As Izumi's world continued expanding and integrating with more dimensions, increasing numbers of people from countless worlds gathered within it.
And while Izumi himself was currently spending rather "peaceful" time together with Yukari Yakumo and Yuyuko Saigyouji…
An extremely lively event had begun elsewhere.
A massive tournament arena had been established within the combat district.
This competition had formed naturally among the warriors who had gathered from different worlds.
And today—
A grand swordsmanship tournament was about to begin.
At the venue, countless Heroic Spirits, swordsmen, and masters carrying famous blades gathered together.
The number of spectators surrounding the arena grew larger by the minute.
Even shopkeepers had rushed over to seize the business opportunity.
For example, Erina Nakiri had directly set up food stalls nearby, preparing to make a fortune from the crowds.
...
Meanwhile, Youmu Konpaku eagerly signed herself up for the tournament.
After all, Izumi was currently occupied with Yuyuko, and there was absolutely no need for her to stay around.
Besides…
Remaining there would only make her an unnecessary third wheel.
More importantly, she had absolutely no desire to continue listening to those suspicious noises coming from inside Hakugyokurou.
So she immediately escaped.
And now that a swordsmanship tournament was being held?
There was no way Youmu could resist participating.
The rules of the competition were simple.
Every participant would have their power forcibly equalized.
No matter how strong someone was in their original world, once they entered the arena, everyone stood at the exact same level.
Even weapons were standardized into tournament-issued blades.
In other words—
Victory depended solely on pure swordsmanship.
A completely fair duel.
Because of these rules, nearly every famous swordsman who heard about the event came running over with excitement.
Especially the countless Saber-class faces from the Artoria Pendragon family tree.
In addition, several spear users had also shown up out of curiosity.
There were even middle-aged wandering swordsmen dressed in traditional Japanese robes with katanas hanging from their waists.
The area surrounding the arena had become completely packed with spectators.
Everyone had come to watch the chaos unfold.
Even Asuna Yuuki had signed up to participate.
After all, she was highly confident in her sword skills as well.
And naturally, many powerful warriors from other worlds had arrived too.
Among them was a silver-haired girl with an emotionless expression.
There was also a crimson-haired girl whose presence felt like blazing flames.
At this moment, every sword wielder imaginable seemed to have gathered here.
Even Algol came over to spectate the event.
Several sword-wielding girls from Izumi's own household had also enthusiastically entered the competition.
Naturally, a tournament of this scale came with substantial prize money.
Otherwise, nobody would participate purely "for the power of friendship."
To register for the competition, participants had to pay one thousand points.
And the final champion would receive the entire accumulated prize pool.
That alone was enough to attract a terrifying number of contestants.
Some participants who lacked points even borrowed money just to enter.
The arena soon became packed with people beyond counting.
At one corner of the spectator seats, Cu Chulainn sat with an annoyed expression.
"Why isn't there a spear tournament?"
"Spearmanship is obviously superior!!"
He voiced his dissatisfaction loudly.
"There are so many weapon types, so why are swords the only focus?"
The moment he finished speaking, Scáthach, who sat nearby, looked at him with complete disdain.
"If there really were a spear tournament…"
"Who exactly do you think you could beat?"
As soon as she said that, numerous terrifying figures nearby immediately turned to look at him.
For example—
Brynhildr.
Enkidu.
And several other overwhelmingly powerful spear users.
Even heroes such as Karna were silently staring at him.
Faced with so many dangerous gazes, Cu Chulainn instantly shrank back.
Thinking about it carefully…
If a spear tournament actually existed, he probably wouldn't be able to beat anyone there.
Those monsters were absurdly powerful.
Although Cu Chulainn himself was undoubtedly strong, compared to some of these extraordinary beings, he could only end up getting completely overwhelmed.
As a lancer, he might be famous elsewhere—
But inside Izumi's world?
He suddenly felt like a little brother among giants.
The realization instantly depressed him.
At this point, he no longer dared complain about the tournament format.
Seeing him finally shut up, the others withdrew their gazes and returned their attention to the arena below.
Nearby, Scáthach looked toward the enormous gathering of Saber faces and could not help muttering,
"Every time I see this scene, it feels incredibly strange."
"Honestly, I'm starting to suspect that Gaia and Alaya did it on purpose."
"They practically mass-produced the same face."
At this point, the entire Artoria family had basically become a massive dark faction.
Because they all looked alike, their relationship with each other had become absurdly close.
They could bully others who shared their appearance.
But if outsiders tried bullying one of them?
The entire group would immediately unite against the offender.
Hearing Scáthach's complaint, Artoria Pendragon merely smiled calmly.
"Maybe."
"But honestly, it's not so bad."
"At the very least, it feels like I suddenly gained many sisters."
"And Izumi seems to enjoy it too."
As she said that, the corner of Artoria's lips curved upward slightly.
After all—
Wasn't grouping all the Saber faces together one of Izumi's favorite things to do?
Hearing that, Scáthach's face instantly filled with exasperation.
"There's definitely something wrong with all of you…"