Takeshi looked at the big screen with some anticipation. Erza was a genius, especially in swordsmanship. She was able to teach herself and practice swordsmanship to a super-high level on her own.
Soon, all Group B contestants appeared. With Group A's demonstration, Group B contestants knew the rules of the competition in advance. They all spread out, vigilantly looking around, while also searching for their targets.
As a swordswoman, Erza was naturally targeted by many people.
"Who do you favor?"
"Of course, Kaiman. He is an Eight-Star Swordsman, very close to Nine-Star. Rossa said that Kaiman only needs three more years to become a Nine-Star Swordsman."
"I'm more optimistic about Balto. He is a veteran Eight-Star Swordsman and has the power to fight even against a Nine-Star Swordsman."
...
The audience members were all eagerly discussing who could win this match. In this match, no Nine-Star Swordsman was participating, so everyone speculated that the winner would emerge from among the Eight-Star Swordsmen.
At the same time, many people also noticed Erza. Her blood-red long hair, coupled with her beautiful face, and the fact that she was one of the very few female contestants, naturally attracted attention.
"Now for the first round, Group B showdown, begin!"
Clang!
With the sound of the starting gong, the second battle immediately began.
"Little girl, you should get out of here first."
The people who had their eyes on Erza immediately rushed towards her.
Pfft—!
As a light flashed, several people who attacked Erza were immediately struck down. Then, Erza began to attack the people around her, and very few were a match for her.
"That red-haired girl is amazing!"
Soon, many swordsmen present were eliminated, leaving only three Eight-Star Swordsmen and Erza. The four of them engaged in a chaotic battle on the field.
The battle was in a stalemate. Everyone was a master swordsman, all displaying their powerful and superb sword skills.
Erza was very excited at this moment. It was right to participate in the competition. Being able to spar with so many master swordsmen, her sword skills could be greatly improved.
The other three noticed Erza's power. So, they all abandoned their individual fights and sieged Erza. Erza was not flustered at all, fighting steadily and looking for her opponents' weaknesses.
Three people besieging one, and a girl at that, yet unable to defeat her for a long time, made the three of them anxious. And impatience would lead to openings.
Erza seized an opportunity, striking down one person with a single slash. Then she steadily dealt with the other two. Gradually, she became familiar with the swordsmanship of the two.
Pfft!
Another person was defeated by Erza.
Erza spent a little time on the last remaining person, defeating him as well.
"Victory and defeat have been decided! Winner! Erza Scarlet!"
"It's unexpected that such a beautiful woman possesses such powerful swordsmanship."
"Facing the siege of three Eight-Star Swordsmen, she actually steadily defeated all three. Could it be that a Nine-Star Swordswoman is about to be born? Let's cheer for Erza."
"Erza! Erza! Erza!"
"Erza-san! You're so cool!"
Many girls in the audience were captivated by Erza's coolness.
Everyone present had a high level of swordsmanship. Although Erza did not display any flashy moves, the more basic it was, the more it could show a person's true swordsmanship level.
Clay, sitting in the contestant viewing area, saw Erza's performanc. He couldn't help but stroke his chin, looking at Erza's face magnified on the magic screen.
"What a remarkable woman!"
Many people in the lounge, seeing Erza's strength, felt sorry for the previous guy who dared to flirt with her.
Arthur frowned. "Erza... Could it be that Erza?"
In the royal palace.
A huge magic screen was displayed in front of Reno.
"Indeed. Swordsmanship that can easily cut down a Five-Star Magical Creature with one strike is definitely not simple."
He smiled as he watched Erza's performance. This was only a display of swordsmanship. He had already obtained the information on both Erza and Takeshi.
Furthermore, these two files were placed on the table in front of him.
"Erza Scarlet, Fairy Tail S-Class Mage, nickname: Fairy Queen, specializes in Requip Magic, can fight by summoning various armors, which can greatly enhance her attack power, defense, and physical abilities."
"Takeshi, Fairy Tail rookie Mage, no title yet, record: single-handedly annihilated the Phantom Bandit Gang led by King of Assassins Camille."
...
Takeshi smiled as he looked at Erza on the screen. "As expected of Erza."
"Next up is Group C, contestants enter!"
"Arthur! Arthur! Arthur!"
Just as the commentator announced the contestants' entrance, the audience began to cheer.
"Such high popularity."
Takeshi couldn't help but be startled when he saw it.
Arthur stood up and walked towards the entrance.
When he appeared at the arena entrance, the audience all cheered.
Takeshi asked the person next to him, "Isn't he also a Nine-Star Swordsman? Why is he so much more popular than the previous Nine-Star Swordsman?"
The person asked looked incredulous. "You don't know Arthur? Other Nine-Star Swordsmen are Nine-Star because their strength has reached the Nine-Star level, while Arthur's a Nine-Star Swordsman because the rank only goes up to Nine-Star. He is the strongest Nine-Star Swordsman."
This time, all the contestants who appeared did not look around but focused all their attention on Arthur. They understood that if they did not defeat Arthur, they had no hope of winning.
"Now for the first round, Group C showdown, begin!"
Clang!
With the sound of the starting gong, the third battle immediately began.
"Charge!"
Just as the match was announced to begin, all the contestants rushed towards Arthur.
Flash of Light!
The sword in Arthur's hand emitted a golden light. While rapidly thrusting, golden slashes surged like a tide towards everyone.
"Noo—"
"Ahhhh!"
...
All the contestants in the arena tried their best to resist, but the attacks were too dense. In an instant, everyone fell to the ground.
With one strike, hundreds of contestants were all defeated.