SWNOVELXO Chapter 65
Chapter 65. Opening Battle
A few days before the tournament, I delved into gathering information about the two Absolute Ones who would participate.
The intel I found was so daunting that it made me want to escape reality. But I couldn’t afford that.
Let’s summarize the data.
First, there’s the red-haired man, Abel Leon.
His ability, [Momentum Boost], allows his power to grow as the battle drags on. It’s clear this could become a serious problem. After six minutes, his attack power is supposedly on par with the third-ranked Absolute. I don’t know who this third ranker is, but one thing is certain—time is not on my side.
This means my best strategy is a swift strike the moment the battle begins. I’ll aim to take him down with a single blow powered by the War God Rank’s Ascension.
…Ideally.
But this will likely prove difficult due to Leon’s [Foresight] ability, which lets him see attacks three seconds into the future. Sneak attacks or rapid strikes, no matter how fast, could all be evaded. If he shifts to defense until his power grows, the fight will become excruciatingly tough.
Lastly, there’s [Lion’s Wrath], but there’s so little information on it that I’m entirely in the dark. It’s described as being akin to the “king of lions,” but that doesn’t clarify anything.
Anyway, that’s the database summary.
In reality, these abilities are likely twice as troublesome as the data suggests. He might even have a fourth, unknown ability.
“And then there’s the other one.”
Jack Grant.
An Absolute known as the Sword Saint, with the ability [Sword Integration]. He can summon swords from any era or dimension, matching the weapon to counter his enemy.
It’s an annoying fighting style, to say the least. However, swords have the inherent flaw of needing their wielder to be in range. If I can attack from a distance and keep him away, I can win. Jack likely has some long-range attacks, but their power should pale compared to his close-range strikes.
So, my odds aren’t zero.
And there’s one more detail about this man that was recorded.
Initially, I couldn’t grasp its meaning. I checked dictionaries repeatedly and even confirmed with friends to make sure it wasn’t a mistake. But no, it wasn’t an error.
It’s a fact that 80% of men, myself included, would find unforgivable.
—This man has a harem.
Here and now, I vow:
This tournament, I’ll take him down no matter what.
Sword Saint? Absolute One? I couldn’t care less!
For all the pitiable single guys around the world, I’ll punch him into next week! This is non-negotiable!
…Whew, I got a bit too fired up there.
I’ll reflect on that. Getting emotional won’t help me survive the fights ahead.
“…I never imagined this a month ago—me, standing here.”
With strategies swirling in my mind, I headed to the venue.
Today was the World Tournament’s opening day.
◇
“Well, I’m off to the opening ceremony.”
“Alright! Do your best!”
Sadly, the only person seeing me off before the match was my dad.
The others were busy securing seats, buying snacks, or rushing around for various reasons.
With the bag containing my registered weapon in hand, I waved lightly at Dad and entered the venue.
I moved to the central gathering area for the participants and glanced around.
The audience seats were already packed, making me dizzy just looking at them. Adding to the chaos was a massive banner reading, “Yanagi-kun, good luck!” which might’ve been the real source of my vertigo.
(It seems the two Absolute Ones haven’t arrived yet.)
There were only ten minutes until the opening ceremony. I guess they’re not the punctual type.
“Hey! Ain’t you the kid I ran into the other day?”
A voice called from behind.
I turned to see who it was.
“…How do you move so quietly? You’re making me lose confidence here.”
“Gahaha! I haven’t gone soft enough for a brat to notice me!”
It was Abel Leon, one of the Absolute Ones, standing there with a broad grin.
Back on the highway, he’d slipped past my detection to approach me. Is this guy even human?
“Thanks for helping me out back then.”
“Don’t mention it! I let you off halfway ‘cause it was too easy, but you took care of things, right?”
“Yes, though I’d have preferred if you’d finished the job…”
Like I could ever manage a good fight against a monster like him!
“Oh, hey! Isn’t that Leon?”
“So it’s true he’s participating in the tournament!”
“Wait, who’s that kid he’s talking to?”
“No idea… He looks too young to be here.”
People around us finally noticed Leon, and their chatter quickly turned into whispers about me.
(I’d rather not stand out…)
As I stepped back to move elsewhere, I sensed someone behind me.
“Well, this is a surprise. Didn’t think Leon had acquaintances.”
…Déjà vu.
The match hasn’t even started, and my confidence keeps getting crushed by these people.
Do all Absolute Ones have a habit of sneaking up on people?
Sighing internally, I turned 90 degrees to face the new arrival.
A blond, blue-eyed man, nearly 190 cm tall. His confident smile and refined stance screamed “master.” His aura, no, his sword aura leaked uncontrollably. With a longsword at his waist and sunlight illuminating him, he looked like a knight straight out of a storybook.
“Yo, Jack! Let’s go all out this time!”
Leon called out cheerfully. So, it was Jack Grant, the other Absolute One.
“Yeah, I came prepared to do just that. But more importantly, who’s this boy?”
What is this chaotic scene?
A strange atmosphere formed around the three of us, drawing attention from the audience. The crowd buzzed with excitement at the sight of the two Absolute Ones. Honestly, do I even need to be here? Can I leave now?
“I ran into this kid during a trip to Japan. Haha! Jack, if you’re not careful, he might take a bite outta you too!”
“…Interesting.”
“Uh, hello.”
The predators grinned with ferocity.
How did it come to this?
It’s too early to be targeted like this.
No, think positively, me!
It’s better to face things head-on now than to waste time worrying! This is perfect!
As I stared off into the distance, the announcement finally came.
[Thank you for waiting! At last, the day has arrived! The 27th World Tournament is about to begin!]
“OOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!”
The audience’s cheers shook the arena.
With tens of thousands of people in attendance, the heat and energy were overwhelming, like being in a furnace.
[As you all know, this tournament is unprecedented, with Absolute Ones like the Sword Saint and the Leo participating!]
“OOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!”
The crowd’s enthusiasm was through the roof. Even the participants seemed fired up at the chance to face the Absolute Ones.
[Today, we’ll start by randomly teleporting the 200 participants to four fields. The winners from each field will proceed to this afternoon’s semifinals!]
The fields work like the ones used in school competitions. If someone takes significant damage, they’re automatically teleported out. It’s a brilliant system that lets you go all out without holding back.
[Teleportation will begin in one minute. Contestants, please gather at the center!]
Following the announcement, I moved to the center.
If possible, I’d rather not face the Absolute Ones yet. A one-on-one match would be much simpler.
And then, one minute later, I was engulfed in the light of teleportation.
The battle had begun.