1,000,000 Karma: My Reward Is a Quiet Life-Chapter 60: The Demi-Human

"AND FOR HIS OPPONENT, YOU KNOW HIM! A PREVIOUS PARTICIPANT OF THE CLASH OF STARS–LACIAN, THE AMBER TYRANT!"

A cheer that put his own to shame came from the crowd at the announcement of his enemy. From the tunnel on the opposing end, a man walked in with his hands in the air, relishing in the crowd’s excitement.

What was noticed immediately in Noah’s vision was the pair of fluffy, burgundy ears atop the tan-skinned man’s head. If that wasn’t enough, a bushy tail protruded from the contestant’s back.

’A dog-man? No, a fox-dude?’ Noah guessed.

From the stands, Astrid identified the nature of Noah’s opponent as she squinted, "A demi-human...He seems strong."

"Indeed," Rain confirmed. "Every single participant in this tournament is powerful in their own right. Still, I’m confident I bet on the right fighter."

"You would’ve bet against Noah if you thought Lacian was more formidable?" The orc asked curiously.

"Of course," Rain answered without missing a beat.

"That’s not...Nevermind," Astrid sighed.

The crowd only seemed to amplify in intensity as the competitors were now set, further ignited by the announcer’s words:

"ALRIGHT! THIS BOUT WILL GO ON UNTIL ONE FIGHTER CONCEDES, OR IS DEEMED UNABLE TO FIGHT! BEGIIIIIIN!"

Just like that, the air changed as the screams and chants of the spectators grew louder. All the same, it was quiet on the ears of the new contestant.

Noah kept his eyes on the fox-eared man, observing him completely for any tells. From what he could see, there wasn’t a weapon in sight; the tan demi-human wore a silver scarf around his shoulders with only a black vest beneath.

Around Lacian’s belt, not so much as a knife was visible.

’So, he’s a brawler type?’ Noah guessed.

There was approximately one hundred meters between them, larger than most stadiums, by his estimate. It was a fine amount of space to work with, though he didn’t let his guard down. It was fortunate he stayed wary, as the demi-human erupted across the battlefield.

All of that distance was closed within a moment as he was met with the toothy grin of the fox-man.

"Hope you’re ready for your welcome party, rookie!" Lacian announced.

Though the man was larger than him with a slightly bulkier frame, the stance taken was like a beast on all fours, swiping his hand upward. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

[Minor Shield]

Just in time, he manifested the barrier between himself and the sharp nails of the red-haired adventurer. Sparks flew from the collision, leaving the ethereal obstacle completely eviscerated as a result.

He expected the demi-human to slip back, though instead found the sly-footed fox-man pivoting around in a seamless motion. It was raw persistence and agility, having to spin himself around as his flank was targeted instantly–

CLANG

Using the handle of his axe, the claws were rejected again as they attempted to scar his face. Once more, sparks danced in the air as he met eye-to-eye with the bestial, amber irises of his opponent.

This time, they both slipped back into neutral stances, leaving the crowd thunderously in favor of the red-hot start.

"Not bad, not bad," Lacian said with a thrilled expression, waving his hand by his side. "You’ve got keen reflexes. Guess you’re not in this colosseum for no reason, after all."

"Thanks, I guess?" Noah responded.

As soon as he gave his returning words, the scarfed figure lunged towards him with bestial ferocity. Rather than accepting a battle of speed decided purely on reflexes, he slammed his boot against the ground–

[Quake Stomp]

The impact rippled through the stone, displacing the level of the ground in a ten meter radius. It completely rejected the approach of the demi-human, who was forced back.

"WH-WHAT TREMENDOUS STRENGTH! THE NEWCOMER NOAH IS NOT HERE TO PLAY AROUND!" The announcer casted.

With only a moment for one another to reengage, they clashed claw against blade once more. After confronting the fallen Saint of Blades, he found the movements of the demi-human fast, but nothing he couldn’t compete with.

’I know there’s healers on standby, but I don’t want to risk going too far. I’ve got to test how durable this guy is,’ he thought.

[Auto-Reflex]

While he considered the possibilities in his head, his body autonomously defended itself, intercepting each strike from his opponent. Not having to focus on blocking the attacks, he found a clear opening.

’Time to test that durability,’ he thought.

Deflecting the sharp claws, the moment the fox-eared fighter was forced back, he led with a kick straight to his opponent’s abdomen. He didn’t enhance his attack, though he didn’t hold back–

"Pwuh–!" Lacian spat out.

As if launched out of a cannon, the demi-human was thrown across the battlefield, only stopping when slamming into the ivory wall. The crowd was entirely left silent as if attempting to register what happened.

"WHAT...WHAT A KICK FROM THE ROOKIE! IS HE BLESSED BY HERCULES HIMSELF?! EVEN LACIAN MIGHT BE DONE AFTER THAT ONE–"

Ignited by the announcer’s words, the orange-haired demi-human suddenly jumped to his feet. As if trying to convince himself he wasn’t wounded, Lacian slapped his own chest with a prideful smile, "I was caught off-guard, that’s it...! That’s all it was! You’ve got some power though, I’ll give you that–hrgh!"

While attempting to save face, Lacian grabbed at his black-and-blue stomach, wincing audibly, even if he tried to hide it quickly.

In the stands, now erupted in cheers from the excited crowd, the party watched, hardly surprised at the showing from their friend.

"Having been hit firsthand by him, I understand the pain Lacian is experiencing right now on a personal level," Redrum added his stoic commentary, nodding to himself.

"Behemoth really doesn’t do him justice, does it?" Astrid noted, feeling a bit bad for Noah’s opponent.

All the while, Rain was lit up by passion, standing up and pumping her fist in the air while shouting towards the arena, "Get ’em, Noah! Win me that money! Give ’em hell! Left hook, right hook!"

While showing her totally-not-money fueled enthusiasm, the pale exorcist boxed the air without any shame.

From the exclusive section of the colosseum, influential merchants huffed and shouted in disdain, hurling insults at Lacian in fear of their own wagers. All the while, the platinum-haired lady laughed without restrain, flaunting her glee at the turn of events.

"My, oh my, it turns out this newcomer might be some fun, after all," Lady Freja watched with a glint in her sky-blue irises.