The Tournament Ends, and I Am the Champion

After Selene released the gravitational hold, the referee stumbled, nearly losing his balance.

"What incredible power this is... cough... to have such a great general is truly an honor for the Empire!"

When the Emperor saw the immense energy unleashed by Selene, he pushed aside the Imperial Guards who tried to shield him, and stared intently at Selene in the center of the arena, his eyes filled with eagerness.

On the high platform, the Emperor and the court ministers were equally stunned. Even General Budo, the highest-ranking military officer, frowned slightly, "Is that an Imperial Arm?"

Determined to recruit her into the military, General Budo calmly analyzed, "Although she lacks combat experience, with some training, she could be a general on par with me!"

Honest, too, saw the immense potential in Selene and knew he needed to build a strong relationship with her.

The Emperor's health was declining by the day, and while political power still resided with Chouri, Honest knew that after Chouri retired, taking over would be easy. However, the military power was in the hands of the steadfast General Budo.

For his future plans, Honest knew he needed a counterbalance to Budo's influence. This was why he had placed Esdeath in the Martial Arts Tournament, intending to use her to gain influence within the military and weaken Budo's control from within.

But now, Honest saw a new potential ally—a rising star not yet aligned with Budo.

Selene's display of power had caught the attention of both Honest and Budo.

As for the current minister, Chouri, he was nearing retirement and couldn't interfere much.

However, unlike Honest's more self-serving scheming, General Budo sincerely wanted to recruit Selene into the military, to properly train her, instill loyalty to the Empire, and mold her into a force for the Empire's benefit.

Calming his excitement, the Emperor eagerly commanded, "Announce the final results of the tournament! I have found what I sought!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" responded the Imperial Arena's manager, who quickly stepped forward.

Taking a deep breath to suppress the overwhelming thoughts racing through his mind, the manager spoke into the loudspeaker with a booming voice, "The Imperial Calendar Year 1014 Martial Arts Tournament has concluded! The final victor is Contestant Number 648!"

With the announcement of the result, the previously quiet audience erupted into a deafening wave of cheers and applause. The crowd's faces were flushed with excitement.

At this moment, all the waiting, effort, and even the small financial losses felt worth it to the audience.

While this tournament had ended faster than any previous Imperial tournament, and lacked many evenly-matched thrilling battles, it did not diminish the event's impact. This tournament would be forever remembered as a classic in their hearts! Selene's radiant presence, combining beauty and power, was simply too awe-inspiring!

They had witnessed it—a new star was rising in the Empire!

...

With the successful conclusion of this year's Royal Fist Temple Martial Arts Tournament, the intense atmosphere in the Imperial Arena gradually subsided over the next half hour.

As time passed and the Imperial Guards maintained order, the crowds gradually dispersed. However, the discussions about the tournament's events showed no sign of fading, and with many contestants returning to their hometowns, the news spread even more widely.

"Miss, congratulations on winning the championship," Sebas said respectfully.

"There's nothing to congratulate. Fighting them was more like bullying," Selene replied with a light chuckle, now back in her resting chamber.

Suddenly, the door to the resting chamber burst open, and a muscular man, surrounded by numerous Imperial Guards, entered. His armguards were massive, resembling pile drivers. It was none other than General Budo.

"Someone like you—pampered and full of noble grace—shouldn't be participating in life-or-death tournaments like this," Budo began.

"Moreover, I utilized almost all of the intelligence networks in the Imperial Capital, yet I found no information about you—not even your name. It's as if you appeared out of thin air. Contestant Number 648, what is your true identity? What is your purpose? Answer me."

Budo's voice was calm, but the faint crackle of lightning under his arms betrayed his inner turmoil.

"There's no mysterious identity, just the remnants of an ancient noble family. With our fortunes declined, my private butler and I naturally had to re-enter the world to restore our former glory."

"As for my purpose, isn't it obvious? Joining the Empire is a means to gain power and wealth. I simply have the strength to claim them."

As she spoke, Selene stood up, glancing at the wary Imperial Guards, and chuckled. "Let's introduce ourselves. I am Selene von Habsburg. We might be colleagues in the future."

"Wouldn't you agree, General Budo?"

Tch, I didn't expect Budo to come directly. As expected of the Empire's most loyal dog, he's really thorough. He probably just wants to see what kind of person I am. But for now, we don't have any conflicting interests. In fact, we share common goals. The future can wait.

As she casually stared at Budo, Selene thought to herself, As long as you don't make a foolish move, I can play the part of a loyal officer for now.

"So, General Budo, where's my reward for winning the tournament?"

Budo felt a strong aversion to Selene's clear pursuit of power and wealth. As a military man, he believed that loyalty to the Empire should come first. However, he held back from criticizing her directly. Greed for power and wealth was a minor issue, one that was common among Imperial officials. As long as Selene didn't plot rebellion, Budo was confident he could keep her in check. After all, the thousand-year-old Empire had given him that confidence.

Moreover, the Emperor held Selene in high regard, and since she showed interest in serving the Empire, and had proven her strength, Budo decided to let her join and contribute to the Empire.

"I hope that's the case. Now, Selene von Habsburg, follow me to claim your reward." With a deep look at Selene, Budo waved his hand to signal the guards to stand down and then turned to leave.

Clang, clang, clang...

The sound of metal echoed as Selene walked alongside Budo, surrounded by Imperial Guards. She moved confidently, without caution or hesitation, even taking the time to casually observe the soldiers around her.

It was then that Budo's rough voice suddenly broke the silence, "...You don't seem nervous at all."

"Hmm? What's there to be nervous about? Did General Budo secretly arrange five hundred executioners to deal with an ordinary person like me?!" Selene replied with a light-hearted smile, emphasizing the word "ordinary."

"..." Budo didn't respond directly but instead asked, "That silver armor you're wearing... it's an Imperial Arm, isn't it? The mysterious power you used on the referee during the match—that was its ability, right?"

Without hesitation, Selene answered, "Yes, it's called Radiant Knight: [Moonlight]."

After speaking, Selene was surprised at how naturally the lie came to her. However, she thought to herself, The armor I'm using is indeed based on the Radiant Knight: Moonlight, so it's not entirely a lie... just not the whole truth.

"...I hope you live up to the name of your Imperial Arm and become a loyal knight." Budo nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation, without any suspicion.

"So... where's my reward? We've already left the Imperial Arena."

"Consider yourself honored, Selene von Habsburg. The Emperor is hosting a banquet in the palace to personally reward you!"