655 That sounds so realistic that I almost believed i (1/2)

The passenger ship didn't meet with any storm, crash into another ship or an iceberg, or saw anything that would hinder its journey. The ship successfully reached Momozu Island.

It was currently nighttime.

The tournament participants then got off the ship and followed the guide to a hotel… just kidding!

Nobody was here for a tourist visit. Nobody wanted to spend their vacation here. Nor was there a single hotel on this deserted island.

When everyone got off the ship, the tournament participants were already in their combat outfits and fully prepared for battle.

There were extravagant, classical, modern, science-fiction-like, mystical, and all other sorts of combat outfits… Spiritual Ability users of all styles gathered together, appearing like a cosplay convention… no, just like a scene out of a superhero alliance movie!

Apart from the tournament participants, two individuals wearing black science-fiction-like combat outfits with helmets that fully covered their faces got off the ship as well. They were Spirit-branded Retainers who gave off incredibly imposing auras.

These two individuals hadn't shown themselves on the ship. However, it was easy to guess that they were powerful individuals from the tournament's hosts.

There was still some time before the tournament would formally begin.

The other tournament participants that were taking their own ships and the spectators had yet to arrive.

”Everyone, you're welcome to wait here at the rest area. Or, feel free to explore this place as you wish. Just make sure to return here when the tournament is about to begin.”

The person who made this announcement was a man who wore black Sakura Island attire together with a white mask. He was a member of the Himiki judging clan.

There were six other men and women next to him in similar attires. They all had faint auras of great power.

Another five Spirit-branded Retainers from the Kurosaki Family were next to them. They were all wearing full black combat attire with covered helmets. The two Spirit-branded Retainers that walked off the ship joined with these five.

Behind these fourteen powerful individuals were several hundred people that resembled special forces. These several hundred individuals were the Kurosaki Family's personal military squadron.

That's right, an actual military squadron!

Not only did the Kurosaki Family possess a military squadron, all seven of the major Yin Yang Master families had their own personal military squadrons that were strong enough to start an actual war.

Just what exactly was a top-level faction? These fourteen powerful Spiritual Ability users and that well-armed military squadron standing there in orderly files and giving off a cold aura was the best answer.

And this wasn't all of it.

That was a military ship.

A military ship! This was no cute ship girl. It was a true, awe-inspiring naval warfare ship! The type that could shoot artillery at land targets.

'Hey, why are things so ridiculous!?'

'Forget about sending a military squadron to watch over the tournament, there's even a naval warship? Does the navy have so much free time!?'

While Seiji mentally commented on how ridiculous this scene seemed, he also couldn't help but worry. Was this show to intimidate, or to prevent something from happening?

If it was just for intimidation, it wouldn't be much, although it was slightly exaggerated. But if it was to prevent… Just what did they think would happen on this island? Just what was going on behind the scenes of this Bloodwine Ritual tournament?

Upon closer consideration, this tournament involving 128 Spiritual Ability users might cause a big ruckus, but wasn't it still rather excessive to have an entire deserted island as the battleground? Even if this would be easier to cover up, it still seemed a little strange.

Was there some secret behind the Bloodwine Ritual tournament? Or was there some secret on this island?

Seiji didn't know… he didn't have enough information.

The tournament hosts had constructed a resting area that was quite comfortable. Everyone could wait here until the tournament began.

However, Seiji chose to start exploring the island.

Walking on deserted trailways in the darkness with old and gloomy houses around him… Seiji felt as if he had just joined the set of a horror film.

The ground was cracked in various places, weeds grew profusely everywhere, broken objects were scattered about, many windows were broken, houses' doors were open, walls were collapsing, moss was on every house… This entire island was filled with the aura of abandonment.

Just who had lived here before, and how were their lives…? Seiji couldn't help but think about such a topic.

”Haruta-san.” A voice greeted him.

Seiji turned around to see a man wearing a demon mask and a large dark blue jacket as a combat outfit walking over.

”Rota-san…” Seiji recognized this person as Daikawa Rota.

”I heard from Saitou-san that you're an exiled 'Haruta'.”