The next Tarnished stepped up, and the arena was quickly repaired by a powerful mage.
As the new round began, the process from boring to interesting was still a necessary viewing experience.
But...
This Tarnished was noticeably weaker. Wielding a bow and a katana, he was swiftly defeated by the third mage before he could mount any significant offense.
This mage had rich combat experience and knew the typical tactics of such Tarnished.
In short, for a spectacular show, you needed truly skilled Tarnished challengers.
From morning until afternoon, Kaito began to feel bored.
Most Tarnished fell at the fifth challenge. A few with skill reached the seventh, and two even defeated the seventh mage, but lost to the eighth.
"So, what happened to those Tarnished who, in the past, won nine matches but lost the final one?"
Kaito was curious.
Even if they lost, couldn't they try again?
"I don't know the details. But among those dozen or so, some died elsewhere. A few went to the Royal Capital, lost badly, and died there."
"The whereabouts of the rest are unknown. I don't go to the Roundtable Hold often; I only know what I hear from Tarnished who come to my shop for ramen."
In short, her ramen shop also served as an information hub.
Tarnished spoke freely, some even bragging. It was hard to tell fact from fiction, but they also talked about other Tarnished.
"I see..."
Kaito bowed his head in thought.
Those who successfully defeated nine mages were undoubtedly very strong.
The missing ones aside, those whose names circulated among Tarnished often died in other places.
Some probably went to Stormveil Castle, the "weakest" target, while others overestimated themselves and went elsewhere, even the Royal Capital.
But Godrick the Grafted was indeed the weakest.
However, to challenge him, you had to face his uncle, Morgott!
Morgott would send a projection to protect his nephew!
If you were too weak, he might not appear, but if you were too strong, he would surely stop you before you got in.
He favored family over reason. No matter how pathetic Godrick was, he was still a descendant of the Golden Lineage.
"Challenges continue through the night?"
"Yes, it's 24 hours."
"I see. Our number is far off. Let's go rest."
"Kaito, we can stay at the Academy. That way, when our turn approaches, the apprentice mages can notify us. It just costs a bit."
"They really know how to make money."
"Otherwise, who knows how fast the Tarnished at night will lose? If we come late tomorrow and our number is called, they can't find us, and we lose our chance."
Hirano shrugged helplessly. She'd never made that mistake, but others had.
She'd obediently stayed in the stands for a day and night, resting with her eyes closed.
If you didn't want to pay, staying put was best.
If you were willing to pay, you could stay in nearby dormitories.
But most Tarnished chose to stay, watching matches to gain experience. Money was secondary.
Those with some strength could go a few days without sleep, feeling only slightly tired, which didn't hinder their performance, especially when excited.
Besides, the mages prioritized fairness. If you were out of sorts, the referee might kindly cast a recovery spell before your match.
See, the organizers were so conscientious. They had everything covered.
"In that case, let's stay here. I'm quite curious about the Academy's interior."
"They won't let us inside unless you can defeat their strongest mage."
"Heh, that'll be tomorrow."
Leaving the spectator area, they found a mage and inquired about lodging. He led them to a nearby castle and opened a large dormitory room.
This castle was for outsiders: challengers, travelers, guests, even those attending the Academy's annual enrollment. Most stayed here temporarily. Only after passing the entrance exams and becoming mages could they enter the inner sanctum.
Those who failed could try again next year, or never return.
Naturally, everything was clean, magically cleansed of dust and dirt.
For more money, you could get better rooms, even fresh linens.
Kaito had plenty of money. He chose a large room for convenience.
After changing the linens, Kaito, Hirano, Melina, the Fire Keeper, and Hirano's Maiden all settled in.
Eight large beds, with attached bathroom and kitchen.
For temporary lodging, it was quite luxurious.
It just showed...
Raya Lucaria Academy had money!!
No, they were rich because they knew how to make money.
Just the monthly challenge fees were enough to renovate several castles.
Tarnished had to earn money outside to afford the challenges.
Maybe that's why the number of Tarnished each month varied; they hadn't earned enough to challenge.
After Hirano cast a soundproofing spell, she quietly hugged her clean pillow and, to the astonished gazes of the Fire Keeper, Melina, and her own Maiden, walked to Kaito's bedside.
"Can I stay with you?"
"Heh, you don't mind?"
"I do mind, but I just want to sleep in your arms tonight. So there's nothing to be shy about."