Demonlands-esque Repechage

With our spots in the main event secured, we headed to the capital city of the Demonlands where the main event would take place.

Me, Rokuko, Aidi, Niku, Ichika, and Sebas traveled leisurely on a shared horse-drawn carriage. However, the horse had the usual six legs, so even without hurrying, it was reasonably fast.

"As expected, carrying six people at this speed puts a lot of strain on the horse, so we need to save energy."

"I see."

Gaigankin, who also secured a spot in the main event, would travel in a separate carriage. His rival, Aljarlo Menowe, had prepared a carriage to celebrate his victory (though it must have originally been meant for himself).

"You know, Aljarlo Menowe's magic spear Prochute looked like it was quite troublesome."

"Indeed. Even my Master might have had a hard time with it. If Gaigankin hadn't used his new technique, Scatter Dragon Hand, he might not have been able to win."

"It was an invisible spear, of all things… In retrospect, it's great that they eliminated each other during the preliminaries, right?"

"Oh, if both of them had attacked Rokuko's master at once, it would have been over in a single blow."

Rokuko and Aidi were excitedly discussing the preliminary matches. Although Aidi had mentioned that it would be apparent once they saw the spear, the spear itself became invisible. At first, only the spear disappeared, but eventually, the user also vanished from sight. Yet his presence was still very much felt—a true thorn in the side.

Gaigankin had countered this by using his new technique, Scatter Dragon Hand, to overwhelm the invisible spear. It was an impressive and exciting match.

Well, let's leave the past behind us and focus on the upcoming main event.

"By the way, Sebas. Congratulations, on making it through the preliminaries. It was expected for you, though."

"Thank you. If I couldn't manage this much I wouldn't be able to serve as Ojou-sama's butler."

"Is that how it works?"

"Little dog, if your Master told you to win, would you accept defeat?"

"I see."

Was that a convincing explanation? Well, there must be some sort of pride for slaves that I don't understand.

I glanced at the other slave, Ichika.

"… Nah, don't be lookin' at me. If ya told me to make it through the preliminaries I'd be in trouble. Probably straight up refuse even."

"Yeah, I guess so."

Sebas aside, the preliminary matches had been full of normally strong fighters. In my case, I had casually defeated all my opponents, but Niku's opponent, Scujila, had been quite formidable. Apparently, he had the strength of a B-rank adventurer or higher.

"Hey, isn't Niku too strong? She's practically at the level of a hero."

"Niku-senpai has a hobby of makin' herself stronger… People might believe she's from the Demonlands, yeah?"

… Having easily defeated a formidable opponent, Niku was truly a mystery. How much stronger did she intend to become? If the stories I've heard are true, she's the granddaughter of that Leona in terms of bloodline. Her raw material is top-notch.

Oh, and it seems that Shironaga, the partner of that Scujira contestant, was one of the people I defeated.

Shironaga was also said to have participated in the main event before. Considering that they had won the match to secure the second place, if I hadn't been there, they would have likely made it through the preliminaries.

… My ultimate blanket artillery strategy seems like it will work well in the main event too.

"Speaking of which, having three main event contestants riding in the same carriage is quite luxurious, isn't it?"

"Oh, but Rokuko? Two of them are not from your camp. Are you bragging by any chance?"

"Hehe, I didn't realize it, but I'll take that as a compliment. Anyway, we'll get the runner-up prize. We're fine with giving Sebas the championship, right?"

"Oh, thank you… But truly, that blanket is foul. It's not unlike a wall of steel."

The [Divine Blanket] truly was divine. It was so powerful that it could nullify any attack.

Not only did it protect against thrown attacks, but it also prevented attempts to remove the blanket. It's truly a divine item. The performance was just too crazy. Wasn't it basically just a complete upgrade from the [Divine Comforter] that's just comfortable to sleep in…? Could there be hidden features in the comforter that I don't know about?

Just then, Aidi glanced out the window.

Outside the window was a wilderness. In the context of the Demonlands, it's a [lovely open space where causing damage to the surroundings isn't much of a concern].

"Is it about time…?"

"About time? What's happening?"

"Well, it's something of an interlude. The usual attacks targeting the main event contestants during this martial arts tournament."

"Eh?"

"If you defeat a contestant, you can take their place."

"Eeeh?!"

According to the rules of the tournament, there seemed to be a legitimate provision for [attacking main event contestants]. If you were able to defeat a main event contestant, you could take their spot… What's that all about? It makes me want to question the purpose of the preliminary tournament.

Main event contestants could choose to avoid this, hire bodyguards, or face it head-on… What a lawless and dangerous way for losers to make a comeback, but if it's decided by the rules, I guess it's not lawless.

"… And here they come. Stop the carriage."

It seems that Aidi decided that we'd face the attack.

I wonder how they knew our route and the time we were moving… Wait, was the information about when and which route we'll take to the demon capital already leaked to the information brokers? Why would they… oh, right, it's the Demonlands. Okay, okay, Demonlands. So the attack is a some little fun event or something for you?

"Master, could you drive them away?"

"Understood… I can use both arms, right?"

"Yes, but we want to get to the capital quickly—so make sure annihilate them within ten minutes."

"As you wish, my lady."

It seemed that Sebas and Aidi were full of enthusiasm. Should we join them? Or would it be better to leave it to Sebas?

… Feeling a gaze, I looked at Niku, who seemed restless and eager to move.

"Ah, Niku. Could you handle my part too?"

"Understood."

As soon as I said that, Niku happily wagged her tail and jumped out of the carriage with her knife golem. She was practically vibrating enough to start buzzing.

… Well, loosening up the body after sitting in the carriage is great exercise. Probably.