level where I could compete in proper game competitions like e-sports.

And now… I was invited to a special seat in the very center, the very front of this show, reserved only for the 128 A-Class Masters participating in the tournament, and could watch the performance to my heart's content.

The guests of honor of this show weren't even the performers. We A-Class Masters were the true guests of honor.

For a small-fry like me, it felt almost overwhelming.

… But, since I'd come to this world, in the bonds I'd cultivated with the Garumon, I had no intention of losing to anyone.

… Yes, I should have more confidence. I was now one of the A-Class Masters representing this world.

When I thought that, a sense of pride welled up somewhere in my chest.

Ahh, really… I was glad I'd come to this world.

So I felt.

"Now then, we hereby commence this year's A-Class Tournament!"

Wahhhhhh…

Loud cheers and fireworks went up, and the tournament's opening was declared.

Then, onto the platform at the center of the arena, five beautiful girls descended.

"Huh, those five are…"

I'd seen them somewhere. No, I'd seen them quite often.

"Yes, that's our Starlight Production's top idol group, Heaven's Elements."

Farida-san introduced them with her chest puffed out.

I see; I'd seen them on a poster when I went to Garumon Entertainment before.

I think I'd seen them a few times in Garumon magazine ads, too.

"S-Class number-8 Master Aleph-sama's Garumon, Celestial Maiden Anastasia, and

"S-Class number-15 Master Dunes-sama's Garumon…

"Water Spirit Eluneth, Fire Spirit Safaria, Wind Spirit Jeanna, Earth Spirit Aileen.

"It's a group made up of Garumon owned by these two Masters."

"Heeh… that's pretty rare, isn't it?"

"Yes, that's right. Aleph-sama has zero interest in the idol industry, while Dunes-sama is fairly enthusiastic about idols.

"But with just Dunes-sama's spirits, their characters were a bit weak and they couldn't quite break through. By persuading Anastasia-sama to join and become the group's leader, they came to enjoy great popularity. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say Heaven's Elements is now the number-one most popular idol group!"

Farida-san spoke passionately. You could tell how much she loved her own organization's group.

"… M-my apologies. Of course, Luna-san will become an even more amazing idol who surpasses even Heaven's Elements!"

She seemed embarrassed at having praised an idol outside her charge too much, and added that follow-up.

"No, no, it's fine."

Now then, Heaven's Elements' show had begun.

Anastasia sang loftily, and the four spirits danced beautifully.

Anastasia's singing was quite splendid. Her slightly husky voice was sexy.

I personally preferred Luna's cute voice, but Anastasia's was at the level of a Hollywood movie's theme song.

The four spirits' dancing was truly magnificent.

The physical capability to jump 4 to 5 meters easily in a single leap was truly Garumon-like.

Their figures dancing in colorful costumes evoking their elements were the very image of spirits. With marvelous beauty, they conjured a fantastic atmosphere and adorned Anastasia's song.

"Amazing, the level is high.

"… They say this world's idol standard was created by Lightning's Seika Shikina, but was that a lie?"

It was wonderful, but it wasn't quite an idol song.

Well, if you went that far, Luna and Setsuna's performances were at too high a level to be called idol songs anymore either.

"No, I think it's correct to say Seika Shikina-san is the standard of idols.

"But, the era where 'idol' meant Seika Shikina lasted twenty years… and out of that, new idols have emerged who broke away from it, gaining new popularity.

"Heaven's Elements, with its full-fledged singing and dancing as their selling points, can be called the leading example.

"… They've already been chosen as the songstresses of the A-Class Tournament for two years running… the times are changing.

"Next year, Luna-san might be the one singing!"

I see, so it was an idol Warring States era.

Wahhhhhh…!

Loud cheers erupted at the beautiful song and dance.

Their concert tickets were apparently platinum tickets that drew rushing crowds, and were not easily obtained…

Farida-san explained further.

Even the Masters of this world, who looked down on Garumon, were said to harbor great admiration for them.

I see; it seemed idols were useful for raising the status of Garumon.

"Gentlemen!"

Anastasia called out. The omission of "ladies" was apparently this world's manner of greeting.

Wahhhhhh…

Grand cheers erupted from the surrounding spectators.

"For the first-round lottery of the tournament, I, Celestial Maiden Anastasia, will be your hostess!"

Wahhhh…

Anastasia waved at the great cheers. It really was a polished show.

"Now then, we shall now have the lots drawn. Please welcome them with a hearty round of applause. A-Class number 128, Sulong-sama!"

Boom!

Clap clap! Amid grand applause and cheers, the A-Class number-128 man stood up.

His attire was flashy and looked high-class, but the man himself looked rather shabby.

However, being in last place meant being eyed as a prime target by B-Class Masters and frequently challenged.

Since he'd defended that position for a full year, he had to be a fittingly capable A-Class.

"Sulong-sama has been in A-Class for 12 consecutive years. To date he has fended off 40 challenges from B-Class Masters. His highest rank was 65. His epithet is Sulong of the Fangs. Headed by his ace Amanda, he's a veteran Master who skillfully handles many Beastkin-type Garumon.

"Last year he was defeated in the first round by current A-Class number-6 Yowis-sama, hence this rank.

"Sulong-sama, with his certain skill, can he take revenge this year?"

Such commentary was added.

He climbed onto the platform accompanied by a single beautiful bunny-girl Garumon.

Then he drew a lot from the box Anastasia and the others held up.

"Number 43."

Wahhh…

"Next up, A-Class number 127, Daal-sama!"

The next A-Class Master was called to the stage. Eh, they're doing them one at a time? Isn't that long…? Even at one minute per person it'd take two hours…

So I thought, but well, I guessed it couldn't be helped.

… Even so, drawing a lot while being introduced was embarrassing…

Still, I couldn't very well refuse.

And so they went one by one… honestly, it dragged.

The A-Class Masters seemed mostly to be of a lean, cool-looking sort.

Well, they had to go aggressively at monster subjugations too, so they were different from B-Class Masters who could just do politics in their castles.

That said, there seemed to be few who had truly striking individuality that drew the eye.

Well, in Garumon Battle where the Garumon were the stars, comparing the Masters… naturally that would be the case.

In sports terms, it was like the manager coming to the front instead of the players.

In sports, there'd also be people like former superstars, but among the current A-Class Masters, there wasn't a single futanari Master.

It made sense there'd be no flair.

"Number 44! A-Class number-93 Ligd-sama's opponent has been decided as A-Class number-128 Sulong-sama!

"Sulong-sama, please come up to the stage."

… At last, a matchup was settled.

Hearing that, Sulong, who had drawn the first lot, stood up.

He went to the stage where the lean middle-aged man Ligd, who'd also drawn his lot, was waiting.

"A-Class number-93 Ligd-sama has been in A-Class for a total of 4 years. He first promoted to A-Class 8 years ago, and despite falling back to B-Class twice, he has returned like a phoenix. Hence his epithet is Ligd the Phoenix, the Never-Surrender Ligd! With his tenacious tactics, how high will he climb in the rankings this year! He cannot afford to lose. Today's first match has been decided! It will be held after the lottery!"

Wahhhhh…!

Applause and cheers erupted.

Then Sulong and Ligd retreated to the wings of the stage…

"Next up, A-Class number 92, Auf-sama!"

Wahhhhhh…!

Long…

"But this is rough on Anastasia-san. So this is what event work is like…"

The introductions for each Master were of course based on a cheat-sheet of system-screen info, but she kept up the chatter throughout, hyping the tedious A-Class Master introductions.

"I'll be doing this someday too. Though I don't know if I'll host a tournament this big…"

Rather than the unflashy A-Class Masters, my attention couldn't help but drift to Anastasia-san.

"Since they're a five-person group, they could just take turns introducing them."

"She's the leader of Heaven's Elements, you see… The spirits are wonderful at dancing, but their voice volume and articulation are weak…

"Until Anastasia-san joined, they were a fairly disappointing group. They were first-rate as backup dancers, though."

We chatted among ourselves like that to kill time.

The spectators had eyes on us and it was being broadcast on TV, so we couldn't be too rude with our manners.

Or rather, quite a few of the other A-Class Masters left their seats before their turn came up.

Some were touching their own Garumon's breasts and the like, not waiting all that politely either…

If you were going to do that, wouldn't it be better to leave your seat? So I thought.

What happens if they don't come back by the time of their lottery? Just as I was wondering…

"A-Class number 62, Gurz-sama! Gurz-sama～?"

There's someone who didn't come back!

"Then, in Gurz-sama's stead, I shall draw the lot."

Oh, well, if that's how it worked, then fine.

"Number 18! The 11th match shall be Gurz-sama VS Rauld-sama! Rauld-sama, please come up to the stage!"

… And the matchup was introduced with Gurz absent.

Gurz didn't show his face, but I thought it was a fairly embarrassing situation.

He was said to have been in A-Class for 20 years, so he'd probably grown jaded from doing this every year.

So as not to end up that embarrassed, I'd wait properly and seriously.

The 35th-place Master finished drawing his lot…

Now then, my turn. Ugh, I was getting nervous.

"This way, please, Naoto Akai-sama."

A bunny-girl staff member came to call me.

"Yes… Well then, I'll be off."

"Yes! Fufufu, my beloved Naoto's grand stage! I'm proud, too."

Kanan saw me off, looking very happy.

… What kind of face would last-year's Kanan make if I showed her how the present Kanan spoke and acted? The thought crossed my mind for a moment.

"Next up, A-Class number 34, Naoto Akai-sama!"

Called, I stepped forward.

Wahhhhhh…!

The cheers that erupted seemed a notch louder. Was that just my imagination?

"Naoto Akai-sama, debuting this year. The much-talked-about otherworlder Master making big waves right now.

"In a remarkably short time after his B-Class promotion, he made his A-Class promotion.

"And he's drawn major attention by, among other things, dueling fellow otherworlder Shogo Shiraki for the honor of otherworlders.

"Last year, fellow otherworlder rookie Master Sario Shard-sama won the A-Class Tournament.

"Naoto Akai-sama, like Sario Shard-sama, is currently walking the elite course of S-Class promotion within one year.

"Will a new Master appear who, following last year, walks the elite course and conquers the A-Class Tournament?

"Eyes are on him!"

Whoooaaa…

A stir went through the crowd.

… Yeah, it wasn't my imagination. I really was drawing major attention.

That guy, so that's him: I was being noted in that sense.

… Embarrassing.

I quickly walked over to Anastasia-san.

"Please, Naoto Akai-sama. Draw one lot. Give my regards to Luna-san as well."

"Ah, yes…"

Anastasia-san called out to me… and I drew a lot.

"… Number 16!"

The opponent wasn't decided yet. Which meant my first-round opponent was someone of rank 33 or higher.

Amid the buzzing, I returned to my seat.

"Next up, A-Class number 33 -"

The lottery continued.

"Good work. You looked cool."

"Ahaha… I was nervous…"

If I could have had my companions accompany me, I wouldn't have been so nervous, but…

… Now then, all that was left was to wait for lot number 15 to be drawn, but my number didn't come up.

… So my opener might be one of the top 8, basically S-Class.

… It looked like a tough fight.

"Number 8, Rudis-senshu! Please!"

… There they came, the top-8 with S-Class experience. From the very first round.

"Number 15! Number 15! A-Class number-8 Rudis-sama's opponent has been decided as A-Class number-34 Naoto Akai-sama!

"Rudis-sama has been in A-Class for 7 years. But his career can be called exceptional.

"He first promoted to A-Class at age 45. Stumbling early on, after long training he finally reached this position.

"His epithet is the Hard Worker! But from there, his rapid advance began. He climbed the A-Class Tournament, with two years of S-Class experience! Currently 54! His skill is more than sufficient!

"Now, the rookie who has risen smooth as a comet, versus the hard worker who has reached this point through much bitterness: which one will win!

"It's the 57th match!"

Wahhhhhh…!

Rudis the Hard Worker, huh… what kind of tactics and strategy did he have?

I was curious… But if I started saying I couldn't fight without knowing the opponent's information, I wouldn't get anywhere from here on out.

I'd dare to look at none of Rudis's info.

Going by the earlier commentary, Rudis was 54, having been promoted after thoroughly tasting bitterness in the lower ranks.

… So they said, but his deeply wrinkled appearance looked more like he was in his sixties.

How much hardship must he have gone through… He looked formidable.

"Then, A-Class number-1 Aldis-sama, with the remaining number 24! It's a match against A-Class number-77 Lasheen-sama!"

After a long time, at last all 127 had drawn their lots, and the matchups were finalized.

It was long… but not that boring, probably because Anastasia worked so hard to keep things lively.

Talking nonstop for nearly 3 hours! Truly an entertainer. Amazing, I thought, impressed.

"Now then, the lottery is at last complete.

"The notable match in the first round will surely be the 57th match, Naoto Akai-senshu VS Rudis-senshu!

"From here on, all participants will be referred to as 'senshu' (contestants), so please be aware.

"The first match will begin shortly.

"Now, number-93 Ligd-senshu VS number-128 Sulong-senshu, please come up to the stage!"

Wahhh…

And so, the A-Class Tournament opened in grand fashion.