A green haired human youth stood in the middle of all the commotion. I knew the tournament was one-sided. Still, for the only hope of the humans, Arhur’s son Ryan, to drop out in the first round was a bit too much.

At least he lost against another human, so there was still a chance left. I wondered what kind of face Arthur would make so I sneaked a glance at the lounge, which the two kings were watching from. As I thought, even he was confused.

No one noticed when the green haired person came in and no one noticed him leaving. Even if he was the centre of attention, he managed to vanish in front of the whole crowd. Before I knew it, he was already gone. I don’t know why, but I had a feeling that I have met him before. I just had no idea where or when.

Afterwards, the tournament continued without further surprises. I watched the rest of the first round with Takeshi and after only a few matches; I understood what he meant with the beastmen fight dirty. Almost in every fight between a human and a beastman, the human side suffers heavy injuries.

Even if they’d lose, they won’t leave the ring, but fight until either they can’t stand anymore, or they get disqualified. In the end, they managed to bring 11 fighters to the second round. Even if it was an unfair strategy, it was an effective one. The ratio for the second round was 11 beastmen against five humans.

“Sigh. I really don’t want to watch this unsightly tournament anymore.”(Takeshi)

“At least, we now have a break of about 3 hours.”(Me)

“Still I can’t continue watching this. I’m gonna leave. Perhaps I’ll be back for the finals in two days. Just tell me what happened then.”(Takeshi)

“Why? And by the way, how will you get in again?”(Me)

“I’ll think about it, when I need to.”(Takeshi)

Many people left the colosseum to take a break and Takeshi went with the crowd. I hated going with the masses, so I tried to go back the way I came from. No one except the guards as well as a few individuals knew about that way and luckily, I didn’t come across anyone. It was still hard to find back though, because the interior of the colosseum was like a freaking labyrinth.

“Was it left or right?”(Me)

It didn’t take long and I got lost.

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“Damn it.”(Me)

Suddenly, I heard someone running my way. The corridor was empty and I had nowhere to hide. I couldn’t go back either, or I wouldn’t ever find my way out. I planned to play the innocent student role, who lost his way.

The person was about to turn right. I wanted to bump into him or her and start my act, but before I was able to I heard a voice.

“I…”(Sandra)

Sandra stopped in front of me. She needed to take a deep breath before she could continue.

“…finally found you.”(Sandra)

“What’s the matter? Why are you running like this?”(Me)

“Something happened.”(Sandra)

“Hm?”(Me)

“A guard just came and said that there’s someone at the gate, who said he knows the nightmare.”(Sandra)

“Me? Wait, how did you even find me?”(Me)

“I knew you’d want to watch the tournament anyways. There was only one way in for you and I know which school you attend. Everything else was luck.”(Sandra)

I felt like a half-open book to her. She could read me, but there were many pages, she wouldn’t even think of reading.

“Do you know anything about that guy who claims to know me?”(Me)

“No. The first thing I did was to tell you about it.”(Sandra)

“Right. Let’s go meet him then.”(Me)

“We should hurry though, or there won’t be much of him left.”(Sandra)

“Why?”(Me)

“Arthur’s not in a good mood to talk right now.”(Sandra)

That much was obviously. I put on my hood and as fast as possible, we ran to the gate. It was a hassle to get there. Because of the break, the whole crowd of a few thousand people was out of the colosseum and the streets were full. It was hard to find a way, on which no one would spot us.

In the end, we arrived some time before Arthur did. Not many people were at the gate; they would rather visit other places, which were more interesting. As soon as we arrived and showed ourselves, we caused a commotion.

“I guess you came here because of that guy?”(Head guard)

The head guard glanced at his office while saying this.

“Yes. It would be for the best, if I could meet him before Arthur arrives.”(Me)

“I’m sorry, but it would be an act against the king.”(Head guard)

I wanted to say something, but he wasn’t finished yet.

“Is what I would normally say, but given the circumstances, it would really be for the best, if you meet him before the king arrives.”(Head guard)

“Don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility.”(Me)

“Thank you very much.”(Head guard)

We followed him to his little office and the head guard opened the door.

“The person you are looking for came to see you.”(Head guard)

“Took him long enough.”

I recognised that voice. It belonged to a certain god. He too, wore a hood, so no one would see his appearance.

“What are you doing here?”(Me)

“I’m your retainer, don’t you know that.”(Hiro)

The head guard gave me a confused look. I had to decide if I’d support him or not in a split second. I came up with a sudden idea, or plan, which helped me decide faster.

“Yes. What’s the reason for your late arrival?”(Me)

“Well. It was hard coming here from our home.”(Hiro)

“Right. As you heard, he’s my retainer. He came a bit late, I hope you are fine with me taking him with me?”(Me)

I asked the head guard. It was hard for him to decline. He saw what happened when one of his underlings provoked me.

“Could you please…”(Head guard)

“Just tell Arthur I took him with me, I’ll proof it to him as soon as the second round starts.”(Me)

“Thank you.”(Head guard)

“I have to thank you.”(Me)

We came as fast as we left. Neither Sandra, nor Hiro understood my reasons.

“Ahm. Before I ask, why we left so suddenly, I’d like to know who that is. He’s definitely not from the Dark Continent.”(Sandra)

“Don’t worry, he’s an ally.”(Me)

“As your newly appointed retainer, I’d like to know your plan.”(Hiro)

“Don’t worry, all you have to do is to act like you’re Sanra.”(Me)

“Ha?! What? Act like me?”(Sandra)

“Well to be more specific, act like the retainer that was with me on the opening ceremony. Don’t worry, just don’t say a single word and follow behind me all the time.”(Me)

“And what am I going to do then?!”(Sandra)

“You? You Sandra, are going to participate in the second round.”(Me)