Travis paused, a familiar yet unrecognizable presence was approaching his location.
Turning towards it he waited for their arrival. Soon enough a grey-skinned figure made their presence clear, "Baron, I have come to deliver the news you seek."
It was the informant from the Abyss. Travis was immensely pleased. Now he could tie up the final loose end.
The informant pulled out a sheet of paper, "We believe that this is their base of operations. However the term Eternal Candle only seemed to become more well known two days ago. We are unsure how you managed to know this name beforehand."
"I have a form of personal beef with them. Anything else?"
"The ones responsible for the attack on your fame seems to be a mixture of three different sources. The semi-immortals, the Guilds that run with the semi-immortals, and the organization named Eternal Candle."
"So it's all three? Who started it?"
"The semi-immortals. It seems like the other two took it as an opportunity."
"So it was nothing but a personal attack? It seems my actions aren't misplaced then."
"Is there anything else you desire Lord?"
"No, spectacular job. I'll handle things from here."
"As you command."
The informant slipped away. Travis paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. It looked like there was actually no deeper meaning behind the attacks against him. Just some angry players looking to demean him. Along with some opportunistic vultures.
Then his next target would still remain. He was confident that the first set of assassins sent after him was their doing. He would obtain answers about that immediately.
Examining the paper Travis smirked slightly. It was funny, for their location was actually the exact spot of the most popular player owned store. To think they would have such a front.
He dashed across the field, this time he was in peak condition. He would not lose again! He would truly live up to the name Two Tries!
~ ~ ~
"I-It's Dot!"
Hank paused, "Young Miss-"
The little girl clicked her tongue, "It could be chance, but knowing him it might not be that simple. You should stop him."
"My job is to guard you."
"This is a game you know? It doesn't matter what happens to me."
"I am aware you haven't turned the pain setting all the way down. Your Father specifically told me to not let any harm fall your way."
"Father is being over dramatic! We will incur great losses if Dot goes loose on our facility!"
"I cannot stop him Young Miss."
"I watched that footage, you had won!"
"With an absolute advantage. Now he is no longer under such unfavorable circumstances."
"So what do we do?"
"Escape."
"Do we really have no other choice-"
The door broke down and a figure walked in. Two swords by their side, and a terrifying pressure immediately flooded their senses.
They spoke, "White Phantom, I knew you were part of Eternal Candle."
Hank lifted his daggers, "Sure you want a rematch so soon? I don't mind putting you down again."
"We both know it won't be that simple. Don't worry, I have come for answers. As long as I get them I will cause no further harm."
"What if the answers are unsatisfactory?"
"You will have to see."
Hank cautiously took a step to the side, placing himself between the Young Miss and Dot. On high alert he asked, "So what are the questions?"
"I'm aware you won't tell me anything, you certainly didn't before. However that young one behind you, I'm sure she can talk."
"She's merely a child, she doesn't know anything."
"As if."
Dot's figure vanished and he appeared next to the Young Miss, a sword hovered next to her neck. He asked in a low tone, "Why have you conspired against me?"
The Young Miss suppressed her fear, "What exactly do you mean?"
Hank didn't move, for fear that Dot would harm the Young Miss. He didn't have that kind of speed to react quick enough! Hank objected, "You're truly delusional Dot! What would a young girl know?!"
"This is no ordinary young girl. Corolla, the daughter of Eternal Candle's head."
A shock passed through both the Young Miss and Hank. That information shouldn't be known in A World's Legacy!
Corolla grit her teeth, "What exactly do you want?!"
"Answers, why was I targeted?"
"A lot were targeted, I'm afraid you just got caught into the mix."
"Don't play with me, sending a group of assassins after me isn't a simple as that. Sending the White Phantom after me is even more so!"
Corolla stared into Dot's mask, "Fine! We wanted you to target the Guilds."
"Why?"
"I can't tell you that."
"I don't think you're in a position to refuse."
"I seriously can't! I don't know anything about plans like that!"
"Clearly you must think I'm playing."
A thin cut formed on Corolla's cheek. Dot's voice turned cold, "Answer my questions."
"Dot!!", Hank roared as he dashed forward.
Dot parried the incoming strike and slammed a foot into Hank's stomach. Unlike before with [Killer Coded], Hank was at a major disadvantage in stats.
His body slammed into the wall, knocking the wind out of his lungs. He collapsed onto the ground coughing. Corolla reached out to him, "Hank!"
A cut formed on her arm. Dot's sword gleamed menacingly, "Answer!"
Corolla bit her lip, "All I know is that Father has a plan! Something about overthrowing the top positions and claiming it for profit."
"What caused him to do that?"
"I don't know!"
Dot raised his sword and Hank grit his teeth. A set of yellow lines spread across his body. He had resolved to use [Killer Coded] once again!
A beam shot towards him immediately. The size of the room wasn't enough to dodge and Hank received it head on. His HP fell dramatically as he gained several injuries.
Dot lowered his hand, "Unlike last time you won't be gaining a chance again. Like I said, answer my questions and I will leave."
Corolla shouted, "I really don't know anything! Father doesn't share all his plans with me!"
"Then I'll head to him directly. Holding you hostage should be enough to convince him. White Phantom over here however. . ."
Dot pulled out a dark black orb and crushed it. Hank suddenly realized it was an Orb of Greed. Something he was all too familiar with during his missions inside A World's Legacy.
The increased death punishment wouldn't be an issue, if only there wasn't a revival time extension! By the time he can fight again Dot could cause far more damage!
Hank dashed forward despite his wounds, he was equal in Stats again! With this he will fight for enough time for the Young Miss to escape!
Clang~
Hank was stunned, this was not on the same level! Although [Killer Coded] was active he lost in Stats?!
Dot faintly chuckled, "It's insane how good Skills can be."
Several wounds formed quickly across Hank's body. The speed was simply inhumane to react to!
Hank rolled back and collapsed, struggling to get up he saw Dot stand in front of him. His voice entered Hank's ears, "Goodbye White Phantom."
"Hank!"
Hank saw a descending sword. He could tell that it was over, the difference in Stats was too much.
It was pathetic! He made a solemn swear to the Young Miss! He would fight even God!
So why was he so weak?! Why couldn't he protect her when it mattered most?!
Clang~!
Hank looked up, a figure stood in front of him and blocked the attack. An individual with silver hair and a deep blue sword!
They spoke, "It's interesting. Your strength still remains among the top! What kind of price did you pay for that power?"