Act 2. Flying Heaven Nation (2): Cool Factor First??
Somehow, I found myself stuck between two viewers' heated debate.
[No, I mean, coolness is the top priority, right??]
Here's what happened...
"First, tell me exactly what vibe you're going for. Then I can help for real."
"What vibe, huh..."
Attending this martial arts tournament wasn't just the king of the Flying Heaven Nation. In terms of importance, the person assigned as his bodyguard ranked even higher.
The War God, Jinun, one of the five heroes hailed during the past demon invasion. With his long trailing hair, a beard that screamed middle-aged swagger, and a hearty yet solemn personality, he was so cool he ranked second in popularity among the heroes.
Figuring out what martial art to show off to catch his eye and get help repelling the demons—that was a pretty big headache for me.
"...Ugh, think about it some more. You can't just barge in saying you wanna make something and expect it to pop out like that."
As Asella said, it wasn't an easy decision. During the main quest, I'd probably only use martial arts made with variant spells, so there were a bunch of things to consider.
"...And I'm not even that into wuxia novels."
Reading novels was a hobby of mine, but wuxia was outside my usual tastes. With no choice, I reopened the chat window and asked the viewers for help.
"Anyone here who's read some wuxia novels?"
"Alright, I'll set a limit of 4 people in my official voice chat room, first come first served. Come in and give me advice."
I ignored those chats and opened the room. In just 2 seconds, all 4 spots were filled.
Three guys and one girl. I started asking them for advice.
And that's how we ended up here.
"Enough. I get your opinions, thanks for the input. You can leave now."
Even after that, as I listened to more suggestions... one female viewer came up with a great concept.
An idea flashed in my mind.
"Thanks. You inspired me. I'll send you a gift card via DM later."
Lilith would probably be watching this tournament too. Demons love making a scene on big stages. It was a great idea all around.
......
"Asella, I've decided."
While I was entertaining the viewers' heated debate, Asella had already fallen asleep on the grass.
"Yawwwn... Really..? What's the concept..?"
I grinned and spat out one word.
Dream of the Butterfly. The butterfly's dream.
Time to become a single butterfly.
......
The moment I gave her the idea, Asella started brainstorming.
"Summoning butterflies isn't hard. So, surround your whole body with mana..."
"Then for defense..."
Our research went on for a while, through trial and error, and after a few hours, it was complete.
"Haa... haa..."
Black and purple butterflies tore into the scarecrow, straw flying everywhere as it got ripped apart. Imagining it was a real person made it a bit gruesome, but the skill's effects were more beautiful than anything, and I actually liked the gap.
This was the sixth form out of eight: Butterfly of Annihilation, Myeoljeop.
Coldly speaking, it wasn't the most efficient skill, but since the butterflies bit flesh directly, it was plenty threatening psychologically.
Asella's ability to create and fine-tune something like this in such a short time made her even more impressive.
I approached Asella and thanked her.
"Asella, thank you... It might've been too much to ask..."
"Psh, I had fun too? Researching and chatting with you like this is enjoyable..."
I pulled Asella into a big hug, lying back on the plains together, showering her with affection in my arms. She was startled for a second but didn't pull away from my touch.
"...Hehehe..."
Great Witch Asella's affinity has risen.
......
Time flew by, and soon the day of the Bicheon Festival arrived.
One thing I noticed wandering around here:
"Without this, how would I even get around..."
My outfit—witch hat and long dress, the typical outsider look—drew unkind stares everywhere I went.
Even signing up for the tournament:
'...An outsider? Alright then.'
Buying items at the market:
'...What an odd getup.'
Even just walking the streets, they stared like I was some exotic creature.
"Seriously, without it, I might get picked on...?"
Anyway. I pushed through the bustling Bicheon Festival market to the arena where the martial tournament was held.
"Contestant? Or spectator?"
"Contestant."
"Hm. Go in there."
Now came the important part. I needed to appear as a mysterious, beautiful woman to everyone, so I took a deep breath and switched into acting mode.
Creeeak— As I opened the door, about 9 pairs of eyes locked onto me. From burly, fierce-looking muscleheads to handsome guys who must've broken hearts. There was even a red-haired woman among them.
I was used to all eyes on me by now. I gave a slight smile and moved to a corner seat.
...Definitely not because I was scared. I just prefer corner seats.
That's when an orange quest window popped up in front of me again.
The Festival's Flower: Martial Exhibition
To prove you're no ordinary outsider, you've entered the highlight of the Bicheon Festival: the martial tournament.
Winning could draw interest from key figures, letting you ask for help against the demons.
But this is where the nation's elite gather—victory won't be easy.
Prove who you are before everyone.
Completion: Win the martial tournament
Rewards: Affinity with Bicheon King, Jinun, and most Bicheon NPCs set to 'Friendly'. [Hero-Grade Accessory: Azure Jade Stone]
After some time, a large door began to open. The 10 of us contestants, me included, stepped out.
Waaaaaaah—!!!!!!
Countless people crowded the stands above, roaring in cheers. Then a light voice reached our ears.
Waaaaaaah—!!!!
The announcer hyped the crowd, and the stands ignited.
The explanation continued. Summing it up:
1. Divide 80 into 8 groups, pick 1 per group for 8-strong tournament.
2. Spectators can bet on winners.
3. Knocking out more in prelims makes later brackets easier.
Basic intros start from the 8-strong, since the weak are forgotten and only the strong remembered.
So my job? Advance to the 8-strong with maximum flair.
Soon, we spread into a circle, and the announcer's countdown began.
Doooong—
A massive bell rang signaling the fight's start, and with the echo, everyone clashed.
At the same time, that fierce-looking brute from earlier slowly approached me.
"Gotta clear out the weaklings first to make it fun!"
As the giant charged with his huge iron ball, I smiled quietly and extended my hand, clenching it.
Dream of the Butterfly: Form 3, Butterfly Prison
Dark purple butterflies summoned in the air instantly surrounded the giant in a spherical cage.
"What the—?!"
He swung his iron ball, shredding butterflies, but they regenerated instantly. I clenched my fist tight.
Krunch—Crunch—
The Butterfly Prison shrank, crushing and compressing the giant. Blood sprayed through gaps, his thick screams filling the arena.
Only after his limbs snapped, blood poured from his body, and he passed out eyes rolled back did the prison dissolve.
The scene was a bit grotesque, nearly breaking my act, but I quickly smiled and delivered my prepared line.
"Butterflies will do anything to protect their flowers."
Even I cringed at how cringey it was, but in the NewTube video, it'd look cinematic. After watching the Travel Kingdom edit, I'd thought damn, was I that cool? more than once. The editors even said they wished I'd ham up lines like that more.
The arena fell silent for a moment, then the crowd erupted in ear-shattering cheers.
"Who the hell is that guy?!"
"She crushed 'Iron Giant' Jangcheol in one shot!!"
I inwardly thanked and admired Asella again, smiling sweetly at the other contestants.
"You haven't lost your will already, have you?"
Noel, smiling with blood splattered on her face and clothes, looked a little—no, very creepy, but of course, she had no idea.