Gon's Harem System
Chapter 31: Scouting some opponents

Chapter 31: Scouting some opponents

Gon could see it in their eyes—the way they lit up with excitement, the way their gazes fixed with unwavering focus, as if missing a moment of this would mean losing a piece of history.

For some, this was entertainment, a thrilling escape from the monotony of daily life.

For others, it was deeply personal—a chance to cheer for friends, family, or heroes who had risen to the challenge.

The old men by the corner, their faces carved with age, stood with the quiet reverence of those who had seen countless tournaments before.

The younger faces, bright with eagerness, spoke of hope and admiration, their voices rising as they speculated about who would emerge victorious.

Even the children, too small to understand the finer details, seemed entranced, their laughter mingling with the din of the crowd as they climbed for a better view.

Gon narrowed his eyes and began to scan the crowd, his sharp gaze flicking from one face to the next, searching for anyone who might be a fellow contestant.

Gon wasn’t just looking at appearances—he was trying to read them, to get a sense of their strength, their confidence, their experience.

Every gesture, every stance, every shift in their weight told a story. Were they seasoned fighters or newcomers hoping for a lucky break? Did they rely on brute force, clever tactics, or something else entirely?

A handful of contestants had already made their way to the grand venue, their presence adding a sense of life and anticipation to the otherwise vast and quiet space.

Each of them carried an air of determination and excitement, mingling with the faint echoes of their chatter and laughter that bounced off the walls.

Some were busy arranging their belongings, while others stood in small groups, striking up conversations or nervously testing their swords, waving it back and forth.

Gon’s sharp eyes roamed over the gathering as he silently assessed those who had already arrived.

His gaze lingered on each person for a moment, trying to decipher their strengths, weaknesses, or even just their story.

The first to capture his attention was a man who stood out effortlessly, not because of his demeanor but due to his striking appearance.

He was completely bald, not a single speck of hair marring the smooth, polished surface of his head, which gleamed under the lights like polished stone.

The shine was so pristine that it seemed almost deliberate, as though it was part of his identity, a statement.

But what truly made the man’s appearance peculiar was his goatee. It wasn’t just an ordinary patch of facial hair—it was long, bushy, and a vivid, fiery red.

The stark contrast between the gleaming smoothness of his bald head and the wild intensity of his beard made him impossible to overlook.

This unusual combination gave him a distinct appearance among all the contestants, making him stand out effortlessly.

While others blended into the crowd with varying degrees of nerves or confidence, this man exuded a boldness that bordered on theatrical.

Gon couldn’t decide whether the look was calculated to intimidate or simply a reflection of the man’s eccentric nature, but one thing was certain—this bald man with the blazing red goatee was not someone to be underestimated.

Adding to the man’s striking appearance was the weapon he carried—a long, gleaming blade that he gripped firmly with both hands.

The blade was slender yet deadly, its surface catching the light and reflecting it in sharp, silvery streaks.

It looked well-maintained, its edge razor-sharp, hinting at frequent use and expert care.

The way he held it was telling. His stance was steady, his grip strong but not tense, as if the weapon were an extension of his own body.

He didn’t brandish it to show off, nor did he clutch it out of nervousness.

Instead, he held it with the quiet confidence of someone who had wielded such a weapon countless times before—someone who knew its weight, its balance, and its potential for destruction.

Gon’s keen eyes caught the subtle movements of the man’s fingers, which twitched ever so slightly against the hilt of the blade. It was a small, almost imperceptible gesture.

Was it a sign of nervousness, an unconscious reaction to the tension in the room? Or was it something far more sinister—a restless desire, an eagerness to unleash the weapon he held with such ease?

The next person to draw Gon’s attention was a strikingly beautiful girl with hair so remarkable it seemed to demand notice.

Her jet-black locks were impossibly long, cascading all the way down to her knees in smooth, shining waves that gleamed like polished obsidian under the light.

It wasn’t just the length that stood out, but the way it was styled—her hair was gathered into two perfectly symmetrical side ponytails, each one thick and flowing like a waterfall of midnight silk.

The twin ponytails framed her delicate face, softening her sharp, intelligent features and giving her a youthful, almost playful appearance.

Yet, It was clear that she wasn’t just another pretty face; there was an edge to her that suggested she was every bit as formidable as she was captivating.

Her hair, though elegant, seemed almost impractical for a competition of this nature, and Gon couldn’t help but wonder if it held some hidden significance.

Was it a symbol of her identity, a show of pride, or perhaps a tactical choice meant to distract her opponents?

In her hands, she held two short swords, each barely larger than a dagger.

The blades were slender and gleamed with a polished edge, their compact size making them appear more suited for precision than power.

The girl’s grip on them was firm yet relaxed, her fingers curling around the hilts.

Gon’s curiosity deepened as he watched her. He could tell these were not weapons chosen out of convenience or lack of options; they were tools she had mastered.

Still, Gon couldn’t help but wonder how she intended to fight with such small blades in a competition likely filled with larger, heavier weapons.