Demon Lord's Reincarnation

"Today we're going to change the rules a bit due to various circumstances. So this time the two semi-final matches will happen one after the other. After the morning match, ends the next match will be held after a two-hour lunch break. So without further ado let's see who gets to fight in the first match!" 

Henrietta spoke with as much gusto as she could muster. Despite the crowd being a bit lethargic Henrietta continued her job as the emcee with the same energy she started with. She then picked out two names randomly. 

"The morning match will be between Valdel and Lara!" After announcing the matchup Henrietta waited for the crowd to react, but after a few seconds, all she got was low volumed claps.

"I heard these two contestants are childhood friends and have been taught by the same master. Surely the upcoming match will be one for the ages!" 

The clapping got a bit more enthusiastic but it wasn't much of an improvement. When Henrietta heard the weak claps, she felt like trying to make the crowd excited was already beyond her ability. It was at that moment a person from the royal guard approached Henrietta. 

At first, she thought that it was going to be a report about Artifice, but as the royal guard whispered in her ear it turned out to be something different. Henrietta was shocked by what she heard.

"It would seem that two new rules will be added just for this one match. The ban on the use of weapons will be removed. But of course, since killing is out of the question, the only weapons that could be used are wooden ones. Even though they're just wooden weapons don't let your guard down since even wooden weapons can kill if you're not careful enough. Not only that the use of internal spells like strengthening spells are also allowed for this one match." 

When the crowd heard the new rules, they were at first stunned, and then after a few seconds, they started to cheer wildly. The lost excitement they had finally returned. When Henrietta saw this she praised the foolish king's decision. 

"So what do you think of the new rules, Afeus?" 

Henrietta looked at the person sitting right next to her, unlike the previous bouts Layfon wasn't with them, instead, it was Afeus who sat beside her. When Afeus heard the question he was caught unprepared. 

"Um... I..."

"Don't be too nervous, just say whatever you're thinking." 

"Um, ok... I think the new rules that allow the use of weapons and internal spells, will make things a bit more difficult for those that are pure mage types, but this matchup is different. Seeing as both contestants are more of the physical variety. Valdel is a magic swordsman who only knows how to use minor spells. Even though those minor spells are quite devastating due to his ability to change the formula, but it's obvious that isn't his specialty. So if you allow him to wield a sword in this match we will be able to see his full abilities. That is, of course, if his opponent is able to bring out his full capabilities." 

Afeus then stopped talking for a second, as he felt a slight chill. He noticed that Lara was looking at him with those emotionless eyes of hers. Afeus remembered the meeting they had a previous night where she asked the same question as Valdel, about the guy named Ren. When he answered her question he got a different reaction than the time with Valdel. Unlike Valdel who was civil about it, when she heard his answer she punched the ground cracking it. Afeus coughed dryly before continuing his analysis.

"Of course his opponent would surely be able to bring out everything Valdel has. Lara is an adventurer known for her bowmanship as well as her powerful fist techniques. These two aren't true mages as both of them are more used to weapon-based fights. So without the restrictions of the tournament, I expect that we will be able to witness an amazing spectacle." 

"Nicely said Afeus, so now let's call in our contestants to the stage. The powerful swordsman that can make even the simplest of spells into destructive crushing spells, the only male contestant left in the whole tournament the magic swordsman, Valdel!" 

When Valdel stepped foot onto the stage some of the women started to scream in shrill voices. Valdel with a wooden sword in his left hand waved his free arm at the audience. Seeing the handsome man waving at them more of the single ladies became even more heated up in cheering. 

"Now for the one to face the fearless swordsman, is the one who people consider as the favorite to win this whole tournament. The youngest S rank adventurer whose cold demeanor makes the men feel afraid and aroused at the same time! The one who has the moniker of Silent Death, Lara enters the stage!" 

Lara had a wooden bow in her left hand and on her right were three arrows without any arrowheads. 

"I thought we'll be facing each other in the finals." Valdel smiled awkwardly as he started a conversation with Lara. 

"Just remember what I said before and go all out. There's no need to hold back against me since even if you did I'm sure that victory will be mine." When Valdel heard Lara's taunting words his eyelids twitched a bit. 

"Oh, it's true that in our past bouts you have won more times than me. But that was when we were younger. Also if I remember correctly you're more proficient in sneaking around in the darkness. I have improved greatly over the years and your victory isn't' as certain as before." 

"All the improvement I see is in the way you talk." Lara placed the three arrows she had between her fingers. 

"Well, all the improvement I see from you is that you can speak more words now." Valdel took a fighting stance with his wooden sword. 

"Hmph, fine then enough talk, as people taught by Ren we will let our fists do the talking." Lara pulled on the bowstring with the three arrows between her fingers. 

"Oh, it seems our two contestants are fired up now! Let's get to it then, BATTLE START!"