Hell Mode: Volume 9, page 23
Finally, there will be a tournament gathering the representatives of each division. The champion of this tournament will face the champion from the previous year, the Beast King. Should the former be victorious, they will become the new Beast King.
The Beast King who is victorious as per Point 9 will be the one to receive the rewards outlined in Point 4.
If Giru won the upcoming tournament, Albahal would be forced to cede their land the following year.
“Our backs are against the wall,” Muza said. “It’s up to you now, Beku. If you are scared, I will have no choice but to personally join the tournament.”
“What?! Your Majesty, you mustn’t!” Lupu hastily cried.
Were the current Beast King of Albahal to enter, comparisons to Brysen would inevitably be drawn, which would make Albahal look spineless. Muza was well aware of this, so he had chosen his words carefully to encourage Beku to enter. The Beast Crown Prince understood this as he met his father’s frosty gaze.
“No, that won’t be necessary,” Beku said firmly. “Your Majesty, please enjoy the show from your throne. This is my fight, which I started when I entered last year.”
“Oh? Your fight, you say?” Muza asked. “And what makes you so sure you won’t lose a second time?”
“Because that loss made me into the stronger man you see here today. I am no longer the person I was last year. This ark spider is proof of my growth.”
Muza let out a deep sigh. “Well said, Beku. I leave it to you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
The nobles seemed relieved by Beku’s powerful response, but anxiety still loomed in their hearts. The Rank S magic stone was proof that Beku had indeed grown stronger, but they recalled just how one-sided the battle had been last year.
“Then shall we end it for today?” Muza asked, his voice booming throughout the room and cutting through the awkward silence.
“No, Your Majesty,” Lupu said. “There is actually one more issue to tend to. It involves His Highness, the Beast Crown Prince.”
“And what would that be?”
“Last month, His Highness suggested increasing the head tax on those with Talents. Each minister has considered the idea and submitted their thoughts on the matter.”
The nobles turned stern, and with good reason. Beku had spent ten months drafting a proposal, which went as such:
Beku’s Proposed Increase in Head Tax for Talented Individuals
Once a Talented person reaches adulthood (15 years of age), they must pay increased taxes.
Beast Pugilists will pay double the normal tax.
Beast Fist Masters will pay triple the normal tax.
Beast Fist Lords will pay quadruple the normal tax.
Beast Fist Kings will pay quintuple the normal tax.
“Chancellor Lupu, what opinions were there about my draft?” Beku inquired.
“While there have been many differing opinions, Your Highness, they have all agreed on one point,” Lupu replied. “By submitting a law that seemingly punishes Talented individuals, it will only encourage them to leave our kingdom.”
“What are you saying? Do you not understand that this tax aims to have precisely the opposite effect? Without money, they cannot leave our kingdom.”
The fur on Lupu’s face bristled with fear and confusion. “Y-You would be controlling those with Talents!”
“‘Controlling,’ you say? Those who can mutter such words have never even begun to imagine how controlled and suppressed the Talentless feel.”
The nobles began to chatter in confusion.
“‘C-Controlled’?”
“What in the world is the Beast Crown Prince on about?”
Beku cast them a sharp glare, silencing them all immediately. “This will be the perfect opportunity. Why don’t I tell everyone here what I saw and heard with my own eyes and ears? After I graduated from the Academy, I toured Albahal as an adventurer. Wherever I went, people were shivering in fear, terrified of monsters. Why do you think that is? Because none of them had Talents. Simply because they were born Talentless, they became a part of the weak, and they shuddered in fear both day and night! That is all they know of life!”
Ninety percent of newborn beastkin in the Garlesian Continent were Talentless. Many of them were never able to leave their hometowns. Beku had spent his days in the royal capital, entered the Academy, and accrued vast knowledge about the world without ever having known that such people existed.
But after leaving the Academy and becoming an adventurer, he had been hailed a hero simply for killing a mere Rank C monster that had been terrorizing nearby villages. At first, he could not figure out the reason behind this phenomenon, but he eventually reached a conclusion: The Talented had a duty to protect the Talentless; they were capable of such a feat. In other words, if those without Talents were suffering, it meant that those with them were not fulfilling their duties.
Following that, whenever Beku had been thanked for defeating monsters, he had wondered if the people would have been freed from their suffering sooner if there were another adventurer like him. If there had been another person who had also faced those risks, he would not have been the only one being showered with praise.
Upon his return to the castle, he had realized that there were indolent Talented people crawling about. Then, after having received his title of “Beast Crown Prince,” Beku had first wanted to take away the extravagant wealth that allowed the Talented to indulge in their lazy lifestyles. He had felt that it was high time for them to fulfill their duties.
Beku passionately yet quietly conveyed his thoughts to everyone in the room, earning him a sigh from the Beast King.
“I understand where you’re coming from, Beku,” Muza said. “However, you’re also one who should fulfill this duty you speak of. Surely, that is not lost on you.”
“Of course not,” Beku replied. “The royal blood of Albahal flows through our veins; thus, we must fulfill the most important duties of all. Hence, Beast God Garm has bestowed upon me the Talent of Beast Fist King. Please give me the chance to prove that I’m not merely spouting pretty words.”
“You heard him, Lupu.” Muza turned to his chancellor. “What say you?”
“Your Majesty,” Lupu replied anxiously as he glanced at the ministers and nobles throughout the room. “With all due respect, the ministers of home affairs, foreign affairs, and justice are all against His Highness’s draft.”
“I’m the one who made Beku the Beast Crown Prince,” Muza replied. “After journeying around our kingdom, this is the conclusion he reached. I advise that you discuss this carefully.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
With that, Beku would officially enter the Beast King Martial Arts Tournament, and preparations got underway.
＊ ＊ ＊
The Beast King Martial Arts Tournament kicked off, and Beku decided to ignore both the previous year’s results and the fact that he was the crown prince. He chose instead to take part in the preliminaries. However, no one could hold a candle to the man who had defeated a Rank S monster by himself. Beku swiftly won his matches and made it to the finals of the knuckles division.
The night before the final match, Zeu and Shia visited their brother’s room. The two younger siblings had tried to visit Beku many times before but had been turned away at the door by Captain Kei.
“Princess Shia, Prince Zeu, as I said yesterday, His Highness Beku is currently trying to focus his mind for the next match,” Kei said. “He isn’t able to meet anyone today.”
“But he’s going to fight Giru tomorrow, isn’t he?” Shia asked. “I want him to take this as a good luck charm.”
She took out a Beast God’s Guardian Cord, a magic tool from Garm that allowed its wearer to survive an otherwise fatal blow. Beku had only managed to walk away from his grisly match against Giru the year prior thanks to the item. But unlike back then, Kei did not readily accept the gift from the Albahalan princess.
“Princess Shia, it pains me to reject your offer once more, but...” Kei started.
“Please, Kei. I beg of you as well,” Zeu insisted. “Shia isn’t the only one worried about what may happen to our beloved brother. I am as well. Couldn’t you at least give this cord to him? I’m sure he’ll understand just how worried we are for him.”
The captain had no choice but to give in. He reluctantly took the cord from the pair and said, “I shall tell Prince Beku about how worried you two are.”
“We’re counting on you.”
Kei watched the siblings leave before stepping into Beku’s room. The crown prince was alone with Romu, who was rubbing ointment that eased exhaustion onto the royal’s back.
“Whatever is the matter, Kei?” Beku, who was lying face down, asked.
The captain hesitated and fiddled with the cord in his hand.
“Did Shia give you something?” the crown prince inquired.
“The Beast God’s Guardian Cord, Your Highness,” Kei replied. “She wanted you to have it.”
“The trash can’s over there.”
The captain could not believe his ears. Anyone born in Albahal knew the effects of the Beast God’s Guardian Cord. While it was understandable that Beku did not want to wear it, throwing it away was a shocking decision.
Before Kei could speak, Beku, still facing down, opened his mouth once more. “There are limits to the magic tools we can bring in. I have no room for defensive items.”
“O-Of course,” Kei replied with a bow. “Strengthening your defense will not help you attain victory against Giru.”
He placed Shia’s cord inside a drawer and gazed at Beku’s gear, which had been placed on his bedside table. Beside the battered adamantite knuckles and armor was a necklace that boosted Agility. The Beast King Martial Arts Tournament allowed participants to use magic tools, but they were limited to two rings and one necklace. Participants could choose to equip more, but they would not see the effects of those items due to the rules cast by Isiris.
Beku had told Kei that Agility and speed were essential to beating the powerful Giru. If he were to equip the Beast God’s Guardian Cord instead, Beku could be protected in a fight, but he would sacrifice his Agility. He would be no match for Giru then.
“All right. I suspect you’ll be able to use your full power tomorrow as well!” Romu said.
“Good,” Beku replied as he sat up on his bed.
The goatkin thrust his hand into his pocket and took out an item. “And I would like to give you this pill. Please take it.”
Both Kei and Beku glared at the goatkin.
“Romu, do you understand what you’re saying?” the crown prince growled. “Healing items are not—”
“I am aware,” Romu interjected. “This pill will not be found by the Analyzer’s spells. And while its effects won’t last very long, there will be no traces of it having been used either. It can bring out the full potential that’s slumbering with you, Your Highness.”
He seemed elated to explain how the pill worked, ignoring the looks he received from Beku and Kei.
“Romu. I will overcome my father and guide Albahal to greater heights. I cannot accept such unfair tactics and cheats to win.” The crown prince’s voice was filled with quiet rage.
“But there are no guarantees that Giru will retreat this time,” Romu countered.
“Even so, using the drug in such a crucial tournament will cause me to lose something far more important than my life. Something I must protect.”
“Is it more valuable than your citizens, who will either be chased from their homes or be scorned if they stay when Giru seizes the land? Does this important something you speak of outweigh the tears they will shed?”
“What?!”
“Hold your tongue, Romu!” Kei shouted, hastily jumping in to protect his confused master. “Do you realize who you’re speaking to so insolently?!”
The goatkin gasped in surprise and immediately kowtowed. “I-I’m terribly sorry.”
As the elderly pharmacist visibly shrank and trembled in fear, Beku spat, “I see that you’re merely worried about both me and this kingdom. I shall excuse your words this time around, but never speak like that again. Is that clear?”
“Your wish is my command, Prince Beku!”
Neither Beku nor Kei could see the expression on Romu’s face.
＊ ＊ ＊
The next day, Beku could hear the crowd shouting from the waiting room in the depths of the Albahal Central Arena. He had never heard such deafening clamor. The stone building trembled at the cheers and stomping of the audience.
“I wish you the best of luck!” Kei shouted at the top of his lungs, hoping that his thoughtful prayers would reach the Beast Crown Prince over the crowd.
“Heh,” Beku smirked. “If I’m making you wear such an expression, no doubt I’m still the cause of your worries.”
“N-Not at all! I trust that you can defeat Giru and avenge last year’s blunder!”
“Prince Beku, you have the blessing of Beast God Garm on your side. I believe that you will win,” Romu said. In contrast to the energetic captain, his voice was feeble, frail, and small. Yet despite him having been whispering, his words reached Beku’s and Kei’s ears clearly.
“Indeed. Kei, Romu, I shall be off.”
With that, the crown prince left the waiting room. He walked through the dimly lit hallway and entered the arena, the sun’s rays beating down on him.
“Don’t blink! Prince Beku has emerged—no, he’s returned to the arena!” a rabbitkin reported, using an amplification magic tool to project their voice throughout the area. “We’ve all been eagerly awaiting you!”
Thunderous cheers practically drowned out the voice as the building quaked.
“Prince Bekuuu!”
“Please bring home the victory this year!”
Beku paid no heed to the audience as he slowly stepped onto the sands of the arena. His eyes were focused on the shadow emerging from the opposite end of the ring, glaring at the figure he had faced a year prior.
The Beast Crown Prince had not held back even in the preliminaries. He had used his full power to tear through each of his opponents and was confident in the display of overwhelming might he had put on. However, the same could be said of his opponent. Giru had shown crushing strength against his opponents and won his way to the top. Thus far, he was unmatched.
The two men faced each other in the middle of the arena.
“Don’t think that you can become Beast King this year, Giru,” Beku said.
Giru smirked, just as he had done the year before. “Hmph. What’s wrong? You seem to be more serious now. Have you gotten a little stronger?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Analyzers approached them to use their Analysis Magic and quickly examine their bodies.
“No Support Magic detected.”
“No usage of healing items detected.”
“No healing items found.”
Once they had finished their investigation and reported their findings, the judge raised an arm in the air. A leopardkin on standby at the edge of the arena, their burly body rippling with muscles, raised a massive mallet high in the air and swung down with all their might.
GOOONG!
“Begin!” the judge roared.
Beku used his skill the moment the fight began. “Beast Mode! Graaar!”
Giru smiled fearlessly as the Albahalan royal transformed. “Starting off strong, are we? Then I’ll do the same. Beast Mode! Raaaaah!”
As a howl escaped his throat, Giru grew larger as well. Beku moved at an astonishing speed, putting his yearlong training behind his fists.
“Both fighters immediately activated Beast Mode!” the rabbitkin reported, unable to keep up with their speed.
“Super Heavy Blow!” Beku and Giru shouted in unison.
Their fists collided, sending a massive shock wave through the arena. The two then leaped away from each other. When all was said and done, Beku’s face twisted with pain, while the beastly, transformed Giru looked as calm and composed as ever.
“What?” Giru asked. “Did you think you were the only one who underwent rigorous training? Ha!”
“Graaaaar!” Beku roared furiously as he charged once more.
Giru stood unmoving and allowed Beku to punch and kick him before launching a barrage of his own. Beku jumped away and dodged the attacks, trying to flank his opponent and find an opening, but Giru froze in place and took up a stance, covering any blind spots. It left Beku with no choice but to launch meaningless attacks. The two crossed fists, and their legs sliced through the air as loud rumbles reverberated throughout the arena.
“Is this the power of royal families?!” the rabbitkin announcer shouted.
Just then, Giru leaned to the left, dodging Beku’s high kick. The Brysen royal crouched low and launched a feint at the right side of Beku’s stomach before burying the toes of his left foot into the left side of Beku’s stomach.
“Gah?!” the Albahalan royal gasped.
He tried to jump back to regain his posture, but Giru followed him like a shadow. The wolfkin once again feinted, pretending to punch at Beku’s face before twisting his lower body and landing a left knee into Beku’s side.
“Ugh!” Beku grunted.
The impact was so intense that he crumpled to the ground, but just as he managed to stand back up, Giru’s shadow fell over him. The Brysen wolfkin landed a front kick to Beku’s chest, forcing him onto the sand once more. This continued for about an hour, and when Giru finally turned his back on Beku to casually stroll away, the Albahalan royal, whose Beast Mode transformation had come undone, lay pitifully on the sand.
“Th-That’s the match!” the judge cried, his voice quivering. “Giru is the winner!”
Giru proceeded to walk toward the exit of the arena, but he froze when he heard voices echoing from deep within the hallway that led to the waiting room.
“Brother! H-Hurry! We must cast Healing Magic on him!” Zeu and Shia cried. They swiftly ushered some healers over when they noticed Giru standing there. Shia, who was standing at the front, glared at the wolfkin, tears filling her trembling eyes.
