Volume 31
Straxus discusses various matters of state with Empress Everline. Straxus tells her that he apprehended the one responsible for the security breach that he had been investigating, but the guilty party regrettably took his own life rather than be questioned further.
On a more pleasant note, her adopted sister Charmian has announced her impending marraige to Trilon Anasith.
Fargo arrives with another accusation leveled at Straxus. This time, he reports that three of his agents have gone missing in the past month alone, and he believes Straxus is behind it. Of course, he has no proof of Straxus' involvement and, when Everline confronts him on that issue, he storms from the room.
At the Grand Arena, Belemon has been working on a complex magical seal in preparation for the tournament. He makes certain that the audience will not be affected by even the strongest of attacks. (shown) In addition, the seal functions as a "safety net" for the competitors; immediately stasis locking any fighter whose life signs near critical and teleporting them to the nearby infirmary.
Yoshimuri the Third, now mostly recovered from his recent ordeal, comes to apologize to Belemon for his behavior. When the wizard dismisses that apology, Yosh tries a different approach.
"Belemon...this seal of yours...Why don't we give it a real tryout?"