Chapter 24
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Colosseum (4)
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I headed to the spectator seats to watch the D-rank matches.
The impression I got from watching the D-rank matches was that this world was definitely still underdeveloped.
It was a step up from the E-rank matches, but the level wasn't all that high.
B-rank Valkyries still showed up frequently. There was an SR-rank Valkyrie, but in an hour of matches, she appeared only once.
That must have been why the crowd erupted in cheers when Lussera appeared in my match.
After watching the D-rank matches, I checked out the C-rank ones too.
Even in C-rank, nothing appeared that could satisfy my eyes.
From C-rank onward, they ran 9v9 battles, so SR-rank Valkyries popped up occasionally, but since it took 14 Valkyries total for a 9v9, there were plenty of B-rank ones too.
It was a stark example of how scarce Valkyrie supplies were.
To evolve a B-rank Valkyrie, you needed a whopping 1,000 of the same rank, so no one seemed to even consider it.
The only reason they used B-ranks was simple: they didn't have anything A-rank or higher. That alone seemed to satisfy them.
At noon, lunchtime hit, and the audience thinned out a bit. That's when the E-rank Valkyrie matches resumed.
After that, D-rank started at 1 PM, C-rank at 2 PM, B-rank from 3 to 5 PM, and A-rank from 5 to 7 PM.
Above that was the current Masters division, M-rank, but they had a separate weekend schedule.
Since the Hainel Kingdom didn't have that many M-rankers, they gathered in the capital, Astera, for their matches.
A-rank and below had no entry fees, but from M-rank on, they charged massive gold fees for battles, so rumors said their wealth and fame were off the charts.
Not that it mattered to me.
"Time to get in the ring myself?"
My next opponent was Rosa at noon. The woman who'd pulled out even D-rank Valkyries because she lacked C-ranks.
If I faced her this time, I wanted to sincerely invite her to challenge me later.
I headed to D Arena for the match and waited for my opponent, but Rosa never showed by noon.
Finally, at noon, the attendant announced it.
"Rosa has failed to arrive. Kai wins by default."
Hearing that left me feeling oddly empty. Rosa's Valkyries were the kind I could beat without going all out anyway.
It wasn't disappointment over missing the match.
What if I hadn't gotten that lucky charge? I hadn't even pulled a B-rank on my first summon.
I'd have been scrambling with C-rank Valkyries, clawing my way up from the bottom.
Rosa and I wouldn't have been that different.
At least it was an easy win, but I hoped Rosa wouldn't get too discouraged.
Valkyrie was a game where even free-to-play players could grow strong with consistency. Anyone could get powerful if they stuck with it.
Not that it worked for me, of course.
My next match was at 12:20 against a guy named Seowan.
Like my first opponent Derren, he had a 0-0 record.
Since our match was at 12:20, he'd probably have three or four fights under his belt by then before facing me.
"Will he even show?"
I figured plenty might bail after getting shocked in the morning matches, like Rosa.
Especially in E-rank.
There was a one-week penalty, but no one who'd forfeited once would challenge again that week, so it wasn't that harsh.
Though penalties stacked if you kept dodging.
As I waited lost in thought, someone approached D Arena.
'A model...?'
Tall stature, sleek build, black hair contrasting stark white skin that gave him an aura of mystery.
Expressionless eyes with a hint of melancholy, and a strikingly handsome face.
In the real world, he'd be top-tier celebrity material.
'This is Seowan?'
"You're Kai?"
"Yeah. That's me. You're Seowan?"
"Correct."
Once Seowan arrived, we checked each other's records.
Mine and his were identical: 4 wins, 0 losses in 4 matches.
Today was his debut too, but he'd won everything so far to reach me.
Whoever won this would advance to D-rank.
"Good luck."
Seowan extended his hand first, staring at me blankly.
Was it friendliness or intimidation? Hard to tell.
At least smile if you're shaking hands...
I gripped his hand. His much larger palm enveloped mine.
"Whoa... what's this vibe...?"
"Oh my god..."
Passing women whispered as they glanced our way.
I was definitely a total heartthrob myself. But Seowan had that extra enigmatic edge that set him apart.
The sight of us facing off had loads of women gasping in admiration.
Suddenly embarrassed, we both looked to the attendant, who seemed flustered, checked his watch, then waved us in.
As Seowan and I entered, the commentators introduced us.
They'd never spotlighted anyone specific on entry before, so this felt special.
The female commentator prompted, and the male kept his steady tone.
The male commentator picking Seowan stung a bit, but it proved how exceptional the guy was.
I needed to stay sharp. That eerie aura made him seem dangerous.
The speaker announced Seowan picked first.
He chose without hesitation.
Seowan: #1. Elrona.
'What? SR right out the gate?'
Not for nothing he'd gone 4-0. Elrona was an SR warrior. Martial artist type, quick turns.
I picked fast too.
Kai: #1. Lussera. #2. Heiji.
My picks drew massive cheers, as expected.
The male commentator's voice carried all the way here.
Seowan: #2. Yuririn. #3. Yokihisa.
Insane. For real. This made no sense. Seowan whipped out A-rank Valkyries back-to-back.
Yuririn was an A-rank tank. Holy knight with insane sustain. Yokihisa was a dual-wielder for fast turns.
Higher attack than Heiji, but weaker defense and HP.
Kai: #3. Garujan. #4. Holla.
I went with Garujan and Holla as usual. Elastra was tough without Lije, so these were my mains.
But I needed a new single-target DPS soon.
Early game like this favored single-target dealers anyway.
Garujan and Elastra were AoE, shining in 6+ fights.
Seowan: #4. Minerva. #5. Claria.
The crowd stayed quiet despite Seowan's picks. The commentator marveled at another A-rank Minerva but skipped Claria.
But I was floored inside.
Claria was an SR healer.
'This guy's nuts. How's an E-rank pulling two SRs?'
Maybe he wasn't the monster Reina mentioned.
The commentators' shock flipped the crowd out.
They probably didn't know Claria; maybe Seowan's hidden ace.
He'd won without her till now.
My final pick took ages to decide.
I had Lussera and Heiji. Normally Sua next.
But with two SRs opposite, my bans had to be Elrona and Claria.
That left Seowan three A-ranks.
If I picked Sua? He'd ban Lussera and Heiji easy.
Could Sua tank A-ranks alone? Even with Holla backing, no. Class difference ruled; couldn't upgrade her yet.
'Sigh... Didn't expect to drop this here.'
Kai: #5. Jaira.
The commentators lost it. The stands went wild.
Normally, their voices didn't carry to players, but this time, Seowan and I heard every word loud and clear.
Our showdown was ripening fast.