Following Iaian's opening success, challengers on the other rings also sequentially managed to defeat the staff members wearing the exoskeleton armor.
The audience, their spirits lifted, once again gave them enthusiastic applause.
On the central ring, Spring Mustachio stroked his small mustache and jumped onto the platform. Using his freely retracting spring sword, he easily crushed the exoskeleton armor and secured the right to defend the ring.
"Spring Mustachio, you're pretty strong. Let me be your first opponent." Golden Ball also flipped onto the ring, intending to engage in a friendly rivalry with Spring Mustachio.
"Suits me perfectly."
The two exchanged smiles and began their fight.
"The blood in my veins is boiling! I have to get in on this too!" Lightning Max was thrilled watching their battle. He waved goodbye to Mumen Rider and the others, eager to find another ring to fight on.
"Go, Max!" Mumen Rider waved his arm in response.
Tanktop Black Hole, standing nearby, asked curiously: "Mumen Rider, aren't you going to compete?"
"Mhm," he nodded. "I'm just an ordinary person. I can't be as amazing as you guys. Cheering you on from the sidelines is enough."
"What kind of nonsense is that!" Tanktop Black Hole slapped him on the back, causing him to stagger. "If you don't even have the courage to try, what kind of hero are you trying to be! Don't let my appearance fool you; when it comes to the will to climb to the top, I won't lose to anyone! The weaker you are, the more you must seize every opportunity."
"Thank you, Tanktop Black Hole. You truly are a good person. I understand! I'll work hard to catch up with you! I'm going up to challenge right now!" Mumen Rider's fighting spirit ignited like gasoline being poured on a fire.
He said goodbye to Tanktop Black Hole and headed to another ring with his head held high.
Watching his retreating figure, Tanktop Black Hole gave a self-deprecating smile: "Why did I suddenly become so sentimental? Whatever, he's just a silly kid, so he'll never be a threat to me. Giving people a pep talk once in a while doesn't feel so bad."
"Mumen Rider, you can do it!" Mumen Rider cheered himself on. After the hero on the platform was knocked down, he took a deep breath, braced his hands, and jumped onto the ring.
"Take this! Justice Crash!" Mumen Rider gathered all his spirit and charged towards his opponent fearlessly.
The next moment, he fell off the ring as if soaring through the clouds.
Lying on the ground, with his internal organs throbbing from the impact, Mumen Rider looked up at the clear blue, cloudless sky. The fire in his heart instantly extinguished: "It's fine. The important thing is that I tried my best. Next time will be better."
Tanktop Black Hole, who had been watching the whole time, covered his mouth to stop himself from laughing out loud: "He really is a silly kid."
…
Time ticked by, moment by moment. Only 10 minutes remained until the end of the arena competition.
Many audience members, suffering from visual fatigue, started checking their phones, having lost interest in the ongoing matches.
It was at this moment that many truly formidable heroes finally took the stage.
Child Emperor, carrying his small backpack and sucking on a lollipop, looked just like an ordinary elementary school student. With a light jump, he landed steadily on Ring No. 1.
His opponent was a muscular man wearing a tank top.
"I'm Tanktop Vegetarian! Kid, this isn't the place for you. Hurry home and eat some vegetables," Tanktop Vegetarian said, wagging his finger.
"I figured as much," Child Emperor licked his lollipop and said flatly, "That's why I chose to appear in the last few minutes, to prevent shallow people like you from stubbornly coming over and bothering me."
"Huh?" Tanktop Vegetarian didn't understand. He twisted his finger and walked towards Child Emperor, saying, "Since you don't want to go home, onii-chan will just send you down."
"You're the one who needs to go down." Child Emperor flipped open the cover of the watch on his left hand and casually pressed a few keys. Two rubber fists shot out from both sides of his backpack and slammed into Tanktop Vegetarian before he could dodge, sending him off the ring.
"Hah. Stupid adults. Anyone who comes onto the stage in this situation wouldn't be simple, would they?" Child Emperor licked his lollipop again, completely composed.
On Ring No. 2, Tanktop Master effortlessly lifted his opponent and gently placed him down off the ring.
On Ring No. 3, Drive Knight walked through the gunfire of Death Gatling, who then gritted his teeth and admitted defeat.
On Ring No. 4, Puri-Puri Prisoner used his Angel Hug, startling his opponent into jumping off the ring himself.
On Ring No. 5, Suiryu easily dodged Spring Mustachio's sword and kicked him out of the field.
On Rings No. 6, 7, and 8, Mysterious Mask, Pig God, and Zeburou each secured their victories.
On Ring No. 9, the panting Iaian was the last one standing.
With this, the nine winners of the arena competition were decided.
"Let's give a round of applause and cheers to congratulate these nine heroes on their victories!" After a wave of cheers subsided, Mr. Oomoto continued: "Next is the final segment of the debut ceremony, and the most exciting main event—The S-Class Hero Challenge Match!"
"Aomori! Aomori! Aomori!"
"Haha, Chairman Aomori is very popular! However, he himself has decided to yield this rare opportunity to others. Furthermore, Chairman Aomori is not listed among the ranks of the S-Class Heroes, so the nine winners must choose their challenge target from the five S-Class Heroes present here today."
"Eh, why is that?" The audience was quite disappointed.
Mr. Oomoto dared not say more and quickly approached Child Emperor, asking for his chosen opponent.
"Hmm, that's a tough choice," Child Emperor pretended to think for a moment before giving his answer: "I'll choose Superalloy Darkshine. He looks like he can take a beating."
"Oh, good boy!" Darkshine stood up and showed off his terrifying muscles again: "What an eye for talent! My muscles are the best!"
Aomori nodded. This was a good choice. With Darkshine as the opponent, Child Emperor would be free to unleash all his methods.
For this match, the nine rings on the field merged to form one super-large platform. Darkshine and Child Emperor stood on the ring, while the remaining heroes watched their battle from the wall near the audience seats.
"Hello, Darkshine-san," Child Emperor greeted him amiably.
"Hello there, Child Emperor-kun," Darkshine continuously changed poses. His dark, shiny muscles looked even more dazzling under the sunlight. "Well? Well? Isn't it wonderful seeing my muscles up close?"
"Heh heh, yes, somewhat," Child Emperor replied with a strained expression.
"Child Emperor-kun, attack with confidence! My muscles will firmly absorb all your attacks."
"That's great! I won't hold back then!"
On the viewing platform, Mr. Oomoto announced: "Audience members, the first challenge match is about to begin! It features our S-Class Hero Superalloy Darkshine against the seven-year-old genius, Child Emperor! Who will emerge victorious? Let's wait and see! The match begins now!"