Jack of All Trades, Party of None

“Nice to meet you! I’m Nell Plant, and I’ll be serving as the host and commentator for this tournament. Now! The long-awaited Martial Arts Tournament [Advanced Explorers Division] is finally about to begin!!”

The voice of a woman echoed throughout the arena thanks to an amplifying magical tool, and the audience erupted in excitement, each shouting out in their own way.

It’s super noisy...

“They’re really fired up, huh.”

“Yeah. It seems this tournament is attracting more attention than the popular annual magic exhibition.”

As I muttered what I was thinking, Sophie added some explanation.

Right now, I was sitting in the spectator seats of the arena prepared for the silver rabbits of the night sky.

The matches in the Mountain Tournament with Will and Oliver had already started, and since my match would be the last, I planned to watch together with everyone here at first.

“The kind of fierce battle the public expects might not necessarily happen. In fact, the earlier martial arts tournament might even be more exciting.”

“Hm? Why? Because it’s a fight between top-class explorers, right? It should be amazing!”

Carol asked, puzzled by my comment.

“You’ll understand if you put yourself in their shoes. First, magic is forbidden this time, so no buffs are allowed. That means they’re significantly weaker than when fighting in the dungeon normally, right?”

“Y-yeah, that’s true.”

“Secondly, explorers usually fight demonic beasts. While there are humanoid demonic beasts, encounters with humans are almost nonexistent. Considering the martial arts tournament rules, who do you think has the advantage — an explorer used to fighting beasts, or a soldier trained for human combat?”

“That’d be the soldier.”

“Exactly. In fact, the winner of the earlier martial arts tournament was a soldier.”

“But all participants in this tournament are advanced explorers. So, according to your point, no one here is specialized for human combat; isn’t that level playing field?”

“That’s true, but then there’s no factor to make this tournament more exciting than the earlier one. If only buffs from the enchanters in the same party were allowed, we might have seen the kind of battles the public is hoping for.”

Well, from my perspective, it’s actually a favor since it effectively weakens the opponents.

“Orun-kun, the analysis is fine, but this is a festival, so I think you should just enjoy it.”

Ms. Rain, sitting in front of me, gently scolded.

“...You’re right. I guess I was overthinking it because I feel like I’m about to be put on display. Sorry for spoiling the mood.”

“No, that’s not what I meant. But since you and Will are carrying the clan’s reputation, I understand it’s hard to just enjoy it. I’m sorry too.”

“Now then, first, let’s have a greeting from Marquis Forgus, the lord of Tsutolairu, who planned this tournament! Marquis Forgus, please!”

At the host’s announcement, the previously noisy audience grew silent.

“This martial arts tournament gets more exciting every year, but I’m sure many have wondered: just how strong are these advanced explorers who support our country’s economy? I’m one of those curious. Every time I read about their exploits in the newspaper, I’ve imagined how they might fight. And now, finally, today we get to witness the battles of these advanced explorers! My gratitude goes to the sixteen explorers who declared their participation. There are rewards prepared for the winner, so I hope you all fight with all your might for victory. That is all.”

The crowd roared even louder after Marquis Forgus’s words.

“Thank you, Marquis Forgus. Now, let’s get started! The first match of the first round features the hero party’s leader and ace, ‘Hero’ Oliver Cardiff! His opponent is Bertram South from the A rank party ‘Crimson Blaze’!”

The two called by name appeared in the arena.

The crowd’s excitement surged even higher upon their arrival.

If things keep getting this hyped from the start, won’t everyone be exhausted by the time my match starts?