บท 17: 17 - Rigged?

Inside the observation room of the talent showcase, many people exuding danger were seated next to one another. Some people were less important than others. However, there were five people sitting on big red thrones befitting of a king.

"...So are those a little talented, or are they like the rest of them?"

The man who had talked was part of those seated on a throne.

"Uh… The girl has potential from what I've seen," Ariel replied, surprised to receive a question.

Everyone in that room had ignored her until now… it was the first time they had asked a question about the participants.

'...Why is he asking questions now of all times? Did he feel something?'

Ariel had vivid memories of Ava slicing someone up using magic threads. She had no idea how that little girl in the Arena had learned such things. But she managed to do it, which was all that mattered. Ava's talent was incredible, and Ariel had witnessed it a couple of times during the Tutorial since she had been overseeing her Area.

"Makes sense considering that mana concentration… as for the guy, he looks… how could I say it politely… like complete garbage?"

Everyone in the observing room laughed when the man sitting on the throne uttered those words.

Maybe some laughed out of respect, but all those sitting on the thrones truly found that joke funny. They knew what the man was talking about, and it showed.

'Still… that girl is interesting. The mana surrounding her is never-ending. I wonder what sort of skills she possesses.'

***

Back inside the Coliseum Arena, Lucian and Ava were oblivious to the discussions that were ongoing in the observation room.

The two of them were looking at one another. They were now quite far from one another. Lucian was almost sure that there were, at the very least, over 100 meters between the two of them. Normally, such a distance would give those using long-range weapons or spells an advantage.

However, Ava had decided to let Lucian win. So, there wouldn't be any problem for Lucian… that is if Ava keeps her promise and doesn't attack Lucian.

'Let's hope that she doesn't attack me, or else… well, I'm fucked.'

Lucian knew it very well. If Ava desired it, he would lose this fight right away without being able to make the slightest move. He just hoped that such a thing wouldn't happen. He had seen how she had killed Bob, Bobby, and Trevor in the Tutorial… and Lucian wanted to avoid such a thing.

As the two of them were waiting patiently for something to indicate they could start, two distinct system messages appeared in front of them.

—-----------

[You have entered the First Floor Coliseum Arena.

This environment has been declared a fighting zone, meaning duels are possible. However, it is impossible to die inside fighting, so don't worry about hurting your opponent.

Would you like to duel Ava Taylor, the other person present inside the fighting zone?

The person who wins would usually be able to ask the opponent if they win. But, let's be honest, you won't win, and this fight is completely pointless. So, there's no point in asking what you want in case of winning.]

—-----------

Lucian couldn't believe it. That system truly hated him. It was insulting him whenever it possibly could.

'I have no idea where you come from… But if I ever find you, I'll make you eat those fucking words.'

It was just getting too much for Lucian. At first, it had been fine… but hadn't he gotten a little stronger when he completed the Tutorial and reached this place?

"Yes, I would like to duel Ava Taylor," Lucian finally answered.

Ava seemed to have said the same thing, except she replaced her name with Lucian's. Then, a countdown appeared in the middle of the Coliseum.

[The duel will start in 3…2…1…Fight!]

*Ding!*

As the bell rang, everyone inside the observation room expected some sort of crazy acceleration from Lucian since he had a dagger in his hands. However, it seemed that he wasn't capable of such a thing…

He started running as fast as he could, but it was just disappointing for everyone watching. It was clear that Lucian didn't have the greatest stats.

On the other hand, Ava had her wand in her hands but didn't do anything yet. She wasn't sure if she needed to act like they were fighting… so she tried making some signs to Lucian. Unfortunately, none of them reach Lucian, who is completely focused on his actions.

'Come on, almost there. Jeez, why the fuck am I so slow… this is so embarrassing… Arghh!'

A few moments later, Lucian was within arm's reach of Ava as he made a wide slash with his dagger, showing just how bad he was with it.

Ava saw the move coming from miles away and just ducked down, completely evading Lucian's attack.

"L-Lucian, should I also attack you? That way, it looks a little more believable…"

Lucian acted like he didn't hear her as he continued moving around since he didn't want those watching them to notice.

'Finally, she has some good ideas…'

"Yes, please attack me a few times. But make sure that they don't hit me, all right?"

Ava nodded a few times and listened to perfection as a few fireballs were summoned over both of her shoulders. She had wanted to make things grandiose, so she summoned five of them at the same time…

However, that was a mistake, as everyone in the observation room was completely shocked by it…

The man who had made the joke earlier wasn't laughing as he turned toward Ariel for the very first time. He made a little hand gesture, wanting her to get closer.

He approached her ear and whispered, "Find out everything about her… Her name, her special skills, whatever you can… We need to recruit her."

'If my dad is interested in her… what about the other one… what reaction will he have when he sees him?'

The funny thing, though, is that Ariel's dad wasn't the only one who had made a similar request. Everyone in the room started doing the same thing… they all started asking information on Ava.