My Goddess is Good at Pretending

Chapter 558: Martial Arts Competition

Yuusha Mashiro, the name bestowed by a pair of respectable parents as they wanted their child to become the future hero. With Yuusha as the surname, which was pretty unusual, Mashiro shared a different surname than his parents.

Just a month ago, he was still a cadet, but he and his classmates suddenly got summoned to another world under the Glorious God’s divine power. They received a blessing, and also a heavy responsibility to save the world. In just a period of just a little more than a month, he rose to a superpower beyond even his expectations. He truly received the title of hero and by now, should be on par with the SSS Rank superhero by Earth’s standard.

For this world’s power rank, he was still at the 6th Rank, but his full power could rival the 8th Rank. And if his blessings would be used to face the demons, he could power up himself to slay even the 9th Rank Demon General, and probably, even rival the 10th Rank Demon King.

It was morning already, the day when the Martial Arts Competition would be held in Imperial Arena, attended by the best warriors and experts below thirty years from all corners of the Stevia Empire, watched by all allied factions and tens of thousands of citizens.

As the only empire in the Human Realm, this Martial Arts Competition was treated as a sacred event to honor the heroes and the Gods, and also recruit more talent for the hero expedition team.

"My name is Yuusha Mashiro, Mashiro is my given name, and I share no surname with anyone. I am eighteen years old this summer.

My house is located in the northeastern part of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. My father died as a hero, protecting our village from monsters three years ago, and my mother is still waiting for my return this summer vacation. I’m single, still no girlfriend.

I was a superhero cadet at the Asian branch of Superhero Academy. I returned to the dorm every day no later than eight in the evening. I don’t smoke, or drink alcohol, let alone touch drugs. I go to bed at eleven at night, making sure I get enough sleep for eight hours whatever the reason.

Today is the Martial Arts Competition, the sacred event to honor the heroes and Gods. The 9th generation heroes, the first ever summoned heroes of another world. We shall slay the Demon King and return alive, return to our world safely.

This expedition might take months or even years, but the hero must protect the people. My comrades and I can do it. We definitely can do it!"

Yuusha Mashiro slapped his cheeks, looking at his reflection in the mirror to affirm himself. He then looked at the clock, and it was already thirty minutes past seven. The Martial Arts Competition’s ceremony would be officially held soon.

Thus, he washed his face and wore his white hero armor, leaving the room to meet his comrades.

---

After the hero party had their breakfast, Yuusha Mashiro, the White Hero, clasped his hands, looking at his comrades around the round table with a solemn expression. "This is it, everyone. The Martial Arts Competition. It’s our last preparation to test our strength before we face the Demon King’s army. How are you all feeling?"

"Ready as I’ll ever be. We’ve trained for a month of hellish training and true combat, pushing ourselves to our limits... This competition is just an event and ceremony. I want to see how far we’ve become stronger with fellow talented humans as our opponents, not demons." Richard Rees, the Scarlet Swordsmaster, unsheathed his blade, running a hand along its edge.

"It’s not just about the competition for me. It’s a chance to refine our strategies. We know the Demon King is both powerful and cunning. If we can outthink our enemies here, we’ll be better prepared for whatever the future holds for us." Nyla Sharp, the Steel Prophet Mage, twirled her staff thoughtfully. Sparks of magic flickered around her fingers

"I’ve been practicing my precision non-stop. Every shot needs to count when we’re up against something like the demon army. But here? It’s a different kind of challenge. We’ll be fighting others like us, warriors with their own techniques and skills. It’s the perfect warm-up." Harriet Hunter, the Storm Archer, stroked her bow with a focused expression.

"Remember, this is more than just a competition. It’s a way to honor those who’ve come before us. Each of us has been blessed with power, but with that comes responsibility. We need to show the people that we’re worthy of the task ahead." Mizushima Katsue, the Fire Priestess, clasped her hands in prayer.

"Ha! I’ve been waiting for this! A real chance to smash some heads before we get to the Demon King and his army. I want to feel the earth shake beneath my feet, hear the roar of the crowd... And remind everyone why we were chosen heroes in the first place!" Ash Simpson, The Earth Smasher, pounded his fists together with a grin.

"I’ve scouted the possible participants. They’re good, no doubt about it. But we’re better." Liu Kang, the all-rounder sword mage known as the Water Devil, was playing with his flying daggers. His voice was low and steady.

"Exactly. This competition is our chance to prove ourselves to the world and to each other. Let’s give it everything we’ve got. For the honor of the heroes before us, for the Glorious God who blessed us, for the people counting on us, and for the battles that lie ahead. We fight as one. We shall return with a triumphant victory. We shall return to our homeworld as the new heroes. Earth is also waiting for us to save from those otherworldly monsters." Yuusha Mashiro nodded as he looked each of his comrades in the eye.

Even though eight generations of heroes had failed to complete their mission, and died in the Nacraax Demon City without even proper burials... the humanity predicament, suppressed by demons for so long, everyone, even though they got summoned to this world unilaterally and selfishly, expressed their motivation with strong determination.

"For the honor of the heroes!" The seven heroes of the hero party said in unison, raising their weapons around the round table.

They smiled at each other and then left the gathering place as a group. Their destination was the Imperial Arena.

---

The seven heroes entered the Imperial Arena. The place was a marvel of architecture, with towering stone walls adorned with banners in vibrant colors, representing the various factions, sects, and organizations present. The seats were filled with spectators, nobles, and warriors from all corners of the empire. Their eyes fixed on the center stage where the Martial Arts Competition would soon commence.

As the heroes made their way to their designated area, the air was thick with anticipation. The Emperor, resplendent in his imperial robes of gold and crimson, sat upon a raised throne at the head of the arena. His presence commanded respect and awe as his piercing gaze swept across the assembly.

Beside him stood the Imperial Princess. Her beauty was unmatched, dressed in a flowing gown that shimmered like the stars. She was the embodiment of grace and saintly power. Her expression was serene yet filled with an underlying intensity and great expectation.

The arena floor was lined with the elders of the various sects. They murmured amongst themselves as their eyes occasionally looked toward the heroes with curiosity and appraisal.

The representatives of the great organizations, each bearing the insignia of their order, stood with dignified composure. Their presence a proven the significance of the event.

A hush fell over the crowd as the Emperor rose from his throne, raising a hand to silence the arena. His voice, deep and resonant, carried across the vast space. "Today, we gather not only to witness the display of martial prowess but to honor the bravery and resolve of those who will soon embark on the most dangerous of journeys. The Martial Arts Competition is a tradition... a test of skill, strength, and spirit. But the ninth hero generation holds even greater significance, under the Glorious God’s blessing, the otherworldly heroes shall subjugate the Demon King of Extreme Evil!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as the atmosphere was electric with excitement and pride.

"Let this competition be a testament to the courage and unity of our people. May the heroes before us inspire all to rise above their limits and fight for the future of our world." The Imperial Princess stepped forward, her voice clear and serene as she added.

The seven heroes, standing tall amidst the roaring applause, felt the weight of their responsibility more than ever.

This was not just a competition, but a rite of passage, a moment that would define their journey ahead. They exchanged determined glances, each silently vowing to give their all.

As the opening ceremony was held, many warriors and experts from various backgrounds prepared themselves for battle as their turn could come up any time, depending on the classification placement.

Eighty-six chosen experts were registered as participants. They were excited to challenge themselves as they couldn’t wait to exchange moves and cross the blade with the other faction’s best young geniuses, especially the otherworldly heroes.

[Reginald Malone Galashiels (FV: 853) | Emperor of Stevia | 8th Rank]

[Talent: 4 Stars | SSR]

[Genevieve Valentina Galashiels (FV: 1,231) | Imperial Princess of Stevia | 7th Rank]

[Talent: 4 Stars | SSR]

Elysia stood in the shade of the outermost arena wall with Vanessa by her side, examining the talents throughout the arena. She was intrigued by the Emperor and the Imperial Princess because they played a major role in the hero-summoning ritual last month.

Actually, the first hero-summoning ritual resulted in a great failure six months ago, but it was truly such a miracle and coincidence for them to carry out their ritual when Elysia’s group went to another world, creating a subtle path that indirectly connected Quadtria and Earth. The unexpected followed the trail and somehow summoned the suitable talents from Earth.

The Emperor and Imperial Princess literally kidnapped seven students from Earth through the Glorious God’s divine power, but those seven students received God’s blessings and gained power from it.

The students, once the cadets who had just developed their quirks and superpowers, now already become capable Grand Master-level experts that could rival even the Emperor-level combat power.

"People bragged the heroes can rival a Deity-level Demon King, but the Demon King of Extreme Evil can’t be measured by ordinary power rank. Even God couldn’t kill him. They’re bound to fail." Vanessa observed the heroes and the possible combatants in the hero expedition team with a disappointed look.

"You also almost died in that demon city, Vann. But, the story will be different because we will put our assistance and the Elysion Church into the plot." Elysia chuckled softly.

"Uh, yeah... I went there once just to satisfy my curiosity, and I regretted it. The sealed demons are no joke. Even the Ancient God could only seal him and his army in that city." Vanessa rubbed her head with some embarrassment.

She ran like a scaredy cat and took refuge in Luna’s fleet after that incident. That gruesome experience brought her a nightmare for several days.

"..." Elysia faintly smiled, but her smile gradually faded.

Alronuth was once the strongest Demon King, and no one ever returned after they entered the Nacraax City, the sealed demon city. Nobody could share the tale about the danger within that gruesome demon city. The summoned heroes were bound to fail. So, this holy war would undoubtedly cause many casualties even if the Human Realm would unite as one.

*Poof*

The ten core disciples, Myra, Daemyx, and ten Elysion Chruch’s chosen representatives emerged out of thin air. They arrived via teleportation to face their Goddess.

Gabriella stepped forward with grace and utmost respect to represent her team. "Our preparation is complete, master. Please bestow us with your instructions."