Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 626

"The boy's strength. I'll assess it for you."

"Haha, I'll leave it to you."

As Rafa and Johan stood on the martial stage, their gazes locked, the air grew tense. An indescribable pressure and tension began to swirl around them.

I don’t think Rafa will lose, but Johan was the one who said he wanted to "show his true strength." He must be quite confident in his own power.

Just how strong is Johan? Since there’s a chance we might face each other in the prelude to the Beast King Tournament, I need to carefully assess his abilities for the future.

"Alright, before we start, let's set some simple rules."

Vené, the rabbit tribe chief who had been asked to act as the referee, stepped onto the stage and stood between the two, initiating the discussion.

"The match will last ten minutes. Weapons are prohibited, but body enhancement and beast transformation are allowed—just don’t overdo it. The match ends if one is knocked out of the   stage or concedes defeat. If there’s no winner by the time limit, I’ll make the call. That sound good?"

"Understood."

"Got it."

"Fair enough."

Vené grinned and then turned to me. "Hey, Rid."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Use that pocket watch you showed us during the meeting to keep track of the time."

"Understood. Sure thing."

As I pulled out the pocket watch from my coat and opened the lid to check the time, Capella, who was standing nearby, spoke up. "Lord Rid, I’ll hold onto that for you."

"Huh? Why?"

Tilting my head in confusion, Capella glanced at Rafa and Johan on the stage.

"I believe it would be best if you focused on watching their match, Lord Rid."

"Ah, you’re right. Thank you. Then, I’ll leave it to you."

Handing over the pocket watch, Capella informed Vené on the stage, "I’ll keep track of the time."

Vené nodded and returned her gaze to Rafa and Johan.

"Alright, let’s get started. You two ready?"

"Anytime."

"Yeah, I’m ready."

As both nodded, Vené cleared her throat and looked around.

"Then, we shall now begin the match between Johan Bestia and Rafa Grandork. The rules are as I just explained. Using underhanded tactics would bring shame to the tribe. Fight with honor."

With a loud declaration, she raised her right hand and then brought it down, shouting, "Begin the match!"

"Rid, Citri. Burn my strength into your eyes."

Without another word, Johan leaped forward at an incredible speed. Closing the distance in an instant, he aimed a sharp claw strike at Rafa’s throat.

Rafa leaned back to dodge and, using the momentum, flipped backward, launching a sweeping kick.

Johan’s eyes widened as his attack was avoided and countered, but he quickly crossed his arms to block the kick. However, he couldn’t fully absorb the force and was sent flying to the edge of the stage.

"My, my. All bark and no bite, huh?"

Rafa taunted, and Johan responded with a grin, showing his white teeth.

"As expected of the fox tribe’s second strongest, right after Elba. Rafa Grandork, I’ll borrow that ample chest of yours."

"How cute. But don’t expect any milk from these, boy."

"Haha, that’s a shame."

After exchanging banter, Johan leaped again, closing the distance with Rafa. This time, however, he didn’t use any wide swings, and the two began an intense close-quarters exchange.

Johan relied on his agility, using quick claw strikes, while Rafa fluidly dodged and countered with kicks and punches.

Neither had transformed into their beast forms, but it was clear they were both using body enhancement.

As their techniques clashed on the stage, the shockwaves of their attacks reached us in the audience.

From what I’d seen of Johan’s movements in the fox tribe’s territory and the royal castle, I knew he was strong. But the speed and precision he was showing now exceeded my expectations.

This was the first time I’d seen someone my age with such incredible strength. It seems the title of "Beast King’s child" isn’t just for show.

"Wow, Johan’s really something, but Rafa’s amazing too."

"Yeah, this is quite the show. It’d be even better with some drinks."

As the monkey tribe chief, Jeti, muttered in admiration, the horse tribe chief, Asteka, made a drinking gesture and joked.

Then, as if struck by an idea, Asteka grinned and turned to us.

"Hey, Amon. And you, Rid."

"What is it?"

As we answered without taking our eyes off the stage, Asteka chuckled.

"How about we bet on who’ll win—Rafa or Johan? The loser has to agree to one of the winner’s terms in the upcoming negotiations."

"Ooh, that sounds fun. I’m in."

Jeti joined in enthusiastically, but Amon hesitated.

"Wait, but…"

"It’s fine."

I answered without turning, and Amon looked at me in surprise.

"Rid, are you sure? Making a bet like that…"

"Yeah. Rafa said she’d ‘show us something good,’ so she’s definitely going to win."

Rafa’s always been elusive, hard to read. But she made a bold declaration in front of Amon and the others. There’s no way her pride would allow her to lose.

"…! Right, I see."

Amon seemed to understand and nodded.

As we spoke, Asteka grinned and said, "It’s settled then."

"Alright, Jeti and I are betting on Johan. What about you, Sia?"

"It sounds fun, but since Vené’s the referee, it wouldn’t be fair for me, as her assistant, to join in. I’ll pass."

"Alright, suit yourself."

Asteka shrugged and turned his attention back to Johan and Rafa on the stage.

"Hey, Johan. You heard that, right? Jeti and I are betting on you. Don’t let us down."

"Johan, let’s get a reward from Rid together, okay?"

"Oh, I’m looking forward to it."

As Johan responded on stage, Tis and Citri exchanged surprised glances.

Then, they both took a deep breath.

"Lady Rafa, do your best! Don’t lose!"

"Lady Rafa, show them the strength of the fox tribe!"

Despite the cheers, Rafa didn’t respond. But I didn’t miss the way her eyes narrowed in amusement and her ears twitched slightly.

"Hey, Citri. Shouldn’t you be cheering for me, your fiancé?"

The moment Johan turned his attention toward us, Rafa’s kick struck him.

"No looking away during a date, boy."

"Whoa—?!"

Johan barely managed to block the kick, but the force sent him flying. He tumbled across the stage, nearly falling out of the ring, but managed to dig his hands and feet into the stage to stop himself.

"Phew, that was close."

"That’s what you get for taking your eyes off the woman in front of you."

Rafa said this and then waved lightly at Tis and Citri, smiling.

The two blushed and waved back enthusiastically.

"I’ve never seen Lady Rafa make that kind of expression before."

Amon murmured thoughtfully.

Now that he mentioned it, Rafa’s expression did seem softer than before. On the surface, she’s always been calm and collected, but perhaps she had hidden fears and anxieties when Gareth and Elba were around.

"Well, I’m warmed up now. Time to get a little serious."

As Johan brushed off the dust from his clothes and stood up, Rafa smiled.

"Still plenty of fun to be had, boy."

The two on the stage locked eyes, grinning defiantly at each other.