"Tsugikuni Yoriichi."
That's right. The person signing up at this moment was Takeshi. Originally, he had planned to sit in the stands, eating popcorn and drinking a beverage, to enjoy watching the tournament.
But plans change. As soon as he heard the person in front of him say that the champion would get a prize of 20 million Jewels, he couldn't sit still.
20 million was equivalent to the reward of two S-Class Quests, or twenty A-Class Quests.
Faced with such a generous prize, he naturally couldn't remain indifferent. He would regret it deeply if he missed out. So, he found a secluded corner, transformed into Yoriichi, and then came to compete.
"This is your contestant number."
Takeshi took it.
0556. Did that mean 555 people had already signed up before him?
"This way leads to the contestant passage."
Takeshi stepped inside and soon arrived at the contestant lounge, which was already packed with people.
"Hey! That's Seven-Star Swordsman Horne! Is he competing too?"
"Look over there, Eight-Star Swordsman Solt. I heard he slayed an Eight-Star Monster, a Viper."
"That's Eight-Star Swordsman Skarim. It's said he has already slain three Eight-Star Monsters."
"As expected of the World's Strongest Swordsman Tournament hosted by the King. So many famous swordsmen have come to participate."
Just then, a voice rang out.
"Hey! Little lady, if you're looking for a man, go outside. This isn't a place for ladies like you."
"Hahahaha..."
Takeshi looked in the direction of the voice and saw a familiar figure.
Erza!
He hadn't expected to run into Erza here, having not seen her at the hotel. But on second thought, it made sense. Erza was a swordswoman herself, and with her competitive nature, it would be strange if she didn't participate in such an interesting tournament.
"So beautiful. Let me properly cherish her for a moment."
"Little lady, do you have a boyfriend? If not, how about me? Come and have some fun with me."
A lecherous man stretched out his hand, reaching for Erza's backside.
Seeing this, Takeshi couldn't help but rub his forehead.
Seriously, to even dare to flirt with Erza—was he tired of living?
Slap!
Before the man's hand could touch Erza, Erza's palm clamped down on his wrist. Then, she swung him with force.
"Haa—!!"
Boom!
The man's body was slammed to the ground, shattering the floor. He didn't even have time to scream before his eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
"Eh?!!"
Everyone was dumbfounded by this scene.
"Hey! Who is that woman?!"
"That man was taken out."
"How is that possible?! He's a Six-Star Swordsman."
At this moment, someone spoke up, saying, "Alright. Settle down. This tournament is hosted by His Majesty, regardless of gender. If you're not convinced, then prove yourselves on the tournament grounds."
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice. They saw a blond man in his thirties sitting not far away.
"It's Nine-Star Swordsman Arthur!"
Seeing this man, everyone gasped in surprise.
Takeshi also looked at him. A Nine-Star Swordsman, according to the Guild Master, was equivalent to an S-Class Mage.
"Arthur, I didn't expect you to come too."
Soon, another young man walked over.
"It's Nine-Star Swordsman Clay!"
The crowd gasped again.
Arthur glanced at him. "Clay, didn't you come too?"
Clay said, "Of course. This is a tournament hosted by His Majesty. The prize is secondary. Becoming Ishgar's Strongest Swordsman is the highest honor for us."
At this moment, the arena administrator walked over.
"The Group A battles will begin shortly. Group A contestants, please proceed to the stage."
Clay stood up and said, "It's my turn to go on. Arthur, I hope to see you in the final match."
Arthur snorted. "Hmph! You'll have to make it to the finals first."
Takeshi glanced at his number plate, which had a 'D' written on it, meaning he was in Group D.
Then Takeshi glanced at Erza's, which had a 'B' on it, meaning she was in Group B.
He wondered what format this tournament would take.
Soon, a magic screen appeared in the contestant lounge. The screen projected the situation in the arena.
"Next up is the Group A competition."
"The rules of this tournament are simple."
"Over 100 contestants will participate in an elimination survival competition in the arena."
"Only the last one standing will advance to the next round."
"What?!"
"Does that mean only four people can advance to the next round?"
"This is too brutal."
Many in the lounge had their expressions change. They had planned to showcase their strength to the audience, and even if they didn't win, they could gain many fans. They hadn't expected only four to remain.
"Now, the first round, Group A showdown, begins—!!!"
Dong!
With the sound of a gong, everyone in the arena began to fight.
The weakest participants in the tournament were Five-Star Swordsmen. These Five-Star Swordsmen were usually highly respected, but here, they were at the bottom. They were defeated like mere fodder, one after another.
In a blink of an eye, the battlefield was largely cleared, with only Seven-Star and above Swordsmen remaining.
At this moment, Clay said, "Hmph! Boring. All of you, get out of my sight."
Saying this, he quickly made his move. His entire body was enveloped in lightning, and in an instant, he struck down the Eight-Star Swordsman closest to him.
"It's Nine-Star Swordsman Clay!"
The audience in the stands cheered excitedly as they saw him make his move.
Takeshi was surprised. He should be a Lightning Mage who could use Lightning magic to greatly enhance his strength and speed. Combined with his superb swordsmanship, his power was formidable, definitely S-Class. Even most S-Class Mages would not be his match, given his incredible speed.
This world was indeed much larger than what he had seen in the anime.
Erza's expression turned serious upon seeing Clay. She had armor specifically designed against Lightning Mages, but this was a swordsmanship competition. If she used armor and won, it would be an unfair victory.
In a short while, everyone in the arena had fallen, and only Nine-Star Swordsman 'Thunder Sword' Clay remained standing.
"The victor has been decided!"
"The winner of Group A is the pride of our Kingdom of Sobelia! Nine-Star Swordsman 'Thunder Sword' Clay!!!"
"Clay! Clay! Clay!"
The audience in the stands all chanted Clay's name.
Clay waved in acknowledgment, which made many girls in the audience shout even louder.
Soon, all the injured people on the field were carried off for treatment, and the arena was cleared.
"Next is Group B! Contestants, enter the stage!"
Erza stood up and walked towards the entrance.