As the crowd's roar swelled through the colossal stadium, the surviving thirty participants were guided to the center of the grand arena, forming orderly lines before the towering marble podium where the Duke and his nobles observed.
Kaito, leaning casually against a stone pillar in the holding area just beyond the arena grounds, waited until the commotion settled before motioning subtly with his hand. Grim Reaper — the silent knight, now infamous for his effortless preliminary victory — approached with calm, measured steps. The massive scythe rested across his back, its blade glinting faintly under the morning sun.
Kaito's tone was quiet but direct, edged with amusement."Grim… listen carefully. When they ask you to announce your affiliation or sponsor, don't say Rowan Grimveil."A thin smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he continued,"From now on, when you stand in that arena, you represent me. You'll declare your allegiance under my real name — Kaito Aizawa. Understood?"
The knight bowed his head slightly, his deep voice calm and unwavering."As you command, Master. I shall announce it."
"Good," Kaito said, the sharp glint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes."Let's make sure they remember that name."
He then turned smoothly to Iris, who had been standing quietly behind him, observing everything with composed attentiveness.
"Iris," Kaito called as he drew a small pouch from his pocket. The soft jingle of coins echoed as he tossed it lightly toward her. She caught it without faltering."Go to the betting counter. Place a wager — 10 gold — on Grim to win the entire competition."
She gave a graceful nod, her expression placid as ever."As you wish, Master."
Without further comment, she turned and made her way toward the merchant stalls set up near the edge of the coliseum, her steps measured and confident. The onlookers instinctively moved aside as she passed, drawn by her effortless presence.
Kaito's gaze lingered briefly before he exhaled, the corner of his mouth curling upward into a sharper grin.
"Ten gold on Grim. Easy profit."
In the distance, the booming voice of the arena supervisor echoed across the grounds, summoning the participants to prepare for the next stage of combat. Grim Reaper gave a single nod and turned toward the arena once more, his tall frame cutting a commanding silhouette as he stepped into the spotlight — the name Kaito Aizawa was soon to be declared before the entire empire.
The thunderous drumbeat signalled the start of the next stage — the one-on-one duels.
A herald stepped forward onto the arena balcony, unfurling a long parchment as his voice echoed powerfully across the coliseum."By decree of Duke Valemont, the tournament shall now proceed to formal matches! Thirty warriors remain — they shall face off in individual combat until only one stands victorious!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, anticipation rippling through the massive stands. Below, the thirty participants were quickly divided into pairs for the first round.
Kaito stood along the stone railing, arms folded loosely across his chest, his gaze sharp and watchful as he listened for the matchups.
The arena supervisor, standing in the centre of the field, called out in a booming voice,"First match! Participant number 17 versus Participant number 41! Step forward!"
From the roster, Grim Reaper moved steadily toward the centre — his scythe resting across his back, his steps measured and deliberate. His opponent, a broad-shouldered knight clad in worn chainmail and wielding a heavy broadsword, approached from the other end. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as people recognised the man: Sir Lukan of Redhollow, a minor noble famed for crushing his opponents through sheer force.
Kaito's smirk curled at the edges."A good warm-up."
The referee raised his hand sharply."Combatants, ready yourselves! On my signal, the match begins!"
Grim calmly gripped the long handle of his scythe, his expression as unreadable as ever. Across from him, Sir Lukan grinned mockingly, cracking his neck before lunging forward with a roar, sword raised high.
"Begin!"
Sir Lukan charged at full speed, his broadsword gleaming in the sunlight. The crowd leaned forward, expecting a violent clash — but Grim didn't so much as blink.
In one smooth, effortless motion, Grim swung his scythe upward in a wide, arcing slash. The steel blade cut through the air with a sharp whistle. Before Lukan's sword could fall, the shaft of the scythe slammed cleanly through his legs.
Silence washed over the arena.
The referee blinked, startled by how quickly it ended, but lifted his arm and declared flatly,"Participant number 17 is the winner!"
As the words echoed, Grim calmly lifted his scythe and took a step forward. His deep voice rang out clearly across the stadium, cutting through the murmurs.
"I am Grim Reaper, and I fight under my lord Kaito Aizawa!"
The crowd gasped — the name resounded across the coliseum like a spark tossed into dry grass. Murmurs surged instantly:"Kaito Aizawa? Who is that?""Is he a noble? A merchant? I've never heard of him…""Where did that scythe even come from…?"
High above, in the noble stands, Duke Valemont narrowed his eyes slightly, as did several other lords. Kaito, standing with his arms folded at the edge of the arena, let a slow, sharp smile spread across his face as the whispers grew.
"That's right," he murmured to himself. "Remember it well."
Grim Reaper calmly turned and began walking back toward the resting area, his towering figure and gleaming scythe leaving a deep impression on the now electrified crowd.