In Orario, Lv.1 adventurers are considered low-rank adventurers, the weakest among all adventurers.
Above them are Lv.2, Lv.3, and even Lv.5 and Lv.6 high-rank adventurers. Currently, the highest-level adventurer in Orario is Lv.7, whose strength is incomparable to that of ordinary adventurers.
Only by reaching Lv.2 can one be considered a high-rank adventurer.
There is a huge gap between Lv.2 and Lv.1, with the difference in strength being several times. It is almost impossible for a low-rank adventurer to defeat a high-rank adventurer.
"I am a Lv.1 adventurer, as clearly stated on the registration form. What more do you want?"
The man who called himself Xiong Li spoke in a deep, muffled voice.
Even when facing Shakti Varma, the captain of the Ganesha Familia and a first-class Lv.5 adventurer in Orario, his tone showed no trace of fear.
"Or do you want me to show my back and use an unlocking potion to forcibly reveal my status?"
His tone was unapologetic.
Because he knew that the Ganesha Familia were good people.
The god Ganesha prided himself on being the "Lord of the Masses," mingling with the people of Orario, so the members of his Familia followed his example and were all amiable individuals who got along well with the public.
As long as there was no evidence, the Ganesha Familia couldn't do anything to him.
Good people were easy to bully.
"..."
Shakti remained silent, her sharp eyes slightly narrowing.
The blessings adventurers received from their gods, also known as "Falna," could convert the experience and achievements they accumulated into concrete abilities, displaying their strength.
By examining someone's Falna, one could naturally discern their level, as well as see through their attributes, magic, and skills.
But in Orario, peeking at an adventurer's Falna was taboo.
Falna was the foundation of an adventurer's livelihood, something that must never be revealed to others, as it could easily lead to enmity.
Unlocking potions were drugs that could forcibly reveal an adventurer's normally sealed Falna. They were illegal products, contraband that would never be openly sold.
Even so, she couldn't let the boy on the stage fall into danger.
She had already made up her mind to recruit him into her Familia, so she couldn't let anything happen to him in front of her.
"Isn't this fine?"
Just as Shakti hesitated, a voice came from the stage.
"Let him come up."
Eiji stood at the edge of the stage, the back of his sword resting on his shoulder.
His expression was warm, even radiant, as if he were completely confident and unconcerned about the consequences, appearing carefree.
"...Are you sure about this?"
Shakti looked up at Eiji, feeling a headache coming on.
Even if your combat skills are quite impressive, do you really understand the current situation?
This isn't a Lv.1 adventurer that an ordinary person could handle with effort, but a genuine Lv.2 high-rank adventurer who has already created a vast chasm between themselves and ordinary people. They are the backbone of Orario!
Outside, someone like this would be enough to dominate a region.
"This is perfect."
Eiji nodded with certainty.
"...I hope you survive."
Shakti rubbed her temples and let out a helpless sigh after a long pause.
Although she was more than twice his age, she had taken a liking to this little guy and really didn't want to see him die in front of her. But the thoughts of the competitors were not something she, an outsider, could interfere with... She would have to watch this match closely.
Xiong Li's eyes gleamed coldly, filled with unconcealed anger toward Eiji.
In his gaze was both the fury from Eiji rejecting his proposal and speaking disrespectfully, as well as the irritation of being looked down upon.
He walked past the weapon rack and picked up a spiked mace.
"Kid, you'll regret saying that!"
"I'm waiting, Big Bear."
"...It's Xiong Li!"
"I know, Bear Two."
Veins bulged on Xiong Li's forehead as his breathing grew heavier. He then stepped onto the stage with heavy footsteps.
Although Xiong Li was just a fake name he had come up with on the spot, the kid's flippant attitude made him even angrier, making him feel severely underestimated and fueling his desire to tear the boy apart.
The slight delay didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the audience. Because of Eiji's incredible presence, the entire crowd was fired up.
"Go for it, young man! I bet on you to win!"
"Big sis, how much did you bet?"
"Everything I had on me."
The excitement swept through the entire colosseum. Whether they were ordinary people or adventurers, humans or demi-humans, everyone was thrilled.
Cheers echoed throughout the arena.
"Let the match begin!"
The announcer's voice, amplified by a megaphone, resounded across the venue.
Boom!
Xiong Li stomped the ground with tremendous force, his legs spinning like a giant bear running at high speed.
His eyes were wide with rage, his muscles taut as he raised the spiked mace high.
"Ha!"
With a shout, he charged toward Eiji, swinging the iron-studded mace down at him.
"This guy is definitely not Lv.1!"
The moment the match began, Shakti, who had been closely watching the beastman, felt her heart tighten.
No doubt about it.
An Lv.1 adventurer could never have that kind of speed and strength. That was at least the level of an Lv.2 adventurer. And since he was a bear beastman, in terms of raw power, he was probably near the top of Lv.2!
A gust of wind rushed toward Eiji.
The strike was heavy and powerful.
Whether it was his overwhelming arm strength or the wild stance with which he swung his weapon, it reminded Eiji of Kuraudo Kurashiki, the "Sword Eater," whom he had fought not long ago.
Boom!
A loud explosion rang out like a firecracker going off next to his ear.
The mace slammed into the ground, cracking the white stone tiles and sending shards flying, stinging anyone they hit.
Eiji dodged the blow by a hair's breadth, the gust of wind blowing his hair back.
He didn't use the fulcrum tactic he had employed against Kuraudo Kurashiki.
Because Kuraudo Kurashiki's device, making it easy to lock the weapon in place. But a mace had no such concept; its handle was smooth and impossible to grip.
The fulcrum tactic was essentially an application of leverage, requiring the use of the part of the weapon closest to the wrist to effectively disperse the opponent's strength. If applied to the shaft, it would likely be instantly overwhelmed by the opponent's arm strength.
After narrowly avoiding the overhead strike at an extremely close distance, Eiji immediately stepped forward, planning to seize the opportunity to counterattack.
To launch a quick counterattack, Eiji had dodged at the last possible moment.
This ensured that his range of attack still covered his opponent, preventing them from escaping the judgment of his blade.
Whoosh!
But the next moment, the mace was lifted again, unexpectedly sweeping toward him.
***
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