When we’re teleported back out of the dungeon after the first event, we’re greeted by shouts, applause, and countless other sounds. Within the entire space called the coliseum, you can finally find something truly closer to what a standard coliseum is meant to be. This stage of the tournament was held here—that’s the only reason we can hear the crowd so clearly.

  “This reception makes all our effort worth it.” Humyr is grinning from ear to ear. He’s always loved being the center of attention, especially when it comes to displays of strength.

  All of us raise our arms and clap, a way to show our appreciation for such a warm welcome.

  “Today’s star was Areci. She swam through seas of skeletons just to destroy the orb. She’s a heroine.” Shawu jumps toward Areci. She’s caught midair by her best friend and clings tightly, like a baby monkey holding onto its mother.

  “I did my part too… I defended a bridge all by myself.” My complaint is a joke—I just try to look a bit sad to see their reactions.

  Some of them make awkward faces. They must’ve realized none of them congratulated me for defending an entrance alone. Only a few fall for my joke, and the only ones whose expressions really change are the twins—it’s hard to read what they’re thinking.

  Humyr is about to say something when he suddenly stops. Something happened—I was attacked by Brendu from the side. I block her elbow aimed at my ribs with my arm. That was close.

  “Don’t joke with them.” Brendu’s words make me laugh, and my act drops instantly.

  “Sorry, sorry.” I wink at my teammates. “Today’s star is Areci. Let’s give her some space.” I step back and start clapping. Brendu understands my intention and follows along with a half-smile.

  Areci reacts a few seconds too late. It takes her a moment to catch on to what I’m doing, but unfortunately for her, everyone has already stepped back to dedicate their applause to her. Even Shawu quickly moves to join us.

  Susan’s daughter glares at me. She doesn’t mind being the center of attention, but being pushed into the spotlight like this clearly isn’t something she enjoyed. Her expression changes in an instant, turning into the familiar extroverted Areci. Her well-practiced smile and refined movements bloom as she thanks everyone.

  We leave the area and head back to our resting place. The next stage of the tournament begins tomorrow. We won’t be participating, so we can take advantage of the day to rest or enjoy the various typical shows or the massive fair.

  Every day there will be friendly matches between different schools—it’s part of the attractions. All participants of the main event can join if they want, but most don’t. That doesn’t mean those friendly matches are boring—most of the participants are very strong, they just couldn’t make it into the top ten.

  I look at the letter in my hands, wondering whether to accept or not. The wild guy sent me a formal challenge to a friendly match.

  His handwriting and writing style are quite strange. At times he tries to be very formal, and at others it looks like it was written by an eight-year-old. The invitation says, in few words, that I can send the letter back whenever I want if I accept—day and time don’t matter, he’ll agree to whatever I choose.

  I’m quite interested in accepting the invitation. I’m sure I’ll have more fun fighting that guy than I did during the entire event today. I glance at Areci, who’s playing some kind of card game with Brendu, Shawu, and Ogine, and I feel a bit jealous of her.

  Areci already told us about her experience fighting the monsters on her way to destroy the orb. She recounted it with admirable excitement and enthusiasm, as if it had been one of the best experiences of her life.

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  Every time she mentioned something particularly interesting or entertaining, she looked me in the eyes, and I could see a small smile on her lips—though that was probably just my imagination… yeah, it must’ve been my imagination.

  The Magma Maiden had it rough at times. The grade-four monsters also regenerated like their lower-grade counterparts, but the process was much slower and took far longer. She had to battle everything and everyone while simultaneously draining the orb’s energy through sheer blows.

  “Change that face, man. We took first place.” Humyr sits down beside me and offers me a can of beer. I accept it without complaint.

  “I know, but the only fun part was seeing the looks on the other schools’ faces when we were called to the main stage.” They were filled with envy and competitiveness.

  “Speak for yourself—I had a blast.” The big guy lets out a hearty laugh.

  Now that I think about it, he was by far the most injured. He’s a tank through and through, an admirable close-combat fighter who never wants to leave the front lines and charges at anyone ahead of him as long as he has the energy.

  Between jokes during our conversation, Humyr suddenly asks me something unexpected. “Can you give me some advice? I feel like I’m a bit clumsy with women sometimes, and it’s hard to show my feelings.” The seriousness in his words and expression makes me take this conversation from a much more mature angle.

  I’ve seen how he and Shawu have been growing closer over the past few months. They even spend a lot of time together now. It’s possible Shawu has the same problem—she’s a very straightforward woman who likes to say things to your face, but she seems to struggle when it comes to expressing love and affection.

  My silence lasts a bit longer than expected, so he speaks again. “Well, you know… you have four fiancées and managed to live with them peacefully.”

  “Not that peacefully… I was the butt of jokes every day.” Remembering those days fills my chest with a sense of happiness and calm. “But you’re right—I somehow survived four women.”

  I look my friend in the eyes. “To be honest, I’m not as experienced as you think. I just hope some of my advice can help you.” Humyr smiles when he hears my answer—he’s only hearing what he wants to hear.

  “First and most importantly, keep being yourself. You shouldn’t change drastically for someone you love. There are always points where you need to be flexible and adapt, but never change your essence.” He nods lightly while rubbing his chin.

  “I’m sure you’ve already confirmed, in some way, that she likes you too.” I direct my gaze toward the girls’ table several meters away, focusing on Shawu. He follows my gaze.

  “Is it that obvious?” Humyr’s question is sincere and genuine.

  “Yes, my friend, it is. Everyone’s noticed.” My answer makes him blush slightly. “From my point of view, it’s mutual. She feels something special for you as well.”

  Humyr’s eyes widen when he hears that. “You really think so? You’re not joking with me?” He looks like an excited child.

  “Yes. I even asked Brendu, and she agrees with me. Shawu is very different when she’s with us—she changes when she interacts with you.” I have to use my gravity mana and Imra to hold him when I sense his intentions.

  He was about to shout and jump. I stopped him just in time. The use of mana catches the girls’ attention. I gesture with my hand, signaling that nothing’s wrong, and they turn back to what they were doing.

  “Thanks, I couldn’t contain myself.” Humyr offers me his fist, and I bump it with mine.

  “Keep being yourself. When you find a chance to be alone, try to express your feelings exactly as you are—that’s my best advice. Shawu likes you the way you are right now. Changing yourself to please her wouldn’t be productive. Just try to be more perceptive about situations and confess. I’m sure you’ll find an opportunity during the tournament.”

  I have nothing more to add. If there’s already mutual affection, there’s nothing else to do. The final step is to confess and be as natural as possible. Changing himself or giving situational advice wouldn’t help—he’s smart enough to find the right moment on his own.

  “Thanks, Maki. I’ll look for the perfect moment, and if I don’t find it, I’ll just do it at the end of the tournament.” He looks determined and happy. I’m glad I could help him.

  “Good luck.” We clink our beers in celebration. It’s a shame we can’t keep drinking in celebration—there’s another event tomorrow, and we need to be in top condition.

  The twins arrive just then and sit across from us. “Ready for tomorrow?” Humyr asks everyone.

  “Ready.” Bruk replies.

  “All good.” Brak manages at least two words.

  “Physically and mentally ready. If anyone from another school tries to get smart, I’ll send them back where they belong with my fists.” I feel confident and excited for the second stage of the tournament. I’m sure tomorrow will be far more entertaining—there won’t be any more boredom.