The being that was thought to be a third-rate villain tormenting the protagonist turned out to be the final boss, sending shivers through everyone.
And in terms of popularity, Na-me was not to be outdone by Emika.
A cute face paired with lackluster power.
A girl who came to this world at a single-digit age, shattering every record known to mankind.
Na-me certainly had a reputation, as she made headlines on all sorts of topics.
Those who insulted Na-me, riding the wave of the atmosphere back then, found themselves mocked by the very crowds they belonged to.
– Sigh Tsk tsk, it’s obvious you’d be a coward. Seeing you giving advice to the strongest in the world from your room, I can guess your life.
└ LMAO Props for the capture, dude.
└ This is why neutrality is important.
└ Turns out it’s NoName, LOL!
-(Edited) Honestly, the reason I feel this person is clueless about magic is that these impractical tricks wouldn’t work at a global level. And wizard duels unfold through predictions and psychological battles based on the situation, so the idea of responding just doesn’t make sense at all. (Sorry, I guess I was the clueless one. How is that working?)
└ It worked against Ban So-wool, though?
└ It’s hard to say it lacks practicality when Na-me wiped the floor in the competition…
└ I mean, Ban So-wool was also utterly overpowered, so why wouldn’t it work against 16-year-olds, LOL?
└ NoName is the ignorant one, huh? LOL!
└ NoName is a legend. Isn’t she going to be voted as the representative next year?
└ This kid belongs to another class, so we shouldn’t evaluate by our standards.
[Overseas Magic Gallery]
[Oh, it’s my sister~][293]
(NoName Academy Competition Last Standing Color Reversal.jpg)
“No matter what you say, I’ve always knocked them all down and proven it.”
[1,304 Likes] [14 Dislikes]
[Comments]
– Why’d you make her look like a psychopathic killer? LMAO!
└ I couldn’t help but upvote that.
└ After math, now she’s proven herself in swordsmanship, the true professor of this era.
– NoName, my sister!!!
└ 8-year-olds, come on in~
└ These days, even 8-year-olds are in the Seahorse Gallery.
– If you were to anthropomorphize the saying ‘to be noticed in a crowd,’ that would be NoName. But the problem is, she’s not a needle but a 30m giant coal drill, impossible to hide even in a pocket.
└ What kind of method would you use to hide a giant coal drill? LOL!
– Wasn’t Aura Swordsmanship deemed extinct for its impracticality? Does it only look good to me?
└ Even if it’s not used in usual times, it seems perfect for turning the situation around.
└ The era of Aura revival!
– But if NoName can use it, does that mean Katsuhata can too?
└ Now swords will appear infinitely, LOL!
└ The opponent would be confused whether they’d use magic with their left hand or stab with the sword, making it complicated.
└ Japan might genuinely win.
Na-me’s uploaded video spread like wildfire.
Who are the ones with the biggest fire under their feet right now?
Those who might meet with Emika in the Round of 64 and 32.
The National Exchange Tournament’s bracket was announced about a month prior, causing coaches and trainers who had prepared tailored strategies to scratch their heads.
“Heaven…! Why do you give us such trials?!”
Even if Aura’s power is clearly weaker compared to magic, the reason its lineage continues.
The reason Japanese people insist on analog and Aura alone.
Although Aura can interfere with mana, mana cannot interfere with Aura without using a barrier.
In other words, Katsuhata Emika can be summarized as having an indestructible sword.
While the public debated the emergence of new tidbits, other participants felt the unfairness of talent and despaired.
Gamblers predicted Katsuhata Emika’s winning chances a bit higher using the information given, while foreign media captured the intriguing events in their articles.
While dynamic events unfolded in the online world, preparations for the tournament progressed steadily.
In Group D of the Round of 64, a total of eight matches would be held today in Fukuoka.
People lined up to enter the dome stadium, which could accommodate 40,000.
To dodge the scorching July sun, the roof slowly closed, and massive lights brightened the indoors.
In the booth equipped with state-of-the-art viewing facilities, commentators and casters from various countries were conducting microphone tests.
Meanwhile, the official broadcast of the National Exchange Tournament was airing the Fan Festival happening outside the dome stadium.
Fans cheering for Emika all sported white ribbons symbolizing the Katsuhata Sect and participated in interviews.
“We all booked our finals tickets! This year, Japan will definitely win!”
Having received word that there would be about a 20-minute delay due to technical issues, the interviewer started to look for other interview subjects.
And soon, a meeting that couldn’t be called coincidental took place.
Suddenly, the crowd erupted with a WOOOSH as they surged to one side.
Wondering if a national singer had arrived, I flew a camera drone high to check.
“Ah, that kid is…! Follow me immediately!”
After squeezing through the dense crowd, I found a blind woman holding a staff and a small girl.
*
Katsuhata Emika’s match was sixth.
With each match lasting between 20 to 30 minutes, including waiting times, it would be three hours before I could watch.
There was nothing to do, so we casually took a look around outside.
I thought it was fortunate that not many people in Japan recognized me like in Korea, but then, fellow Koreans erupted with cheers, drawing attention.
“WAAAH! NoName, you were actually in Japan! And beside you is Ban So-wool, right?”
“Ah yes, nice to meet you.”
“I was hoping to meet you since I heard you were coming to watch the match today. I really enjoyed the video you posted on V-tube! It was so cool!”
The man yelled at me with excitement, striking a martial pose.
In an instant, people rushed over, and the sound of cameras clicking was relentless.
Just as I was about to politely greet and leave, a large broadcast camera blocked our way.
“Hello! We are from the official broadcasting station NHK for the National Exchange Tournament. Would you be open to a short interview?”
A Japanese man with shaggy hair asked.
I glanced at the holographic screen being broadcast.
“Is it live?”
“Yes! We’re currently live streaming!”
“A little bit is fine.”
“Thank you so much, NoName!”
Amidst numerous Japanese comments, there were a few Korean ones scattered throughout.
– Finally caught you, you rascal!
– You’re so cute today, hehe.
– The youngest Aura Master’s intuition is impressive; this one seems rare.
“Eto, many viewers are recognizing you and cheering enthusiastically. For those who don’t know you, could you introduce yourself briefly?”
I answered directly in Japanese without using a translator.
“Ah yes, of course. Hello, I’m NoName. I’m 9 years old and I’m in 3rd grade at the academy. I believe that in Japan, I’m more well-known as the originator of the unique magic called ‘Adela.’ I just came today to support Katsuhata.”
“WOW, your Japanese is amazing! That’s surprising!”
– Is that a lie???
– 9 years old and created unique magic?
– How could anyone still not know this? ROFL
– Na-me speaks Japanese so well!
– I had no idea the original of the Adela challenge would be here…
– Did Japan finally import NoName-chan?
“If you had to predict this year’s winner, what would you say?”
“Well, I haven’t seen the skill level of the other participants, so I can’t say for sure, but for now, I think it’s Katsuhata Emika.”
The staff clapped.
They seemed quite satisfied with my lip service.
Several more questions came up, most revolving around the Fan Festival.
“I heard just yesterday that you left advice for Katsuhata on V-tube, which became a hot topic?”
“At that time, I was just thinking, ‘What if she did it this way over there?’ Like how you all say, ‘It’s time to attack!’ while watching the match! It’s not really like I intended to coach her or anything, I meant it more as a thought.”
“But the explanation video hit 3 million views in just a day and is immensely popular. What are your thoughts about this?”
“That’s a bit embarrassing. I appeared with a slightly messy hairstyle.”
I will never underestimate a Retriever’s stamina again.
“Now, one viewer is asking in the comments if you have a personal friendship with Katsuhata.”
“Well, we’ve collaborated last year, and I think we got pretty close during this year’s training camp. She’s a good older sister.”
“You trained together at the camp?”
“Yes. I can’t disclose any details; it’s a secret, just this much.”
– Katsuhata camp?
– What on earth happened in Korea…?
– I actively welcome the Na-me and Emika collaboration.
– Protect Na-me! She belongs to Korea!
– Don’t lay a hand on our national treasure number one.
– Katsuhata clearly received help from Na-me. Was that external manifestation?
– Conversely, Katsuhata certainly taught Na-me swordsmanship. Mutual aid!
With so many internet detectives, some of their guesses were indeed correct.
I gradually signaled that I wanted to wrap up the interview.
Then the producer nudged me and asked for one last question.
“Just one more!”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“NoName, you’re also a promising wizard in Korea, right? What aspects of your role model, Katsuhata, do you wish to emulate? In swordsmanship, aura, perseverance, and such?”
I narrowed one eye slightly.
This was such an overtly leading question, wasn’t it?
Would I want to highlight Emika as my role model?
While wanting to say good things to the Japanese, I also didn’t want to appear overly self-important.
I felt like they were setting the stage for an article glowing with national pride by having me praise Emika.
They’re just trying to use the same tactics as Korea, despite being our neighboring country.
I snatched the microphone and said.
“Katsuhata isn’t my role model.”
“Ah, is that so? I apologize. Then what would you like to emulate about her?”
“Why should there be a need?”
“That’s not the case, but still, since Katsuhata is a senior, she excels in many ways…”
“You’re mistaken on one thing. I don’t take weaker people as my role models.”
“Ah, okay…? Yes?”
The interviewer’s eyes bulged like a fish’s.
Was this too strong a statement for Japanese sentiment?
“Everyone participating in the National Exchange Tournament, including Katsuhata, feels the same. Honestly, I think all 64 national representatives are below my level. Until this year, I should be grateful that I’m seated in the audience.”
Given that the National Exchange Tournament only offers one chance, there will be numerous dropouts starting today.
After coming all the way to Japan, wouldn’t it feel a bit empty to leave empty-handed?
“Do you mean to say you’ll be participating in next year’s France National Exchange Tournament?”
“What does next year mean? Anyone who wants to go up against me is welcome to come anytime.”
I tossed out bait with the intention of catching just one person.
