New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/3 chapters)
Urban Fraternity Festival
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The day of Urban Fraternity, commonly known as Banfra, arrived in the blink of an eye.
Today, many tourists were expected to come from the neighboring Rauda Continent. Furthermore, this year’s Banfra was anticipated to attract festival enthusiasts from Dali Amor, a port town on the Rauda Continent, where festivals had been on hold for a while. The festival-hungry crowds were expected to pour into the Riverda Continent.
The Banfra would last for a week. During this time, the labyrinth city would turn into a chaotic party of eating, dancing, and revelry. Outside the city, an arena had been constructed, where adventurer teams would battle it out, vying for the championship in a show of strength.
Due to these circumstances, I was kicked out of my usual cheap inn. The innkeeper wanted to raise prices and improve customer turnover to maximize profits. She kindly but mercilessly suggested, “Why not stay at the house of that lovely elf girl you adore?”
Indeed, Shia owns a house. I had actually stayed at her place once before, on the very first day I arrived in Azarigrad. Back then, we were still kids, about 11 years old, so I hadn’t given it much thought. But now I am 14. Shia is also about to turn 14.
In just a year, we will be considered adults by human standards. Not only our ages but our bodies are steadily changing toward adulthood. I have even noticed my voice breaking without realizing it.
Staying at her place under these circumstances…
I might lose my self-control and do something reckless. I feel it isn’t yet time to cross that line. I shouldn’t cross that line and yet… but staying together for a while wouldn’t hurt.
I decided to indulge myself and take up the innkeeper’s suggestion.
After spending the night, morning came. Although I was staying over, we had separate rooms. I slept in the living room.
“Good morning.” (Shia)
“Morning.” (Lost)
The sight of Shia’s sleepy face in the early morning. Her silky, blue hair retained its shine and moisture even after just waking up. It was no exaggeration to call this scene a work of art.
I feel blissful. Blissful, but…
“Lost, you’re up late. You lack discipline.” (Alba)
Sitting with his arms crossed and legs stretched out at the dining table, Alba-san took away a bit of that bliss.
“Exactly. Don’t drag me down, will you?” (Yustin)
Seated on the opposite side of the same table, the great magician of justice, Yustin turned his dark navy eyes on me with intense focus. His gaze screamed, “I’m going to win this battle no matter what”. These two were also kicked out of their inns. Shia’s house was being used as a kind of refuge.
—
All over Azarigrad, decorations of every imaginable color adorned the streets, and the main market street was lined with stalls. The dusty, earth-toned city had transformed overnight into a festive wonderland. The bustling labyrinth city was now twice as lively as usual.
In the end, it was decided that Alba-san, Yustin, and I would enter the Banfra Battle Tournament as a team. Shia, not fond of interpersonal combat, opted out.
Thus, the three of us headed to check the tournament schedule, which was posted at the arena entrance outside the city. The arena was enormous. Some called it a coliseum. It was surrounded by spectator seats, and within them lay a stone-built stage as the duel field. The stage was equipped with obstacles like stone walls and pillars, allowing for tricky battle strategies.
Additionally, the area around the stage was fitted with teleportation magic circles. Adventurers who were excited to watch the matches had already started claiming seats, snacks from the market stalls in hand.
“Uh, what did we name our team again?” (Lost)
“After all the debate, you’ve already forgotten? You truly lack awareness.” (Alba)
Alba-san was disgruntled, but I felt justified in complaining back. It had taken us three hours to decide on a team name during the registration at the Adventurer Guild. The problem was that everyone had terrible suggestions.
Alba insisted on including words like “Strongest,” “Glory,” “Victory,” or “Awakening”. Yustin wanted “Doom,” “Darkness,” “Judgment,” or “Justice”. Meanwhile, Shia chimed in with “Stew,” “Macaron,” “Sorbet,” or “Cheese Bread,” because she was hungry. We finally resorted to a lottery system where we each picked one word, and the combination decided the name. I was probably too fed up by then to care.
Thus, the team “Dark Awakening Cheese Bread” was born, a name reeking of bad taste.
“Ah, here it is. Looks like our match is tomorrow.” (Lost)
The tournament bracket listed about 30 teams. With only one arena, each match would last 30 minutes, and six matches would be held per day.
Our team was scheduled for the second match in Block B. Our first opponents were “Stalwart Warrior”. The name alone made them sound incredibly strong. Meanwhile, our team’s name was like a joke or a souvenir at best.
But since the matches started tomorrow, we had the rest of the day to enjoy the festival at leisure. The Taurus team, “Night Beacon”, was also in Block B, scheduled for the fourth match. If we both kept winning, we’d face each other in the quarterfinals.
“Shall we check out the market? Lots of stalls seem to be open.” (Lost)
When I suggested this, Alba and Yustin gave me strange looks. Their faces said, “What is this guy talking about?”
“Lost, are you seriously aiming for victory? We should be analyzing the enemy teams right now.” (Alba)
“You lack discipline. This is our first tournament, so we must not skip reconnaissance.” (Yustin)
Why are these two so irritated in the morning?
—
<A Block, 1st Round, 1st Match>
The first day featured Block A, starting from the first match to the sixth match of the first round. For now, I decided to watch the first match. The first match was between the “Magic Knife” team and the “Impenetrable Offense” team. Looking down at the arena from the spectator seats, I could see almost every corner clearly. On the stone stage, there were several obstacles like stone walls and stone pillars that seemed to serve as cover to hide behind. The match began from the starting points located diagonally at the four corners.
As soon as the match started, cheers erupted. The adventurers packed into the spectator seats were cheering for the teams they each supported. They were cheering for the teams they had bet on. Of course, it seemed that some behind-the-scenes betting, like a lottery, was also taking place. The staff of the Adventurer Guild had determined the matchups by considering the participants’ abilities, party ranks, and combat styles, but it was generally decided that well-known adventurer parties would face strong opponents. However, it seemed there were few who would bet on a team like “Dark Awakening Cheese Bread”, so the odds for our team were quite high.
That aside, the match between Magic Knife and Impenetrable Offense turned out to be a long one. Both sides cautiously advanced, seemingly gauging their opponents’ moves. The Magic Knife team consisted of a trio of lightly equipped magic swordsmen. On the other hand, the Impenetrable Offense team was a brawny party of heavily equipped swordsmen, spearmen, and axemen. The Magic Knife trio spread out in three directions while hiding behind cover, attempting a surrounding strategy, while the Impenetrable Offense team moved together in formation without breaking ranks.
One of the magic swordsmen from the Magic Knife side crouched behind a stone block, chanting a spell with force in one hand. Perhaps noticing the sound, the three brawny members of Impenetrable Offense began charging in that direction.
First strike wins!
Just as I thought that, another magic swordsman unleashed an electric shock spell from behind the three muscle-brained warriors. It was the beginner electric magic ‘Paralyze’ that stiffened the opponent. The axeman, who was ambushed from behind, crouches right there. In the middle of their charge, the advancing swordsman and spearman did not realize that their comrade, the axeman, has been taken out.
I see…
The heavily armored warriors are difficult to take out of bounds, even when faced all at once. The impregnable offense team must have acted without breaking their formation, considering that. But the Magic Knife team seemed to have a strategy to separate the party and steadily eliminate them one by one.
Two of the magic swordsmen from the Magic Knife team simultaneously attacked the axeman. While one acted as a decoy, the other two took down one. It was a well-constructed strategy. If they hadn’t coordinated in advance, the members would have been unable to perform well when separated. But the Magic Knife team was too optimistic.
The crouching axeman stood up immediately when the two magic swordsmen appeared. It seemed the paralyzing effect of the electric magic Paralyze didn’t work well. The axeman swung his large axe and simultaneously struck at the two magic swordsmen. With a full swing, the harsh physical attack echoed through the arena. And the two bodies were sent flying.
Meanwhile, the impregnable offense team’s swordsman and spearman sent the remaining magic swordsmen flying and took them out of bounds. After that, the impregnable offense team swiftly eliminated all the members of the Magic Knife team and won.
—
I quietly slipped out of the arena, saying I was going to pick flowers. After just watching the first match, I roughly understood how the matches were conducted and got a sense of the other teams’ level. They were all confident in their skills, but I feel that if I, Yustin, and Alba-san went all out, we could easily hold our own.
It’s not good to underestimate them, but honestly, I couldn’t get that excited just watching.
I was excited and passed through the city gates, heading toward the market. I had saved money for today. The merchants must have put a lot of effort into stocking their goods.
Let’s go shopping!
—
As I wandered around the market street, suddenly, someone grabbed my shoulder from behind.
“Hiyaa!” (Lost)
I let out a pitiful scream.
Startled, I turned around, and there stood a beautiful woman dressed in a neat robe, with a quiver at her waist and a bow on her back. She seemed to be in her early twenties. From her sharp eyes, she gave off an intelligent impression.
“…Jack?” (Woman)
The woman asked, observing me.
Jack? Who are you?
“Uh… who are you?” (Lost)
“Ah… no, it’s probably a mistake… sorry.” (Woman)
Behind the woman, four other travelers were watching us. All of them were dressed in the same formal robes, giving the impression of guild staff rather than adventurers. One of them, a silver-haired man with dark blue eyes, asked me. His wide, almost glaring eyes gave a somewhat scary impression.
He kind of resembled Yustin.
“Liz, is something wrong?” (Man)
“No, it’s just that she looked like an acquaintance from the past.” (Lizbeth)
“If it’s a mistake, let’s go.” (Man)
“Yes… sorry.” (Lizbeth)
The woman only bowed to me and immediately turned around, walking off in the opposite direction. However, the silver-haired man with the wide eyes turned back toward me and, as if remembering something, hurried over to me.
“Are you a resident of this town?” (Man)
“…Yes, well, I am.” (Lost)
“Have you seen someone around here with hair the same color as mine? He’s probably about your age.” (Man)
Someone with the same hair color as mine, around my age? The only person I could think of was Yustin. Actually, this is probably about Yustin.
“I haven’t seen him.” (Lost)
“I see… My name is Anfan Schwarzschild. If you happen to find someone with the same last name, could you let me know? I’m staying at the biggest inn near the Adventurer Guild.” (Anfan)
“…Understood.” (Lost)
For now, I’ll just answer vaguely. This person is probably a relative of Yustin, or maybe his father.
“Thank you. Somehow, looking at you, I’m reminded of a close friend from my school days.” (Anfan)
“Huh…” (Lost)
What’s that? I don’t feel happy about that at all. Being told I look like someone they know… Hmm…? Could it be that the woman from earlier knows something about my past?!
—
Later, I realized and rushed to chase after her, but I lost track of her. In a town as shabby and dilapidated as this, I thought five people in such neat robes would stand out, but there was no trace of them at all. I had finally encountered someone who might know about my past.
What a missed opportunity. Recently, I don’t care much about my past anymore. I still don’t, but when I hear adventurers talk about their families, I do feel a little curious about my own past.
“Ha… ha…” (Lost)
Running around this maze city still leaves me breathless. It’s that vast.
After running around for a while, I ended up back on the market street. I decided to squat down and rest behind a building. The market was too crowded to stand still without being in the way, and the shade felt cool and nice.
Where did that woman go? But I remember her face well. She had a strong gaze. Short, neatly trimmed black hair, a beautiful brown robe. She also had a quiver and bow, so she might be an archer. If I see her again, I’ll try to talk to her.
As I was calming my breath, a shadow covered me. Someone stood right next to me.
“Lost, I found you!” (Yustin)
“Hm…?” (Lost)
It was the silver-haired man with dark blue eyes, the same person Anfan had been looking for.
Yustin.
“You were just about to watch the second match, it was getting interesting—” (Yustin)
“Schwarzschild.” (Lost)
“…What did you just say?” (Yustin)
I knew it.
“Is that your last name?” (Lost)
“Why do you know that?!” (Yustin)
“I met someone who seemed to be your family. He’s looking for you.” (Lost)
Yustin’s eyes went wide.
Yeah, that’s the expression he had with the wide eyes.
“Anfan, I think it was. Your father?” (Lost)
“…” (Yustin)
“You should probably go back, your family’s worried about you.” (Lost)
“…” (Yustin)
As usual, Yustin was silent, with a look of shock on his face.
I don’t have a family. So, it’s a bit enviable to have a family who worries about you. I don’t fully understand that feeling but just knowing someone cares about you is reassuring.
“…I can’t go back yet.” (Yustin)
“Why?” (Lost)
“…To be acknowledged.” (Yustin)
Yustin clenched his fists in frustration, furrowing his brow, as if recalling something.
Maybe there’s some complicated reason behind this. His father exuded an elite aura, so I imagine he’s probably a powerful magician. Yustin’s attachment to becoming a great magician might be tied to his family situation.
“Kyahhh!!” (??)
Suddenly, a scream rang out through the street.
Both Yustin and I immediately froze.
“What was that?” (Lost)
Without even coordinating, Yustin and I took off running toward the direction of the scream.
For now, I’ll leave Yustin’s family situation aside.
—
We ran a little off the market street, heading down a path with fewer people, not quite an alley, but still a quiet area.
“Please stop!” (Woman)
“Give me your panties!” (Man)
“No, I won’t!” (Woman)
Eh… panties? Broad daylight, is this a molester?
A man dressed in a completely black outfit with long black hair was attacking a woman in an apron.
“If you can’t give me your panties, then show me your naked body!” (Reingard)
How can he say such embarrassing things one after another? Isn’t he ashamed?
The man in black was glaring with bloodshot blue eyes. It was like a wolf starving for women as he grabbed the woman.
“Stop! —Brandstifter (Burn)!” (Yustin)
Yustin immediately cast a fireball. The man noticed the fire magic and swiftly turned, distancing himself from the woman.
Good job, Yustin. As expected of the great magician of justice.
“…” (??)
The blue-eyed man glared at Yustin. Yustin, in turn, glared back at him with his dark blue eyes. The black-haired and silver-haired figures faced each other. Both of them wore black outfits, but the contrast of their hair color created a sense of rivalry. But the crucial difference was their demeanor. Unlike Yustin, the man exuded an air of arrogance, as if he was nonchalantly superior.
“Please… help!” (Woman)
The woman in the apron hid behind us. I urged her to escape quickly. The woman bowed and disappeared swiftly.
“To interrupt my fun, how rude of you.” (??)
“You, in broad daylight…! My justice shall judge you.” (Yustin)
“Heh… to think you could judge me, not even the goddess could do that.” (??)
Not even the goddess…? What a strange choice of words. And Urban Fraternity is crawling with all sorts of weirdos. Do such crazy people just pop up every time there’s a festival?
“–Satan, send forth my servant!” (Reingard)
The black-haired man grinned ominously and chanted something, causing purple mana to slowly spiral and gather. When it met the shadow of a building, something resembling a black dog emerged from it.
“Dark magic of the west…!” (Yustin)
Yustin gasped, recognizing the magic, but the black dog-like mass lunged straight at him. The battle mode had suddenly shifted. Yustin seemed unprepared, struggling to react quickly.
This scene feels familiar… A running black dog. A girl with lavender hair being attacked. An axe being swung. It hurts. I have a headache.
“Tch… Eröffnung (Open)!” (Yustin)
A portal for teleportation magic opened. Yustin, with swift movements, teleported the black dog far away. But it was fast.
I have to admit, it’s been a while since I’ve been so excited. It feels like a real battle has just dropped into my lap.
The black dog was teleported a considerable distance, but without losing momentum, it quickly closed the distance again.
“Too soft…! –I dedicate myself to Syaitan, bind me with chains, take away my freedom!” (??)
The black-haired man continued his chant. A whirl of bluish-black mana surrounded Yustin.
“Ah… crap…” (Yustin)
Yustin’s face turned pale.
“What’s wrong?!” (Lost)
“It’s a debuff… I can’t breathe… my body isn’t moving…” (Yustin)
Yustin looked like he couldn’t even breathe, struggling heavily. Meanwhile, the black dog lunged at Yustin.
“Haha, gotcha! It’s my victory!” (??)
Not happening. There are two of us.
I stepped in front of Yustin, ready to face the black dog. There wasn’t enough time to summon a sword, so I used my hand-to-hand techniques. The black dog lunged at me with monotony, and I punched it with my right arm.
—Gyan!
I didn’t know where the dog let out that noise, but it was knocked back and fell to the ground, dissipating into purple mana mist.
This speed-filled battle is quite thrilling. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way. When you’re exploring dungeons with adventurers, it becomes more sluggish.
“Hm? You’re a warrior too?” (??)
“…I guess you could say that.” (Lost)
“Nice! How about being my warm-up opponent for tomorrow’s tournament?” (??)
Tomorrow’s tournament? No way, is he a participant too?
“Warriors are evil by nature. I’ll wipe all of you out!” (Reingard)
He said that, and the man drew a slender rapier from his waist, adopting a low stance to hold it.
If weapons are allowed, then I’ll match him.
I quickly created a short sword made of earth.
For a rapier, this should be the right weapon.
I drew it and got into position.
I’m definitely more suited for personal combat. This is getting exciting. Come on, bring it.
“…” (Reingard)
But the man didn’t attack.
Why? He seems to be shocked by my initial reaction.
“…That sword… that right arm of yours… Could you be…” (??)
What’s with that reaction? Does he know me?
“Do you know me?” (Lost)
I asked, but he didn’t respond. His blue, blue eyes trembled, as if afraid of something. The calm demeanor from before had completely vanished.
“Alright, alright, stop right there!” (Taurus)
A familiar voice came from behind, breaking the tense atmosphere.
As soon as it did, the debuff magic cast on Yustin was lifted, and Yustin coughed in place. I glanced behind me and saw a man coming down the main street, turning toward us. It was Taurus.
“Sorry, but that guy is an important teammate of mine. Can you forgive him for my sake?” (Taurus)
Huh? Taurus’s important teammate? This guy who was demanding panties in broad daylight?
“Aniki, please calm down.” (Taurus)
With a lazy walk, Taurus approached the man and put an arm around his shoulder. It did seem like they were acting like teammates, but the man still looked pale, staring at me. Sweat was dripping from his face.
From what I heard, this guy is the one who joined Taurus’s “Nightfire” team as a helper. He joined after Taurus recruited him to aim for victory and a harem.
“Alright, let’s shake hands and make up.” (Taurus)
Taurus forcibly grabbed the man’s hand and tried to make us shake hands, but—
“Uwaaaahhh!!” (??)
The man screamed loudly, throwing off the handshake and running away. The arrogant attitude he showed earlier was completely gone.
“Taurus, that guy was molesting the woman. He was demanding panties and asking to see her naked body.” (Lost)
“Yeah… he seems to have a bad habit. I’ve warned him, but I couldn’t be too harsh…” (Taurus)
Taurus scratched his head apologetically with a chuckle.
I can’t believe that perverted, arrogant guy is part of Taurus’s team. I’m a little disappointed in you, Taurus.
“By the way, what’s that guy’s name?” (Lost)
“Oh, that’s Reingard. He’s a dark mage, and his sword skills are amazing. He’s really strong.” (Taurus)
Reingard, Reingard… I don’t recognize the name. I really don’t want to be acquainted with a guy like that. Well, since he’s in Taurus’s team, I might run into him in the tournament. If that happens, I’ll wipe the floor with him.
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