The next morning, when Ichinaro woke up, he was still troubled by what had happened the night before. However, that did not affect his routine. He did the same usual exercises, then went to wash, and after getting dressed, he left the inn.
Arthos didn't speak to him. He knew Ichinaro was still unsettled by what had happened yesterday, and he understood that trying to comfort him might only make things worse. Even during training, Ichinaro seemed unfocused; his eyes lacked concentration.
Ichinaro went on a walk around the city, exploring different areas. But today, he wasn't as energetic or excited. He wandered aimlessly, as if empty, searching for anything that could make him happy—anything or anyone who could tell him he was right, that what he had done was the right thing. Even Arthos's words weren't enough; something inside him was still searching for someone to encourage him… someone to support him.
His eyes were dull, and his steps felt heavy.
When Arthos noticed that, he tried to comfort him: "H-hey… let's go get some meat. You like it, right? Or maybe we can go to a park or somewhere nice… come on."
His voice was hesitant, trying to lighten the mood.
Ichinaro looked at him with a faint smile and said: "It's okay… I'll be fine soon."
He continued walking through the city, trying different things—from food to new sights. After finishing his walk, he went to the center of the city, where the statue stood. He stared at it for a long time, almost losing himself in thought.
Until Arthos spoke: "Look over there, at the wall next to the statue."
There was a poster about a combat tournament. It stated that the competition was meant to test martial arts and techniques. It would consist of two rounds:
The first round was a one-on-one fight, where weapons were allowed. The match would end if one opponent surrendered or lost consciousness… and killing was permitted.
The second round was a team battle, where each two qualified participants would be paired together. The challenge would be to find a key. Whoever finds the key first and reaches the door in the center of the city and opens it wins. Inside the door are the rewards: two prizes—ten thousand gold coins and an energy core. Any method could be used to win.
Arthos looked at Ichinaro and asked: "Are you going to join?"
Ichinaro raised his head. The sadness seemed to fade slightly from his face as he replied: "Of course."
Arthos responded: "But don't forget—killing is allowed. The people here aren't kind like you. You'll need to give it your all."
Ichinaro smiled and said: "Don't worry. I know that."
The poster also stated that anyone who wanted to register should go to the city center.
Ichinaro didn't know where exactly the city center was, so he started wandering around looking for someone to guide him. He found a middle-aged man sitting alone in a corner of the city.
Ichinaro asked Arthos: "Should we go ask that man?"
Arthos replied: "Why not?"
They approached him, and as soon as they did, the man opened his eyes and looked at them. Ichinaro became a bit nervous and said: "S-sorry for waking you up suddenly."
The man smiled and said: "Don't worry, I wasn't asleep."
Ichinaro replied: "That's good, then."
Then he got straight to the point: "Sir, I want to ask—where is the city center?"
The man said: "I'll tell you… but first, I want to show you something. Come with me."
Ichinaro asked: "Where are we going?"
The man replied: "Just follow me, and you'll see."
He led Ichinaro to his home, brought a chair, and said: "Sit here."
Ichinaro sat and waited. After a short while, the man returned holding a glass cup and a small hammer. He stepped closer and said: "Hold these."
Ichinaro took them, confused. Then the man said calmly: "Hit the glass with the hammer… but very lightly."
Ichinaro was puzzled and asked: "Why?"
The man replied: "Just do it."
Ichinaro didn't understand, but he did as told. Then the man said: "Do it again."
He struck it again… and again… and again…
With each light hit, the glass eventually shattered.
Ichinaro became flustered and said: "S-sorry about that…"
But the man didn't care and said: "That's how a person is. Like this glass… it takes in burdens one after another, pretending to be strong and enduring. But at some point… it will break. This world is harsh and unforgiving. You must be hard to break if you want to survive."
Then he looked at Ichinaro and said: "You seem burdened… it's clear on your face. You look like a kind boy. Don't let this world break you. Do what you believe is right… even if the results are bad. What matters is that you act believing it's right."
Those words pierced Ichinaro's heart. He felt like he needed to hear them… someone telling him he was right. The regret in his heart faded, and a smile appeared on his face.
He said: "Thank you… I'll do that."
The man smiled: "That's good."
Then he told him where the city center was.
Ichinaro left with a smile, heading toward it. As he ran, Arthos felt relieved seeing him return to his normal self.
When they arrived, Ichinaro entered the building. It was beautiful inside, as if covered in gold. Lights hung from the ceiling, glowing elegantly, and decorations filled the walls.
Ichinaro's eyes widened in amazement as he walked toward the reception, still looking around.
Suddenly, a gentle voice interrupted him: "Welcome, how can I help you?"
He turned, surprised, and saw a receptionist smiling warmly. He became slightly flustered and said: "U-um… I want to register for the combat tournament."
She took out some papers and said: "Fill in your information here."
Ichinaro took the pen and wrote his name and age, signed at the bottom, and noted that he was not from the city.
After finishing, she took the paper, looked at him, and said with a smile: "Alright, Mr. Ichinaro. The tournament starts next week. Head to the arena in the southern part of the city."
Ichinaro replied nervously: "O-okay… thank you very much."
Then he left.
After a short while, Arthos spoke in a teasing tone: "Your face turned red when you were talking to her… are you that weak in front of women?"
Ichinaro's face turned red as he shouted: "Shut up, you idiot! That didn't happen!"
Arthos kept laughing while Ichinaro shouted in embarrassment.
As he walked, distracted, he accidentally bumped into a girl, causing her to step aside slightly. He turned to her and said: "S-sorry… I didn't mean to."
She smiled and said: "It's okay, don't worry."
Then she continued on her way.
Ichinaro stood there for a moment, then continued walking until he returned to his room. He sat on the bed, finally relaxing.
Arthos said: "You can't rest. The tournament starts in a week. Work hard."
Ichinaro smiled and replied: "Yeah… I'll start serious training tomorrow. But for now… it's time to sleep."
He turned off the lights, lay down on his bed… and quickly fell asleep.