{"id":335,"date":"2024-11-23T01:00:31","date_gmt":"2024-11-23T01:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=335"},"modified":"2024-11-23T02:31:09","modified_gmt":"2024-11-23T02:31:09","slug":"elrin-daun-and-the-grumbsy-gang-chapter-24-the-day-of-eight-duels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=335","title":{"rendered":"Elrin Daun and the Grumbsy Gang – Chapter 24: The Day of Eight Duels"},"content":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cROAN YOU ABSOLUTE MISERABLE COCK TITTY FUCKING SACK OF WORHTLESS TROLL SHIT I KNOW YOU\u2019RE HERE AND I SWEAR FROM POISEDON TO ZEUS FROM HADES TO THE HEAVENS BEYOND OLYMPUS I WILL RIP OFF YOUR GODSDMAN DICK AND FEED IT TO YOU!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan, having been the only one not caught off guard by the screams, slammed his drink to the counter in front of him. \u201cAlright this is a family dispute. Everybody stay the fuck out of it. This is none of your business.\u201d The loud voice outside continued to scream random threats though it was growing harder to hear through the sounds of all the other people on the street shouting and running away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDude what the fuck is going on?\u201d I asked while following the seaman out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can watch, but don\u2019t do a fucking thing,\u201d He told me marching right onto the street. People were scattering away from one man standing in the middle of the road. And the funny thing about that man was, he was a foxman. Though significantly taller than the average foxman I’d seen. Standing at least five feet tall, in nearly all orange fur.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The livid stranger growled when he saw his prey, \u201cThere you are you fucking scoundrel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou hunted me to the ends of the Earth just like you said you would,\u201d Roan whipped some beer foam off of his mouth. \u201cI hope you\u2019re ready for that pounding I always promised I\u2019d keep giving you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t the baby cousin anymore big twat,\u201d The fox replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson walked up right next to me. \u201cOh if it\u2019s family I get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nosikol stood to my other side. \u201cYou guys are always so fun to hang out with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wicked trickster made several appearances over the last couple weeks. Mostly just to, \u201cChill with\u201d us, but also because he was our stalker.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No more words were exchanged between Roan and his enemy. The seaman spat on the pavement, screamed, and lunged. The fox threw something at the ground and smoke appeared. Roan halted his charge before reaching the fog. He took a step around it, but the fox quickly stepped out, holding some of the smoke like a spear and launching it at his cousin.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan held out his left hand. As the smokey spear collided with his glove, the cross on his palm glowed golden and the phantom weapon disappeared. When the Fox reached back again, Roan stepped forward with a straight right to the temple.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the furry beast staggered backwards he continued with a left then another right. They were blocked, and he was countered. The smoke behind him quickly dissipated and Roan found himself in a fist fight with a fox.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019d seen him throw punches before, but never at this ferocity. And I have certainly seen him do a better job blocking, but neither of them had any interest in backing down from the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They circled around a bit, but for the most part it was just a rock em sock em all out brawl. Until the fox tagged Roan bad enough to really back him up, giving the furry fighter the chance to get his own space.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While creating distance he ripped out some fur. Roan took a step forward at first, but seemed to realize what was happening and instead dove behind a nearby bench just as the fox threw the fur like needles. The tiny bolts pierced into the stone construct Roan hid behind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the fox reached for more fur, the sailor stood up revealing a bloody left shoulder. In his hand was one of the furry needles. He smiled, then he took off in a blur before the next set of needles came at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The blur circled around the corner down the street. As the Fox crept forward, Roan came jogging back at normal speed, shoeless and bleeding at the feet. His right thumb was lit up with a flame, and his other hand held some stones. When the needles came flying, the stones shot right back.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both of them were hit, but the fox was clearly in far more pain from the human’s powerful attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan kept his right hand steady so as not to lose the fire as he scrambled on the ground to find more rocks. The fox let out a very awkward sounding shout that I don\u2019t at all feel comfortable trying to describe. It hurt my ears, feeling quite unnatural and a moment later the flame on Roan\u2019s thumb was out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two warriors were both clearly exhausted from the whole thing. But neither was letting up. Particularly the one who started the fight and just started charging again. Roan quickly pulled out another needle, this one from his chest. And cut down the side of his left leg, suddenly pulling out a familiar large net which he threw over his enemy wrangling up the fox.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait, that’s how he did that?\u201d I snapped my fingers remembering that he said he \u201cbrought\u201d a net when we fought the wyvern and I had no idea where it came from.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nosikol nudged me, \u201cThat was pretty cool.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I couldn\u2019t help but acknowledge him. \u201cThat was so bad ass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As cool as it was, the fox cut his way out effortlessly and the two were punching each other yet again. Each of them was bloodied and beaten.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But one of them was a furry little bitch.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And the other was Roan.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few more exchanges the older cousin, which is a family relationship I seriously question, finally knocked the younger one unconscious with an uppercut. He was quite exhausted by the end, but he was standing. The fox was not.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few minutes the fox woke up. Roan was sitting near him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNext time you come to kill me, pick a better day,\u201d He pointed at me. \u201cOr do a better job using the day more effectively. We could have had this fight in the fucking arena in front of a crowd if we played our cards right. Now, neither of us made any money. Dumbass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His cousin didn\u2019t say much. But he did leave. Supposedly departed Koph Mana. Roan explained there was no reason not to believe that he was gone. If he was gonna kill the sailor in a shady way, he wouldn\u2019t have come down the street screaming for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We helped Roan to his feet and he healed himself as best he could. Which wasn\u2019t much because he was very drained from the battle. And unfortunately, these days around town, there wasn\u2019t a whole lot of healing magic to just be tossed about.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mostly because somebody killed half the healers in the city. I wasn\u2019t saying it out loud at the time that I thought it was Yarrick, but you know I thought it was Yarrick. I was just blaming everything on him at that point, fuck that guy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though that was a bit unfair considering everything else that\u2019s happened. Literally, my very first night with Dy, the two rogues started picking off various champions. And their replacements. Starting, with none other than Viper. The royal prince from Mesopia was killed in his sleep without any of his guards knowing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sir Dorney Yellow also died, but not by assassination. It was in fact, in a duel, but not with Syrielle. No they had a friendly back and forth, best of five. He just barely beat her in the fifth duel. So she pouted and disappeared into the woods. Sir Dorney Yellow, was then killed in an entirely different duel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Making this whole turn of events pretty wild. Of course, I\u2019m learning these details about him after he did the thing people were surprised he did so it wasn\u2019t that shocking to me, and I had to act like \u201cYeah wow!\u201d a few times just to fit in<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several champions had remained safe through it all. Including Lindhart’s mysterious Champion. For some reason every time he’s mentioned the conversation is interrupted and I learn nothing. I did learn that The Spire’s Warmage though, but then he was also assassinated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Due to our relationship with one of the culprits, a few other assassins and spies lurked on us. Nydorri and Roan were both crafty enough to trap them on their own. Nosikol didn\u2019t do anything about it but applaud their success. He was specifically assigned to protect us from certain people. The tricky bastard wouldn\u2019t disclose anything useful, leaving us wondering who he was protecting us from.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And more importantly, who hired him to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Was it simply someone who needed champions?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After all the people in the shadows have taken out over half the champions. And even some of the newer volunteers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The worst part was Syrielle was off training in the woods so nobody thought to hire her. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson tried to volunteer to fight all eight duels. Every sponsor agreed but hired a back up just in case. I couldn’t tell who was making fun of him and who was serious.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Honestly, we couldn’t have cared about more than half of the duels. Unless you really understand the specifics of the inter workings of the city’s economy, political climate and other variables then they all just look like petty squabbles of old men fighting over contracts. There was only two that mattered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Jasper, the Master of Games, had everyone convinced that each duel was important to the fate of the whole city. All to sell as many tickets as he could. So, as every other powerful person pulled their strings, he pulled his. Filling in a couple of gaps left by the dead business owners, replacing a couple of significant political contracts with the petty arguments of land owners who may or may not have fucked each other\u2019s wives.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jasper had a whole population to entertain. And he would not let them down. Especially if that meant destroying their general livelihoods.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Most intelligent folk argue the ritual has done very little to stop actual gang violence. Shit still happens all the time as is evident by the last couple weeks. But treaties are formed, which sometimes does come with consequences. The wisest thing for any activist who cares about a cause in this city, is to pay attention to what deals are being made, and ensuring the greatest warriors are picked on a specific side.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That\u2019s just based on the research I\u2019ve done lately. You really shouldn\u2019t trust me on the politics of a city I\u2019m just visiting for a few months. Even if I\u2019m dating one of the most intelligent people in the whole damn place.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cElrin,\u201d Sandy Larson shouted frantically just as we were walking Roan back into the bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Oh The Gods Be Kind<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

How Could it Be<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Yet Another Day<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

With My Dear Dy<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hate it when you do that,\u201d She whined adorably.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen stop dating a bard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook,\u201d Her hand waved, me back to attention, \u201cWe don\u2019t have time. Where\u2019s Nydorri?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s inside,\u201d I pointed. \u201cI don\u2019t think she cared about Roan\u2019s fight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Having just noticed Roan\u2019s condition Dy slapped her hand to her forehead. \u201cWhy the fuck is he\u2026 What the hell happened to you?\u201d She quickly stepped up to gently caress the non- bloody parts of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFamily drama,\u201d He said. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, it\u2019s none of your business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t. I never learned anything about his cousin or their beef.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamnit,\u201d She looked around again trying to find more people. While I know I shouldn\u2019t like it when she was in a bad mood, she really was the cutest when she was upset about something. Though normally I was able to calm her down with a joke. But people were dying, and today is the day we can end it. Or just minimize it, \u201cWhere\u2019s Syrielle and that Blond dude? We could use everyone for this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBlondos made friends with a knitting club and went on some retreat on an island nearby.\u201d I explained. I myself didn\u2019t know much about this definitely-not-a-cult he was hanging out with. \u201cHe\u2019s been making a lot of friends lately I guess. Really fast turn around. And now he\u2019s learning things. It\u2019s been a big couple months for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Syrielle\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe does this thing where she goes and trains in the woods for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan decided it was an appropriate time to ask, \u201cIs she still pouting because you said Nydorri was a better friend than her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not why she left!\u201d I was annoyed at the accusation. She was mad but not that mad. \u201cShe got her butt kicked in a sparring match. Then she heard about Prince Lindhart\u2019s Champion and she wanted to get stronger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy was giving me a bewildered look. I could tell she read that something was off about what I was saying, so I clarified, \u201cWell we did get into a stupid argument after I said that, but that\u2019s not why she left. It just happened to be the last thing we said to each other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would you say that?\u201d Dy complained.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI promise to apologize for saying it,\u201d I assured her. \u201cBut not that I meant it.\u201d When she didn\u2019t say anything I got a little uncomfortable <\/span>\u201cI think Syrielle just wants to fight The Big Bad at the end so she\u2019s gonna be petty, wait until the last minute so she can pop out and save the day. She was probably hoping Verg would have to fight your guy for The Labor Coalition. and then she gets the fun fight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou guys are fucking weird.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you need?\u201d I thought it was important to remind her that I noticed she was distraught and to turn the topic back to that. She loved it when I trailed off, but not always during important stuff.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026\u201d My sweet beautiful dear Dy took a deep breath expressing a long standing frustration, \u201cYou know how the church is super honorable and never does anything wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d The worn out activist seemed exhausted. \u201cThey\u2019re at it again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nosikol grabbed my arm and held his other hand to his chest gasping for air. \u201cOh dear gods no. Not the church. Anything but the church. What is this world coming to?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ignoring him she looked at me sympathetically, \u201cLook. I know you agreed to have one of your friends fight for my cause. And I know that another of your friends agreed to support The Spire if they don\u2019t find a suitable warrior for Lindhart\u2019s Champion\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you\u2026\u201d I was offended. \u201cThink we\u2019re not gonna help you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri had come walking out of the bar. \u201cI thought I smelled you Dy.\u201d She was the only other person who used my nickname for Sandy. Everyone else called her Sandy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy quickly pointed to the East, \u201cThere\u2019s a tribe being harassed out there. Most of their warriors were killed months before you folks even got here.\u201d While Dy talked, Nydorri started walking in that direction without waiting for the rest of the explanation. Dy quickly went after her, continuing to talk. The rest of us followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Sunkar Tribe is a conglomeration of humans and hafflins,\u201d If you couldn\u2019t tell on your own, my girlfriend knows pretty much everything. \u201cThey both had homes on this land and beyond for years. We\u2019ve been leaving them alone since we took this place. But High Priest Machin has been after their metal mines since he set foot on Kayos. Koph Mana has had rules for a long time, limiting our ability to expand our borders. Jasper was trying to negotiate for them to both parties to present champions today. One of the best Knights in the city volunteered to fight on behalf of the Sunkar but the church decided to pull itself from all disputes this year. Much to Jasper\u2019s frustration.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow with crime at an all time high, Machin decided it\u2019s time to fit in with everyone else and break the rules. Because he\u2019s always so good at following them\u2026 With everyone\u2019s eyes on the 8 duels, or protecting their most precious personal items, nobody is looking outside the walls. He\u2019s just gonna start bullying the Sunkar from their home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri turned back with a big smile to look her friend Dy in the eye. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. We\u2019ll handle this. Also, I don\u2019t really know what you were talking about. You said people are going to destroy more forests?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKinda yeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll fuck them up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy thanked her but she still looked very worried. I put my arm around her for a nice comforting snuggle, \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I make the best kind of friends for this sorta thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She still had worries to express. \u201cI know, but\u2026 After this, who’s gonna fight for the Workers,\u201d As a long time advocate of labor rights, the contract on the table was near and dear to her heart. Lucky for her, some of the champions of The Investor’s Union were assassinated in the whole mess of the last few weeks. But with their resources, they\u2019ll always be able to find someone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I pondered my reply then Roan asked, \u201cWhat happens if we don\u2019t have someone fight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d Clearly Dy did not want to answer that question at all. \u201cWe were forced to offer up a champion to keep the spot. We can replace him at any time, but we can\u2019t remove him until a new champion is chosen. So\u2026 Laramie volunteered.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLARAMIE!\u201d Verg roared with great displeasure.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri spun around just as angry, \u201cYou can\u2019t let Laramie fight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan was also disappointed. \u201cHe\u2019s not fighting. I love that boy. I won\u2019t allow it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I grabbed her arm, \u201cWe\u2019re not letting Laramie fight.\u201d He was a tubby man and not at all athletic. Yet, there was an adorableness to his courage. We all really loved that dude. But he was bad at things. And he was dumb. \u201cIf you can\u2019t make it up the stairs with two buckets of water without breathing heavily you are not fighting in the colosseum.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s like half the reason I\u2019m so anxious,\u201d She said. \u201cHe\u2019s not gonna forfeit.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather he forfeited,\u201d I said. \u201cJust give up. Let the workers deal with the rich people’s bullshit. The fuck is Laramie gonna do in a fight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded, \u201cI said that to him. He tried to fight me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We waited for her to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We made it to the edge of the city without much of a problem. They let us out the front gate no problem and we quickly snagged some horses at one of the stables outside. Barely a few moments into the ride we noticed smoke in the distance. Not that Dy didn\u2019t know where to guide us, but it led us directly to the small village. Only about a dozen wooden homes were still standing. The other dozen were burning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maybe a 100 villagers were frantically keeping their distance from several men walking around with spears. There were a few dead bodies scattered about, mostly warriors. As we rode in, all took note of us, and we finally took note of two men in particular.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An elf, with long golden hair and a sword on his back. His arms were crossed, and there was a bloody corpse right at his feet. Next to him was a mountain dwarve in golden robes bespectacled with a variety of jewels all over.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShit,\u201d Dy said once she spotted them. \u201cThat\u2019s Letel, with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s who with who?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We pulled our horses to a stop just outside of the village. Several of the men started walking towards us, but none of them looked in a hurry just yet. More cautious than anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLetel,\u201d Dy continued to explain. \u201cHe\u2019s the one who slayed Sir Dorney Yellow in a duel,\u201d Chills ran down my spine as I realized just how dangerous one of those two people is, \u201cHe\u2019s a sell sword for the highest bidder. I knew he was working with the temple, but I was hoping he\u2019d be elsewhere.\u201d Then she looked even more disgusted, \u201cAnd that\u2019s Roderick Manchin. Brother of the high priest Frederick. Both are powerful dwarves. Frederick is much smarter. But Roderick is far nastier.\u201d I had more chills knowing the reputation of the second man as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the men with spears reached me, \u201cWhat business have you here today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri replied, \u201cWe\u2019re here to save the other people and fight you?\u201d She looked to Dy for approval. \u201cRight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy nodded, \u201cThat\u2019s the general gist.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case,\u201d The man with the spear brandished his weapon. \u201cGet off that horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson casually unmounted. Then he pulled the spear out of the guy’s hands. The spearman\u2019s spear wielding ally tried to attack. Verg just grabbed that weapon too. Both soldiers backed away from the half-orc with fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roderick Manchin was clearly irritated by our presence. \u201cWho in Hades are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir,\u201d Letel stepped towards us. \u201cLet me handle these people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMake it quick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave I ever played with my food?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They weren\u2019t close, but were clearly speaking very loudly for us to hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verg didn\u2019t hesitate to walk towards the dangerous elf, as the rest of us got down off our horses. When we just stood there and watched him, Dy grew confused by our behavior. \u201cUhm\u2026 Why is no one helping him? That\u2019s Letel\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh you\u2019re new here\u2026\u201d I realized she didn\u2019t see much of us in combat.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t really do that,\u201d Nydorri explained. \u201cHe\u2019d be upset if we helped.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s things that are hard to understand,\u201d Roan told her. \u201cI\u2019d be happy to explain it later if you need.\u201d I almost pointed out that he never explains things to me, then I realized he knew I was listening and was probably intentionally being a bully. Also Dy\u2019s a lot more likable than me so people typically treat her better.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Prior to any violence, Nosikol put his arm around Roan, \u201c69 gold on the elf?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do I need to tell you the answer?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letel held his palms out\u00a0 in disappointment. \u201cI\u2019d really prefer it if you fought me with your friends. I understand you have a whole pride thing, but once I kill you, which will be quite easy for a warrior such as myself. I\u2019ll have an easier time killing them. And just because I don\u2019t play, doesn\u2019t mean I don\u2019t have fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI like turtles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson lunged with a punch, because the elf\u2019s weapon wasn\u2019t out. Letel deflected and delivered a punch to the gut, only for Verg to follow through with a knee to the ribs. The elf quickly pulled out his sword, but Verg\u2019s ax deflected it with ease.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A flash of attacks took place right in front of my eyes. My barbarian friend was just barely blocking most of the onslaught, unable to throw any of his own. Then he just tried that, taking a big step back and swinging straight across his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letel quickly ducked and stabbed him in the gut.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the weapon came out, a massive elbow slammed into the elf\u2019s head. The strike hurt Letel forcing a slight retreat. He dodged Verg\u2019s immediate follow up swing, but the half-orc didn\u2019t over extend. So when Letel tried to hop back to feint, Verg didn\u2019t bite on it. Without a reaction, Letel couldn\u2019t attack and Verg stepped forward taking the offense. Showing almost no signs of slowing down from the stab. Though his quicker foe looked less overwhelmed by him. Letel managed a few counters, just barely slashing at Verg\u2019s body. Never cutting deep.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though eventually, he did take the pressure back. And Verg was blocking once more, looking slightly stressed. Sooner than the first time, he took his chance for a big lunge, once again, being stabbed, but this time deeper in the chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rather than striking the elf, he grabbed the sword hand. When he swung the ax again, Letel was forced to release his weapon to dodge, but the blade just barely grazed his chest, drawing blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The elf stumbled back as the half-orc ripped the sword from his chest. Letel quickly took the opportunity to leap through the air, and kick Verg in the face. When he stumbled backwards the barbarian threw both weapons to each side of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letel quickly dashed towards the sword, but Vergusson gathered himself and lunged. The elf reached the weapon first, but took a punch to the face, before he could turn around. As he stumbled Verg grabbed him by the throat, and by the sword hand. The elf tried to pry Verg\u2019s fingers off his throat, but had no success. So he kicked Verg in his torso where he was wounded. Still nothing happened. Then he dropped the sword. Verg let go of the weapon hand to block the next set of kicks and the elf quickly used both hands to slip the half-orc\u2019s grip off his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Only to receive a quick uppercut backing him away from the sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letel created space as Verg stomped forward weaponless. The elf fainted but the half-orc didn\u2019t care. He just attacked. Letel through multiple counterpunches, but eventually took a big right. He kicked and elbowed, then took a big left.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But his goal wasn\u2019t to outstrike his foe, he was circling back to the sword. Eventually Vergusson landed a punch that didn\u2019t look too bad, but Letel allowed it to roll him back towards his weapon. The savage barbarian dove through the air after his prey once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letel grabbed the orange handled katana only to be completely pancaked by Vergusson. The purple blade was sticking out of the backside of the half-orc\u2019s body. As the elf began to push him off, Verg rose up on his own and slammed a punch down, dazing the elf. Then he ripped the sword out of his chest. Then he stabbed it straight through his enemies face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFUCK!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Machin was clearly very upset that his mercenary lost. But remained silent as Verg executed his boy. Nosikol was the one who screamed and cussed because he just lost 69 gold. The priest on the other hand simply had a furious look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d suggest you pack it up and go my friend,\u201d I shouted to the brother of the high priest. \u201cWe got a whole lot more carnage coming your way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nosikol raised his hand, \u201cNot from me though. I\u2019m just hanging out, you can ignore me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah he sucks, we don’t like him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verg pointed at Dy as he spat blood out of his mouth. \u201cAlso she\u2019s not good at fighting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While she wasn\u2019t offended by the comment, Dy still politely explained to the simple half-orc, \u201cVerg it\u2019s not nice to tell people they aren\u2019t good at things. Please be nicer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Dy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She is an incredible mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Manchin took another step towards us. That\u2019s when I noticed he had a ring on his finger. And I noticed it because it was suddenly glowing. Which prompted Nydorri to say, \u201cEveryone stay back.\u201d When she moved forward she shouted, \u201cVerg! He\u2019s weird.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s yours,\u201d Verg nodded as he backed away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man in golden robes was suddenly covered in full plate golden armor. He didn\u2019t have a sword, ax, halberd, or hammer on him. Though when he raised his right arm, a cannon popped out of his wrist.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BANG!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blood spurted from both Verg\u2019s back and chest. The barbarian\u2019s body smashed into the dirt hard with a massive thump. A wolf dashed right over him towards Manchin.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At first I just ran for safety, but then I remember to cover Dy first and get her behind a tree with me. The horses had scattered away from the loud bang. Roan was crawling towards Verg who was getting back to his knees. His left hand was gloveless.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were more loud explosions similar to the last one.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Machin was shooting at a squirrel that was scurrying around in the dirt. None of his shots were hitting their target, but every blast showed devastating damage to the ground it hit. Eventually he pulled his arm back to his chest and used his other hand to fiddle around with the gauntlet. He twisted his arm around in a circle, then pulled it back out. This time, it fired a net, that tied the little squirrel right up. She quickly became Beardorri, tearing ferociously through the net.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In that time, he switched the cannon back, and blasted her with another shot. I wanted to move, but Nosikol grabbed my arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe fuck are you gonna do?\u201d The trickster gestured to Dy. \u201cThink of her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t like that. \u201cHelp your friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was nothing I could do, perhaps Roan could, but he was a bit busy dragging Vergusson away from the whole fight. Plus he was really fucked up. For now I had to wait. Maybe there would be a moment I could help, she isn\u2019t as proud as my other allies, so it\u2019s not like she\u2019d be mad at the help. I just don\u2019t know how to not die immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Machin was shooting his cannon again. Nydorri was her regular elf self rolling around dodging as best she could. The wound she received as a bear didn\u2019t seem too significant. And she always had an ability to heal rather quickly when she transforms, though there seemed to be a limit. And it exhausted her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While the warrior of Hephaestus never seemed to run out of ammunition as he fired.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That only forced her to move. Which took away her focus. But as I watched her work, I could see it just before it was going to happen. She had planted seeds at his feet earlier in the fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It must have taken them a while to settle in, because all it took was one slam of her staff and the flowers sprouted from the ground. Then she was a squirrel again, dodging his projectile while the plants acted on their own constricting around him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before they reached his head, he smacked his left wrist with his right hand. The entirety of his left arm began to buzz. He sliced straight through the plants holding the arm before quickly ripping through his entire constraints to move away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She was quickly there to trip him with her staff.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He swung the buzzing metal weapon at her but she flipped around and smacked him in the head. The attack showed no effect. Most metal helmets couldn\u2019t completely protect a blunt attack, but this just dinged off.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Machin sliced through everything, and when she went to trip him again. He buzzed straight through her staff. Then he tried to fire his cannon from his right arm, but she was back to dodging as a squirrel. When he went to switch, she became an elf and pulled a vine out of the ground to whip it around his leg to trip him down.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Right as he smacked the dirt I saw her head drop and she took a deep breath. She quickly gathered her composure, but it was coming to an end. She needed to do this now, or Roan and I needed to figure something out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From what I could see, the tattooed man just barely closed some of Vergusson\u2019s wounds. Meaning he himself doesn\u2019t have a whole lot of energy left.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dwarf buzzed the vine off his leg, but she pulled another from the ground to whip around the elbow of his left arm. Then she whipped it hard at his other arm, slamming the buzzing blade into the cannon of the other weapon.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She wrapped the rest of the vine around him. He kept trying to make space, but she just forced him to rub the blade against his own armor. The noise was the most uncomfortable and awkward thing I\u2019d ever heard. But eventually, the buzzing shut off.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More flowers grabbed hold of his legs as he tried to fight her. But his cannons weren\u2019t working anymore, all she did was back away and focus on the flowers in front of her. In a moment he was covered in them. Completely restrained.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then there was just a bed of beautifully petaled plants, and Roderick Machin was nowhere to be seen. Nydorri continued to kneel next to it as if she was praying, but it was obvious the battle was over.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Nosikol nudged me. \u201cIsn\u2019t this your part?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWarriors of Hephaestus!\u201d I stepped away from my hiding spot revealing myself to the world. \u201cIf you have any intentions of doing more battle today, please let me know. But as you can see, other intentions are likely wiser.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There weren\u2019t that many guys with spears, and the Sunkar people certainly looked less afraid. As such, Manchin\u2019s men didn\u2019t take much convincing. We let them throw down their spears, but the Sunkar took them into custody. I negotiated that they not execute anyone, and deliver the prisoners to Koph Mana as a show of peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sunkar chief agreed it was the wisest decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once that was settled Dy quickly explained, \u201cWe\u2019ve done enough. We have to get back. I\u2026\u201d She inspected the broken and bloodied squad, \u201cFuck\u2026 You said you\u2019re good at fighting too right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot like them\u2026\u201d I was a bit embarrassed when I compared myself to my friends. Then I realized that was stupid. \u201cBut like, yeah. Pretty fucking good. When I\u2019m using a more healthy measurement. I\u2019m a badass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Syrielle\u2019s better\u2026\u201d She did not sound happy. \u201cCrap. We don\u2019t know where she is? Or that Blond dude you said was powerful?\u201d Then she frantically looked at my injured friends. Vergusson was stable but was as bad as I\u2019d ever seen him. Roan was covered in bandages that were bleeding through. You can just see it on Nydorri\u2019s face she was beyond exhausted. She hadn\u2019t gotten off her knees since the fight ended. Having spent the whole time next to the bed of flowers she created to entomb her enemy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy desperately asked, \u201cDo we have any healers for these people?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThose two are healers,\u201d I shrugged. \u201cLike the best I know. Do you know anyone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to get back,\u201d She started walking in the necessary direction. The Sunkar were kind enough to guide us to their own personal stables of horses for us to replace the ones we scared off.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We rode to the main gate, and the only legitimate entrance back into the city from the mainland. Most of the population was at The Colluseum for the day, but there was still a small crowd just outside the gate.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Getting closer I realized it wasn\u2019t a normal crowd. It was four orcs and six hafflins standing around ready to fight. From the looks of things they were bickering with the gate guards who didn\u2019t seem to enjoy the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As we came pulling up they ignored the guards completely.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere he is boss,\u201d one of the hafflin\u2019s shouted while pointing at us. \u201cThat\u2019s him. My friends are never wrong. That’s Vergusson. I told you he was here. That\u2019s gotta be the one.\u201d He was pushing the hafflin next to him around by the shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know?\u201d The little one being pushed asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d The first complained. \u201cLooks just like him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The only orc who was sitting down, stood up. And he did indeed look quite a lot like Vergusson. \u201cI ain\u2019t that ugly,\u201d the big orc taunted, holding an enormous battle ax on his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was as offended as I\u2019ve ever written about. \u201cExcuse me,\u201d thankfully my horse was next to Vergusson\u2019s giving me the opportunity to cup his chin with my hand. \u201cThis here is the prettiest orc in the all the land.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The still bloodied and torn up half-orc casually replied, \u201cSup cuz.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan rolled his eyes, \u201cMore family drama. Enough already.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBurax,\u201d One of the other orcs growled, getting the attention of the boss. \u201cBoy look torn up. Spoiled meat.\u201d The backup orc tilted his head with disappointment, \u201cNot as fun.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson\u2019s cousin looked at us, almost drooling at the mouth. \u201cI smashed this boy as cubs. I got bigger orcs to kill for orc pride. I just want head for dad.\u201d He started marching forward, \u201cStay back. This my fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis one\u2019s mine.\u201d Vergusson face planted unmounting off the horse, \u201cStay out of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVerg no,\u201d I hopped off my own steed. \u201cYou\u2019re compromised. We can help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what that means.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt means you\u2019re injured,\u201d I explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo I know what compromise means,\u201d He whined, \u201cI was saying I don\u2019t know what help means. Because I don\u2019t want it.\u201d He pushed himself to his feet, though his cousin slowed down his march to chuckle with pity. Verg did not like that, \u201cOh I\u2019ll tear his fucking dick off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Burax stopped marching\u00a0 entirely, now choosing to give a brief orc monologue. \u201cYou run across Kayos like coward. Run away like elf boy. Like elf girl. And now you say you big orc. Vergusson big tough orc?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere were too many at once,\u201d Verg screeched. I heard it. Pain. He was actually hurting this time. This wasn\u2019t a barbarian\u2019s rage. This was a child\u2019s agony.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy little brothers,\u201d Burax shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBitches.\u201d A part of Vergusson felt what he said. A part of him was torn apart by what he\u2019d done to his family, and what his family had done to him. But then that pain faded away, and Verg let out his savage barbarians roar I knew all too well. We all prepared to attack. He held his hand out to us to let us know not to intervene, but we had every intention. Though none of us had any thoughts of stopping him at this point.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a single exception.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got this one big guy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And just like that.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There she was.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

T<\/span>he Mistress of Merciful Mayhem. And in her own way, still, a very very good friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though in many ways more of a professional friend, then a social friend like Nydorri.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But if she keeps showing up like this then I should stop splitting hairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As she walked up behind us Verg grunted then sat down. \u201cAlright fuck him up.\u201d The half-orc reached up a fist. The besties bumped it. She never looked at him. She quickly glanced at me with a wink, which I really needed because I didn\u2019t like thinking she was mad at me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Other than that split second though her eyes were locked on Burax.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho fuck are you?\u201d The orc growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSyrielle Hano,\u201d She sauntered cutely. \u201cI\u2019m kinda the leader around here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was slightly offended, and with a whisper I whined, \u201cHe didn\u2019t ask who we are?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy shrugged, \u201cWhich one of you made a bad ass entrance?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Burax forced a super fake laugh. \u201cOne of you? One lady girl?\u201d <\/span>She didn\u2019t even reach for her katana. Especially after he put his ax on a hilt at his waist. \u201cI crush you,\u201d He squeezed his fist together, \u201cThen your friends fight me. I kill them with ax.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s cute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Right as they were close enough he reached out to grab her, she smacked his hand away and kicked him hard in the leg. When he swung the same arm back the other way, she ducked under with a right hook to the gut, then a left to the face. Burax staggered backwards, she threw a spinning side kick to the stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

None of her strikes really slowed him down, but they all hurt him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That\u2019s when his ax came out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her sword was blocked immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then she had him quickly on the back foot. Very similar to what Letel just did to Vergusson in the beginning of their fight. She was faster, but not much faster. He was just quick enough to deflect her attacks but he couldn\u2019t attack himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Until he did. Swinging the ax straight down after she slashed at him. Syrielle quickly dodged to the side giving her a clear angle to stab. Which she took. And then he grabbed her hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The familiar attack made me whine, \u201cWhat the fuck?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verg giggled, \u201cClassic orc move.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She tried to yank her hand away but Burax held it tight. He swung his ax again, but she flipped around kneeing him in the face. But then had to awkwardly kick herself back so as not to twist her shoulder too badly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The orc ripped the sword from his stomach, while still holding her hand. He swung his ax once more this time upwards. She stepped away, again, but could only return with an awkward kick to the gut.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So he kicked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then he swung her around by the hand smashing her into the dirt. He tried to bring the ax down again, but she kicked at the hilt just in time to block it. Her hand finally slipped out of his grip but she didn\u2019t have her katana. She tried to scramble out and kicked him away, but he was still in range with his ax.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It cut straight through her gut. And it was not shallow.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He swung again, but she stepped around it. Then they were fighting over the grip of his weapon. Both of them swing the other around like a pair of acrobats putting on a fake wrestling show. Except there was lots of slamming going on.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eventually she found herself between him and the hilt of the ax, using her feet to push it away from them. Her hands were prying away his fingers and eventually she successfully kicked it away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He quickly switched to a choke, but she fought out of it almost immediately and scrambled to her feet. Landing a head kick as he was getting up. Then they both just unloaded. She landed more, but he was landing bigger. Punches. Kicks. Knees. Elbows. Headbutts.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They went back and forth for a bit.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Until suddenly he knocked her to her knees. Instead of charging at her, he took a step back, and that\u2019s when we all realized how close he was to the ax. But she noticed before any of us even shouted to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She already knew what to do, and she just fucking went for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He dashed back for the weapon. When he turned back around to swing all Burax had was his own upper body strength. Which was incredibly impressive. Even for an orc. But he had to stop and turn around.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle on the other hand, was sprinting at full speed and launched her entire body straight at him. When he brought the ax around, her feet collided directly on the handle just beneath the blade, pushing the other half of the double sided ax into the orc\u2019s chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both smashed into the ground as his weapon dug deeper inside of him. She hopped up to crunch it down once more. Burax\u2019s entire chest caved in.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stumbled off of him. Wiped blood off of herself. Gave his cohorts the middle finger.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then she walked over to Vergusson for another fist bump.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy nudged me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not that she needed to because Syrielle was coming straight in for a hug. Covering me in all sorts of blood. \u201cOkay, does anybody have any berries or anything?\u201d She immediately fell down next to Verg. \u201cWait\u2026\u201d That\u2019s when she remember the reason she needed to fight is because, \u201cEveryone\u2019s fucked up. What\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a whole thing,\u201d I quickly explained what we had just been through. The samurai was quick to give high fives to Nydorri and Verg for their fights, but didn\u2019t even bother with Roan. She didn\u2019t really care much for his family’s bullshit that nobody understood.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other orcs and hafflins were angry and eager to fight some more. Nydorri quickly snatched several of their legs with vines, to cause panic. She\u2019d clearly gained quite a bit of mana back, as manipulating the vines in the Earth was more exhausting than feeding her own seeds her power. The bandits couldn\u2019t tell, but I could see that a firm grip was about all she could muster at the moment. I took the chance to announce, \u201cWe\u2019ll let you go, but only if you run. Now. If you don\u2019t\u2026 She\u2019ll wrap you again. Tighter and tighter.\u201d The elf let them go, and the whole gang took off in fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verg got to his feet, \u201cI could have handled them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan mocked, \u201cThen why\u2019d you stay down?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuys!\u201d Dy screamed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Syrielle popped straight to her feet. \u201cWe\u2019re all ready, all of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy seemed flustered as she realized she might be rushing back for nothing considering she walked out of town with two incredible warriors and a broken one. Now she\u2019s coming back with 4 broken ones. And we still haven\u2019t heard from Zorthos or any other warriors who have survived the assassins.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The guards let us through, mostly because Nydorri flirted with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Entering the gate I quickly asked my samurai friend, \u201cSo where\u2019d you suddenly come from out of nowhere?\u201d We quickly fell in line next to each other during the walk. She sort of leaned on me for support as it was a bit of a struggle with the wound in her stomach to walk normally. Also, she was bruised and bloodied all over.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That orc absolutely wailed on her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sorta was waiting until the last minute,\u201d She sounded kind of embarrassed to admit. \u201cI really wanted to fight the big bad guy at the end so I thought if I didn\u2019t show up at first then Vergusson would have to do the first fight and I can do the second one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoly shit.\u201d Dy was amazed at my prophecy from before.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verg was struggling to walk even more than Syrielle was. He took way more damage. Nydorri had to help him walk, along with covering him with leaves. The elf didn\u2019t show any injuries herself, but I could tell from her eyes she was constantly spending every bit of Mana she was getting back. Roan was walking unassisted, by whining he “Could get some cuddling too.” Though to be fair, he was still limping pretty badly. And from what I know about his tattoos, they were pretty much all useless for a long time now. So he wasn\u2019t going to be able to do anything else with the cross on his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy was growing incredibly anxious as we walked. I reached out to her, and she grabbed my hand leaning into me. It was a bit awkward the way the three of us walked together but it was also a pretty sweet moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then Roan complained even more about not being in a cuddle puddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The massive circular building was booming as loud as any gathering I\u2019d ever heard in my life. When we got to the gate, we could hear the announcer shouting, \u201cAnd the winner is. Sir Tarence Morten of House Gunn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crowd roared.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShit,\u201d Dy shook her head. \u201cHouse Gunn\u2019s a bunch of dickbags.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it a big deal?\u201d I asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI liked the guy he fought,\u201d She lowered her head to pay respects for a quick moment. \u201cThe treaty wasn\u2019t a big deal though. And we have two more fights until The Labor Dispute. We still gotta figure out how to heal these guys or find your other friend or\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She tried to come to an answer but was at a loss for what to do. There were two incredibly important fights ahead of us. One sponsor had the greatest champion the city had ever seen. The other sponsor, from what we heard, was also scrambling to find a competent warrior much like us, but no doubt they\u2019d find someone willing to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The halls were decorated with paintings of champions through the years. Also random rich people who wanted their pictures up as well. We made our way to the warriors quarters, just before entering Monty jumped in front of us from behind a pillar. \u201cThere you are. We\u2019ve been searching everywhere for you guys.\u201d Then he really looked at us. \u201cOh dear gods in holy fuckity fuck fuck what is happening here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMonty,\u201d Dy shouted at him with absolute authority. \u201cYou have to be able to heal these guys. These are the greatest warriors in Kayos. We need them.\u201d She’d never meat Monty before and he was one of the highest seated people in the whole of Koph Mana, but this bitch gave no fucks about his fucking status.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And she specifically asked that I called her a bitch during this part.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The elf looked my friends up and down. \u201cYes\u2026 I\u2026\u201d He sounded frustrated. \u201cI had to heal someone earlier. And, I still may have to fight today. Unless\u2026\u201d He ignored most of us and just looked at Roan and Nydorri, \u201cI feel as though the two of you could do it. Either of you.\u201d Then he shook his head, \u201cBut I don\u2019t know\u2026 I just don\u2019t know. Perhaps I should fight instead of you. I did teach his teacher after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I patted him on the shoulder. \u201cWe usually like it when people make sense.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty shuddered in horror, \u201cWe found an acolyte. One of the students of Malfeasance. He\u2019s here today\u2026\u201d The elf\u2019s eyes scattered around as he leaned closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson asked, \u201cLike he sells peanuts?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a champion,\u201d Monty stared at the ground longingly. \u201cHe\u2019s fighting for House Thraine, in their familial dispute with House Yshur.\u201d Before I asked any questions he said, \u201cI couldn\u2019t have cared less about their little spat, until I found out one of them is in league with my old student gone dark side. Now, ensuring he doesn\u2019t win this battle is our biggest priority.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I took a deep breath through my nose. \u201cCool. We now have three fights. Two of which we know are against incredibly powerful opponents. And the other is nothing but a mystery to us all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty confidently said, \u201cWell whoever he is he\u2019s not going to suck.\u201d Then without any shred of confidence, he said, \u201cBut is he gonna be great? I don\u2019t know. To be honest, I haven\u2019t been as impressed today as years passed. These assassins took out many of the best warriors Koph Mana had to offer. So, it\u2019s not like we\u2019re picking from a pool filled with folks like them,\u201d He pointed at my compatriots who noticed they were being complimented and slowly began posing proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll figure it out on the way, but we should get there now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The elf led us through the halls to a set of stairs leading us down into a large room with a huge black metal door. Far to both sides, were openings in the walls where a bunch of spectators sat watching the next battle unfold.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There weren\u2019t that many people. I saw Laramie, with some of Dy\u2019s other friends. As well as men of Blue robes of the spire standing near a nobleman. A knight in full redplate armor was there with his entourage, who I didn\u2019t really pay that close attention to at first. I did pay quite a bit of attention to the tiny two foot tall gnome, standing next to the massive metal box.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The extremely small man taunted Monty, \u201cAre these people the best you have?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m really not in the mood to talk to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then we walked away and I learned literally nothing about the gnome and the champion that I was very confident was being held inside the box.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We followed the Grandmage, to his two students in blue tunics. The nobleman with them tried to greet Monty but the elf paid him no mind immediately addressing his students like a general in distress. \u201cAny word from our Warmages? Or MageDocs?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve received responses but nobody will be able to help,” One of the men shook his head. \u201cAt least no one that\u2019s powerful enough to deal with the threat ahead of us..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The leader of the spire looked to Roan, \u201cFinal thoughts?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can fuck up anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty turned to Nydorri. \u201cAnd you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m more powerful than he is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Grand Mage of the Arcane Spire thought long and hard. The battle before us had come to soon, and there was no more time to think. A champion was needed and we weren\u2019t able to go searching for one. \u201cPerhaps I should unretire from battle. I can give this little boy a grandfather lesson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From out of nowhere, \u201cGrandpa\u2019s tell stories and wear baggy pants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We all turned around to find Blondos smiling with his arms dramatically crossed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cZorthos!\u201d Syrielle and I shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn the flesh and glamor,\u201d He held his hands out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty walked away from everyone to shake the helkin\u2019s hand. \u201cZorthos. It\u2019s good to see you growing in power. I hope you found what you needed at the spire?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always more to learn\u2026\u201d Blondos nodded then looked out into the battle area. \u201cBut from what I\u2019ve been told. It\u2019s time I take this boy to school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle was still leaning on me when she asked him, \u201cWere you waiting until the end to fight the big bad guy and then realized you needed to step up sooner also?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d He didn\u2019t understand what she meant. \u201cMy Knitters Extravangaza ended yesterday and I just got here this morning.\u201d His blond eyebrows raised, \u201cAnd then I heard you guys were in trouble and now I\u2019m here to save the day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The eyes of the blond warrior glowed red. \u201cAnd I shall no longer fight for the innocent with shame.\u201d Flames engulfed him and suddenly Blondos was gone. The helkin we knew and loved had fully returned. \u201cThe world will see the true me beat this dude\u2019s ass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone around us was terrified. Not that there were many people. Monty held his hands up to the alarmed guards and declared, \u201cThis is the champion of the Yshurs.\u201d He placed his hand on the nobleman.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI, Matieu Yshur, accept this man as our champion.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The guards nodded and Zorthos walked towards the metal door.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh\u2026\u201d The guard looked at him. \u201cYeah so like, we\u2019re sort of in an intermission right now. It\u2019s gonna be just a few minutes.\u201d We all sat there for a second before the guard held a thumb up to Zorthos. \u201cYou look great though. Way better than that blond thing you had earlier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks dude.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanna hang out later?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy tugged me again, \u201cElrin, we still have to worry about the other two fights.\u201d She looked at Monty then back at me, \u201cI\u2019ll talk to him if you won\u2019t but we need to heal these guys now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty heard her and responded on his own. \u201cLook\u2026 The last fight may be the most important moment in all of Kayos. And for all we know, this next one may be the most important fight in all the world. Sweetheart, I know it\u2019s important to you to protect the workers, but I really don\u2019t have time for this at the moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon of\u2026\u201d Before she finished I grabbed her arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMonty, is there anything we can work out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you I\u2019m exhausted,\u201d He rubbed his hands to his eyes. \u201cAnd they\u2019ve already been stabilized. Do you know how much more mana it takes to force heal wounds that aren\u2019t fresh?\u201d Having just recently studied this I do know the answer. It takes A LOT more mana. The elf did sound sympathetic but continued to reject the offer. \u201cListen, I have every intention of keeping these folks from dying. But right now my focus is on finding someone for that last fight. And if it\u2019s got to be one of them. Well then I only have one shot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stepped right in front of him. \u201cI\u2019ve seen the champion fight. What are they gonna do even at full health? What are you gonna do against someone like him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cListen miss,\u201d He wasn\u2019t upset with her at all. \u201cYour plight is not my fight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not that I needed to impress her, \u201cSo you\u2019re no different than any other man that sits at the top of the ivory tower looking down. The power goes up, and that\u2019s it\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just not in favor of regulations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a king,\u201d I told him. \u201cAnd I do mean that as the insult.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cElrin\u2026\u201d The argument was wearing on him. \u201cYou and your friends are willing to help us all stop Prince Lindhart\u2019s insanity. I\u2019d do anything I can to keep your allegiance. I would not risk it by abandoning you now if I had the choice. I\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t show sympathy, but our resources are limited.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The more I thought the more I realized he might not have a choice. We really need to win that final battle, and the only way to do so might be by guaranteeing one of our friends can get to the fight. And he only has the power to restore one of them, if he can even get them to full power.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy was still chatting with the chubby man that wore full plate armor that did not fit him at all. It was obvious from the conversation she was telling him someone else was going to fight and he was very upset about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was about to join them, but I heard Nosikol whisper something to Syrielle. Which prompted the samurai to shout, \u201cHoly shit\u2026 Didn\u2019t I already kill you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She was pointing at the man in red armor. Aresian armor. At first glance I thought the dead had risen among whatever else we had to deal with today, but the more I examined him, the more I realized that he was likely the younger brother of the warrior she killed in the cave on my first day on Kayos.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The warrior didn\u2019t appear angry at all, \u201cSo you\u2019re the one who slayed Dimitri?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Having been there that day, I thought it important to share certain information in case anyone around us wants to feel sympathy for one side or the other, \u201cMan takes children. Man loses head. Simple rules.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir Lukas!\u201d The richman next to the warrior of Hellas shouted. \u201cDon\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The aresian held his hand to the face of the rich man next to him. \u201cI have already vowed my sword to your cause. I am not that fool Sir Dorney Yellow. I will not throw my honor away on the vendetta my ignorant older brother created with his greed.\u201d He lowered his hand and placed it on his sword. \u201cAnd I wouldn\u2019t dare reclaim my honor on a foe in such a condition. But, whatever scum he was. Dimitrii was my blood. And he taught me much in the way of the blade.\u201d He bowed to her. \u201cOne day miss. It would be a great privilege to repay the debt my family now owes you.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFucking idiot,\u201d I laughed pitifully.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unamused by the banter his sponsor shouted at the leader of The Spire. \u201cMonty, tell your people to leave my champion alone. I need him to focus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty smiled at him, \u201cDoes it look like I can tell them what to do?\u201d He pointed at Vergusson. \u201cJump.\u201d Verg tickled Roan who giggled in response. The old mage smiled as he watched them. \u201cYeah they definitely belong on Kayos.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dy called for my attention again. When I walked over to her group, Laramie was insisting he had this fight in the bag. So I shoved him to the ground effortlessly and asked my girlfriend, \u201cDid any of your other friends have any luck recruiting?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d She shook her head completely ignoring Laramie who was struggling to get up while threatening me. \u201cThere\u2019s hardly anyone left. We\u2019re still looking for healers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Falya, a old hafflin woman that led The Labor Coalition, was standing next to her and I didn’t notice at first. \u201cMost of the MageDocs I usually call are either dead or won\u2019t step foot in Koph Mana. Until the riots die down and the assassins stop picking people off.\u201d She looked at Laramie who was finally getting back up, \u201cAnd we certainly haven\u2019t found any worthy warriors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That\u2019s when the announcer finally shouted, \u201cAND NOW WE HAVE FOR YOU OUR FIFTH BATTLE OF THE DAY OF 8 DUELS! REPRESENTING THE HOUSE OF THRAINE! FROM THE NORTH DOOR! AN ELF FROM A LAND LONG LOST!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I ran up to the opening in time to see the black metal door open on the opposite side of the arena. As his name was said, out walked an elf with hair as white as now, that appeared to connect to the equally colorless gown he wore.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFROM THE SOUTH DOOR. REPRESENTING THE HOUSE OF YSHUR. A MYSERIOUS WARRIOR WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT. ZORGOS!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doors opened and the helkin didn\u2019t care about the mispronunciation. His flames grew brighter still as he walked out that door as hyped as I\u2019d ever seen him. The crowd gasped upon looking at the devilman. But he had no shame.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he neared the center of the battle area Zorthos stopped. It was obvious they were talking but nobody could hear what they were saying. After a while things actually started to get a little awkward.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I kept looking over to Dy and then we just started making funny faces at each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOKAY,\u201d The announcer continued, \u201cWE ARE TRYING TO LISTEN IN. WE BELIEVE THE ELF MIGHT BE IN LOVE WITH THE MAN WITH HORNS. WE\u2019RE PRETTY SURE WE HEARD THAT WRONG, BUT YOU NEVER KNOW IN THE COLOSSEUM. ESPECIALLY ON A DAY LIKE TODAY. THE DAY OF EIGHT DUELS!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They talked to each other a little longer. And then suddenly they attacked. First, the elf threw out a whip from his sleeve, which Zorthos snatched in the air with his hands. It crumpled into flames as the helkin summoned a sword to close the distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A long sword, with an all black blade and white hilt, appeared in the acolyte\u2019s hand to block Zorthos\u2019s flaming broadsword. They went back and forth in an unsurprisingly even duel. Though from what I could see, Thel was smiling and Zorthos was not.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMonty?\u201d I caught his attention but he didn\u2019t look. \u201cHave you heard of this Thel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe’s the nephew of an old friend of mine,\u201d The old mage shook his head. \u201cBreaks my heart to see this. He always showed great promise. I didn\u2019t know he was with Malfeasance until today. To learn his talents have been wasted on the black\u2026\u201d He shuddered with depression.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I had more questions, but I was a bit distracted by Zorthos summoning his ax and trying to double hand his enemy. The elf simply backed away creating more space. I did notice a slight gray to the white of his robes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once the elf was a distance away, he prepared an attack, but Zorthos launched a breath of fire at him. A black shield appeared in his hand in front of him deflecting the flames away. His black sword dissipated and the other hand pulled to his face as he let out an incantation.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anyone who could see well would be able to notice the gray of his cloak and hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three familiar purple balls appeared next to Zorthos. Tentacles lashed out and grabbed both of his arms and his throat. Flames stopped pouring out of his mouth. His weapons disappeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With the fire gone, the shield disappeared as well. The elf smiled and started talking but again I was really far and couldn\u2019t hear anything. Which was extremely annoying. As he spoke, I saw him clench his fist, and the tentacles squeezed tighter around my friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then Zorthos burst into smoke. He came back together almost in the same exact spot just unrestrained. Then he tore through all of the long slick arms that had just held him. An arrow hit him in the chest. He hit the ground hard, as several more arrows came at him he hopped away. The black bow in Thel\u2019s hand was massive, but he wielded it with relative ease.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Flaming spears were hurled in the opposite direction, but Thel dodged rather easily. He held his hand to his mouth again, causing more tentacles to appear. When Zorthos turned to smoke the elf shot a couple more arrows at the fog.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A silver light flashed, and demonic yelps could be heard.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos formed once again on the ground. This time showing more wounds than before he just turned to smoke. Whatever arrows the elf shot him with could hurt him in his haze form.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Big Z.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The helkin jumped up and sprinted forward without any weapons in his hands. As arrows came flying at him, he forcefully created a flaming shield to bounce each one away. An exhausting move, but he was losing horribly at range. Once he closed the distance, the bow disappeared, and the swords were back out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though it was obvious Zorthos was at a clear disadvantage, having taken all the damage. And from the looks of things far more exhausted. Monty\u2019s eyes were far more keen than my own and he agreed on a deeper level. \u201cHis tank is going to run dry. Yet Thel has full access to The Abyss.\u201d He leaned forward. \u201cHe must find a way to kill him now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was almost like he heard the Archmage all the way from over there.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos had managed to create a little more space with his flaming breath, only to force himself to close the distance again before the bow came out. As he dashed in, he quickly transformed into smoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFOOL!\u201d Nobody in the arena missed Thel shout that clear as day.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The elf, in robes all black, eyes and hair just as dark, swung his ebony blade at the smoke in front of him. There was a another yelp and a flash. Though as the smoke engulfed him, on the other side, the upper half of Zorthos\u2019s body appeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His flaming broadsword was suddenly sticking out Thel\u2019s chest before the rest of his body even formed. The smoke continued to flash silver as it touched the black blade, but soon it formed into the full helkin standing behind the elf with a demon sword in his back. Zorthos showed multiple wounds on his stomach and legs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He ripped the sword upwards, tearing the dark mage apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silence took over the arena. None knew how to react.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And for some reason, the announcer was silent as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nosikol was standing next to me holding a microphone. \u201cI swiped this\u2026\u201d He wiggled it to insist that I take it, \u201cAnd I deactivated the other guy\u2019s for a second. Do something cool\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTHE DARK MAGICIAN HAS BEEN SLAIN! YOUR WINNER! ZORTHOS OF THE JUSTICE FLAME.\u201d The crowd immediately erupted into cheers. \u201cWITH THE POWER OF HELL IN THE HANDS OF THE RIGHTEOUS, THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WICKED STAND NO CHANCE.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My boy raised his helkin fists straight in the air. Basking in the glory of his victory. The crowd had welcomed him with open arms. It almost seemed to radiate energy into him as the flames around him grew stronger and stronger.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other announcer quickly took the mic back. \u201cSORRY FOLKS. DON\u2019T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, BUT THANKFULLY SOMEONE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO FILL IN FOR ME.\u201d I was quite surprised at his humility. Honestly though I rocked it, it\u2019s hard for others not to be humble when I\u2019m in the zone. \u201cPROBABLY FOR THE BEST,\u201d He continued. \u201cI DIDN\u2019T KNOW WHAT TO SAY ABOUT THAT DEMON GUY.\u00a0 BUT I DO KNOW, IT IS ALMOST TIME FOR YET ANOTHER FIGHT.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the helkin came back in through the tunnel, Monty was the first one there to greet him. \u201cThank you so much dark one. It is with great honor that The Spire calls a devil like you Ally.\u201d He pointed towards the High Chambers across the arena. \u201cI need a seat. I\u2019ll ask that you join me when you can. All of you. We can sort out the final champion business once we\u2019re all there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cElrin,\u201d Dy pulled my arm once again. This time she didn\u2019t say anything else though.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe still have more to do,\u201d I told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d He nodded sympathetically. \u201cWhen it is over. All of you come find me there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then he left, and I was examining my team trying to decide who was in the best condition for a battle. \u201cWell\u2026 Who of you is feeling the best.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle was quick to jump in. \u201cIt\u2019s gotta be you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My sensei placed her hand directly on my shoulder. \u201cWhen are you finally going to learn to believe in yourself? When we\u2019re broken. Bleeding. Dying. Exhausted. When we\u2019re barely able to stand or even walk, you\u2019re just as deadly as the rest of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson, Roan, Nydorri, and now Zorthos were all standing behind her nodding along in full agreement of her assessment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the most insulting prep talk I\u2019ve ever heard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe needs you,\u201d Syrielle pointed at Dy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My girlfriend was mortified, \u201cI can\u2019t lose you\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d I laughed at her. \u201cThere\u2019s still a lot about me you have to learn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson quickly explained, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t turn down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t see her reaction because I was a bit focused on the one who had been training me for the past year. She quickly put her coaching face on, \u201cWe don\u2019t know who’s walking out that door. There\u2019s no advice I can give you that I haven\u2019t already told you. It\u2019s all on you from here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight?\u201d I nodded to her then looked at my other friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri had her arm around Dy. \u201cHe might be fine. I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan raised a bloody hand, \u201cYou got this buddy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verg gave me a thumbs up. Then he coughed up more blood and sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos snapped fire in his fingers. \u201cI didn\u2019t wake up today to watch my friends lose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I turned to Falya, \u201cDo you want Laramie to fight for you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a smile and no hesitation she turned to the nearby arena officiant. \u201cI, Falya Lorin, Leader of The Labor Coalition, declare Elrin Daun of Gladland the Fighting Writer as our champion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The guard nearest to us nodded and immediately spoke into one of the microphones, though his message wasn\u2019t communicated to the whole arena. Not yet at least.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d I shrugged to the squad. \u201cHopefully this is \u2018see ya later.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then I kissed Dy and walked towards the large black door. My mind very much focused on the task at hand. Whatever that may be. But of course, there was one more voice in my ear. \u201cGood luck buddy,\u201d Nosikol was shoulder to shoulder with me standing on a small stool. \u201cJust letting you know though. This is it. My deal is up today, and I\u2019m choosing now. It\u2019s this duel. And then after that, I\u2019m just a spectator.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook I got a lot going on right now can you talk to them about this.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d He patted me on the back. \u201cI\u2019m telling all of you. It\u2019s only fair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That\u2019s when the announcer roared, \u201cI HEAR THERE AS MUCH DOUBT AMONGST YOU ALL, BUT ALAS, WE HAVE DONE PRECISELY AS WE HAVE PROMISED. THE DAY OF 8 DUELS HAS FALLEN NO SHORT OF WHAT HAS BEEN FORETOLD. NOT THIS DAY. REPRESENTING THE LABOR COALITION FROM THE SOUTH DOOR, WE HAVE A WARRIOR FROM THE NORTH. ELRIN DAUN.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a pretty lazy introduction,\u201d I said to the nearby guard that opened the tunnel door for me. When he didn\u2019t respond, I walked out to receive a massive wave of cheers. They didn\u2019t know who I was, and my introduction was subpar, but they were ready for a fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And at this point. So was I. Whoever was coming out that door. I was ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAND\u2026 OF COURSE. HIS OPPONENT.\u201d The other door slowly opened, \u201cHAILING FROM THE LAND OF NORGARD. A MAN WHO BUILDS DEATH ENDING WEAPONS DURING THE DAY, AND KILLS BEASTS WITH THOSE TOOLS AT NIGHT.\u201d\u00a0 The crowd was quietly rumbling waiting for my foe to come out. \u201cREPRESENTING THE INVESTOR’S UNION…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened.<\/span><\/p>\n

And then he stepped out.<\/span><\/p>\n

That.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fucker.<\/span><\/p>\n

And lucky him, the announcer knew to say his full title.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGLISH WICK OF HOUSE BEAT YO ASS AND STEAL YO GIRL!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cheers the hafflin received were far greater than mine. Probably because of the cool description. He basked in the applause holding out both his dagger\/long sword and blacksmith\/war hammer.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGlish,\u201d I shouted to my former ally. \u201cWhat the fuck are you doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaking money,\u201d He rubbed his hands together. \u201cSome of us think of more important things than pussy, my friend. One of these days you\u2019ll learn.\u201d Then he giggled, \u201cIf I don\u2019t kill ya that is.\u201d Though he quickly shrugged, \u201cThough I\u2019d be really sad if I beat your ass and didn\u2019t get to rub it in your dumb face later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDude why are you working for the investor turds.\u201d Having an intelligent and educated girlfriend I knew a lot about these douchebags. \u201cGlish, they\u2019re a bunch of rich turds trying to squeeze money out of the every folk. It\u2019s \u2018business freedom\u2019 not \u2018people freedom.\u2019 It\u2019s right there in their mission statement.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do I always gotta do what\u2019s best for you?\u201d The hafflin pointed his sword at me. \u201cIt\u2019s always whatever Elrin wants. We have to sing Elrin\u2019s songs. We gotta do Elrin\u2019s adventure. We have to do things for Elrin\u2019s Girlfriend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2026\u201d I wondered if he was drunk. \u201cGlish, nothing you’re saying makes sense.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m not gonna make sense\u2026\u201d He stepped forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI fucking hate you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I thought we were friends,\u201d He actually sounded hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were an awful friend,\u201d I told him, not denying we were friends. \u201cYou\u2026 Fuck you. You never supported me. You\u2019d cock block me. You\u2019d\u2026 Well that one thing is enough you fucking dick. And you did a few times. Fuck you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026\u201d For a second I thought he was going to cry. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna fight to the death because you can\u2019t get laid? Is that really where this all ends?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m getting laid,\u201d I pointed backwards not knowing where Dy actually was. \u201cAnd that don\u2019t fucking matter right now. Glish, I don\u2019t care how much money they\u2019re giving you. You\u2019re just taking that money from the people earning it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook his head, \u201cYou tired of talking?\u201d The hammer dropped to the ground. \u201cI don\u2019t even need my good weapon to take out a little squat like you.\u201d He twirled the sword in his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My rapier came out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The announcer shouted, \u201cLOOKS LIKE WE\u2019RE FINALLY GONNA GET TO THE FIGHTING. IT WAS HARD FOR US TO HEAR, BUT FROM WHAT WE PUT TOGETHER, IT SOUNDS LIKE THE LITTLE ONE SLEPT WITH THE TALL ONE\u2019S GIRLFRIEND AND SO THE TALL ONE HAS BEEN CRYING EVER SINCE. ALMOST LIKE SHE WAS HIS WIFE. BUT SHE WAS JUST A GIRLFRIEND.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish fist pumped to the crowd who cheered for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What douchey people.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He dashed forward looking like he was going to leap, but then he just came low. I noticed just in time and hopped myself to avoid his attack, bringing my rapier down at him. He dodged to the side and slashed again at my feet when they landed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I backed away just barely letting him graze the shin. He slashed again, but I stabbed downward. He quickly deflected and we went back and forth like that for a bit.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My slash attacks were giving him openings. When I\u2019d stab at him he\u2019d be forced backwards. So I kept him backing up, not allowing him to knick at my legs anymore. Once he noticed the pattern, he finally leapt at me after parrying my blade to the side.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hilt of my sword just barely managed to slam the blade of his dagger out of the way of my throat. I even managed to slip a quick left hook to the face before he landed on the ground. When I turned to slash again he was there to block.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSyrielle taught you well\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you, a dark lord?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We pushed each other away and he faked another jump before going low again. He slashed at my knee, but once again only received a flesh wound as I pulled back. This time, my counter strike came quicker and I poked him in the chest just as he turned his body to dodge. My rapier scraped across his little metal armor.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I hopped out of the way of his immediate counter and we both scrambled away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He snickered arrogantly, \u201cMaybe I should give you more credit.\u201d When he took a few steps back I did too. After several steps he dropped his sword, spun around, and picked up the hammer. \u201cI guess I should take you more seriously. Gotta get this over with so I can enjoy my prize.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah you got to appreciate that blood money before the guilt sets in\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t even know what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tiny man with the tiny hammer charged straight at me. I slashed low, but his weapon smacked my sword sending vibrations all the way to my hand. He just barely missed my head with his swing, and my weapon was too far away to even try to attack him in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I backed up and he spun around to swing again. His first few missed entirely, giving me the confidence to counter. Only for him to smack the sword again and quickly swing at my torso. I turned to the side, and brought my sword back to block his follow up attack. But instead of whipping the head of the hammer around as he\u2019d been doing, he jammed the pointy bottom end of the handle into my stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wound was shallow, and he pulled it out quickly to avoid my attack. Then he launched himself again. Smacking my sword out of the way yet again. This time though, my foot was already coming up to his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stumbled back. Giving me the chance to reset my sword and attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just as it poked into his gut the hammer slammed it out of the way. Though I quickly kicked him again in the side. He attacked before I could, forcing my retreat out of range.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then I quickly attacked again, but when he tried to smack the sword I pulled it out of the way. He was completely exposed and just barely ducked my followup stab. With his free hand he shoved the flat end of the sword away and leapt up at me with the hammer. It just missed my head, and then barely blocked my counter before landing on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I have to admit, the way he did his leaping attacks was pretty bad ass.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Right as he landed, I made sure to be on him again. Though he smacked the sword away and suddenly I was dodging again. When the opportunity came, I pounced again. He blocked it just fine, and after a quick exchange he smacked the sword away again and missed his follow up strike.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then he just kept lunging at me. The exchanges were hardly ever different. We\u2019d both dodge. One of us would maybe land a punch while he was in the air, but we were so careful not to give the other an opening to land our weapons.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After about a dozen rounds of him leaping at me he finally took a break and we both breathed rather heavily. We stared at each other for a moment, not saying a word until he asked, \u201cYou really think she\u2019s more important than me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d I had no idea what he was trying to get at. \u201cGlish can you stop being a fucking turd for once? I don\u2019t even know what you\u2019re trying to say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t we just be friends, man?\u201d He cried. \u201cI don\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a fucking horrible friend,\u201d I was never more hurt by him. \u201cAll day every day, all you do is intentionally misinterpret things just to be irritating and then you do whatever else you can that\u2019s also irritating.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d He shouted, \u201cFRIENDS.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFriends help each other,\u201d I scolded, remembering all the times he didn\u2019t have my back. \u201cNone of you helped me. None you. We were a team on missions. Because we\u2019re soldiers. Because we\u2019re heroes. But as friends. We\u2019re alone. All of us. Until Nydorri finally had my back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you still crying about women?\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSEX IS IMPORTANT!\u201d Even the guards at the front gate that watched Burax get his ass kicked heard me shout that one. \u201cSaying it doesn\u2019t matter<\/em> makes you a shitty fucking friend. Keep your bullshit abstinence ideology away from my life you sick fuck.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I jammed my sword into the ground then said probably the most disrespectful thing I could about Dy before threatening to express my true feeling towards my greatest nemesis. \u201cI get enough stabbing done these days on my own. I just wanna beat your fucking ass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He threw the hammer off to the side. \u201cNow that\u2019s the kind of bitch I like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I started with a kick, as he jumped at my face. My leg was only to draw him out, I quickly clocked him with a left hook. It didn\u2019t do much as he landed just fine and kicked at my ankle. I reached down to punch him, but he lunged up with an uppercut.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He punched my knee which hurt, and I brought down an elbow. Then he landed a body shot bringing me to the ground. I quickly grabbed his ankles and pulled them out from under him. Throwing another elbow from a different angle. He blocked with one hand, but clearly it hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then he scooted out from under me and I tried to scramble around but I just couldn\u2019t keep track of his tiny body. Out of nowhere I was punched in the face. And he was on my neck, squeezing around with the entirety of his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I pried him off pretty quickly but when I rolled around he popped up to his feet and punched me before jumping his ankles out of the way of my grip. Instead of just standing, I lunged from the ground at him trying to pancake him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He clocked me in the face and tried to get out of the way, but I grabbed his arm. Then I rolled him over and slammed him on the ground on the other side of me. He kicked me in the face from the ground then got up again. I kicked him from the ground knocking him back as I popped up to my feet to throw another kick.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Instead of dodging, he blocked. Before I balanced again he jumped. I barely ducked his punch, but the knee came right to my nose. His little body made it easy for him to follow up strikes when he missed another.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The attack put me on wobbly legs, and he jumped back up for another knee.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was overzealous though and didn\u2019t time it right. I managed to shove him out of the way from the air and pounce on top. This time when he tried to scramble out, I let him go, followed the direction he went and punched him right as he got out from under me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My attack hurt him badly, and he threw his own punch back. I pulled his arm past mine and reached around his neck putting him into a chokehold with just one arm. With my other arm I squeezed his two together and slammed his stomach first on the ground to put as much pressure on him as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish fought as hard as he could. With all of his tiny little might. But there was nothing he could do. Not at that point. I had him dead to rights. After less than a minute, I felt his body very slowly stop moving. Until he was completely lifeless.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no point in continuing, so I loosened the grip. Just as I did I heard a gurgle. Then a grunt. I had a hard time pulling my arms out from under him, and when I lifted him up to release he quickly shoved my arms off and elbowed me in the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDude what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He spun around and punched me again. So I punched him back.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the fuck stop?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou tapping out?\u201d He turned to the announcer. \u201cDid you hear that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Have you ever felt rage?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment I was fairly confident nobody ever had.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But now I, Elrin Daun of Glandland the Fighting Writer, finally for the first time in my life can confidently say that\u2026 Yes\u2026 I felt some fucking rage.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I unloaded punches then quickly tackled him to the ground unleashing furious ground and pound. The shit head threw everything he could at me. Constantly scrambling out from under me and hitting back. Forcing me to continuously lunge over and over.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My onslaught pushed him back, until he grabbed hold of his dagger on the ground and cut at me. Honestly, I think he could have killed me, but he wanted to keep fighting on a fair plane. Just not with fists.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When I backed away, I nodded with acknowledgement, then ran to my sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He dropped the dagger and ran to the hammer.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We faced each other again and he started to taunt but I was done with that shit. Any illusion of friendship was gone. I choked that bitch unconscious. I won the fight. I won the fucking fight. I did everything right. I did what I was supposed to do. I did my job. And I was a good friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And yet here the fuck he is.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hammer smacked the sword away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then we were at it again. He was leaping through the air. Missing his first strike. Then blocking my follow up attack. He\u2019d swing at my feet when he landed on the ground, but I\u2019d back away. Come right at him and he wouldn\u2019t be there. Then he\u2019d leap again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My hand was growing exhausted and my wrist was on fire. The more he hit the sword the more I felt my arm was going to snap. From the way he was smiling, he knew it too.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He fainted a leap to my head, and lunged low. My sword was brought down to block, but the structure of my hand didn\u2019t hold. The hammer smacked straight through the sword slamming into my knee, collapsing my whole body to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once there I brought my free hand around to punch him in the face before he could swing again. Then I tried to stab him with my sword but he quickly shoved it down with the hammer. Though I slipped my hand off the handle to elbow him in the face. Then I grabbed his weapon and punched him with the other hand again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A knee connected to my throat. I released my grip of everything and before I knew it the hammer was coming at my temple. He couldn\u2019t have delivered it with full power. Not where we were standing. And I saw it just before it landed, giving me the chance to move with the momentum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But I still took a fucking hammer to head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I kicked him in the face before he brought the weapon down again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My hand was on my rapier.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The blade was in his chest. All the way fucking through the metal plate.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFuck.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He fell to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That\u2019s when I realized I had stabbed him square in the heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell Verg\u2026\u201d He coughed up blood and fell backwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAND YOUR WINNER IS ELRIN!\u201d The announcer screamed as unceremoniously as he could. The crowd cheered, but I was a little bit distracted by what was right in front of me. A little haflin I\u2019ve been through so much with, was about to fucking die.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Because I killed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And I hated him. I really really did. Not in the <\/span>\u201cOh it\u2019s cute that they don\u2019t like each other sometimes but it\u2019s all love,\u201d<\/span><\/i> no I mean I don\u2019t trust him. I don\u2019t like him. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s funny. I don\u2019t want to hang out with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t want him to die. In all of my rage. I didn\u2019t want to kill my friend. Even if he was the worst friend I have ever had in my life. Even if I didn\u2019t want to be his friend. He was still my friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And as such, I found my true North in the wilderness of my mind. The intense emotions surged through me giving me the chance to unlock aspects of my intersoul I\u2019d been having problems finding before. I could feel it on my finger tips. The mana inside. The power I\u2019d been struggling to control.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I’m sick of your attitude<\/em><\/p>\n

And The Dumb way you lie<\/em><\/p>\n

But I’ll be damned if be my sword<\/em><\/p>\n

That causes you to die<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I placed my hand on the stomach of that little fuckwad. From my heart, the mana flowed to my hand, and soon his body was glowing. A moment later there was a beautiful blond elf woman next to me that I did not recognize.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take it from here,\u201d She placed her hand on mine. \u201cYou\u2019ve saved him. Now let me put him back together.\u201d There was a tiny stretcher next to her with wheels on it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I pulled my hand away, raised my fists in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They did cheer for me, but not as much as they did for Zorthos.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I made my way back through the door, where my friends were all waiting for me. Syrielle was quick to want to hug me first, but noticed Dy lunged for me. \u201cThank you so much. I\u2019m so sorry you had to fight your friend.\u201d She was beyond distraught.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo no no fuck that guy,\u201d I assured her. She was confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once we had our moment Syrille interjected, \u201cCan’t believe you almost lost to a hafflin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI beat him twice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos and Nydorri were consoling a sobbing Vergusson. Both of them took a quick chance to flash me a thumbs up, while Roan shouted at the nearby official that he was “besties with two champions.” Though he never said anything to me about winning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the men in blue tunics that were talking with Monty earlier approached us. \u201cCongratulations on your victory. The working class is lucky to have a warrior like you. Now if you\u2019ll please. Monty requested you all join him in the high chambers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I grabbed hold of Dy, making sure she was invited too because I wasn\u2019t sure if he just meant the warriors or not. Nobody objected, with the exception of one of the officials. \u201cMr. Daun. The Great Elrin. What a performance, what a performance. Please, the press is waiting for you. We must get your fresh thoughts on that riveting duel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBuddy,\u201d I pulled my hands away from his. \u201cWe got things going on here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri swiftly put her arm on the official’s shoulder while looking in my direction. \u201cCome on big guy. You\u2019ve earned it. Go have some quick fun. We\u2019ll deal with the rest of the mess.\u201d Then she let go of him and grabbed Dy\u2019s hand, \u201cCome with us. We\u2019ll meet him at the high chambers later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t really understand Nydorri\u2019s behavior at first, but when the official started pulling me away I let it happen. He walked me out of the room down the hall ranting the whole way about what an amazing opportunity it was for him to spend time with a champion.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hall we walked into was empty, giving him ample opportunity to put me in a headlock. That\u2019s right, this was a bad guy. I don’t know where he came from, and I hadn\u2019t any energy to fight him. I would have screamed but he was choking me. Then suddenly his arms went weak, and he began to shudder. I shucked him off effortlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d When I shouted at him I noticed a flower growing on his shoulder. His eyes were completely bloodshot red while the convulsions grew worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened behind him, and unsurprisingly Nydorri walked through. \u201cI told you he smelled funny.\u201d That\u2019s when I finally pieced together that she slipped a seed on this man\u2019s shoulder just as he took me away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan was right behind her looking unimpressed. \u201cNobody asked Zorthos for an interview. Guy gave himself away immediately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The helkin entered the room immediately walking over to the culprit. The rest of the squad was behind him. Zorthos quickly ordered, \u201cNydorri, release the plant.\u201d She plucked the flower off the shoulder and the assassin quickly returned to equilibrium. Though there was a demonic hand around his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both their eyes glowed. The assassin screamed, while Zorthos stayed calm. After a moment it was over. He threw the rogue to the ground, and Roan quickly tied him up. Nydorri had already called for guards explaining this assassin came out of nowhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once he was in their custody, we quickly started our way back to the high chambers. As we were out of earshot of the guards Zorthos decided to explain what just happened. \u201cHe works for The Assassin Danny. As soon as Nosikol\u2019s contract was up he was assigned to capture as many of us as he could and kill who he couldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was the assignment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t really have much else. That was a pretty new power and he wasn\u2019t even confident he got the right information, he was just \u201cpretty sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The walk to the high chambers was rather direct. Having been a bit torn up, Dy supported me. She was mostly quiet, as my friends and I bickered casually back and forth. The whole time there was this little smile on her face as she watched me enjoy the banter.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Being as we had two victorious champions, and Monty specifically requested it, the guards allowed us up the stairs pretty much upon seeing us. Problem was. Some of us wouldn\u2019t put their weapons down.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So myself, Dy, Roan, Zorthos, and Nosikol walked up the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri, Syrielle, and Vergusson waited at the bottom. Syrielle wouldn\u2019t separate from her Katana, Nydorri just killed the high priests brother and he\u2019s up there. And Verg was probably left away from nobles altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There couldn\u2019t have been more than 30 people in the high chambers. About a dozen town guards were posted up in pairs near the entrances and by each of the Grand Triarchs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Prince Lindhart sat with his sister, Princess Yrala. There were two large knights right next to them as well as the haflin I met not too long ago searching for Yarrick. In the seats in front of them were a few other rich looking folk with their own hired protection.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

High Priest Machin sat mostly alone. 2 sets of full plate armor stood near him, though it didn\u2019t look like anyone was inside. There were also several priests sitting in chairs in front of him as well. 2 more sets of full plate armor stood at the edges of their section.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then there was Monty. Nobody was guarding Monty.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7 men in blue tunics with Spire symbols on them were scattered about the room. Some of them were fraternizing with other royals and priests also scattered about the room. I also spotted at least 6 different people serving everyone food.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Most notably a friendly hill dwarf who approached us holding chicken legs. \u201cMay I interest you in some homegrown poultry meat. The best in Kayos. At least that\u2019s what they pay me to say. And I do say it because I got kids to feed. But to be honest, I want the money to feed them chicken. Because that\u2019s what I’d do. Thing is. I\u2019m not charging you. So this isn\u2019t even a sale. I\u2019m just giving you chicken. Isn\u2019t that the best?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We happily ate some chicken and made our way over to Monty. Lukas had already slain his foe. Meaning the final duel is soon to be upon us. It was time for the leader of The Spire to choose his final champion.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Prince Lindhart was clearly knowledgeable of the elf’s desperate situation. \u201cHave you found a warrior worthy of your cause my friend?\u201d I don\u2019t think they were actually friends. \u201cOr did you waste your greatest warrior helping the Yshur\u2019s?\u201d He looked over at the exhausted Zorthos. \u201cIt would have been fun to see my\u00a0 champion slay this demon? Perhaps he\u2019d be interested in another fight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Machin was quick to declare. \u201cThat\u2019s against the rules. And you know it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlso I\u2019m exhausted,\u201d Zorthos raised his arms. \u201cFricken Tuesdays you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone went silent for a moment giving Monty time to contemplate.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then things went way off the rails faster than just about fucking anything I\u2019d ever seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It all started with a cough. Seemingly innocent from Princess Yrala. Then she just kept coughing. Carmichael was quick to her side. \u201cGet Lindhart out!\u201d The haflin guardian pulled a vial out his pocket as the two knights grabbed hold of the prince.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two men came dashing up the stairs, wielding crossbows. Blasting nearly everyone in the room that looked capable of combat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the men in blue robes blasted a blue light force at Monty. The elf countered with a similar energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I saw one of the guards, stab the other from behind, then charge towards the princess.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan had him in a headlock before anything happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos had stabbed the man in blue robes from behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The metal sentries all appeared paralyzed. They weren’t moving and Machin was screaming at them too.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just as my other friends had made their way up ready to fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I had backed Dy into a corner, covering her as best I could.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That dwarf from earlier was crying on the ground covering his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nosikol was next to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Carmichael was throwing knives at a couple of thugs running past Machin\u2019s sentries, an arrow hit him straight in the neck. Another nearly hit the princess but he deflected it before collapsing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bolts came from a nearby plant which was blasted with a fireball from Zorthos a minute later. Before it hit, out hopped a familiar short black hooded figure. The assassin clearly had one goal in mind dashing, straight for the princess. Faster than anyone could react. Anyone with one exception. That weird little talkative dwarf I just saw cowering in fear had suddenly stood up intercepting the ruthless assassin with a dagger to the heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just as I thought I was figuring things out a glitter fell over the tiny man in black. He grew larger, revealing himself to be a normal sized human, with the face of The Assassin Danny. The dwarf reached under his own neck, peeling off thin skin, exposing the true rogue underneath.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Assassin Danny spat out black blood. \u201cYarrick. You bastard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou kill children in my name…\u201d The epically stealthy rogue ripped the dagger out while immediately helping me forgive him. The sneaky magician was still frozen. \u201cYou threaten those I love the most for the sin of knowing me…\u201d My mysterious ally grabbed his enemy by the back of the head and brought him closer. \u201cAfter ruining the home I loved so long ago. For the sin of living near your former employer when he was in a bad mood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then Yarrick stepped away from Danny. \u201cI have hurt for so long and I do very much deserve my vengeance.\u201d He paused and pointed at the prince, \u201cBut I ain\u2019t a dad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lindhart was flabbergasted, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty shouted from across the room, \u201cYarrick was framed. The Assassin Danny set him up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026\u201d The prince was overwhelmed with rage. He grabbed the nearest weapon he could and removed the assassin’s head. Then he pointed the sword other assassin, \u201cAnd you. How do we know you weren\u2019t in on it?\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Y<\/span>arrick held his hands together, \u201cEarlier this morning I provided the appropriate parties with all of the evidence I have gathered and I now surrender myself to the court for trial.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just killed the killer,\u201d Monty shouted again. \u201cIt\u2019s over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat might be over,\u201d The prince roared, seemingly letting Yarrick go entirely. Not like it mattered because if he wanted to escape he probably could have. \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019m done. Whether it was Yarrick or this fool,\u201d He stabbed the headless corpse. \u201cAssassins of Kayos are out of control. It\u2019s time we tame this continent. And it starts here. With the Whyld Heimrr\u201d He began to laugh maniacally. It was a bit of an emotional whirlwind with this guy because I felt awful about his kids and stuff but also he\u2019s a fucking dick.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo my friend\u2026\u201d Yarrick hopped up on the counter overlooking. \u201cToday is the day Kayos remains.\u201d The rogue smiled brightly at Monty, \u201cAs I can tell by what you said earlier. You read through the letter I left you a few moments ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty was ecstatic. \u201cI\u2019ve already informed the officials.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cARE YOU READY FOR THE FINAL BATTLE?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was loud in the arena. After the rest of my squad helped the guards with the skirmishes earlier, and with Monty\u2019s blessing my other friends made their way back up the stairs. We all lined up along the railing near Monty\u2019s chair. Dy was obviously the most eager to know the fate of the battle ahead \u201cDid you find someone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty was delighted to say, \u201cYou\u2019re little friend did.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yarrick was still standing there with his arms crossed. Confident as ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never met him,\u201d Dy explained, having been accused of being Yarrick\u2019s friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIT\u2019S TIME. COMING FROM THE SOUTH DOOR. REPRESENTING PRINCE LINDHART THE WARDEN OF THE ROYAL DISTRICT. WE HAVE FOR YOU THE GREATEST CHAMPION WE HAVE EVER SEEN.\u201d As the door opened, the little gnome wheeled out the large box. He quickly pulled a little pole out of the side and ran back through the now closing door. \u201cTHE SWORD FROM UNDER THE BRIDGE! THE CHIVALROUS LIAR! KNOLL! THE TROLL KNIGHT!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The loudest I\u2019d heard the crowd yet. They absolutely loved the madness that came bursting out of the box. With the rustiest mangliest armor I\u2019d ever seen. And a massive buster sword that shined as pristine as any I\u2019d ever seen. He had a furry tale, but a scaly body from what I can see through the armor. His face had a short stunted sprout like that of a coyote.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He flipped around and slashed the sword through the air. Cutting the nearby walls and tearing up the pillars that were around the perimeter of the massive battle area. After a moment of showboating he calmed down.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh Yarrick?\u201d I grew very concerned. Just seeing this warrior’s speed, explosiveness, and casually destructive ability was terrifying. \u201cWho the hell do you have?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nosikol shook his head at me. \u201cYou never wait to see the answers. Like with him\u2026\u201d He pointed his thumb back at Yarrick. \u201cYou kept asking who hired me over and over again. You were gonna figure it out eventually.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYarrick hired you?\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d It was obvious Nos thought I should have known that already. \u201cHe said you guys have plans. Like you owe him money. He and Roan had a yoga party planned. Vergusson was gonna teach him how to talk to women. Nydorri and him had this whole idea for midnight four square club they wanted to start back in Grumbsy. Dudes got a life to live.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAND NOW! THE LAST WARRIOR I HAVE FOR YOU! THE ONLY MAN TODAY WE FOUND THAT COULD EVEN DREAM OF AN ENTERTAINING A FIGHT WITH SUCH A SAVAGE LIKE KNOLL!\u201d The crowd had gone nearly completely silent as the door opened. \u201cREPRESENTING MONTY AND THE SPIRE OF THE ARCANE! WE HAVE FOR YOU HAILING FROM A FIELD OF DAISIES!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The badass monk just walked the fuck out like he was going for a hike. Long tail. Black pants. Red scales.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBOBBY MCFARANE!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t as loud as they were for Knoll, but it was loud.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAFTER 7 TREMENDOUS BATTLES LET\u2019S END IT ALL NOW.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bobby bowed. His opponent lunged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sword missed and the dragon man swiftly kicked it out of the troll knight\u2019s hands. A flurry of dragon fists backed Knoll up, but he only seemed to giggle as he went. When he was completely backed to the wall, he finally shot an acidic spit from his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bobby appeared hurt, but hopped away. He took a second to focus, and the acid flowed off him like water off a duck\u2019s back. Knoll dashed to his weapon and swiftly unleashed a flurry of attacks moving faster than before.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dragon man dodged, but struggled to find his opening. As they dashed around the arena, Knoll tore through every pillar on the outside in a matter of moments. Eventually growing quite over eager and blatantly reaching too far with his attacks. Bobby found his window. knocking him away with a punch then a spinning kick.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With the space created, the monk held his fist to his chest. His scaly fist began to glow. When Knoll charged back towards him, Bobby unleashed his punch, shattering the buster sword in half.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The troll knight was frustrated his weapon was destroyed. He slashed with what he had left, cutting Bobby\u2019s chest. He bled just like the rest of us. The monk once again kicked the weapon away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knoll nailed him with a right hook sending him to the ground. Bobby ate a kick to the gut getting back to his feet only backing his opponent off with a jab before throwing a flying knee to the head. Then he followed it up with a combo of about every strike. Knoll followed in kind.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They exchanged back and forth for a while until Knoll was near the part of his sword that didn\u2019t have a handle. Without waiting for a moment, he snatched it, taking a big punch to do so. Then backed Bobby away with a slash. He quickly dashed to the rest of the weapon, spitting the acid on the piece in his hand. Then he quickly jammed the two segments together. Taking a kick in the head in the process, but he had his sword back.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And he quickly slashed Bobby\u2019s arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knoll then unleashed another flurry of strikes that the monk struggled to avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time, Knoll wasn\u2019t over-extending. They went longer than the first time this happened and the troll knight was not making the same mistake. So Bobby punched him. Taking a stab to the side of the gut in the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His dragon hand gripped the hilt of the blade, and his enemy didn\u2019t notice his quick feet. Bobby swept Knoll to the ground, then ripped the weapon from his hand swinging down hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The troll knight dodged, and Bobby tossed the weapon away returning the fight to hand to hand. But the troll didn\u2019t like that very much. He quickly went for space to get back to his weapon, which Bobby obliged again. This time, having more space than he\u2019d had since the fight began.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His whole body began to glow. Not as bright as his fist at first, but soon his whole body was just as bright. Knoll did not like that. So he didn\u2019t attack. He danced around waiting for the dragon man to do something. Bobby nodded to him, and the light slowly dissipated. He was soon the same shade of red as he was before.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knoll giggled, crouched, and lunged forward with full ferocity. Bobby spun around, and in an instant all of the light from before appeared on his tail. There was a massive explosion as they collided.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We all covered our eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When it was over and we could see again, Bobby stood alone. His tail steaming behind him. Pieces of rusty metal and troll meat were splattered out around the arena.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTHE TROLL KNIGHT KNOLL HAS BEEN OBLITERATED! YOUR WINNER IS BOBBY MCFARANE!\u201d And those people cheered like never before. For whether they understood it or not. They were the real winners.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That wasn\u2019t just a victory for Bobby. It was a victory for the people.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The true winner of today\u2019s battle was freedom and prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The greatest champion of the Day of 8 Duels was Kayos.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Previous Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter   \u201cROAN YOU ABSOLUTE MISERABLE COCK TITTY FUCKING SACK OF WORHTLESS TROLL SHIT I KNOW YOU\u2019RE HERE AND I SWEAR FROM POISEDON TO ZEUS FROM HADES TO THE HEAVENS BEYOND OLYMPUS I WILL RIP OFF YOUR GODSDMAN DICK AND FEED IT TO YOU!\u201d   Roan, having been the only one not caught off […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/335","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=335"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/335\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":344,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/335\/revisions\/344"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=335"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=335"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}