YLTESCIA: A Reincarnator's Tale in the Lands of Merusia (2)

Chapter 321: The First Rounds (pt. I)

"Uuu... Easy for you to say...." ［Lisandra］

And a complete opposite to her were Grey and Yuna who were simply snacking on some skewers and sandwiches as they calmed the young princess down. There was not a single shred of anxiety in their eyes and hearts.

"Tell you what, if you get to enter the semifinals, I'll forge you the best sword I could, and if you win the championship, I'll give you an item we got from our Labyrinth dives. What do you think?" ［Grey］

"Then, I'll also brew you a good potion! Something you've never seen before! Doesn't sound pretty bad, right?!" ［Yuna］

"That's a little difficult, but... I'll do my best! I will win!" ［Lisandra］

"Furufu! That's the spirit!" ［Yuna］

There was no need to think too much about it. All she needed to do was wield her sword and give it her beat. She had already experienced sparring against Grey and Yuna, so a match against anyone else would be but a walk in the park.

Time passed and the clouds drifted away. The Grand Colosseum's seats were once again filled to the brim, excited crowds bringing snacks and enthusiasm to the place, eyes now afixed towards the stage.

There, two figures stood in silence, looking one another in the eyes. One was the princess and the other was a young man, a scar streaking across his face. They both wielded longswords by their sides, tension and pressure hovering in the air.

"Ohh! What an exciting match! Who would've thought the first match of the Intermediate Division would be with Her Highness!" ［Konan］

"Hohoho! She may be a princess, but don't be fooled folks! She is trained in the quill and sword, winning gladiator matches with her own strength! The pride and joy of the Royal Family!" ［Terry］

"That's right! The red rose who is as strong as she is beautiful! Let's give her a round of applause, Princessー No, Gladiator Lisandra myr Lantre Graystone!" ［Konan］

Konan was about to introduce her as the princess, but he suddenly cut off his own words. She came here as a swordswoman, and so, it was only proper that she is treated as a swordsman, one proud of her kind.

"And facing her bravely is a young adventurer who has braced all challenges and has proven himself time and time again! A young man or conviction and honor! The pride of the Adventurers! Lando!" ［Terry］

The contestants were introduced and the crowd was in turmoil. They chanted both the youngster's names, many looking forward to their duel. It was their first time on such a massive stage, but wore composure over their faces.

"Let's have a good match, Your Highness." ［Lando］

"I feel the same. May the sword guide us." ［Lisandra］

A short and friendly exchange and the two shook their hands. They then headed to the other ends of the stage, facing one another with their hearts ablaze with the intent to win, reading to unsheathe their sword the moment fate calls for it.

"Then, without further ado..." ［Konan］

"Let the duel..." ［Terry］

""Begin!!"" ［Konan and Terry］

The gong rang and the stage thundered. Two figures unsheathed their swords from their scabbards and rushed towards one another, sparks flying out as their swords connected, metals screeching as they scratched against each other.

Lando planted his feet firmly towards the ground and drew out more strength, waving down his sword to resume his slash. A bright glimmer shone on the stage, a heavy thud resounding as his sword shattered the tiles.