"That'll be all for today's meeting," I declared, my tone sharp but composed. "You've all done well. Let the meeting end here."
The lieutenants bowed their heads in unison. The discussion had been long, heavy, and full of political tension. I leaned back in my chair, arms folded, my golden eyes reflecting the dim light of the council hall. Though the matter with the merchants was far from resolved, I already foresaw the path ahead.
"Things may turn out to be… challenging," I murmured, my voice calm but resolute.
Still, I refused to let worry cloud my judgment. There was no use fretting over trivial setbacks—especially not tonight.
I turned toward the man beside me. "Myourmiles, you've carried quite the burden today. Come," I said with an authoritative smile, "you're coming with us."
"Eh? I thought I was supposed to continue gathering funds—"
I waved a hand, silencing him. "You can't gather what doesn't exist," I replied firmly. "If you fall sick from overworking, that will be a greater loss than any coin. Tonight, you'll rest—with us."
The men around the table chuckled softly. Benimaru had already thrown on his yukata, ready for an all-night celebration.
Myourmiles sighed, defeated but smiling. "Then I shall humbly accompany you, Your Majesty Atem."
"That's the spirit," I said, rising from my seat, the air around me subtly rippling with divine energy. The golden markings on my cloak shimmered as if they recognized the night's anticipation.
We left the council chamber, the tension melting into the festival's vibrant hum. As we walked through the torchlit streets of Eterna, the night pulsed with life—music, laughter, cheers, and the warm scent of roasted delicacies drifting from every corner.
"Your Majesty, please don't play too hard tonight!" one of the attendants called out from behind.
I gave a light smirk, brushing it off. "A Pharaoh plays no games—he celebrates victory," I replied over my shoulder.
—
Earlier that day, I had dealt with a troublesome Takoyaki stand. Hinata had brought it up, and in passing, I caught a glimpse of a silver-haired girl quarreling with the merchant. It reminded me of something I once said long ago:
"An intelligent man won't stand beside a collapsing wall."
I lived by that principle. Avoiding unnecessary trouble was the first step in mastering control—both in battle and in life.
Now, with business temporarily settled, it was time for something else entirely—the Grand Colosseum Tournament, the heart of Eterna's Founding Festival.
The Colosseum stood like a titan before us. Its colossal structure glowed under the moonlight, crafted from black stone and gold-lined edges. The design was intentionally intimidating—majestic, sacred, and slightly ominous.
Its curved roof resembled the wings of a divine beast spread wide, a shadow of ancient Egyptian grandeur reborn in another world. The walls were carved with inscriptions of past conquests, the hieroglyphs pulsing faintly as though alive.
I had overseen the construction myself, infusing my magic and will into its very foundation. Ordinary rock had been compressed, purified, and reinforced a thousandfold. Every inch was engraved with protective runes. The arena floor, built from magically hardened obsidian, could withstand the force of a divine strike.
Benimaru whistled low. "This place still gives me chills every time I see it."
"It should," I replied, my eyes scanning the structure with satisfaction. "A Pharaoh's arena must inspire awe—and a little fear."
Diablo chuckled quietly, his voice low and sinister. "Indeed, Atem-sama. The Colosseum itself feels alive, as though bowing before your might."
The truth was, he wasn't wrong. The air itself seemed to hum with divine authority, reacting to my presence.
Inside, the stands were overflowing. Fifty thousand spectators, all buzzing with excitement. The people of Eterna had come in droves, their cheers echoing through the vast structure like a living wave.
The success of this turnout was largely thanks to Myourmiles's cunning organization. Despite his worries earlier, he had performed exceptionally well.
At the center of the arena lay the battle stage—a vast expanse of enchanted stone encircled by twin layers of defensive barriers. The first layer blocked excess magicules while allowing Skills to be used freely. The second formed a shimmering dome around the audience, ensuring their safety even if the heavens themselves cracked open.
I'd personally added a failsafe—a hidden enchantment linked to my divine protection. If the barriers failed, I could deploy "Millennium Dominion," an unbreakable defense technique that rivaled even the strongest divine barriers.
I wouldn't let harm befall my people. Not under my watch.
"Your Majesty, the enchantments are stable," Souei reported, materializing silently beside me.
"Good," I said, nodding. "Let no harm come to the spectators. They have gathered under my name—they are under my protection."
"As you command."
The energy within the Colosseum was intoxicating. The crowd roared, eager for the first match. The anticipation was almost tangible, like lightning in the air.
The people of Eterna had little in the way of leisure. To them, this tournament wasn't just entertainment—it was proof that they lived in a kingdom protected by power, prosperity, and order. My order.
I glanced at the massive projection screens hovering above the arena, brought to life by the same light magic used in my earlier technological presentations. The visuals flickered to life, reflecting the entire battlefield.
The people gasped in awe.
"The device has caught their attention," Myourmiles said beside me. "Its craftsmanship will surely attract new clients and investments."
"Exactly as planned," I replied. "This festival is more than celebration—it's a statement. Eterna does not follow trends… it sets them."
My gaze hardened, but a faint smile curved my lips.
"Let the world see what a kingdom ruled by Atem, the Pharaoh of Eternity, truly looks like."
The drums thundered. The crowd screamed. The light of a thousand torches reflected in their eyes.
And as the first warriors entered the arena, the divine energy that slumbered within me stirred—just a whisper of my ancient might pulsing beneath the surface.
The festival had begun.
The participants began to march into the arena's center, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the vast Colosseum like drums of war. All eight men stood in a single line, their gazes locked toward the grand VIP booth—where I sat.
Every eye in Eterna was upon them. Massive screens shimmered to life, showing each contestant's face in perfect clarity—their every expression, twitch, and breath magnified for the roaring crowd. The air buzzed with excitement and awe.
I leaned forward slightly, resting my chin on my hand. Some of those faces I recognized immediately—Gobta and Geld stood proudly among them. A faint smirk touched my lips. "So, they made it this far," I murmured.
Despite my amusement, the introductions began on cue. As I had ordered, the magical screens shifted seamlessly, spotlighting each contestant as their names were called.
Souei's subordinate—Souka, the dragonewt—stood in the center of the arena, holding a sound amplification crystal. Her voice rang through the Colosseum with incredible energy.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! FIRST, ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE THE MOST POPULAR MAN IN THE REALM! THE DOMINATOR OF THE ELIMINATION ROUND—THE CHOSEN HERO—MA-SA-YU-KI!!!"
The entire Colosseum thundered with cheers.
I raised a brow, amused. "This girl is enjoying herself far too much," I said under my breath.
"Souei, are you sure having her up there like that won't ruin her covert reputation?"
Souei, standing beside me like a silent shadow, replied smoothly, "No issue, my lord. Souka is skilled in disguise and illusion. During missions, she changes her form completely. Besides, the crowd needed someone unfamiliar. She is perfect for the role."
I nodded slightly. "Very well. Let her continue. She's got spirit."
Souka raised her arm, voice booming again. "NO ONE HAS EVER WITNESSED HIS LEGENDARY SWORDSMANSHIP! BECAUSE THE MOMENT HE DRAWS HIS BLADE—HIS OPPONENT HAS ALREADY FALLEN!"
The audience gasped, enchanted by her words.
I tilted my head. "Is that so?" I muttered dryly. "Tell me, Souei—how exactly did his matches go yesterday?"
Souei's eyes flicked toward me. "Strangely, my lord… he didn't draw his sword even once. His companions defeated all their opponents and then surrendered to him. He reached the finals without lifting a finger."
I chuckled softly. "So, the 'Chosen Hero' wins by faith alone? Interesting. Whether he's a fraud or a prodigy… we'll find out soon enough."
Souka went on, her enthusiasm unrestrained.
"HIS LEGENDARY POWER IS KNOWN ACROSS THE SEVEN SEAS! HIS HANDSOME FACE MELTS HEARTS, HIS EYES CAPTIVATE SOULS! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN—THE ONE AND ONLY—MA-SA-YU-KI!!!"
The crowd erupted into wild screams. Women swooned; men shouted in admiration.
I sighed, suppressing a laugh. "Is she serious? Or just making things up as she goes?"
Souei's mouth twitched. "A little of both, I imagine."
"If he loses after that introduction," I said with a smirk, "the humiliation will be legendary."
Souka's theatrical flair had definitely elevated the energy of the event. For a spy, she had an unexpected talent for entertainment. Perhaps I should have her announce more events—if she didn't cause an uproar in the process.
Next came the second contestant.
"OUR NEXT FIGHTER IS A WARRIOR OF UNTAMED FURY, THE MAN KNOWN AS THE CRAZED WOLF—JINRAI!!!"
The crowd's cheers dimmed slightly as the man stepped forward. Jinrai had a rugged air about him, his equipment worn but functional. His movements were efficient—minimal waste, maximum threat.
Souei glanced at me. "He's one of Masayuki's companions."
"Hmm," I mused. "He looks ordinary, but something's hidden beneath that surface. That's the kind of opponent who's dangerous."
I leaned back in my seat, crossing my arms. "We'll keep our eyes on him."
Souka's next introduction thundered through the Colosseum.
"THE THIRD CONTESTANT—A MASTER OF BEAUTY AND DEATH! HIS BLADE DANCES LIKE WIND, HIS STEPS LIKE FIRE! THE SPLENDACIOUS SWORD FIGHTER—GAI!!!"
The man named Gai twirled his sword gracefully, giving the crowd a dazzling flourish.
"Beautiful like dancing," Souka continued dramatically, "WILL HE TURN THE ARENA INTO A STAGE OF BLOOD AND ELEGANCE TODAY?!"
I blinked slowly. "…Did she just call a bloodbath beautiful?"
Benimaru, seated nearby, snorted. "She's got a flair for drama, that's for sure."
Gai bowed theatrically, soaking in the applause. He didn't seem particularly strong—probably around Rank A—but he carried himself with confidence. His swordplay, at least, would be worth watching.
Next came the fourth and fifth contestants. My eyes widened slightly when I recognized them.
"Why are those two here?" I asked flatly.
Souei answered, "Word spread, my lord."
I frowned. "Word of what?"
"You mentioned that the champion would earn a position among the 'Four Heavenly Kings' of Eterna…"
"…Ah." My eyes narrowed. "Gobta."
Souei nodded once. "Yes. It seems he may have… exaggerated your words."
I exhaled deeply. "So that's why there were over three hundred sign-ups yesterday. Half the nation wants a title now."
The crowd cheered again as Souka raised her voice once more.
"HE IS THE WINNER OF ROUND FOUR—THE MIGHTY GOZER!!!"
Gozer, the leader of the Gozu tribe, stepped forward with a proud snort. His massive horns gleamed under the torchlight, his aura radiating strength.
"And his rival—MEZER, THE TITAN OF BEASTS!!!" Souka followed up, and the crowd erupted again.
Both Gozu and Mezu had evolved far beyond their former strength. Their aura alone could crush a lesser warrior's will to fight. The fact that both had made it to the finals was no coincidence.
"They've earned their place," I said quietly. "Though I suspect luck played its part."
"Perhaps," Souei agreed. "But their strength is real."
I smirked faintly. "I gave them their names for a reason. Gozer and Mezer—fine additions to the Labyrinth's guardians. I'll make one of them the boss of Floor 50… they can alternate shifts if they wish."
Souei gave a subtle nod. "Understood, my lord."
As the cheers continued to shake the Colosseum, I sat back in my throne-like seat, the weight of my crown glinting in the light.
Eterna's people screamed with excitement. The contestants stood tall. The atmosphere was electric—alive.