After a week…
"Hmm… I feel energetic this morning. I don't think I feel sleepy at all today."
Ichinaro woke up differently this time—full of excitement. After spending an entire week training with Aroka to improve his technique, he was looking forward to the day of the competition.
"This is going to be a great day."
Ichinaro continued his morning as usual. He took a warm shower, though he rushed out of it due to his excitement. He got dressed, then sat down for a moment to gather his energy.
Once he finished, he picked up his sword and infused it with a small amount of energy. He closed his eyes, remained still for a moment, then swung it vertically from top to bottom.
A faint white line appeared in front of him—almost invisible.
He smiled and said, "This is perfect."
He put on his shoes and rushed out. He was running toward the arena, but he didn't forget his usual stops. His mind might wander, but his instincts never sleep.
"Food."
He headed toward the stalls, grabbed some meat and ready-made food, then continued running while eating.
"Mmm… this food is really delicious."
The sword spoke firmly: "This is not the time to talk about food. Focus on the mission."
The sword was always serious in situations like this, but with a clumsy owner like him… it became irritating.
Ichinaro replied: "What's the problem with eating as long as I'm still moving at the same pace?"
"The problem is your focus, you idiot! You're about to enter the final stage of the competition, and you still have the mood to eat!"
"What does the competition have to do with eating? Do you want me to change my body so I don't eat? When I need to eat, I'll eat. That's all there is to it."
"That's not how it—ugh… forget it. Just eat. I forgot I was even talking to you."
Ichinaro smirked mockingly: "What's wrong with talking to me? Are you finally starting to appreciate me as your owner? Heeeey!"
The sword almost lost its temper but held itself back: "No. I just forgot that I was talking to an idiot who only cares about his stomach."
Ichinaro's expression turned into anger as he said: "What did you say, you bastard? Do you want me to smash you?"
The sword snapped back angrily: "Do you really think a spoiled brat like you can break me? Children's dreams are getting bigger these days."
"What did you say, you idiot?!" Ichinaro shouted back.
"Are you ready to face the consequences of insulting me?"
"Show me what you've got!"
"You bastard—!"
While they were arguing, Ichinaro completely lost track of the road and went off course.
"What are you doing, you idiot?! Are you really this unreliable?"
The sword felt like it finally had a chance to insult him.
Ichinaro fired back: "This is all because of you distracting me! If you had stayed quiet from the start, we wouldn't have ended up here! You talking piece of metal!"
"Whaaaaat?!"
The sword burned with anger, wishing it could cut him down—but unfortunately, it couldn't.
Ichinaro ignored it and corrected his path: "I don't have time to listen to nonsense from a piece of scrap."
He continued running, ignoring the sword's angry shouting, until he finally arrived.
"Hah… we finally made it."
"Hmph… you deserve that, you stupid brat."
Ichinaro smirked: "Look who's talking—the one who was screaming like a child the whole way and calls himself a powerful weapon."
"I'll kill youuuuu!"
"Try it if you can."
It was clear now—provoking the sword was incredibly easy… like dealing with a small child.
"Alright, let's go in."
Ichinaro stepped toward the arena. This time, the audience wasn't loud—they were watching in silence and anticipation.
The announcer began:
"Ladies and gentlemen! Today is the long-awaited day!"
"Today, the winner will be decided! Who will walk away with all the rewards? And who will leave in regret?!"
"All of that will be decided… right now!"
"All teams, take your positions!"
The participants moved, each standing beside their teammate.
Ichinaro looked around until he spotted Aroka standing alone.
"Hey! Aroka!"
He ran toward him, waving.
Aroka turned, smiled, and waved back.
Ichinaro jumped onto him, nearly knocking him over, then let go and said excitedly: "We're going to win!"
Aroka regained his balance and replied confidently: "Of course we will."
They bumped their fists together with smiles, then stood side by side.
The announcer continued:
"Now, let's explain the rules!"
"You will all start from this arena in the southern part of the city."
"Then head toward the northern and western areas."
"Each team will split up, with each member searching a different zone."
"When the key is found, each team has a special energy communication tool that can be used only once!"
"After using it, the team must regroup at the center of the city!"
"And the first team to arrive… wins!"
The tension rose in the air.
"And now… all teams, line up!"
"Reaaady…"
Silence fell for a moment…
"GOOOOOOO!"