I'm no trooper

Chapter 18: Tournament

F/N's perspective

A development had accrued during the absence of Nejenda and Bulat. This development was the sudden creation of a police force calling themselves the Jaegers. The name alone rang some alarm bells in my head as to its meaning, hunters. It didn't help either that Esdeath was in control of them, meaning they certainly would be coming after us.

Though I pushed those thoughts aside for the moment as I wrapped bandages around my scarred arm, concealing the skin beneath. For I was preparing to enter a tournament sponsored by Esdeath.

The purpose in my mind was twofold. The first was that I might get a better look at Esdeath, maybe finding some potential weakness to exploit when the time comes to confront her and complete my mission. The second reason was the prize awarded to the winner, the money could benefit Tatsumi's village, and I was down to help out my friend get it.

Tatsumi: "You ready to go?"

Tatsumi said he peaked his head into my room when I finished tying up the bandages and looked over at him.

F/N: "Yeah, I'll be out front in a minute."

I said as he nodded and left. Getting up, I dusted off my pants before throwing on my black jacket. With a quick look in the mirror to make sure I looked presentable, I headed out front, where I met up with the rest.

Leone: "You ready, Echo the Hunter."

She said in a teasing tone as I rolled my eyes and hit her shoulder playfully.

F/N: "Yeah yeah, let's go. I don't want to be late."

I said to which they nodded, and we made our way to the capital, though I had a feeling that today was not going to go as we planned.

Timeskip

My breath is as slightly labored as I finished up my most recent fight—a light groan sounding off under me as I looked at the crowd.

F/N: "Well, this certainly was fun."

I said as I stood over my defeated opponent, the large burly man laid on the ground gasping for air. Simply stepping off his back, shifting my gaze up at the throne-like area, Esdeath looking down at me with a bored expression. Throughout the entire ordeal, she had stayed like that, waiting for someone to pique her interest; none have yet to do so. Still to think that I still have to save such a person.

Announcer: "The winner is Echo the Hunter!"

He called out as the stands went wild. I put my hands into my jacket pockets and headed back to where Tatsumi and the remaining fighters were.

F/N: "Well, this was easier than I'd thought."

I muttered to myself as my gaze looked up at Leone and Lubbock, who was sitting in the stands. They looked down at me and gave subtle nods. I returned the gesture as Tatsumi ran up.

Tatsumi: "Dude, that was amazing!"

F/N: "Yeah, but then again, we've faced worse."

I said and patted his shoulder as he was called into the arena.

F/N: "Looks like you're up; give them a show."

Tatsumi: "You got it!"

He said as we fist-bumped before he ran off. I smiled a bit, watching him go before moving a bit into the hall to watch the fight.

The two contestants were brought before each other, Tatsumi's opponent being a very muscular man with a bullhead.

Announcer: "To my left, we have! Kalbi the Butcher! To my right! Tatsumi the Blacksmith!"