Ron could easily transport to a different city from his previous town, but it would take a long ride to travel to Heaven's Arena. He didn't want a detour, so he got a free ride on a dump transporter leaving the city. Blessed by luck, he rode a transporter going to the same stop.
Although there was an unspoken rule not to attack transporters since they acted as suppliers, Ron didn't let his guard down and remained vigilant.
The ride took almost twelve hours. Ron traded some treasures to the driver in exchange for the ride. Along the way, he withdrew savings from several rich guys and gang members.
It was getting late, so instead of riding a train or blimp, Ron chose to purchase some food and book a hotel for the night.
He set up a spatial portal first and set his marionette to autopilot mode to guard the room before heading back into his personal dimension.
"Machi, I'm back."
Ron entered and started looking around, only to see Machi dedicated to practicing her Hatsu.
Realizing her brother was back, Machi stopped practicing and rushed toward him, giving him a hug.
"You're back, brother."
"Yeah…" As usual, Ron hugged her affectionately and carried her petite body to the table as he checked on her progress.
His finger dipped into the water, giving it a small taste.
"Impressive, Machi. This now tastes like the sweat of a girl who hasn't taken a bath for a whole year."
He said, giving her a thumbs up.
Machi stared at him blankly and didn't say anything.
'Seriously? A woman who hasn't taken a bath for a whole year? '
She was now feeling irritated. Although she knew it was a figure of speech, mentioning other women felt wrong.
"Put me down, brother. I'm going to continue practicing."
Ron didn't think much of her pout. Instead, he lightened her mood by giving her sweets.
"By the way, Machi, I brought lots of sweets for you. Here, take anything you like."
"Really!? "Her eyes shone with joy, completely forgetting about her earlier grudge.
Without further ado, Machi jumped into his lap, took a seat, and started munching on cakes aggressively.
"Slow down. Nobody's going to take that away from you. Haha." Ron pushed her forehead lightly.
Machi devoured the food but at a decent pace now. It was her first time eating this kind of delicacy.
Seeing the joy on her face, Ron's heart ached.
"Eat as much as you like, Machi. From now on, we won't be eating that unhealthy food."
Machi felt her heart swell. Although she was acting like a silly kid, their age matured early, and she understood the difficulties they had gone through. Now, hearing her brother promise this, she felt immense joy.
He really had gone through a lot for her. Machi dropped her cake and tightened her clutch on his chest.
"Thank you, brother," she murmured.
Ron didn't say anything; he just smiled and let her eat. Unknowingly, they fell asleep together.
Machi felt her heart swell. Although she was acting like a silly kid, their age matured early, and she understood the difficulties they had gone through. Now, hearing her brother promise this, she felt immense joy.
He really had gone through a lot for her. Machi dropped her cake and tightened her clutch on his chest.
"Thank you, brother," she murmured.
Ron didn't say anything; he just smiled and let her eat. Unknowingly, they fell asleep together.
The next morning, Ron rode a train alongside Marionette and Machi, making their way to Heaven's Arena.
Once they arrived, they immediately registered themselves and waited in the lobby for their schedule to fight.
[Contestant number …]
"Oh? It's my turn now… Marionette, stay with Machi from now on," Ron commanded and headed to the stage.
"Good luck, brother!" Machi waved her small hands until he was no longer visible. When he was gone, the light in her eyes disappeared, replaced by a strong, murderous gaze. Unconsciously, she was releasing a small amount of Hatsu. The people nearby felt the tense atmosphere; those who could not bear it chose to leave without a second thought.
Since there was no screen, she could only wait until the match ended and for him to come back.
On the elimination stage…
Ron was waiting for his opponent. Unexpectedly, he encountered a familiar figure at first round.