"What a match, Tarkan vs. Ragna. We have seen the determination from both teams." Shion clenched her hand to calm down her excitement. "Now that Libation Fiesta has gotten the first win, Imemine will definitely not allow it to continue.
"And that’s why… for the second battle, the person who represents Imemine is none other than their captain, Erwin!"
"Uoohhh!"
It was supposed to be a transition from the first match to the second match. But Erwin actually used that announcement to make his stage.
Yes, the reason people cheered after Shion said those words was because Erwin stepped on the arena.
"W-What? Erwin himself has made his appearance!" Shion was shocked. He was supposed to come out later. Shion was speechless for a second before saying, "I don’t know what to say. It seems that Captain Erwin is taking the result of the first match seriously and is eager to pay Libation Fiesta back!
"However, the arena is currently being fixed. In the meantime, we sha—" Once again, Shion’s words were being interrupted by a cheer.
Just like Erwin, Clovis actually made his way to the arena.
Shion simply couldn’t believe it. Her eyebrows twitched out of annoyance, wondering why they liked to interrupt her. They couldn’t fight until the arena was fixed anyway.
But when the two men met each other in the center of the arena, they simply ignored the workers who repaired the arena.
"I see. So that’s why you’re so confident that you will be able to win against my group." Erwin smirked.
"I believe that my teammates are strong enough to win. That’s all. And as their captain, it’s time for me to properly close the match."
Erwin couldn’t really refute those words. The first match determined the outcome of the entire individual match. Even if he won against Clovis, the third match would be against that Jay. Even though he hated to admit it, Roberto and Gilza couldn’t win against Jay.
That was why the result of this match didn’t really matter. Still, for someone as self-conceited as him, this match was everything. He needed to regain a bit of glory for his group as well as avenge Tarkan.
If he lost, it would be all over for his group. They couldn’t even get anything from this match and had to be satisfied with the top eight position, which didn’t mean anything.
"Well, I’m going to fight to the best of my ability, so I might not be in a condition to say this after the match. I will just say this one thing… If you can’t win against me, it’s impossible for you to be the champion. At the very least, I know one person whose ability is stronger than mine." Erwin closed his eyes.
That person’s identity was clear even to Clovis. It was Aileen.
"Hoh? Do you think I’m not strong enough to defeat you?" Clovis smirked.
"22 hits." Erwin simply mentioned one thing.
"!!!" Clovis’s expression turned serious. That number meant a lot for Clovis. After all, it represented the maximum hits he could unleash in one second. Of course, it was without the mysterious state or the boost from Another World Restaurant.
Still, he didn’t expect that Erwin would be able to calculate that number precisely, especially since he was hiding his true ability this whole time.
"And what number is that supposed to mean?" Clovis played dumb.
"You already know what that means." Erwin chuckled. "I’ll just say one thing, Clovis. I also want you to taste her strength. That’s why, after this match, I’ll help you a bit by giving you information about the Eight Swords.
"I sincerely wish for you to defeat them so that you can fight against Bloody Rose. In exchange, you’re going to give me your contact information after this match."
Clovis’s expression turned serious. "Oi, oi. Are you serious about that after you reject my invitation?"
"I’m serious. If you want me to seriously think about your invitation, you’ve got to come to my city. If you still feel the same way and I can see the same potential in you, I don’t really mind joining your group. It seems that your bunch is also quite interesting. Strength goes beyond logic, huh? I’m quite curious about it."
Clovis felt like Erwin’s eyes were trying to strip him. It was no wonder why he lost against him in the first match in terms of tactics.
"I’m kind of curious about the extent of your abilities. I thought that you were just an annoying, self-conceited bastard." Clovis chuckled.
"Are you insulting me? Not that I can’t refute that though…" Erwin shrugged.
"Haha." Clovis paused for a moment. "That’s why I’ll do my best to defeat you in this match. Let’s see who comes on top, shall we?"
"Agreed. If you underestimate me, you’re going to pay a heavy price." Erwin smirked.
"Shouldn’t I be the one saying that? I’m Tier 2, while you are Tier 3."
Erwin and Clovis just looked at each other for a few seconds before laughing.
The workers had started to go back one by one as the holes and rubble left behind from the first match had been cleaned up.
"The arena is finally fixed. It seems that the two captains are already raring to go! I’m sure that everyone is also excited about this match. If Captain Clovis wins, Libation Fiesta will immediately advance to the semifinals. If Captain Erwin wins, Imemine will have another chance for the semifinal.
"The referees have taken their spots as well. And let’s call upon the obstacles in the arena." Shion pressed the button.
Numerous pillars appeared in a position different from the last match. These pillars put Erwin on equal ground with Clovis.
"This shall be the battlefield. Two captains, please take your position."
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Clovis and Erwin smiled as they took a few steps back until there was enough distance between them.
The referees were watching this battle more closely because these two’s abilities were much higher than Tarkan and Ragna’s.
Once they had gotten into position, the countdown began as everyone chanted.
"3."
"2."
"1."
"Start!"