#1054 A Hero Challenging the King of the Seas

It’s me again. The event’s in full swing.

Orkubo’s Castle is bustling with excitement again this year.

As we move into the afternoon session, things are getting unusually lively.

It all started with the new support system we introduced.

We’ve always had issues with a surge of injuries during the afternoon sessions.

We allow walk-in participants at Orkubo’s Castle’s “Afternoon Program.” These people decide to join on a whim, which has been a breeding ground for unexpected accidents and injuries.

Usually, the folks who jump in during the afternoon are beginners who get caught up in the atmosphere and join on impulse.

That’s why they make unpredictable moves and cause sudden incidents, leading to the unfortunate mishap of injuring our valued guests.

Sure, most injuries are healed in no time thanks to Platy’s potions, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to do whatever we want just because we can fix it.

We’ve tried all sorts of measures every year, but nothing worked. Some even suggested, “Why don’t we just stop allowing walk-ins?”

So, as a last resort, we implemented the support system this year.

We assigned experienced support staff to each attraction to keep an eye on the newbies, making sure they don’t try any reckless tactics, and guiding them with safe moves.

We got the regular participants who join every year to volunteer as support staff.

...I was surprised when even the Demon King himself volunteered first.

Wait, aren’t you the king of an entire nation?

Should you be so casual and easygoing?

But having the Demon King himself as a support role could be hugely beneficial.

I mean, who would ignore instructions from a king?

With that in mind, we had him give the opening speech, but it seems that backfired.

After he finished and came back, I couldn’t help but frown at him.

“Demon King... That way of speaking was a bit...!”

It sounded like a veteran blatantly trying to provoke the newcomers...!

That’s counterproductive.

They might rebel and outright reject what the support staff says!

“Ugh, my apologies, Lord Saint...! As a seasoned participant of Orkubo’s Castle, I thought I’d show some dignity...!”

And that ended up being such a typical old-timer move!

Who knew the Demon King likes to throw his weight around as a senior...!

I was worried from the start if this would be okay, and unfortunately, my fears came true.

Among the participants in the afternoon session, there was one particularly energetic girl.

She stood out right from the starting dash.

She ignored Mr. Pestegaro, who was the support for the first stage, and ran, jumped, spun, and practically exploded across the balance beam.

She was like a professional gymnast.

Her impressive physical abilities were clear, but the fact that she unleashed them without hesitation showed a blatant rebelliousness against the support staff.

The more you try to restrain her, the more she rebels.

There are always people like that... No, everyone goes through that phase at some point.

It’s the rebellious phase!!!

“Will my kids be in the middle of their rebellious phase in a few years? Scary...”

“My son Goetia might be like that too... In fact, I’ve started to see signs of it lately...”

We shudder at the thought of our beloved children turning against us.

Anyway, back to the topic. The participant who’s currently in a full-blown rebellious phase.

A girl, huh.

Surprising, considering how intensely she moves, but her agility is so impressive she puts the guys to shame.

The Demon King, watching alongside me, murmurs with interest.

“Those moves aren’t those of an ordinary person. I’d like to scout her for our army.”

Wait, didn’t the Demon King’s Army just go through massive downsizing and layoffs?

You can’t just go hiring new people again.

But it’s no wonder he’s smitten with her skills.

That agility... Is she an active adventurer?

Or maybe a ninja?

She gracefully cleared the next obstacle, the second stage, and even took down the support staff there with stray attacks.

The support staff at the second stage were professional participants who had caused problems in the past at Orkubo’s Castle.

They were forcefully recruited as soldiers for the New Human Kingdom, and it was discussed that, depending on how well they did in this role, we might lift their ban from participating in Orkubo’s Castle.

It’s a bit harsh to ban them permanently, after all.

But it seems they couldn’t make the most of the chance they were given.

And it’s all because that woman is dashing around with such incredible speed, stirring up chaos.

“Hmm... This is bad. At this rate, we might not be able to proceed as planned.”

It’s just as the Demon King fears.

In fact, a stray boulder was deflected by that woman and “crushed” the support staff at the second obstacle.

I say crushed, but the boulders are enchanted to teleport anyone they touch instantly, so no one was hurt.

And since there are multiple support staff, losing two or three doesn’t mean they’re all gone, so the situation isn’t completely ruined.

But still, the number of support staff has decreased, making things hectic.

It’s clear that her intense...or perhaps reckless run is causing chaos in the competition.

Someone has to stop her.

“Hmm... If that’s the case, we have just the right person at the third stage!” says the Demon King.

What do you mean?

Who’s this perfect person?

As we were talking, the woman entered the third stage.

“Hold it right there!!!”

And the person waiting there was...

Arowana!!!

Mermaid King Arowana appeared!

“I was standing by as the support for the third stage, but I cannot overlook your overzealous passion, young lady! I, Mermaid King Arowana, shall stop you myself!”

With that, Arowana swings down his trident.

Wait, what?! Isn’t that the replica of the sacred spear trident, the prized treasure of the Mermaid Kingdom?

Using something like that on a regular participant is overkill, Arowana!

But the woman deftly dodged the approaching spear tip and took a step back to create distance.

What a practiced move!

“Such sharpened fighting spirit... So you’re the obstacle here?!”

No.

There has never been a case where a real battle was an obstacle at Orkubo’s Castle!

However, at the third stage, the showdown between Arowana and the woman is already heating up!

“If that’s the case, I won’t hold back either! Annihilating-Holy Sword Siebengrün! It’s your long-awaited comeback!” she exclaims, drawing a sword from who-knows-where.

Where was she hiding that?!

“That’s... The last of the seven Holy Swords, whose whereabouts have been unknown for so long! And now it appears?!” the Demon King exclaims in surprise.

Come to think of it, there were seven holy swords but some were missing.

Is that important?

Facing her, Arowana smirks confidently.

“Oh, one of the seven Holy Swords sent by the underworld god Hades to protect the demons... A worthy opponent indeed. With this spear, a replica of the trident wielded by the Sea God Poseidon, we shall have a fine match!!!”

But having a grand duel isn’t the point of Orkubo’s Castle!

That woman’s impulsiveness is starting to affect those around her, and now it’s all turning into a big mess!

This is a serious situation.

Doesn’t someone need to stop this?!

Me?

No way I can stop them! It’s impossible!

I’m just an ordinary, good-hearted citizen!!!