01x06 - The King of Fists Elimination Tournament

[bunniefuu]

[REINHARD]

Four hundred years ago,

there existed a small country

comprised mostly of wide,

open desert.

After visiting

the settlement of Knucklepersi,

their fourth king,

Alexander Heractopia,

created the great Colosseum.

Inside its walls

he held fighting competitions.

King Alexander

fought in each one

using no weapon

but the force of his own body.

[REINHARD]

He reigned undefeated

in 10,000 matches.

Those who would challenge him,

those who would cheer him,

all came in droves.

[crowd cheering]

[REINHARD]

Before long,

the kingdom became known

for its strength and vigor.

And that is how the mighty

Kingdom of Heractopia rose.

[RICK] So, this must

be King Alexander,

the fabled "King of Fists."

What I wouldn't give

for the opportunity

to spar with him once.

If that ever happened,

there wouldn't be any kingdom

left for us to visit.

[REANETTE] Fighting

is in this country's roots.

Martial entertainment

has always thrived.

It certainly does seem to be

a popular occupation

around here!

Though they call

their fighters "pugilists."

It sounds like this kingdom

has much to enjoy

but let's stay on the lookout

for what brought us here.

- [RICK] Hm.

- [REANETTE] Hm.

The Ossan Newbie Adventurer,

Trained to Death by the

Most Powerful Party,

Became Invincible

- [RICK] Pardon me!

- [MALE CITIZEN] Yes?

[gasps]

My friends and I here

have a question

we'd like to ask you.

[whimpering]

[MALE CITIZEN]

I'm very busy!

So sorry!

- This is getting us nowhere.

- Indeed.

What if we tried

going to the town hall?

With luck,

we might get some info

on the location

of the Six Jewels.

A fine proposal.

[Milicia yells]

Sorry,

but could I have some space?

There's no need

to be so cold, pretty girl.

Whaddaya say the two of us

stop by that inn

and get to know each other

a little better?

I'd rather not,

but thanks for the offer.

Hey, punk.

Back off!

[BROUGHSTON]

Let me.

Good sir,

would you mind

answering a quick question?

[both gasp]

[grunts]

Think you're tough

'cause you're an orc?

Who gives a crap?

You're talkin' to a pugilist,

buddy!

You don't look

distinctly strong.

Oh, yeah?

Then let's see whatcha got!

If you insist.

Hold on.

Uh!

[Gold groans]

[RICK]

One casualty.

We just got here.

So then, are you ready

to answer that question?

I'll do

whatever you tell me, boss!

The name's Gold,

at your service!

Me too!

You can call me Milicia!

Please, take a look.

[box opens]

♪

Whoa!

Beautiful!

And it's so strong!

[BROUGHSTON] Have you ever seen

another magic stone like this?

There should be one

somewhere in this kingdom.

Uhh

I could swear it's familiar.

I agree!

[RICK]

You've seen it? Where?

Oh,

I'm drawing a blank,

but I feel like I've seen it

a million times before.

Come on!

Please try to remember!

It's very important to us.

I would be grateful

for even the smallest detail.

Uh

[MALE ANNOUNCER]

Everybody, gather around!

It's what

you've all been waiting for,

the King of Fists tournament!

[BROUGHSTON]

What is this?

This is the annual

announcement parade for

the King of Fists Tournament!

Only two months

until it starts!

It's so much fun!

I fear we're still at a loss.

Please explain.

Wow! I'm shocked

that you haven't heard.

It's to let us pugilists

figure out one thing,

who's the best?

On average, more than

500,000 people attend!

[GOLD]

And here's the man

who's won

that title five times,

including the last three years

in a row!

[GOLD]

Our champion, Kelvin Wolwolf!

[CROWD] [chanting]

Kelvin! Kelvin! Kelvin!

He's the coolest guy

I've ever seen!

I'm working hard as I can

to be just like him!

Seems like he's crazy popular.

Hmm.

I have no doubt

in his capabilities.

[both gasp]

Are you two okay?

Look!

How could I forget?

[RICK]

Hm?

Look at what?

[GOLD]

On his waist!

In the champion belt!

[MILICIA]

You can't miss it!

A stone

just like the one you have!

Huh?

[screams]

One of the Six Jewels,

known as Sovereign's Gold.

So, it was here.

[MALE CITIZEN 1]

Kelvin!

[MALE CITIZEN 2]

Let's see four years in a row!

[FEMALE CITIZEN 1]

He's awesome!

Thank you, folks,

for all your support!

Look forward to

the tournament this year!

[indistinct chatter]

[Kelvin exhales]

Thanks for putting up

with the show.

Don't lose your last hairs.

As a pugilist, isn't it my job

to make sure

everyone's excited

for the tournament?

You're not wrong there.

How are you feeling?

Can't complain.

Who'd even listen?

Hmm.

"Can't complain" isn't "good."

Guess I won't know until I see

if someone's strong enough

to give me a run for my money.

Hmm.

[door opens]

[RICK]

Excuse us!

So sorry to interrupt.

[gasps]

I don't suppose you'd have

a moment to spare?

Uh

[DANIEL] Come on, now.

Are you fans of his?

Don't you know

it's bad manners

to follow him to the gym?

Oh.

I don't think I'd say, "fans."

We're a party of adventurers

from another land,

and we've been

looking for something

we hope you might know about.

[BROUGHSTON]

It's better to be direct, Rick.

Huh.

[gasps]

[KELVIN]

Who is this?

Are you positive?

I feel like it might be better

to offer a bit of deference.

I'm not that type.

[BROUGHSTON]

And from looks, neither is he.

What do you want with us?

Straight to the chase.

I must insist

you give us that belt.

There's direct, and then

there's whatever you are!

That's why you're here?

To rob us?

No, I promise we'd never

do something like that, sir!

I failed to explain myself.

That jewel once belonged

to our party member.

It is our mission

to retrieve it for him

no matter what the cost may be.

He's been searching

for many years.

[BROUGHSTON]

After we have taken the gem,

we will return the belt

with one of equal value.

Just who do you think you are?

Hey!

Someone throw this scum

back on the street!

- Hold up, old man.

- Huh?

[DANIEL]

And why should I?

They haven't told a lie yet.

If there's something

I can trust,

it's what my nose tells me.

And this old sniffer

of mine says

these folks aren't

trying to lead us astray.

Thank you

for understanding, sir.

[KELVIN]

I believe you, yeah.

But I can't just

give it up that easily.

This belt carries with it

the weight of every

last citizen of Heractopia.

[KELVIN]

You could call it our pride.

It doesn't matter

if you only want the gem.

I can't hand it over

for nothing.

Hmm.

Only one way you can pry

this belt from my hands

and that's to be champion in

the King of Fists Tournament.

So be it.

A perfectly fair request.

In that case.

Slow down,

we're gonna walk away?

Just like that?

[RICK] Then how are

we gonna get the jewel?

Were you not listening

to what the current champion

told us there?

[RICK]

Uh

[door opens]

[door shuts]

[REANETTE]

Please excuse us.

Good grief.

The audacity of that bunch.

Are you sure you should've

let them walk out?

[DANIEL]

What are our rooks for

if not to deal with

rude folk like them?

[KELVIN]

If I hadn't stopped you

they might've k*lled

every person in this room.

No way.

I could tell

they were above average,

but it's that bad?

Yeah.

[KELVIN]

First, there's the maid.

Even her stance was powerful.

There's no question

she has unbelievable skill.

Then, there was

the normal-looking man.

He's clearly trained

his body an insane amount,

but he doesn't

come off as threatening.

He's a wildcard.

Interesting.

Then I assume the orc, too?

[chuckles]

Oh, hell, yeah.

[KELVIN]

That guy's the real deal.

Wait. You want us

to sign up as pugilists?

Yes.

Once we've registered,

we will be able to sweep

the King of Fists Tournament.

Then the belt is ours.

The plan is simple.

[REANETTE] There are

restrictions for joining.

You must pass the preliminaries

either in the east or the west.

Afterwards, you will

be organized into blocks.

Only one victor per group

may join the tournament.

♪

[BROUGHSTON]

I will trust you

to get through

the Western League.

I will enter through the east.

[RICK]

That sounds fine for me,

but how do you

plan to navigate?

Can you find

everything on your own?

Please, don't fear.

I've arranged

a guide for myself.

On short notice?

[GOLD]

Yo, boss!

Apologies for the delay!

♪

[gasps]

First, you have a test to pass.

Once you have succeeded,

you may call yourself

a pugilist in full.

Is it like the Guild's test

for adventurers?

Neither identical

nor dissimilar.

Anyone with confidence

in their skillset,

regardless of their homeland,

may participate.

Oh?

Kinda sounds like fun.

[MALE EXAMINER]

Rick Gladiatol, correct?

[RICK]

Yes!

The test is a mock battle

to determine your strength.

Your opponent today

has been selected randomly

from the pool of our newest

pugilist recruits.

Can I ask how powerful

the person

I'm going up against is?

Let me see.

They haven't been here long,

but it looks like

they're undefeated so far.

But try

not to worry about that.

Whether you win or lose,

if you meet a certain standard,

you'll pass.

Give it all you've got,

and you'll be fine.

[RICK]

Understood.

[ANGELICA]

Hello, there.

Miss me?

[gasps]

The origins of the name

are unknown

but around here

I'm called The Flash!

[RICK]

I know that voice,

but it can't be!

[ANGELICA]

Introducing Angelica Diarmuit!

Try not to look too frightened

by my arrival.

[gasps]

Why are you here?

[chuckles nervously]

A pleasure to see you again.

♪

The King of Fists Tournament.

♪

[MALE CITIZEN 3]

It's about time!

[MALE CITIZEN 4] You're looking

as cute as ever, Angelica!

Show this old dude what he gets

for trying to stand

against your beauty!

Oh, Nicolas!

Pretty unusual for you to come

to observe the mock battles.

Looks like

you caught me in the act!

I'm only here for the cutie!

Didn't think you were

the same as those guys.

Explains why the whole

audience is male, though.

[TRIS] She swept in

like a sh**ting star.

A knockout lady pugilist!

And there's only

one area where she falls flat.

Just watch!

He'll be knocked out

in no time.

[NICOLAS]

I wouldn't be too sure,

the guy's a newcomer.

You can't underestimate them.

If you do,

a dark horse might just show up

to ruin all your plans.

So, why am I fighting

you today?

I was about to

ask you the same thing!

Don't tell me,

North better not

be waiting around here

for my guard to drop!

Who's that?

I meant your older brother,

Raster.

There is one Diarmuit

in Heractopia

and that would be me.

That's good.

[ANGELICA]

It's not good for me.

How did the 40-something

who beat my A-rank brother

get matched against me?

Even if winning

doesn't matter here

my pride will not allow me

to suffer defeat

in a mock battle!

[MALE EXAMINER]

Get ready!

The pugilist test

will now commence!

[ANGELICA] I still struggle

to believe this oaf is strong.

Still, I can't be

careless like last time!

I'll go as fast as I can

right from the start!

Flickering Feet!

[gasps]

[squeals]

[thuds]

Uh-Whoo!

[thwacks]

[ANGELICA]

What was that?

How did I fall off balance?

Me, of all people?

You'll never be ready

for my real attack!

[gasps]

[groans]

What was that?

[ANGELICA]

Hold on,

I'm certain

I didn't trip that time!

But that means

How'd you like that one,

Angelica?

Did you enjoy being

on the receiving end

of a new skill

I've learned these past months?

So, that was you?

First move, Leg sweep!

Knock 'em right down!

It's the Eight Secrets

of Going Easy!

Huh?

Continuous leg sweeps

are a great technique

to demoralize your opponent

by preventing them

from getting on

even footing

in the first place!

And it stops them from

getting hurt too badly, too!

You fight like a kid!

C'mon, isn't it nice

how you're barely hurting

with each hit?

[grimacing]

[ANGELICA]

This means

he's been executing leg sweeps

at a speed imperceptible

to the human eye.

It's fast enough

that even a knight second class

can't keep up.

[ANGELICA] Oh,

that's too absurd to be true!

Or I'd like to believe that

but "absurd" isn't enough

for this 40-something!

[ANGELICA]

Quickly, I need distance!

[ANGELICA]

Flickering Feet

[thuds]

Wow!

Your Flickering Feet has gotten

way better than last time!

I actually have to think about

when to swing at you!

You don't expect me

to stay down like that!

[groans]

[groaning]

[thuds]

♪

I love the unbreakable will

of a knight second class!

Oh, yeah?

I can feel it breaking.

If I start fighting for real,

I'm sure you'd be just fine!

I, uh

All right!

- Round two!

- I surrender.

[gasps]

[MALE EXAMINER]

And the winner

[RICK]

So, now I'm a pugilist.

Am I good to sign up

for those preliminaries?

[REANETTE]

Yes.

Then let's hurry up

and start winning those fights!

[ANGELICA]

Stop right there!

Okay, I want you to tell me

what a 40-something

like you is doing here!

Again, I wanted to ask you

the same thing!

Also, I'm 30-something!

[growls]

How many times must you savage

my poor body

before you're done?

- Huh?

- Oh, whoa, whoa!

Huh!

Don't say it like that,

or people

will get the wrong idea!

Right!

You must be hungry!

We should all grab a bite!

And hey, my treat!

[insects chirping]

[indistinct chatter]

[MILICIA]

Thanks for your patience!

Enjoy! These are courtesy

of the house!

My parents run this place,

so consider this

as thanks for rescuing me!

Great, appreciate it!

We were looking for a nice inn

and here you are!

Hmm.

Of course!

Although,

is Mister Broughston here?

Nah, we decided to split up

and take on opposite leagues,

so we wouldn't be

pitted against each other.

Oh,

then he isn't even coming.

[sighs]

Hmm.

So,

why did you decide to become

a pugilist of Heractopia?

Because that's the first step

toward winning

the King of Fists Tournament.

Said casually?

Woah!

This meat rocks!

I would agree.

I detect some rare spices

in their recipe.

[sighs]

[REANETTE]

Miss Angelica,

when did you become a pugilist?

About four months ago.

[RICK] That was right

after the E-rank test!

I'm surprised to see

a knight set down their sword

and take up their fists.

[ANGELICA]

Hm.

I have reasons

and I won't let you

pry into them.

- [chomps]

- [RICK] Oh, does that mean

you'll be entering

the tournament, too?

♪

[ANGELICA]

Yes.

Whatever it takes,

I must clear my preliminaries

and enter the tournament,

or else my efforts here

will have been wasted.

Sounds like

we both need to do our best.

Wait a second.

I had assumed you were

preparing for the next year!

Are you joining this one?

You got it.

[Angelica sighs]

I've seen firsthand

that you're strong enough

to make logic feel irrelevant

but it's simply impossible.

Why exactly is that?

[ANGELICA] You came out here

without knowing how it works?

- [REANETTE] Hm?

- [RICK] Hm?

This isn't something

that you can do

with just a few days' notice

and nothing more.

[ANGELICA]

To get things started,

you have to win 40 bouts

over the half year

of preliminary fights.

And that only qualifies you

for the league competition!

[RICK]

So, then I'm fine if I win?

I'm afraid it's more

complicated than that!

[ANGELICA] After a fight

against another pugilist,

you'll inevitably

need time to recover.

Even the strongest fighters

only schedule

10 bouts per month.

And you only have one week left

before preliminaries are done.

I refuse to believe

that there's a human alive

who can win 40 bouts

in that little time.

But I designed

my whole schedule

under the assumption

that ten a day would be easy!

[REANETTE] That means

a week is plenty of time.

You will only need four days.

[ANGELICA] It's like

common sense means nothing

when I'm around you two!

[FEMALE STAFF 1] If I could

have everyone's attention!

Anyone with

a bout after 10 o'clock,

please proceed to the front!

All right!

Paperwork's good!

It looks like

this is your first bout.

Head on over to Building B.

[RICK] And who will

I be facing off against?

Let me see.

It's Albert Grit, be careful.

Why do you say that?

[MALE RECEPTIONIST] Oh, over

the years he's participated,

there have been some rumors

that he uses ill*gal weapons

during his fights.

A thorough body check

didn't manage

to uncover anything suspect

but caution is advised.

♪

[RICK]

So far, it doesn't look like

there's a weapon

to worry about.

[chuckles]

[GRIT]

I heard he's a new pugilist

who only arrived recently.

Is he trying

to join the tournament

as some kind

of mid-life crisis?

I can already tell

this one will be fun.

I've got just the thing.

After I use this Impact Stone

to multiply my strength,

he won't know what hit him!

Ready!

Take your places!

Fight.

Ah, sheesh.

Don't ya think it's kinda hot?

[RICK]

Is it?

[chuckles]

Obviously.

Can't ya feel it?

I'm on fire!

[GRIT]

Idiot left his side wide open!

[explodes]

And I'd say we're done!

Sorry that your first bout

had to end in defeat!

Wait, what happened to me?

[stone clatters]

[RICK] Hey,

isn't that an Impact Stone?

You should be

careful with those!

Your bones will break

if you don't train properly!

[GRIT]

No way!

I broke giant boulders

without any training at all!

You probably need to get back

to basics and work on your

Four Foundational Faculties

some more.

But first, I believe

it's my turn

to show what I've got.

The Eight Secrets

of Going Easy.

Second, miss your punch!

[vibrating]

I'm using the shock wave

from a failed punch

to shake up your brain

and knock you unconscious!

You should be fine after a nap!

[thuds]

Ah!

Yet another nonsense skill.

♪

Huh!

[gasps]

And it's over!

Winner!

Rick Gladiatol!

Looks like that dark horse

has taken the field.

[groans]

[NICOLAS] I can tell

this year will be good!

I can't wait to watch them!

[chuckles]

♪

[carriage rumbling]

♪

[indistinct chatter]

[Geith snoring]

[exhales]

[snoring]

[knocking on door]

[SNAPE]

Are you in there?

[snoring]

[groans]

[exhales]

[thuds]

[stomping]

[door creaks open]

Almost time to work, Geith.

Let's go.

[scoffs]

What nuisance is there now?