★80
MATCH 109
The atmosphere shifted the moment he appeared. Not a single soul dared to make a sound. Even the air felt heavier, as though the arena itself was holding its breath.
The wind hissed and Yasu materialised at the centre of the field, his arrival silent. He glanced around once before giving a brief nod.
Shinn brought down his hand.
"Begin."
For the first time since the tournament began, Scarlet took his first step, approaching his opponent. He didn't rush or run, just a quiet inevitability in every step he took.
Yasu didn't wait, he raised both arms and the sky above darkened. A cyclone twisted down, coiling like a living beast around his form. Blades of wind screamed outward as he launched forward. Scarlet King didn't flinch, he kept his calm demeanour approaching him.
Yasu moved like lightning with wind-augmented speed, slicing strikes, and vacuum bursts aiming for the throat, heart, spine, anything fatal or not, he had to give it his all. Each one hit but each one—did nothing.
"As expected."
Yasu whispered. His fate was already sealed. To press further was to humilite himself.
"No ordinary human can survive that barrage. But Scarlet is not an ordinary demon."
Asteri spoke highly of his servant.
Yasu retreated instantly, using Pressure Shift, small controlled wind bursts firing from his feet, letting him change direction mid-dash like a leaf in the breeze.
"I wonder how he'll hold up against Masashi."
Hinata asked.
"I too am curious about such a bout. Maybe I'll hold a new tournament in a few months' time."
Asteri answered.
He struck from behind, tried again with a double Vacuum Fang this time aimed at Scarlet's eyes.
Scarlet didn't even block. He simply exhaled and the air shattered. Just the shockwave shattered and dislocated his arm. Yasu hit the ground, coughing
Scarlet King looked at Yasu, almost disappointed.
"Wind, is light."
He muttered, his voice like a grinding stone.
Yasu smirked. Even though his defeat was set in stone, he found a formidable opponent to test his skils.
"I got you."
Yasu sprang back and raised a barrier at once, a dome of compressed, cutting wind meant to hold him at bay. But before he could even shape his next move, Scarlet King punched straight through it as though it were nothing more than mist.
The air cracked with heat and a single strike landed squarely in Yasu's chest.
Yasu's body was hurled across the arena. The wind sustaining him collapsed instantly, his limbs going slack as he sailed through the air. He struck the ground without a sound and did not move again.
Scarlet King stopped where he stood, motionless, as if waiting because he was.
At that moment, the same female medic who judged Scarlet's victories rushed onto the field. She knelt beside Yasu, fingers moving swiftly, then froze. No blood and no heartbeat.
She straightened, adjusted her glasses, and looked up at Shinn.
Slowly, she shook her head.
"Hmm, we have a winner!"
Shinn announced and the winner didn't waste any time in exiting the arena.
"Well, this guy is something else. The One Punch Demon is officially set for the semifinals."
Someone announced, awe lingering in their voice.
"One Punch Demon? That's straight out of One Punch Man, Saitama."
Hamilton remarked, thrusting his arm as if imagining the comparison. The children, no longer in the vip section were upstairs, in a hidden, unoccupied space, observing the arena form a better view.
"Heh, Hami, so you've seen that show too?"
Levi asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Hamilton puffed out his small chest, brimming with pride.
"Of course I did. He's a hero who defeats any villain with a single punch. Just like Scarlet, he's unstoppable."
"Heh, do you honestly think he stands a chance against a demon of Scarlet's calibre?"
Issei questioned, his tone skeptical.
"Nah, I'd win."
A deep, calm voice interjected.
The children immediately turned, and froze. There he was, the Scarlet King himself, standing silently behind them. The mere sight of him made their blood run cold. Eyes wide, breaths caught in their throats, they could only stare, rooted to the spot.
"Hey, don't scare the kids with that expression."
Asteri stepped forward, breaking the tension.
The children scrambled toward him, relief washing over them as they clung for safety.
"Forgive me, Great Monarch. I'll try to work on that."
Scarlet murmured, bowing slightly.
Trying to lighten the mood, Asteri continued.
"Are you guys enjoying the tournament?"
"Yeah!"
Several chorused.
"It was awesome!"
One added.
"I can't wait for tomorrow!"
Another piped up, the excitement infectious.
But the conversation shifted, voices quieter now, tinged with concern.
"The way things are going, Scarlet will undoubtedly win."
Ryota said, a hint of sadness in his tone. He extended more struggles but Mt. Scarlet is a mountain only few can climb.
"You think so?"
Someone asked, and all heads nodded in agreement.
"Okay, but what about Majo versus Raiden? Who do you think will win?"
"It's tough."
One replied, leaning forward.
"Raiden defeating Natsu was just mind-blowing."
"Yes."
Another added.
"Natsu was about to finish him, and the next second, he's down. Unreal!"
"But Majo is a demon. And she's holding back. That makes it harder for Raiden."
Issei pointed out, analyzing each nuance.
"Like mother, like child."
Asteri murmured.
"So, Raiden really has a chance?"
He asked.
"Fifty percent."
Issei said after a pause, thinking carefully.
"If Majo jokes around, maybe sixty to seventy-nine."
"That's—impressive."
Hamilton whispered.
"Nah."
Another scoffed.
"Even if Majo is half-asleep and Raiden uses Pseudo Blaze, she'll win effortlessly. One hundred percent. No contest."
Their debate grew louder, voices overlapping as they argued animatedly. In the background, Shinn's calm, measured voice cut through, wrapping up the quarterfinals.
"I love how everyone has their own opinion, but remember, nothing is decided until tomorrow. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have something important to discuss with the One Punch Demon."
One child's eyes went wide.
"Please—take him away!"
They pleaded.
"No. If you don't run, I'll tell him to chase after you. And trust me, if you're caught unprepared, it won't be pleasant."
The children didn't wait another second, they bolted, fleeing in a chaotic rush.
Too bad I chased them from this nice view.
"Your bond with the children is—irreplaceable,"
Scarlet Kind remarked, watching they vanish.
"Not to mention how much you've grown since first meeting them."
His tone was calm, measured, almost teaching.
"They say practice makes perfect. Here it is. That said, I have something important to tell you."
...
...
...
Later that day at night, someone was knocking on the door and she went to check. Opening the door was the Queen of the Land, Elfaria. Knowing why she's here, Mikasa welcomed her.
"I suppose you don't need anything."
"Yes. This isn't the time to eat or drink. I'll get straight to the point."
After giving her the details and handing her the 'charm', Mikasa asked.
"Where can I find him?"
"Oh, I thought you'd complain or do something but this is nice. I also save you the trouble of finding him. Follow me."
The two left the palace and sneaked into the garden outside. Flowers of different sizes, each giving off an aromatic smell, while others radiating faint light. Other alien species were added to that collection. Up ahead was a man seated on a bench, his eyes locked on the sky. It was Asteri.
To be continued...