what if I'm an undead! then so what?-Chapter 41: solstice spring underground event (2) Elegant swordsman, Vampire versus witChapter

Chapter 41: solstice spring underground event (2) Elegant swordsman, Vampire versus witch.

"Let the second round of the Solstice Spring Underground Event... begin!"

Cheers erupted as lights illuminated the battlefield once again. The stands buzzed with excitement, gamblers already shouting over one another as they rushed to place bets. The hot topic this time? The blind swordsman. Rumors claimed he was human—an automatic red flag for most betters. Odds of him winning were staggeringly low, and nearly everyone wagered on the Wendigo. The payout wouldn’t be great, but a win was still a win.

Yet a few daring individuals chose otherwise. Rather than judge by race or appearance, they put their money on the human—at ten times the return. A gamble of the highest order.

The Wendigo let out a bone-rattling roar and lunged forward like a mad beast. It didn’t even give its opponent a moment to breathe, flailing its monstrous limbs in a berserk barrage. Its arms sliced through the air in wide arcs, aimed to crush and tear.

The blind swordsman, however, didn’t flinch.

He moved like flowing silk, weightless, dodging each attack with uncanny grace. His steps made no sound. He bent and turned with such precision it seemed almost preordained—like he could read the creature’s every thought. Not once did he even reach for his blade.

After two relentless minutes, the Wendigo’s movements slowed. Its rage-driven frenzy had burned too hot, too fast, and now fatigue set in. Its speed dulled. Its strength waned.

Whispers echoed through the audience.

"Is the swordsman... winning?"

Then came a deep exhale.

"To think I’d be facing a weakling like this... Here I was, hoping to sharpen my skills," the swordsman muttered, almost disappointed. His hand finally moved to his sheath. "Pathetic."

He drew his sword in a single breath.

"FIVE THOUSAND LIGHT-SPEED EDGES!"

Flashes of brilliant white light flooded the stage, blinding and beautiful. His hand barely moved, only vibrating slightly at his side—yet with every pulse, a flash erupted. The Wendigo screamed in agony. Its body was torn apart so quickly and thoroughly that even its rapid regeneration couldn’t keep up.

Three seconds.

That’s all it took.

In the span of a heartbeat, the Wendigo ceased to exist—reduced to a splatter of blood that steamed on the arena floor.

The crowd gasped in unison.

Some screamed. Some stood in silence. Only a few could even follow the attack. Five thousand precise strikes in three seconds... and the worst part? The swordsman was human.

How could they believe that?

"And we have... another shocking turn of events! Against all odds, the human has claimed victory!" the commentator roared, voice trembling with disbelief. "To think a human could possess such raw physical prowess—Mr. Swordsman, would you care to address the rumors?"

The microphone hovered toward the old man.

"My name is Shougo Kurogane," he declared proudly, swinging his sword to shake off the remaining blood. "I hail from the Kurogane Clan of Swordsmanship—also known as the Black Steel Clan! I am a human. I walk the path of the blade, seeking to inherit the legendary Black Steel Katana and reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship!"

He sheathed his blade with a snap and turned his back to the stage.

"For those unfortunate enough to face me... I hope you’re ready to taste cold steel."

The crowd exploded. Roars, screams, and frantic cheers filled the air, turning from tragic hero to fan favourite with only a cool speech.

"There you have it, folks! The rumors have been confirmed! A human swordsman walks the path of enlightenment! Let’s see how far this Black Steel warrior can go in the tournament!" The commentator waved his hand, summoning a black orb. It hovered over the pool of blood, absorbing every last drop before vanishing and restoring the battlefield to pristine condition.

"Now then! On to the third round!" the commentator shouted. "Brace yourselves! It’s a witch this time around and she’s from the mysterious Emberstorm Pact,also known as the witches of Fire, Lightning anf Cataclysm"

The right gate creaked open. A girl in a flowing black robe and pointed witch’s hat hovered in mid-air on a classic wooden broom. She didn’t walk—she floated, exuding grace and mystery. She stood on top the broom with a cool posture showcasing her mastery over the broom. The crowd cheered wildly.

"Isn’t that your faction?" Akane asked, nudging Hinata.

Hinata groaned, palm to her forehead. "Why the hell is she here...?"

She glared at the pink-haired girl drifting calmly to the center of the arena, her elegance only amplified by her quiet confidence.

"And her opponent!" the commentator continued. "A vampire—linked to the esteemed Mikazuki Noble Family! Not part of the main branch, but even his bloodline connection could be a game-changer!"

From the left gate emerged a boy with ash-grey hair and piercing crimson eyes. He wore a sleek, black combat suit adorned with red markings. As he stepped forward, a wave of screams erupted—mostly from the female audience members.

"Seems like this round’s not just about power, folks," the commentator chuckled. "On one side, the enchanting witch. On the other, a vampire pretty enough to outshine world-class models! This might turn into a battle of charisma!"

"Let the third round begin!"

The commentator’s platform lifted, giving the two fighters space.

"Just because you’re cute doesn’t mean I’ll hold back!" the witch declared, fire already crackling at her fingertips. The heat spiked. Air warped around her.

Masaru grinned. "Now that’s more like it. To be honest you look like a witch I know, however I won’t hold back!"

He disappeared.

"Fire, Ba—"

"Too slow!"

Masaru reappeared behind her, leg extended in a sweeping kick. But the broom moved on its own, expertly dodging.

He launched again from the ground, this time with a punch—but she darted sideways mid-air, redirecting a flaming projectile toward him. It struck and sent him crashing into the ground.

The blast didn’t explode. The damage? Minimal.

"Compared to Hinata’s flames, that’s child’s play," Masaru smirked. If her broom was her main advantage, all he needed to do was seize it. Victory would follow.

The witch began conjuring again. Ripples of blue lightning crackled between her hands. Drawing her fingers back like a bowstring, she released a glowing arrow toward him.

Masaru didn’t flinch. He raised his hand, taking the full blow. A tingle, a sting—but he remained unshaken.

"Emberstorm’s getting soft, I don’t think an average witche’s magic should be that weak" Akane teased.

Hinata frowned. "Don’t be so quick to judge. She’s the daughter of our Witch Queen. Her true power is sealed, even from herself. She’s far stronger than she knows. Her true power may be far greater than my own. I’ll explain later—I don’t want to miss this." Hinata said hurridely as her eyes fixated in the battle, although she already knew who the winner would eventually be but still watching the fight itself was its own magic.

Masaru, grinning, called out. "Hey witch! Your flames are weaker than a kitchen stove, and your lightning’s a joke!"

He hadn’t expected her reaction.

Her aura flared violently, surging like a typhoon. "You dare mock my magic?! I’ve poured my heart and soul into growing stronger! I won’t forgive you!"

The sky blackened. Fireballs and lightning bolts rained down in a relentless storm. The arena was obliterated in moments, reduced to scorched ruins and a thick smokescreen.

Quantity over quality. And it worked—barely.

As the smoke cleared, Masaru emerged, charred but standing.

"You’ve had your fun," he said calmly. "Train for a thousand more years. Maybe then you’ll be a match for me."

He grinned to himself. "Man, I’ve always wanted to say cool lines like that. Hope I didn’t sound like a total fool..."

He vanished again. Reappearing behind her, his hands glowed with crimson energy. He attempted a kick towards her and as usual She tried to dodge—but crimson chains of blood erupted from his hands, latching onto her ankles.

"Get over here!" he shouted, pulling her toward him before landing a devastating punch to the face.

She crumpled. Unconscious.

"Show some restraints, fool!"

Hinata sighed with relief. "At least it was Masaru... anyone else might have done worse."

"And there you have it!" the commentator bellowed. "The winner of Round Three is none other than the vampire from the Mikazuki Family!"

The crowd erupted once more—mostly fangirls, their voices echoing through the arena like thunder.

"Now Mr vampire, any comment?" The commentator asked giving thee microphone to Masaru who honestly didn’t have anything to say but didn’t want to be the only one who won and remained silent.

"My name is Masaru Ryunosuke, I’m also part of the Mikazuki family, I hope to face stronger opponents and also get a chance to push myself to the limit, with the support of you all I’ll be sure to seize victory! However I’m not sure if that might happen, there’s no denying that there are other strong people in the tournament, like I said however with your support, I might just make it" Masaru said as he walked away earning him another cheer accompanied by a round of applause.