#1052 The Hero Joins the Fray

Momoko joins the battle at Orkubo’s Castle!

It’s time for an all-out Crash Break brawl!

“Hey, no roughhousing, Momoko. We have to follow the competition rules,” Selena reminds me.

Right. Let’s play fair and have fun!

I promptly submitted my entry!

Surprisingly, my application was accepted without a hitch, and I’m set to compete in the afternoon session!

I thought they’d ask me questions, so it was a bit anticlimactic. Maybe I’m still paranoid from those days after the Human Kingdom lost the war, and I, a hero, had to live on the run?

“Of course, we usually conduct stricter background checks. We can’t have wanted criminals participating,” says the goblin receptionist.

...A goblin receptionist?

“But in your case, let’s just say you’re special... We can tell at a glance that your identity is legit.”

Huh?

Does that mean...?!

Is it because I’m a hero?

I guess being a hero gives you a whole different level of trust! I mean, I did save the world!

Everyone must be thinking, “She’s totally trustworthy!”

Or maybe my fame from women’s pro wrestling has reached all the way here?

That’d be something to brag about too...!

“No, it’s that sign hanging around your neck...”

Huh?

This sign that says “Beans”?

“Lady Letasreit made you wear it, right? If you’re under her supervision, then it’s all good...”

Is that former princess really that reputable?!

Well, it doesn’t quite sit right with me, but if it means I can participate easily, I’ll take it...

I gotta accept good fortune when it comes...

All right then, let’s head into the venue.

Which way is the starting point?

“Momoko, that’s the area for the Orc Splitting Contest.”

Thanks to Selena’s heads-up, I avoided getting lost.

...I was super curious about this mysterious Orc Splitting Contest but right now, I’m a warrior aiming to conquer the castle!

No compromises, no distractions—I’m sprinting straight toward the keep!

Anyway, I arrive at the starting point.

It’s the same place I saw earlier from the bean stall; right in front of the moat.

Hmm, the impression you get as a participant is totally different from that as a spectator.

That distant keep shrouded in mist.

It’s almost taunting me, “Come at me if you can!”

Challenge accepted!

Because I’m Momoko, the hero!

...I was inwardly burning with fighting spirit.

Maybe that’s why I was slow to notice, but something feels off.

Well, it’s not exactly ominous, but I sense a slight unease.

Something’s different between the morning session I watched as a spectator and this afternoon session where I’m lined up as a participant...

It’s like playing spot-the-difference where there are minor discrepancies.

And that is...

“Oh, it’s the Demon King.”

The Demon King?!

Following Selena’s gaze, I look over, and sure enough, there’s that chubby, middle-aged demon I saw this morning!

That’s definitely the Demon King!

He still just looks like a jolly old man, though!

And there he is, giving us afternoon participants a sly grin.

“Hm-hm-hm... So you’ve come again this year, you naive little lambs.”

Excuse me?!

Did he just say something I can’t ignore? Who’s he calling naive little lambs?!

“At its inception, Orkubo’s Castle was held once a day, but over time, it evolved to multiple sessions per day. All because the number of applicants increases each year...”

So it’s gaining popularity.

They’ve split the competition into multiple sessions to manage the overflow of participants.

But why is he suddenly giving us the history lesson?

“Orkubo’s Castle is primarily divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The two have distinct characteristics; each embodies unique features.”

How long is he going to keep rambling?

The Demon King is just like a school principal; long-winded and all over the place.

“The morning session is for those who pre-registered in advance. These are the dedicated participants who’ve prepared for days, honing their bodies. They’re regulars who participate every year, and their enthusiasm to challenge Orkubo’s Castle is on another level compared to average contestants.”

Those are the people we saw this morning.

Yeah, I did notice their seriousness, and, well... Their hardcore approach was on a different scale...

“In contrast, the afternoon session is for walk-ins who register on the day. It just works out that way timing-wise. Spectators who got all hyped watching the morning events think, ‘Me too!’ and decide to join. They probably got so thrilled watching the gripping competitions that they wanted to partake in the action.”

Like feeling inspired to play basketball after watching a basketball movie...?

Yeah, that makes sense.

I’ve even heard stories about people who bought guitars after watching that anime about the light music club!!!

“However, those people tend to be ill-prepared for the challenges ahead. They underestimate the terrifying obstacles of Orkubo’s Castle and recklessly dive in, only to get hurt. In fact, over 70% of injuries during the competition happen in the afternoon session! Statistically speaking!”

Wh-What?!

“These reckless challenges by amateurs lacking the stamina and strength to overcome the obstacles! We can’t stand by and let them get injured! That’s where we come in!”

What does he mean?!

I have no idea why the Demon King is even involved in this!

“At each checkpoint leading up to the keep, we, including myself and other Orkubo’s Castle regulars, will be there! We’d like you to challenge each obstacle under the guidance and assistance of these veterans. That way, you can safely and securely enjoy the essence of Orkubo’s Castle!”

I see, so that means...

Support roles!

They’re like instructors who help newbies avoid trouble!

“By the way, it’s free of charge.”

Volunteers!

“As expected of the Demon King... To spare no effort even here for the peace of the people...!!!”

Selena exclaims, gazing at him with reverence.

Understandable.

Selena is a demoness, and was even a soldier in the Demon King’s Army... until she got caught in the downsizing wave and was laid off.

For someone like her, the Demon King is like a god.

No wonder she’s looking at him with starry eyes.

“In the afternoon session, many regular participants, including myself, are standing by. Everyone is volunteering out of goodwill, considering the safety and well-being of the walk-in participants.”

Hmm?

“You amateur afternoon participants should set aside your pride and humbly follow the veterans’ instructions. Jumping in on a whim because you felt like trying something is the root cause of injuries. If you follow the veteran participants who commit themselves to Orkubo’s Castle every year, you have nothing to worry about. Approach the competition with the obedience of sheep being led by a shepherd.”

...

What is that supposed to mean?

Excuse me, Demon King, but isn’t your tone just a tad disrespectful?

Sure, I am one of those who decided to participate after seeing Orkubo’s Castle today.

It was spur-of-the-moment, without any planning.

I can’t exactly complain about being called a newbie...

But still!

Encounters are always sudden!

An event as intriguing as Orkubo’s Castle! Once you stumble upon it, you want to dive in and enjoy it immediately!

Isn’t decisiveness a trait to be praised?!

And yet, that Demon King...

Treating us as frivolous looky-loos is utterly insulting!

...

In that case...

I, Momoko the Hero, will clear Orkubo’s Castle with such dazzling skill that even the pros will turn pale!

It’s time for an RTA—Real-Time Attack!!!

And I’ll make that Demon King, who underestimated me as an amateur, eat his words!

In the name of the Hero!!!