Kapitel 239: The Second Preliminary Match!
"I finally found it, the path to higher strength."
They spoke, their voice smooth like honey.
Soon Akiol heard a familiar voice. . .
"What is it?"
It was Stars, although his voice was more solemn than usual.
The previous wielder explained, "The realm of higher Stages, slowly increasing my Aura was incorrect all along."
They sighed, "I actually was wasting my time."
"I don't think it was wasted-"
"It was, I gained essentially nothing from it."
"Then. . . how will you proceed?"
"A path. Reaching the higher Stages has different paths for each individual. As if it was granted from birth. Is it talent?"
"You-"
"Let's go, I must find this path."
The area shifted to another scene.
The previous wielder held Stars in their left hand, a group of three in front of them. They were dressed in a similar fashion, all with mocking grins on their face.
"You're not even Second Stage, yet you dare stand up to us?"
The group laughed and the leader commanded, "Hand over that sword and I will consider letting you live."
The scene shifted and the three were on the ground, covered in wounds. The previous wielder had a sickening grin on their face, "I found it, my path!"
They then slaughtered the three, flicking the blood off of Stars, "The death of others, it makes me stronger! This is the path I have been seeking!"
Akiol's surroundings returned back to normal. Stars appeared, "This was around the point that people learned that the death of others strengthens themselves. My previous wielder was no different."
Akiol put a hand on Stars' head, "You didn't like them did you?"
". . ."
"Thank you, this has given me an idea."
"Really?"
"Of course, I will need some time to digest this info and plan accordingly. You have been a great help."
"That's good then."
"Alright bring Givale back in here before she throws a fit again."
Givale popped into the space, she was about to complain. However upon feeling the atmosphere she wisely kept her mouth shut.
Akiol logged off and the pod opened.
A path. . .
One unique to someone?
He thought about his own path, his experiences in the game. What was unique to him? What was his path to further strength?
As Akiol lay in his bed these thoughts floated in his head. Soon enough he drifted into sleep.
~ ~ ~
"How's everything progressing?"
"Quite smoothly, a few players tried to prevent others from accessing their rooms. However that was easily dealt with."
Desk Guy leaned back in his chair, "Honestly things are going so smoothly."
Ding~
He sighed, "There it is."
A message from the higher ups, it contained a single sentence:
-Increase the daily matches.-
He had a feeling this was going to happen, the rate at which the players were being eliminated was both great and small. If one looked at the number itself it would be massive, but compared to what was left.
As an employee he had no choice but to do as he was ordered. Even if he thought it was a terrible idea.
He sipped a soda and mentally prepped himself. There might be overtime tonight.
~ ~ ~
The party was currently dining in-game, Givale included.
"So it's two matches now? Well I suppose that isn't too bad."
Kan'na shrugged, "It speeds up the process, I just wonder why it wasn't like that from the start."
Akiol looked over to Givale, "Alright you choose who goes up next."
Givale was too focused on eating to give it a serious thought, so she casually pointed towards Wrock.
Wrock fist pumped the air, "Alright! Excellent choice."
Yielya put down a fork, "Make it quick, no messing around."
"Ha, you're one to say that."
"Unlike you, I don't get to test my strength in combat often."
"Because you aren't willing enough."
Akiol interrupted, "Kan'na how much longer before our match?"
"Three hours."
. . .
"Our match is soon."
"What's the plan this time?"
"There is no plan, just allow me to deal with them."
"If you say so."
~ ~ ~
The party entered the matchup room. Their opponents were already seated. However unlike the last match, they held looks of confidence.
Akiol attempted to exchange pleasantries, "Hello, let's have a good match!"
One of them responded, "It will be a quick one."
Wrock slightly frowned, but wasn't too disturbed by it. If they were this confident, then they should certainly be decent opponents.
They sat down and readied up, after a short pause they were soon teleported into the arena.
Wrock quickly examined his surroundings, unlike the last match their current place was far more open. There was a lack of cover, in fact he could spot the enemy team in the distance.
The area was a rocky plain, the floor was gravel instead of dirt or grass. Wrock approved of the map, no need to hunt down anyone hiding.
Wrock held a thumbs up, "Wish me luck!"
The party did as he asked and he walked towards the enemy team. As he closed the distance he noticed they were doing the same. A single individual walked forward with a carefree look.
The two stopped in front of each other, about two meters apart. The individual rose an eyebrow, "Oh? Only one?"
"I could ask the same."
They chuckled, "That's intriguing, may I know your name?"
"Shouldn't you give your own first?"
". . . I suppose. I'm Kor."
"Wrock."
"Wrock, may I ask why only you step forward?"
"Something close to testing the waters I suppose."
"I see! Well since this is the first time I have come across this situation. I shall give you a chance."
"A chance?"
"You have a single free hit."
Wrock was curious on why they were so confident, but his hopes were rising by the second.
Kor massaged his neck, "You see, I'm quite strong myself. Ever since I entered First Stage my health hasn't dropped below half. My opponents could never pierce my defenses. Or, well you know."
"They died too quick?"
"Exactly! Either way we are aiming for first place. That's going to take some time, so why not have a little entertainment right?"
"Well, I hope you don't regret the choice."
"I'll be fine, give it your best shot!"
Wrock took a breath, if the opponent was going to just stand there then he would be polite. He rolled his shoulders and a blue flame crackling with electricity crawled up his arms.
[Untouchable Power]!
[Mastered Basic Punch]!
~ ~ ~
Kor's eyes widened slightly the moment Wrock's fist almost made contact with his chest.
For some reason he felt afraid of the blow, his body screamed at him to move. Yet it was too late.
Kor took a step back from the force of the impact. The damage wasn't much, for a split second he thought he overreacted.
A crushing force was felt in his chest, his HP dropped dramatically and he was sent flying back. He barely managed to adjust himself before landing, almost falling as he recovered.
He looked at his chest and his heart almost stopped from the sight. It looked like a bomb went off in his chest.
'Argh!! Don't take anymore hits from that guy! I barely managed to keep your life intact!'
Kor nodded, 'Yeah. I don't think I want to get near him.'
His team's healer quickly healed the wound. Slowly his armor began to heal itself, returning to its original shape.
Kor was a wearer of a set of Sentient Armor. Although it could be classified as living. It was Legend Creating rarity, a grade of equipment that even the top guilds have very few of. Because of it his defenses grew to the top of all players.
Not only did the armor buff his defenses, but it made him incredibly powerful as well.
This was the first time since he obtained the armor he was genuinely frightened of getting hit!
One of his teammates, named Yuro, warned him, "No fooling around Kor, if it looks rough we will assist."
Kor wiped away the freshly formed sweat, "Yeah, you don't have to tell me twice."
All signs of confidence were gone from his expression. He steeled himself with a breath and charged forward, "I shall be returning the favor!"
~ ~ ~
Wrock was quite pleased, the confidence of his opponent wasn't for show! For a player to survive a blow after he was powered by not only his War Sight, but [Untouchable Power] as well?! He didn't even mind that the Priest did their job, in fact he was a little happy about it.
The player charged forward while shouting, "I shall be returning the favor!"
Wrock readied himself, "I won't stand still like yourself!"
The player slid forward. Wrock quickly raised a leg and kicked downwards.
[Guillotine Kick]!
Kor rolled to the side and dodged the incoming kick. He thrust his hands forth and a wave of red energy slammed into Wrock, sending him sliding back a few feet.
Wrock's HP dropped decently from the blow, but he didn't pay attention to it.
He was quite glad he was against a decent opponent!
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein