ã€ŠThe Art Of Swordã€‹


 Chapter 1: Reason

    Living in a world where people have special ability is considered interesting but being able to have an ability in the same world now that is lucky and fortunate enough I also have an ability.

    Teacher: Wu Sunz

    Sunz: Here

    Sunz¡¯s mind: But having an ability is just like being gifted in an area like music, sport, or acting. You already have a road you can walk on and if you continue to walk the road without getting into any serious trouble you are guaranteed fame and fortune. Sometimes life is just complicated some don¡¯t want to walk the path they were given, all because they have no passion, harsh working environment, or they just don¡¯t know what they want to do or just live a simple life.

    I am also the same never know what I want to become so my parent planned out the best path that is within my reach.

    Bell ring

    A random student approaches Sunz and taps him on the shoulder: Hey Sunz It¡¯s raining outside wanna go out and see if anyone decided to bolt home?

    Sunz: Sure man. (this guy''s name is Han Jihu my best friend even though we only know each other for nearly 2 years)

    While Sunz and Jihu walking out of class the class rep shouted at them: Hey if you two have no business here then go home and don¡¯t cause any trouble around the school.

    Sunz answered with an annoyed tone: don¡¯t worry we know

    Jihu answered with a calm and respectful tone: As you know it¡¯s raining so we just gonna wait out in front of the exit, you can check on us if you like.

    Class rep goes back to her work satisfied with the answer

    Sunz and Jihu continue the conversation while walking toward the exit.

    Sunz: Why whenever I am with you, she just appears out of nowhere just to give us a warning.

    Jihu: Probably because we both have an ability so she just being more cautious with us¡­

    Sunz: you keep going with the obvious answer. I think why she keeping a close eye on us because the details of my ability aren¡¯t clear and I am allowed to keep this wooden sword in my backpack because it is related to my ability and for self-defense. I also became friends with you on our first day at school.

    Jihu: you surely keep your theory long and confuse

    Sunz sighs: Hey it''s not my fault that I was born with speech level 1

    Suddenly lightning struck and startled both of them

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    Sunz and Jihu mind: Fuck why was it so loud.

    Sunz: Did the lightning start to get closer to our school?

    Jihu: Looks like it struck close to the gate and you can see students just scatter everywhere and one just fainted

    Sunz rushed to the exit with curiosity and excitement. By the time he got to the door Jihu already there waiting for him. Sunz put his hand on Jihu''s shoulder to catch some breath and as he looked up he saw chaos around the schoolyard. He tells Jihu ¡°This¡­ does put a smile on my face¡±

    Jihu smiled at Sunz and said: For someone who has good leg strength you have pretty bad stamina.

    Sunz: Stop mocking me. So are you standing or sitting? I¡¯m gonna stand, need to fix my posture.

    Jihu: I¡¯m going to sit and perfectly synchronize raindrops with the rhythm game.

    While checking to see if he left anything in class Sunz tells Jihu that: I don¡¯t understand the stuff you do. Is there a goal for why you do it?

    Jihu: It is like a unique hobby that I like to improve.

    Sunz: Having a hobby sounds pretty convenient!

    Jihu: Are you saying that because you start to think that you might live a boring life?

    Sunz sighs: you¡¯re right

    Sunz pulls out his sword and starts ranting: Being born in a world where people have special abilities and I myself am one of the special ones, but what do I have, a sword and an unknown ability that is related to the sword.

    Jihu: you should know that talent comes at a young age but the moment for that talent to bloom is late

    Sunz: was that one of your motivational quotes?

    Jihu: Just want to lighten up the mood

    Sunz smile: look like you got what you wanted!

    Jihu: Hell yeah

    Suddenly something ran past Sunz and Jihu at extreme speed out into the rain and just stood there.

    Sunz and Jihu think: What was that?

    Suddenly a shout out of nowhere ¡° HEY YOU COME BACK HERE¡±. Sunz looked to his side to see it was class rep who was shouting, and she suddenly looked at him.

    Class rep noticed Sunz holding his sword: I said no fighting in the school

    Sunz sheathes his sword: We just talking not fighting, think before you talking pls!

    Class rep is annoyed with Sunz''s answer but calmly asks if Sunz and Jihu can help her bring the student dancing in the rain.

    Sunz pointing at a butler holding an umbrella running toward the dancing student: I think someone gonna take care of him for us

    Suddenly lightning strikes between the boy and the butler launching part of the ground toward Sunz at extreme speed, Jihu faster than light takes Sunz¡¯s sword and protects him from getting hurt shattering the rock into pieces. The butler hands his umbrella to the strange boy and runs toward Jihu to check if he and his friend are ok, he also gives Jihu his business card and says ¡°Pardon for our action, we own you an apology, so you can call us for any favor but only once.¡± then he escorts the boy home.

    Jihu looked at the card and said: Wow that was strange¡­ Here your sword back.¡±

    Sunz takes the sword and answers in an unsurprised tone: Yeah strange it was.

    Jihu: You make it sound regular for you

    Sunz: Living in a world like this there are things to be expected.

    Jihu: I guess you are right, where is Class rep?

    Sunz looks around: she probably went inside after the event

    Jihu: I have something really awesome to tell you. My grandpa gonna host a sword tournament in Korea this summer wanna come?

    Sunz: Sure but are you gonna take care of the flight?

    Jihu: don¡¯t worry we got a favor from the butler, I¡¯m just gonna ask for 2 tickets to Korea.

    Sunz: looks like we got everything planned just text me a week before we fly.

    Jihu: Ok

    Both of them continue to wait out the rain and then Sunz¡¯s father comes to pick him up and Jihu walks back home. However, while they were talking class rep was eavesdropping on their conversation during the student council meeting. She said to herself ¡°Grandson of water sword clan located¡±

 Chapter 2: Unknown

    Back at home inside his room Sunz takes out the sword to have a look at it and he sees the damage was minimal but to the naked eye it would look brand new, he guesses that Jihu must be a well train sword man combined with his delicate nature, for the sword not to be smash into pieces. Sunz picks up the sword and tries to swing it around his room for some minutes then suddenly stops thinking to himself "What am I doing, is it too late, what is this adrenalin, I can improve". He continues swinging the sword until his body is all sore then just lies on the floor grabs the phone and starts texting Jihu

    Sunz: Hey I wanna take up your offer.

    Jihu: Oh finally, when do you wanna do it?

    Sunz This week and let''s just do the basics first if things go well let''s advance to harder levels.

    Jihu Sure and we will start on Sunday that when we have the whole place for ourselves.

    Sunz Ok

    Sunz looks at the time and said " 2 hours before sleep, what can I do?" Then he just fuck around for the next 2 hours and then sleep.

    A few days later on Friday during recess, Sunz and Jihu were just having a conversation.

    Jihu: So is your invisible ability still come in handy?

    Sunz Yeah it''s still good, It''s only off if I do anything that causes attention or in certain classes.

    Jihu: Why don''t you like to interact with other students

    Sunz It''s not like I don''t like to interact, but because I don''t want to. If they and I don''t vibe together then there is no point in having them as friends.

    Jihu: So we are friends right?

    Sunz: Well to a normal mind we look like friends but in my deranged mind we are more like a parasitic relationship.

    Jihu looks confused: Am I the parasite?

    Sunz points at himself " I am the parasite" then points at Jihu " You''re the host".

    Jihu thinks for a sec and said: But you are like a dead parasite and I just dragging you along with me to keep you survive. Because a parasite acts on its own will without consent, but you always ask me "Can we do this, where do you want to go, any news gossip at school".

    Sunz: I just aren''t as decisive as you, whenever I have an option I always make that one become ten different details option with start and outcome.

    Jihu: Hey don''t worry about that, you just have complex thinking. But enough chatting I''ve got some news for you after school there will be a fight in the school alley.

    Sunz: who fighting who?

    Jihu: It is the "gang of power" they were challenged by an unknown student.

    Sunz: Oh those bullies that think they are all high and mighty just because they have abilities. Better worry more about the person who challenges them

    Jihu is confused: why?

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    Sunz: There are 2 outcomes, first if this person can defeat the gang prove that they are a menace, two if they get beat or die by the gang that means they were just being impulsive.

    Jihu: So what''s your plan?

    Sunz surprised: Plan? What plan?

    Jihu: It sounds like you are pretty concerned about the unknown person, so I''ll help out too.

    Sunz realizes what Jihu means: Thanks for the offer, so the plan is during the fight if the unknown can''t fight anymore that''s when we help.

    Jihu says with a confident voice: I know fighting is the main quest and helping is the side quest for you.

    Sunz smiles with confidence: It''s nearly 2 years and you already know me so well. You''re right! After seeing what you did on that rainy day made me feel like I want to do what normal humans can''t. You know just following your quote.

    Sunz and Jihu at the same time: Talent comes at a young age but the moment for that talent to bloom is late.

    After school Sunz and Jihu were waiting on the bench to follow the unknown and the gang to the fight, while waiting class rep appeared out of nowhere and asked Jihu in a low tone " Jihu do you want to walk home with me". Jihu politely refuses and says "Maybe next time", class rep nods and then walks away.

    Sunz smirks: look at that the Korean genes are doing their job again

    Jihu scratches his head while smiling: you making me blush, I know I''m popular around the girls, but you know that means class rep gonna pay more attention to us.

    Sunz sigh: yeah but don''t you feel strange she was more Girl than a role model during that moment and that worried me.

    Jihu smile: You know that people act differently when they are around the people they like.

    Sunz: Ok you''re right, so you see any of them yet?

    Jihu looks around, taps Sunz''s shoulder, and says "There they are" Both stand up and follow them from behind.

    Sunz looks at one of them closely and suddenly becomes serious and taps on Jihu''s shoulder to tell him "That the kid in the rain!"

    Jihu surprised: Are you sure we have never seen their faces?

    Sunz: Trust me I am 99% sure. This recognizing thing rarely happens to me but when it does I''ve never wrong

    Jihu: ok we''re here¡­

    Sunz looks around: But this ain''t an alley what''s going on?

    Jihu takes Sunz to hide in a corner: I don''t know either but all of them suddenly stop at this place so let''s lay low for now

    While hiding they start to hear people''s voices

    Unknown student: You want to fight in the open so you lowlife can call for help.

    The gang leader smirked: Why should we fight in a narrow alley when we could fight you in this spacious land! Surround Him, boys!

    The gang started forming a circle around the unknown student

    Unknown student put his jacket down and his arm started emitting lighting: You just make the fight way easier for me. So are you ready or not?!

    The gang has 4 members with different abilities so their names will relate to their abilities: Fire (leader), Strength, Psychic, Earth

    The battle starts with Unknown approaching Psychic grabs each of his arms electrocutes them and knee him in the chest knocking him out. Now it''s 3 v 1 Strength running toward Unknown with a baseball bat with murderous intent, Unknown tries to dodge the attack but he was chained to the ground by Earth and can''t evade Strength''s attack so Unknown charges up the electricity in his arm and when Strength swings his bat at deadly speed Unknown holds one arm up to block the bat and the bat was destroyed when it comes in contact with Unknown''s arm leaving everyone in shock, with the other arm Unknown breaks the chain locking his legs and jump up deliver a punch into Strength jaw, the punch was not to knock Strength away but was intended to dig him a grave where he stands. Without giving anyone a second to breathe Unknown punches his hand into the ground and instantly Earth''s body starts emitting lighting and suddenly collapses. Unknow removes his hand from the ground and dusts off both his arms.

    Unknown: Hoping that the leader can do more than his lackeys!

    Fire is nervous but still tries to look cool: With pleasure

    Fire starts off the battle by launching a fireball at Unknown, Unknown catches the fireball with his hand, and Fire wonders why it did not explode or burn his hand suddenly electricity starts to cover the fireball like a net then Unknown throws the ball back at Fire, caught by surprise Fire summoned firewall to protect himself from the attack but an electrified fireball is way stronger than a normal fireball so it explodes when comes in contact with the firewall knocking Fire into the wall making him fainted.

    Unknown looks at the battlefield around him ready to go home but suddenly Sunz comes out with the sword in his hand and declares that he wants to have a battle.

 Chapter 3: Tutorial Boss

    Unknown inspects Sunz for a sec and says: This ain¡¯t a playground for you common, at least be somewhat special then I¡¯ll reconsider.

    At that moment Jihu appears behind Sunz''s back without him knowing but Unknow sees Jihu and tells himself ¡°Interesting now that something special¡± and looks back to see the butler waiting for him.

    Unknown: I accept your challenge you must be decent enough to challenge me to a duel and I¡¯ll let you move first.

    Sunz sheathed his sword and quickly unsheathed causing fire out of nowhere to appear in Unknown face and go into a ready stance. Unknown now looks amused and Sunz looks serious but Jihu is concerned about Sunz because when Sunz comes out he saw Sunz''s face was serious but filled with fear makes Jihu feel like Sunz is not himself.

    Unknown: You look less talkative than before, but can I blame you those who talk during battle are destined to lose so let the result speak for the winner.

    Unknown: Charge up his arm and lunged at Sunz aiming for his head but Sunz was quick enough to block the attack by holding the sword with both arms one on the sword handle and the other on the blade, swiftly after blocking the attack Sunz moves the sword down with both hands aiming the blade at himself and jam the kashira at Unknown follow up with a slash at Unknown¡¯s face leaving a cut on his cheek and ending with a kick to Unknown torso but Unknown caught Sunz¡¯s leg with both of his arms making him immobile.

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    After making Sunz immobile Unknown looks up at Sunz¡¯s face and sees different emotions irritation, fear, and murderous, at the same time Jihu screams ¡°GET AWAY FROM HIM¡± so Unknown shocks Sunz¡¯s leg and throws him like a rag doll toward Jihu. Sunz just lay there immobile while Unknown checking his wound and watching Sunz¡¯s movement but now he going to keep a distance while fighting against Sunz.

    Sunz starts to have some movement and the first thing he does is wack each of his legs 3 times and then stand up. Sunz suddenly charge the tip of his sword with electricity and strike it on the ground sending a huge see able surge of electricity at Unknown, Unknown immediately struck both hands into the ground to set up a thick electric barrier blocking Sunz¡¯s attack but after Unknown grounded himself Sunz takes the opportunity dash toward Unknown with the blade tip facing Unknown and suddenly the whole blade is consumed by electricity while Sunz continues to charge toward Unknown through his own attack and the barrier, Unknown looks at Sunz like he is seeing Death¡¯s scythe on his neck. Jihu tried to intervene but it was too late blood had already shed.

    Inside Sunz¡¯s mind after he challenges Unknown he sees another version of himself sitting near a projector standing up and telling him ¡°Welcome to The Tutorial your final lesson¡±

 Chapter 4: Everything explain

    Sunz looks around and all he sees is a room covered in white with a window looking out to all the darkness and asks the other version of himself ¡°Who are you and where am I¡±, and he answers with ¡°I am not you, I am your ability so called me Sword and we are inside your mind right now¡±.

    Sunz: So is this the first time we come in contact?

    Sword: Come here sit down and I¡¯ll tell you your history with me

    Sunz agrees come sit on the chair and Sword starts to show the important events throughout Sunz¡¯s life with the projector. The screen shows 3 important events. First before Sunz obtains his wooden sword, second is the rainy day, and finally today.

    Sword: let¡¯s start off with how we first interact do you remember what happened before you obtained the sword?

    Sunz: I obtained the sword when I was 3 from the doctor because I told Mom and Dad that I had a dream where I was some cool-looking guy holding a sword and I was fighting many people who also wielding a sword.

    Sword: You see anything weird about it?

    Sunz clasped his hands together, rested his chin on his wrist thinking for a sec, and said: I don¡¯t think so kids have dreams all the time.

    Sword smirk: Yes kids can dream but at 3 years old you can remember the dream and describe it that accurately and can still remember it until today.

    Sunz surprise: Okay that is very strange but how is that our first interaction?

    Sword changes to a new slide now on the screen is the picture of the cool-looking guy in Sunz¡¯s dream: As you can see this is me I was showing you who you can become and we called this ¡°The Tutorial¡±.

    Sunz understands what¡¯s going on but still has some questions: But how am I supposed to know that I have an ability when my dream is just like an action movie?

    Sword changes the slide to ¡°Step to obtain an ability¡± which contains pictures and arrows pointing in one direction the pictures go by order of a kid sleeping =) the kid dreaming about fire =) kid waking up =) kid have fire hand.

    Sword: I know you understand what this means but I will focus on 2 pictures ¡°Kid Dreaming About Fire and Kid Have Fire Hand¡± We can control what your dream will be before you obtain your power but that also means we can make the dream as chaos or simple as we want, so the example here kid dream about fire have fire ability but the kid could also dream that they touch their parents and the parents turn to ashes or the kid dream about having someone showing them how to use their ability.

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    Sword: But it also depends on the ability because if the ability is complex the dream doesn¡¯t show all of its potential, even we don¡¯t know its full potential.

    Sunz: Wow you are good at explaining this!

    Sword: Well it¡¯s only the general but thank you!

    Sunz: So the next two events are what unlock the potential?

    Sword change slide to rain event: For the rain event it¡¯s different, it reignites your ability because your ability wasn¡¯t in the right habitat and you were clueless about your own ability.

    Sunz points at the slide: So on that day when I saw what Jihu did with my sword the ability was telling me that, I could do it too and I can see the world with a new perspective.

    Sword congratulates Sunz for his fast learning: That right just like all genius you were suffering from burn out and all you need was the inspiration to reveal a new path or in gaming terms if you''re tired of playing as a sneaky assassin then change to being an 800 lb gorilla that eats RPGs for breakfast.

    Sunz laughs: Nice reference so now what about the final event it''s still clueless to me.

    Sword change slide to a video: So before I start the video I will tell you the basics of your ability ok?

    Sunz nods and Sword starts listing: You can understand sword skill very fast, you have a higher chance of winning against opponents wielding sword, and¡­ you can copy abilities.

    Sunz wondering: The last part you sound unsure. Does my ability have an unknown skill you don¡¯t know?

    Sword starts the video showing Sunz his match with Unknown and stops before it ends: Apparently, you can copy people''s abilities and use your sword as the catalyst.

    Sunz: Ok so that''s why you sound unsure but I guarantee that I can¡¯t copy anyone''s ability. But were you the one that was controlling my body during that fight?

    Sword: Yep and I¡¯ll tell you this, your body is not strong enough to perform these complex skills it was all me your ability so I suggest that you start training now so you can constantly perform those skills.

    Sunz: You¡¯re right and now with a clear view of my journey I can¡¯t wait to see the result with each step.

    Sword: Well class is over do you have any questions for me?

    Sunz: Will I be able to see you again since you are my mentor after all?

    Sword: There are chances that you might see me again in your dream because that is how we communicate after all.

    Sunz and Sword shake hands and everything disappears bringing Sunz back to reality and the first thing he saw was blood dripping on the ground and down to his sword and when he looks up he sees the Butler one hand pushing Unknown back away from his attack and one hand with a bloody white glove holding on to the sword blade.

    The Butler said with a calming voice ¡°Young master are you ok¡± and looked at Sunz seeing that he was confused about what just happened and called Jihu to help Sunz ¡° Young man come help your friend he is pretty shocked about everything that just happened¡±, Jihu comes over remove the sword from Sunz hand, put it back to the sheath and start repeating ¡°Sunz you ok man, can you hear me¡± while checking on his pulse, pupil and see that he is ok just a bit shock.

    The Butler takes Unknown back to the car sits him down and gets the emergency kit to treat both of them and walks back with the kit to check on Sunz and tells Jihu to bring Sunz into the car so we all can have a chat.

 Chapter 5: New Friend

    After getting in the car the loud sound of closing the car door woke Sunz up from his confusion.

    Sunz looks around the car interior and starts to sweat in fear but still tries to mutter some words: Um¡­ where¡­ are we going?

    The Butler: Young boy please calm down we have no intention of harming you and we are just going back to Young Master''s home.

    Sunz started to calm down but became worried and said ¡° I can¡¯t go back to your place my parents gonna worried sick¡± After saying that his phone rang and it was his parents Sunz picked up the call and heard his mom on the other side.

    Sunz¡¯s mom: Honey are you ok, Jihu called and said that you and him are gonna hang out at your new friend''s house and I was worried because I didn¡¯t hear anything back from you.

    Sunz tries to make up a story: I¡¯m sorry Mom, it''s just that me and Jihu met this guy during recess and we were having so much fun talking with him then he invited us to hang out at his house. We are currently on the way to his house now.

    Sunz¡¯s mom: How are you getting there?

    Sunz: We have his guardian driving us to the house.

    Sunz¡¯s mom: Honey can you ask when are you coming home so we can be at ease?

    The butler tells Sunz to give him the phone so he can talk to Sunz¡¯mom: Hi Mrs. Wu my name is Archibald the butler of your son''s new friend, you don¡¯t have to worry at all your son will be home between 8-9 pm and he will have dinner at our place.

    Sunz¡¯s mom: Thank you for being so specific and Sunz are you ok with this?

    Sunz: Yes Mom.

    Sunz¡¯s mom: Then have fun and don¡¯t give Mr. Archibald too much trouble ok?

    Sunz: OK, love you mom

    Sunz¡¯s mom: Love you too honey.

    Archibald: You sure have a caring parent!

    Sunz: Yeah, we usually get anxious when any of us are not on time.

    Archibald: Good to know, what about your friend here does he have a loving family?

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    Jihu: We are but whenever we have a competition everyone starts showing their true color

    Archibald: But that''s what family is, a place where you can be yourself around people you love. But that is not the same for him (Unknown) all he has is me for now.

    Sunz and Jihu: Oh (what do we say now)!

    Archibald: We¡¯re here boys.

    Sunz: I thought having a butler meant that you live in a mansion, but this looks pretty ordinary.

    Unknown: Love to judge a book by its cover do you?

    Sunz: Um actually just a combination of curious and anxious.

    Jihu: Don¡¯t worry, Sunz can¡¯t trust anyone and he always makes up scenarios about you putting him in harm, but he always tries to make sure that you can trust him. Right, Sunz!

    Sunz just nods awkwardly

    Unknown: We¡¯ll continue inside I¡¯m freezing.

    Walking inside the house, it¡¯s no different than any other house including 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen that also acts as a dining area, but the living room has nothing just wooden floor and curtains covering the window.

    Jihu points at the living room: That area looks pretty coldzy.

    Unknown: Yeah if you don¡¯t use that place for anything, it¡¯s better off not furnished.

    After the small talk, the 3 boys sit in the kitchen while Archibald makes dinner.

    Unknown removes his hoodie to reveal his true self: So to gain each other trust allow me to introduce myself. My name Mara Laikin from Brazil.

    Jihu: My name Han Jihu Korean born in Canada

    Sunz: My name is Wu Sunz Chinese born in Canada and I have known Jihu for nearly 2 years.

    Laikin: So we now get to know each other, care to explain what was happening in the match.

    Sunz: First I¡¯d like to sorry for hurting you, Mr. Archibald.

    Archibald: Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ve suffered worse

    Sunz: And the one fighting before wasn¡¯t me, I was only coming back after the fight was over.

    Jihu: Then who was fighting for you because you can¡¯t perform those complex moves?

    Sunz: Before I answer that Laikin do you have a lightning ability?

    Laikin: No, but I¡¯m a student of lightnight and so is your friend Jihu student of water.

    Sunz: OK one thing at a time I¡¯ll explain what happened to me before and you guys tell me what world you guys are living in.

    After some minutes of explaining

    Jihu: So we understand what happens and I have a theory. Laikan you know what I¡¯m talking about right?

    Laikan: Yeah wait a bit.

    Sunz¡¯s mind: This is the first time I''ve seen Jihu this serious.

    Laikan comes back with a book named Lighting Style and tells Sunz to skim through it.

    Laikan: This is our answer to the mystery of your ability Sunz.

    Jihu: In these books, there are three levels simple, advanced, and freestyle. They act as an entry-level for other diverse skills.

    Sunz: You know that this book contains only the sword movement but not how to channel the element needed for the skill right? (Wait something is not right this book is about lightning sword but Laikan channels through his fists.)

    Laikan: Looks like we¡¯ve got a genius here.

    Sunz: What¡­ no I¡¯m not.

    Jihu: He¡¯s right you just question the most common quote in our world ¡°The teacher can teach a student how to swing a sword but not how to wield the sword¡±.

    Sunz: That means I need to know how to channel the element my way, ( which answers my question ). Laikin you have an ability that allows you to use your hand as a sword right?

    Laikan: I guess you are right ( is it really all it can do though? )

    Archibald: Okay boys clear the table dinner is ready.

 Chapter 6: The 4 Swordsman

    After dinner

    Archibald: You all have 30 minutes before I take Sunz and Jihu home.

    Laikan: Thank you Archibald.

    Sunz: Now it¡¯s you guy''s turn to tell me everything.

    Laikan: Jihu you look like you know more than me and you know Sunz so you can explain better.

    Jihu: Sure, so which part do you want to know first

    Sunz: The history of how all of this begins.

    Jihu: You know the thing people called ability, that is the catalyst for our origin. Back in the day when ability doesn¡¯t have many varieties as of now. Many people will have the same kind of ability, but not all can master it at a high level, so they form clans based on the type of ability.

    Sunz: So how different is the ability from back then to now?

    Jihu: Throughout history, humans made different inventions that give the ability more variety like steam control, android¡­ but at the start, the most common abilities were elements fire, water, earth, air¡­

    Sunz: OK so you guys start out with shooting element to wielding sword of that element. How does that make sense?

    Jihu and Laikan looked at each other for a sec and at the same time said: who said you need to have the ability of the element to wield it.

    Sunz: Wait how does that make sense?

    Laikan: The part Jihu just told you is the boring basic part of our history, Jihu mind if I take this part it¡¯s kind of my favorite.

    Jihu: Sure I think all students like this part most.

    Laikan: The story starts with 4 boys in this village, born with no ability but each has a clan they want to join. They heard stories about how amazing each clan is from all merchants that cross the village but they always end with ¡°It sucks that you need an ability of the clan in order to join them¡±. The boys always happy and eager to hear stories from travelers but it¡¯s always sad when they hear that sentence.

    The only person who always cheers them up is the daughter of the town blacksmith who is around the same age as the boys. She always encourages them with her own quote ¡° Before you can become special your body needs to be strong enough to control your special.¡±, until one day while the boys looking for merchants that come into their village to hear their story. A merchant sitting near the blacksmith¡¯s shop calls the boys over to have a chat with them, the boys then ask if he has any stories about the clan.

    The Merchant just laughed and said ¡°Why do kids these days just like to go training with old guys on the mountain.¡± the kids responded, ¡°Because it is our destiny to become the best !¡±.

    ¡°Destiny is something you think you have to achieve but one moment can take you back to the start of your destiny and wish that you have listened and if you did you all will be happy together.¡± the merchant said.

    Suddenly the blacksmith¡¯s daughter comes out and says while holding something covered in cloth ¡° Sir your weapon has been repaired¡± and sees the boys with the Merchant ¡°Hey what are you guys doing here¡± The merchant answers for the boys ¡° Oh they just listening to my life story. And is that my sword?¡± the girl answered ¡° Yep fixed and ready to go, sir !¡±.

    The Merchant took the sword, did some swings, and said ¡° Very well done give my thanks to your dad.¡± the girl just smiled and said, ¡° Thank you for choosing us, Father would be happy because he managed to help out another customer !¡±. The Merchant told the boys ¡° It¡¯s time for me to go but thank you for listening to my story, and I have some gifts for you kids.¡± He then handed each boy a book and said ¡° This is the start of your destiny¡± Then walked away.

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    While the other boys and the girl checking out the books there is only one kid who runs after the Merchant for one last question ¡° Sir from your story I now hesitate to follow my destiny because I¡¯m afraid of losing my family¡± the Merchant pat the kid on the head and squat down to the kid eyes level and said ¡° It¡¯s true that destiny causes me to lose my family, even in that moment something inside me telling me to not go. I have a choice but did I follow it, no, of course, I was young and full of ambition and now what I miss is the time I could have spent with them, but this is what I¡¯ll tell you ¡°spent time with the people you love, emotion is your power, and remember the destiny you choose will always have someone that walks with you, wait for you, and support you.¡±

    Then the Merchant walks away leaving the kid pondering about what he learned today and looking back at his friends. After that, the boys gather at the blacksmith¡¯s shop to check out the books and to their surprise, the book contains each clan''s sword skill, giving them hope that they now can join the clan but after looking at each other book the boys see that all moves set are the same which make them all doom and gloom. The girl comes out to tell them that the smithy is closing and sees them in that state so she comes over to ask, and they give her the books to analyze. But she can see what the boys didn¡¯t realize was each clan has different movements and postures to initiate the skills.

    So she assures them and tells them the requirement for each clan skill is ¡° The fire clan skill is fast and destructive so your attack should be strong and always in offensive stance¡±, ¡° For earth skill, you should be sturdy like an immoveable wall fighting in a defensive style¡±, ¡° The water clan skill is the combination of both offensive and defensive, and with a calculated mind¡±, ¡°Lastly the air clan skill mostly relies on their movements combine with reflex to make them unpredictable¡±.

    The boys are amazed at her analysis and ask how she knows all of this, she reminds them of all the other merchant''s stories and when looking at the books it all makes sense to how each clan works. Before the boys can ask any question she just tells them to go home and come back here tomorrow early in the morning.

    Tomorrow the boys came to the smithy half awake then the girl welcomed them in and gave each of them a wooden sword. She explains that none of them have an ability so they can¡¯t use elements but if they take an object and use it as the catalyst combined with form and attack style maybe it can work. She also points out one bizarre detail that all of the clans don¡¯t use weapons but the book of each clan has a person wielding a sword.

    The boys have no idea and are confused, but she reassures them that with her guidance they might master it. The journey is not as easy as they think because their teacher whom they have known since young became their worst nightmare, but who could blame her she has to help her dad out at the smithy while training four knuckles head.

    Throughout the year up until the boys are 18 each of them experiences different kinds of training, obtains the clan element they want, and advances their own basic skill or diverse their basic element. About the girl, she matures into a beautiful young lady, a well-known blacksmith, a teacher that the boys can¡¯t beat, and the ability to repair weapons. Now seeing their reward at the end of the training, the boys now have new goals are killing the clan leader, allowing more people to learn the skill without ability, and letting other students develop their own clan with different styles.

    Laikan: And that''s how we¡¯re here the boys kill the master to become the new one.

    Sunz: That''s such an interesting story do you have like the book or something because I''m kinda curious about their training and the master battle.

    Laikan: I do, you wanna borrow it?

    Sunz: I¡¯d love to but I don¡¯t trust myself holding onto other people''s stuff without them being near.

    Jihu: Don¡¯t worry I can just grab one from my house. We actually bring some over to give to those that mastered our style and want to join the clan.

    Sunz: Oh that would be nice thank a lot Jihu, you too Laikan thank you for the experience.

    Laikan: Don¡¯t sweat it, it¡¯s rare to see an outsider join our world.

    Sunz: haha, and thank you  Mr. Archibald for the dinner and for driving me home.

    Jihu and Laikan become surprised: Wait¡­ we¡¯re in the car!

    Sunz was surprised that Jihu and Laikan didn¡¯t notice: Yeah!

    Laikan: Archibald could you stop doing it pls!

    Archibald laughed: No can do young master, and all of you were lost in the story so I couldn¡¯t interrupt. But our conversation must stop here because you¡¯re home Sunz

    Sunz thanked Archibald for driving him home and said goodbye to Jihu and Laikan. Archibald says that he wants to meet Sunz''s parents so they can know his face. Sunz walks back to his home with Archibald, he rings the door¡¯s bell and they both hear hasty footsteps and Sunz¡¯s dad opens the door with his mom behind him. Archibald then introduced himself, Sunz¡¯s parents exchanged small talk with Archibald and he gave them his phone number in case of an emergency then Sunz¡¯s family went inside and Archibald went back to the car.

    Meanwhile, Jihu and Laikan have a small talk

    Laikan: Your clan is running out of time right? The tournament is a pretty risky move

    Jihu: Well we have no choice but if he could win we will have a trusty ally.

 Chapter 7 We donâ€™t lie because we care

    Back at Sunz¡¯s house

    Sunz¡¯s parents ask him about his day and he said ¡°it''s the same nothing new except I met a new friend¡±. His parents are happy for him that he makes new friends. But Sunz feels guilty for lying to his parents because with him lying in the family always make things worse. He then starts getting serious and telling his parents everything.

    Sunz: Mom, Dad I am sorry for lying to both of you but the truth is today I have a fight at school and it leads me to discover something about myself. Something I desire to know more about!

    Sunz looks up and sees that his parents are giving him a stern look. With each word coming out he can feel tears building up inside.

    Sunz: I never know what I want to do in my life, so I always follow what you tell me and when I do something wrong you¡¯d punish me, but for the first time I finally know what I want and all I need is your support.

    The atmosphere becomes silent, then Sunz¡¯s dad stands up and walks out of the room, at the same time tear start flowing down his cheeks. For Sunz he tries his best but the only thing he can do now is cry in silence while keeping his head down. Until he heard his father comes back, put something on the table, and start patting his back. After that moment Sunz looks up and sees his parents look relieved, giving him a gentle smile that could turn into laughter.

    Sunz¡¯s dad sigh: Every time you start crying you always turn into such a mess so wipe your tear and have some water then we can have some serious talk.

    After Sunz wipes his tear and drinks some water.

    Sunz¡¯s father: You know why Mom and Dad have to be so strict with you?

    Sunz: Because you want me to have a good life.

    Sunz¡¯s father: That¡¯s right, that is why I always drive and pick you up at school because we care about your safety. We always say yes to what you want have we ever said no?

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    Sunz¡¯s mother: Well we only say yes to food because that is the only thing you ask for, and we only say no when videogames involve because it might interfere with your study, luckily you¡¯re not interested in toy but whenever we say yes to what you want you always start to feel like you¡¯re wasting money and think that you don¡¯t need it so I always need to reassure you that it¡¯s ok.

    Sunz feels embarrassed and starts scratching his head.

    Sunz¡¯s dad: Why we always punish you when you do something bad because we don¡¯t want you to play with bad friends and we want you to have a good study environment. And we stop using physical punishment when you start high school because we care about your mental health.

    Sunz chortle: Well I¡¯d rather get hit in the butt than have my computer taken away.

    Sunz and his parents burst into laughter.

    Sunz¡¯s mom: Now look at how much you have matured which makes us feel like we raised you correctly.

    Sunz: Well scare is also an element that makes me don¡¯t want to lie to both of you because I know I¡¯ll get a harsher punishment.

    Sunz¡¯s father: About your career path we had chosen for you to study a job just like your mother because it is the safest job with a good salary, not too hard, and the most important reason is we don¡¯t want to see you living on the street.

    Sunz: I know and the thing I want to do for now probably not going to give me any income so I¡¯ll still keep going with our old plan as a backup while working on my new hobby.

    Sunz¡¯s mom: You¡¯re lucky that you weren¡¯t born in China like us because you wouldn¡¯t able to handle the pressure and expectation of the education system.

    Sunz¡¯s dad: well it''s pretty late and you have school tomorrow so go to sleep and if you want to know more about your parent''s past then just ask.

    Sunz yawn: Ok goodnight mom, dad.

    After Sunz¡¯s already gone to sleep his parents went to their bed and talk about the time they heard about Sunz¡¯s ability.

    Sunz¡¯s dad: Honey you remember the time when we find out that Sunz had an ability?

    Sunz¡¯s mom: Yeah it nearly ruin our plan to raise him but as he grew I think he doesn¡¯t care about it anymore until today. Did you see how the sword looks these days it looks like it got abused?

    Sunz¡¯s dad: Yeah he probably use it in a fight today. If that is what he wanted to talk about then maybe it''s time to give him those books.

    Sunz¡¯s mom yawns: Yeeeah, I¡¯m so sleepy.

    Sunz¡¯s dad: Ok then goodnight!

    Sunz¡¯s mom: Night!

    Then the Wu family drifts off to dreamland.

 Chapter 8 Meet my students

    Sunz suddenly wakes up from a dream, looks around the darkness surrounding him, checks the time on his phone it shows 3 a.m. and mumbles ( you can¡¯t shove half your arm through a roster mouth ) then goes back to sleep vampire position.

    After closing his eyes, Sunz wakes up standing in a village and said to himself (This is way too real am I dreaming or did I just get isekai) then suddenly someone taps his shoulder. Sunz turns around and in front of him was someone looking at the ground while wearing a Vietnamese straw hat. The person then looks up and said (so¡­ we meet again) and it was Sword, Sunz''s face is like wtf is happening.

    Sunz: Ok answer my question with one word so I can know what''s happening.

    Sword: Sure!

    Sunz: Died or Dream?

    Sword: Dream!

    Sunz: Why are you here and what is your outfit?

    Sword: Talk and Skin.

    Sunz: So we¡¯re here for talking in dreamland while you look like a farmer and I look like I don¡¯t belong here.

    Sword: Well you probably wouldn¡¯t like what I¡¯m wearing. It''s just uncomfortable, the hat is good tho. Let¡¯s go sit down then continue the talk.

    Sunz and Sword then walk into an inn and sit at a table near the windows.

    Sunz: So what reason makes you want to invade or create this dream that I¡¯m having right now?

    Sword: Just to give you more information about this new world. Does it make you uncomfortable?

    Sunz: No not at all, I¡¯m just amazed of the new vision and this dream too. I have dreams where everything feels so real but this time the dream is like real life.

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    Sword: Well this place is not your dream but memories of the people who have the same ability as you.

    Sunz: Hmm interesting so this is a pretty common ability if there are this many people.

    Sword: On the contrary, this is one of the rarest abilities. A common ability is when there are more of me with different memories.

    Sunz: But rare ability has two meanings if it''s so powerful it being restricted to fewer users on the other hand if it''s so weak there will be fewer users or even disappear.

    Sword: Never thought about that, I guess you¡¯re right but powerful ability also based on how the user use and evole it. Some abilities are powerful at start while some need time and the host.

    Sunz: Why is the host important? I thought the skill just needs training and while training the host gets stronger, and so does the skill.

    Sword: To most abilities that is true just like Bruce Lee¡¯s quote ¡°fear the man who practiced one kick 10000 times, not the man who practiced 10000 kicks once¡± but with me, that is not what I want to see in my new student. What I want to see is variety in my student, but don¡¯t worry not everyone can be different if you can only practice one kick then go with it.

    Sunz smirk: Is it a challenge you offering?

    Sword surprise: Oh you think you can learn more than one ¡°kick¡±

    Sunz: Not only learn but I¡¯ll make my own ¡°kick¡±!

    Sword: Are you trying to be my best student? Because no one has ever surpassed her. Don¡¯t know if you can spot her in this place?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know if I can but I think the one you¡¯re talking about is that blacksmith girl ( Sunz points his finger outside the window )

    Sword: Tell me why her?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know she just feels like the most normal compared to everyone in this memories.

    Sword: Well then you¡¯re right. She died at a young age leaving behind her regret and bloodshed!

    Sunz: Wow now I want to know more about her.

    Sword: Well that is all I can tell you, my memories about her only contain the ending, no start no middle.

    Suddenly someone put their hand on Sunz¡¯s shoulder and said ¡°It¡¯s time to leave¡±. Sunz is confused of what going on then Sword said ¡°Oh yeah you have to wake up now. It¡¯s great to talk with you and good luck on the tournament.¡± After Sword end his sentence the person then kick Sunz¡¯s chair making him fall onto the ground. Sunz woke up during the fall and he hit his head on the floor making a loud THUD, his dad was making breakfast and heard it, come to check on him, and said ¡°you ok¡±. Sunz answers ¡°I¡¯m fine¡±, his dad then goes back to the kitchen. Sunz checks the time and it''s five minutes before his alarm goes off. Sunz said ¡°Just one more week then school is over¡±.

 Chapter 9 Romance that happen in War

    Later at school, Jihu gives Sunz the book about clan history Sunz then skimmed through it a bit then said: ¡° didn¡¯t expect that the book has pictures¡±.

    Jihu: Yeah the books were given to the kids for them to be inspired or just something they can read.

    Sunz continue to skim through the book while talking with Jihu

    Sunz: Does every clan''s ways of teaching the kid differently, like training them to become the clan soldier or just training so the clan doesn¡¯t go extinct?

    Jihu: Well a bit of both but more on the soldier side just so they wouldn¡¯t get wiped out by other clans.

    Sunz: So which clan is the strongest of the 4 fire, earth, water, air

    Jihu: Well Fire is the strongest they tried to conquer the other 3 clans but Water and Air worked together and held off the war. While Earth is the weakest they aren¡¯t even participating and we haven¡¯t heard any from them since, like no information at all.

    Sunz: So are you guys on good terms with the Fire clan?

    Jihu: The funny thing is that during the war the Fire clan didn¡¯t want to conquer any clan at all, they just wanted to battle against other clans.

    Sunz: What the hell why didn¡¯t they do a tournament and ain¡¯t war lead to many casualties?

    Jihu: Are you getting angry about this?

    Sunz: No it''s just negatively confused.

    Jihu: OK long story short the war was caused by the Fire clan and ended also by the Fire clan. So the war was only included the royal family of each clan and the Princess of the Fire clan wanted to test out the other family''s strength by kidnapped one of each family''s precious prince or princess and sending a letter with an offer on it ( If you want your precious family member back then sent your best sword man in the family to face me. Also no adult. Teenager only). Then the best sword man from each clan was the prince of the family heard about this then traveled to the Fire clan to save their family member.

    Sunz: OK the Fire Princess must have something up her sleeves or dress right!

    Jihu: Yeah she uses daggers instead of sword and she started her own clan called the ¡°Phoenix Flower¡± which is made up of assassins with fire-healing abilities.

    Sunz: So she literally evolved the Fire clan and is the ¡°Phoenix Flower¡± still exists.

    Jihu: They are and are the best healing clan overall. So the Princess wants to see if she can evolve the other clan.

    During the battle she dominated the two princes, they lost without being able to do any damage against her. She then insults them with ¡° A clan without progress should be wiped off the map. So go home and wait for your cousin''s coffin then your clan will be next.¡±

    The prince feels insulted, ashamed, and powerless, but they both agree that they rather die here than wait for someone to claim their head. Suddenly something inside the prince tells them to change the clan fighting style, the Air clan should be more like the Fire clan while the Water clan should be more like the Air clan.

    The Princess lets out a maniacal laugh as she looks back, seeing the Air clan not as a gust of wind anymore but as a tornado with the prince being the eye of the storm, for the Water clan the water covering the sword has been evaporated, instead the sword keeps on releasing steam and when he stabbed the sword into the ground the clear arena now being covered in smoke.

    With the Prince awakening their clan skills, they are still no match against the Princess, now with each dagger stabbed into their heart the Princess asks them ¡°How does it feel creating your own skill? Fun, or sad that with your new skill, both of you can¡¯t defeat me.¡± Then one of the Prince spoke up ¡°Didn¡¯t we just show you that we can evolve after all, Doesn¡¯t any of that mean anything.¡±

    The Princess then ripped the dagger out of the other prince''s heart and as the blood dripped from the dagger onto the (Talking) Prince¡¯s face she said ¡°You may have evolved but your people will never see it¡±, as she ripped the dagger out of the Prince¡¯s heart, with both hands grabbing on to her arm he begs ¡°Please lets me see her once last time¡±, she leans closer to him and whispers ¡°You will see her soon¡± as the dagger being pulled from his heart, the last thing he saw was the Princess laughing maniacally.

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    After that when the Prince opened his eyes he saw his sister next to him asking ¡°Did we die¡±, all he could do was cry while hugging his sister and saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I couldn¡¯t protect you from her.¡±

    The sister then speaks up ¡°You mean the girl who just saved you, brother.¡± The Prince then paused looked around and saw the Fire Princess drinking tea in the most elegant way. The Princess looked at him and said ¡°You finally awake my Prince.¡± then she walked out leaving him with ¡°I¡¯ll let you two catch up.¡±

    His sister then asks ¡°Why are you crying is it because I didn¡¯t come home, I¡¯m so sorry the nice girl said that I need to stay here for a while because it will help our clan.¡± The Prince said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to sorry, I was only worried about you.¡± The two then talk about what happened in the past few days but the Prince didn¡¯t mention anything about the battle to his sister. After the talk, the Prince tells his sister to stay here for a bit while he talks with the Princess. When he gets out of the room he sees the Princess leaning against the door eavesdropping.

    Princess: Why aren¡¯t you taking her home yet? The other guy had already gone home.

    Prince: What do you mean by that, I have so many questions about you and your actions. What is wrong with You?

    Princess then put her finger on his lips and said: If you really want to know more then take your sister home and come back, if you want. I just don¡¯t want kid to interfere with our fun.

    The Princess then walks away. The Prince then tells his sister it''s time to go home, he takes the horse that the guard has prepared for him and rides back to the Water clan.

    When he comes back he was seen as a hero who stops a could be deadly war. As nightfall, the whole clan celebrates the victory of the Prince but for him, all he could be thinking about is the Princess. Suddenly his friend out of nowhere tells him to join them for a drink, but he declines saying that he¡¯s not in the mood for drinking. The friend then said, ¡°Come on man today is your big day if you don¡¯t do it today, tomorrow you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    The Prince repeats the phrase ¡°If you don¡¯t do it today, tomorrow you¡¯ll regret it¡±, he then thanks the friend and tells him to keep celebrating without him because he has something urgent. The Prince then hops on the horse back to the Fire clan.

    While he is traveling back to the Fire clan the Princess is teaching members of ¡°Phoenix Flower¡± how to use fire for healing. The Prince arrives at the Fire clan after hours of traveling, he then says that he needs to have a talk with the Princess.

    The guard said that he had no authority to talk to the Princess, luckily one of the Princess¡¯s maids walked by and told the guard to let him through because he was the Princess''s guest. The guard did as told (They¡¯re scared of the Princess), the maid then took him to the Princess¡¯s room. Even though it''s already passed midnight the Princess¡¯s room is still full of light, as the maid opens the door the first thing he sees is the Princess sleeping on the table with a dagger stabbed in her arm. The maid walks over to the Princess and gives her a good slap waking the Princess up.

    Princess: Am awake, what time is it?

    Maid: Princess I told you many times to go to sleep after teaching and remove the dagger pls it¡¯s not common for your guest to see THIS.

    Princess removed the dagger, looked around the room, and saw the Prince she said: This is not the perfect time to talk, you heard what she said I need my sleep.

    Prince is annoyed: Then what am I supposed to do, you said if I want to talk I need to travel back immediately.

    Princess: I said that ¡°If you want to talk then you need to come back¡± but I didn¡¯t say immediately.

    The Prince started to lose his balance then the maid said: I can prepare a room for you, we have many to spare.

    Before the Prince can thank her the Princess says: You don¡¯t need to give him a room, if he had traveled this far then I might reward him to stay in MY ROOM.

    The maid then walked out, and before closing the door she said: ¡°You both are adults now.¡±

    There now only the Prince and the Princess alone in the room past midnight.

    Princess: You been traveling all day why don¡¯t you lay down first then I¡¯ll be beside you.

    Prince: What kind of charm did you cast on me? Back in the village, I was always surrounded by girls, being asked to marry them those whom I had seen every day for many years. But why you only one day you already made my feelings complicated?

    The Princess then carried the Prince in her arm put him on her bed then lay next to him.

    Princess: Maybe it''s my look, my flatness, or even my unique personality that makes you want to earn me. Not some gift you received but a prize you want to earn.

    Prince sighed: What if all of this was a mistake, even though you know what¡¯s on my mind? Maybe I should wait or change my prize.

    Princess smirk: Well if you going to refuse your prize then I¡¯ll force you to accept it. Just like you, I saw something in you that made me care, someone who can balance me out and be my voice of reason. You are allowed to take your prize or I¡¯ll force you to take it.

    Prince: You got me into this then you must take full responsibility.

    Princess takes off her clothes: Let¡¯s see how long can you last when I¡¯m taking the lead.

    Later in the afternoon, the same maid from before came to wake the Princess up.

    Maid: Princess it¡¯s time to wake up.

    Princess sat up raised her arms in the air and said: I have a husband now.

    Maid: Congratulation Princess, and Prince how do you feel about her?

    Prince: She was a monster how can her body do things normal can¡¯t?

    Maid: She is special after all.

    The Princess then hugs and kisses the Prince then whispers: Your parent gonna be so mad.

    Later on, they get married.

 Chapter 10: Iâ€™m just here for the conversation

    Sunz: You¡¯re lucky that we have nothing to learn and why the hell is that story so long and horny.

    Jihu: I don¡¯t know it¡¯s her story and that''s how she writes it.

    Sunz pause: Wait¡­ the Princess writes this herself.

    Jihu: Yeah someone was able to translate her diary and turn it into a book.

    Sunz: So do you have the book?

    Jihu brought out another book then said: If I wasn¡¯t planning on telling you the story I wouldn¡¯t have brought it.

    Sunz: Is this your way of telling me to read more if yes then I¡¯ll gladly accept it.

    At that moment Sunz and Jihu hear some arguing and it was Class rep arguing with someone but they pay no attention. Then the argument stops but now everyone starts to look at Sunz and Jihu.

    Sunz said to Jihu: Why the hell did the class just become so silent?

    Jihu looks around, and sees that everyone is looking at him and Jihu then suddenly class rep yells ¡°Sunz, Jihu come here right now.¡±

    Sunz and Jihu walk to where the argument takes place then ask ¡°What¡¯s wrong¡± Then in front of their class was Laikan.

    Class rep: Do you know this student he just came here asking for both of you.

    Sunz: Yeah we know him he was the rain dancer.

    Class rep said to Laikan: So you are the runaway student.

    Laikan: Don¡¯t worry that was the last time and no more.

    Class rep is suspicious of what Laikan said.

    Laikan: Can I please have a talk with my friends?

    Class rep sighs: Sure don¡¯t let the teacher catch you all.

    Sunz and Jihu then follow Laikan to a hidden location in the school.

    Sunz: So what do you want why calling us to this ¡°location¡±

    Laikan pulls out a vape and says ¡°Watch this¡± Then he blows a vape cloud and shoots lighting at it turning it into a storm ball that can be pushed around.

    Sunz and Jihu: That¡¯s cool

    LaiKan said ¡°Yeah I know but vaping is bad tho¡± then he threw the vape into the trash can.

    Jihu tells Sunz that he wants to talk with Laikan for a bit. Sunz said, ¡°Sure go ahead I want to check out this book a bit.¡±

    It¡¯s now just Sunz standing there flipping through the history book until he landed on a particular page containing an image of the 4 boys training on the right side of the book while the girl smithing on the left side of the book. There is one thing about the girl bugging him and it¡¯s her appearance it''s the same as Sword¡¯s best student appearance.

    Sunz then approaches Jihu and Laikan to ask: Hey guys how accurate are the pictures used in this book and how old is this book?

    Jihu wonders why Sunz asks such a specific question but still gives him the answer: Well the book actually had been reprinted throughout the history but no one knows who wrote the original. Despite that the picture I think is the same. Is there something bothering you?

    Sunz is a bit stressed out: Yes but I can¡¯t tell you why. I¡¯m gonna head back to class first you two can keep talking.

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    Laikan: Don¡¯t get caught by the teacher!

    Sunz: Ok

    As Sunz walks away Jihu and Laikan continue their conversation.

    Laikan: You think Sunz can actually win the tournament, from what I see he isn¡¯t on par with other contestants.

    Jihu: You¡¯re right from technique to strength he has none compared to those of the same age as him. But only knowing him for more than 1 year he¡¯s the type to ¡°Fuck around and Find out¡±.

    Laikan: If he can get in the final I¡¯ll be there to see him win the tournament.

    Jihu: Thank you it will make his day. So going back and showing your grandpa what you¡¯ve achieved?

    Laikan: Yeah after that I¡¯ll take on the clan''s final challenge ¡°Steal Zeus''s heart¡±.

    Jihu: Good luck and don¡¯t die, the final challenge always has casualty.

    Laikan: Also good luck with training Sunz.

    Laikun and Jihu then go back to their class, that will be the three last meet up before the tournament.

    On the way back to class early, lost in his thinking Sunz suddenly heard ¡°Young boy come here¡±. He then looks around and sees no one except the janitor cleaning the floor. The Janitor then looks up at him and said ¡°I heard you¡¯re looking for a girl¡±. Sunz is confused with what he said.

    Sunz: Mister I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.

    Janitor: Sorry I was being too vague. You are trying to find more information on the blacksmith lady right?

    Sunz: Um.. yes, did you eavesdrop while we were talking?

    Janitor smile: Maybe I did or maybe I know what you¡¯re capable of and just trying to help.

    Sunz is interested in what the man is saying: Well a mysterious janitor started talking to me, I think should start treating these events as something normal and not something out of this world. So what are you allowed to tell or want to tell me?

    Janitor: Is that what kids these days think, anything can happen no matter how out of reach they¡¯re?

    Sunz: Oh no just me, after everything that happened with me in the past week I now just think anything can happen.

    Janitor: You sure are strange, but I¡¯ll tell you what I want to tell. The book you¡¯re reading I was the author and I¡¯m also the merchant in the book.

    Sunz is super surprised: What the heck how are you still alive and why are you telling me this?

    Janitor: I¡¯m telling you this so you can be motivated to win the tournament and after that, you can find her. That tournament is your future.

    The Janitor then disappears in front of Sunz. He then mutters ¡°Am I INSANE¡±. As Sunz returns to the classroom he notices that everyone suddenly talking about him and the only thing he can think of is ¡°I wish Jihu were here so he can eavesdrop for me.¡±

    After Sunz returned to his desk and while reading the book Class rep out of nowhere approached him.

    Sunz: Can I help you?

    Class rep: What were you guys talking about?

    Sunz: Do I have to tell you?

    Class rep said ¡°No you don¡¯t have to, but can you help with something¡± She then gave Sunz a letter.

    Sunz: Who is this for? I know it¡¯s not for me.

    Class rep: It¡¯s for Jihu I want to ask him out.

    Sunz: Sure but how are you going to win his heart, as you know he rejected many before.

    Class rep is annoyed with Sunz: That¡¯s none of your business. Why are you and him so close it makes no sense? You two are so different.

    Sunz shrugs: I don¡¯t know, he just attracted me like a magnet and never let me go. But you why suddenly have such a mood change.

    Class rep: Someone like you wouldn¡¯t know, maybe if you start talking with other girls you might understand.

    Sunz: Now that¡¯s the ¡°Class rep¡± I know having some kind of grudge against me. Don¡¯t worry your letter will be delivered, now go back you don¡¯t want Jihu to get suspicious.

    Class rep goes back to her seat and Sunz continues reading his book until Jihu comes back.

    Sunz and Jihu had a little chat, then while Sunz was giving Jihu Class rep¡¯s letter the school bell rang telling everyone to go home. It suddenly creates this romantic moment between Sun and Jihu.

    Jihu: I know you see me as a family member but going as far as this is not like you at all. I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t accept it!

    Sunz getting annoyed: Then good I¡¯m not proposing to you anyway someone ask me to give you their confession take this and be her boyfriend or break her heart like usual.

    Jihu takes the letter with a bright smile: This time it might be different. I can¡¯t believe they ask you as the messenger.

    Sunz: I never know what you hid behind that smile but have fun and I¡¯m coming this Sunday.

 Chapter 11: Itâ€™s training time

    It¡¯s Sunday the day that Jihu going to train Sunz to see his current level. Sunz arrives at the Dojo where Jihu family does their business.

    Earlier that day, Jihu texted Sunz that ¡° When you come have a look around the dojo if you like I am a bit busy so I can¡¯t greet you¡±. While walking and exploring every nook and cranny around the Dojo, Sunz said to himself ¡°Everything here looks nothing out of the ordinary, better not touch anything without permission.¡±

    The more he walks the louder he hears the sound of two wooden swords colliding. When he entered the location where the sound was coming from it suddenly stopped, and what he saw was Jihu being defeated by a woman with long blue hair and with no sign of injury on her body. The two then casually start speaking in Korean without knowing Sunz was there. As she helped Jihu stand up he noticed Sunz was watching.

    Jihu waves at Sunz and tells the girl something in Korean as Sunz waves back in confusion. The girl then picks up Jihu¡¯s wooden sword and throws it at Sunz. Sunz catches the wooden sword, Jihu approaches Sunz and says ¡°She wants to test your skill¡±.

    Sunz nodded and just did what Jihu said. While getting into their position to duel all Sunz can think of is ¡°What did I get myself into, she just obliterates Jihu who is on the same level as Laikan, look like I¡¯m about to be vaporized¡± with a calm face.

    Standing on the left is the Korean girl with a bright smile. On the right is Sunz with a calm expression but inside his brain is thinking ¡° I don¡¯t know the result all I know is just wing it¡±.

    The two are in a ready-stand Jihu countdown ¡°3¡­2¡­1¡­ Slash¡±.

    The girl attacks first, suddenly Sunz sees the sword movement before it can reach him allowing him to dodge the first attack.

    Sunz¡¯s mind ¡°It¡¯s looks like reaction is the key¡± then his expression changes to a smile. The girl surprised by his sudden mood change she then falls back and gives him the hand gesture ¡°Come at me¡±.

    Sunz charges in with a normal slash, he then sees how the girl going to counter his attack. Just like what he just saw the girl countered his attack but followed up with a quick jab at his body knocking him back.

    Sunz¡¯s mind ¡° I can see my opponent''s first action but I need to be quick enough to see and deal with their second action. Ok, you dumbass let¡¯s see how many combos you can do against an expert.¡±

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    ¡°Again¡± Sunz yells then he attacks with a chain of normal attacks but changes the attack movement near the last second. But all that didn¡¯t work the Korean woman didn¡¯t even budge. Sunz¡¯s mind ¡°My hand is numb, She is so strong and fast but what did I expect when fighting the final boss. Maybe I could try that skill.¡±

    Sunz¡¯s hand suddenly feel not numbing anymore but the sword started sparking. Take this moment Sunz attacked again but this time his attack felt more fluent and faster, the more Sunz attack the more spark came out of the sword then with a strike created an explosion knocking both sides off their foot.

    Both Sunz and the girl get up. Sunz is fired up after what happened but the fire is soon extinguished. The girl¡¯s sword is now covered in water, with a slash she creates a projectile coming at Sunz. Sunz sees the direction of the projectile and can dodge it easily but trying to block the water slash results in getting the sword to destroy and a cut on his shoulder. But by looking away for a few seconds the girl then dashes at Sunz and stabs him in the wounded arm.

    Being pinned to the ground but not in pain probably under an adrenaline rush and all he could say ¡° Can you bandage me after this¡±. The girl chuckles then removes the sword from Sunz and picks him up. Jihu comes to help Sunz and said ¡° Look like she put you through hell¡±.

    Sunz: Yes she did but It was fun not gonna lie. But I might need some treatment on my arm.

    Jihu: Oh no need you¡¯re not even bleeding!

    Sunz gasped for air then showed Jihu his arm: Oh yes I do. Wait! What happened I got stabbed and slashed on this spot! Oh, right water clan specializes in healing.

    Jihu: Sorry for making you go through all that I didn¡¯t expect my sister to come here.

    Sunz: Don¡¯t mind it! We had fun and no one died that¡¯s a win for me. And won¡¯t you introduce her to me?

    Jihu: This is my older sister ¡°Han Jun¡± she is currently the best fighter in the clan.

    Sunz and Jun shake hands then Sunz says: Now excuse me I need to borrow the bathroom, I can¡¯t stand my dirty hand!

    Jihu: Sure go ahead and don¡¯t worry we won¡¯t go anywhere!

    Later in the bathroom, while washing his hands Sunz said to himself ¡°I hate language barrier¡±, as he washed his face the mirror reflection suddenly changed his face into someone else which put him in a sudden shock.

    Then the face in the mirror said ¡°Remember me, kid¡±.

    Sunz tries to calm down: No I don¡¯t know who you are!

    Mirror: Kinda give you a heart attack right kid! It¡¯s me the merchant, the book author.

    Sunz realizes: Oh ok well you never show your face and you know¡­ What bring you here?

    Merchant: Well I heard that you want to know more language and I¡¯m here to help.

    The merchant then put a candy through the mirror. Sunz said, ¡°Why are you helping me this is kinda suspicious¡±. The merchant ¡°Kid let¡¯s be honest you¡¯re weak, useless, and don¡¯t have any rare items so killing you gives me nothing. Plus us merchants don¡¯t kill people but we give people weapons to kill others.¡±

    Sunz sighs in relief ¡°Well at least you are honest! If I eat this candy I¡¯ll know every language?¡±

    Merchant: Yep, well gotta go now!

    The mirror then returns to normal. Sunz said ¡°I guess this is what they call beginner luck!¡± and then eat the candy.

 Chapter 12: The Dark Horse

    While crunching on the candy Sunz thinks to himself ¡°Hmm speed and reaction need to be improved. Skill can gradually improve on it own but I need to get used to using clan elements. My element arsenal is still too little, well gotta make it work somehow I guess!¡±

    Later Sunz meets up with Jihu and Jun. The three then sit down and have a talk.

    Sunz asks Jun: Any reason why you coming here?

    Jun is surprised not because of the question, she then asks Jihu ¡°Can he speak Korean¡± in Korean. Sunz then answer ¡°No I can only speak English¡±.

    Jihu put both of his hands on Sunz¡¯s shoulder then tell him to translate what he was about to say: ¡°Something in Korean¡±

    Sunz answered with a smirk: Did you just call me an asshole!

    Jihu is confused: Did I say it in English or Korean?

    Sunz: English!

    Both Jihu and Jun step back from Sunz in a ready stance. Jun summon a sword made of water then threaten ¡°Who are you and where is the boy!¡±

    Sunz¡¯s mind ¡°Oh it can do that too!¡±. Sunz then stand up like a statue and tried to explain ¡° Ok I am Sunz and this language thing happened because I ate a candy¡±.

    Jun and Jihu are both confused, Jun then ask again ¡°When did this happen!¡±

    Sunz: ¡°When I go to the bathroom then the mirror reflection turns into a guy called himself Merchant. He said that he just want to help me and gave me the candy¡±

    The three didn¡¯t say anything for a bit then Sunz speak up ¡°Please don¡¯t kill me!¡±

    Jun sigh with relief ¡°At least you¡¯re not them¡± then tell Sunz and Jihu to sit down.

    Jun point at Sunz: So now you can talk and communicate with us with no language barrier right?

    Sunz nod

    Jun talk in a serious tone: Then let¡¯s talk business! I heard from Jihu that you going to join our tournament right?

    Sunz: Yep! Are you against this?

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    Jun: I¡¯m not against you joining but sometimes things are complicated and your family isn¡¯t in the same world as us. By doing this you¡¯re putting your family in danger.

    Sunz: Well everyone''s life is in danger because of what kind of world we¡¯re living in so joining this tournament wouldn¡¯t change anything.

    Jun: You¡¯re a bold one kid but living life to the fullest is what we do. But did Jihu tell you anything about the tournament?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t think so!

    Jun: To answer your question from before, I came here to test if you are qualify for the tournament as an inspector... And the result is you fail.

    Jihu tells Jun: I know that he will fail but I told grandpa to give him a chance even though he is new to all of this but he has the skill and is trustworthy enough to be a member of our clan. So please give him another chance!

    Jun: We know that you can see people''s potential and go as far as asking us to give your friend a chance. You did not fail to meet our expectations as a secret inspector.

    Jihu and Sunz were both surprised then Jihu said: Wait does that mean Sunz can join the tournament?

    Jun smile: Yes he can.

    Jihu and Sunz hi-five to celebrate!

    Jun: But this means you¡¯re the weakest in the tournament because all of those in the tournament had defeated their inspector. I¡¯m the strongest of all but all the other inspectors aren¡¯t a joke either. So don¡¯t make mistakes in the actual fight, blood will drop, limbs will fall and death is watching your every move!

    Sunz: For me, a ticket in the tournament is good enough, and being the dark horse is acceptable. But I¡¯ll prove to you that I can win this tournament and after I win I have one request.

    Jun: Hmm interesting let¡¯s hear it!

    Sunz: I want answers to any questions I have about the clan and their secret!

    Jun: Sure but make sure to watch your back!

    Sunz: Yes! I also have another question for you.

    Jun: Don¡¯t try kid I already have a boyfriend!

    Sunz: Umm¡­ok, I just want to know about the water sword from before!

    Jun: Oh that one it¡¯s an advanced skill, mostly used when your weapon is broken or don¡¯t have any. When you hold the weapon form of the element it also means you¡¯re holding that element. Water weapons have better healing for holders but hard to handle, on the other hand fire weapon harm the holders if they aren¡¯t immune to fire but it don¡¯t have a limited range. That''s all I can say so figure out the rest on your own.

    Sunz:Sure I get what you¡¯re saying, I hope that I can also train while sleeping.

    Jun said to Jihu: Did you become friend with a crazy kid? We all know that you can¡¯t train while sleeping!

    Jihu: Oh no he is serious, you know my water purification ability. Apparently, he has a sword ability and his ability talks to him.

    Jun surprise: That''s why he was able to improve so fast in such a short time!

    After talking for a bit later Jun said she had some business to do and leave. Sunz then asks Jihu to help him train his reaction.

    2 weeks later Sunz and Jihu arrive in Korea!

    Sunz: Can¡¯t believe that Mr.Archibald books us first class ticket even though he doesn¡¯t have to!

    Jihu: Yeah it makes you wonder how much a ¡°Butler¡± make. But we¡¯re here now so do your best and win this whole tournament!

    Sunz and Jihu fist bump in excitement, looking forward to what coming.

    Sunz: Need to text mom and dad that I have arrived.

    Family group chat

    Sunz: I arrived at Korea

    Mom: Ok son good luck on the tournament Mom and Dad will be cheering for you from home.

    Sunz: Thank you Mom, Dad.

    Sunz put his phone away then said: Let¡¯s go

 Chapter 13: Grimm and Sogae

    Sunz: So Mr.tourguide what is next to do on our list

    Jihu: Let¡¯s go check in at the venue then get you a katana. Don¡¯t want you to be weaponless.

    Sunz: Well there is nothing I can do here except focus for the tournament while you a local can help me prepare on what I need for the tournament.

    Jihu: But gotta say within 2 weeks your movement and reaction speed improve a lot, but we¡¯ll have to see you in action to judge your strength.

    Sunz: If you weren¡¯t there helping me train I wouldn¡¯t know how to improve my weakest stats.

    Jihu: Don¡¯t say like I did all the job, you know what you need to improve and I just do my best to help you. So be proud of your training!

    Sunz: Yeah, thank you!

    Jihu: Don¡¯t mention it!

    Later Sunz and Jihu arrive at a luxurious hotel

    Sunz: Is this the venue?

    Jihu: Yeah, strange right!

    Sunz: Let¡¯s just go check in¡­ I¡¯m speechless.

    Sunz and Jihu go to the front desk and a woman greets them

    Woman: Hello and welcome to ¡°Water Slash¡± hotel how may I help you?

    Jihu: I¡¯d like two rooms one for me and one for him(point at Sunz)¡­ also we would like a list of contestants in the next event.

    Woman: Jihu right, we heard that you have chosen your contestant for our next event, and is that him? (She then gestures Sunz to come closer).

    Jihu: At first I was going to invite him to see the event but stuff happen and now he is interested in joining it!

    Woman: I did not expect that you were an inspector, but you are the grandson of the clan leader after all, so he must had saw something in you!

    Jihu: I guess so even I didn¡¯t know that I was an inspector.

    Sunz gets closer to the counter to ask the woman: I guess that you know what is going on. But what relationship does the clan have with running a hotel?

    Woman: Oh you must be very new to this. The reason is to make money because our time is over and we need to blend in. We even got support from the government as a line of defense.

    Sunz: Wait does that mean everyone in the clan are freelancer no matter how good they¡¯re?

    Woman: Yeah but we can get jobs in other fields easier. In the case of the best member, some are hired as bodyguard for rich people or K-pop bands. But some also apply to be heroes which is no different from what they were while in the clan. If they are really good then it would make a difference.

    Sunz: Wow that was a lot of information you gave us may I have your name and will we ever meet again?

    Woman: You¡¯re welcome it¡¯s rare seeing new people like you these days. My name is Sogae and don¡¯t worry I work all types of jobs in the clan so we¡¯ll cross paths sooner or later.

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    Sunz and Jihu thank Sogae for her warm welcome and get to their room.

    Before getting into their own room Jihu told Sunz: Let¡¯s rest for a bit then we¡¯ll get you a weapon later.

    Inside the hotel room Sunz has unpacked all of his stuff and now is looking at his wooden sword which is in a ruff state. Sunz ¡°I guess this is the last time I use you but you will have the honor to pick my next sword!¡±

    Sunz keeps the same outfit but brings the sword with him this time and goes knock on Jihu¡¯s room. Jihu comes out and said ¡°Ready to go¡±, Sunz ¡°Lead the way Mr.tourguide!¡±

    Sunz and Jihu ride the elevator back to the first floor, before the door opens Jihu press some button on the elevator, and suddenly the floor number change to ¡°???¡± then the elevator opens and reveals a training facility.

    Inside the facility, there are different kinds of machines for training, test dummies, a weapon shop, and a sparing arena. At the moment there are only a few people here, maybe because it''s midnight right now. Sun and Jihu then approach the weapon shop, while walking Sunz asks Jihu something.

    Sunz: So¡­ how did it go with you and Class rep?

    Jihu: Oh it¡¯s going well ! She is so different from her school self more shy and gentle.

    Sunz: That''s probably because I¡¯m not there so her aura is different. But do you think that her feeling is real or fake?

    Jihu: Just because you can understand feeling better than normal people, that doesn¡¯t mean you can judge them. The only thing that surprise me was how she acting but everything else seems normal.

    Sunz: Well that''s good to hear. It¡¯s just that the time when she asked me to give you the letter, it remind me of when you and I started hanging out. At first, I didn¡¯t trust you at all but gradually you being less of a threat and I feel more comfortable hanging out with you. That letter was probably the result of scolding us every week.

    Jihu: So it¡¯s like she is more comfortable when hanging out with us. Maybe we all should hang out together sometimes!

    Sunz: Yeah I guess! But does she know that you¡¯re here?

    Jihu: She does but I just told her that I have some family business and showing you around Korea. Luckily that she told me, she also has some family stuff. At least we can still text!

    Jihu: But it makes me wonder if you can understand Class Rep like that. Why aren¡¯t there any girls like you?

    Sunz: Buddy it¡¯s not that hard to understand why girls don¡¯t like me. First, us men are dense as fuck so we don¡¯t know their signal. Two I was not born as a Korean like you so my charisma aren''t as high as yours. And finally, I don¡¯t find any of them interesting.

    Jihu: They aren¡¯t interesting because none of them are flat enough for you!

    Sunz: Yeah you¡¯re right. Hey, we made it to the weapon shop. (then ring the counter bell)

    Ding

    The person that was checking the weapon condition heard the bell then turned around and said ¡°Welcome to the Smithy how may I help you today¡±

    Sunz is surprised: Wow I did not expect to meet you again this soon!

    Sogae: Oh you will get used to seeing me around, I work like 24/7, but less about me! Are you two looking for a new weapon?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know about him but I¡¯m looking for a new sword that is kinda similar to this one but can kill.

    Someone then grabs on Sunz¡¯s shoulder and speaks with a German accent ¡°Heard you¡¯re looking for a weapon mind if I help¡±.

    The man that is behind Sunz wears a trench coat with a layer underneath, a pair of jeans, and sport shoes. He has light facial hair and a very strong grip!

    Sunz hand his sword to the German gentleman. The man inspects the sword and Sunz at the same time. After inspecting he gives Sunz the sword back and tells Sunz to show him some moves.

    Sunz then obliges and shows the man some of his moves. Sunz ¡°Is it ok?¡±.

    German guy: Miss can I inspect the shop weapon?

    Sogae is hesitant but she let the man do his thing: Um¡­Sure I don¡¯t know that much about weapons anyway!

    The man thanks Sogae and jumps over the counter and starts checking. As he put his hand on a weapon he said ¡°Katana right?¡±

    Sunz answers with a low tone ¡°Yes¡±. The man brings back a katana and put it on the counter and tells Sunz to give it a go. After testing the katana Sunz said ¡°Light very light¡±,¡°I¡¯m sorry I have no other word to describe it¡±.

    German guy: Don¡¯t worry sometimes actions speak louder than words. The name is Grimm and you two.

    One at a time they go ¡°I¡¯m Sunz¡±, ¡°I¡¯m Jihu¡±.

    Jihu then step forward and said: ¡°Mr.Grimm may I ask if you¡¯re one of the participants what is your reason for helping us!¡±

 Chapter 14: Grimmâ€™s Back Story

    Grimm: So your friend here is also joining the tournament too! I didn¡¯t expect to meet another German here. Nice to meet you Sunz. (Holding his hand out to skake Sunz¡¯s hand)

    Sunz accept the handshake and said: Mr.Grimm I¡¯m sorry but I¡¯m Chinese, not German. It might be weird to say this but I can speak and understand every language.

    Grimm: Wow that is pretty disappointing for me. Hey, but good for you kid, you can interact with any culture without any problem. And to answer your friend''s question I just do what I want to do!

    Jihu bow to Grimm then said: Thank you for helping us!

    Grimm: No need to be so formal. But gotta say your friend is pretty lucky, that kind of sword isn¡¯t being made anymore.

    Sunz asks Grimm: Is there any reason why it is not being made anymore? It feels like a pretty solid weapon.

    Grimm: You may see it as a good weapon but other see it as the inferior version of the Katana. Due to the blade being easier to break and it¡¯s can¡¯t bind when fighting make it becomes unpopular to the average swordsman.

    Sunz: Then why did you think this sword is better for me than a normal Katana?

    Grimm: When I was asking you to show me some of your moves. I see that you have good precision but slow speed and it may be because of the weapon that slows you down.

    Something in Sunz¡¯s mind just clicks: Yeah! You¡¯re right I did feel a lot faster with my sword handling with the new sword. Are you like some kind of blacksmith?

    Grimm smile: Well well well, you may be smarter than you look, kid. That¡¯s right I¡¯m a blacksmith that also works as a ¡°Hero¡±.

    Sunz becomes curious: So what rank are you as a ¡°Hero¡± and does it pay well?

    Grimm said ¡°You planning to join?¡±, instantly after Grimm end his sentence Sunz said ¡°No! It¡¯s too boring for me¡±

    Grimm is surprised by Sunz''s instant answer: You¡¯re an odd kid you know, maybe that¡¯s why he likes you (Pointing at Jihu currently talking with Sogae), kinda reminds me of the good old days when we just go back to the smithy and working on all kind of projects but it all changes when he gone and now I just working this ¡°Hero¡± job to scrape by.

    Grimm: Sorry I just got sidetracked and start talking about myself.

    Sunz: Oh don¡¯t worry I like to hear about people''s past and stuff.

    Grimm: Ok then answering your questions from before I am an A-rank ¡°Hero¡± and your salary depends on the job types and how frequent you do the jobs. But sometimes the jobs are horrendous if you¡¯re a low-rank, people beg for jobs every day and if you don¡¯t have a mission complete each week then you¡¯re fired which leads to small fries taking jobs of A or S rank and die. For rank A and above they have the benefit of being alert with the newest mission, and get put on the special contact list (Rich people can pay to choose the ¡°Hero¡± they want, higher rank is more expensive) for a variety of jobs. But that¡¯s only the bright side.

    Sunz is interested in Grimm''s story: If that¡¯s the bright side then the dark side must be like the dark web right?

    Grimm just lets out a big sigh: ¡­ It¡¯s worse than the dark web! If they have their eyes on you dying is the first thing you hope or wish that they get bored of playing with you.

    Sunz: So¡­ were you one of the corporation victims?

    Grimm becomes silent for a bit: ¡­ Those victims would wish they were in my shoes instead, different from them is that I can still live a normal life while being their ¡°audience¡±. Four years ago while I was still a B-rank ¡°Hero¡± the corp has a new system called ¡°Learn from your Seniors¡± which was created so new heroes can learn from any heroes that have at least one year working or at least rank A above. This was an optional system and ¡°Seniors¡± don¡¯t have to take in anyone if they don¡¯t want to.

    There I was just doing my usual routine at corp then I receive a text ¡°Wait at the cafeteria someone wants to meet you¡±. At that moment I was like (what is going on), I then wait at the cafeteria for about 5 minutes, until a girl came up to me with a picture of me and ask to know if I was the person in the picture. I answer ¡°Yes¡± then she just jump with joy and said that ¡°she had been looking for me¡±.

    The girl then introduce herself to me that ¡°Her name was San, 18 years old, and had the ability to control fire. She hopes that I can teach her ways to become the best Hero.¡± In response to her politeness, I then introduce myself.

    Grimm(-4): The name is Grimm rank B nice to meet you, I hope we can meet again. You can find the map of the facility at the counter. If you don¡¯t have any questions left I may leave.

    San: Wait! Can you be my Senior?

    Grimm(-4): Miss I have no idea what are you talking about.

    San then gives Grimm her phone which has her Hero Id open for him to read: Name age ability check. ¡°Learn from your Seniors¡± this person has applied for this program and can ask any Heroes to take her under their wing (The Heroes must be at least rank A above or have at least 1 year of working). Note the Hero isn¡¯t forced to take this person under their wing!

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    Grimm(-4) gives San her phone back: I¡¯m sorry Miss but I can¡¯t take you under my wing. You should find someone who has the same ability like your and train under their wing.

    San''s voice gets a bit quavering: But¡­but I don¡¯t want to train under anyone else other than you!

    At that moment San feels like she is about to burst. Grimm then slam his palm onto the table and said ¡°Crying is for important moment! Now stop! then we will discuss this (Senior) stuff.¡±

    San sniffles a bit and stops herself from crying.

    Grimm(-4) sit down and asks San some questions: Why did you choose me as your ¡°Senior¡±?

    San: The first time I saw you was during your interview after you stop a bank robbery. Your answer was ¡°I just do my job¡± and leave which gave me the impression that you just want to help people without expecting anything.

    Grimm(-4): Yeah something is wrong with you!

    San: Hey! I¡¯m perfectly normal.

    Grimm(-4): Ok next question how good are you at using your ability?

    San twiddling her fingers and said: Um¡­ I can only summon fire orbs and throw them¡­

    Grimm(-4): Make sense, when you have such a common ability you also become a low-tier fire bender. On the internet, some have guides to improve the ability like your and did you watch it?

    San: I did and I try but nothing works, maybe because they are all so boring or I¡¯m just weird.

    Grimm(-4) stand up: Weird or not I don¡¯t care but for now, follow me to the training facility.

    Grimm(-4) and San make it to the training facility and Grimm gets them a private room so no one sees what they were doing.

    Inside the private room

    Grimm(-4): Are you comfortable?

    San: Yes I¡¯m! So what are we doing first and what with the duffle bag?

    Grimm(-4): You know what happens when a man and a woman are in a room together?

    San realizes what situation she got herself into and try to cover her body with her arms, she starts shaking in fear, drop to the floor, and mutter: Please¡­ no! Don¡¯t violate me!

    Grimm(-4): That¡¯s right I¡¯m leaving the room!

    San is now in a state of fear and confusion but soon the fear takes control over her emotion so she curls up and start crying.

    Later Grimm(-4) comes back with a fire extinguisher, and he sees that San is still crying in the corner. He then comes closer to her, gives her a head pat, and tells her ¡°Stop crying or we can¡¯t start your training.¡± San mumbled ¡°No violate please¡±

    Grimm(-4): I just say that so I can check your emotional level. But seriously I have to get out while you are training, there are clothes in the duffle bag in case you burn your while training.

    San gets the hang of herself, wipes tears off her face, and asks Grimm ¡°What is my first task¡±.

    Grimm(-4) then gives San a combat knife and gives her instructions on what she needs to do, ¡° I¡¯m gonna need you to imagine hurting yourself with this knife.¡±

    San: Is that all if I do it then I will improve my ability?

    Grimm(-4): It¡¯s depends on how you react to it. This is your body, not mine. If you have no more questions then I¡¯ll wait outside.

    Before Grimm can even stand up San blurt out ¡°WAIT!¡±, ¡°Please don¡¯t leave! I want you to stay here watch my progress and tell me what I did right and wrong". Grimm put the fire extinguishers next to him aiming at San and tell her ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡±

    With the knife in hand, San slowly shut her eyes and start imagining. But only one second in San drops the knife, her eyes are wide open, she starts having hyperventilation, and the arm she was imagining on start to shake uncontrollably, as she tries to speak her voice become more quaver ¡°I.. saw myself ¡­bleeding out on the floor¡­with NO ONE beside to help!¡±

    Grimm stand up, cover San''s eyes with his hand, and said ¡°This is not the moment to cry! Go back, let your mind flow, and tell me what you see.¡±

    San with her quavering voice: I see myself lying on the floor with a bleeding arm¡­But the arm is healing itself and releasing a trail of smoke traveling across my body.

    Grimm sees that San¡¯s arm has stopped shaking: ¡°Tell me how does the smoke feel?¡±

    San: It¡¯s feels like it transferring pain all across my body, but for some reason, it feels warm¡­ and I can touch it with the tip of my finger.

    Grimm(-4) said ¡°Now activate your ability¡± and step back.

    San do as Grimm said and her body burst into flame. When San opens her eyes she was so surprised of what she is capable of and was jumping with joy. But when she looks at Grimm his eyes were closed and he not even looking at her either. Then San curiously asks ¡°Why aren¡¯t you looking at me? You help me improve so you should admire your work¡±

    Grimm(-4) sighs ¡°Fine¡± and looks at San ¡°Gotta say you did a great job, now your whole body can activate your ability instead of only your hands but now you need to make sure what body part is using the ability or else you¡¯ll end up naked after every battle.¡±

    San deactivate her ability, looks downs, and said ¡°Oh! Look at that I¡¯m naked.¡±

    Grimm with a stern voice tells San ¡°Good! Now go put on some clothes!¡± and leaves the room.

    San is now putting on the clothes from the duffle bag that Grimm had prepared for her. Alone in the room, she thinks to herself ¡°Why was I being so comfortable with him just now? Before this I thought he was a bad person but this time I feel like I was in the wrong. I should apologize to him!¡±

    A few minutes later

    San walks out of the room with the duffle bag and she sees that Grimm is sparing against a robot while wearing a trench coat. She waits for Grimm to finish and waves at him to signal that she finish. Grimm then gets off the arena and signal San to go back to the room.

    A few minutes later

    Grimm(-4) comes back to the room and he sees that San is sitting on the bench while twiddling her finger. ¡°Something wrong?¡± Grimm asks.

    San: ¡°I just want to say I¡¯m so sorry for putting you in such an awkward situation. I don¡¯t know why but in that moment you being here make me feel comfortable.¡±

    Grimm(-4) pat San on the head and said ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand yourself and the situation we were in.¡± He then sits down on the bench and speak with a stern voice ¡°But because you¡¯re now working as a hero so you need to be on high alert. If the higher up have their eyes on you they will make you their toy.

    San is getting nervous: But I have special ability so they won¡¯t try to target me and if they try I can burn them to death.

    Grimm sigh: I wish it was that easy! You have ability but they also have their own hero to do their dirty work, and these heroes are definitely on the S rank or have some abilities that let them take control of your body.

    San lunged at Grimm and started sobbing in his arm ¡°I don¡¯t want it to happen to me¡­but I don¡¯t want to leave this job either. I just want to help other people.¡±

    Grimm start to comfort San ¡°I know you don¡¯t want to leave so I''ll do my best to keep you safe and we both have to get stronger too. So I¡¯ll be taking you in as my student!¡±

    San stops sobbing but still sniffles ¡°Really! I¡¯ll make sure to make you proud¡±.

    Grimm smiles ¡°Glad to hear that! So let¡¯s continue this tomorrow. Ok?¡±.

    San:Ok!

    Back to present

    Grimm: That is all I can tell you for now kid. If you want to hear more then make sure to pass the first round.

    Sunz: I will Mr! But after hearing the first part I think I know what happens. So after winning this tournament my next task is to help you!

    Grimm stand up and said, ¡°Then I¡¯m eager to see how you grow throughout this tournament kid.¡± Then leave the area and go back to his room.

    Later in Grimm''s room

    Grimm pulls out a picture of him and San. And think to himself ¡°I¡¯m getting too comfortable with new people again!¡±

 Chapter 15: The Tornamentâ€™s Rules

    After Grimm leaves, Sunz joins Jihu and Sogae''s conversation.

    Sunz: Hey, what are you two talking about?

    Jihu: Just some clan business. How was Grimm? He seems like a really nice guy!

    Sunz: From what I see Grimm has teacher material. And he also lives in another world different from your.

    Sogae: The man''s name Grimm! He has lost too many and seen too many horrors that he could have stopped, but the chance to stop those horrors is ZERO. Sometimes ¡°Death¡± doesn¡¯t come for us but it waits for us, knowing our reason ¡°Death¡± lend us a hand before taking us away.

    Sunz: ¡°Death lends us a hand¡± that means Grimm is going to risk his life winning this tournament.

    Sogae: That¡¯s right! But ¡°Death¡± isn¡¯t someone, it¡¯s everything, it can change and it has emotion.

    Jihu: Don¡¯t you think all of this is kind of extreme speculation?

    Sogae smile: If you have been sleeping and working for 24h straight every day there are things you can see but no one can.

    Jihu is confused: Wait you sleep and work at the same time for 24h straight every day?

    Sogae makes a cute gesture: I just use what I was born with to my advantage.

    Sunz: So if Grim is looking for ¡°Death¡± that means he is looking for an ally to end his suffering whether they are good or bad.

    Sogae: That¡¯s right! But I don¡¯t know his entire story so I just make a general guess based on experience.

    Sunz: Your speculation is spot on Sogae and I like how you use ¡°Death¡± to make things sound more interesting. If I use my way of analysis I would say Grimm is a ¡°Parasite¡±, he has lost two hosts because he couldn¡¯t protect them, and now he is keeping distant to avoid the same thing happening again.

    Jihu''s mind: I feel like I don¡¯t belong in this conversation. Now I understand why does Sunz always feel invisible around people. And he likes it! I need to change the topic to something I could understand.

    Jihu: Um Sogae can you explain the tournament rules to Sunz so he can prepare?

    Sogae: Oh sorry were you feeling left out of the conversation?

    Jihu: Maybe¡­!

    Sunz: We didn¡¯t mean to make you feel that way. I guess we can talk about random stuff another time. Sogae can you please explain to me how the tournament work?

    Jihu: Now I feel bad!

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    Sogae said ¡°Don¡¯t say that!¡± while shuffling papers ¡°Rules are important and your friend should know what is going to happen. Because it looks like he doesn¡¯t know how much force it takes to decapitate body parts.¡±

    Sogae gives Sunz a paper with the title ¡°win-lose condition¡±. The Winning condition as follows: Your opponent die or knock out by your own hand.

    The Losing condition is as follows: Having help during battle. Fighting before the real match.

    Sunz after reading through the paper asks: Are there any other winning conditions instead of killing the opponent?

    Sogae smile: Then let¡¯s me ask you something ¡°How much do you value the position in one of the first four clans? On top of that winning the tournament will give your clan a better facility and every member in your clan will have the same benefits as our clan members.¡±

    Sunz: The value is life-changing for many people, and it¡¯s cost them nothing except their skill!

    Sogae ¡°BINGO!¡± and then started messing with Sunz¡¯s hair ¡°You have such a smart friend Jihu.¡±

    Jihu sigh: But there is one person in this tournament that care about winning this the most because it¡¯s mean ¡°Redemption¡± to her.

    Sogae: Yeah you¡¯re right. Fun fact! During her test, the inspector couldn¡¯t use the clan skill.

    Jihu: I just hope that she doesn¡¯t show up in the first round against Sunz.

    Sogae: Look at you, caring so much about your friend!

    Jihu: I have to, this tournament is like a death trap for him. And how long are you going to keep messing with his hair?

    Sogae: Oh sorry he wasn¡¯t saying anything so I thought he doesn¡¯t mind it.

    Jihu: And you too Sunz! You don¡¯t like it when anyone touches your hair but Sogae has been messing with it for like 5 minutes.

    Sunz: Yeah¡­I don¡¯t know why maybe it¡¯s easy to get comfortable with her. I guess?

    Sogae ¡°Ok boys it¡¯s getting pretty late and you two need to get ready for tomorrow bracket announcement at noon.¡± She then gives Sunz the bracket formula and explains it ¡°There will be a total of 17 contestants, 16 of which will be randomly put in the first bracket, and fighting against each other to reach the final. Where the last contestant is waiting."

    Sunz: Wait what is so special about the last contestant?

    Sogae: Well his inspector was someone a rank behind Miss Jun and the result was he passed the test by killing the inspector. So we need to put him in his own corner to reduce casualty.

    Sunz: So what would happen if there were only 16 contestant total? And the winning condition is ¡°Your opponent die or knock out by your own hand.¡± That¡¯s means after the first round the max casualty is 8. So he just following the rule.

    Sogae: The thing is all of our casualties are saveable while his is just literal death to his opponents. You remember the meaning of this tournament?

    Sunz: No risk high reward.

    Sogae: That¡¯s right! Even if it could happen worst case scenario is losing limbs which we can still fix.

    Sunz: Does all of the contestants know about this?

    Sogae: Every contestant that is in the tournament because they defeat the inspector, no other details are included.

    Sunz: So at what time and where are all the contestants are meeting?

    Sogae: All the contestants will be having lunch at noon and at the same time we will announce the bracket.

    Sunz: Ok then. Can you please wake us up two hours before the meeting?

    Sogae: Um¡­Ok!

    Jihu is confused: Wait why are you so calm right now? We just discuss that there is a murder in the final!

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know! I got 4 more rounds before facing him. And I just don¡¯t care who he is.

    Sogae just laugh awkwardly: Ha ha. Your friend he is pretty unique isn¡¯t he?

    Jihu: Yeah sometimes I wonder what is wrong with him too.

    Jihu and Sunz said ¡°Goodbye¡± to Sogae and go back to their room.

 Chapter 16: Frenemy (ãƒ•ãƒ¬ãƒãƒŸãƒ¼)

    2 hours before the meeting Sogae goes to Sunz and Jihu''s room to wake them up. She knocks on Jihu¡¯s room first and hears a reply ¡°I¡¯m UP!¡± She then goes knocked on Sunz¡¯s room but no reply, she tried again two to three times but there was still no reply. She then opens the door with a spare room card.

    The room¡¯s door is now wide open. Before entering the room Sogae said, ¡°Sorry for intruding!¡±. As Sogae enters the room she sees that the light was still on, the curtains are closed and the room was dead silent.

    When she gets close to the bed, she sees that the blanket was covering a body from head to toe. She then remove the blanket to reveal that Sunz was sleeping in coffin position. After removing the blanket Sunz suddenly woke up.

    Sogae was shocked by what just happened and said: I¡¯m here to wake you up.

    Sunz: Oh thank you! And what floor is the meeting being held on?

    Sogae: The second floor. Are you ok not tired at all?

    Sunz: Oh this I guess it''s pretty normal for my body to sometimes wake up and high on energy.

    Sogae sighs in relief: I just want to make sure that you¡¯re ok. If you don¡¯t need anything else then I¡¯m leaving.

    Sunz: That will be all, thank you for your service.

    Sogae leaves the room and goes back to doing her work. Sunz gets ready and goes knock on Jihu¡¯s room.

    ¡°Knock¡± ¡°Knock¡±

    A few seconds later Jihu come out fully dress ¡°Ready to go?¡±Jihu said

    Sunz: Yeah let¡¯s go! Sogae said that we¡¯re meeting on the second floor.

    Jihu and Sunz have a small talk while getting to the meeting point.

    Jihu: You know that it¡¯s noon right? Why are you wearing that¡¯s black hoodie around?

    Sunz: First from what I read it is called a windbreaker, second wearing this makes me feel safe and comfortable.

    ¡°Ding¡± elevator opens.

    Sunz: What do you think I have that other opponents don¡¯t?

    Jihu: Let¡¯s be real! Overall you are way weaker than other contestants. But what you have that others don¡¯t is the element of surprise. Plus you have two clan skills while others only know one.

    ¡°Ding¡± elevator opens on floor 2.

    Sunz: You mean the ¡°element of surprise¡± that is also a surprise to myself. The clan¡¯s skills I think I¡¯m getting used to it, but I still need to experiment more with them to make it my own thing.

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    Jihu: Yeah I know, you and your brain always make simple things become way too complex even for yourself. Hey, we made it to the lunch room.

    Sunz: I did not expect that it going to be a buffet. Hey there Grimm!

    Sunz and Jihu approach Grimm¡¯s table.

    Sunz: You mind if we sit with you?

    Grimm: Sure! Come on sit down!

    Sunz and Jihu sit together with Grimm.

    Grimm: Ok Sunz! Why are you wearing a jacket in this weather?

    Sunz: (I don¡¯t even want to say it is a windbreaker. I called it a jacket all the time.) Well, it makes me feel safe and comfortable. What about you? You¡¯re wearing a trench coat that is way hotter and heavier than my jacket.

    Grimm: It¡¯s like a debuff for my daily life. So when I take it off my true strength is revealed.

    Sunz: So are we allowed to take some food right now or after the announcement?

    Grimm said ¡°I¡¯m having my coffee first. But think you can, I saw that fat kid grabbing food for like the third time.¡± Then point at the fat kid that is taking some noodles.

    Sunz and Jihu both look at the kid and think for a sec. Sunz¡¯s mind(Ok that¡¯s weird he is not normal fat but he looks like a sphere). Jihu¡¯s mind (Is he one of the contestants?)

    Sunz: If we¡¯re allowed then I¡¯m going to get myself a bowl of soup. (I fucking love soup)

    Jihu: Mr. Grimm¡­

    Grimm: Just called me Grimm and tell Sunz that¡¯s too.

    Jihu: Ok then! Grimm how did you know about this tournament I thought the clan only invited those that are from other clans instead of individuals like you.

    Grimm: From what I see it was god giving me a second chance. And what she said is my reason to join this tournament ¡°You keep lying to yourself that you could save them. Even though you know that you don¡¯t have the strength, and even if you died while trying to save them the secret goes along with you. Then they will never be saved. I¡¯m here to give you a chance to reborn by throwing away the life you¡¯re living.¡±

    Grimm: That¡¯s why I¡¯m here gambling my life''s useless past.

    Jihu: And who is the person that you¡¯re talking about?

    Grimm: I saw her face but I can¡¯t tell you who she is or else my life end right now. But one thing for sure she is from your clan.

    During Jihu and Grimm conversation, Sunz was getting soup.

    ¡°Hmm what to choose Samgyetang or Gamjatang? One literally has a whole chicken in it while the other is technically a stew.¡± Sunz thinks to himself.

    ¡°You mind if I go first,¡± the fat kid said in Japanese. Sun quickly answers ¡°Sure goes ahead¡±. ¡°Wait how did I know that he was Japanese? Did the candy that the Merchant give me also tell me which language they¡¯re speaking? Well that¡¯s convenient!¡± Sun think to himself.

    After finishing getting his soup the Japanese boy said ¡°Having a hard time choosing what to eat?¡±

    Sunz: Yeah I¡¯m planning to have soup first but it''s so hard to choose between these two.

    Japanese boy: I see that you just work up so you should go with Samgyetang then you can go have Gamjatang or any other dishes.

    Sunz: Any reason why?

    Japanese boy: The thing is when we wake up, sometimes our body is too lazy to eat anything so it¡¯s best to start off with something that is light and can go down your throat easy.

    Sunz: Oh ok then thank you very much.

    Japanese boy: The name is Yama. Yama Yamada!

    Sunz: Thank you for your food tip Yama. My name is Sunz. Sunz Wu!

    At that moment Sogae walks onto the stage.

    Sogae: Sorry for making everyone wait, it¡¯s now the time to announce the tournament bracket.

    The whole room turn into darkness then the whole stage suddenly lit up and on the stage was a screen displaying 17 empty brackets.

    Sogae announces: And now when your name appears on the bracket a spotlight will shine on you. Every contestant prepares to meet your opponent.

    Sogae: The first name on the bracket is Yama Yamada (The spotlight then shines on him). And your opponent is Sunz Wu (The light then shines on Sunz). I did not expect our first two contestants would have met this soon. Now let¡¯s move on to the rest of the brackets.

    Sunz (welp this is awkward): I think we should separate¡­

    Yama: Yeah! But if you need any tips on food just ask me.

    Sunz: Ok! Thank you for helping me!

    Yama and Sunz trade smile before going back to their table. Yama¡¯s smile was friendly and welcoming, while Sunz¡¯s smile is filled with awkwardness.

 Chapter 17: Contestant 17

    Sunz goes back to Grimm¡¯s table after the whole bracket has been revealed.

    Grimm(He actually get soup) said to Sunz: That was a rare moment of meeting your opponent before the real fight.

    Sunz: Yeah I think so too. He is a pretty nice guy too. He actually the one that helps me choose my soup.

    Grimm: People are always nice when they aren¡¯t being under a huge amount of stress. But¡­ your friend Jihu he¡¯s not ok!

    Sunz glanced at Jihu and said to Grimm: He looks pretty normal to me.

    Grimm: Give him a little shake on the shoulder, he is currently screaming in his mind right now.

    Sunz shake Jihu then said, ¡°Are you Ok¡±. Jihu then returns to reality ¡°Oh don¡¯t I¡¯m fine just worry¡±.

    Sunz: Worry about what?

    Grimm: When Sogae announces bracket 3 the name "Patinage Grace" just turns Jihu to stone (He just stops talking).

    Sunz: And who is this person?

    Grimm point at a girl with long blond hair who dresses very formally.

    Sunz: So she was the person that you don¡¯t want me to face.

    Jihu: Yeah! But not because I don¡¯t think that you can win against her.

    Sunz: What is the reason that¡¯s bothering you?

    Jihu: Personal reason! It¡¯s something that¡¯s happened between my clan and her family 10 years ago that I can¡¯t tell you. And I don¡¯t want you to get caught up in our history.

    Sunz: You don¡¯t want me to get caught up in your mess because when I fight against her. It¡¯s will not be a normal battle but with her, the fight is ¡°Personal¡±. Am I right?

    Jihu: Yeah how did you know?

    Sunz: It¡¯s just like how I started this journey. I was hesitated because I don¡¯t want my parents to get involved with all these shenanigans. But they said that they support my decision and the reason why they were here was because of one of their decision back in China. So let¡¯s just not worry too much!

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    Jihu: Ok then (I hope that she hasn¡¯t changed within the past 10 years)

    One of the contestants shout ¡°Why is there a name in the final already¡±

    Sogae: Oh sorry due to the fact that there is a huge skill gap between this person and the other 16. So we have to make a new rule.

    That same contestant ¡°Then where is this person do they think that they are better than everyone here!¡±

    The door to the lunchroom then gently opens, a young boy then comes in and as he walks to his table he releases a powerful aura that covers the whole lunchroom.

    Sogae signal (Light Please): And this is our final contestant. Who out of the 16 contestants over here will be facing him?

    The bracket then reveals his name ¡°ONE¡±

    Sogae: Now that everyone is here I¡¯d like to remind you that the first round will be in 2 days. And I hope everyone is prepared because only the best will win.

    Sogae then leaves the stage, the whole room then lights up like before and everyone goes do their stuff.

    Grimm put his hand on Sunz''s shoulder and said: Boy, I will assist you to the final! Because I know that I can¡¯t defeat him. But that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m going easy on you either.

    Sunz: Wait did you also feel something off about him?

    Grimm: Yeah! These German eyes they don¡¯t lie.

    Sunz: Oh so you detect it with your eyes. I have goosebumps when there is something that interests me. But that kid he¡¯s just boring.

    Grimm ¡°We¡¯ll discuss a bit more later I¡¯m going to get some food.¡± Then leave the table.

    Jihu: What were you and Grimm talking about?

    Sunz: We just feel something sketchy about that kid ¡°ONE¡±.

    Jihu is confused: Really? He just releases an intense aura when steps into the room what is sketchy about it?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know maybe Grimm and I are kinda like outsiders so we can spot things you guys can¡¯t. Also what bracket is Grimm in?

    Jihu: Oh he¡¯s in bracket 15. So you¡¯re in the first bracket and he¡¯s in the last one.

    Sunz: The tournament has 17 people so I¡¯m going to fight against 4 people to reach the final. And we know that my 1<sup>st</sup> round opponent is ¡°Yama Yamada¡±, my 2<sup>nd</sup> round according to your fear will be ¡°Grace Patinage¡±, 3<sup>rd</sup> round we have no idea, and 4<sup>th</sup> round is ¡°Grimm Schmitt¡±.

    Jihu: At least now you know who your opponent is so you can be more prepared.

    Sunz: Well! Prepare in spirit Yes! Prepare in knowledge No! But I have like 2 more days before the first round so let¡¯s just see what happens.

    Jihu: Yeah you''re right, let¡¯s just see how well you and your opponent do in their first round. For now, I¡¯m going to get myself some food.

    Now there is only Sunz sitting alone at the table eating his soup. Then someone taps on the table. Sunz looks up and it was Grace.

    Grace: Can we talk for a bit?

    Sunz (So she is French): Sure go ahead!

    Grace is surprised by Sunz''s fluency in French: This conversation will be more interesting than I thought.

    Sunz: And don¡¯t worry this talk is between us so he won¡¯t know anything

 Chapter 18: The French Girl

    Grace pulls out one of the chairs and sits down. Sunz change his position to crossing both his arm and leg while Grace sit in a formal position

    Grace: We¡¯ll have fair trade question after question how does that sound?

    Sunz: Sure! You go first!

    Grace: What is your relationship with Jihu?

    Sunz: He is my friend and a parasite that can¡¯t be removed.

    Grace: So he is still the same as before a kind and caring person.

    Sunz: My turn. Why are you wearing such fancy clothes to this event?

    Grace: You made me surprise with that question. I thought you were going to ask something different.

    Sunz: Information value is different for everyone.

    Grace: I was raised with the knowledge of, what you wear is how people judge you.

    Sunz: Make sense, my parent tell me to learn guitar so I can get girls but I don¡¯t want to and now look at me. Your turn.

    Grace: What is your reason for joining this competition?

    Sunz: To escape my boring daily life. Simple as that.

    Grace: Your reason is far too small for this competition. Your relationship with Jihu is on good terms. Why not ask him for a spot in the clan instead of being here?

    Sunz: When you put yourself in dangerous situation you can see yourself improve a lot more. And earning the spot is way better than having someone give it to you.

    Grace: You really are here just to waste people''s time, aren¡¯t you? You know why this competition is important.

    Sunz: Tell me what you think!

    Grace: For other clans winning this means that their clan will exit longer. But for me, this is to fix the damage that was done by my family.

    Sunz: What do you mean by ¡°exits longer¡±?

    Grace: Look like you¡¯re a newbie. Interesting! This is a world where only the strong will survive which means weak clans will be erased by other strong clans. So they need someone like the ¡°Water clan¡± to protect them from danger.

    Sunz: What about those superheroes aren¡¯t any of you afraid of what they can do?

    Grace: They definitely are a threat that we should be cautious of. They have more manpower than all clans combine.

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    Grace summon a snowflake levitated on her hand and said ¡°Some of us may have their power but we were trained by the art of Sword.¡±, ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean everyone is on the same side. Some will ally with the enemies to ensure their survival.¡±

    Sunz: Hmm you know what funny we stop trading questions and now just having a normal conversation.

    Grace: Conversation changes when there are different topics brought up. I¡¯ve got to go now, see you in the 2<sup>nd</sup> round if you can make it.

    Sunz: Gotta say based on your appearance I thought you were some cocky rich kid but you prove me wrong.

    Grace stand up to leave and said: Please keep your thought only to yourself.

    After Grace leave Sunz said to himself ¡° And you should have kept your element to yourself.¡±

    A few minutes later Jihu and Grimm come back. Everyone sits down and finishes their lunch. Jihu and Grimm didn¡¯t know about the conversation between Sunz and Grace.

    Sunz asks Jihu and Grimm what are they going to do later. Jihu said that he is going to have a clan meeting so they will not see him until dinner. Grimm said that he going to walk around Seoul for a few hours.

    Sunz said that he is going to the training facility, then Jihu tell him the access code. After this the three of them part way.

    Sunz goes back to his room to get his sword (lightweight katana) and then takes the elevator to the training facility. Down at the training facility, it was quiet no one was there.

    Sunz started to have chill running down his spine due to the fact that the place was too quiet.

    Sunz: It feels like a ghost town down here. I guess that when your body reached it limit normal training wouldn¡¯t improve it any further and that is when real-life battles come into play.

    Sunz: First thing I need to do is checking the sharpness of my blade. But how???

    Sunz then looks around and spotted a map at the counter. The map display 4 zone: The Lounge(Sunz''s current location), The Blade Testing, Sparing, Normal Equipment.

    Sunz makes his way to ¡°The Blade Testing¡± zone and thinks to himself (How does this work? Will it be the traditional ways or some technology shit.)

    After a few minutes of walking Sunz make his way to the ¡°Testing¡± zone. The whole place looks like a normal gun range and it has both melee and range targets.

    Sunz gets to one of the booths and a robot voice says ¡°display your blade on the counter¡±. Sunz does as it said then it starts scanning Sunz''s sword.

    After scanning the computer display these information.

    Error!!

    Your blade isn¡¯t suitable for inflicting damage!!

    We recommend replacing it with a normal katana.

    Sunz: Huh??? When Grimm said ¡°It¡¯s easy to break¡± I didn¡¯t expect that it couldn¡¯t slice.

    Sunz: Ughhh what am I supposed to do now? I finally found a suitable weapon but it¡¯s horrible for combat. You know what fuck you computer I¡¯m gonna figure this out myself.

    A random voice: No need to lash out at a machine that just doing its job. It¡¯s just using the information it has to find the best solution for you.

    Sunz (this voice is familiar): Who are you? And had we met before?

    The person then appear out of one of the booths and said: Can¡¯t believe you still remember my voice. It¡¯s me Merchant coming to help you once again.

    Sunz: I think there is a difference between your help and normal help.

    Merchant: How different?

    Sunz: It feels like you just keep stalking me and waiting for the perfect moment to appear from another dimension,

    Merchant: You got any problem with that if so I can leave!

    Sunz: Not really it''s just odd, and each time you appear with a different costume. Which makes me wonder why are you helping me.

    Merchant: I always hate to say this ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re special¡± even though you¡¯re. You have story that can be explored instead of just being a normal person.

    Sunz: Am I a secret ending waiting to be explored?

    Merchant shrugs his shoulder: Maybe!!!

    Sunz: Sure! I am also curious of how this will go. So please do what you need to do then continue observing.

 Chapter 19: Broken Blade

    Sunz and the Merchant then go to the ¡°Sparing Zone¡±.

    Sunz: Why are we here? Am I going to battle against you?

    Merchant laugh: Nope!

    Merchant goes onto the arena and said ¡°This is why I love going to futuristic universes.¡± Then signal Sunz to get on to the arena.

    After getting on, a message appears in front of Sunz¡¯s face

    ¡°Welcome to the Sparing Simulation

    Choose your opponent

    AI or Human¡±

    Sunz: Um¡­ Merchant, what should I choose?

    Merchant: Pick AI. I¡¯m not the one you¡¯re fighting against.

    Sunz: Ok then. Now it said pick the difficulty level.

    Merchant: Pick the highest one. Everyone in this tournament is way better than the AI''s highest difficulty.

    After choosing the difficulty level. A hologram appears holding a sword.

    Merchant then leave the arena and said: I¡¯m gonna repair your sword if it broke and patch your wound if you take too much damage.

    Sunz said ¡°Ok, thank you!¡± and getting in his position.

    The battle start. Both Sunz and the AI rush at each other. Their blade come in contact and¡­ Sunz¡¯s blade broke and the AI blade stop at his head.

    Sunz ¡°What just happen?¡±

    Merchant: You didn¡¯t listen that what happen, and you could have died in the real battle.

    Sunz clasped his hands together, pressing on his head, and let out a big sigh.

    Sunz: Then what should I do?

    Merchant: Let¡¯s start with using your force in different ways.

    Sunz: Hmm¡­ I just think of a plan. Let¡¯s start again!

    Merchant is curious about what Sunz''s plan is: Ok then. Restart!

    Sunz and the AI get back to their position. Once again both rush at each other. Sunz¡¯s sword is broken, but this time the AI stop after making its first move, and its color change. Because Sunz¡¯s sword was able to make contact with the AI body.

    Sunz: Hey Mr.Merchant did I do better this time?

    Merchant: Your sword still broke but better than not dying. Keep doing what you did but this time it¡¯s going to be different.

    Merchant fixes Sunz¡¯s sword. Sunz and the AI return to their position but this time the AI is holding a bo staff.

    Sunz thinks (It looks like I can only predict the enemy''s next move if they are using a sword. This time I should take it slow.)

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    This time the AI is rushing at Sunz. Sunz uses these moments to test his speed and reaction to dodge the AI¡¯s attack.

    But then something clicks inside Sunz¡¯s head. He then uses his sword to graze the AI¡¯s bo staff. With each graze, his speed gets faster and suddenly it¡¯s the AI''s turn to defend against Sunz''s attack.

    Then the AI stop, but this time instead of changing its color. The system renders Sunz¡¯s hit as a different color. The hit was a diagonal graze across the AI¡¯s body.

    Sunz starts breathing rapidly, which makes the Merchant worry.

    Merchant asks: Hey kid are you ok?

    Sunz: Oh don¡¯t worry! I was just too focused that I forgot to breathe.

    Merchant: Don¡¯t scare me like that. I thought you were going to faint.

    Sunz laughs it off: But I think I¡¯m gonna rest a bit or I might really faint.

    Sunz leaves the arena and goes sit down next to Merchant.

    Sunz take a sip from the water bottle and said: Do you think I can knock out anyone with my blade?

    Merchant: Probably not! That blade cut isn¡¯t deep enough to finish a fight quickly. But if you try to win with blood loss it might work.

    Sunz: But playing the long game wouldn¡¯t work in this tournament, I think. Everyone here probably has a way higher health pool than mine.

    Merchant: Why are you worrying about this so much, just do your best and you might win.

    Sunz: Not only me but everyone in this tournament is going to do their best. But I don¡¯t know why. I want to win with combo¡­

    Merchant: Everyone always has their favorite way to end a fight. Whether quickly demolishing their opponent or torturing them to death.

    Sunz: Wait I just have a combo idea. But I need to know how fast are your eyes!

    Merchant: I can see sound. Will it work?

    Sunz: It¡¯s will. For now, I need to improve my speed and reaction time. And can you increase to four AI with different weapons?

    Merchant: No problem! Your blade break means you lost remember that.

    Sunz: Thanks for the advice!

    Sunz gets on to the arena and stands in the middle of it with his blade in the sheath.

    Then four AI appear in each of the arena corners with weapons that are not related to a sword.

    The battle starts off with the ¡°Spear AI¡± attack first. Sunz draws his sword, surrounds it with water elements, and blocks the spear attack. Then he adjusts the sword position so the sharpest part strikes the spear and grazes the spear while rushing at the AI.

    Suddenly the ¡°Shield AI¡± block Sunz''s path from finishing the ¡°Spear AI¡±. Sunz quickly switches to lighting element, using the momentum while rushing at the ¡°Spear AI¡±. He fires a lightning strike from his blade, using its force to reposition him around the ¡°Shield AI¡± and finish both the ¡°Shield and Spear AI¡±.

    Now there are only ¡°Axe AI¡± and ¡°Hand AI¡±. Sunz rush at the ¡°Hand AI¡± and it stands ready to block his attack while ¡°Axe AI¡± try to attack Sunz from behind.

    As Sunz gets closer to the ¡°Hand AI¡± the ¡°Axe AI¡± is right behind him. At the last moment Sunz side step to attack the ¡°Axe AI¡± but it was still quick enough to deliver its attack. Sunz, wait for the axe to get close to him as possible and quickly swing his lightning sword at the axe which creates a loud ¡°BOOM¡±, and staggers the ¡°Axe AI¡± which creates an opening for him to finish it.

    Only the ¡°Hand AI¡± is alive waiting for Sunz to act first. Sunz then switches between his 2 elements really fast, which creates an illusion that he is having 2 elements at the same time. Sunz rushed at the ¡°Hand AI¡±, in the middle of his swing it try to grab his sword.

    But when its hand touches the sword. The sword go through it with ease and Sunz was able to finish the last ¡°AI¡±.

    Sunz¡¯s mind (Ugh! My brain hurt so much. I¡¯ve never had to think that much in such a short time)

    Sunz takes a look at the sword, sees that it¡¯s still intact, chuckles ¡°First task done¡± and falls to the ground.

    Merchant then comes to the arena to check on Sunz and see that he is fine. Merchant then tells Sunz what he saw.

    Merchant: This is your skill currently. You have great speed, you have fast thinking but first time so it gonna hurt a bit. Don¡¯t chase for strength, after each battle your durability will increase. Your strength is creating combo with different elements.

    Sunz''s vision starts to get blurry: Thank you.

    Merchant: Don¡¯t mention it but I¡¯m gonna leave now. The next person might help you get out of here but if there is none. I¡¯ll get you back so don¡¯t worry.

    The Merchant then disappears and Sunz got knocked out due to pushing himself over his limit.

 Chapter 20: Sogae Secret

    Hours later Sunz woke up in an unfamiliar room. He looks around the room but no one was there.

    Sunz gets out of the bed and suddenly feels a headache on the left side of his head. Sunz thinks to himself (Must be the side effect after training.)

    Then Sogae came into the room, saw that Sunz was getting out of bed, and said ¡°Look like you have recovered from your training¡±.

    Sunz is surprised that Sogae is here and replies ¡°I guess! I didn¡¯t know that you are still working at this hour. By the way what time is it?¡±

    Sogae give Sunz a gentle smile and said: I told you before, that I work many jobs in the clan so it''s common to see me at all kinds of hours. Currently, it''s dinner time right now, but do you think you have the energy to get up?

    Sunz said, ¡°I just have a little headache but I¡¯ll be fine¡±. As Sunz tries to take another step, his body just stops and drops to the floor. But Sogae was quick enough to catch Sunz¡¯s body before it hit the ground.

    Sogae sighed: I knew that you aren¡¯t fully recovered. Let me help you get back to bed.

    Sogae then uses a technique called ¡°The Princess Carry¡± to lift Sunz''s body up and gently put Sunz on the bed.

    After being put on the bed Sunz was surprised by Sogae¡¯s strength and something in his brain just click.

    Sunz: Wait are you the person that carries me from the training area to this place?

    Sogae smile and said: I say! Carrying you here caught a lot of attention and whispering.

    Sunz: I¡¯m sorry for causing you trouble.

    Sogae: Oh it¡¯s fine! Carrying unconscious people to this room is part of working down there. This brings me to my question. What training did you do that caused you to lose consciousness?

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    Sunz: It¡¯s my first time pushing myself over the limit. Because I am overall way behind other contestants, so I try to improve my best stats to have a winning chance.

    Sogae: I can understand people training their body to the max but you. Not only your body reaching its limit but also your mind. When I found your body and carried it to this room. I can feel your pulse forcing the body to be able to match its energy expense.

    Sunz: I guess that much be normal for training right? Your muscle tear so it can get stronger after each training.

    Sogae: Your is different. Your body is tearing itself without your attention and that¡¯s the reason why you can¡¯t move. Your brain is trying to reconnect with the new body.

    Sunz: I guess what you¡¯re saying is right. I just hope this end soon because I need to test out my limit before the first round.

    Sogae then gives Sunz a water bottle ¡°Here drink some water you must be thirsty¡±

    Sunz accept the bottle then take a big gulp and said ¡°Thank you I feel a lot better.¡±

    But right after that Sunz¡¯s body feels strange. It feels like he just woke up after 8 hours of sleep. He then asks Sogae ¡°Did you drug this water bottle?¡±

    Sogae takes the bottle back and answers: No! Is something wrong, does it taste weird?

    Sunz: No it taste normal. But now my body feels like I just woke up and my energy has been refilled.

    Sogae: Oh I guess that you must have been dehydrated. Can you try getting out of bed and moving around?

    Sunz ¡°Sure I¡¯ll try!¡±. As Sunz gets out of bed he tries to walk around and to his surprise, he can walk normally, but it still feels like the legs aren¡¯t his.

    Sogae: It looks like you¡¯re fully recovered, so I suggest that you should go get some dinner.

    Sunz grabs his katana tilting at the wall and leaves the room with Sogae. She shows him how to get to the dining room then the two-part way.

    Sunz then meets up with Grimm and Jihu. While Sogae went back to her room. On her way back she keeps looking at the water bottle and thinks to herself ¡°Is this one of the clan''s hidden abilities.¡±

    Sogae enters her room close, locking the door then she leans at the door and thinks (But what would it be useful for.)

    She put the bottle aside, take off her uniform and go into the shower. A few minutes later she comes out wrapped in a towel, then drys her hair and put on her pajamas. She thinks for a bit and realize (Wait maybe I can somehow turn it into a way for communication.)

    She turn off the light gets into her bed and said ¡°A goodnight sleep will give me a better idea of what I¡¯m looking for.¡±

    Then she turn to the left, looking at herself sleeping, and said ¡°Thank to you I can use the time to train myself rather than sleeping.¡±

 Chapter 21: Round one Sunz VS Yama

    Two days later is the day the tournament starts. Every contestant is instructed to go on the hotel¡¯s bus to where the tournament takes place.

    Sunz is prepared for this day with his lightweight katana and wearing his black windbreaker jacket. After getting on the bus Sunz sees some of the contestants and their weapons. Some have the weapon hoisting on their hip, others holding it in their hand.

    Sunz takes a sit, then the bus takes everyone to a mountain in Seoul where the whole tournament takes place.

    After everyone arrives, Sogae comes out to greet them and explain the procedure.

    Sogae: The first 2 contestants Sunz and Yama will be following me to the stadium. The others can go and watch the fight or prepare for their next match. There will be a 10 minutes delay before each match.

    After that Sunz and Yama follow Sogae to the stadium. On the way, Sogae said to both of them ¡°Feel free to go all out, the clan can patch you all up like nothing happen except if you vaporize the other. If you¡¯re unconscious and can¡¯t stand up anymore then you lose.¡±

    Sunz and Yama make it to where the battle takes place. A dirt field with audience seats built in 4 corners around it. One of the corners is for the highest rank of the ¡°Water clan¡±. There aren¡¯t many audiences watching, containing some from the clan and other contestants.

    Sunz and Yama both get into their position waiting for Sogae to start the battle. Sunz wearing his black windbreaker jacket with a lightweight katana as his weapon. Yama wears baggy clothes, the back of the shirt has a traditional drawing of Mount Fuji, in front has a physics formula (F= m x a), and his weapon is a baseball bat.

    Sogae starts the countdown and immediately disappears after the battle started.

    In this battle, Sunz knows that he needs to be careful or else his weapon will be broken immediately.

    Sunz (Ok! Look like it pure skill in this battle, and I¡¯m in so much disadvantage. Yama using a blunt weapon and I can¡¯t predict his move. So I need to attack first and take control of the battlefield.)

    Sunz with no hesitant dash toward Yama. Yama was surprised by Sunz¡¯s speed and decision, which allow Sunz to land his first hit. But as the sword touch Yama¡¯s skin, Sunz hear a (Pop) sound that sound like a bubble (Pop), and he was knockback to his original spot.

    After that Yama slams his baseball bat to the ground sending a gust of wind at Sunz. Sunz is fast enough to react to Yama''s attack. He quickly put the katana back in the sheath and then get in a position to withstand the high wind. Sunz stood his ground but he still got hit by the debris carried by the wind.

    Yama: Now that we have traded blow, do you see the difference in our ability?

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    Sunz: Let¡¯s just say we both were going easy on the first round. So now round 2 you go first.

    Yama grab the bat with two hands, prepare to smack it to the ground, and said ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can make it to round 3¡±. The bat after hitting the ground creates a huge shock wave that flings huge chunks of the ground at Sunz while making his ground unbalanced to stand on.

    Sunz waits for Yama¡¯s attack coming as close to him as possible. While on shaky ground, Sunz got into his position with one hand on the sheathe and the other on the katana¡¯s handle. As the chunks of the ground getting close to hitting him. Sunz repeatedly swings the katana 180 degrees while putting it back into the sheath until the attack is over, surrounds his side of the arena with a dirt cloud.

    Sunz comes out of the cloud, pointing his sword at Yama, and said ¡°Round 2 done¡±

    Yama is surprised that Sunz comes out alive with some debris on his windbreaker. He knows what kind of katana Sunz use but doesn¡¯t know how did it survive that attack.

    Yama: Gotta say, you surprised everyone here.

    Sunz: And I don¡¯t plan on stopping anytime soon. Now let¡¯s wrap up this battle.

    Both get into their ready stance. Sunz takes the initiative to rush at Yama. In response to Sunz''s action, Yama slams his bat continuously in four directions, up down left right. Which creates a tunnel of shock wave trapping Sunz inside, and Yama is waiting for him in front of the exit.

    Sunz knows that he needs to keep moving forward in the dust storm while dodging the debris. He switches to using lighting element to make his escape.

    Yama takes a few steps back to prepare if Sunz can make it through. As he stepped back he see that inside the tunnel keep having these flashes of light and a loud ¡°BOOM¡±. The sound then gets louder and louder then Sunz appear, as Sunz get closer Yama swings his bat, but he was surprised by one of Sunz¡¯s move.

    At that same moment.

    Sunz (Ok out of the smoke, next task is chipping his armor).

    When Sunz gets close to Yama, made him attacks which creates a perfect opportunity for Sunz to dash under Yama¡¯s leg, using the recoil from the lightning. In a flash Sunz switch element and strike Yama¡¯s back. The attack was a success, but this strike create a much louder sound, stronger knock back and Sunz feels like he strike more than one layer.

    After that strike, Sunz smirked and said to himself ¡° It¡¯s now or never!¡±. Right before being knocked back, Sunz switches back to lighting to counter the force, then use it to change position while switching to water to break the layers.

    After getting a few more successful hits, Sunz feel like Yama¡¯s speed is faster than before and his feeling was right. On his next water attack, Yama¡¯s counter was on point, striking where Sunz was and he said ¡°This end right now!!!¡±

    Sunz replies ¡°I should be the one saying that.¡± When Yama¡¯s bat touch Sunz¡¯s katana water protection, Sunz quickly pulls the katana out, which leaves behind a motionless water wave slowing the bat''s movement. After that moment Sunz side step to Yama¡¯s blind spot and strike him with duel element.

    The front of the blade is covered with water while the back is with lighting. With the duel element combo, Sunz was able to break through the defense layers, resulting in the biggest explosion of that day. Which sent Sunz flying, slamming into the arena wall, but Sunz was quick enough to protect the katana from being broken.

    The wind from the explosion then stops, but the field is still covered in dust. Sunz then hears a huge shock wave, which gives him a headache. After that, the arena is now clear of dust, but the one that did that was Yama. But this time his appearance is different, he is more slim and nimble. His clothes are different too, instead of baggy clothes it now sticks to him like a skin-tight suit and the art location is still the same but the (F= m x a) is now on his right arm.

    Yama: It¡¯s time for you to start rolling!!!

 Chapter 22: Round One Sunz VS Yama Part 2

    Yama: I did not expect that I have to go all out on a newbie like you. But maybe I should call you a genius, due to the difference in our time training to be a swordsman.

    Sunz ready his sword, ¡°To be honest I don¡¯t have the strength like all of you¡±. ¡°So I need to make some adjustments¡± and rush at Yama.

    Yama ¡°Look like your gears are turning¡± then rushes at Sunz.

    As both of them get closer to colliding Sunz keeps having these sharp headaches and each one is stronger than before. And as they collide Sunz graze through the bat like when he was practicing with the AI. But this time the sword isn¡¯t infused with water elements so it didn¡¯t hold Yama down.

    Yama now with a faster body take a step back and strike Sunz in the gut. Flinging him to the wall of the arena. But that strike also gives Yama a head rush.

    Yama¡¯s vision get a bit blurry, and he said to himself ¡°I¡¯ve never had to use this form this quickly¡±, ¡° and I could have ended this round with that strike.¡±

    Sunz after getting fling to the wall now is using it to keep his balance and start thinking. (Ok! His speed and strength switch stats¡­ Ohhh!!! So that is why I keep having headaches. If his skill is different when strength and speed switch. Not to mention that physics formula.)

    Sunz''s whole body starts to tingle (That hit did more than I thought¡­ It¡¯s time to let the adrenalin fuel this body.) Sunz infuses his sword with water and electricity, in a stance to swing his sword, as he swings it he dashes with electricity.

    Which to his surprise it was a success and launch a wave of water at high speed at Yama.

    Yama ¡° So you still have more trick up your sleeve!¡± swing his bat in Sunz''s direction and creates a shock wave that spits the wave into two, flying past him and dropping to the floor.

    Sunz seeing that his idea work repeats it again, sending many waves of water at Yama. Letting the waves move a few seconds before him, Sunz use the wall to boost him rushing at Yama with his water waves.

    Yama seeing that Sunz is trying to finish this round right here right now. He counters Sunz¡¯s attack by walking up to the water waves and destroying them with normal swing. Until there are no waves left he rushes at Sunz.

    Then for some reason, he sees that Sunz¡¯s eyes are closed which makes him uneasy. So when he sees that Sunz is about to swing he stops a second before and swings his bat up in the air, which creates a storm-force wind in Sunz¡¯s path and he disappears with his speed.

    Sunz right before getting hit by the storm-force wind stops and uses his build-up momentum against the storm. He then uses all that force to swing his water infuse sword in the air to create a half-circle water ring.

    After that Yama appear to Sunz¡¯s right, swing his bat, and said ¡°You thought I was going to strike from behind, didn¡¯t ya!¡±. Sunz open his eyes and said, ¡°That was a set up you fool.¡±

    Sunz infuses his sword with electric elements and swings it at Yama¡¯s bat. After being infused with electricity the water above Sunz¡¯s head attracted to the sword blade assisting it successfully slicing into the bat¡¯s body. And the electricity flow from the sword to the bat shocked Yama''s entire body and knocked him out.

    A few seconds pass. Yama is knocked out, Sunz is exhausted trying to keep balance, and thinks ¡°Did I win?¡±

    Sogae appears and announces ¡°The winner of this round is¡­ SUNZ¡±. After that announcement, a medic team appears to carry Yama and Sunz to the arena infirmary.

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    Sogae ¡°Everyone we will take a 10 minutes break before the next round.¡±

    Later in the infirmary after the medic team had done all the checks up and patching up on Sunz and Yama. They leave them alone.

    Sunz just lay on the bed too tired to move. A few minutes later he hears some moving from Yama''s bed.

    Sunz: Hey you awake?

    Yama: Yeah¡­

    Sunz: Um sorry for trying to electrocute you.

    Yama: Don¡¯t worry we were fighting to the death anyway. Plus I also underestimated you which is why I lost. But fighting against someone that knows how to use 2 elements is pretty rare.

    Sunz: I guess so, but now that means other opponents know what trick I have up my sleeves.

    Yama: I don¡¯t think so! Answer this question, Did you make up all of those moves during my second form or you planned it before?

    Sunz: After being hit to the wall all of my moves after that was testing.

    Yama: Wow pretty risky! Adjusting your moves set is pretty standard but make it up on the spot and test it. That is on another level of confidence.

    Sunz: That¡¯s enough about me. I have some questions about you. Do you have a defensive ability that allows you to change form?

    Yama: Yeah I called it ¡°Layer¡±, how it works is it can nullify all kinds of attacks at the cost of my body weight. But for me to take many hits I need to be round and chunky which is bad for a swordsman that uses speed.

    Sunz: Then you figure out a way to use that ability to your advantage, is using a baseball bat?

    Yama: Well switching from a sword to a bat feels somewhat natural to me. The hard part is getting used to switching body from fat to thin. Which is one of the reasons why I lost. Before fighting in the tournament I practice with other clan members. They all manage to take me down to my thin form, but the process is slow so I can get used to the new form.

    Yama: But you! You take out my defense layer in an instant. If we were taking things slow my first hit on you after transform could have guaranteed me the win.

    Sunz: Looks like everything that happen in that battle wasn¡¯t what we expected right?

    Yama: Yeah experience can only help you out so much, the rest is always the element of surprise.

    Sunz: Another question! Why a baseball bat?

    Yama: It¡¯s the best weapon for creating shock waves, and depending on each form the shock wave will have different effect.

    Sunz: Wait¡­ Is that physic formula (f= m x a) also the reason for your switch to using a bat?

    Yama: Yeah! Oh right, you don¡¯t know what my clan element is right? We are a branch from the earth clan and our element is ¡°Shock wave¡±.

    Sunz: You Bitch! So that¡¯s why I was having so much headache while fighting your thin form.

    Yama laughed haha: My strategy was using my fat form to do huge damage to your body with big shockwaves. When you take me down to my second form I try to knock you out with my speed and light shockwave.

    Sunz: That was brilliant, that formula is also the key for me to come up with new moves. So is your clan switching from sword to bat?

    Yama: Well some are, while the others carry a small bat as a support weapon.

    Sunz: Look like you change a clan tradition.

    Yama: That just gives my clan another practical weapon choice.

    Sunz: So what are planning to do now?

    Yama: I guess for now watch this tournament to the end then go back, training to defend the clan while trying to live a normal life.

    Sunz: Well I have a favor to ask!

    Yama: Sure what you want.

    Sunz: Teach me your clan element

    Yama: Really? Here I thought you were asking me to teach you how to cook.

    Sunz: I don¡¯t have enough training as you guys, so I¡¯m going to use different elements to put myself on an equal field as you guys.

    Yama: Sure I guess I can try.

    Sunz: Nice!

    Yama ¡°That settles! Now if you don¡¯t mind I¡¯m gonna take a nap.¡± Then he falls asleep.

    Sunz: At least they have a TV for us to watch the tournament.

    On the TV the next round is about to start and it is between Grace and someone. And before the battle starts a snowstorm appears on the field covering the arena in ice and snow.

    Sunz sees that Grace''s shoes can change into ice-skating shoes. The battle between Grace and her opponent ended in a flash. Grace was able to control a slippery and cold arena while her opponent was unable to keep their balance, resulting in the winner of that round being Grace.

    All of the other round until Grimm''s turn has nothing special. Except for one round where this girl with long black hair dominates her opponent''s clan element with only her sword skill and speed.

    Now it is finally Grimm''s turn. His opponent uses a duel katana while Grimm himself looks like he is not carrying his weapon. The battle starts off with Grimm provoking his opponent letting them hit him first. The man attacked Grimm in the neck.

    But to everyone''s surprise, it breaks when come in contact with Grimm¡¯s neck. Taking that moment Grimm delivers a right hook to the opponent''s face knocking them out. The battle ended with Grimm as the winner.

    After watching all of the fight Sunz said to himself

    ¡°This tournament is getting more exciting¡±

 Chapter 23: Grimmâ€™s Back Story (Part 2)

    After all of the rounds is over. Sogae comes to the infirmary to drag both Sunz and Yama back to the hotel.

    Sogae: Wake up ¡°Opening boys¡± The bus is waiting for you all.

    Sunz and Yama get out of bed. Their body feels normal no soring pain, no exhaustion, and no body wounds.

    Sogae: Looks like the clan patch up you boy just fine. Now follow me we need to get back to the hotel.

    The two follow Sogae. And when they get to the location there are two buses.

    Sunz asks: Umm¡­So which one are we supposed to get on?

    Sogae answered: Oh right! Yama you are going on that bus (pointing at one of the buses) and Sunz you following me to that bus (pointing at the other bus).

    Yama: We all arrive on the same bus. Now why are we just getting split up?

    Sogae: Oh it¡¯s to separate the winner and loser. (Pointing at Yama) you lost so you going on the loser bus. (Pointing at Sunz) you win so you going on the winner bus.

    Yama said ¡°Make sense! Meet you back at the hotel Sunz.¡± He waves Sunz and Sogae goodbye before getting on the bus.

    Sunz follows Sogae on the other bus. Sogae insist that Sunz gets on first and said ¡°The air might be intense¡±.

    And just like what she said, after getting on the bus Sunz¡¯s whole body just feel like it experience hot and cold at the same time. Not only the atmosphere but after getting on the bus all eyes are staring at Sunz. Which makes him feel both nervous and confused as to why they all staring at him.

    Seeing that Sunz¡¯s brain has stopped working, Grimm waves his hand signaling Sunz to come and sits next to him. Sunz sees Grimm''s signal, ignores everything that happen before, and follows it like a bug attracted to a lamp.

    After sitting down Sunz thanks Grimm for pulling him out of that situation.

    Grimm: Well kid maybe you shouldn¡¯t have shown everyone there your hidden talent.

    Sunz: What talent?

    Grimm: I heard from some of the people that ¡°they have never seen anyone master two elements before.¡±

    Sunz: That a talent!? Does that also mean I¡¯m in a lot of danger?

    Grimm: Talent or not I don¡¯t know. But in terms of danger ¡°you have caught some people''s eyes, they will try to recruit you or kill you so you don¡¯t become a threat to them.¡±

    Sunz: Well! I guess that''s part of working in this kind of field right?

    Grimm: Yeah! Just like ¡°Don¡¯t trust everyone in this field no matter how friendly they are¡±. Which is exceptional.

    Sogae gets on to the bus and announces ¡°Congrats everyone here for winning their round today. The 2<sup>nd</sup> round will begin in 2 days, and these are your opponent. So train as hard as you can for the next fight but remember to take break, because we don¡¯t want to see you fighting with half your strength.

    Sogae sits down and the bus started moving.

    Sunz and Grimm continue their conversation.

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    Sunz: So we are going to be here for quite some time¡­ Can you continue your story?

    Grimm smiles: Well I did promise to tell you more if you make it to 2<sup>nd</sup> round. So buckle up kid because the story ends when the bus arrives at the hotel.

    Grimm ¡°So after a few days of training, I feel that she is ready to do some mission.¡±

    Back story time.

    Grimm(-4): Ok kid you¡¯ve been training hard for the last few days, and as a reward, I¡¯ll let you pick our first mission.

    San is surprised: Really! Is it really ok? Shouldn¡¯t you who have more experience pick for us.?

    Grimm(-4) smile: Choosing your first mission is like doing drugs. If you do a little dose you might feel nothing. If you do too much you might die of overdose. So you must choose the perfect ratio for the drug to affect and not kill you. Sometimes over the ratio a bit is ok. Just make sure that you don¡¯t die.

    San: Umm¡­ Out of pocket question. Have you ever done drugs? Because you kinda look like one.

    Grimm(-4): If I did would you still work with me?

    San playing with her hair: I will! You doing drugs is your choice, right? And if that is what keeps you motivated to live, I don¡¯t mind it at all.

    Grimm(-4): What are you trying to say, kid?

    San: What I mean is. If your drug use doesn¡¯t affect everyone around you then I guess it¡¯s ok for you. But I¡¯ll make sure to help you find something else to replace that drug you using.

    Grimm(-4): Ok let¡¯s clear things up! I¡¯m dead inside mentally, but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m going to destroy my body physically. I dress like this so nobody suspected me as a hero. Understand!

    San: Yep! I¡¯m sorry for speculating.

    Grimm(-4): Haizz stops sorrying. Speculating others is also part of this job. The more experience you get the more it will be accurate. Not everyone here is trying to make friend, so you should always treat everyone as enemies.

    San: Ok I got it. But do you also treat me like that?

    Grimm(-4): Yeah! I don¡¯t trust you.

    San smile: Then we can bond while doing these mission. Also, how do you choose mission by the way? There is a mission tab and a live mission tab.

    Grimm(-4): Well all the missions are first come first serve. The mission has a difficulty rating from 0-5 stars. The normal mission tab is for missions that can be resolved at any time. The live mission need to be dealt with immediately, and they also paid more.

    San: Then you don¡¯t mind if I choose the live one?

    Grimm(-4): It¡¯s your choice. Our life is in your hand.

    San feeling a bit nervous: Umm¡­ok then picking the right mission.

    Then a live mission appears ¡°Robbery at Bank X on street XXX¡±. And San chooses it. After picking the mission San suddenly realizes a flaw that she didn¡¯t think ahead.

    San nervously asks: Question¡­How does hero travel to the mission location?

    Grimm: Depend on the circumstance. You can walk, use transportation, if you can fly or have super speed then it will be faster.

    San: Soo¡­ I just pick this live mission and this is the location.

    Grimm take a look at the mission location and said: Well kid you just made your first rookie mistake, ¡°picking live mission without thinking¡±.

    San: Can we cancel it?

    Grimm ¡°Nope once you pick a mission you need to complete it first, before picking the next one.¡± Then he tells San to follow him and start running.

    After a minute of running they arrive at an unknown section of the facility (Unknown to San). A security guard asks for their ID and where are they going.

    San takes her ID out, gives it to Grimm, and leans on him trying to recover her stamina.

    Grimm gives the security guard their ID, tells him that they need to fast travel. The security guard check their ID, see that everything is clear, gives the ID back to Grimm, and said ¡°30 seconds to prepare so hurry and get in.¡±

    Grimm sees that San is trying to recover some stamina. He step back when San wasn¡¯t paying attention leading to her falling to the floor. But while San was falling, Grimm catch her by putting one arm under her body, he then kneel down put his other arm under her legs and lift her up in the ¡°Princess carry¡± position.

    San''s face starts to blush like crazy due to the embarrassment. She can¡¯t even form normal sentences to tell Grimm to put her down. He then shut her down by saying ¡° Take your chance to get some rest, I don¡¯t want you to take break while saving the civilians.¡±

    San then just nods and keeps silent. In her mind, she is trying to reassure herself (Aghh!!! Ok this is normal right. He just trying to be nice! There aren¡¯t any other motives, right? RIGHT!!?)

    Lost in her world San didn¡¯t realize that Grimm has carries her into the unknown location. She only snaps out when Grimm drops her on the floor.

    San: Ouch that hurt did you really have to drop me that hard?

    Grimm: Maybe you should stop daydreaming when I place you down gently. Now get up here or else the hospital will need more beds.

    San goes to where Grimm is standing and asks ¡°So what is this?¡±

    Grimm: A teleporter.

    San: Why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner that we have this?

    Grimm chuckle: Just to mess with you. But next time check the location of the mission ok, this one is pretty far from the facility.

    San: Ok! Noted!

 Chapter 24: Grimm Back Story (2.5)

    After a few seconds, both of them get teleported. When they both appear, San gets hit by a strong wind knocking her off her feet, but Grimm quickly responds by grabbing the neck of her shirt to prevent her from falling.

    Grimm held on to San¡¯s shirt while checking the distance between their current location and the mission location.

    San looks around her surrounding and realizes that they are on top of a building.

    San asks ¡°Mr.Grimm why are we on top of a building?¡±

    Grimm(-4): So we can scout out the area, and have the element of surprise on our side.

    Grimm(-4): Ok! According to the mission that bank down there is our target.

    San: So what are we waiting for?

    Grimm ¡°Wait a bit.¡± And hand her a piece of velcro. ¡°This is a communication device, stick this on your clothes or skin then we can communicate without being near each other. After sticking it on remember this, hand open will record everything around you, hand closed will record what you want to say without needing to open your mouth.¡±

    San sticks the velcro to her back, after this action she can hear Grimm¡¯s voice but he not moving his mouth.

    Grimm(-4): There are two threats inside the bank. Both have superpowers, one is super strength and the other is ice manipulation.

    San: So do you have any plans?

    Grimm(-4): You get on top of the bank for a surprise attack, I¡¯ll storm in there to lure both of them out and the rest is up to skill.

    San: Wait¡­ wouldn¡¯t it be too dangerous to go in alone. I can help¡­in some way.

    Grimm(-4): Your ability harm everyone around you so you can¡¯t fight in cramped spaces. And don¡¯t worry these guy superpowers are too common so I know how to deal with them. Just trust me and do your best.

    San: Ok I trust you, sir. I¡¯ll get in my position.

    Grimm goes up to the bank and kicks the doors open.

    Inside the bank, everyone has been frozen. The two threats are breaking open the vault. Grimm picks up a pistol near the frozen security guard and shoots at the threat, the bullet misses but at least he got their attention.

    Ice: Look at this brother we have a homeless guy trying to be a hero.

    Strength: What should we do? He has a gun!!

    Ice ¡°Here takes this and get rid of him.¡± Create an ice hammer for Strength.

    Strength now holding an ice hammer: Oh frosty. Can I eat this?

    Ice: Once we bring the money back to Uncle. He will give you a fridge full of ice cream. So knock him out then we can go home.

    Strength ¡°Ok!¡± with his hulking body storming at Grimm and slamming the hammer on the ground.

    Grimm dodges the attack with ease, using his fast movement to get past Strength and approach Ice.

    Ice whispers (You can¡¯t beat both of us alone, homeless man). And he creates a wall to separate himself from Grimm and Strength battle. While he continues breaking into the vault.

    San waiting on top of the bank hearing a lot of ruckus. (Should I go in, but he told me to wait for the signal¡­)

    Ice after covering the vault door in ice. He shatters it which creates a bunch of debris drops onto the floor, shaking the whole bank. San can feel the whole building rumbling. On top of the bank, she can see that the police are closing all of the roads near the bank.

    San communicates with Grimm ¡°Are you ok down there? I heard a lot of noise and the building also shake for a bit.¡±

    Grimm(-4): I¡¯m just fighting a Goliath right now. Apparently the ¡°Ice guy¡± can create a wall to prevent me from getting him outside. So you are going to fight him alone.

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    San: Wouldn¡¯t it be better to do 2 v 1 and move on to the next one?

    Grimm(-4): I can take care of this big guy alone. Take this as a 1 v 1 training, if you have a feeling that you can¡¯t beat the ¡°Ice guy¡± get out immediately.

    San: Ok! Roger that!

    San uses her ability to melt the floor she stands on and drop down into the bank. After getting in she sees that the vault door has been shattered into pieces. She engulfs her body in flame and walks in.

    San shout: Stop right there you villain you are under arrest!

    Ice sigh: Fire vs Ice! An unfair match for me they say.

    San tries to reason: We don¡¯t have to do this. You have an amazing ability that can be used to help people. Why didn¡¯t you become a hero instead of living this life?

    Ice: I could ask you the same question but the opposite. But it looks like you are still too na?ve, try to capture more of us then you¡¯ll understand our ways of living.

    Grimm mind (Wow this man prepare a speech. Now I need to babysit a walking flame while trying to put the big man to sleep.)

    Strength scream: Stop running and fight me, YOU coward.

    Grimm: Ok big boy can I buy you a chocolate ice cream for you to stop this chaos?

    Strength: I don¡¯t like CHOCOLATE!!!

    Grimm ¡°Big boy getting cranky. Let me put you to sleep¡±, then he pulls out two tasers from his coat. He keeps on dodging Strength attacks while also trying to paralyze his leg.

    After a few rounds of tussling, Grimm was able to bring down Strength. Grimm (This guy is way tougher than other ¡°super strength¡± I have fought in the past. Even the ice hammer did not break after all of that slam. Now better go make sure that San isn¡¯t killing herself.)

    While Grimm was fighting this is how San''s battle goes.

    Ice attacks first by launching icicles at San, and she retaliates by launching fireballs back. But San wasn¡¯t able to get rid of all the icicles, so some of it was able to graze her skin and make her bleed.

    Ice: That was a warning shot, I was going easy on you kid. If you can¡¯t even block that attack then you¡¯re useless.

    San whisper (I¡¯m not useless) and she rushes to attack Ice. Ice with his quick reaction kicked San in the stomach knocking her onto the ground.

    Ice: I don¡¯t want to have a casualty on my hand so get out of here. No one needs your help.

    San lying on the floor in pain. But what hurt her most was what Ice said ¡°No one needs your help¡±. And she keeps on hearing other voices whisper in her mind ¡°You are useless, nobody needs you!¡±

    Until she hears ¡°San SAN are you there? If you can¡¯t talk then think, your word will be transferred to me.¡±

    San ¡°Mr.Grimm is that you?¡±

    Grimm ¡°Yes it¡¯s me. Are you ok? I¡¯m coming to help you now.¡±

    San ¡°Mr. Grimm do you think I¡¯m useless? And please tell me the truth!¡±

    Grimm ¡°San let me tell you something. You are not useless. You have a talent and it¡¯s up to you to show it to everyone. If you scare you run, if you brave you stay and fight. Useless are those that just stand around without taking action.¡±

    San smiled ¡°Thank you Mr.Grimm I now know what I should do now.¡±

    San stands up and as she stands up the fire aura around her gets even stronger, way stronger than before and it even melts the communication device.

    Ice ¡°Now you have become a real nuisance¡± Then he creates an ice box to trap San inside. But immediately after that, the ice box vaporizes instantly.

    San raises her palm and fires a stream of fire at Ice, but he manages to dodge it. The stream of fire was so hot that it burn through the wall of the vault.

    Ice then summons a cloud above San that rains down icicles at high speed. The icicles retain their normal form while raining down but when it gets close to hit San¡¯s body. It vaporizes instantly.

    Ice then sees that San¡¯s fire is getting out of hand. ¡°Haizz looks like it''s the villain''s turn to make sure nothing goes wrong.¡±. He then covers himself in ice armor, then he rushes at San and delivers a very strong kick to her stomach knocking her out. ¡°Fuck things could have gone much worse.¡± He said after knocking San out.

    Grimm then appears through the ways San comes in and panicky thinks to himself (Come on San you better stay alive!). When he gets into the vault he sees that San is lying on the floor with cuts all over her body. And he sees that Ice sitting on the floor waiting.

    Grimm shouts: Everything end right now Du Arschloch! You¡¯re under arrest!

    Ice grin: I still have more energy in me but I feel it¡¯s best to turn myself in.

    Grimm(-4): Are you plotting something?

    Ice: My name is Kalt, hear me for two minutes then arrest me.

    Grimm(-4): I¡¯m listening.

    Kalt: Your girl has an ability that if she can¡¯t control will bring harm to those around her. And put me and my brother in cells near each other.

    Kalt then holds his hands out allowing Grimm to capture him. Kalt then brings down the wall he summoned from before, freeing other people trapped in ice, and said to Grimm ¡°I know that you¡¯re here for revenge.¡± Then a bunch of police storm into the building.

    While the police asking people of what happened, San wakes up and Grimm sitting next to her. Grimm ¡°Finally wake! Do you remember what happened before getting knocked out?¡±

    San ¡°I remember that after hearing what you said, my body suddenly have a huge surge of power and then everything went blank.¡±

    Grimm thinks to himself (So what Kalt said is true). San looks around her body and asks Grimm ¡°Why are my arms and legs covered in bandages.¡±

    Grimm(-4): Haizz you¡¯re such a dork.

    The mission was a success and we got interviewed as the heroes that save Bank X.

    But then something has to interrupt our fun. A hero name ¡°Big Ben¡± appear to congratulate me and San. I act normal as if ¡°Big Ben¡± is just another hero, but he is also the one who made me go on this path.

    Back to the present.

    Sunz: I have no words to say about your past except just ¡°WOW¡±.

    Grimm: You don¡¯t have to say a thing, having someone like you listen to my story is good enough.

    Sogae: Attention all winners of round 1<sup>st</sup> we have arrived at the hotel. Please make sure to check that you leave nothing behind and remember the 2<sup>nd</sup> round will be in 2 days.

    Grimm: Come on kid let¡¯s grab some dinner. I¡¯m starving.

    Sunz: Ok I¡¯m also starving too.

 Chapter 25: The hot pot

    Everyone gets off the bus and goes their separate ways. Only Sunz and Grimm walk together, but to Sunz''s surprise, Grace was also walking the same way as them. Grimm and Sunz walk side by side and Grace was a few steps behind them. But the walk didn¡¯t last long until they meet ¡°One¡± purposely blocking their path.

    One: Welcome back winner!

    Grimm stepped in front of Sunz and with a stern voice said: What do you want?

    One: What with the voice? I¡¯m just here to congrats all of you for winning, that''s all. And I did not expect to see such an interesting wildcard.

    Grimm: We don¡¯t need your compliment and I suggest you not to take a step closer.

    One pulls out his sword, said ¡°What would you do if I did¡±, and dashed at Grimm aiming to kill him.

    Sunz can predict One movement, but now he can see the outcome. What he saw was Grimm got killed right before his eye, so he draws his sword dash past Grimm to block the attack. Due to his action, he blocks the attack but the sword is shattered in half. Then suddenly Sunz drops to the ground on his back, with the sword horizontal to his face, and uses his electric element to dash under One¡¯s legs. This confuses One and creates an opening for Grimm to punch him in the face, knocking him away from them.

    One stand-up said: Now that¡¯s the spirit, I haven¡¯t killed anyone since the tryout.

    Grimm checks on Sunz: You ok kid?

    Sunz: Yeah I¡¯m fine. But the sword is gone tho.

    Grimm: Why did you do that tho? I can stop him by myself.

    Sunz: I can¡¯t tell you why but I know you did not stop him.

    One: Oh look at you two just like father and son. Let me bury you two together.

    Then a voice out of nowhere ¡°If I value my life I wouldn¡¯t do that!¡± and it was Sogae appeared from behind Grace.

    One put his sword away and said ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry my phrasing was wrong. I was just trying to spare with the winner of today.¡±

    Sogae: And I suggest that you get out of here. Don¡¯t make me have to step in.

    One ¡°Oh! I will. See you all after the final¡± and scramble away.

    Sogae: Is everyone ok?

    Grimm: I think we are all ok. But should you let that psycho run around Korea, Miss Sogae?

    Sogae said with a devious smile: Oh don¡¯t worry, if he ever misbehaves I¡¯ll make sure no one remembers him.

    At some moment Grace sneaks up next to Sunz and whisper ¡°Is that lady crazy?¡±

    Sunz (Holy shit where did she come from): Well I guess she just very passionate about her job.

    Grimm: Is there any reason why you¡¯re here Sogae, except for saving us just now?

    Sogae: As a matter of fact I do have a reason to go look for you all. For tonight all three of you need to stay in the same room. And you three need to decide whose room you all are staying in.

    After Sogae''s last sentence, no one said anything, the air is filled with a thick silence.

    Sogae: I know this comes out of nowhere, I just hope that you three can understand, and I can¡¯t do anything except deliver this information to you three.

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    Sunz: I guess that''s fine with me but can I go get some spare clothes back in my room?

    Sogae: Um¡­ Sure but we all are going together.

    Grimm: I don¡¯t mind tho but I just hope that this young lady won¡¯t make a fuss about staying in the same room with two males.

    Grace: Sure! But we all stay in my room and no one is allowed to be on the bed except me. If we all staying in the same room I don¡¯t want to sleep on the floor, and who knows what kind of dirty stuff you boys did in your room.

    Sunz: Just giving me a blanket so I can curl up in the corner is good enough for me. And with that kind attitude of yours (Grace), I know we are staying in a clean room.

    Grimm: Fine by me. I¡¯ve entered a female room once so I know how to act appropriately. Just don¡¯t choose the easy way to win this tournament ok.! ( Grimm snickers)

    Grace: Hmph! I don¡¯t have to rely on such tactics. My fate is decided by the edge of my blade.

    Sogae (I wouldn¡¯t think it would be this easy): If everyone is ok with this then let¡¯s start moving, I still have a lot of work to do.

    The three then follow Sogae. First, they all go to Sunz¡¯s room for him to get some spare clothes. Then they all go to Grace¡¯s room, after Grace opens the door, the room inside looks like what Grimm and Sunz''s room look like, but for some reason, it feels way cleaner and nicer than theirs.

    Sogae: I hope that you three can settle down for a night. Here is the menu for tonight (She gives the menu to Grimm). If any of you have other questions for me, if not I shall take my leave.

    Sunz: Oh! I need help to repair my sword.

    Sogae: Sure give me the pieces and I¡¯ll give it back to you early in the morning.

    Sunz gives Sogae two parts of his broken sword.

    Sogae: Oh yeah a reminder the training facility will be closed after every match and open the next day. So remember to take care of yourself.

    With that Sogae leaves the three in Grace¡¯s room.

    Sunz: Grace do you need to take a shower?

    Grace: I do! But you can take a shower first. I want to take my time to shower without having another person waiting for me to finish.

    Grimm waves the menu: So what do guys want to eat?

    Grace snatched the menu out of Grimm¡¯s hand ¡°I think it would be better for me to order food for all of us. If you all don¡¯t mind¡±

    Grimm shrugs his shoulders: Sure! But I want all three of us to eat together and have some conversation. I hope that not too much to ask for someone fancy like you to sit down with us.

    Grace: Sitting down to have a meal with random people is a norm for me. I suggest that we have a hot pot!

    Grimm: Sure why not! I¡¯m just curious of how you¡¯ll talk when there is alcohol in your system.

    Sunz: Sure let¡¯s have a hot pot. And excuse me I need to take a shower.

    Sunz goes into the bathroom and comes out 10 minutes later with different clothes. After getting out of the bathroom Sunz sees Grace sitting on her bed reading a book. But Grimm is nowhere to be seen. Sunz then asks Grace ¡°Where is Grimm?¡±. She tells him that Grimm is outside on the balcony and that she can call both of them in when the stuff arrives.

    Sunz says that he wants Grimm to have some alone time ¡°and while we are waiting for the hot pot I want to talk with you for a bit.¡±

    Grace closed her book, put it on her lap, and said ¡°Sure! We can talk, and I need to know your age so we can address each other correctly.¡±

    Sunz: I¡¯m 16 and you.

    Grace: I¡¯m 18. So that means you have to call me ¡°Big Sis Grace¡± or just ¡°Grace¡± however, you want.

    Sunz: Well that''s good to know. Then I would like to ask you some questions about Jihu.

    Grace: He was a good kid that care about people around him. That is all I remember about him. We haven¡¯t talked in a long time.

    Sunz: Was he your only friend and did you find others that can replace him after not talking for so long?

    Grace: He was the only one I knew and I realize that you don¡¯t need friends to have a happy life. But for some reason, I want him. I want to grow up with him and enjoy every moment in our life as friend is good enough for me. But I did not get my happy moment with him and when I got a chance I now see that he has replaced me with you.

    Grace glared at Sunz with her teary eyes: So tell me why, ¡°sob¡± why did he choose you?

    Sunz: I have only known him for 2 years, and I don¡¯t know why did he choose to be friends with me. I always thought it was out of pity, there is no reason for someone like him to hang out with me. But after hearing what you said, I guess that he doesn¡¯t want to make the same mistake, and maybe something about me reminded him about you.

    Grace wipe tears off her face and said: I¡¯m sorry for getting too sentimental. But at least we get to know something about each other.

    Sunz: Maybe you should talk with him when you have a chance.

    Suddenly a voice from outside ¡°Hot pot for room ???¡±

    Grace ¡°I¡¯m coming¡±. She walk up to the door and before opening it she said to Sunz ¡°Maybe I should!¡±

    She opens the door and is greeted by the hotel staff with the hot pot and other ingredients. She yells for Grimm to come out and help her.

    Grimm and Grace done setting up the hot pot. Then the three of us sit down around the hot pot to enjoy our meal with some beers.

 Chapter 26: Conflict Resolve

    After setting up the hot pot and the ingredients. Grace and Grimm are responsible for the cooking while Sunz sits there watching. After a few minutes, another person knocks on their room and says they are here to deliver a blanket. Sunz goes out to open the door, the voice sounds familiar to him. And to Sunz''s surprise, it was Jihu delivering the blanket.

    Sunz: Did the hotel run out of staff? Why are you being the errand boy?

    Jihu: I try looking for you but to no avail. So I went to ask Sogae and I met her carrying this blanket. She ask ¡°Are you looking for Sunz¡±, I said ¡°Yes¡± and she told me to take this blanket to the room where you currently staying at.

    Jihu takes a peek through Sunz¡¯s shoulder and sees that Grace and Grimm are both in the room, but they don¡¯t know that it was Jihu delivering the blanket.

    Jihu frantically said ¡°Well I guess you must be tired so I¡¯ll let you rest and we can talk tomorrow.¡±, waiting for Sunz to take the blanket.

    Sunz smirked ¡°Oh no buddy I know what you see and you ain¡¯t running away.¡± Then he whispers, ¡°I know you have a relationship with class rep and this is not my business, but issue needs to be resolved here and now!

    Jihu pauses for a moment and sighs: You¡¯re not the type to call out but when you do it means serious. So fine! I¡¯ll try my best. Ok!

    Sunz: You won¡¯t regret it! I hope¡­

    Sunz takes the blanket from Jihu¡¯s hand and throws it in the corner of the room. Grace and Grimm don¡¯t bat an eye.

    Sunz steps away from the door and said to Grimm and Grace: Do you guys mind if we invite another person?

    Grimm see that it was Jihu who Sunz invited ¡°Sure! Come in the more the merrier.¡± And he nudges Grace ¡°Right!¡±

    Grace didn¡¯t expect that Sunz would invite Jihu so she was at a loss for words. Until Grimm nudges her a bit, making her return to reality and she mutters ¡°S...Sure he can join¡±

    The four then sit around the hot pot in a square shape with Grimm and Sunz sitting between Grace and Jihu. While waiting for the food to cook, the atmosphere around the room was tense, no one talk to each other. So Grimm decided to break the ice ¡°Are any of you able to drink alcohol?¡±

    No one answered, maybe the three of them just waiting for one more person to respond.

    Grimm points at both Grace and Jihu ¡°You two if you have something lingering in your mind then let''s resolve it here and now.¡±

    Grace starts to panic ¡°There is nothing lingering between us¡­ and don¡¯t worry I can drink.¡± Then she tries to take a beer can near Grimm. As soon as Grace¡¯s hand touched the can, Grimm stop her and raise his voice ¡°I won¡¯t let the alcohol do the talking.¡±

    After all that mess Jihu starts talking ¡°I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯m sorry for ignoring you for the last 10 years. I was just following what my grandpa said from 10 years ago, even when I grow older he said that the reason was, a conflict between the two clans.¡±

    The room suddenly gets a bit colder. Grace starts to tear up, look at Jihu with a smile, and said ¡°Here I thought that after all those years you hated me, to the point that you asked your grandpa to kick my family out of the clan.¡±

    Jihu is surprised by Grace''s statement. ¡°Wait kick your family out of the clan?¡± Grace answered, ¡°That''s what my parents told me.¡±

    Jihu starts to think about the reason why his grandpa kicks Grace¡¯s family out of the clan (Wait there has to be another factor for that event to happen. Grandpa always said this to me ¡°Members that break the rule or try to destroy our clan from the inside will face death as their punishment. Jihu! I know you¡¯re a kind soul, but there will come a time that you need to carry out the judgment.")

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    Grace: I don¡¯t know how you are feeling but it''s great to finally get that off my chest and now I know that you don¡¯t hate me.

    Jihu: Hate you I could never, as a matter of fact, me and everyone in the clan admired you, even Grandpa said that you have the potential to pass Jun. But now that everything has been resolved, I can talk with you just like before.

    Grace: Thank you Mr.Grimm for helping us resolve this conflict.

    Grimm ¡°Don¡¯t mention it but for now, you should wipe your tears and turn off your ability or the room might become a cryogenic chamber.¡± Then he points at Sunz wrapping himself inside the blanket in the corner like a caterpillar.

    Grace: Oh sorry whenever we get emotional the ability just activates on its own.

    After a few minutes, the room temperature becomes normal, and Sunz gets out of the blanket but his body is still cold, Grace and Jihu now can talk with each other like normal.

    Grimm gives everyone a can of bear and said: Today all three of us get into the next round, and you two finally resolve your conflict. So I say this call for a celebration.

    Everyone agrees, cracks open their beer, clinks their cans, and says ¡°CHEERS¡±.

    After the hot pot party, everyone sits around talking and drinking. But Grimm makes sure that everyone drinks accordingly, at most two cans. And to Grimm''s surprise, he did not think that Grace''s body would be that weak to alcohol. After everyone finishes their first can, Sunz and Jihu decide to stop due to the fact that they both drink before and today they just drink it for celebration.

    But Grace is different, it looks like she had never tasted alcohol before, and after the first can she was under the influent of it. So she decided to drink another but only halfway through the can her body go limp, drop the can on the floor but Grimm was quick enough to catch it alongside Grace¡¯s body. Grimm then tells Jihu to help Grace and get on the bed.

    Jihu agrees and he helps Grace stand up and guides her to the bed. Maybe because of the alcohol started affecting Grace¡¯s system. Out of nowhere she suddenly flirts with Jihu.

    Grace(Drunk) asks Jihu: Do you have a girlfriend yet, Jihu? If not can I become your... girlfriend?

    Jihu awkwardly laughs: As a matter of fact I¡¯m dating one right one. So please don¡¯t take it personally.

    Grace(Drunk): Aww¡­ are you afraid of dating someone older than you, who is also your childhood friend.

    Jihu starts sweating nervously: Grace don¡¯t let the alcohol take control, please.

    After Jihu''s last sentence, Grace pulls him onto the bed and hugs him like a teddy bear. Jihu tries to escape but Grace¡¯s strength was better than his and she falls asleep which makes his escape impossible.

    Grimm: You kid acting pretty bold when there is alcohol in your system.

    Sunz said to Grimm: Let¡¯s them have their moment. I have other things that I want to discuss with you. Do you mind if we continue this conversation outside on the balcony?

    Grimm ¡°Sure!¡±, then Grimm and Sunz stand up and walk out to the balcony. Before closing the door between the room and the balcony Sunz said to Jihu ¡°Don¡¯t do anything freaky ok. You''re still underage remember that.¡± And shut the door.

    Stepping onto the balcony the temperature is way colder than inside with some occasional light breeze.

    Grimm: Seoul is still lively at this hour. So what do you want to discuss?

    Sunz: I want to discuss more about San. The more information I know the more I can help.

    Grimm: So what information do you want?

    Sunz: Does she has a hero name?

    Grimm: After some mission, she accumulated her own fan base and the people start calling her ¡°Ember Witch¡±. How does knowing her nickname help you?

    Sunz pulls out his phone and types the keyword ¡°Ember Witch¡± on the internet, it shows up many results of the hero ¡°Ember Witch¡±.

    Sunz show Grimm his phone and said: It does help, looks at all this information.

    Grimm: Now that you have the information of our past, that means I don¡¯t need to tell you anymore of my story.

    Sunz: What I have is just an overview of what happened. But you have the more detailed information. And this is a rabbit hole that I can jump in, with all this information our rescue plan will be much easier.

    Grimm: You still thinking of helping me, ¡°sigh¡± At first I thought you were kidding and did not expect you to be this invested.

    Sunz: After this tournament, I need to find other objectives and yours is on top of my list.

    Grimm: Ok then ¡°Mr.Ambitious¡± what plan do you have?

    Sunz: The key to our plan is the villain.

    Grimm chuckles ¡°Villain you say!¡± then he pats Sunz on the back and goes inside. Before going in he said, ¡°We¡¯ll discuss this another time.¡±

    After returning to the room they see that Jihu has fallen asleep and Grace is still hugging him like a teddy bear.

    Grimm: Let¡¯s just go to sleep, we still have a long week ahead of us so rest up.

    Grimm shut the light. Then he and Sunz pick their own corner and just lay there and sleep.

 Chapter 27: Victim of the past and the future victim

    Sunz sees a shadowy figure whisper ¡°The more you show your skill the more knowledge I know.¡± As it approaches him, Sunz draws his sword but there is a problem, the blade is gone and he is only holding the hilt. A brief moment gone, the shadow disappears and the hilt grows a shadow blade. The blade suddenly moves on its own, extent to stab Sunz in the heart, and it succeeds. The blade then turns back into the shadowy figure and whispers ¡°You¡¯re the perfect specimen¡±.

    Then Sunz woke up from the nightmare, his body covered in cold sweat, he sits up and said to himself ¡°Well that was a strange dream!¡±. He tried to find his phone in the darkness, it take him about a minute feeling the environment around him until he found it. He opens the phone screen, the time right now is 3 am.

    Sunz: I¡¯ve only slept for 3 hours but my body feels refreshed. Hmp that''s strange, let¡¯s just try to get tired and go back to sleep. But what can I do? (Thinking about what he can do while flipping his phone in the air)

    Sunz: I guess I can do some background checks on San. Grimm did tell me her hero name ¡°Ember Witch¡±.

    Sunz enters the keyword ¡°Ember Witch¡± on the internet. The first 3 results are the heroes ranking website, her social media account, and a website compiling all of her mission until now.

    He goes onto the heroes ranking website first and he sees that she is in the top 10 S-rank heroes. But what he did not expect is that there are at least 1000 S-rank heroes. 10000 A-rank heroes. 100000 B-rank heroes and 1 million C-rank heroes.

    Sunz: Wow that is scary but makes sense since we live in a world where most people have special abilities. I guess the villain numbers might also be the same.

    The heroes ranking website also has other section. In Germany, San is the rank 1 hero. And according to the stats, there are at least 2 S-rank heroes working around the world between day and night in every country. America is the country that has the highest amount of heroes in every rank. Korea dominates the heroes ranking in popularity, but somehow San is number 5 in the popularity rank.

    Sunz: This is definitely useful information. I¡¯ll come back to you later, now let¡¯s check out her social media. (I expect that there will be sexy clothing and thirst trap.)

    Sunz then goes to San''s social media. And what he expected was right, model pictures in sexy clothing, some everyday casual pics, meeting with fan pics. Lucky that she doesn¡¯t have that many posts (500-600 posts). But something strange, most of her pictures from the start of her career include Grimm hanging out with her. And two years later Grimm just disappear from her social media.

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    Sunz: I guess that Grimm wanted her to be independent so he tell her to not include him in her photo. But how did she go from an innocent girl to a K-pop singer in a span of two years? Ok then, that¡¯s enough of social media lurking for now. Now let¡¯s check out her mission log.

    Sunz moves on to check out San''s past missions. The website information is very detailed. It shows the type of mission, who was part of that mission, what their rank was and it even includes news articles and videos of the scene too.

    Sunz: So in the first two years San and Grimm did a lot of missions, and non of the mission is done alone. At the start of year 3, they were A-rank heroes. And this is probably the point when thing goes bad for both of them. After a month in year 3, they suddenly went on hiatus for half a year. And San made her re-debut with a solo mission. It also has an interview too?

    Interview clip.

    Interviewer: Hello superheroes fan out there! Today we have a very special guest. A young hero who had been gone from the battlefield for half a year. It¡¯s Ember Witch.

    San(Ember Witch): Hello everyone! Thank you for having me on here today. (She gives a warm-hearted smile to the camera.)

    Interviewer: She such a modest person. I have to say your recent mission was a phenomenal event.

    San: I wouldn¡¯t treat it like that. It¡¯s more like a mission for me to get back into the flow after being away for so long.

    Interviewer: Speaking of being away. A lot of your fans had been very worried about you and after your recent mission, a lot of questions had been asked. So do you mind answering some of them?

    San: I just hope that the questions aren¡¯t too inappropriate. Haha¡­ (she nervously laughs)

    Interviewer: Ok then let''s start with the first question ¡°After seeing you handling the first mission on your own and all of your past mission were co-op one. So I wonder who was the person that work with you at the start of your career?¡±

    San¡¯s eyes start to get teary, she sniffles a bit then wipe the tear from her eyes and start to speak: He was the person who inspire me to become a hero, and through his rigorous training help me become the hero I am today. Even though he¡¯s gone, I always said to myself that he will always watch over me and want me to become one of the best heroes.

    The interviewer also starts to get a bit teary but still tries to talk: That was such a heartwarming story from the Ember Witch. Fire means destruction but today that fire of yours melt our heart. For now, let''s take a short break and use it to express your love to your family.

    Clip end.

    Sunz: Well that¡¯s hurt my eyes. But why does she make the story seem like Grimm is dead when he is right there sleeping in the corner? There must be more to this, if I can find ¡°Ember Witch¡± information on the internet then Grimm must also have some too.

    Apparently, Grimm is also his hero name, and when Sunz goes to check for his name on the ranking website. It displays ¡°Grimm status dead¡±

    Sunz: It¡¯s funny that the website just says that he is dead. And now for Grimm''s nemesis ¡°Big Ben¡±. Wow, this definitely tough ¡°Big Ben¡± is an S-rank hero, built like a brick shithouse, he can fly and he is a fucking negotiator!

    Sunz: Now with all this information I need to be more prepared for this tournament and the future mission. *Yawn* right now I¡¯m just a nuisance to opponents. And my first enemy right now is sleep deprivation.

    Sunz put his phone away then wraps his body inside the blanket and goes back to sleep.

 Chapter 28: Playing with emotion (Part 1)

    The next morning Sunz wakes up, checks his phone (It¡¯s 8 a.m.), gets out of his corner, looks around the room, and sees that Grimm is gone (I guess we are allowed to go back to our room.)

    Then Sunz hear a voice ¡°Hey buddy can you help me?¡± Sunz moves and looks around the room to check where the voice comes from. To his surprise, it was Jihu asking him for help. Jihu is still being restrained by Grace from last night''s incident.

    Sunz asks Jihu: How long have you been awake?

    Jihu: Not that long 5-10 minutes before you wake up. Now if you don¡¯t mind, help me get out of this situation, please.

    Sunz: You¡¯re right next to her! Why not do it yourself?

    Jihu: Having you do it for me will make it looks like you¡¯re annoyed with her clinging to me. So it will be less awkward for her and more on the confused side.

    Sunz: Sure! Anything for you ¡°Pretty boy¡±.

    Sunz then goes to Grace''s side of the bed and gives her a few taps on the shoulder. Which is enough to wake her up but she still feels groggy. Grace turns her head to Sunz and said ¡°Hi¡±. Sunz replies ¡°Hi! Turn your head to the other side please.¡± Still feeling sleepy she does what Sunz said and when she turns her head, she sees that Jihu is right next to her.

    At that moment her body starts waking up. She sees that her arms wrap around Jihu, which starts a chain reaction of emotion ended with her face becoming extremely red due to feeling embarrassed. She releases Jihu out of her grasp and makes her way to the bathroom in the flash of an eye.

    Jihu gets out of the bed and said: Well that was an experience. I owe you this one.

    Sunz now switches his language to Korean: Yeah, you owe me nothing. Just how are you going explain this to ¡°Class Rep¡±?

    Jihu then also switch to speaking Korean (his mother tongue): Well it''s not like I cheated on her or anything and nothing really happen.

    Sunz: Well you did get dominate by your ¡°childhood friend¡±.

    Jihu: Why did you say ¡°childhood friend¡± like that?

    Sunz: It''s funny! I guess? But seriously you need to ask your Grandpa more about this problem.

    Jihu: I don¡¯t think I should. There must be a reason why he didn¡¯t want to tell me the truth or what he said was the truth.

    Sunz: Grown-ups lied to kids because they know that we won¡¯t understand what was going on. But as we grow the more eager they are wanting to tell us the truth.

    Jihu: But what if I poke my nose into something I shouldn¡¯t¡­ and and what if you suddenly get involved, get disqualified from the tournament and I am forbidden from talking to you.

    Jihu''s voice getting a bit louder: Can¡¯t You Think Of The Consequence!

    Sunz just stands there not saying at all. Jihu then realizes that he just screams at Sunz and tries to fix his mistake ¡° Sunz, I didn¡¯t mean to scream at you like tha¡­¡±

    As Jihu tries to finish his sentence Sunz rush at him and gives him a hug. Then Sunz said, ¡° How are you feeling now angry, frustrated, guilty¡­¡±

    Jihu is confused: What are you saying?

    Sunz cancels the hug, takes a step back, and explains: What you did was overthinking. Something that you at 6 years old couldn¡¯t experience. And I ask you to find the answer not to benefit yourself but also for her (Point at the bathroom where Grace is in right now).

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    Jihu: But why? Why take a 50/50 chance to get an unknown answer that can lead to other problems?

    Sunz: Because problem means answer. This tournament is my problem and winning it is my only answer, and through this tournament, I found other problems that I can poke my nose in. And what about you, to me you look like you have no problem to solve so I¡¯m here to give you one.

    Jihu sighs: Now I understand why ¡°Class Rep¡± hate you so much. For some reason, you can twist people''s emotions to make them hate you. But fine then I¡¯ll truth you this time, and I can¡¯t guarantee that I¡¯m allowed to tell you anything.

    Sunz: Don¡¯t worry! Once I win this tournament I¡¯ll know it too.

    Jihu: I guess I must go now. So good luck with your training.

    Sunz: Yeah don¡¯t worry.

    Jihu leaves the room, closes the door, and leaves Sunz back inside. Then after a minute Grace creak opens the bathroom and see that Sunz is the only person left in the room. So she ask him ¡°Did Jihu leave?¡± Sunz answer ¡°Yeah! He gone. Can I talk with you for a bit?¡±

    Grace is hesitant about Sunz¡¯s request, but she still accepts it. She gets out of the bathroom, sit on the side of the bed, and said to Sunz ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡±

    Sunz: I would like to inform you that Jihu already had a girlfriend so don¡¯t get too intimate with him like last night.

    Grace gives Sunz a cheeky smile and said: What if I get intimate with you instead? Is it ok with you?

    Sunz is confused: Huh? Wait I thought you liked Jihu? From your action and facial expression last night. You were so happy when you two finally get to talk again.

    Grace lower one of her shirt shoulders to tease Sunz: Like what you see!

    Sunz: Your trick won¡¯t work on me. I have my own preference. Now can you stop trying to seduce me and answer my question, please?

    Grace gets off the bed, and goes to her closet to pick some clothes while talking ¡°Of course I like Jihu! He is friendly, reliable, and when we make up last night. I feel happy that I finally get to talk with my old friend again.¡± Then she goes back to the bathroom with the clothes she chooses. Then she asks Sunz ¡°Can you stand with your back facing the wall outside the bathroom? So it easier to talk.¡± Sunz obliges ¡°Fine¡­ but no matter what you put on it won¡¯t affect me. Maybe I¡¯m getting ahead of myself and you¡¯re just getting ready after this conversation is over.¡±

    Grace lets out a small laugh only she can hear. While putting on her clothes she continue to talk ¡°Did you really think that I like Jihu just because we are childhood friend. And that we will fall in love just like the manga you read¡±. Sunz answers ¡°Well it kinda playout like in the manga. You two know each other at a young age, after many years you meet again, and one of you intentionally gets drunk with the hope that the other person might make a move. And¡­ I just describe the plot of some hentai and not manga. Great¡­!¡±

    Grace still putting on her new clothes ¡°Now that you know Jihu is not my love interest. I would like to know some information about you. If you don¡¯t mind sharing.¡±

    Sunz: Sure! What would you like to know?

    Grace: What makes you want to join the clan?

    Sunz: To escape living a normal life.

    Grace: When did your journey start?

    Sunz: To be honest I could have started this journey way sooner but my talent was wasted. Until recently a chain of events that happen and it reignite my talent.

    Grace chuckled: But if you did start way sooner that means we wouldn¡¯t meet each other. So I say you started at the right time.

    Sunz: Why are you still so adamant about doing this? You and I are both strangers that had only interacted with each other twice!

    Grace: Because I want to, sometimes girls don¡¯t even know why they like their guys. Is that what you don¡¯t understand?

    Sunz: I just don¡¯t understand that a girl like me. That is what I find strange, because back in school no girl like me, and now you a girl who is older than me is trying to get intimate with me which makes me so confused.

    Grace: That just means I¡¯m lucky that no girl sees you like I do. And here I thought that you might have the same taste like all boys, but after my teasing fail I guess you might be into this type of girl.

    Sunz: Then what do you think my type is?

    Grace walks out of the bathroom with her new attire ¡°I think you are more into a girl that is fully clothes.¡±

    Now standing in front of Sunz is Grace in formal attire covered from head to toe, no boobwindow, no cleavage show. She just wearing a formal suit.

    Sunz: My brain is very confused right now.

    Grace chuckled: What is there to be confused, I¡¯m being straightforward. I figure that you don¡¯t like girls flaunting their body then that means, you preferred a well-dressed girl.

    Sunz: You¡¯re right I like a well-dressed girl over a sexy one. I¡¯m confused because¡­ Let¡¯s get this out of the way first, you¡¯re looking very stunning right now but because you dress up in order to seduce me is what makes me confused. It is the combination of she looks good but she dresses like that to seduce me. So do I like her because of how she dresses or is my brain being biased because I know she is trying to seduce me?

    Grace tries to hold in her laugh: Do boys always overthink like you? I thought boy''s mind is very simple big tits and revealing clothes is the perfect woman.

    Sunz: Most boys are exactly what you describe, but some of us built our preference from media like anime, manga, or webtoons. It does sound creepy and weird but we know what we want when it comes to finding love. So sometimes our standard is pretty low.

 Chapter 29: Playing with emotion (Part 2)

    Grace steps closer to Sunz, do the ¡°Kabedon¡± on him, and ask ¡°So what is your opinion on me now!¡± while smirking at him.

    Sunz: Well from your action just now, I feel like you are straightforward and like to take the initiative. But don¡¯t you think you¡¯re getting ahead of yourself, we are both young so we still have plenty of time right?

    Grace slams her other hand onto the wall trapping Sunz between her arm, lean closer to him and whisper into his ear (Do you really think that low of yourself!). After Grace finished whispering Sunz push her away and both were in shock of what just happened.

    Sunz try to reason with Grace: I didn¡¯t mean to push you. It¡¯s just that the more you get closer to me I feel like, I was invading your privacy and another reason is my body is very sensitive so when you whisper that close into my ear. It makes me feel super uncomfortable like you are touching my whole body.

    Grace takes a step back, sits on the bed with her legs dangling off to the side, looks at the floor, and starts explaining herself: I¡¯m also sorry! It''s also my fault¡­ I think it was the thrill that make me keep going.

    Grace sigh in disappointment of herself: I was raised to be a well-behaved daughter, and now I¡¯m trying to shoot my shot with someone younger than me. I feel like such a whore right now.

    Grace now lay on her back and stare at the ceiling. While Sunz just standing there watching everything unfold and thinks to himself (Yep. I have made her go into depression mode.)

    Sunz steps closer to Grace¡¯s bed and asks: Do you mind if I sit here for a bit?

    Grace: Yeah, do what you want.

    Sunz sits on the bed next to Grace and tries to comfort her with his word: Have you ever experienced emotion before because right now you¡¯re going through a rollercoaster of emotion! The first time we meet you were calm and cool. But today you just go from flirty to depressed.

    Grace sits up and glares at Sunz: You sure know how to cheer up someone.

    Sunz: Nice! Now that I got your attention, I¡¯ll try to cheer you up. You don¡¯t have to feel bad about your action just now. You¡¯re new to this so your emotions are mixed up. At least you didn¡¯t touch me means you still have control of yourself.

    Grace: Haizz, can¡¯t believe I¡¯m being lectured by you. So answer this for me ¡°Would you be willing to go out with me?¡± just a simple Yes or No.

    Sunz without missing a beat answered bluntly: Yeah I would.

    Grace is shocked: Huh! But¡­ you just said before that we need time.

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    Sunz: Well before, you approach me with an ominous aura so my emotion was on defensive mode. And now after processing all the data about you, I see that being with you is not too bad but you still scare me tho.

    Grace: So if I ask you out right now will you accept it?

    Sunz answer bluntly: No!

    Grace feel irritated so she grab Sunz by the collar: Do you think you can just keep playing with my emotion like this!

    Sunz: I know you¡¯ll be angry after I said that, but let me explain myself. We have our round coming up in 2 days so I want everything to be mutual on both sides. If I beat you this relationship is dead after it starts.

    Grace releases Sunz off her grasp: Fine! You have a point there. So let¡¯s have a bet. If I win you become my boyfriend and if I lose¡­

    Sunz cut Grace off: Sure why not. If I win you can decide the reward for yourself.

    Grace: You don¡¯t really care about the bet at all, do you?

    Sunz: The bet is a win-win for me. I lose I get a girlfriend, I win I go further into the round. Plus the bet will make both of us go all out on each other.

    Grace: Well then, if I lose I can be your girlfriend how about that!

    Sunz: Whatever suits you, I guess. But I think we have been talking long enough. I need to start training again.

    Grace: Yeah wouldn¡¯t want to see you give up after a few hits. So take care!

    Sunz walks over to the door to leave but before leaving he asks Grace one more question: How are you able to wear that suit all this time, doesn¡¯t it hot?

    Grace: Oh I can manipulate cold air around my body, both inside and outside so I can wear this anytime.

    Sunz ¡°Well that is pretty handy. Well then see you next time¡±. Grace ¡°Take care!¡± both waves each other goodbye then Sunz leaves.

    Later Sunz goes down to the lobby to meet Sogae to ask for his sword and luckily she is there.

    Sunz: Hi Miss Sogae. I¡¯m here to ask about my sword.

    Sogae ¡°Yeah here you go¡±, she gives Sunz back his sword. ¡°And take this as a sorry gift for not preventing last night''s incident sooner.¡± She gives Sunz a water bottle.

    Sunz accepts her gift and thanks her: But you still come and help us in the end so everything is ok. You don¡¯t need to be sorry.

    Sogae: If you say that it''s not that much of a problem then I should stop beating myself over it. So how was the party, did everyone get along?

    Sunz: Yeah... everything is good everyone getting along. Nothing out of the blue happened. (Something did happen!!!)

    Sogae: Well then that''s good to know. And any question you want to ask me?

    Sunz: You know where is Yama?

    Sogae: The Japanese kid. He probably having breakfast right now. Why don¡¯t you go check the dining area?

    Sunz: Ok. Thank you!

    Sunz says goodbye to Sogae and makes his way to the dining area (with the sword on his back). Standing outside the dining area he takes a peek to see if Yama is in there or not. And it looks like Yama isn¡¯t there. Seeing that Yama is not there Sunz meaning to go train alone but his body reminds him that he needs energy. And because he is in the dining area why not just go grab some food to please his body.

    After looking around and choosing his food Sunz goes sit down at one of the tables in the corner that have nobody there. He sits down and enjoys his food while checking if there is anything on the news. A few minutes later he sees Yama waddling in the dining area, so he stops eating and approaches Yama.

    It looks like Yama is pretty tired but somehow he is still very coordinated so Sunz helps guiding him to sit at his table. Let Yama sit for a bit Sunz goes back to his meal while keeping an eye on Yama.

    After a few minutes combined with the food smell in the air Yama start to regain consciousness. So Sunz asks what he wants to eat. Yama just said ¡°Anything¡± he is too tired to think. So Sunz goes grab some food for Yama and when he returns with Yama¡¯s food. His food is all gone and Yama returns to normal.

 Chapter 30: The fear to train

    Sunz put the rest of the food on the table, sit in his sit and ask ¡°So how is my choice of food.¡±

    Yama: Yeah, it''s good. Sorry for eating your food.

    Sunz: Don¡¯t worry! Did you stay up last night and forget to eat, if so stay here and let me go get you some more.

    Yama shakes both of his hands to tell me that I don¡¯t need to do it. I accept his refusal and both of us finish the rest of the food I bring in. (Well more like Yama finish most of it, halfway through I was so full that he finish the rest.)

    Sunz: So are you able to teach me today?

    Yama: Yeah, we will train today. That''s why I was so dead this morning, I was thinking of how to train you.

    Sunz: That is very thoughtful of you.

    Yama: I¡¯m not that thoughtful. It just part of my training to become a ¡°Sensei¡± of the clan.

    Sunz is a bit curious about the ¡°Sensei¡± stuff: Sensei as in training a new generation for the clan.

    Yama: That is half of the ¡°Sensei¡± responsibility. The other half is deciding whether the students should continue this lifestyle or return to the simple lifestyle of an ordinary person.

    Sunz: Isn¡¯t that like saying you have no talent so you don¡¯t belong here? And isn¡¯t the more students the clan has the bigger it grows?

    Yama: One of my clan philosophies is ¡°The clan can die not the innocents¡± so we don¡¯t want quantity but quality. But there is always exception, if the person has no other place to go then we can¡¯t make you leave the clan. Which is why it always sad to see your peer leave and it is even worst for the ¡°Sensei¡± that has to make their students give up their dream of being a swordsman.

    Sunz: So are you part of the nowhere to go or the talented one?

    Yama is hesitant about answering my questions. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to answer then don¡¯t force yourself.¡±

    Yama: No no! It¡¯s cool, just part of socializing. So I was abandoned when I was an infant and a member of the clan took me in. They raise me and train me as a member of the clan till this day.

    Sunz: Why were you so hesitant about telling me this?

    Yama: It¡¯s embarrassing to just talk to people like you, who have parents, and tell you that I was abandoned when I was an infant.

    Sunz: I would say, you should consider yourself lucky to have a second family.

    Yama: I guess you¡¯re right¡­

    Sunz let that conversation end before starting another.

    Sunz: Ok then. What training do you have planned for me?

    Yama: Have you ever done yoga before?

    Sunz is a bit confused: What does that have to do with training?

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    Yama: You said that you didn¡¯t have as much training as everyone here, but your sword skill is better than the average. So do you think that you¡¯re a prodigy?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t think of myself like that, it''s more like I have the right people train me at the right time.

    Yama: My other reason for suggesting yoga, is your ability to adapt to the situation. Like in our last match, you said that you have a plan to fight against me right?

    Sunz: Yeah, even though there were some unexpected elements the plan was carried out perfectly. Until¡­

    ¡°Until I revealed my second form!¡± Yama finishes Sunz¡¯s sentence.

    Sunz: Combine with your new speed. At that moment, I feel like I was fighting against a new opponent, so I have to think of a new plan with only the resources present at that moment.

    Yama: That is one of the main points about you, you are intelligent enough to think of a whole new plan.

    Sunz: I wouldn¡¯t say that I¡¯m intelligent but more like I can use chaos to my advantage.

    Yama: You know what, that does make more sense. Our brain does work faster under stress.

    Sunz: But I still don¡¯t understand! Why is yoga my training priority?

    Yama: Let¡¯s just go down to the training facility then we can decide whether you should do yoga or not.

    Sunz: Yeah! That¡¯s probably better than sitting around and doing nothing. Let¡¯s go!

    Sunz and Yama make their way down to the facility without encounter any trouble. When the door opens they see that there are more people down there to train than normal.

    Sunz whispers to Yama (Did we come in at the busiest time of the day or what is going on here.) Yama whispers back (How should I know I was sleeping through the rest of the tournament and I was on the loser bus. So I¡¯m as clueless as you are.)

    Sunz: I guess we can ask the person in charge of this place at the moment for a private room.

    Sunz and Yama walk up to the front desk to ask for a private room.

    The person who is working at the front desk at the moment is a woman with long blue hair and for some reason, she looks familiar to Sunz, but he doesn¡¯t remember where he met her.

    Sunz asks the blue hair woman ¡°Does this place have private training rooms.¡± She said ¡°Yes, we do. What kind of training room do you need?¡±

    Sunz looks at Yama ¡°What room do we need?¡± Yama ¡°A spacious room with no weight training equipment except a treadmill.¡±

    Woman: We do have a room like that, here is your key, and good luck training.

    Sunz takes the key from the woman, but before leaving he asks her a question ¡°Had we met before because you look familiar to me?¡±

    The woman is surprised that Sunz doesn¡¯t remember her: Wait you don¡¯t really remember who I am! I¡¯m Han Jun, Jihu''s older cousin!

    Sunz: Oh yeah! You beat the shit out of me on our first encounter.

    Jun sigh ¡°Haizz at least you remember who I am now.¡±

    ¡°But why do you have to also come train at this time too,¡± she said as her voice volume dropped.

    Sunz: Yeah! That is also one of my questions. Why are there so many people training today, and you too? Why does one of the best of the clan working down here?

    Jun: Wow! You remember my rank but not who I am. That hurt my feeling! To answer your first question, it is the morning so the training facility will be busier because most of the clan members don¡¯t train at night. They like to drink instead, but who can blame them, after working all day even I want a break.

    Sunz: And the second question?

    Jun: It is to babysit the winner of the first round.

    Sunz: But why? We are just here to train.

    Jun: And I¡¯m here to intervene any scuffle that could happen because we have most of the winners down here. An ordinary member of the clan isn¡¯t strong enough to intervene.

    Sunz and Yama mind (So that¡¯s the reason.)

    Jun: I would not have to be here if Sogae isn¡¯t busy with other clan¡¯s stuff. And that old guy, he put so much fear into other contestants now they are constantly training for hours just to beat him. My free time is ruined!

    Sunz: Old guy? Are you talking about Grimm? If it was him I thought he look pretty young.

    Jun: Yeah him. He may look like that but he is the oldest one in this tournament and the youngest is that kid ¡°ONE¡±. And how could the other not scare of him! He has skin of steal and knocks his opponent out with one hit with his barehand.

    Sunz: I guess when you make it sound like that it is scary. Well, we gotta go train now. I hope you don¡¯t die of boredom.

    Jun: Yeah thanks! I don¡¯t know how Sogae does all of this. She such a monster!

    As Sunz and Yama going to their private room. Jun gives Sunz an advice ¡°Everyone in the next round will be harder to knock out so try to inflict real wound this time around.¡±

 Chapter 31: A Deep Cut

    Later in the training room.

    Yama: Ok. Let¡¯s get ready to train. First, did you bring any gym clothes?

    Sunz wip out his black windbreak from out of nowhere and said ¡°Am I allowed to train with this? If I already fighting with this on, then might as well wear it while training¡­¡±

    Yama: Well, that is ok if it is what you want. I''m just afraid that your body might get a heatstroke.

    Sunz: Oh don¡¯t worry heat I can deal with. But cold! That is another reason why I need this windbreaker.

    Yama: But your next opponent is from the ¡°Ice clan¡±. Seem like the result is already decided.

    Sunz: That depends, I live in Canada for all my life so I know how to deal with the cold.

    Yama scoffs: Do you cover yourself head to toe even when it is slightly cold?

    Sunz: Maybe¡­ You know what! Stop messing around and tell me what is my first task!

    Yama: Ok then ¡°Lizard boy¡±, your first task is stamina check. Run on that treadmill at max speed and see how long can you run for.

    Sunz (I hate running) gets on the treadmill, brace himself for the task, and starts running on the treadmill at max speed. After 5 minutes his body already reaching its limits, and during those 5 minutes of running, he sometimes forgot to breathe.

    Yama walks up to Sunz and asks: So how is your body feeling? Is it reaching its limit?

    Sunz: Oh it did! My body is slowly breaking down just from running alone.

    Yama ¡°Well that''s good to hear¡± and presses a button that stops the treadmill from working.

    Sunz was surprised by Yama¡¯s action, but he was able to stop himself from falling off the treadmill.

    Yama: Ok¡­That is strange! How did you not fall off the treadmill? With the amount of speed you were building up, you should have lost balance and fallen off.

    Sunz grabs Yama by the shoulder with both of his arms and tells him ¡°Drag me away now! I can¡¯t feel my legs!¡±

    Yama slowly walked away from the treadmill with Sunz¡¯s arm grabbing on his shoulder, luckily he help Sunz get off the treadmill, but the sweat from training makes Sunz loses his grip on Yama¡¯s shoulder and his body nearly hit the floor.

    Yama catches both of Sunz''s arms right after they slip off his shoulder, then he gently places Sunz on the floor (Face first). Sunz thanks Yama for his help and rolls 180 degrees looking at the ceiling.

    Sunz catching his breath: So¡­ What result¡­ do you get from this?

    Yama: One you have bad stamina¡­

    Sun cut him off: Yeah I know that buddy any other results that aren¡¯t obvious?

    Yama: Well, you have like very good legs.

    Sunz: Please explain the meaning of ¡°good legs¡±!

    Yama: There are two types of ¡°good legs¡± the Strong and the Agile. The Strong ones can stand their ground against a tornado, but the Agile can walk on the tornado and they can feel the air surrounding their feet.

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    Sunz: So what leg am I! Agile or Strong? Also, toss me my water bottle.

    Yama tosses Sunz the water bottle and explains his theory: Hmm because you stop yourself on the treadmill without leaving a hole in it. I would say you are more on the Agile side.

    Sunz listens to Yama¡¯s theory and drinks his water while still lying on the floor.

    Sunz chokes on water intensely: *COUGH* *COUGH*

    Yama: Hey you ok there?

    Sunz sits up to explain himself ¡°Yeah I¡¯m fine just being an idiot again.¡± Then take another gulp from the water bottle. (Hmm water tastes strange and it makes me feel full of energy again. Weird!)

    Yama: So from all of that we now know that you have bad stamina and very fast.

    Sunz: Does that mean I don¡¯t need to do yoga anymore?

    Yama laugh: No! That means your body is perfect for yoga.

    Sunz sounds unenthusiastic: Yay, let¡¯s just get it over with.

    Yama: You sound like you don¡¯t want to do it! Any reason why?

    Sunz: Soo I¡¯m very cautious about my body because I know that it is weak so I don¡¯t want to injure it too much.

    Yama: You know that you are in a tournament where losing an arm doesn¡¯t mean losing the battle right!

    Sunz: I see! Well, I did ask for your help so I shouldn¡¯t be complaining. But what are some of the benefits that I¡¯ll obtain after yoga?

    Yama: Different people obtain different skills after this, but one skill in common is your choice of movements will be plenty.

    Sunz: Ok then let¡¯s get started!

    Yama and Sunz both sit down on the floor and cross their leg with their hands on their knees.

    Yama: Listen carefully to what I tell you to do!

    Sunz: Ok!

    Yama: When I ask ¡°How are you feeling¡± tell me your body condition, what surrounding you, and what you see. When there is any sudden change in your body report immediately. When you feel like your eyes need to be open. Tell me first before opening them. This is the most important part!

    Sunz: Ok I¡¯m ready!

    Yama: Close your eyes then take a deep breath and release it. While filling your mind with thoughts or stop thinking and relying on your feeling. After that, you just wait for ¡°Them¡±.

    Sunz: ¡°Them?¡±, Are they human?

    Yama: I¡¯m not the one seeing ¡°Them¡± but you are. Now start!

    Sunz closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and fills his mind with thoughts. (Why am I here),(What would have happened if I started sooner),(and where is Sword haven¡¯t seen him in a while).

    Minutes after closing his eyes Sunz''s body feels both cold and hot air travel through his body. He then hears someone''s footsteps walking around him. He then asks ¡°Yama are you walking around the room?¡±

    Yama is in shock and thinks to himself (this is strange not in a good way). He sees mist around Sunz that is restricting his body movement. Sunz¡¯s lip is moving but there is no sound coming out of it. Yama sees that something is not right and tries to intervene. But when he try to get closer his body start to get random cut, even though it was one second and only his hand reach inside the aura.

    More than a dozen deep cuts appear throughout his body making him retract his hand. Blood starts to soak onto Yama¡¯s clothes while dripping onto the floor. Horrified of what was happening Yama turn off the light, and run straight to Jun asking for help all the while of having blood dripping off of his body.

    Sunz didn¡¯t hear any of the rustles that Yama made when he rushed out of the room. It was like his mind has been separated from reality. The footstep starts to get louder and stop.

    Sunz then feels another person''s back leaning against his. The sound around him becomes dead silent, then he hears a sniffle from behind him. That sniffle soon became uncontrollable bawling that have a tone and sound like it come from a woman. In between her cries, Sunz can hear that the woman is blaming herself for something.

    The woman cries (Why didn¡¯t you go with them!),(It¡¯s all your fault!),(You don¡¯t deserve to live anymore!), (That¡¯s right! It¡¯s all my fault! The five of us grow up together, but now with four of you gone. It¡¯s best for all of us to be reunited!)

    After that last sentence, the cry slowly disappears and Sunz feels something cold start dripping from his arm down to his elbow. His body now feel nothing so he thought the training is over and start to open his eyes.

    As he opens his eyes, the darkness around him turns into a storm that starts pouring down on him and everything he sees in sight. Sunz doesn¡¯t know where he is standing on, just an unfamiliar plot of land. When he turned around, he is shocked to see a small graveyard with four no-name tombstones.

    After that shocking moment, he starts to think (Why am I seeing and hearing all of this) and when he looks down he sees a deep cut from his wrist to his palm. ¡°Wait what! Where did this cut come from? And why am I not feeling any pain! Is this all in my mind?¡±

    Then Sunz hears a familiar voice ¡°You might need this to cover yourself from the rain!¡±. He turns around and sees that it was Sword covering himself from the rain with a rice hat while the other hand is holding an open umbrella toward Sunz.

    Sword: It¡¯s been a long time since our last conversation!

 Chapter 32: Hidden Memories

    Sunz: Where am I? I know that I¡¯m not sleeping! Why is everything feel so real but I don¡¯t feel any pain at the same time? (showing the wound on his arm.)

    Sword: Interesting isn¡¯t it! I¡¯ll be honest this is also the first time I experience something like this. But one thing I do know is where we are right now.

    Sword grabs Sunz¡¯s hand and walks him under a nearby tree to shelter from the storm. When they reach the tree Sword explains the situation ¡°We are in someone¡¯s memory. To be exact it¡¯s the memory of that blacksmith girl.¡±

    Sunz: What? How can it be her and why her especially?

    Sword: I am as clueless as you are man. Even though I said that this is her memory. It¡¯s also my first time seeing this, but it feels like I have seen it before. For now, let¡¯s just wait for the event. I know it coming.

    Sunz (Event?) he wonders. So they wait for a bit, until everything starts to play out how it should be without Sunz and Sword interference. As the event starts to play out in front of their eyes. The wound on Sunz¡¯s hand has also been healed. Sunz (It¡¯s going to happen again.)

    A woman in purple clothes appears in front of the four graves then she kneels down before them and starts mourning, reciting all of the words that Sunz heard from before.

    (Why didn¡¯t you go with them!),(It¡¯s all your fault!),(You don¡¯t deserve to live anymore!), (That¡¯s right! It¡¯s all my fault! The five of us grow up together, but now with four of you gone. It¡¯s best for all of us to be reunited!)

    The purple clothes she was wearing from before now are soaked in rainwater and covered in mud. While mourning she starts to slowly pull out a small knife from her tool belt.

    At first, she was hesitant, holding the knife in her hand then with a swift movement blood start to flow down her arm, dripping onto the muddy ground.

    While Sunz and Sword observing the event, right after the blood starts to drip both of them start to experience their own event.

    For Sunz the cut appears on his hand once again but this time. He can feel every second of that pain, and the amount of blood loss makes him feel like he could faint at any time.

    But for Sword, it was something different. He starts to recover part of his memories. A flash of many events starts to appear in front of his eyes. He remember who he was, a lone swordsman with one objective. Travel to every sword clan, kill all of the masters but leave the students alive.

    Sword said, ¡°So I was the one that started all of this.¡± As he saw himself commit suicide by pulverizing his body to dust leaving nothing behind, not even his sword. And what he sees next is the younger version of the blacksmith girl reading books. He doesn¡¯t know why he is there but he only has one objective and it is to observe.

    The two return to their sense but what they had experienced will be on their mind for a while. For Sunz it is the feeling of nearly dying. For Sword it is the memories of his past.

    The blacksmith girl has no reaction to her cut and she just whispers to herself (Why can¡¯t I die!) and fall to the ground on her back while looking at the dark sky. She just stays like that not moving at all until someone walks toward her while holding an umbrella.

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    That person then asks ¡°Why are you out here covered in mud and blood? Young lady!¡±. The girl takes a closer look at that person and realizes that, it was the same merchant that visited her family store years ago.

    Still holding the knife in her hand. She tried to attack the Merchant but was unsuccessful when he just need to take a step back to dodge her attack. The girl stands up, still clutching onto the knife, and screams at the merchant ¡°IT WAS YOU! IT''S ALL YOUR FAULT THAT THEY ALL DIE! IF YOU HAVEN¡¯T GIVEN THEM THOSE BOOKS! THEY WOULD STILL BE HERE!¡±

    Merchant: Then I would like to know. Why didn¡¯t you come with them? Why did all of you spit up and go your own path, when you all could have seen each other wins!

    The girl is now silent after hearing what the Merchant and realizes their mistake. Tears continue to flow once again as the Merchant continues to speak.

    Merchant: I had been keeping an eye on all of you, since I gave out the books to you five. It¡¯s also broken my heart when I had to witness each of their death.

    The girl was shocked to know that he was there, witnessing their death: Then why! WHY DIDN¡¯T YOU SAVE THEM!

    Merchant: The merchants aren¡¯t allowed to interfere with events, that include the person''s death. Their wounds are something I don¡¯t want to touch but I¡¯ll reattach their limb and put them in a coffin to have a good burial.

    The girl: So you were the one that bring them back. For that, I appreciate your work. Now, please accept my one request.

    KILL ME AND BURIED ME NEXT TO THEM.

    Merchant: I will not accept that request because it means I¡¯m interfering with an event.

    The girl: I know that you¡¯ll say that. But! Why can¡¯t I die? Is this your work too, why are you still trapping me in this meaningless life?

    Merchant: That is not me who is keeping you alive. It¡¯s your hatred for revenge, to kill those that killed your family (The 4 boys).

    The girl: That is not true! It was all my fault, if I had gone with them I could have ¡°Kill the master for them!¡±

    The girl pause for a moment and ask Merchant: Did I just say that?

    Merchant: Your emotion is slowly leaking out. Now you have seen me again you must be thinking that I can help you revenge, right?

    The girl''s heart started to beating fast and she said to herself (Haha he is right. What I want now is revenge! It¡¯s better to accomplish something before I die than just dying for no reason.)

    The girl now with a new expression on her face and a confident voice asks Merchant: So what can you do to help me?

    Merchant: Finally your true self has returned. There are 2 things I want to give you for your quest.

    Merchant steps closer to the girl, pull out a blank piece of paper and stick it onto her clean arm. The paper then dissolves into her arm then he explains what the paper does ¡°The name of your target will slowly show up on your skin the closer you are to them. Your brain will also know their exact location.¡±

    The second thing he gives to her is a piece of metal. He first put it under her wound to let it absorb a drop of blood. Then put the metal into her hand. The metal''s sudden reaction when touching the girl''s hand was. It turns into a sword that fits inside her hand with no disadvantage in the weight.

    The girl: Why are you giving me a sword when I can just forge one myself?

    Merchant: Looks like you still don¡¯t know something special about yourself, but that is for you to figure out on this quest.

    The girl looks at all of the gifts Merchant gave her and said: I guess this is the moment we said our goodbye.

    Merchant: It is! I only hope the best for you on this adventure.

    The girl: Thank you for everything you have done for us. Even though the worst scenario did happen. At least you gave us some hope.

    As the rain stops both turn their back against each other and walk away. The girl turn her back to see Merchant one last time, but he was gone leaving no trace behind. That was what she thought, then she feel a sharp pain in her hand. When she takes a look at it, the hand had fully healed.

    The girl: I¡¯m sorry for the tragedy that happened to the four of you. To make sure you guys rest in peace I¡¯ll finish what you all set out to do.

    As the girl walking away from the graves the whole place start to phasing out Sunz and Sword just looks at each other until one of them speaks up.

    Sword: I¡¯ll do more research on this and we might meet again after your second round. And make sure that you have to win it, not only the next round but this whole tournament!

    Sunz: I will! That is my objective after all!

    Sword: Then may we meet again!

    The whole world turns into a flash of bright light bringing Sunz back to reality. When he wakes up he sees that he is sitting in the corner of the room with Yama, Jun, and Sogae keeping check on him.

 Chapter 33: Interrogation

    Sunz: Why are there so many people here?

    Jun: Sogae can you check to see if his body is safe enough to interact with?

    Sogae nodded at Jun¡¯s question and glare at Sunz for a second and report back to her ¡°He is fine now! The spirit isn¡¯t haunting him anymore.¡±

    Jun: That¡¯s good to hear, for now, you go and take care of that kid''s wounds (Yama) and the facility for me. I need to take care of this mess immediately.

    Sogae ¡°Sure! But after that, it¡¯s my turn to interrogate him.¡± Then she tells Yama to follow her to do a thorough checkup of his body.

    Yama doesn¡¯t ask any question and just do what Sogae tell him to. He was still shocked of what was happening from before!

    Sogae and Yama leave Jun and Sunz inside the room together. On their way out Yama asks Sogae about Sunz ¡°Is it ok to leave him alone with her? Miss Jun was emitting an ominous aura right after entering the room, which kinda scare me.¡±

    Sogae nervously laughs: Well she is the type that loves mystery. When she encounters something unknown her bad side starts showing. A fun fact about her is, her love for mystery leads her to become a cop.

    Yama: I see. I hope that Sunz is ok!

    Sogae (I hope so too, and I also wish that was the only reason why Jun decided to become a cop.)

    (Jun become a cop because it gives her the authority to enter places that no one has entered before and with high rank she is allowed to enter any crime scenes that are happening at that moment.)

    Back to Sunz and Jun

    Jun: Are you feeling ok now?

    Sunz: I guess so. My body still feels pretty normal. Maybe just confused about what was going on.

    Sunz looks around the room and sees that there are drops of blood on the floor. Immediately he takes a look at his hand and sighs in relief (So the wound doesn¡¯t carry out in the real world. But whose blood is that?).

    Jun after seeing Sunz''s reaction. She immediately knows what is on his mind at that moment.

    Jun: You have been fixated on your hand for a while now, is there something bothering you?

    Sunz: Oh it''s just the blood on the floor makes me wonder did I somehow bleed while meditating. I did feel a sharp pain in my hand so I guess it could be my blood on the floor.

    Jun: That blood is not actually yours, it was Yama¡¯s blood.

    Sunz is very surprised: How did that happen?

    Jun (So he doesn¡¯t know what was happening outside of his mind.): How can explain this¡­ You were possessed by a spirit but not in a bad way like trying to take over your body. It was protecting you from being interrupted.

    Sunz (So that was what happened outside of my mind. But how did Jun and Sogae know about this.): Wait! How did you and Sogae know about the situation inside this room?

    Some detail just suddenly click in Jun''s mind

    (He is right how did Sogae know about this? When she appeared out of nowhere, I thought that she overheard it from somewhere. But now looking back, when she appeared, she looked fine like always but her energy level was very low. And I just brush it off as she was overworking herself again.)

    (But Sogae''s energy level has never been that low before¡­) and Jun thought was being cut off by Sunz ¡°Miss Jun are you ok? You just space off for a moment there.¡±

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    Jun responds to Sunz ¡°Oh just remember something from work that I need to do later.¡± (I need to talk with Sogae later!)

    Jun: Let¡¯s get back to how did I learn about your situation.

    I was working at the counter when I saw your friend running out of the hallway covered in cuts and blood. Which scared a lot of people that were training. I then proceeded to pull out my sword and stab him because that is how my clan healing work. It did shock a lot of people that aren¡¯t part of the clan tho.

    Your friend, he was still shocked of everything that had happened. But he calm down pretty fast I¡¯ll say. He then explain to me the situation was that you were not responding to him at all and you had set up a defense barrier which explain his cut and bleeding.

    While walking to your private training room the hallways has many drops of blood, which I had to clean later. But that kid was right, you were emitting a dangerous aura that prevented people from coming near you.

    I know that you aren¡¯t that strong but the aura strength is way stronger than you by a lot. Despite that, I was still able to push you back into the corner, still takes some cut tho. After that, I heard a loud running from outside and it was Sogae.

    I don¡¯t know how did she know about the situation but she was able to assess the situation and see that your body was possessed by a spirit or protected by that spirit. Then you wake up after 5-10 minutes later.

    That was what happened when you were meditating! Was that too much information for you?

    Sunz: I think I get a grip of what was going on. Thank you for helping Yama! But what I¡¯m feeling right now is you still want some answers out of me right?

    Jun answer Sunz in a surprised tone: What makes you think that you have valuable information for me?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know just guessing. From what you just told me it feels like the clan has information about what just happened.

    Jun: You¡¯re right I¡¯m a bit curious about your situation! So I hope you don¡¯t mind answering some questions.

    Sunz: I¡¯ll answer to the best of my ability.

    Jun: Good! One of the details that I didn¡¯t tell you, was that your hand was cut by the spirit, and a moment ago you just check your hand when asking about the blood on the floor. So I guess that what was happening in your mind also happened in real life.

    ¡°But that is not my question. My question is what was happening in your mind!¡±

    Sunz: I was seeing someone past. I don¡¯t know why it happened to me but it was about the person mourning.

    Jun: Are there any specific details about this person that you remember?

    Sunz: The person was a girl that wear purple clothes and she tried to kill herself by slicing her hand. That is all I can tell you!

    Jun (Lady in purple! What does she want to do with him?): If you don¡¯t want to then I won''t force any information out of you. For now, I suggest you take a day off and train tomorrow.

    Sunz: Yeah I was thinking the same thing. So do you have any other questions that I need to answer?

    Jun: No further questions. You¡¯re free to leave.

    Sunz: Thank you.

    Then from outside the hallway Sogae rush into the room and said ¡°WHAT ABOUT ME! You agree that I can interrogate him after you!¡±

    Jun(Oh yeah I did said that¡­):Umm¡­ You can do that while escorting him back to his room.

    Sogae: Fine! Also, I clean up all of the blood around the hallway, done checking up on that kid, and sent him back to his room.

    Jun: Thank you. Now please takes Sunz back to his room.

    Sogae: Ok! Sunz let¡¯s go!

    Sunz: Right behind you.

    Sunz grabs everything that he brings to that room. His sword, the water bottle then follow Sogae to the elevator.

    After Sunz and Sogae leave, Jun said to herself "Something interesting finally happened and now I¡¯m back to babysitting duty. But at least I have something interesting to discuss with the clan tonight.¡±

    Back to Sunz and Sogae.

    Sogae: So rough day isn¡¯t it?

    Sunz: Yeah I guess so¡­ Did you drug the water bottle you gave me?

    Sogae: What are you talking about? If I ever touch that thing Jun is going to kill me before I get to do anything with it.

    Sunz show Sogae the water bottle she gave him that morning: Well this is the second time you give me this and every time I drink it my body feels energized.

    Sogae: Hmm how can I explain this¡­The water that I gave you has a bit of my essence in it¡­

    Sunz: Wait should I be concerned about this ¡°Essence¡± and is it what I think it would be?

    Sogae: No no it¡¯s not what you think it is. It is very innocent not that anime thing you¡¯re thinking of.

    Sunz: I¡¯ll take your word for it. But why did you rush down to the training facility at that moment?

    Sogae: Well¡­You were the only person that I gave the water bottle to so it came to my mind that you were draining my energy.

    Sunz: You know that the way you¡¯re phrasing it sounded very weird.

    The elevator door opens to the floor that Sunz¡¯s room is on. Sunz leaves the elevator then Sogae tells him one last thing.

    Sogae: I¡¯ll teach you how to do it. So don¡¯t think that lewd of me ok!

    Sunz: Fine I¡¯ll trust your word for it. And you don¡¯t really have to teach me.

    Sogae smile: That is not an offer that is a must. See you next time!

    Sunz: Yeah, see you¡­

    The elevator close and Sunz go back to his room.

 Chapter 34: Darkness and Light

    Back in his hotel room, Sunz put his sword and the water bottle on the table next to his bed. He then proceeded to lie on the bed, with both legs dangling off to the side of it. His mind started to rewind all of the events that have lead him to this place.

    (Being friends with Jihu. The battle that introduced me to a new friend Laikan and Laikan¡¯s guardian Archibald. Then Sword and Merchant two people that came from different worlds.)

    (Now in Korea I also meet some new faces. Sogae an unpredicted girl. Grimm a mystery guy with cool stories. Yama help me tap into the unknown. Grace¡­ she has unique personality.)

    Sunz: I guess that my life has been pretty eventful. But there are still so many things that are unknown to me.

    Sunz: Jun told me to rest and train tomorrow, but I guess instead of physical training I can do mental training. There is still one more element that I haven¡¯t put much thought into it ¡°EMOTION¡±.

    Sunz gets out of his bed and grabs his sword. While doing it Sogae¡¯s water bottle caught his eye and he thinks (Yeah! Not taking any of Sogae''s special drug this time.) He then makes sure that the curtain is closed and the door is locked.

    Standing in the middle of the room while holding the sword Sunz wonders (How does this emotion work): During that vision, the Merchant said that the reason why the woman was still alive while losing that much blood. Was all because of her hatred.

    Sunz: Hmm but how can I incorporate it with my sword? Ok first let¡¯s just think of how to trigger strong emotions. Anger, happiness, and sadness all can¡¯t be triggered at this point. But even if I can those aren¡¯t potent enough.

    Sunz: Except for ¡°FEAR¡± and I can trigger it instantly right in this room. It¡¯s time to meet you once again old friend!

    Sunz slowly steps closer to the light switch in the room. The closer he gets, the more his muscle started to tense up but he tried to calm it down by slowly breath in and out. After getting close to the light switch, with one finger on it while the other hand clutching on the sword.

    Taking one last breath to calm his whole body down and with that he turns off the light.

    The room slowly turns to pitch dark. The curtain has blocked all of the light that can come into the room. Surround himself with darkness also mean losing one of his main sight (His eyes).

    Inside the darkness, his fear starts to grow. Sunz knows that he can stay calm but it¡¯s his mind that is playing tricks on himself. He can only reassure himself to a certain point until he has to embrace it.

    The temperature inside his body starts to get colder while on the outside it is different, sweat starts to flow down his face and back. Even though he can¡¯t see, his mind starts to fill in the darkness with shadowy creatures that aren¡¯t real or with the one that he has only seen once from scary games and movies.

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    Combine with the ambiance noise from inside the hotel with the cold air from the AC, make it feel like these creatures are moving, crawling around him.

    Sunz: This is such a great idea! Both my mind and body are unstable but my arms feel different. It feels like they know that they are the only thing that can protect me. And the sword also feels different from before, a bit heavier.

    ¡°Well then! Let this swing be something new!¡±

    Sunz then proceed to swing the sword, and what he feels was correct. His sword did feel heavier but it wasn¡¯t the weight that change. It was what the sword interacted with that changed.

    Darkness is something that is untouchable. Now is being sliced through like a thick blob of ink. During this whole time, Sunz didn¡¯t close his eyes at all and now is witnessing something unimaginable. As the sword making progress Sunz can see part of the darkness turning into light.

    Sun putting all his effort into that swing, result in something that is surreal. Finish his rotation, all of the darkness attracted to his sword like positive attracts negative.

    The room before this was pitch dark, there is nothing to see. But now it is being lit better than when the light was on. The blade of the sword was shiny steel color before, but now the whole blade is covered in pure darkness, the original color of the blade is no longer there. Which makes it looks like a brand-new blade.

    Holding the new blade in his hand. Sunz''s next action is to strike the blade to the ground. Then all of the darkness blast out of the sword in an instant making the room pitch dark again¡­But this time the darkness feels different.

    It¡¯s not the normal darkness like before. The vision is still the same but Sunz can now touch it. The darkness now has the consistency of smoke. And about the blade, it now illuminates as strongly as when the room gets all of its darkness sucked out.

    Sunz''s action to strike the blade to the ground was not accidental. It was on purpose because he knows what is going to happen next after that action.

    Sunz: What is going on? What are all of these information that just got inserted into my mind? How can I understand them so easily? This is so different from when I learn the water and lighting clan element.

    ¡°Back when I learned these elements I didn¡¯t absorb the information that instance, I only know the basics and then try to elevate them later on. But this is way too different the element and its information came to me like I already know it!¡±

    Sunz was surprised that the illuminated light from the sword can¡¯t even pierce through the darkness. He proceeded to move the sword slowly through the dark and the same thing happened like before.

    But this time the darkness covers only one side of the blade while the other side still shines brightly.

    Sunz: Hmm! Now I wonder, is my brain making all of this up, because I don¡¯t know what I just created? One of the information I gained was, these elements can¡¯t harm anyone. Suck to know that it can¡¯t hurt people but at least I know that before the real fight.

    Sunz then turns on the light. When the light is on the sword return to normal, then he turns it off again but nothing happens. ¡°So it true that darkness can make light but light can¡¯t make darkness.¡±

    Sunz turn the light back on and leave it like that.

    Sunz thinks (Let¡¯s test this out before the real fight.)

    He then proceeds to shove his sword under the bed, wiggle it around under there then pull it out. The sword has now taken the darkness from under the bed and isn¡¯t disappear when comes in contact with a different light source.

    Sunz returns the darkness to the bed and put his sword away. After that, his vision starts to get blurry and he can¡¯t stand still.

    Sunz: Well all that mental energy is gone. Probably gonna faint soon.

    Sunz doesn¡¯t have enough energy left to get on the bed. So he decided to pull the blanket off it and put on the floor. Sunz then quickly lay down, and wrapped himself from head to toe. Luckily he done it all before fainting again.

 Chapter 35: Fever Dream

    After some hours.

    Sunz wakes up feeling a bit drowsy, still has the blanket covering his whole body, and doesn¡¯t know whether it is night or day.

    Sunz remove the blanket off his body and was jumpscare by the presence of Grace sitting in his room while reading a book.

    Sunz was startled and let out a weird noise ¡°AKSJDKAJD¡±. Which caught Grace''s attention taking her mind off the book.

    Grace: Hey there sorry for coming in without notice. did I startle you?

    Sunz ¡°Yeah you did! How did you get in here anyway?¡± then proceed to throw the blanket back on the bed.

    Grace: You want to hear the short version or the long version?

    Sunz gives out a long yawn still feeling drowsy, ¡°I guess¡­ the long version¡­ Sorry, I¡¯m still a bit woozy after waking up.¡±

    Grace: Oh don¡¯t worry! I heard what happened. I just hope I didn¡¯t ruin your sleep.

    Sunz: I wouldn¡¯t call that a sleep, more like resting after collapse. Ok enough about me! I want to hear your story and you also mentioned that you heard something about me.

    Grace: Yeah Jun told me what happened¡­

    Grace pauses for a bit and asks Sunz ¡°Umm! Why are you still standing there? Aren¡¯t you gonna sit down somewhere?¡±

    Sunz: Oh! I don¡¯t know, I¡¯m just too tired to sit down.

    Grace is just confused with Sunz''s answer: Too tired to sit down? Are you ok?

    Sunz ¡°I think am fine. Does it make you uncomfortable? If so then I can sit down and listen.¡± Then he proceeded to sit down and cross his legs.

    Grace holds her arm out trying to stop him ¡°Oh you don¡¯t have to!¡± but Sunz has already sat down and is waiting for Grace to continue her story.

    Grace feels like she just made Sunz do something that he doesn¡¯t want to. Then she also proceeds to sit on the floor. But Grace is having difficulty in choosing a sitting position.

    Sunz: Um¡­ May I ask! Had you ever sat on the floor before?

    Grace: Of course I had! What makes you think that?

    Sunz: Well you don¡¯t live in Asia and were raised in a formal household so I guess that you are trying to figure out an appropriate sitting position.

    Grace starts to blush a bit: Fine! I have never sat on the floor with this kind of clothes before, ok!

    Sunz (Wait didn¡¯t she sit on the floor while we were having hot pot the other day¡­): Well! You could try sitting with both of your legs crossed or sit with one leg up¡­ Wait what do you mean ¡°This kind of clothes¡±

    Grace: Today I¡¯m trying suit. I wear dress all the time so I want to try something new. But I didn¡¯t expect the pant would be this tight. It feels like I need to be careful when moving around or it will rip.

    Sunz said ¡°You know what let¡¯s sit somewhere else¡± while standing up. Then go grab the other chair that was in the room and place it 90 degrees from Grace¡¯s chair.

    Grace stands up after Sunz and watched him move the chair then she said ¡°Sitting on the floor is fine you don¡¯t have to make things more complicated.¡±

    Sunz then sit down in his chair and said ¡°Please just go back in your chair. I don¡¯t want any accident to happen.¡±

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    Grace sighed and just follow along with Sunz''s shenanigan. She goes back to her chair, sits down, and tries to tease Sunz with her word.

    ¡°You know that you can have a better view of me if we were sitting on the floor¡­¡±

    Sunz: Please don¡¯t try to corrupt my mind. I want to do that myself. Weren¡¯t you raised in a formal way? Why are you trying to act seductive right now?

    Grace: Fine! Just testing your human nature. And yes I was raised to be a polite and charming girl. But that doesn¡¯t mean I wasn¡¯t taught to manipulate weak-minded men.

    Sunz: Ok! I think we are getting sidetracked. Let¡¯s return to how you got here.

    Grace nodded and continue her story.

    An hour ago!

    Grace was reading one of her books and looked up at the clock (Oh it''s already this late) she thought to herself. Grace then stretch for a bit after sitting on the bed for such a long time.

    She then goes to the bathroom and checks herself in the mirror: Hmm do I need to change? Maybe I could wear the suit from this morning.

    Grace holds the suit in her hand and giggles ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt me in anyways but it might have some effect on him.¡± She quickly changes into her new outfit, looks in the mirror, and said to herself ¡° I do look pretty good in a suit. But why do the pants have to be this tight.¡±

    Grace leaves the room and brings the book that she was reading from before with her. Step into the elevator she starts to think (Would he even be down there at this hour. I know that he said he was training but he could finish early.)

    Leaving the elevator Grace encounters Jun and Jihu. They were also heading to the dining room. But it wasn¡¯t Grace who notice them. It was Jun, after seeing Grace she rush to her and gives her a big warm hug. While Jihu just stands there and waves at her.

    Grace: It¡¯s been a long time since you last met me right Jun?

    Jun release Grace from her hug: It¡¯s been way too long, but I¡¯m so happy to see how much you grow.

    Grace: Oh! Thank you, that means a lot to me!

    Jun: Oh you are making this big sister tear up! I see that you had became proficient with a new type of weapon, and I think it¡¯s a good fit for an elegant person like yourself.

    Grace: Thank you! May I ask, are you two heading to the dining area right now?

    Jun: We are! Do you wanna join us?

    Grace: If it is ok with both of you then I would love to. Also, I would like to ask, do you know where is Sunz?

    Jun: I think he must be back in his room hours ago.

    Grace: Hours ago? I thought that he was planning to train.

    Jun: Well he did but something happened during it. And I advised him to continue tomorrow.

    Grace: Can you explain to me what happened?

    Jun looks at Jihu like she is asking him ¡°Should I tell her?¡± and he just nods signaling to her that ¡°It¡¯s ok to tell.¡±

    Jun then tell Grace everything that she knows.

    Grace: So he was being haunted by a lady in purple clothes. So is he ok now?

    Jun: I think he is. You want to see him now?

    Grace: Can I? I thought that you were going to have some rule that forbids next-round opponents from meeting.

    Jun: We do, but I trust that you won¡¯t harm him. Now tell her his room number Jihu!

    Jihu ¡°Uh ok!? His room number is XXX¡± and gives her a keycard ¡°This is my card to access his room. Just return it to the front desk after you done meeting him.¡±

    Grace accept the card ¡°Thank you!¡±, ¡°Would it be disrespectful of me to reject your dinner offer?¡±

    Jun: Oh don¡¯t worry! I have Jihu to keep me company. Besides, it is not disrespectful if you¡¯re worrying about someone else.

    Grace bowed at Jihu and Jun, thanking them, and bolt up to Sunz¡¯s room.

    Jun said to Jihu: Your friend, he just hit the jackpot in love!

    Jihu: What! You¡¯re saying that they are a couple. They¡¯ve only known each other for two days.

    Jun: You boys are clearly blind when it comes to romance. Based on the outfit she was wearing. It means that she was trying to impress him with her new outfit.

    Jihu: The issue is not her it Sunz. He never likes anyone and now a girl like him, he is going to think it strange and it should not happen.

    Jun: Oh! You guys going to grow out of it soon enough. I also heard that you are dating right now too. Finally, settle on someone after rejecting too many.

    Jihu: Can we talk about this at another time!

    Jun: Sure¡­! But I have to say it was smart of you to choose her.

    Back to Grace

    ¡°Room XPZ¡±, ¡°Room XYZ¡±, ¡° Room XXX here it is¡±. She put the card near the sensor and it works. She creek open the door a bit, seeing that the light was still on so she thought that Sunz was awake.

    ¡°Pardon my intrusion,¡± she said before walking into the room and closing the door behind her.

    Inside the room, she didn¡¯t know where Sunz was but did notice the blanket on the floor. When she goes check on it and flip it open. She nearly got a heart attack after opening it but at least she found him.

    Grace then checks his pulse and energy and sees that he is just resting. Then she covers him back with the blanket and sits on one of the chairs waiting for him to wake up.

    Back to Present.

    Grace: And that is everything.

    Sunz: So that¡¯s what happened.

    Grace: You aren¡¯t mad that I break into your room?

    Sunz: You were only checking on me so I¡¯ll let it sly. I guess we should head down for dinner. I make you wait long enough.

    Grace said sarcastically: Aren¡¯t going to offer me anything as an apology gift?

    Sunz: Uh! I don¡¯t have any money but since I have nothing to do. You can drag me anywhere in Seoul¡­

    Grace (Wait did he seriously takes that to heart): Ok then. That also means you aren¡¯t allowed to complain Ok!

    Sunz: Ok!

 Chapter 36: Date ???

    After dinner, Sunz asks Grace to wait for him at the lobby for 5-10 minutes so he can change into something more presentable.

    While waiting in the lobby Grace was approached by a familiar face.

    ¡°Why are you dressed so fancy? About to go on a date or something?¡±

    Grace ¡°Oh, Announcer Lady! Thank god you¡¯re here, I need your help.¡±

    Sogae (Announcer Lady?!): My name is Sogae and I work all types of jobs here. I¡¯ll gladly give you a hand young lady. So what do you need?

    Grace: I only have 10 minutes! So can you please tell me the best places to visit around here?

    Sogae: Calm down for a bit. First I need to know the reason, how many people will be going and the purpose of this trip.

    Grace: Isn¡¯t reason and purpose has the same objective?

    Sogae: It¡¯s No actually. Reason is the cause of this trip. Purpose means what do you want to achieve on this adventure.

    ¡°Now! Answer quickly! You only have 9 minutes left! Go!Go!Go¡±

    Grace: Ok then. I accidentally cause this situation to happen and it¡¯s a two people trip male and female.

    Sogae scribbles words onto a small piece of paper: Are you two friends, a couple, or something else? And what do mean by ¡°Accidentally¡±?

    Grace: For now we are rivals. And maybe friends, I guess? And for the ¡°Accidentally¡± part¡­ Had you ever tried to ¡°seduce¡± someone and it actually works, kinda? Well, that is the situation I created for myself.

    Sogae: Your situation is quite unique I must say. But there is really nothing out of the ordinary for now. So what is the purpose of this trip, to increase the chemistry between two people or just to hang out?

    Grace: What is the difference between those two options? It feels like both have the same outcome.

    Sogae: Good question! Once you¡¯ve been giving out tips like this for a while. You¡¯ll see what creates the best events or the worse. So this is my advice. Want to get married, the first option. Want to slowly figure out each other, the second option.

    ¡°By the way 3 minutes left!¡±

    Grace is feeling a bit frantic (Ugh what should I choose! Is he somewhat into me or is he trying to play tricks on me? Why am I panicking right now?!)

    (I know I¡¯m the one that causes this but am I into him¡­ Why did my action have so much consequence!)

    Sogae: Uhm¡­ You ok Miss?

    Grace: Can I have a bit of both? I want to increase our chemistry, but not too much.

    Sogae ¡°Sure no problem!¡± writing everything onto a small piece of paper and giving it to Grace.

    Sogae: These are the places that are within the hotel vicinity. You can use this note as a suggestion but not everything will go according to plan. Remember that!

    Grace: Thank you so much! I hope I did not take too much of your time.

    Sogae: Don¡¯t worry! I have nothing to do at the moment anyway.

    ¡°And 10 minutes is over.¡±

    Both hear a ¡°Ding¡± sound from the elevator and as the door opens Sunz walks out of it. This time instead of wearing casual clothes he is wearing a two-piece suit.

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    Walking toward the lobby Sunz tries to fix his new outfit a bit so he can look more presentable. When he met Grace again he did not expect to see Sogae.

    Sunz to Sogae ¡°Oh Hi! I didn¡¯t expect to see you at this moment.¡±

    Sogae: And I didn''t expect to see you going out with her.

    Sunz: Strange world we live in right? Haha.

    Sogae: Well I have to go now. Got other stuff to do, so have fun you two.

    Sogae leaves Sunz and Grace in the lobby together.

    Sunz to Grace: That was a bit over 10 minutes sorry about that.

    Grace stepped closer to Sunz and fixed the clothes for him: Haizz, at least you show up. Next time don¡¯t be so hasty. I¡¯m not going to run away.

    Sunz blush a bit: Uh yeah ok I¡¯ll remember that.

    Grace: I didn¡¯t know that you would bring this outfit to the tournament.

    Sunz: Well, my parent forces me to. They said I always need to have one professional outfit prepared for special events. And I think they are right. Like always!

    Grace ¡°There done! Now aren¡¯t you looking handsome!¡± she chuckled.

    Sunz: Please don¡¯t say that about me. Anyone can look good in a suit.

    Grace: Feeling a bit shy when you get compliments?!

    Sunz: Yeah¡­

    Grace: Enough fooling around. Let¡¯s have some fun tonight! And remember¡­

    Sunz: No complaints.

    Grace: Good now Let¡¯s Go!

    A few minutes after leaving the hotel. Grace pulls out the note that Sogae gave her earlier. She wants to check all of the recommended places.

    Grace (Market, karaoke, music festival, park¡­ ), ( I know that he lets me choose the locations but I don¡¯t want to drag him to somewhere he doesn¡¯t like.)

    Sunz sees that Grace is acting a bit strange so he decided to stop for a moment. When he stops, Grace just keeps walking without noticing anything. Letting her walk a bit further then he shout ¡°HEY¡±.

    Which caught her attention. As she looked around her area, panicking and wondering where is Sunz. He slowly walked toward her and asked ¡°Are you ok? You keep spacing out.¡±

    Grace: You like food?

    Sunz: You ok??

    After that question, Grace just starts running away from Sunz to a nearby park and she is also pretty fast.

    Sunz ( I guess we are doing this then) knowing that he can¡¯t match her speed. He tries to find a blind spot and chase after her a few seconds late.

    Grace is now questioning her past decision while running away from Sunz ( Why am I acting on impulse so much today. And how did all of it happen in one day¡­)

    She then looks back at the path behind her, sees that Sunz is nowhere to be seen, and decided to stop. (Did I lose him or did he just leave?)

    Seeing that there is a bench near her area and no one is around. She decided to sit down after that chase. But after sitting down for a minute and calming herself down. Sunz appears right in front of her and asks ¡°May I sit next to you?¡±

    Grace nodded at the question.

    Sunz sits down and tries to catch his breath.

    During that moment, Grace gives him the note that Sogae gave her.

    Sunz takes the note and asks: What is this?

    Grace: While you were changing I ask Sogae for some places that we can visit and these are the locations she recommended.

    Sunz: We got a plan right here. So why did you run away?

    Grace: Do you like any of those places?

    Sunz: I¡¯m ok with the places that you want to go.

    Grace: Haizz! You can complain if you want. I don¡¯t want to drag you to a place that you don¡¯t enjoy.

    Sunz: Was that the reason for you to run away?

    Grace: Yeah it was! You gave me this ability to control your decision and you aren¡¯t even allowed to refuse it. Which makes me feel bad.

    Sunz: Oh! Ok!

    Grace: ¡°Ok¡± Is that all you can say you HEARTLESS BASTARD. Think about yourself for a moment, please! Do you like to be treated like a dog?!

    Sunz: Haha! It¡¯s kinda fun when you show your angry side.

    Grace holds her hand out as a signal: Are you wishing for a hard slap right now!!!

    Sunz: Ok ok, I¡¯m sorry please calm down.

    Grace: You¡¯re unbearable¡­ What are we going to do now? Return to the hotel or go somewhere else.

    Sunz: I do have a location in mind. But are you going to run away again?

    Grace: Depending on where you taking me!?

    Sunz: I can¡¯t reveal that!

    Grace sighed: I won¡¯t even bother with it. I had been stressed out so much tonight, so everything is up to you.

    Later they arrive at the location.

    Grace: This¡­This is what you have in mind.

    Sunz: You sound disappointed.

    Grace: You choose this place because you saw me ice skating during the tournament. So you thought that it would be a great place to visit. Of course, I would be disappointed!

    Sunz: I guess we could go back¡­

    Grace: Why would we do that?! You drag me out here then I might see how well can you skate.

    Sunz: But you sounded like you wanted to leave!

    Grace: I was disappointed but not to that extreme. Come on let¡¯s go.

    Sunz (Woman is so hard to read!)

    Inside the ice skating ring

    Sunz (Ok this is not as hard as I thought. But compared to her I am a total amateur): Can you stop circling around me, please? I feel intimidated.

    Grace: That''s your problem, not mine! Now start skating!

    Sunz: I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you but I¡¯m not here to skate but to¡­

    Grace cut his sentence: To break my leg and ruin my ice skating dream.

    Sunz: NO! What is wrong with you?!

    Grace: Come on no need to be so loud, I was joking. Please finish your sentence.

    Sunz: As I was saying, I¡¯m not here to skate but to Dance.

    Note

    When Sunz and Grace are alone together they both speak French.

 Chapter 37: Date Disaster

    Grace: Huh? Did I hear you right? You want to dance!

    Sunz answer ¡°Yeah!¡± Which makes Grace¡¯s facial expression even more confusing.

    In response to her expression, Sunz said ¡°What!¡±,¡°You thought that I brought us here to skate like all the other lovey-dovey couples.¡±

    Grace crosses her arm: Ain that the point of an ice skating ring! What other intention do you have that I need to worry about!?

    Sunz: You know, I kinda like our relationship dynamic! We both don¡¯t know what we are doing and keep second-guessing the other person''s actions.

    Grace: You want to have a practice match before the real fight, don¡¯t ya!

    Sunz: You guess it! So may I have the privilege to dance with you?

    Right after Sunz finishes his sentence, Grace swiftly grabs his hand and pulls him close to her.

    Then she said: My previous opponent was such a joke. So I hope that you can do a better job.

    Sunz¡¯s body starts to heat up due to how little space between him and Grace is.

    Grace: My my! Your body is rapidly heating up! I wonder, am I the cause?

    Sunz tried his best to separate his hand from Grace¡¯s hand but to no avail. Then she feels that Sunz is putting all of his strength in one hand.

    Which leads to him lowering his guard on the other hand. Taking that chance she successfully restrained both of his arms.

    Grace: Trying to escape, not a chance! Now lets me take care of that heat for you. Don¡¯t want your suit to be drenched in sweat.

    Sunz then feels that his body temperature starts to slowly cool down. Standing that close to Grace, Sunz slowly accepts the situation he is in.

    Sunz regained his composure, letting his body temperature return to a neutral state. But for some reason, his body is now even colder than before.

    When he looked up at Grace. He saw her blank eyes staring at their hand, not moving at all. It was like she was frozen in time.

    Grace is panicking in her mind (How long had we been holding hands? Were there many people staring at us? Why can¡¯t I hear or see anything? PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR SENSE, MYSELF!)

    Then she feels a shift in her body and a feeling that she is not holding on to anything anymore. That is when she returns to reality, seeing that she and Sunz are laying on the ice floor.

    Grace is confused about the accident that just happened. Sunz uses that moment to get up and grabs Grace¡¯s hand getting her off the cold floor.

    Sunz: Are you ok? You just blank off for a moment there.

    Grace: I¡¯m fine, just a bit messed up in the head. Did anything bad happen?

    Sunz: No one got hurt, except you did make my body feel like it was frozen in ice.

    Grace ¡°Sorry about that! Maybe I just lost control of my ability.¡± And her hand feels a bit different. When she looks at it, this time it is Sunz holding her hand and not her holding his.

    ¡°When did I release your hands?¡± she asked.

    Sunz ¡°When you were spacing out, I pull both of us to the ground to get your attention. After that our hands disconnect, I then stand up first and pull you up from the floor.¡±

    There is a moment of silence between them then¡­

    ¡°Let me release your hand! You must feel uncomfortable.¡± Sunz said. After that sentence, he felt a strong grip restraining his hand from opening and heard a whisper.

    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°You thought that I¡¯ll let you release me. Your grip isn¡¯t even that strong!¡± Grace leans forward and whispers in his ear.

    Sunz then push her back to her position and said ¡°Then can you relax your grip a bit? It¡¯s hurting my hand.¡±

    Grace obliges to release Sunz¡¯s hand a bit so it can stretch. Then she asks ¡°Sooo¡­ how is this Dance gonna work? Do you have somewhat of an idea how to make it feel like the real fight?¡±

    Sunz: The key point to this Dance is you. You will be the one that takes the initiative and I have to try my best to follow.

    Grace: Can you explain a bit more about this? I know that I¡¯m your next opponent so that makes me the key point. But everything is still somewhat fuzzy to me.

    Sunz: Our best stats in common is speed. But yours is a tier higher than mine. So in our next match, my fighting style will be stationary. I¡¯ll do my best to respond to all of your moves and turn the table with a counterattack.

    Grace: Hmm! Now that I know your plan. What will you do if I copy your fighting style?

    Sunz: That is impossible! You¡¯re at your scariest when on offense. Even though I¡¯ve only seen you battle once but that was enough to let me know where I stand on the ranking.

    Grace: Ok ok! Stop talking and brace yourself!

    Grace releases her and Sunz¡¯s hands from each other and starts ice skating around him. Slowly but surely her speed starts to build up and at the right moment, she grabs both of Sunz¡¯s hands.

    Sunz tried to restrain but his strength was not enough. Which leads him to be dragged away by Grace. Luckily that he was paying attention to her movement or else he would have fallen to the floor after being grabbed by her.

    Sunz is now being dragged away on the ice field by Grace while trying to counter her strength with his but to no avail. While doing that they did catch some attention from other couples. Some think they look cute while others think that they look like a mother dragging her kid out of the toy store effortlessly.

    Grace keeps dragging Sunz behind her while also turning her back to look at him and tease him at the same time.

    Grace: I¡¯ve never thought that you would be this weak. Maybe I don¡¯t even need to use my weapon to win¡­

    Sunz: Don¡¯t get too arrogant! We¡¯re both not at our peak performance so anything can happen.

    Grace: But I have to compliment you on being able to hold on this long.

    Sunz: I appreciate that but don¡¯t you think you should pay attention to your surrounding?

    Grace: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m an expert! Now where were we? That''s right, still waiting for that counterattack that you mention before.

    While Grace was teasing Sunz and not paying attention to her surrounding, she did not see the other couple approaching their path, and the same go for the other couple not seeing Grace about to crash into them.

    Sunz: Lucky for you! You are getting what you wanted!

    Grace: What???

    Sunz stops resisting Grace¡¯s pull and uses that strength to boost himself closer to her. So close that their body was touching each other. Which then startles Grace and releases most of her strength on Sunz¡¯s hands.

    Sunz see that as an opportunity, and decided to slide both his arm behind Grace¡¯s back and grab her shoulder.

    She was shocked to see that Sunz is touching her shoulder and when she tried to scream at him. She was forced to stop because Sunz ask her ¡°Please don¡¯t move!¡±

    After saying that Sunz shift both of their position so instead of Grace being the leader. It¡¯s Sunz''s turn to control their path.

    After switching places Grace sees the other couple crossing their path at the same time. It was in a nick of time, Sunz successfully dodge the other couple and put them in a safe spot on the field.

    Immediately after that he release Grace from his arms, takes a step back, and said ¡°I¡¯m sorry for touching you without consent! That was the only solution I can come up with to dodge the accident.¡±

    After hearing what Sunz said Grace did not give him a response. She walks out of the ice skating place, returns the ice skate, and starts walking away. Sunz swiftly follows her to make sure that she is ok.

    While walking Sunz see that Grace isn¡¯t responding to anything at all, not even to the people around her. Sunz then gets as close to her as he is allowed to and does his best to guide her back to the hotel without bumping into any trouble.

    Back at the hotel, Sunz sees that Sogae is working at the counter. Immediately rushes to her (while keeping an eye on Grace) and asks if she can come with him for a few minutes.

    Sogae agrees (She isn¡¯t that busy at the moment.) and both of them follow Grace back to her room. After returning to her room Grace headed straight to the shower.

    Sunz asks Sogae to do him a favor ¡°Can you prepare clothes for her to change in after the shower and please keep an eye on her.¡±

    Sogae just smile and nod to his question. Sunz sighs in relief ¡°Thank you, I¡¯ll return shortly!¡± and rushed out of the room to go back to his room.

    After Sunz leaves.

    Sogae said to Grace in the shower ¡° I¡¯m going to prepare for you some fresh clothes so just take your time in there.¡±

    No response was heard but she can hear that Grace is doing ok.

    Sogae was humming while looking through Grace¡¯s closet and just thought (Young couple is funny!)

    3 minutes later Sogae is done getting new clothes for Grace to change in. She then heard a knock from outside and it was Sunz.

    Sunz was just done changing his clothes and head down straight away. He also wears his black windbreaker and brings the katana alongside him.

    Sogae didn¡¯t question him at all. She just said ¡°I¡¯ll leave the rest to you then¡± gives him a pat on the back and leave the room.

    Sunz goes to one of the corners sits down and thinks to himself

    ( This gonna be a long night )

 Chapter 38: Soulmate

    15 minutes later

    Sunz hears the bathroom door open so he turns his back against that direction and looks at the wall, just in case he sees something he shouldn¡¯t.

    He can hear droplets of water flow down from her hair and hit the floor one by one (At least she dried her hair). Then he hears the sound of the towel dropping to the floor¡­

    He sighs in relief (Whew! She is still conscious enough to dry herself off.)¡­ (And now thinking about it. Kinda weird to eavesdrop on someone showering.)

    After a minute or two he heard Grace go back to the bathroom to blow-dry her hair then went back to bed.

    During all this Sunz just sat there doing nothing, not using his phone or turning around to take a peak. Just sitting in silence with only his mind and paying attention to his surrounding, just to pass the time.

    Then he heard Grace getting out of bed, slowly walking toward his corner. Sunz tries to keep his cool but his mind keeps cycling through all of the bad scenarios that Grace could do to him.

    Then he felt a strong grip on his shoulder from Grace and she said ¡° Turn around¡±.

    He obliges to turn around (fear for his life) and asks ¡°You need something from me?¡±

    She said ¡°You bed now! Or else you¡¯ll catch a cold¡± while caressing her hair.

    Sunz: No no no. It¡¯s your bed, so only you allow to sleep on it. I¡¯m ok with the floor. And won¡¯t it be weird for us strangers to sleep on the same bed together?

    Grace stop caressing her hair, stare him dead in the eye, and said ¡°You are in no condition to reason with me!¡± as she slowly increased the force of her grip on Sunz¡¯s shoulder.

    Sunz then frantically agrees while trying to release her grip with his other hand. After he agrees she releases her hand off his shoulder and walks past him to turn off the light in the room.

    When she walked past Sunz again to get back to the bed, he heard a whisper ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡±.

    Sunz thought that it wasn¡¯t a big deal but maybe it was to Grace, which make him thinks (Sometimes action do speak louder than words)

    After that, both got onto the bed. Grace gets on first and starts reading the book she brought from the start. Sunz gets on after her and tries to leave Grace as much room on the bed as possible.

    Even though Sunz feels a bit nervous about sleeping in the same bed with a girl. That nervousness soon be overcome by the comfiness of the bed. He then slowly fall asleep while Grace was reading her book.

    Just like Sunz, Grace is also nervous to have someone of the opposite gender sleeping next to her. She was multitasking, reading her book while constantly glancing at Sunz to see what will he does next.

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Soon enough, she catches on that Sunz has already fallen asleep. That is when she finally calms down but occasionally checks to see if he is ok.

    At one point she even poke his face to see if he is really asleep.

    Soon enough Grace started to feel tired, her eyes started to feel dried and she continue to yawn a lot. She put the book away on the table next to the bed.

    Take another glance at Sunz, and see that he is quite near the edge of the bed. So she carefully pulls him closer to the middle and then adjusts the blanket so it can cover both of them.

    She then turns off the light, tugs herself into the bed, and¡­ Slowly moves to the middle until their body comes in contact. Before closing her eyes she giggles.

    (I feel happy!)

    Hours later, Sunz slowly opens his eyes staring at the ceiling, and wonders (What time is it?). As he tried to get up, he feel something heavy weighting him down. When he tried to apply more force to get up, the same thing that is weighing him down also increase its force.

    That is when he tilt his head up to see what was stopping him from getting up. And it was Grace¡¯s arm laying outside of the blanket across his chest.

    Knowing the reason Sunz then turned his head to the side and was startled by Grace¡¯s position. She must have turned her head to the side while sleeping which creates a small gap for a kiss, and one person leaning forward is all it takes.

    Then he notice how close their body was touchy (shoulder to shoulder). So he decided to shuffle his body away from her because they shouldn¡¯t be this close.

    (I thought I was far from the middle and near the edge of the bed. What happened?) He remembers.

    Then he heard a groan from Grace.

    ¡°Ughghg what are you doing¡­ stop moving around so much!¡± She said in her sleepy voice and pull Sunz closer to her body again with ease.

    Then she asks ¡°Do you hate me¡±

    Sunz: No! What made you think that?

    Grace: Then why are you trying to get away from me?

    Sunz: I just feel that this is unethical. People only do this when they both have committed to each other.

    Grace: Unethical? Said the guy who tried to sleep in the corner of my room. Didn¡¯t you think that it would feel creepy?

    Sunz: I did! But I was more concerned about you. After the ice skating incident, you start to act strange.

    Grace (I can¡¯t tell him that I was embarrassed to be held in such a romantic way. Which lead me to ignore him the rest of the trip. That was rude of me!)

    I¡¯m sorry that moment I wasn¡¯t feeling well and wanted to go back immediately. (Lies)

    Grace: But thank you so much for caring about me. (It¡¯s kind of nice to have other people see me differently.)

    Grace: You know¡­ I imagine us being a couple would be so fun and quirky. Don¡¯t you think so?

    Sunz: I¡­ have no comment on that¡­

    Grace giggles: Whether you like it or not. We¡¯ll be official in two days. So let¡¯s not go easy on each other. Ok!

    Sunz: Ok!

    Grace then slither the hand that was hugging Sunz from outside the blanket into the blanket. Then she pulls Sunz even closer to her and leans her head close to him.

    Grace whispered: Now if you don¡¯t mind, I would like to sleep more so don¡¯t move. Ok?

    Sunz did not respond nor move at all. It is like he is trapped in a casket made only to fit him in one position with no wiggle room.

    Grace ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a Yes¡± then fall back to sleep immediately.

    Having no other options Sunz also falls asleep minutes later.

    Hours later Sunz woke up feeling refreshed. That was one of the best sleep he ever had. Then he hears Grace¡¯s voice

    ¡° Finally wake up. You sleep even longer than I expected. Was that a good sleep you had? ¡±

    Sunz: Yes! And I think it was because of you.

    Grace just smile at his response and said ¡°I¡¯m heading down for lunch, you coming?¡±

    Sunz: I am, wait for me to freshen up then we can go together.

    Grace: It¡¯s not like I¡¯m planning to eat alone!

    On the last day before Round Two, we didn¡¯t do much except train on our own then meet up with each other for dinner then go back to our separate rooms to prepare for the next match.

 Chapter 38.5: Clan Meeting

    This meeting happened while Sunz and Grace were on their date.

    All of the people that appeared at the meeting are Jihu, Jun, and Sogae the three characters we have met throughout the novel.

    Inside this meeting room also include 3 other figures.

    Nam the clan''s current leader, who is also Jihu and Jun''s Grandpa.

    Da Narae a female member of the clan who works as an infiltrator in the Hero Corporation. Not only being a high-rank member of the clan she is also ranked 1 in the Female Hero category.

    Tteok Soju a male member of the clan that works as a scouter, that collects information from other clans outside of Korea, while also keeping tabs on them.

    Nam: Now that everyone is here let¡¯s start the meeting. Soju please report all of the information you had collected.

    Soju: Everything is mostly the same but just getting worse. The members of all the clans from big to small just keep decreasing. Some clans have disbanded, others are waging war on each other. While some took an interesting approach, joining the villains or the hero''s side.

    Nam: Any of our associates are included in the situation you just named? And did any of them take my offer?

    Soju: None had taken the offer. But if the war will happen some will give it a thought, and some said that they will cut ties with us in order to keep their clan out of this.

    Nam: That is reasonable to an extent. After all, they aren¡¯t the main target. You still have the list of possible traitors right?

    Soju: Never go anywhere without it. Need me to show you all of the main suspects!

    Nam: No need to bring it out. I trust your decision! When the time comes, make sure to erase those names. The faster you act, the more members of the clan can live a simple life after it is gone.

    Narae: He¡¯s right no one wants to see your social tree. Each time I look at it I just want to slice both my eyes off.

    Soju: Said the person who is currently the rank 1 Female on the hero list. With how many times I see your face in advertisements and that is outside of Korea. Slowly make me believe that you might betray us sooner or later.

    Narae raises her voice and points at Soju: How dare you said that about me! Just because you can see human relationships, mean you should know my loyalty to the clan.

    Soju: Of course, I should know! I was the only person that can keep up with you since birth. So I was only joking with the idea that you might betray us. Because of one reason. Your strength!

    "Right now you¡¯re one of the top heroes and you are still young. Which means you are in a position to side with our enemy or stick to the clan."

    Narae: Are you underestimating my ability to take down thousands of enemies? I will fight until I die for the honor of the clan.

    Soju: I don¡¯t underestimate you but you are underestimating our enemy. Do you still remember what I always said to you?

    Narae: Of course I do, and don¡¯t act like you are my dad. We are the same age!

    Soju: If you do then repeat it with me.

    Narae groans: Fine¡­

    Soju and Narae: One can take down an army of thousands but two can control a whole kingdom.

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    Soju then points his finger at Jun, Jihu, and Sogae: You three should also remember it too.

    Nam: Thank you for your speech Soju. Is that all or do you still have more to report?

    Soju: Sorry for taking too much time Elder Nam. I still have a bit more information to tell.

    I still can¡¯t find any information about your friend. It¡¯s like he just disappear with no trace. And it has been Five Years since you requested me to find him. Do you think he is still alive?

    Nam: I last saw him 10 years ago and 5 years later I request you to find me information about him. And everything is still going as expected.

    Soju: Expected? You mean, you always know that I can¡¯t find any information on him.

    Nam: Precisely! I request you to find information about him is to not look for him but for his Successor. They will deliver to me a gift from him. That is when we¡¯ll know whether he is dead or alive.

    Soju: Why do you old people like to make thing more complicated than it has to be? Just mail each other with bird rather than making me find his next bloodline.

    (He is not frustrated. He just questioning their decision.)

    Nam: Is that all you have to report?

    Soju: No, there is one more. Finally a good news from all of the bad ones. And it¡¯s all thanks to your grandson Jihu.

    It looks like right before this tournament he has become close friend with the grandson of the Lighting clan leader. And their leader would like to cooperate when the war happens.

    That is all I have to report.

    Nam: Jihu why didn¡¯t you report this back to me? And this is the second time you bring us an outside ally.

    Soju: Second? Did he also bring back another powerful swordsman?

    Sogae: I wouldn¡¯t say powerful but unique. One of the contestants who is Jihu¡¯s friend can control two elements.

    Soju: I guess I¡¯ll have to see him in action to judge his skill then.

    Nam: Well then Narae, it¡¯s your turn to report.

    Narae: The Heroes Corp as we know has a lot more fighters than every clan combined together. But we shouldn¡¯t worry too much about the quantity. And focus more on the qualities.

    Each year they always have one or two new powerhouses being added to their army. And this year they have a young talented hero.

    ¡°Ember Witch¡±. She has only been doing this for 4 years but within one year she already reached the top rank at the age of 22.

    Soju: So she is just like one of us. What is there special about that? We all reach the highest rank in the clan before 20. Except you Jihu but you will tho.

    Narae: Of course, we all reach the top rank before 20 because we had been training most of our lives with other high-ranking teachers. But she has four years of experience with no teacher except this guy name ¡°Grimm¡± that only train her for 2 years and left.

    Soju: So she just found a good teacher that helps her rise in rank.

    Narae: Of course, that is what you would think. But this ¡°Grimm¡± guy has only been doing this for 4 years and he is only a B-rank before he met ¡°Ember Witch¡±.

    One of the things that amazes me is ¡°Grimm¡± is just a normal guy, with no special ability that can train another person to use their ability that skillfully, and both of them rise to A-rank within 2 years.

    Sogae: Wait! One of the contestants in this tournament''s name is ¡°Grimm¡± and he also works as a hero too.

    Soju asks Narae: If he is the ¡°Grimm¡± should we worry about him as an infiltrator?

    Narae: He left the Corp 2 years ago and suddenly showing up in this tournament 2 years later definitely is strange. But one of the detail is his status in the database displayed as ¡°dead¡±.

    Soju: So currently we have a dead man in this tournament¡­ Sogae you¡¯ll be the one to keep an eye on him ok?

    Sogae: Wait why am I supposed to keep an eye on him?

    Narae: That I also agree! You are probably the best to keep an eye on this ¡°dead man¡±.

    Sogae: Ugh¡­Fine if you two said so. I¡¯ll do my best.

    Soju: Ok then let¡¯s get back to this ¡°Ember Witch¡±. How is her stats look like?

    Narae: She has good offense and defense. Also good at both physical and magical damage. She can fly and has good base speed. Basically, she is an all-rounder, and... she is as powerful as me.

    Soju: No no no! You¡¯re joking right about that last part, right? Don¡¯t put yourself that low!

    Narae: I wish I did but it¡¯s all true. There is such a huge gap in producing talent each year. And you also have to factor in the fact that not every clan will stand together.

    Soju: But we still have the clan elders and their power is tenth or a hundred times more than ours. Which means we can still win!

    Narae: The Hero Corp also has those that are equal to our elders but they are not on the ranking. It¡¯s either in strength or the ability that they possess. Maybe even both¡­

    Soju starts to feel frustrated but he doesn¡¯t say anything and Narae starts to be concerned about him overthinking.

    Nam: That is all for today. We¡¯ll continue discussing these problems once the tournament is over. For now, let¡¯s just take a break.

    Narae apologized for leaving in such a hurry and hastily drag Soju out of the room.

    Nam to the rest that is in the room: You three don¡¯t worry about this too much. The war happening is inevitable. All we have to do is keep your connection to the clan a secret.

    That¡¯s all everyone dismisses.

    Then everyone returns to their room. Except for Sogae still working in the lobby of the hotel. Until she saw Grace and Sunz return to the hotel.

 Chapter 39: Sunz vs Grace the Warm Up

    The day of the Second Round has finally come.

    Today the only people that are watching the match are all of the losers from Round One (That want to see) and some of the high-rank people of the clan.

    A few minutes before Sunz vs Grace round start. Snow starts to fall around the whole area, covering the seats and replacing the dirt and stone ground with a thick layer of snow.

    Sunz said to Grace: Isn¡¯t that a bit overkill?

    Grace''s response: What¡­! I¡¯m just going all out.

    Sunz: Looks like I¡¯ll have to make sure we are on equal footing.

    Grace: Ready?

    Sunz: Of course I am!

    Grace: Let¡¯s go!

    While Sunz and Grace start walking on the field, Sogae starts announcing.

    Sogae: Sorry to everyone about the sudden change in the weather but the fight must go on.

    ¡°Now introduce on to the battlefield. Grace and Sunz!¡±

    Another conversation just started during Sunz and Grace introduction.

    Soju: Hey! Look like everyone is here. (The people from the meeting he means.) Did the match start yet?

    Jun: Sogae is introducing this round contestants.

    Soju: Lucky that we aren¡¯t that late. I¡¯m so tired!

    Jun: Wow, for a guy who just got a meltdown last night. Narae did an excellent job draining you dry and calming you down.

    Narae said to Jun: With him, it''s kinda simple. Wanna know how I did it?

    Soju ¡°Ok, Ladies! Don¡¯t talk about that in front of the kid.¡± Then the person sitting next to Jihu caught his attention.

    ¡°Who is this kid? He isn¡¯t part of our clan.¡±

    Jihu: Oh! This is Yama. He¡¯s from another clan and recently join my friend group.

    Soju: Ah! The genius that innovates their clan. Nice to meet you, kid! Want to join our clan?

    Yama: Well I did try but I lost in the first round.

    Soju: You may not get as many perks as winning the tournament but the two clans can still be partners.

    Jihu: Well about that! He did agree to help our clan during the war with the condition that we offer them shelter and resources to rebuild after the war.

    Soju said to Jihu and Yama ¡°It looks like I¡¯m not needed anymore.¡±

    Then he goes to Jun and Narae to vent: How can these kids do my job better than I do?

    Jun: Well they are kids and they are the clan''s future so of course they¡¯re going communicate with each other easier than you trying to talk with other elders.

    Narae: But at least you enjoy your job, right?

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    Soju: Of course! Now let¡¯s see who is fighting against each other today.

    Soju take a look at both Sunz and Grace. Then report back what he saw in both of them to the girls.

    Soju: Did Elder Nam really think of having that girl back in the clan?

    Jun: It¡¯s not his decision. That girl came back to the clan begging him to let her fix what in the past and allow her family back in the clan.

    Soju: Had he told you what really happened that night? Or is it still the same?

    Jun: He never reveal what happened that night. Anytime anyone asks about that he just said ¡° All we can do is keep watching until the truth reveals itself.¡±

    Soju: Even though he is the one who knows the truth all along. But how was she begging, was it all fake or her true feeling?

    Jun: Everything she said was true but she didn¡¯t know what her parents did and they did not tell her to beg for forgiveness. It was all on her own account.

    Soju: What if she really did win this tournament? What is Elder Nam''s thought about it?

    Jun: If she wins. Her family is allowed to join the clan but we¡¯ll keep a close eye on her parents.

    Soju sighed: At least he had a plan.

    Narae: So what about her opponent?

    Soju: Wu Sunz. So this is the duel elements kid. He has no other connection except his parent, Jihu, Class Rep, Yama, Laikan, Grimm, and other unknown entities.

    Jun: Unknown entities?

    Soju: Like his parents ¡°Nickname¡± displayed as ¡°Mom¡±, and ¡°Dad¡± because I had never seen them before. But these entities have no ¡°Nickname¡±, no silhouette.

    Narae: I guess our vacation is over!

    Soju: There is still another funny piece of information that I didn¡¯t tell you two.

    Narae and Jun: What is it?

    Soju: You know that those two down there are dating.

    Narae and Jun: WHAT!

    Now back to Sunz and Grace, both having their hand on their weapon waiting for Sogae to start the battle.

    Sogae ¡°3¡­2¡­1¡­Start!¡± and disappear from the field.

    Right after the count down Grace snap her finger, turning the layer of snow into ice.

    The battlefield goes from sinking every step you take to an ice skating arena.

    Grace''s shoes turn into ice skating shoes and rush at Sunz with her rapier aiming to deliver some light attack.

    Sunz can clearly see all of the attacks that Grace is going to hit him with, and he manages to block her first wave of attack.

    But due to the slippery terrain and Grace''s aggressive speed cause him to lose balance. But lucky enough he didn¡¯t receive any direct hit but some grazes from Grace¡¯s weapon.

    Sunz thinks (Ok then! didn¡¯t think that the change in terrain would cause me this much trouble. I need to take care of it first before wanting to get any hit on her.)

    Sunz tries to keep up with Grace''s speed by using his lighting dash but only to keep a distance away from her.

    Grace: Oh come on! Attack me and stop running away.

    Sunz respone: It¡¯s call strategy.

    Grace: Fine! If you like to keep distant then I¡¯ll attack you in different ways.

    Grace then uses her ability to attack Sunz with icicles from a distance.

    Sunz (She can do that too. And there are too many so I can¡¯t predict their movement.)

    Sunz changes his movement from running away to attacking Grace head-on. He keeps his body low, dash once with the Lightning element and immediately switch to Water element.

    Grace stops her icicles attack, ready her rapier to fight Sunz head-on. But Sunz did something she didn¡¯t expect.

    Sunz intentionally falls to the ground in the middle of his attack, catching Grace off guard and knocking her to the floor with him.

    (Like a bowling ball rolling toward a pin and knocking it down.)

    Sun then stabs his sword into the ice to stop himself from sliding further away.

    After being knocked to the floor, Grace immediately stand up. But this time she is very pissed at Sunz.

    Grace glared at him and said: You disappoint me! I thought you have more potential than that¡­ I¡¯ll finish the match right now!

    Sunz stand up and said: Let¡¯s see!

    After he said that a huge snowstorm appear blowing in his direction. Sunz readies his sword, trying to stand his ground but keeps being pushed back by the wind.

    The heavy snowstorm blocked Sunz¡¯s vision making him lose track of Grace. Slowly he is forced to rely only on his hearing. In between the sound of the wind and the sound of his windbreaker flapping, he can hear Grace skating around him.

    Then the skating sound starts getting louder¡­ and he takes his chance to swing in the direction he thinks the sound was coming from.

    But he misses leaving himself defenseless and Grace strike him from behind. The strike leaves a diagonal cut from the bottom to the top of his back. Not only did she successfully attack him, but she also remove his windbreaker.

    Grace: You know, I could have struck you in your organs and taken the win for myself. But I want to see what other thing you can do. So that strike was only a warning!

    Sunz right now doesn¡¯t care about what Grace just said or the damage she just did to him.

    He just said, ¡°Give me my windbreaker back!¡±

    Grace held up the head of the windbreaker with one of her hands and said ¡°This must be important to you!¡±, ¡°You definitely will be more serious if something happens to it!¡±

    And she cut off the head of the windbreaker.

 Chapter 40: Understand Your Child

    Grace throws the head of the windbreaker onto its body and taunts Sunz.

    ¡°Ready to go home empty-handed!¡±

    Sunz saw his windbreaker being decapitated and thrown onto the floor like a piece of rag. Suddenly trigger all of his memories attached to it.

    FlashBack

    Mom: Ok Sunz! High school is about to start in a month so we need to get you some new clothes.

    Sunz: But I thought my old clothes were still wearable?

    Mom: Sunz! Let this mother do her job, Please. It¡¯s been four years since I last bought you anything to wear.

    Sunz: Mom, don¡¯t you think you are exaggerating the situation a bit. You still bought me clothes from time to time.

    Mom: I know¡­ I just want you to have something nice to wear when hanging out with friends or trying to impress girls.

    ¡°Are kids your age still interested in real people?¡±

    Sunz: I think most are still in the ¡°Look¡± phase and some are in the ¡°Personality¡± phase.

    Mom: And you''re still in the middle of it, aren¡¯t you? Fantasizing about your preferences ¡°Look¡± and ¡°Personality¡±.

    Sunz franticly answers:¡­ I still have a few more years to answer that!

    Mom laugh ¡°Ok ok, calm down!¡± and said, ¡° Oh looks we are here.¡±

    Sunz and his Mom stop at a clothing store name ¡®Black and Blue¡¯ and both walk inside it.

    Just like the name, the store only has clothes, accessories, shoes, and hats in the colors of black or blue. With a variety of lighter and darker of that colors.

    Sunz: This doesn¡¯t feel like the places you usually buy clothes for me, Mom.

    Mom: Of course! I now know what color you prefer to wear so it is best to choose what fits.

    Then a woman who is the owner of the store walks up to Sunz and his Mom and asks ¡°Hello! Welcome to my store. It looks like this is you two first time here. Do you need any help?¡±

    Mom: Oh, thank you very much! Yes, this is our first time here and I want to pick out some new clothes for my boy.

    The owner looks at Sunz for a sec and pulls out a note, a pen, and starts scribbling on it.

    Then she said, ¡°You can have a look around the store while I talk with your mother a bit.¡±

    Mom pat on Sunz¡¯s back and said ¡°Just go look and see what catches your eye and I¡¯ll buy it for you if the price is reasonable.¡±

    Sunz nod and slowly walk toward the section where they have a huge variety of jacket.

    Walking through the hallways of jackets, Sunz was amazed by the sheer amount of different types of jackets. And they all being organized in order from small to large, light to dark color.

    Then he stumbles upon a section called ¡®Windbreaker¡¯. After living for 15 years Sunz only knows two types of jackets ¡°The detective Trench Coat¡±, and ¡°The Russian Big Coat¡±.

    Sunz takes a look at all of the ¡®Windbreaker¡¯, most of them didn¡¯t interest him at all until one catches his eye.

    Sunz: Hmm¡­I don¡¯t know why I choose you over the other. (Even though you all look identical!)

    Then he makes an amazing discovery. The ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ has 4 pockets, 2 zipper pockets outside, and 2 normal pockets inside it.

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    Sunz thinks to himself (You¡¯re perfect). Then run back to his Mom and the Owner. (Both still talking about what to choose for Sunz)

    Mom: Do you think I¡¯m a bad mother?

    Owner: Why would you say that? I see that you raised a well-behaved son.

    Mom: It¡¯s just my son, he is indecisive and doesn¡¯t understand himself. Most of his important life decisions are chosen by his Mother and Father. Am I setting him up for failure?

    Owner: Are these negative thoughts of yours caused by seeing how other people''s kids act?

    Mom: Kinda, I guess!

    Owner: If that is then you don¡¯t need to focus on any of that. Every kid develops at all kinds of ages. Your kid might be slow to understand himself, but he is mature in other aspects.

    Mom: I guess I worry too much about him. How did you know so much about kids?

    Owner: Well, like you I was also in the same situation with my Daughter, but instead of not understanding herself. She knows what she wants and always aiming for it.

    ¡°My Daughter developed an interest in fashion at an early age because my Husband is a fashion designer so she looks up to him a lot. So instead of buying new clothes, we would buy material for her and she would make her own clothes.¡±

    ¡°But soon enough she started to neglect her health to pursue her own passion. And as her Mother, I need to put a stop to it. But the more I tried to help the more broken my relationship with my Daughter become.¡±

    Owner: Then one day she just unleashed her anger on me, with tears flowing down saying that ¡°You are the WORST MOTHER!¡±, ¡°Why can¡¯t you be like Dad and support me!¡±.

    ¡°That moment my Husband heard everything. He tells our daughter to go back to her room and lock the door to her room. He then pulls me aside and asks if I¡¯m doing ok. I couldn¡¯t even process what I just heard, and all I did was crying on his shoulder until I fainted.¡±

    ¡° Hours gone by and I wake up on my bed, unable to move or said anything¡­ Laying there I feel useless because I fail to be a good mother and a few words from my daughter cause me to become that weak.¡±

    ¡°Then I heard my Husband talking to our Daughter.¡±

    Husband: Today I¡¯m very disappointed about you, from the way you act to the word you said about Mom.

    Daughter:¡­

    Husband: First I want to know why. Why are you so obsessed with fashion?

    Daughter:¡­ It¡¯s because of you, Dad! The clothes you made look beautiful and they bring people happiness. So I want to do the same.

    Husband: ¡°Bring people happiness¡± you said, then why are you trying to push away the person who loves you most, your Mother?

    Daughter: But Mom was trying to pull me away from my passion!

    Husband: I want you to compare my hands and yours. Do you see anything different between them?

    Daughter: Uhmm¡­ my hands have bandages and your hands have lots of scars and you only have 9 fingers.

    Husband: That''s right! And do you remember who was the person that bandaged you?

    Daughter: It was Mother, wasn¡¯t it?

    Husband: It was! Different from you, my passion for fashion come in when I was older and had no one beside me. Which caused me to have all these scars and lost a finger. But all of it was worth it because I now have this happy family.

    ¡°You on the other hand have us to guide you on the correct path. We all want you to succeed with your passion but we don¡¯t want you to risk your health to achieve it. Do you understand?¡±

    Daughter: Yes, Dad! I understand. Can I go apologize to Mom?

    Husband: Of course! Your mother will be very happy when she knows you learn your mistake.

    Owner ¡°After hearing their conversation my body suddenly move on its own. I walk up to the door, open it but that day wasn¡¯t my day. I quickly lost consciousness after opening the door and fall to the floor.¡±

    ¡°Everything was blurry, and in my last moment I can hear my Husband and my Daughter calling me.¡±

    ¡°But luckily I didn¡¯t go to heaven, instead I woke up in the hospital. When I woke up I saw my Daughter sleeping on the chair. And my Husband was wearing a bracelet to keep a check on his blood pressure because he was worrying so much about me.¡±

    ¡°Then we all reconcile. My daughter promises to be more well behaved and my Husband keeps telling me that he will do a better job in raising our Daughter in the future.¡±

    ¡°I then tell each of them that (to the Daughter: You have learned your lesson so stop crying), (to the Husband: Honey stop sorrying! It''s not really your fault. But you should really stop, your blood pressure is rising.)¡±

    ¡°Then we just wait until I got discharged from the hospital¡±

    Mom: I guess everyone has their own problem when it comes to raising kid.

    Owner: And you can tell me your stories some other time. For now, let¡¯s find your Son and pick clothes for him.

    Both hear running in the distance.

    Owner: Speak of the devil!

    Sunz: Mom I want to buy this ¡°Windbreaker¡±!

    Mom: Don¡¯t you think, it is a bit big for you? Why don¡¯t we try a size smaller?

    Sunz: I already did but none feel good like this one.

    Owner whispers to Mom: Is your son¡¯s skin sensitive?

    Mom whispers back: It¡¯s is, more sensitive than normal people.

    Owner said to Sunz: Your Mother agree to let you buy that ¡°Windbreaker¡±.

    Sunz: Nice!

    Mom whisper back to the Owner: Why would you do that?

    Owner: Trust me! Customers like him had a hard time choosing clothes to fit their skin. But they know what clothes they want once they touch them. So it is best to let him buy it.

    Mom: Well since you¡¯re the expert here, I¡¯ll truth you. I shouldn¡¯t worry too much since he still growing after all.

    Owner: Well then, shall we go pick more clothes for him?

    Mom: I¡¯ll leave it in your hand!

 Chapter 41: Windbreaker Buff

    Anger soon flood into his mind, his grip on the sword getting tighter then the blade burst into flame, slowly melting the ice around him.

    Sun swings the flaming blade at Grace, which creates a wide ¡®Flame Wave¡¯ flying at fast speed. The wave melts through the surface of the floor while flying toward Grace.

    Grace summons the wind of the blizzard in front of her in order to negate the ¡®Flame Wave¡¯.

    Grace (This time his move is different from the first match, he unleashed the Element at its full power. Dammit! Did I awaken something inside him?)

    (Focus! If I can¡¯t survive that attack. It¡¯s over for me!)

    (Nowhere to run and I can¡¯t see what he is planning to do next. That attack covers half of the field. I¡¯ve playing with my food for too long and now it biting me back. Tsk!)

    Grace summons thousands of icicles on her side of the arena and launches all of them at high speed at Sunz¡¯s corner. And the ¡®Blizzard Wind¡¯ has also gotten a lot stronger than before.

    Grace (With this we both will have to take some damage, but I am more durable than you.) Then she guards herself. Prepare for her final push. (I am the Winner!)

    When the ¡®Flame Wave¡¯ and ¡®Thousands of Icicles¡¯ are about to collide. The front row Icicles explode and cover the whole ¡®Flame Wave¡¯. Which negates it, letting the rest of the Icicles fly through with ease and create a clear view of Sunz for Grace.

    Grace saw that Sunz is defenseless, and it should have made her feel relieved. But an important detail caught her eye and made sure she didn¡¯t lower her guard: ¡°He¡­He sheath his sword!?¡±

    Grace (I wish I could attack him once more to secure my victory, but I can¡¯t move anymore. That combo cost so much of my energy. All can do now is watch, if I push myself even more my chance of winning is ZERO!)

    Sunz (That was close, the flame nearly got extinguished. Well most of it, but the ¡®Heat¡¯ is still the same or even hotter than before.)

    (Now! I need to take care of two or three objectives in front of me. ¡®The floor¡¯, ¡®The projectiles¡¯, and ¡®Grace¡¯. The key to this is ¡®SPEED¡¯ and I just found my key!)

    Sunz screams at Grace: YOU CAN DISRESPECT ME BUT DON¡¯T YOU DARE DISRESPECT MY ¡°WINDBREAKER¡±.

    Grace (It¡¯s too late now, the only way you can win is by doing something unimaginable.)

    Sunz draws his sword and stabs it into the Ice field. The sword is coated in Flame and another Element.

    Instantly, after Sunz performs that move the whole Ice field becomes a huge Sauna. Everything that was covered in ice instantly turn into hot air. So much ''Ice'' vaporing into the air result in the normal smoke becoming ¡®Fog¡¯, covering everyone''s vision.

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    In a blink of an eye, Grace saw all of her work get wiped out. Unable to move and slowly being suffocated by the hot air, cause her to think

    (I guess this is over, being beaten by a newbie, how embarrassing!)

    (No, No! That is what I think but not how I feel. He definitely lacks in sword skill but his skill in ¡®Elements¡¯ is something I¡¯ve never seen before.)

    (But physically I''m still stronger than him. And I''m still able to perform one more move. If you can use the field to your advantage then so can I!)

    Grace ready her rapier, aiming at the direction that Sunz was standing before the ¡®Fog¡¯ appear.

    ¡°This is all or nothing. You may not stand in the position I¡¯m aiming for and just waiting until I got knocked out. For that, I don¡¯t hate you. You fight fair and square!¡±

    Grace fire an ¡®Icicle Stream¡¯ constantly growing from the tip of her rapier. Using the ¡®Fog¡¯ as the connection between her and Sunz, while using the rest of her energy to make sure the attack doesn¡¯t melt until it reaches the target.

    The attack not only went in the direction she want but it also clear up the ¡®Fog¡¯ in front of her.

    Until she saw Sunz standing in front of her attack with his blade charge up with ¡®Electricity¡¯. At that moment she wish that she could say this to him ¡°You moron! You could have won!¡±

    As the ¡®Icicle Stream¡¯ about hit Sunz, he unleashes all of the ¡®Electricity¡¯ stored in the blade and strikes at the ¡®Icicle Stream¡¯.

    The force unleash from the blade cleared out the ¡®Fog¡¯ inside the arena and reveal to everyone what was happening inside.

    Both fighters looks like they had exhausted all of their energy. No one knows who is having the upper hand. Except for Grace, who at first glance look like is winning because of her ¡®Icicle Stream¡¯.

    But that move of hers also stops right after Sunz performs his final attack.

    Then the ¡®Icicle Stream¡¯ shatter, blasting all of its fragments across the arena.

    After that, both Sunz and Grace have no energy left to do anything.

    They both lock eyes with each other then Grace said:

    ¡°Congratulation¡± as her rapier snaps into two. And herself falling to the ground.

    While falling Grace monologue to herself ( I need to push myself even further. Is this what losing feel like? I feel the imperfection in myself, from the movement to my skill and how I taunt my opponent. All of these can be improved.)

    (I should be hitting the floor right about now¡­ But what is this warmth on my shoulder.) Grace thinks to herself then opens her eyes. And see that Sunz has rushed to catch her when she was falling.

    Immediately Grace close her eyes and said to herself the words she would have said to Sunz (You idiot! Why would you turn such a serious situation into a Romcom moment!)

    Grace then hear another voice, and it was Sogae¡¯s voice.

    Sogae: Ok Romeo gives me your ¡®Princess¡¯. You have no energy left to carry her, just grab her sword then follow me.

    Sogae announces: The Winner of this round is Sunz. Who is one step closer to winning this tournament. We will now wait 10 minutes until the start of the next match.

    The three of them leave the arena and go to the ¡®Infirmary¡¯ where Sogae lay Grace on one of the beds to rest.

    Sogae asks Sunz: Do you feel ok? The check-up team will be here in a minute. You might want to stabilize your condition.

    Sunz: I think I¡¯m still ok. I¡¯m just gonna have a walk then come back in 10 minutes.

    Sogae: Ok then stay safe!

    Sunz leaves the room, and when Sogae doesn¡¯t notice his presence near the area anymore she said: ¡°He gone! You can get up now.¡±

    Grace sit up from the bed, her heart was beating at a fast rate and her face had never been that red before.

    Grace asks ¡°Did he really go?¡±, Sogae nods her head.

    ¡°Ugh, why must he done that in public! I have never been so humiliated!¡±

    Sogae jokingly said: Worse than losing in front of those people?

    Grace: Of course, losing and falling to the ground prove that I wasn¡¯t strong enough to win. Losing and being caught by your opponent just make the other think ¡°There is something between these two¡±.

    Sogae: But¡­don¡¯t you two do have a thing for each other!Hmmm¡­

    At that moment, Sunz the winner of that match has other things to worry about.

    Sunz: I¡¯m so fuck in the next round!

 Chapter 42: The Loser Cloaked in Victory

    During the break.

    Soju talk with Narae: These kids are more impressive than I thought.

    Narae: How so? Is it their skill or the amount of damage they did to the arena?

    Soju: Well, none of that is impressive. ¡®Skill¡¯ is based on the amount of time you spent on training or you were born with the talent for that skill. But ¡®Skill¡¯ still has a gap that can be reached by anyone.

    ¡° And about their destructiveness¡­ All of that is just ¡®Eye Candy¡¯. A performance we all perform once just to put fear in the eyes of weaker foes.¡±

    Narae: So what did they do that impressed you?

    Soju: Their ¡®Identity¡¯!

    Narae: ¡®Identity¡¯? (He spent too much time on diplomatic missions resulting in his brain being rewired.)

    ¡°Can you explain it in more detail?¡±

    Soju: Hmm¡­ What is the routine that every student in the clan usually does?

    Narae: Well, we wake up eat train then sleep.

    Soju: And how long did you do that same routine for?

    Narae: Me? I ¡®wake up eat train sleep¡¯ for a couple of years until I was chosen to be specially trained by one of the Clan ¡®Special¡¯. And then I repeat that same routine, but this time feeling a burden on my shoulder.

    ¡°Are you saying that the source of our strength is ¡®Self-worth¡¯?

    Soju: Yes! Before we got chosen by one of the ¡®Special¡¯, we have nothing to our name, every student was just as replaceable as the next one. When one of us got chosen, we don¡¯t even know the reason why.

    ¡°But after that, there is one thing that we all know is, we have to live up to the expectations of the ¡®Special¡¯ as their successor.¡±

    Narae: Does that mean we all just puppets waiting to be bought?

    Soju: We got our ¡®Identity¡¯ because we both got bought. But for someone like Jun, established her own ¡®Identity¡¯ very early on. Develop her own battle skill and own a weapon that improves her style of fighting.

    Narae: What you¡¯re trying to say is the two from the round before is like Jun?

    Soju: One of them is ¡®The Ice Girl¡¯, she knows how to use her element to her advantage, combine with the weapon that supports her fighting style of fast pace and carrying the burden of her family. She figures out her ¡®Identity¡¯.

    Narae: What about the boy? He is the winner after all.

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    Soju: That boy is different from everyone here. His ¡®Identity¡¯ isn¡¯t set in stone, it constantly changing with time. He is like a combination of ¡®Explorer¡¯ and ¡®Mercenary¡¯, don¡¯t know where they are going or what situation they are in but they know their objective.

    Narae: Any thoughts about his weapon and skill?

    Soju: His weapon is perfect but not perfect enough. His skill in ¡®Elements¡¯ is definitely outstanding. But his sword skill doesn¡¯t have a natural flow, it looks like he is being direct to how he should swing it.

    Narae: That doesn¡¯t mean he is a bad fighter right? What is your thought on his winning chance?

    Soju: He isn¡¯t a bad fighter but his performance in that round makes him feel like he was. If he keeps doing what he has been in these final rounds then his winning chance is pretty high. But the next round will be a lot more difficult if he handicaps himself.

    Narae: Are you saying he is going to disable his ¡®Elements¡¯?

    Soju: Precisely! The only reason why he made it this far was because of his ¡®Elements¡¯. So he would probably want to rely on his sword skill to win the next round.

    ¡°But that''s just speculation. He wouldn¡¯t do that kind of stuff if the tournament isn¡¯t that important.¡±

    Narae: What if he going to do what you said?

    Soju: Then he probably going to lose¡­ But I could be wrong.

    Minutes before the next round start.

    Sogae had already left the room to get ready for the announcement of the second fight of the day. Sunz returned to where Grace was resting a minute after Sogae.

    Right after Sunz comes in Grace cheerfully waves him to join her on the bed. Sunz politely declines and pulls one of the chairs close to her bed to sit on.

    Grace: Soo¡­ Are you feeling ok?

    Sunz: Oh yeah, I¡¯m fine. You worry about me?

    Grace: A bit. Your voice sounds like you¡¯re worrying about something. You won against me, I thought you must be happy to progress further.

    Sunz laugh: I wouldn¡¯t say I won against you. More like you were toying with me and receive a loss.

    Grace: But didn¡¯t you nearly throw at the end there? Was it arrogant or blind confidence?

    Sunz: It feels more like stupidity. I could have dodged that attack by moving to a safer place. But that moment I feel like I should repay your kindness and stop running away. I didn¡¯t know what you planning to do but I take the gamble as a way to improve myself.

    Sunz glance at Grace and see that her eyes are a bit watery ¡°Are you crying?¡±

    Grace smack Sunz on the head and said: You know how much I worried about you when you pull that stunt!

    Sunz: Does that mean you planned to give me the win from the start?

    Grace: I would never! I just don¡¯t want you to risk your win.

    ¡°Also I¡¯m sorry for decapitating your ¡®Windbreaker¡¯.¡±

    Sunz suddenly realise (Fuck I left it on the battlefield).

    Grace: I knew that you forgot to pick it up. Sogae told me that she had already picked it up when you turn the whole place into a sauna. It¡¯s currently being fixed right now and she said you can pick it up when today end.

    Sunz: Well, that''s a relief. What about your weapon then, aren¡¯t you gonna be mad at me?

    Grace: Oh don¡¯t worry too much, weapon meant to break during combat so I just gonna buy a new one or repair it. I¡¯m not that attached to it like you are to your ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ anyway.

    A moment of silence comes between them as they sit and wait for the following round announcement.

    Grace then asks Sunz: Sooo¡­ now that you are a bit more chirpy. Can you tell me why you were so down before?

    Sunz: Do you really want to know?

    Grace: As a couple, we need to communicate with each other in order to solve any problem the other person has. So I am here to help whenever you feel sad or worried.

    Sunz: So we are really following through with "being a couple"?

    Grace ¡°Of course¡± then shaking Sunz while asking ¡°Please tell me! Don¡¯t make have to beg.¡±

    Sunz: Ok then, you win. What I worried about was I might not be able to win the next round.

    Grace: Why? You put on a great fight today, didn¡¯t you?

    Sunz: I know that I won, but compare to you my sword skill is very rusty and I use ¡®Elements¡¯ to compensate for that weakness. So in the next match, I plan to only fight with my sword skill only.

    ¡°Because I know who I will face in round 3.¡±

 Chapter 43: The 2 Pillar (Part I)

    Grace: You¡¯re talking about ¡®Her¡¯ right? The one contestant that doesn¡¯t have a name.

    Sunz ¡°She doesn¡¯t have a name?!¡± he was surprised about that piece of information.

    Grace looks at him confusedly ¡°You didn¡¯t know that? Her name wasn¡¯t even on the bracket during the first announcement.¡±

    Sunz: We¡¯re talking about the same person right?

    Grace: Yes! The girl in the round after ours.

    Then they heard Sogae preparing to announce the next round.

    Grace: Let¡¯s stop talking for now.

    Sunz: Sure.

    On the field.

    Sogae: The 10 minutes break has officially been over! It¡¯s time to welcome our new contestants!

    ¡°Dark Cloud¡± and ¡°No Name¡±.

    ¡°In each of their last matches, the battle ended very quickly.¡±

    ¡°Dark Cloud¡± knock out his opponent by suffocating them in Carbon Dioxide.

    ¡°And for Miss ¡°No Name¡± she win by performing the best ¡®Sword Art¡¯ we had ever seen in this tournament.¡±

    ¡°Different from the last match this round will have less change in the terrain than we all expected.¡±

    ¡°NOW LET¡¯S THE BATTLE BEGIN!¡±

    Immediately after Sogae disappears, ¡®Dark Cloud¡¯ swings his sword to turn the Oxygen in front of him into Carbon Dioxide. But halfway through it was stopped by ¡®No Name¡¯.

    ¡°If your blade doesn¡¯t perform a full swing then your ¡®Element¡¯ is useless!¡± (No Name threat him) and deliver many quick slashes at ¡®Dark Cloud¡¯, making him go into a defensive position.

    Can¡¯t find any opening to pull him out of this sticky situation, ¡®Dark Cloud¡¯ raises his sword over his head then lunge at ¡®No Name¡¯ blade, stabbing himself in the middle of his body.

    His face slowly shows a big grin as he swings the sword down at ¡®No Name¡¯. As the blade gets closer to her head, his smile also starts to get bigger.

    ¡®No Name¡¯ just takes a side step to the left and sheathed her sword, dodging ¡®Dark Cloud¡¯ attack like it was nothing. And it was actually nothing, as the sword strike the ground it create a sound that was similar to dropping a piece of metal onto the floor.

    ¡®Dark Cloud¡¯ grin quickly turn into a scream but there was no sound. In fact, his body doesn¡¯t have any energy left and he feels imbalance¡­ As he feels his right arm sliding off the shoulder and fall to the ground.

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    ¡®No Name¡¯ turn her back on ¡®Dark Cloud¡¯ and walk away. But then he feels pressure from ¡®No Name¡¯ as if she is glaring at him¡­ As if she has eyes on her back!

    ¡®Dark Cloud¡¯ then collapses, laying in his blood while ¡®No Name¡¯ being declared the WINNER.

    Back in the Infirmary room.

    After that match, the room was filled with silence. Grace feels goosebumps all over her body and now understands why Sunz feels like he is going to lose.

    Grace: Hey-y-y Sunz are you ok? She is really strong¡­just like how you predicted.

    Sunz: Hmm yeah it''s interesting.

    Grace: ¡®Interesting¡¯ What are you talking about?

    Sunz: Didn¡¯t you see it? The way she moves at the end. Her sword cut cleanly through the enemy''s body but still leaving him alive. And his action tear up the thin string of muscle in his wounds making the arm decapitate and blood start flowing out of his body.

    Grace: You were able to see what happened, at that kind of speed?

    Sunz turn to Grace and reveal to her that his body was shaking uncontrollably: I did see it but I also experience it too! I would say that her speed is on par with yours but all of her attacks connect to each other. Like the element of surprise doesn¡¯t work on her.

    Grace grabs Sunz¡¯s hand and uses her power on him: Let¡¯s calm you down first, ok!

    Sunz ¡°Sure!¡± and stay quiet so Grace can focus on her job.

    After some minutes Grace asks ¡°Are you still, not going to use your ¡®Elements¡¯ when fighting against her?¡±

    Sunz: I am. I feel that every round in this tournament is a way for me to grow. Each opponent is more advanced than me in certain areas and I need to catch up to their level.

    Grace: If that is what you decided then I¡¯ll do my best to support you.

    Sunz: Thank you!

    Grace separate both of their hand: I think you calm down enough. I guess we can both predict who is going to the final right?

    Sunz: Yeah, Grimm is going to be there no doubt.

    Grace: Does he give you any bad vibe?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t think so. He is strong but doesn¡¯t have an ominous aura around him. So watching him fight feels somewhat relaxed.

    ¡°I may say that now until he starts to show his dark side¡± (he jokes)

    Grace: Well then, I guess we can just relax and enjoy ourselves until it''s time to go back¡­ I know that you don¡¯t really care too much about the next fight.

    Sunz: Yeaaah!

    Grace (I knew it) said ¡°Then let¡¯s go and explore this place a bit¡± while getting out of bed.

    Sunz: You sure? Don¡¯t you need to rest?

    Grace: I was only exhausted and you didn¡¯t do any physical damage to me too.

    Sunz: That makes sense. What about our stuff?

    Grace: I don¡¯t think we have anything else except your sword. I already put my fragment in its sheath.

    Sunz: Ok then. So let¡¯s get out of here first then figure out what next?

    Grace opened the door to her room then both hear the sound of people running while pushing a hospital bed. When Grace is about to take a peek the people rush through at a fast speed, leaving behind Sogae in front of Grace.

    Sogae: Are you two ready to leave?

    Which startles both Sunz and Grace.

    Sunz: Two questions what was that and why are you here?

    Sogae: C¡¯mon shows me some respect, I ask you guys first!

    Grace: Umm, yes we were about to leave then we heard all of that commotion. What is going on?

    Sogae: That¡¯s more like it. If you did watch the match before then you should know what happen. We were just on our way to keep that victim alive.

    Sunz: Aren¡¯t you suppose to go with them instead of chatting with us?

    Sogae: It¡¯s not that severe. I just tag along to make sure everything goes smoothly. It¡¯s probably going to take them like 5 minutes to finish.

    Sunz: ¡®Not that severe¡¯? What kind of damage should a person take for you to start taking it seriously?

    Sogae: I guess we¡¯ll have to wait and see. But I didn¡¯t stop here for nothing. One of my ¡®Sunbae¡¯ said that you two are dating. And I¡¯m here to confirm it. Since you two have been inseparable these days, that must be true.

    Grace / Sunz answer at the same time ¡°Yes¡± / ¡°Maybe¡±

    ....

    Sogae ¡°That my cue to leave!¡±, in a flash disappear out of their sight.

    Grace: I can¡¯t really be angry, can I? After all the contract was one-sided. So take your time!

    Sunz:¡­You too...!

 Chapter 44: The 2 Pillar (Part II)

    Later outside of the Infirmary.

    Sunz: This place is a lot bigger than I expected, it even has a map too¡­ But why does a place like this need a map?

    Grace: Probably because it¡¯s a tourist spot. Look at this! (She shows him an article about their current location.)

    On the article: Jeondang or ¡®Hall of Champions¡¯ was once a place in the past where many champions or clans set up tournaments in order to find the best among the best. The tournament itself is a friendly duel but many casualties still happen.

    Despite that, countless warriors have been reborn through this trial. And those that win have the most improvement of all, some even become ¡®Legend¡¯ in their own field. The name of these ¡®Legends¡¯ is unknown, but through word of mouth, most of them die while protecting Korea from evil. The scale and destruction of their fight are far more powerful than today''s technology.

    But nowadays this place has become a popular tourist spot to visit due to the history and the view of Seoul it provides. Some people have also reported that whenever they stand in the arena, their bodies experience some kind of adrenaline rush. There are some explanations for this phenomenon ¡°The spirit of many fighters has sipped into the arena lead to this event.¡±, ¡°Due to the elevation of the location, the adrenaline rush that they felt caused by the strong wind.¡±

    Sunz: Well that was a lot to read.

    Grace: It said that ¡°This place is a popular tourist spot¡± so how did the clan have this whole place for the tournament?

    Sunz: Probably connection. Sogae told me that the clan works for the government.

    Grace: Not that. If this whole place is blocked off then wouldn¡¯t some people try to sneak in or spy with drones?

    Sunz: I think we don¡¯t need to care about that. The clan probably has someone people patrolling right now.

    ¡°We were killing each other before and this is what you worried about?¡±

    Grace: It is just based on the circumstances. Let¡¯s go grab something to eat while waiting!

    Sunz¡¯s mind (At least 20-minute waiting.)

    They walk around for a bit then they stumble across Grimm near the food stall.

    Grace: Go say hi to him, I¡¯ll get one for each of us.

    Sunz: Sure!

    Both of them separate for the next minutes.

    Sunz: Hello Mr. Grimm! It¡¯s been a while since we last met.

    Grimm: It¡¯s been like 2 days and congrats on winning the Second rounds.

    Sunz: Thank you.

    Grimm: So what brings you here? Aren¡¯t you supposed to lay dead on the bed, again?

    Sunz: I improve, so no need for that anymore¡­ maybe!

    Grimm laughs: Improve you did, I say! But do you think you have reached your full potential? I can¡¯t wait to punch you legally!

    Sunz: Let¡¯s just hope that I can pass the next round.

    Grimm: Hope? I know that you are weaker than everyone here but your rapid improvement should be the reason for you to become confident.

    ¡°You obtain a new skill after each battle and it¡¯s your job to evolve, incorporate that skill for the upcoming fight.¡±

    Sunz: Yes! It¡¯s my job to use what I learn, fix my mistake¡­ But what if I abandon all of that?

    Grimm: Well that¡¯s the problem you can¡¯t really use everything you learn all over the place.

    Sunz: That¡¯s not what I mean. It¡¯s more like¡­ You probably see that I specialize in using ¡®Elements¡¯ and my next opponent is an expert in ¡®Sword Skills¡¯. So in my match against her, I plan on not using my ¡®Elements¡¯ at all.

    Grimm stay silent for a bit¡­ and said

    ¡°You are a fool!¡±

    Follow up by ¡°That is what I was thinking too!¡± from Grace who is holding two cups of Tteokbokki.

    Grimm: So you¡¯re here too! I thought you were too prideful to walk around after losing.

    Grace gives Sunz one of the cups and answers ¡°Just because I look rich doesn¡¯t mean I have the personality of one.¡±

    Grimm: Not to judge a book by its cover, I get it.

    But why did you say, ¡°That is what I was thinking too!¡±

    ¡°Did this idiot tell you about his plan for the next round before me?¡±

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    Grace: He did!

    She look at Sunz and said: Sunz, I support you but that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t think what you¡¯re going to do is stupid. That¡¯s the answer to your Why question! (This is directly at Sunz not at Grimm¡¯s question.)

    Sunz silently: ok I got it.

    Grimm: Be careful of this girl kid. She is moving really fast from your best friend to you. Remember that ¡®hot pot¡¯ night!

    Grace: Hey! It¡¯s not funny! Don¡¯t joke about me like that! I have no interest in Jihu! I was only under the influence of alcohol that night which led to that event.

    Grimm: Ok, I¡¯m sorry for joking about that! But it¡¯s strange to me, what event lead to this newlywed atmosphere between you two. And this is not for you to answer Sunz, you don¡¯t feel like the type to cause this.

    Grace: I like him and want to start a relationship.

    Grimm: That¡¯s an easy answer. Give me a more complex answer. Which will tell us what he looks like to you.

    Grace: Fine! I¡¯m sorry if this hurt your feeling Sunz!

    ¡°To me, he looks broken. Like a broken toy that no one wants and I can just pick him up with no consequence. And he can¡¯t reject me because no one wants him!¡±

    Sunz: That''s fair. Pretty spot on I must say. But the last part makes you sound a bit crazy tho.

    Grace: I agree! Just trying to make it sound more interesting, but steer it in the wrong way.

    Grimm thought (Are kids these days really having that low self-esteem?)

    Grimm: Back to what we were talking about before. If you¡¯re not going to use your ¡®Elements¡¯ then I hope you succeed or else someone gonna help you. And that is all the time I have, I need to prepare for the next round.

    Sunz: Thank you and good luck on winning the match.

    Grimm: And you two have fun on your date!

    Grace said to Sunz: Is it a date?

    Sunz: Maybe, I guess?

    Grimm walks away hearing all of that and thought (This is the future of our generation.)

    Grimm: Doing stupid thing just to get stronger, remind me of that event.

    Flash Back.

    Grimm(-4): You want to test out a new type of training?

    San: Yeah! Since our first mission, I started to hesitate when fighting against an ¡®Ice¡¯ opponent. Even though I have the advantage, I still lose.

    Grimm(-4): That because you were fighting against a veteran, just take your time and train. Sooner or later you¡¯ll reach their level.

    San: Well about that, I went and talk to ¡®Kalt¡¯ and he gave me some tip and trick to improve.

    Grimm(-4): Wow you talk with another villain and he actually gave you tips. Maybe the role has changed.

    San: Well Kalt and his brother were pretty sane. The rest of the criminals aren¡¯t happy to see heroes in there and to make it worse I¡¯m a female.

    Grimm(-4): Yeah no one would voluntarily surrender themselves. So what did he say?

    San: ¡°Learn how to create a fire aura around you that can be easily turned on and off. And control it well, invisible fire can cause disaster to its surrounding.¡± And follow up with ¡°Next time you visit. Bring that big boy a tub of ice cream.¡±

    Grimm(-4): The tuition is not that expensive. Show me see what training are you planning.

    San: Ok! You know that we have a training room that can simulate weather and temperature.

    Grimm(-4): I see what your plan is. You want to set the room at the coldest temperature and fight against it head-on.

    San: Yeah, that is exactly what I was planning to do. See you and I are the perfect duo.

    Grimm(-4): Your plan makes sense but it is stupid. So prepare to wake up on the hospital bed again.

    San: Haha you are funny, I don¡¯t think a gloomy person like you can joke.

    Grimm(-4): Laugh all you want. The result is controlled by you.

    They then both made their way to the simulation room where a technician is waiting for them.

    Technician: Good day Heroes, who will be the person entering the simulation room?

    San: He calls us ¡®Heroes¡¯.

    Grimm(-4): Of course, he has to. He doesn¡¯t know us personally. No offense to you man.

    Technician: Don¡¯t worry it''s the norm around here. I rather get ''insulted¡¯ than get hit.

    Grimm(-4): Great! This girl wants to improve her ability while working in cold conditions.

    Technician: Got it please take this communication device and head into the room.

    San put on the device and step into the simulation room.

    Technician said to Grimm: Lucky that there are two of you. Sometimes people got too confident and things just happen for the worst. You should prepare to stabilize her.

    Grimm: Yeah could have guessed this from a mile away.

    Technician said into the device: We will start in 3¡­2¡­1

    ¡°The temperature is slowly being decreased do you have any demand to speed things up.¡±

    San ¡°Not yet!¡± slowly igniting her body, and summoning floating fire around her.

    Technician: Changing in the weather, increase high wind and start snowing.

    San: I think you can speed up a bit.

    Technician: Lound and clear! Weather changing into blizzard and temperature is decreasing faster.

    San¡¯s mind (This is pretty easy. Not thing will go wro¡­). Suddenly her arm doesn¡¯t feel anything anymore. She starts seeing black spots on her body, then a sudden burst of feeling like someone taking a small hot metal rod and touching its tip all over her body.

    Technician stops the simulation and yell at Grimm: Grab The Girl And Take Her To Room A5! Now!

    Grimm rushes into the room. Even though the simulation stops the effect still lingers. Grimm feels that he can¡¯t stay inside for more than 10 seconds. After locating San he runs toward her to sweep her off the ground.

    The pain starts to get worse the longer he stays there but after he grabs San the cold disappears from his body. No time to wonder, his first priority is to take San to room A5.

    As he runs to room A5 he hears a weak voice from San ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll make it¡­¡±

    He gives her a light smack on her forehead and said ¡°I didn¡¯t save you just to hear that. Now stay quiet!¡±

    He made it to room A5 where a team of doctors already waiting there. He places her on the bed and the doctors tell him to wait outside while they work.

    20 minutes later a doctor comes out and tells him that ¡°The girl is fine nothing severe happens to her except frostbite on the skin.¡±

    Grimm(-4): That is good to hear.

    Doctor: I have some questions do you mind answering them?

    Grimm(-4) sighs: Sure what do you want to know?

    Doctor: Are you the girl''s guardian?

    Grimm(-4): I am her ¡®Senior¡¯. She is in the program ¡°Learn from Your Seniors¡±.

    Doctor: How long has she been working as a Hero?

    Grimm(-4): 2-3 weeks.

    Doctor is surprised: Only that long!

    Grimm(-4): Amazing isn¡¯t it?

    Doctor: Thank you for your time. You can visit the girl now.

    Grimm(-4): Thank you.

    All of the doctors leave the room.

    Grimm(-4): So how do you feel about what happened?

    San: Exciting at first then turns into trauma.

    Grimm(-4): So what did the doctor say?

    San: They told me that I wasn¡¯t in any critical condition and only my skin got damaged.

    Grimm(-4): Did they explain why? Because I feel like could have died in that room.

    San: They said that my fire, instead of being released was being circulated around my body. Which stops the frostbite from doing damage to the inside.

    Grimm(-4): I guess you kinda got what you wanted. But gonna need some training to master it.

    San: Grimm! Thank you for helping me, I don¡¯t think I would be here without you!

    Grimm(-4): Don¡¯t mention it, kid!

    Back to reality.

    Sogae announces: The Winner of This Round is Grimm.

    ¡°He did it once again! Knocking out his opponent with only his bare hands.¡±

    ¡°And that is all folk these 4 winners will face each other in 2 days!¡±

 Chapter 45: Three Side

    After the final match.

    Soju: That Grimm guy isn¡¯t dead, that''s for sure.

    Narae: Any other information you got out of him?

    Soju: Connection with the ¡®Ember Witch¡¯, last contact 2 years ago. He had a friend who is dead. And an arch-enemy name¡­ ¡®Big Ben¡¯? Ain¡¯t that the bell in London?

    Narae: Well it is and ¡®Big Ben¡¯ is also the name of the number 1 hero in London.

    Soju: What lead to him obtaining that nickname? And does his ability relate to the title?

    Narae: His ability is superhuman ability and flying. The title comes from him being the best hero in the UK.

    Soju: Ain¡¯t superhuman ability and flying in one person pretty standard in the range of power? Now he just needs laser eyes and that is the whole package.

    ¡°How did he become the best across the UK with such common abilities?¡±

    Narae doesn¡¯t say anything.

    Soju: Why aren¡¯t you answering something wrong?

    Narae angrily said: Yes! Not like you, I don¡¯t gather information about everyone in my workplace. I only gather important information.

    Soju: That¡¯s fair, you and I interact with different people. I hang out with the old geezer and you hang out with celebrities.

    Narae: You want to switch occupations? I don¡¯t know if you can handle the corporate lifestyle.

    Soju: I¡¯ll pass on that. You can¡¯t shackle my freedom.

    Narae: Sound like you¡¯re asking for a breakup. I don¡¯t like to swing a blade that keeps slipping out of my hand.

    Soju: I wouldn¡¯t be worried too much because you haven¡¯t picked up a different blade since.

    Narae blush a bit: Smooth talk.

    Soju laugh: Like you, I also want to take our relationship even further. But we need to win or make sure that the war doesn¡¯t happen first.

    Narae: For our happiness and for the clan''s longevity.

    After the match, Sunz and Grace meet up with Jihu and Yama.

    Yama: You two put on the best show during this tournament. I can¡¯t believe you successfully used my clan skill, Sunz.

    Sunz: Well, we did alter it to fit my fighting style. If I use the original skill then the winner might be her.

    Grace: Hmm? When did you learn it and at what point in the match did you perform it?

    Sunz: On the last day before the match, Yama teaches me his clan skill. We planned to do it the day before but some accident happen so we have to postpone it.

    Yama: Since his sword isn¡¯t as heavy as the traditional. So we have to change the way the sword contact. In order for it to not break.

    Grace: Is it a high-risk high-return skill?

    Yama: It is, the skill is invisible until it impact and the only risk is, the sword chance to be broken. And the heavier the opposite object is the higher the risk is.

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    Grace''s tone shifts a bit: So when did you perform it during the match, Sunz?

    Sunz: At the end of the match. I use ¡®Electric¡¯ as the trigger and stop at the end of your attack. After that, it felt like I remove the energy from your attack which is why it stops completely.

    Grace said ¡°If it didn¡¯t work you would be on a stick right now, wouldn¡¯t you!¡± as she glared at him.

    Sunz: Don¡¯t be so angry¡­ we both come out completely fine so that¡¯s a positive.

    Grace: Fine! Just don¡¯t risk your life for stupid reasons anymore!

    Sunz: Ok, I¡¯ll try.

    Jihu: You two getting along pretty well these days.

    Sunz: I guess so. By the way, Jihu are you free for the next 2 days need you to help me with my training.

    Jihu: I¡¯m free from morning till dinner. Is that ok?

    Sunz: That¡¯s plenty. Just meet me during breakfast then us three will go down to the training facility.

    Jihu: Us three? Are you saying you, me, and Yama?

    Yama: No! It¡¯s you, him and her. I don¡¯t really have anything else to teach him. So I¡¯m just gonna lay back and enjoy this tournament.

    Jihu: Ok got it. And Sunz a question for you, why are you dating Grace? I¡¯m not against it at all, it¡¯s just you never paid attention to girls at all and you are the type to put study above romance.

    Sunz: Answer to that is I don¡¯t know, I also find it weird that this happens to me. But one thing about her that is on my preference list is she is very ¡®Formal¡¯.

    Jihu: That¡¯s make thing a bit easier to understand your decision.

    Grace: Excuse me, but I think I might be the cause because I was the person, who approached him first and one event after another I feel like I want him all to myself.

    ¡° I set up a bet with him that if I win against him then he would be my boyfriend and if he won I¡¯ll be his girlfriend. Both options were made by me because he didn¡¯t want to choose his reward. And now hearing it, is it okay for me to throw my life away for someone?¡±

    Jihu: Sunz did you get caught by a ¡®Yandere¡¯?

    Sunz: She hasn¡¯t gone insane yet so I¡¯ll take it as a win.

    Grace cluelessly asks: What a ¡®Yandere¡¯?

    Jihu: Ask Sunz about it another time. Now that I understand you two situations. What is your training strategy that involves both of us?

    Sunz: The strategy is I¡¯m going to duel against you two at the same time. This is for me to increase my speed and reflex. Plus the second reason I need you is I wanna see the gap between us and¡­ you¡¯ll be acting as the medic bag.

    Jihu: Lucky for you I¡¯m more well versed in healing than fighting. Which open me up to a different fighting style. Will you be okay with giving him a few scars, Grace?

    Grace: I wasn¡¯t that satisfied with the battle today and I need to punish him for the stupid tricks he did. I might not be able to sleep tonight. Hehe.

    Jihu (This is the third reason.)

    Sunz (Lucky I think ahead.)

    Yama (I can deliver food to them during the break.)

    On Grimm side

    Before the fight, he receive a note from someone and it said ¡°After you win makes sure to walk until you see no one else then I¡¯ll appear.¡±

    After he won he continue to walk for about 5 minutes toward an unpopular spot. Then he hears a voice behind him. A female voice that is familiar to him but sounds a bit weaker than before.

    Female voice: I see that you¡¯ve been progressing through this tournament without any problem.

    Grimm: It¡¯s because the first half was too weak for me. I didn¡¯t expect that you would want to meet me.

    Female voice yawn: Juuusst wants to check up on you. But what is your plan after winning?

    Grimm: Funny you ask, but I don¡¯t plan on winning this tournament.

    Female voice: Oh, that doesn¡¯t change anything at all. I didn¡¯t choose you because I think you could win. I choose you as a way to give you hope.

    Grimm: Hope? I guess it all makes sense, you came to me at my darkest time and gave me an offer that I can¡¯t refuse. ¡°To grow stronger and defeat your enemies.¡±

    ¡°But I started to feel like it''s time for me to step down. This isn¡¯t my tournament to win.¡±

    Female voice: Are you saying you¡¯re going easy on your last opponent?

    Grimm: That isn¡¯t a chance, I don¡¯t throw my win away that easily and these kids need to know the feeling of despair when their weapon fails to protect them.

    Female voice: You do what you want. But I¡¯m here to tell you that, don¡¯t tell that kid ¡®Sunz¡¯, about your past so detail. Especially the part that caused you and her to separate. If you still want to, just explain it vaguely.

    Grimm:¡­ There is something about you that I don¡¯t understand. Where did you get information about my life and it all fit 100%? It¡¯s like you have been watching me for a long time.

    Female voice: A man named ¡®Merchant¡¯ gave me information about you. He was the reason why you were chosen for this tournament and why I know every detail about your life 100%.

    Grimm: That¡¯s absurd, so I was only chosen because a man out of nowhere gave you my detail.

    Female voice: No, the reason you were chosen was. Because ¡®I¡¯ want a person with no worth, no happiness, who is so despair but they don¡¯t want to end their life. ¡®I¡¯ was wishing to find someone like that, but I don¡¯t want to waste my time so out of nowhere he appear and grant ¡®my¡¯ wish.

    Grimm: So what next are you planning for me?

    Female voice: Nothing! You are here to find hope and that¡¯s all. After all, this tournament is all about hope with a demon living in it.

    ¡°That¡¯s all, I¡¯ll take my leave.¡±

    The girl disappeared right before Grimm could say anything else.

    Grimm: I should really consider being a teacher.

 Chapter 46: Blue Navy Dress

    After the tournament everyone returned to the hotel, the winner''s group and the loser''s group went on separate buses.

    As usual, Grimm has already sat on the bus waiting for Sunz to continue his story. And just like last time, Sunz is also the last to get on the bus. Right after entering the bus, he sits right next to Grimm and they begin to talk.

    Sunz: Mr.Grimm congratulated on winning the match. Seeing how you perform I guarantee that you¡¯re going to the final.

    Grimm: Thanks for the compliment, kid. I want to say the same for you but each of your matches always ended with such a close result.

    ¡°And I also want to remind you that, if this tournament is important to you then don¡¯t give yourself too much disadvantage.¡±

    Sunz: I¡¯ll try. So, will you be telling me more about your past?

    Grimm: Hmm, not yet. There are some parts that are too inappropriate and traumatic for your age. So I¡¯m looking for some words that can describe the situation without going into too much detail.

    Another voice ¡°Then can I have a talk with my next opponent if you don¡¯t mind, Mister.¡±

    Grimm and Sunz then look to the seats opposite to them and see that the voice belongs to the ¡®No-Name¡¯ girl.

    Grimm gets out of his seat, pats Sunz on the shoulder, and tells him ¡°Good luck¡± before moving to the front of the bus.

    Sunz takes a deep breath and thinks (What does she want with me?)

    The No-Name girl has long black hair with navy blue eyes, which match the navy blue dress she is wearing. But her dress was like nothing Sunz had seen before. It has sleeves, a collar, and a back and front flap. The dress looks like it fits tightly around her upper torso.

    Even though it looks like the dress covers her entire body, there is a gap between the two flaps starting from her hip to her feet which reveal her whole leg. But she has already covered them with sports trousers.

    No-Name: I know that we have never met before but you have this aura that keeps ticking me off.

    Sunz: Yeah, I know. Just say what you want then we can go our separate ways.

    No-Name: I heard that you were planning to defeat me by crippling yourself? Or was it nonsense I heard?

    Sunz: How did you know about this information? Have you been stalking us?

    No-Name: How I got my information is not your concern, but be careful about what you say when I¡¯m around. So tell me was it nonsense I heard or what?

    Sunz: It is! Why do you care about it so much? Or are you thinking that I¡¯m underestimating you?

    No-Name laughs ¡°Haha! You, underestimate me. That cute!¡± and swiftly draws her sword at Sunz¡¯s neck. ¡°I don¡¯t like to have my win handed to me on a silver platter. But I¡¯ll accept it knowing that it will leave a bitter taste in my mouth!

    Sogae hears the ruckus, stands up, and screams at them: No Fighting On The Bus!!!

    No-Name removed her sword from Sunz¡¯s neck and said: I¡¯m sorry Miss. I may have gone overboard with the beefing. I promise it won¡¯t happen again.

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Sogae sits down and doesn¡¯t say anything else.

    Sunz checked his neck and said: You girls are totally crazy!

    No-Name: When you live this life long enough the sane one sometimes is the craziest one or not. But¡­ you saw it didn¡¯t you, My Attack! Right when I touched my hilt I saw your hand reacted the same.

    ¡°But it looks like you were lagging behind, was it because there were too many options for you to process? You know that you can¡¯t improve when someone still has to hold your hand.¡±

    Sunz: You¡¯re right, have to say I''ve never seen anyone like you before. You have more attack patterns while sitting down than someone going in berserk mode. And all I need to do to catch up is get up to your speed level.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say the sane ones sometimes are the craziest ones?¡±

    No-Name: That is only related to behavior. Don¡¯t use my own words against me when you don¡¯t fully understand it.

    ¡° I don¡¯t want to repeat what others said about your plan, but being able to predict the opponent''s attack and choose the perfect counter is very useful. Sadly, you are the only person who possesses that ability.¡±

    Sunz: You sound jealous, If you have my ability winning this tournament would be a breeze wouldn¡¯t it?

    No-Name: Why should I be jealous when I had already mastered that ability of yours!

    Sunz: Huh? Are you bluffing?

    No-Name: Why should I ! ¡®Fire manipulation¡¯ is an ability that only belongs to those who are born with it. Your ability is more like a skill that can be learned but just because something can be learned doesn¡¯t mean it doesn¡¯t have an entry level.

    The bus comes to a stop and Sogae announces to everyone

    ¡°We have arrived back at the hotel. Make sure that you don¡¯t leave your weapon back on the bus. Please don¡¯t cause any trouble or I will take care of you myself. That¡¯s all and enjoy your stay.¡±

    Sunz (This trip is faster than normal.)

    No-Name gets off the bus first and Sunz follows right behind.

    Under the night sky No-Name turn around and tell Sunz one last thing.

    ¡° I know that what I said about you on the bus feels like I looked down on you because it is. But I still have to compliment you on your skill to mix ¡®Elements¡¯ together. Not everyone has that skill¡­ I mean you¡¯re probably the only person to have that skill. So don¡¯t waste your potential.¡±

    Sunz feels like he should say something like a ¡°Thank you¡± but No-Name put her index finger to her lip signal him to stay quiet. Then she turns away and leaves.

    Not being able to say something simple like a ¡°Thank you¡±. Sunz''s brain immediately redirects his thought to ¡°I¡¯m so unfaithful!¡± after analyzing what just happened.

    Grimm pat Sunz on the shoulder and jokingly said: I never thought that you are the type to chase after other women when you already have one.

    Sunz: Let¡¯s not joke about this Mr.Grimm. She was just being polite and besides if Grace saw what just happened I don¡¯t know how will she react.

    Grimm: Let¡¯s find out.

    Sunz sighs: She has been watching the whole time, isn¡¯t she?

    After that sentence, Grace appears from behind Grimm and walks toward Sunz. Without giving him a chance to speak she grabbed his hand and said ¡°You¡¯re dead if you open your mouth¡± then dragged him away. Sunz and Grimm just wave goodbye at each other.

    At that moment No-Name had already returned to her room and taken a shower. After changing into something more comfortable she takes a look at the letter that she left on the table and said to herself.

    ¡°It been two years since I last saw you. You leave without saying anything except this letter.¡±

    She put the letter down and reached for the picture that was next to it. She stared at it for a moment before putting it back, next to the letter.

    No-Name fills up the electric kettle in her room with water and lets it heat up. While waiting, she rummages through her bag and takes out a cup of instant noodles.

    Right before No-Name is about to remove the packaging, she hears a knock on her door.

    She just sighs and goes toward the door. She opens the door slightly and asks: What do you want?

    The person who was knocking on her door was Sogae: I just checking to see if you¡¯re going to have dinner downstair.

    No-Name: I think I¡¯m going to skip today. But thank you for reminding me!

    Sogae: Are you eating noodles cup again?

    No-Name: How do you know?

    Sogae: No reason! But I do hope you will come downstair to have dinner. If you don¡¯t want to socialize, at least come down to have a good meal.

    No-Name: I¡¯ll remember that. Thank you!

    After that Sogae leaves and No-Name closes the door.

    No-Name holding the cup of noodles from before and telling herself ¡°She¡¯s been checking on me every day. I might go down to show my gratitude.¡±

    No-Name place the cup of noodles with the letter and picture before turning off the kettle. Then she headed down for dinner.

    On the outside of the letter it was written ¡®Deliver to Han Nam of the water clan in Korea.¡¯

    The picture she was staring at before was the picture of her first day in high school. In the picture, a male figure was standing next to her. The man has gray hair and some wrinkles on his face.

 Chapter 47: Interrogation and Dinner

    While Sogae was talking with No-Name. Grace dragged Sunz back to her room to have a talk.

    Grace pulled Sunz inside her room, aggressively pushed him against her door, and said ¡°Stay here! I need to get something.¡±

    Right after Grace releases Sunz¡¯s collar and goes looking for her stuff. Sunz just checking his throat and thinks (I should be careful about what I¡¯m gonna say next.)

    Grace said loudly ¡°Found it!¡± and returned to Sunz with a notepad and pen in her hands.

    Sunz asks: What are you going to do with them?

    Grace answered ¡°Oh! They are for you not me.¡± And holding them out for Sunz to take.

    Sunz slowly, awkwardly taking the pen and notepad from Grace¡¯s hands then asks ¡°So what do you want me to write?¡±

    Sunz suddenly feels an ominous aura from Grace when she starts talking.

    Grace: I heard that you and that No-Name girl got pretty close with each other on the bus. She even asked to talk with you alone and you accepted it, how shameful of you.

    Sunz: Wait, I didn¡¯t agree to talk with her! Grimm forced me into that situation, I had no other choice except to engage in the conversation.

    Grace: Who said that you¡¯re allowed to talk, huh?! I don¡¯t care that Grimm forced you, but you did spend your time with another girl. And during that time you must have looked at her a lot didn¡¯t ya?!

    Sunz now holding up the pen and notepad in front of his face as a shield then asks: Can you just get to the point, please? And what is your punishment for me?

    Grace: How impatient of you! Fine then, I need to take a shower shortly. So this is your punishment,¡­ detail for me what No-Name was wearing.

    Sunz: Huh?!

    Grace: What are you huhing for, finish your punishment already, didn¡¯t I tell you that I need to take a shower soon!

    Sunz quickly scribbles down what he remembers and gives Grace the notepad and pen back.

    She takes a look at it and said ¡°I don¡¯t know if this is enough but why did you also include some of her appearance?¡±

    Sunz: I just noted down what came to my mind while I was checking her out.

    Grace: Then what about some of her more feminine features? I don¡¯t see you writing any of it down.

    Sunz thinks for a bit (Feminine features?) then it snaps to him: Oh that! I have no clue. Those probably weren¡¯t that important to me so I didn¡¯t pay much attention. Do you also want to hear about her personality?

    Grace said ¡°Um, sure¡­I guess.¡± And thinks (He is pretty comfortable saying whatever is on his mind.)

    Sunz: She is pretty aggressive, looks down on other people maybe just me at the moment but she does recognize my strength and told me to not follow my stupid plan.

    Grace''s thought halfway through Sunz¡¯s sentence (It feels like she and I have the same personality.) Then near the end, she speaks up: Wait how did she know about your plan?

    Sunz: No clue, but she told me to be careful about what I¡¯m going to say when she is around.

    Grace: Uh well since you have been pretty ¡°well behave¡± during this conversation. You can ask me any questions, but only one.

    Sunz: I got one!

    Grace (That¡¯s fast): Let¡¯s hear it.

    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    Sunz: Are you mad at me for talking with No-Name? Was that the reason why you were acting so aggressively?

    Grace said, ¡°That was 2 questions but I¡¯ll allow it.¡± Then she grabbed his arm and felt that (His pulse is really fast right now!).

    Grace asks Sunz: Your heart rate is very fast right now! Are you nervous? Did my action scare you?

    Sunz: I guess so, but I get it who wouldn¡¯t get mad if they see their ¡°significant other¡± getting along with people of their genders. I''m just happy that you didn¡¯t cause a scene because of it.

    Grace blushed bright red after hearing the word ¡°Significant other¡±: I¡¯ll be honest with you. I wasn¡¯t mad at you! And all of that acting let¡¯s say I was just teasing you¡­

    Sunz has a sigh of relief and just slides off the door. Grace catches him and makes sure that he sits with his back against the door and not fall to the side.

    Grace: Hearing that must have been a relief for you!

    Sunz: It is! And I don¡¯t mind you teasing me like that, it makes our life more exciting but don¡¯t go overboard with it.

    Grace: Since we are both still new to this ¡°Relationship¡± I¡¯ll try my best.

    Sunz: Now that¡¯s settled. What is your reason for asking me about No-Name¡¯s outfit?

    Grace: About that, hmm? I¡¯ll tell you later. Now I need to take a shower and you should too.

    Grace lifted Sunz up, opened the door, pushed him outside, waved him goodbye, and said ¡°See you at dinner!¡±

    Sunz just shrugs it off and returns to his room for a shower.

    15 minutes later! After getting out of the shower Sunz received messages from an unknown number.

    ¡°This is Grace. Don¡¯t wait for me. I¡¯ll head down later.¡±

    ¡° If you wonder how I got your number. I just ask Sogae.¡±

    Sunz: I didn¡¯t even give Sogae my number, so how did she? (Probably from Jihu.)

    Later down at the dining area, Sunz met a familiar face.

    Sunz: You know, meeting you here was not something I expected.

    No-Name: Of all people I could have met you are the first one!

    Sunz: You know that you don¡¯t have to keep being that hostile toward me. I¡¯ve never met you before.

    No-Name: I know, but something about you keeps irritating me. Maybe we aren¡¯t supposed to get along.

    Sunz: Fine then¡­ So you come down here often?

    No-Name: Don¡¯t start the small talk.

    Sogae then appeared out of nowhere and said ¡°You kids really should learn how to get along.¡±

    Both Sunz and No-Name: Miss Sogae!

    Sogae: Follow me. Now!

    Then she takes both of them to one of the tables in the corner that near the window.

    Sogae: I¡¯m sorry that tonight the whole place is pretty busy. But I managed to save a spot for you four.

    No-Name was surprised and asked: Four? Who else is coming here?

    Sogae: Well! You, him, Grace and Jihu. I don¡¯t want you to just stay in your room until the tournament is over. So just enjoy yourself and eat to your heart¡¯s content.

    After saying all that Sogae leaves the kids alone.

    Sunz thinks (So that''s the reason!) then stands up.

    No-Name: Where are you going?

    Sunz: Well, since we all going to stuck here for quite a while, rather than sitting in silence I¡¯m getting myself dinner.

    No-Name: Yeah, that¡¯s a good idea. See you in five minutes.

    Five minutes later No-Name returned to the table first and started enjoying her food. After a few bites, she sighed and said to herself ¡°I¡¯m so stupid. I wasted so many days just sitting in my room and eating cup noodles while there is free tasty food just around the corner.¡±

    No-Name quickly finishes her food and stands up to get another plate. Right after she leaves the table Sunz comes back with his plate. Seeing the empty plate on No-Name side he just thought (Someone finally got to enjoy good food!)

    Later No-Name returned to the table with her food and Sunz commented ¡°It looks like you are having a great time here.¡±

    No-Name: I guess I could ease up with you a bit but not too much since I don¡¯t want Grace your girlfriend to see us being too friendly to each other.

    Sunz: How did you¡­?

    No-Name: Your last moment when fighting against her. That was quite a scene.

    Then both of them heard ¡°Hey Sunz¡± and it was Grace. It looks like she doesn¡¯t notice No-Name.

    Grace ¡°Sogae told me to meet you here¡± Then she saw who was sitting opposite to Sunz. She just stops talking and types something on her phone.

    No-Name just enjoying her food while watching Sunz resolve the ¡°Conflict.¡±

    Right before Sunz was about to say something he received a message from Grace.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk with me during dinner.¡±

    After that message what on his mind was (What is happening?). Then Sunz felt a pat on his shoulder from someone and they said ¡°Let¡¯s the girl have their fun. It¡¯s you and me tonight buddy.¡±

    And that someone was Jihu.

    Jihu suggested to Grace that they should go get their own food and then return to the table. Grace agrees and before leaving she gives Sunz a death glare.

    No-Name: You two definitely are something.

    Sunz: Let¡¯s not talk about it.

    No-Name: Sure! But I¡¯ll tell you this, don¡¯t lose her!

    After that, everyone enjoys their dinner. Even though the two sides don¡¯t interact with each other that much. Except just saying ¡®Goodbye!¡¯

    Right before going to bed, Sunz remembered what No-Name said ¡°Don¡¯t lose her!¡±

    Sunz holds up his phone and thinks (Is this too much) before texting Grace ¡°Goodnight¡±. Then he quickly fell asleep!

    Right after that, his phone received a text ¡°Goodnight¡± from Grace.

    Grace said to herself: I didn¡¯t expect him to take the initiative. Probably because I kind of scared him too much tonight!

    Other people''s perspective after the dinner.

    No-Name: So that the feeling of having ¡°Friends¡±.

    Jihu: Tomorrow I¡¯ll show you how scary a medic can be.

    Sogae: This generation is filled with talents!

 Chapter 48: Violet the 2nd Teacher

    After sleeping for a while. Sunz hears the sound of two pieces of metal smacking at each other. When he opens his eyes he sees that he is outside lying on the grass.

    Looking around he saw that he was lying next to a smithy and to his surprise that he was wearing his ¡®Windbreaker¡¯. It immediately snaps to him that he is currently dreaming right now.

    He then keeps hearing the same sound of metal smacking at each other. Figure that it must come from the smithy so he decided to investigate it.

    Sunz walked around the smithy until he found the entrance and to his surprise, Sword was standing in front of it. Sunz tries to start a conversation with him but Sword doesn¡¯t say anything.

    Sword with his back against the wall clenched his fist and knocked on the door twice. Then the sound of metals beating at each other stops followed up by the running sound that keeps getting louder.

    The running sound stops and the door slides open with such force that it startle Sunz.

    The person who greeted Sunz was the blacksmith girl. She also doesn¡¯t say anything except signal him to come in and quickly run away. Within 5 seconds the sound of metal beating at each other returned.

    Sunz quickly follows inside. Right after he entered the smithy, Sword said ¡°Good luck!¡±. Sunz was able to turn around and see that Sword was smiling at him right before the door slammed shut.

    Sunz thinks (Ok then¡­ It feels hotter in here than outside.)

    The further Sunz walks away from the entrance the hotter it gets. The same goes for the sound, it keeps getting louder and louder. Until he arrived at the training room of the smithy.

    The training room decoration is nothing special. It has some armor, weapon stands, and forging materials lying around. Which makes it feel more like a storage room than a training room.

    One special detail about this room is that the forge is connected to it. Sunz thinks (That must be the reason why it''s so hot in here.)

    The metal bashing sound stops and is followed up by the sound of water sizzling with lots of vapor coming out of the smithing room. After most of the vapor fades away the blacksmith girl comes out of the forge.

    Her body was covered in sweat and one of her hands was holding a sword. She throws the sword to Sunz and he was able to catch it.

    Blacksmith girl: The room is a bit hot isn¡¯t it? Let me fix that!

    Suddenly the temperature of the room cools down to a more comfortable one.

    The girl removes her smithing apron and grabs one of the swords in the room.

    Blacksmith girl: First let me introduce myself. I am your second ¡®Teacher¡¯ and called me Violet.

    Sunz: Is Violet your nickname because it matches your color? Your look don¡¯t really match your name.

    Violet pauses after Sunz finishes his sentence.

    Sunz said, ¡° If that sounds insulting then I¡¯m sor¡­ry¡±. At the end of the sentence, he finds it hard to speak and for some reason, he is pinned against the wall not able to move.

    Sunz looks at Violet and sees that the sword in her hand is gone. Then he looks down and sees that Violet had impaled him with her sword.

    Violet: You are fast with the brain but your movement is still too slow. It is fortunate for you that (She pulls the sword out of him) this is only a dream. So pain is only temporary!

    Sunz checks his wound and it was gone except blood still stuck to his shirt.

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Violet: To answer your question. ¡°Violet¡± is only my title for us to communicate easily. And for my real name¡­ Well, time will tell!

    Every door inside the room suddenly closes and the room morphs itself to become larger than before.

    Violet: For now. I want to see your blade Dance!

    Both Sunz and Violet ready their blade. And for Sunz he can already see Violet¡¯s movements. But this time instead of many different attacks she only has one move.

    Violet instantly disappears. Sunz takes one step back and swings his sword at the moment he knows that both blades will collide. His timing was correct but it was still not natural. And the force he got after the two blades connected still made his hand a bit numb.

    But different from the start of his journey, this time he can endure all of this a lot better. This training continued on for at least a minute with Sunz being on the defensive. Within that minute he started getting better at the timing and instead of using his force to counter.

    Sunz redirects the attack to miss him or at worse graze him to open for a counter-attack. After the first minute, Violet¡¯s attack now contains two different movements.

    Sunz smiles in enthusiasm: So this is what we doing.

    After saying that he got hit by four different moves from Viotlet.

    Violet screams at him with an intimidating voice: Shut Up and Focus!

    This time Sunz trying a different approach. He will also be going on the offensive to see if he can match or even out combo Violet.

    After upping the difficulty, Sunz feels that Violet¡¯s attacks are now leaning more on the speed aspect which leads to him receiving more hits than expected.

    Violet continued to increase the difficulty to 3 and 4 chain attacks after each minute. Right after seeing the third attack from Violet. Sunz immediately switches back to fighting defensively, trying to be less aggressive.

    Seeing that Sunz switches his tactic and his hands start twitching, Violet knows that (Reaching your limit isn¡¯t it! But it''s not your power it¡¯s something else.) because after switching his tactic Sunz is still able to block most of the starting attack and take the last hit of each combo to perform a counter-attack.

    But none of his counters was able to land on Violet. Time starts to feel slower for Sunz each time a minute pass and by seeing a bonus attack from Violet he knows that he is slowly improving (He hope).

    At the end of round 4 Sunz¡¯s body had never felt that exhausted before, (even though all of this is in his dream) but he can still push through because of the adrenalin rush he¡¯s having. Unluckily his hand suddenly just cramps, resulting in Sunz being hit by Violet¡¯s 4 hit combo.

    If this wasn¡¯t a dream then Sunz would have been decapitated.

    After getting hit Sunz starts seeing Violet¡¯s fifth combo. After seeing it his blade suddenly engulfed in flame and his hand on its own strikes the sword tip into the floor. Setting the whole room up in flame. Sunz was baffled by how it happened, knowing that it wasn¡¯t him that activated the skill.

    Violet walks toward Sunz and said ¡°And this is why I¡¯m here!¡° then immediately slice off the hand that was holding the sword. The flame inside the room slowly dies out. It¡¯s like she just cut off the fuel of the fire.

    Violet: Still thinking of following through with that plan of yours after seeing the result?

    Sunz: So all of this is just to simulate my plan and test my strength, just for you to say that I have no chance of winning with that plan.

    Violet: You¡¯re mostly correct, but forget one important detail. The test is also for you to figure out what your strength is. But you already know what it is! Even those that close to you know what your strength is.

    Violet holds up Sunz¡¯s hand that she just decapitated: So instead of testing your full strength, I want to see how long can you suppress it while being under immense pressure.

    Sunz (Seeing my decapitated hand still moving is kind of weird): Is this the moment that you¡¯ll tell me the solution to my problem?

    Violet: No kid! I may be your teacher now but for most of my life, I was a blacksmith. However, there is one thing I suggest, ¡°You should pick up another sword.¡± But if get good and comfortable with one then you might not need a second.

    Sunz stands up, grabs his detached hand from Violet (It automatically connected back to him), and said ¡°So I¡¯m just gonna borrow another one of your swords then we¡¯ll start over.¡±

    Violet: What do you mean ¡®start over¡¯? That will be the only test and now it¡¯s your turn to take care of the rest.

    Sunz: But I¡¯ll be able to come back and train in the next dream right?

    Then a door opens and Sunz hears a familiar voice ¡°That isn¡¯t how this works, kid!¡± It was Sword.

    Sword: This dream world is not a place for real training. It¡¯s a place that allows us to pass on our knowledge to you or just to have some small talk. We might do a bit of dueling which will make your body a bit sore after waking up.

    Violet: Which means most of your progress will be in the real world not here.

    Then all three hear a sound that is familiar to someone knocking on a door.

    Sunz asks: Is there another person coming in?

    Sword: Nope! That is for you from the real world. Now we just need to wake you up.

    Sunz: How?

    Violet ready her sword, and said ¡°Just so you know any sword can cut, even yours.¡± Then in a flash, Sunz was cut in half and turned to dust.

    Sword asks Violet: Do you think he has a chance at winning against her?

    Violet: For me, the Loser is the one that had no blade.

 Chapter 49: Mist Training (Part 1)

    Sunz immediately wakes up from his dream and thinks (That is one way to wake up.) while the knocking still going on. Sunz removes the blanket from his face, sits up, and waits until the knocking goes away.

    Sunz grabs his phone and sees that the time is 5 a.m, then he checks all of his social media and sees that none of his friends are online and their last online was hours ago. So that must mean neither Jihu nor Grace is knocking on his door.

    5 minutes go by and the knocking stops. Sunz thinks that must be all, then he receives a call from a random number. Curious of who is calling him at this hour Sunz answers the call.

    Sunz: Uh¡­Who is this?

    A female voice on the other line answers: Is this Sunz¡¯s number I¡¯m calling?

    Sunz: Yes. Who is this?

    Female voice: It''s me Sogae! Who do you think would be awake at this hour?

    Sunz: Oh! So why are you calling me this early?

    Sogae: Well I was visiting your room earlier and you didn¡¯t answer. So I¡¯m calling right now!

    Sunz gets off his bed, and walks toward his door while still on the phone with Sogae ¡°The person that was knocking on my door before was you?!¡±

    Sogae said on the phone ¡°Yeah!... Wait you were awake this whole time!?¡±

    The call end then the door in front of her open fully. But no one was standing at the entrance. Sogae put her phone away, walk inside the room, and close the door behind her. Then she sees Sunz standing in the corner of the room with his sword ready.

    Sogae is confused and asks: What are you doing?

    Sunz sighs in relief: It really is you. I thought I was going to be assassinated if I opened the door.

    Sogae asks ¡°How so? And here this is yours.¡± Then throw Sunz¡¯s Windbreaker at him.

    Sunz immediately put the Windbreaker on and continued: Well random knocking then a phone call this early in the morning plus I¡¯m a nobody that can use different Elements!

    Sogae slaps Sunz on the back and laughs: Haha! I didn¡¯t know you were this paranoid. So let me tell you this, the best time for you to be assassinated in this hotel is midnight and through the balcony¡­ How do you feel now after hearing that, positive or negative?

    Sunz: Both! But has anyone ever been assassinated here?

    Sogae: I don¡¯t think there are any but that doesn¡¯t mean it can¡¯t happen.

    Sunz: Ok¡­ So why do you need to meet me this early in the morning?

    Sogae: Let¡¯s just say I¡¯m going to teach you a unique skill that I developed myself.

    Sunz immediately remembered the conversation he had with Sogae about her water bottle. Then he asked, ¡°Are you talking about the thing that we talked about before in the elevator?¡±

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    Sogae: Precisely! You have such good memory.

    Sunz: And you said that I can¡¯t refuse this offer, right?

    Sogae: Exactly! Do you have any questions before I drag you out of your room?

    Sunz: Probably just one. Why are you teaching me this skill of yours, when we aren¡¯t even that close? You and I are total strangers to each other.

    Sogae: Isn¡¯t that a bit mean? Calling me a stranger! We both interacted quite a bit since the start of the tournament. So we should be pass the stranger phase already.

    Sunz: But it''s true tho. Most of our interactions happen because you work every job in the hotel. (The front desk, the weapon shop, event organizer, doctor¡­)

    Sogae: And you still think we are strangers, after everything that had happened?

    Sunz thinks for a bit and speaks up: I guess you¡¯re right¡­ how about associate? I don¡¯t think we are at the friendship level yet.

    Sogae: Now that¡¯s better. Oh yeah, this relationship stuff between us has no connection to me teaching you!

    Sunz: Then why did you make me justify that?

    Sogae: Because you ask!... We have spent too much time doing nothing. Now follow me! We¡¯ll continue this in the elevator.

    Sunz said ¡°Ok.¡± Then follow Sogae to the elevator where their conversation continues.

    Sogae: Do you have everything with you?

    Sunz: Well I have my Windbreaker and my sword.

    Sogae pulls a water bottle out of her pocket and tells Sunz ¡°Here take this.¡±

    Sunz is hesitant to take the bottle from Sogae¡¯s hand.

    Sogae thinks to herself ¡°Oh right!¡± then quickly puts the bottle into Sunz¡¯s Windbreaker pocket and tells him ¡°The bottle is new. So I didn¡¯t do anything to it. But you will later.¡±

    Sunz opens the bottle and takes a sip from it. Seconds go by, and Sunz doesn¡¯t feel anything different so he closes the bottle and puts it back in his pocket.

    The two then stay quiet until they reach the floor that Sogae chose. The elevator opens and Sogae says to Sunz ¡°See, it''s safe. Now follow me!¡±

    Sunz walks with Sogae for a few minutes across the hotel without questioning where is she taking him. One thing he noticed was the longer they walk the more mist appear around them.

    Sogae: We are here!

    Sunz looks around confused and asks: Where is HERE actually? We are surrounded by mist¡­ And what are you doing?

    Sogae: Just grabbing my weapon¡­ Here it is!

    Sunz: How did you find it in this mist? You don¡¯t have any special ability like ¡®Supersense¡¯ or ¡®Enhance eyesight¡¯?

    Sogae: Just use GPS. Simple as that!

    Sunz: GPS, how?

    Sogae: Once you join the clan you¡¯ll get one. Now let''s start!

    Sogae pulls her sword out of the sheath and performs a powerful swing. Her swing causes a powerful whirlwind that clears up all of the mist in the area. Which reveals the environment around them.

    Sunz: So these are what were hiding inside the mist.

    Sogae: Beautiful aren¡¯t they?!

    Sunz: Is this place a garden? I didn¡¯t know the hotel had one.

    Sogae: That means you haven¡¯t been to this floor before. This floor is called the Flower Forest. A public floor that anyone can visit¡­ And the section we are in right now will not and will never be available to the public.

    Sunz: Ok¡­

    He took a glance at Sogae¡¯s sword and saw something unusual. So he asked her ¡°Does your sword supposed to drip water?¡±

    Sogae: If there isn¡¯t any water on your sword after performing that move then you have to try again. Also, our time is limited to an hour max.

    Sunz asks ¡°Is the mist important to perform this skill?¡± Then pull out his sword.

    Sogae: It is the most crucial part of the skill. And don¡¯t worry it reset really fast.

    After Sogae said that, the mist started to engulf the whole garden again.

    Sogae: Good luck!

    The mist has clouded Sunz¡¯s vision of Sogae. Now it''s only him and his sword. Right before delivering his first swing something come across his mind.

    (What is the basic of this skill? All she did was swing her sword¡­ Once!), ignore that moment Sunz starts swinging his sword with as much force as he can.

    After a while nothing changed. Sunz wasn¡¯t able to clear out the mist and the hand that was holding onto the sword started twitching just like in his dream.

    Sunz said to himself ¡°I¡¯m not fighting against anyone else so why are you acting like that?¡±

    Then he hears ¡°A weapon liability can also be its strength. If you can¡¯t overcome that then¡­You shall be trapped here Forever!¡±

    Suddenly part of the mist around him cleared up and turned into 3 Mist Soldiers each wielding a different type of weapon Katana, Battle Axe, Daggers.

    Sunz: This isn¡¯t what I expected!

 Chapter 50: Mist Training (Part 2)

    The Axe Soldier immediately attacks Sunz while the other two are on standby. Ignoring his hand condition Sunz faces the Soldier head-on.

    Sunz said to the Mysterious voice: I don¡¯t know what you mean but it looks like the only way to escape is to fight them head-on.

    The Soldier charged at Sunz and swung its axe. Sunz waits for the perfect moment to swing his sword, but right at the last second, his hand activates ¡®Electric Element¡¯ and flings him away in the opposite direction.

    Sunz said to his hand: Why did you do that?

    Mysterious voice: The body is yours but not its action. Even for the calmest mind a bit of frustration can tip the scale. Feeling makes the decision not you!

    Sunz picked himself up, transferred the sword to his left hand, and said ¡°I¡¯m going to put you out of commission¡± Then he put his right arm behind his back.

    Sunz said to himself: This feels weird¡­If I can swing a sword without any training, then let¡¯s hope that my non-dominant hand obtains 50% of that power.

    The Axe Soldier suddenly retreats to its original position and the Katana Soldier steps up to battle Sunz. The Katana Soldier rushed at Sunz and delivered many swift attacks but Sunz was able to dodge most of the attack and parry the rest.

    Sunz: OK, this guy isn¡¯t that strong. My movement is decent enough to create a counter. Now, let¡¯s see if ¡°killing¡± these three can free me from this.

    This time Sunz is the one to attack first. The Soldier holds up its katana to block Sunz''s attack. When the two blade collide the ¡®Mist Katana¡¯ evaporate which surprise Sunz. The Soldier side steps to the left, summons another weapon out of thin air and strikes Sunz.

    With one arm behind his back, gives Sunz more room to dodge the attack and finish the Katana Soldier with a counterattack. But it didn¡¯t stop there, a dagger flew right at his head then evaporated.

    Sunz was startled by that and then realized something (They don¡¯t do any damage to me¡­Does killing them free me?)

    Now, the last two Soldiers both stare at Sunz. The Dagger Soldier tackles Sunz at a bizarre speed and immediately disappears after touching his body leaving him question what just happened. Right after that, the Axe Soldier leaps into the sky and slowly evaporates after striking the ground. That attack then released a ¡®Mist Tsunami¡¯ coming at Sunz.

    Sunz raises his sword and holds it 45-degree angle in front of him. Standing still he closes his eyes and mumbles (I believe in my Sword) as the ¡®Mist Tsunami¡¯ travels across him.

    Different from what he expected, the force of the attack was calm, light, and fast. When he opens his eyes he sees water lingering on his blade, but it is still too early to celebrate because he is still trapped in the Mist.

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    Then another thing that surprises him is the ¡®Dagger Soldier¡¯ from before is kneeling before him with an open water bottle.

    Sunz (Wait, is that?) touches his pocket and feels nothing. Doesn¡¯t know what to do next until he hears ¡°Pour it in¡±. Understanding what he needs to do, Sunz he holds the sword above the bottle with the tip pointing down. After that, a droplet flows through the sword and falls into the bottle.

    The ¡®Soldier¡¯ closes the bottle, gives it a shake, tosses it back at Sunz, and instantly disappears along with Mist Arena. Sunz looks at the bottle and it is still the same as before. Then he hears Sogae¡¯s voice.

    Sogae: How was everything? You¡¯ve been in there for quite a while.

    Sunz: Questions all I have are questions.

    Sogae: Those can be asked later. Since you escaped that place. That means you had completed the ¡®Mist Trial¡¯. So here is your reward!

    Sogae pulls out of her pocket 4 shot glasses and gives them to Sunz.

    Sunz takes the gift and asks: What am I going to use these for?

    Sogae pointed at Sunz¡¯s water bottle and said ¡°The effect duration is based on the shot glass. One shot equals one hour or less.¡±

    Sunz: So what effect does this have exactly?

    Sogae: Unknown! It¡¯s different for every host and to narrow down what effect it will have is impossible.

    Sunz: So what you¡¯re saying is I just learned a skill that has no benefit.

    Sogae: Technically you learned two skills. My skill which may be useless and one of the clan''s higher-level skills.

    Sunz: Wait I did? Which was it?

    Sogae: That is for you to figure out. Now you need to leave. I have work to do and you need breakfast.

    Sogae then leads Sunz to the elevator and the two wave each other off. Sunz goes to the dining area while Sogae stays at the ¡®Flower Forest¡¯.

    Heading to the dining area Sunz meets Yama first, who had already started the feast.

    Sunz: You here early. Did the other two show up?

    Yama: No, haven¡¯t seen them at all. By the way, did you just do some training before coming here? Your body is sweating a bit.

    Sunz ¡°Yeah I did. Some light training that all.¡± Then his phone buzzes. Sunz checked it and it was Jihu messaging him.

    Jihu: Clan meeting. I¡¯ll meet you at the training facility later.

    Sunz replies ¡°Ok.¡± Then he checked to see if Grace woke up, but her profile showed ¡®Last online last night¡¯.

    Sunz said to Yama: Jihu got some clan stuff he needed to do and Grace probably still asleep.

    Yama: Funny¡­I guess you would prefer to get your own food right?

    Sunz: Yeah. Give me 5 minutes.

    Yama mumbles: Maybe another table too.

    When Sunz turned around he got jumped scared by Grace.

    Sunz: Holy!

    Grace: hi sunz. hi yama.

    Yama: Hello. Well, Sunz I think you should get another table.

    Sunz: Yeah we¡¯ll leave you be.

    Grace: bye..

    Sunz and Grace go sit at another table after getting their food.

    Sunz: You look rough this morning¡­

    Grace yawns: yeah didn¡¯t do the usual routine so this is what you have to see.

    Sunz: You still look pretty normal except for the hair part. What made you wake up this early?

    Grace: you''re the one I should ask that, your neck was a bit sweaty when I saw you. You don¡¯t look like the type that does morning exercise so¡­Who were you with before this?

    Sunz:¡­Sogae¡­

    Grace: Oh, that makes sense. You¡¯re receiving training from many different people. I kind of jealous of you. Not everyone has that luxury.

    Sunz: Really! I think it''s supposed to be the other way around. Learn everything from one person to another and not learn different pieces from different people.

    Grace: I guess different ways work for different people.

    Sunz and Grace finish their meal.

    Grace: I¡¯ll head back to my room and change now. See you later!

    Sunz: See you later.

    Grace goes back to her room and Sunz heads down to the training facility.

 Chapter 51: Convenience

    After making his way down to the training facility. Sunz heads straight to the ¡®Sparing Arena¡¯ and at that place, he sees ¡°No Name¡± training against a bunch of AI.

    ¡°No Name¡± is training with the same outfit from last night. And her way of training is also different. Instead of fighting against the AI, she focus more on improving her movement while being surrounded by a large amount of enemies.

    It didn¡¯t take her that much time to notice Sunz watching her. Using the AI as objects, she jumps on them and lands in front of Sunz which startles him.

    No Name: Look who decided to snoop around at this time.

    Sunz: It was all coincident. I didn¡¯t expect to meet you here.

    No Name: Let¡¯s say you¡¯re telling the truth. Why were you watching me?

    Sunz: I didn¡¯t want to interrupt your training, that''s all.

    ¡­

    No Name: Acceptable. You came here to use their program for training, isn¡¯t it?

    Sunz: Correct. I thought that more members from the clan should be here to use the place, but no one here.

    No Name: It¡¯s because the tournament is happening. So this place got restricted to Contestants and higher up only.

    Sunz: You know a lot for a Contestant?

    No Name: Take a few guests or ask Sogae. It¡¯s simple. I must go now, you probably going to train here with your friends so excuse me.

    Sunz: Wait! How did you know about that?

    No Name: The AI in there isn¡¯t as strong as the Contestant, but you already know it. So you must need the aid of your friends to help you win against me.

    Sunz: I know that you going to say ¡°It¡¯s Simple. Because I analyze all the information I know about you.¡±

    No Name: That¡¯s right¡­all that you know of¡­ Well, aren¡¯t you supposed to start preparing instead of holding me here?

    Sunz: Before you go I need to ask. Did you ever return to your room since last night? Because your clothes look the same and you¡¯re covered in sweat.

    No Name: I did not¡­If you¡¯re that perceptive then I hope I¡¯m not a blur when we fight.

    Sunz: I remember that this place is closed after every round and open the following day.

    No Name *yawn*: That¡¯s¡­Truee. It¡¯s open after midnight and not 6 a.m like you though.

    Sunz: Oh¡­So you had been training since midnight!?

    No Name *yawn* ¡°more or less.¡± Then start walking away.

    Sunz: Wait! I have another question.

    After saying that Sunz sees No Name draw her blade at him and quickly reacts to block it. The two swords release a whirlwind across the hallway right after colliding. Sunz¡¯s cheek feel like twitching a bit.

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    No Name: Could have lost an eye for being talkative! Final question. More, then I¡¯ll make you blind.

    Sunz: Where did you get the dress you¡¯re wearing right now?

    ¡­

    No Name: Asia¡­ I won¡¯t give you the specific location.

    Sunz (Lucky she answered my next question): OK. Thank you! I won¡¯t bother you anymore.

    No Name: yeah, bye¡­

    Both walk away from each other. Sunz goes and starts warming up while waiting for Jihu and Grace.

    No Name goes back to her room with something on her mind. She recall the moment she attacked Sunz in the hallway. At that moment, she was tired and annoyed that Sunz was in front of her face. When she attacked with her blade, Sunz was nearly able to block it. No Name realizes something.

    (That was his left hand¡­ First not using his elements, now not using his dominant hand. So many options, so convenience.)

    No Name goes to the shower then shoves her face into the pillows, and there are more thoughts going across her mind.

    (Having friends that can train against you is¡­ convenience?), (If I lose¡­that leave me with two life option¡­ one can help me earn money sooner.)

    *sigh* (I already know that the only way he can win is through a miracle. Reality is on my side¡­)

    (eyes feel heavy¡­body is refreshing¡­so convenience to sleep¡­)

    Back to Sunz just practicing with his new arm.

    Jihu walked into the room and said: Hey man, sorry! The meeting was quite long.

    Sunz stops practicing, ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry, just glad that you can make it. So are you allowed to tell me what was the meeting about?¡±

    Jihu pulls out his sword while talking to Sunz, ¡°Most of the time I¡¯m just listening in and talk when being asked to. For now, my role isn¡¯t that important.¡±

    Sunz: If you¡¯re the grandson of the clan leader then it makes sense that you¡¯re supposed to be there. By the way cool sword!

    Jihu: Thanks! You want to start now or wait for Grace?

    Sunz: Let¡¯s wait for her! She could be here any moment.

    Jihu ¡°Cool, that means we can talk for a bit longer.¡± Then he points at Sunz¡¯s face and says ¡°So what happened to your cheek? The blood already hardened.¡±

    Sunz touches both of his cheeks until he finds the blood clots then scratches it. He sees red dust on his finger tip then touches his finger in the same spot again and this time there¡¯s fresh blood on it.

    ¡°Hey looks there blood¡­Probably from my scuffle with No Name a while ago.¡±

    Jihu *sigh*: I know you and I know girls hate you but there is no way she was attacking you out of nowhere.

    Sunz: Well she was tired and I was asking stupid questions leading to this. On the bright side didn¡¯t lose an eye¡­ Can you cure blindness?

    Jihu: Yes? So you must have successfully blocked her attack or else there would be a line on your face right now.

    Sunz: Definitely! So how are things between you and Class Rep going?

    Jihu: Still positive. We do text but not often. And I have this thing going on right now. So if you want more information better wait a month or until school starts again.

    Sunz: Yeah, you¡¯re right.

    Jihu: Well since you asked me about my relationship, it¡¯s your turn to tell me about the relationship between you and Grace, which I didn¡¯t know.

    Sunz: Well¡­ She approaches me first and I just follow along. Then we had our first date which was both good and a disaster at the same time. Then you saw what happened after our fight. Those are the highlights.

    Jihu: And you said you¡¯re not charismatic? She is older than you and you¡¯re still doing a great job at keeping up with her.

    Sunz: Well who knows how long this will go on. We were only able to interact that much because we all stayed at the same place. After this tournament, we all will go back to our country.

    Jihu: I know what you mean but you still can communicate through phone. That is one of the benefits of technology.

    Sunz: I guess you¡¯re right. But I should still prepare my emotions for the worst-case scenario.

    ¡°SHUT UP WITH THAT DEPRESS TALK!¡± a familiar shout coming from the entrance to the room.

    Sunz and Jihu take a look and see that the person who shouted was Grace. Both of them become quiet.

    Grace approached Sunz and said: Don¡¯t worry too much, I¡¯m not leaving you. It¡¯s rare to find people like you.

    Sunz: ¡­How much did you hear?

    Grace: Enough to step in. I understand that online interaction will be worse than real life. But that is what you¡¯ll have to endure for now. Ok?

    Sunz: Ok. I guess I was overthinking a bit¡­

    Grace: Don¡¯t worry! Overthinking is normal but you need to make sure your thought doesn¡¯t change who you are. Well then let¡¯s get ready, we are here to train you after all.

 Chapter 52: Escalate

    Right before the three get into their position.

    Grace asks Sunz: So, what is the most efficient way to help improve your skill?

    Sunz: Hmm, I guess just fighting like this will be your last battle.

    After hearing that Grace has a devious smile on her face. ¡°Ok!!!¡± she immediately kick Sunz in the stomach, which sent him flying to his corner. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± she says to Jihu then run at Sunz with her rapier in hand.

    Jihu *laughs* ¡°Haha. Did not expect that!¡± then follows right behind her.

    After being kicked like a ball into the goal. Sunz immediately sees both Grace and Jihu attacks, which make him quickly stand up, pull out his sword, and cover his stomach with his right arm.

    Grace attacked Sunz first and her attack was blocked successfully. After that Sunz can see many visions of Grace¡¯s next attacks but for Jihu, his attacks appear briefly and disappear with no follow-up.

    The battle continues with just only Sunz and Grace up against each other with no signal from Jihu. At this moment Sunz¡¯s stomach feels better, and so does his tempo with Grace. After many blocks, Sunz finally faster than Grace and starts taking the lead.

    But that moment wasn¡¯t long when both of their stances broke from Grace countered Sunz¡¯s attack. After the break, Sunz saw a vision of Jihu appear in front of him. When he tried to block Jihu¡¯s attack with his right arm, it was cut off.

    The vision disappears and Jihu is clearly in front of Sunz.

    At that moment, Sunz stops seeing other options (Does this mean over¡­). (With one hand in the air and the other weaponless¡­ I can¡¯t think of anything else.)

    (maybe¡­maybe there¡­still other option¡­ no no NO!!!!!!!!!)

    Sunz¡¯s right hand immediately reaches for the sword as his left slowly releases. His left hand hadn¡¯t fully released its grip on the sword, but his right had already grabbed and pulled it through his left hand. Managed to block Jihu¡¯s attack and push both of them away from each other.

    Grace manages to support Jihu from falling over after him being knocked into her. Then she ask ¡°What were you doing? Aren¡¯t we both supposed to train him?¡±

    Jihu: My fighting style is different from you two. ¡®Speed¡¯ isn¡¯t my friend, ¡®Precision¡¯ is!

    Grace: That¡¯s good, but hurry up and heal that moron. He is bleeding!

    Jihu ¡°No way! He ain¡¯t that careless¡­¡± Then looks at Sunz¡¯s hand and sees blood dripping down his fingertips, (Oh shit! he really is bleeding.)

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    Jihu says to Sunz: OK buddy stop. Let¡¯s me patch you up first then we can continue.

    Sunz: Sorry, but I can¡¯t. I¡¯m feeling an adrenaline rush right now so it would be a waste to stop. Plus it¡¯s not like I can pause in the real battle.

    Jihu: Well said! Can you please step aside Grace? This is personal.

    Grace left the stage with a worrying look on her face.

    Sunz immediately attacks Jihu after Grace leaves. Jihu was able to block Sunz''s attack with ease.

    After the first attack, Sunz thought that he would be able to predict Jihu''s next movements but nothing appeared. Ignoring the fact that his ability is broken, Sunz transfers the sword to his left hand without any issue and continues attacking.

    After some attacks, Sunz¡¯s left hand starts to sweat, which comes in contact with his cut. Forcing him to switch back to his right hand. This continues for a bit longer with Sunz continues switching his hands to wield the weapon.

    After the first switch that caused his hand to bleed every action later on was conducted flawlessly but still needs some improvement.

    Throughout the fight, all Jihu did was parry Sunz¡¯s attack and comment ¡°Looks like your left isn¡¯t as good as your right!¡± which made Sunz answer with a smile ¡°That¡¯s why I need you two help me to improve it!¡±

    Jihu feels that Sunz¡¯s adrenaline rush is losing its effect. So he forcefully grabs Sunz¡¯s wrist mid-switching, raises that arm up, and stabs Sunz in the heart, penetrating through his body.

    Jihu says ¡°Without elements you sure are useless!¡± then pulls his sword out of Sunz and releases his wrist. The sword doesn¡¯t have any blood on it after being pulled out but there was blood dripping onto the floor after the stab.

    Sunz doesn¡¯t know why he couldn¡¯t predict that lethal move. When he tried to speak the only word coming out of his mouth was ¡°traitor¡­¡± and he fell to the ground with his hand still clenching onto the sword.

    The one thing that comes to Sunz¡¯s mind after falling is (It cold).

    Suddenly Jihu feels that his surroundings become extremely cold. Immediately he looks at Grace and sees that she is in tears.

    Grace mumbles: Let¡¯s see if you can heal this!

    The whole room feels another critical burst of cold air from Grace as she summons an identical rapier made of ice in her other hand.

    Grace throws her ice rapier at Jihu to start the fight. Jihu held up his sword to block the attack and it was successful, but the rapier exploded into a cold fog after contact which knocked Jihu back a decent distance and numbed his whole body.

    Jihu summons a water sword in his free hand and it instantly freezes, which removes the numbness from his body. He tosses the frozen sword to the ground and then shouts ¡°He NOT DEAD!!!¡±

    Grace walks through the fog, then looks at Jihu with her soulless eyes and says ¡°He better wake up soon then¡­¡±

    The fog doesn¡¯t disappear. Instead, it flows to Grace¡¯s free hand to recreate the ice rapier.

    Then Grace starts to count ¡°1¡­2¡­3¡­4¡­5¡­ Time¡¯s up¡­¡±

    Immediately attack Jihu with many quick follow-up attacks. Jihu was able to block all of the hits from the normal rapier, which created a clear open for the ice rapier to hit. Each time he was hit by the ice rapier it left a frostbite mark on his body. The more damage he receives the more numb his body becomes.

    Jihu (She wasn¡¯t this strong in the tournament. If it¡¯s similar to Sunz¡¯s condition. Then all I must do is stall.) After thinking and taking damage. Immediately perform a powerful swing that creates a gust at Grace.

    The attack doesn¡¯t flinch her but enough to make her raise an eyebrow. Then all of the frostbite marks on Jihu disappear and Grace¡¯s body slowly being encase in ice, starting from her feet.

    Jihu has a sigh of relief: Whew! That should keep you busy for a while¡­

 Chapter 53: Emergency Rescue

    Jihu (didn¡¯t expect all that would tire me out this easily.) pulls out his phone and sends a message to Sogae ¡°Help! Training facility. Now!¡±

    Jihu looks up, sees that Grace is still trapped, and says to her: It¡¯s about time you calm down, using that much energy ain¡¯t good for your body.

    Grace: I don¡¯t think I reached my full potential yet!

    The ¡®Ice rapier¡¯ in Grace¡¯s hand exploded shattering the ice that was encasing her.

    Jihu holds up his sword to block the blast from the explosion, expecting a follow-up attack from Grace, but nothing happens. After the fog disappears he sees that Sogae has arrived in time and neutralizes Grace between her arms.

    Jihu''s eyes then see something abnormal about Grace that is different from Sogae. (What am I seeing?)

    For the first time in Jihu¡¯s life, he can see aura. Sogae¡¯s aura spreads throughout her body while Grace¡¯s aura doesn¡¯t appear on her hands at all.

    Jihu says to himself (This will need more study.) Then he hears.

    Sogae: Hey Jihu! Is this the reason you called for my help?

    Jihu: Yes! Please take care of her for me.

    Grace struggling to get out of Sogae''s restrain: Release me now! I need to Kill Him!

    Sogae tries to help Grace ¡°Calm down, no need to be that extreme just tell me what happened¡­¡± Then she sees Sunz¡¯s body lying on the floor, motionless.

    Sogae: I see¡­ Don¡¯t worry, he isn¡¯t dead. So can you please calm down?

    Grace: I¡¯ll calm down once he wakes up! Now! Release Me!

    Sogae moves her hands across Grace¡¯s shoulders and starts massaging them.

    ...

    Grace suddenly drops her rapier and speaks in a soft voice: What are you doing to me? My body¡­ feels so weak¡­ so relaxed¡­

    Sogae: I¡¯m sorry for being such a degenerate but this is the only way to calm you down.

    Grace''s final word before being knocked out ¡°Pute!¡±

    Sogae whispered, ¡°Haizz, you are so feisty.¡± Then carefully lay Grace on the floor.

    Jihu walks toward Sogae and says: Sorry for troubling you at this time of day.

    Sogae: We can talk about this later. For now, you take both of their body to one of the infirmaries while I clean up this mess.

    Jihu: OK, once again sorry for troubling you.

    Jihu then carries both Sunz and Grace bodies to the infirmary while Sogae clean up their mess.

    After 10 minutes.

    Sogae comes to the infirmary to check on Jihu, Grace, and Sunz¡¯s body.

    When entering the room she sees that both Grace and Sunz are lying on their own bed while Jihu examines their body with a frustrated look on his face.

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    Sogae asks Jihu: You feeling ok? Do you want to join your friend?

    Jihu laughs: Don¡¯t joke like that! I¡¯m just thinking too hard that''s all.

    Sogae: About what? Regretting your action?

    Jihu: Of course not. You know that I never regret what I did no matter the outcome. Good or Bad.

    Sogae crossed her arms: Nearly getting yourself killed, was that good or bad?

    Jihu: That depends. I got both good and bad outcomes from that decision.

    Sogae: You lost me there dongsaeng. Retell me the whole thing that leads to this.

    Jihu retells the story to Sogae, starting from when he meets Sunz after the clan meeting.

    ¡­

    Sogae: So the good outcome is you three awaken some special power at the cost of your life!?

    Jihu: Between me and Grace I know that we both awaken a new skill, but for Sunz it is more like he was trying to get used to his new skill.

    Sogae: Ok! Let¡¯s get rid of these questions of mine. First, did you really kill him?

    Jihu: Of course not! I had mastered that ¡®Art¡¯ a while ago. So I figure, this is the perfect time to use it¡­ just didn¡¯t expect him to get knocked out this long.

    Sogae *sigh*: It¡¯s good that you mastered that ¡®Art¡¯ but¡­ did you really have to use it in front of those lovebirds?

    Jihu: Better now than never, plus I got to heal his wounds. I hope that he doesn¡¯t lose this relationship. He is doing so well right now!

    Sogae stays silent for a bit then speaks up: You better feel proud, because that action of yours might bring them closer to each other.

    Jihu: Great to hear that!

    Sogae: But because of that it means she didn¡¯t awaken a new skill. It is more like she breaks her limit through a traumatic event.

    Jihu: Don¡¯t you mean ¡°LOVE¡±!

    Sogae: You kill her lover. Is the event!¡­ but it''s strange when you said that her aura wasn¡¯t at 100%.

    Jihu: I said it didn¡¯t appear on her hands. That doesn¡¯t mean she wasn¡¯t at 100%. Maybe most of the aura was diverted to other parts of the body.

    Sogae: That is impossible. Aura means Life, if something doesn¡¯t have aura, means it¡¯s dead! You can focus most of your aura to one point but your whole body will still be covered in it.

    Jihu: But Grace¡¯s hands are still usable. Have any answer to that?

    Sogae: Sadly no, I can¡¯t see what you see so your best option is to look around the library and then ask Elder Nam.

    Jihu: Wouldn¡¯t it be better to ask him directly first?

    Sogae: He¡¯s old. You don¡¯t want him to hear him lecturing for hours again, don¡¯t you?

    Jihu: Fair point.

    Sogae: Now! We can get to the fun part. How is your new eyes?

    Jihu: It''s great but I don¡¯t know how to turn the effect off. So for now all I¡¯m seeing is you and the Aura color. Better than seeing the person''s silhouette with Aura color as their outline.

    Sogae: Wait it has color!?

    Jihu: Apparently, and it¡¯s different for everyone. But I don¡¯t know if the color is fixed or based on emotion.

    Sogae: I wish I had those eyes. But that is impossible. Even Jun the best of the clan right now can¡¯t bypass that rule. Mean my chance is Zero.

    Jihu: Maybe you should have taken the Healing path instead.

    Sogae: I may sound dramatic but in no way I¡¯m taking that path. Those eyes are a bonus that isn¡¯t guaranteed. Most Healing Masters don¡¯t even have those eyes. Except for the blind one.

    Jihu: This the first time I¡¯ve heard that much about these eyes. How many actually obtained this ability?

    Sogae: You saying that you didn¡¯t know about the bonus when taking the Healing path!

    Jihu: I took this path because it more calm than the Sword path.

    Sogae: That¡¯s new. Well, the number is slim. At the moment, I know that Elder Nam has it and now you. But the books may have more information about the ability if we actually have them.

    Jihu: We don¡¯t have books about it?

    Sogae: I do want those eyes but I don¡¯t really dive deep into the things I don¡¯t have.

    Sogae looks at the watch on her wrist. Then says to Jihu

    ¡°I gotta get back to work now. You take care of them for me ok.¡±

    Jihu: What if Grace woke up before Sunz?!

    Sogae: Don¡¯t worry, she will be sleeping for at least 12 hours, and that ¡®Art¡¯ at your level can knock someone out for a maximum of one hour. So you¡¯ll be fine.

    Jihu: That is more reassuring. But what did you do to Grace?

    Sogae: I just gave her a massage. You know how tiring working 24 hours straight is. My whole body always in pain so I learned massage to help with that.

    Jihu: From what I saw that was more than a massage.

    Sogae: I have time to learn techniques. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not doing that in public. I¡¯m not that degenerate.

    Jihu: OK then, it was fun talking with you, and thank you for your help.

    Sogae: You¡¯re welcome!

    Sogae leaves the room and goes back to her work. Leaving Jihu to look after Sunz and Grace.

    Jihu: What can I do for the next hours¡­?

 Chapter 54: Wake Up!

    Hours later!

    Sunz wakes up and gets blinded by the bright ceiling light when he opens his eyes. His hand automatically moves on its own to find the hood of the Windbreaker. When found, he immediately tugs it over his face, successfully minimizing the brightness of the light.

    Sunz *mumbles* (Really no dream. Don¡¯t we usually talk after my failure? And why was the ability glitching out with Jihu?

    Jihu: What the hell are you talking about?

    Sunz: Nothing¡­

    After a few seconds of silence, Sunz asks ¡°Where are we?¡±

    Jihu: If I say heaven, will you believe me?

    Sunz moves his finger to the cut near his cheek but nothing was there.

    Sunz: No I won¡¯t.

    Jihu: That¡¯s your answer¡­ How is your chest?

    Sunz: Nothing but cold, I guess. Question, during the whole practice were you planning to inflict any damage on me at all?

    Jihu: Dumb question! Of course not, you asked me to be a healer and I did just that.

    Sunz: Then why did it take you so long to do anything?

    Jihu: I was waiting for an opening. Since Grace was the aggressor so, I aim to strike at the moment you have no way to protect yourself.

    Sunz: But with the intention to heal?

    Jihu: Yeah!

    Sunz takes a moment to think

    (So the reason I couldn¡¯t predict Jihu¡¯s attack was because he has no intention to hurt me¡­ And at the end when I couldn¡¯t see his attack. Must mean my ability had finished upgrading.)

    (At least today''s training wasn¡¯t for nothing. Even though what I gain is close to nothing. But now, I can detect whether my enemy is friend or foe)

    Jihu: Hey man sorry for ruining your training today. If I didn¡¯t pull that stunt, maybe you could¡¯ve got a couple more hours in.

    Sunz sits up and says: Nah, you were right to pull that shenanigan. A couple more hours wouldn¡¯t close any gap between her and me.

    Jihu: So what¡¯s the plan now? You still have a couple more hours today and tomorrow before your fight with her.

    Sunz: Training is the only option at the moment. So I will ignore it by asking you stupid questions.

    Jihu sounds annoyed: This again¡­ But ask away!

    Sunz: Well, since you¡¯re ¡®Korean¡¯ and we¡¯re living in a world where people have superpowers. Does that mean, you have a ¡®System¡¯?

    Jihu: You know what stupid? This is the first time you ask me that question.

    Sunz: Well the only information I have about you is ¡°Charismatic Korean Guy.¡± not the ¡°Son of a powerful clan.¡±

    Jihu: You kinda exaggerating things a bit, but back to the question.

    ¡°There is no way I could have that because I lived in Canada most of my life. So that¡¯s made me unworthy of owning one.¡±

    ¡°What about you aren¡¯t you ¡®Chinese¡¯? Don¡¯t you suppose to be in a Sect?¡±

    Sunz: Well, I can¡¯t be in one because I never visited China before! And you know for the longest time I never understand what does ¡®Sect¡¯ mean.

    Jihu: Ever thinking about visiting it in the future?

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    Sunz: Not really, my parents left there years ago before I was born. I asked them why they left and ¡®Mom¡¯ just laughed and said ¡°My whole family hates your father so I decided to leave them and take him overseas.¡±

    ¡°Plus I also don¡¯t have any interest in visiting it. Even if I do, the only reason would be the food there. But that reason would be invalid because both ¡®Mom and Dad¡¯ know how to make Chinese food.¡±

    Jihu: That makes sense.

    Sunz: Well, back to that ¡®System¡¯ stuff. If a ¡®Hero¡¯ has it how much disadvantage will we have in the war?

    Jihu: Not that much to be honest. There are a lot of resources that are unknown to the normal world. So we¡¯ll be fine.

    Sunz: Unknown resources? Just like those weird ¡®Mist¡¯ plants in the Flower Forest.

    Jihu: Let me guess Sogae took you there right?

    Sunz: Yeah.

    Jihu: Yep just like those. They were gifted to us from the ¡®Aster¡¯ clan. If you can¡¯t remember the clan name just call them ¡®Flower¡¯. They are my clan''s most important client.

    Sunz: Judging from the name they must be specialize in herbs right?

    Jihu: Herbs and other plant-based medicines, and drugs. Those are extremely helpful in life or death situations or to go in ¡®100% Performance¡¯.

    Sunz: ¡®100% Performance¡¯ like they just dope up!

    Jihu: Yeah!

    Sunz: But isn¡¯t it¡­

    Jihu: Dangerous! That was what I thought when I heard about it too, but there is too little information about that drug for me to know how bad or good it is.

    Sunz: Mmmaybe..you¡¯ll knnnow more¡­about it when¡­you¡¯re ooolder.

    Jihu: What¡¯s wrong with your voice?

    Sunz''s body is shivering: Well¡­my body is extremely cold right now¡­ What did you set the A/C at?

    Jihu with a confused look on his face: There is no A/C in this room.

    Sunz suddenly realizes why the room is so cold: It¡¯s her isn¡¯t it?

    Jihu: Yep.

    Sunz turns his head around and sees that Grace has crawled up into a ball sleeping with drool hanging out of her mouth.

    Sunz then immediately jumped out of bed over to Jihu''s side, placing his arm on Jihu¡¯s shoulder. Then he asks ¡°Why is she here?¡±

    Jihu: What''s wrong, can¡¯t the girl have some rest?

    Sunz: Bullshit, before you sent me to heaven she was full of energy and now she is sleeping like a log. Something must have happened while I was out cold.

    Then both Sunz and Jihu hear some weird noise from Grace.

    She giggles softly while squirming on the bed then suddenly stops.

    Sunz: Where¡¯s my answer?

    Jihu: Well¡­ right after I ¡°Killed¡± you she suddenly went berserk and tried to Kill me as revenge. We fought and I managed to hold her down¡­barely. Then luckily Sogae arrived in time to save me¡­

    ¡­

    Sunz: ???

    Jihu: In order to calm Grace down she gave her a very good massage. Which will knock her out for at least 12 hours.

    Sunz: Well, what matters most is that we are all ok. It¡¯s just misunderstanding here and there.

    ¡°So how do we wake her up? Do we need to call Sogae for that? Because I have her number.¡±

    Jihu: I don¡¯t think we need to. Maybe you can wake her up.

    Sunz: How?

    Jihu: Just shake her shoulder, touch her cheek or any way you can think of.

    ¡°Come on do it.¡± Jihu gave Sunz a few pats on the back to encourage him.

    Sunz: Ok I¡¯ll try.

    Sunz then tries to get close to Grace and the closer he gets the colder the area becomes. Ignore the harsh conditions Sunz finally makes it to the center of the ¡®Storm¡¯.

    When Sunz places his hand on Grace¡¯s shoulder, he suddenly hears ¡°Ame don¡¯t wake me up, today is my day off, don¡¯t dress me up.¡±

    Grace¡¯s eyes then slowly opened and she saw a blurry figure in front of her face ¡°Wait you¡¯re not Ame¡­¡± then the figure slowly got clearer.

    ¡°It¡¯s me Sunz.¡± After hearing that and seeing what is in front of her face. Grace jumped out of the bed and started hugging Sunz very tightly.

    ¡°Oh my god I thought you were dead!¡± she said with so much joy in her voice, like a burden just got lifted off her chest.

    On the other hand, Sunz nervously says ¡°You can¡¯t get rid of me that easily.¡± While thinking (Always forgot that she is physically a lot stronger than me.)

    After hugging for a bit she noticed Jihu was watching them with a smile on his face.

    ¡°Consider yourself lucky this time! And what are you smiling for?¡± she said while glaring at him.

    Jihu: Oh nothing! Seeing you two happy made me happy too.

    Right after Grace hugged Sunz. Jihu saw their Aura flow through each other, mixing to create a different color.

    Grace: Since Sunz is ok, I¡¯m willing to ignore what you did to him.

    Jihu: Thank you! And would you mind deactivating your ability?

    Grace said with a confused look ¡°What do you mean by that¡± Then she noticed Sunz was shaking while hugging her. Realizing what was going on she immediately deactivated her power.

    Sunz: Thank you! I almost freeze to death.

    Grace awkwardly laughs ¡°Hehe! Sorry about that. But why was my ability activated on its own and it also feel different?

    Jihu: Because right after I ¡®Kill¡¯ Sunz. Your body emotionally evolved in order to kill me. Or in short, you evolved through anger.

    Sunz: And why was your ability activated? I guess it must be your dream that triggered it. Were you having a good dream? We even heard you giggle.

    Grace¡¯s face blushed a lot: Haha, who know? I barely remember what I was dreaming about.

    ¡°Well, I guess we should call it off today. And continue your training tomorrow.¡±

    Sunz: OK then, but I don¡¯t plan on training tomorrow.

    Grace: But! You only have one day left before fighting against her.

    Sunz: Well, I noticed that training in that short amount of time wouldn¡¯t change anything so I thought that resting might be better.

    Grace: Can¡¯t say that I¡¯m not worried but you know yourself best.

    Jihu: Well then, let¡¯s call it off today. If you need any of us for anything just call.

    Suddenly the door to the room opens and Yama comes in.

    ¡°Hey guys I brought some cake. I think you guys might want some after that intense training.¡±

 Chapter 55: Favor (Part 1)

    After hanging out with his friend all afternoon, Sunz returned to his room and texted Sogae.

    Sunz: I want to ask you a favor.

    Favour:#####################################

    Sogae: I¡¯ll see what I can do. And you want it tonight?

    Sunz: Yes, tonight please.

    Sogae: I¡¯ll get back to you in 10-30 minutes.

    After done texting with Sogae, Sunz places the phone down on the table. And start looking for something.

    (Where did I put you?)

    First, he looks around the room but doesn¡¯t find what he¡¯s looking for, then moves to the closet.

    Right after he opened it he saw his beat-up wooden sword. Just what he was looking for.

    He took the sword out of the closet and said to it

    ¡°Well buddy, today might be the last day I use you. So let¡¯s do our best.¡±

    Then he puts the wooden sword on the bed next to his phone.

    Sunz then takes some minutes to remember how many elements he knows.

    ¡°Ok, first I have Electric and Water, next is Shockwave and Fire, then Light and Dark, and maybe Ice.¡±

    After pondering for a while, Sunz gears up with his wooden sword on his back and the steel sword on his hip. Then waits in his room until he receives a message from Sogae.

    After 10 minutes Sunz receives a message from Sogae.

    Sogae: Everything is set. Meet me outside the hotel.

    Sunz: Ok.

    Sunz put his phone away and made his way out of the hotel without any inconvenience.

    Standing outside the hotel, Sunz doesn¡¯t see Sogae anywhere except a black car parking outside the hotel.

    The car then honks 2 times while Sunz receives a message from Sogae.

    Sogae: Get in!

    Sunz then casually approaches the car and knocks on the window.

    The car window slowly rolls down to reveal Sogae sitting in the driver''s seat.

    Sogae: Your ride is read sir, please get in!

    The door to the passenger seat automatically opens on its own and the driver window rolls up.

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    Sunz quickly gets in the car and settles himself. Then the car started to move.

    On the way to their destination, Sunz and Sogae have a little chat.

    Sogae: Any reason why you suddenly asking me for a favour?

    Sunz: I just want to release some steam before my final match.

    Sogae: Accepting your defeat already?

    Sunz: Just being true to myself.

    Sogae: Well you did insist on restraining yourself for that battle.

    Sunz: I know¡­I talked about that too much already. Let¡¯s change the topic.

    ¡°So you changed clothes?¡±

    Sogae: Of course. I can¡¯t wear my front desk outfit while being a chauffeur.

    Sunz: So, how many work outfits do you have?

    Sogae: Let¡¯s say, 3 for now. The 2 outfits you''ve already seen and a battle outfit, if that counts.

    Sunz: You have a battle outfit?!

    Sogae: Techniquely it¡¯s the clan uniform. Battle outfits can be anything ranging from normal to custom clothes.

    ¡°Since one mistake can cost you your whole life, there is no need for heavy protection.¡±

    Sunz: After seeing how everyone performs, that statement makes sense.

    Sogae: Does your friends know that you are doing this?

    Sunz: Of course they don¡¯t. They might not stop me from doing this but it¡¯s better to not make them worry.

    Sogae: Let¡¯s hope that you¡¯ll survive. Because we are here.

    Sogae stopped the car in front of the entrance to the ¡®Hall of Champion¡¯

    Before Sunz gets out of the car Sogae reminds him of one thing

    Sogae: Do your best! And don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you die.

    Sunz: That¡¯s great to know. Thank You!

    After their last conversation, Sunz makes his way to the arena, where someone is waiting for him.

    Before getting on to the stage the whole place lit up, except for the viewing area.

    When getting on to the stage Sunz sees no one, except for a shadowy figure sitting in the viewing area.

    Sunz: Didn¡¯t expect you to accept my challenge, number ONE!

    The Shadowy figure jumps onto the stage and reveals itself to be ONE.

    ONE: I need to collect more data from an interesting subject. So can we cut chit-chat and fight already?

    Sunz draws both his wooden and steel Katana. ¡°Gladly!¡± then rush to attack ONE.

    Given the chance to attack first, none of Sunz¡¯s attacks could land on ONE.

    ONE countered all of Sunz¡¯s attacks with just one punch but that attack was blocked by Sunz¡¯s two Katana, resulting in knocking Sunz away from him.

    ONE: Come on where are the things that made you special? If you don¡¯t bring them out soon, I might call this off.

    Sunz: With Pleasure!

    Even though all of his attacks missed Sunz realized that¡¯s duel-wielding is a lot better for him.

    Sunz holds his steel Katana to a non-illuminated spot on the stage and turns it into his ¡®Dark and Light Blade¡¯. For the wooden Katana, nothing happens to it.

    ONE: That¡¯s new. Now! Allow me to show you my weapon.

    A piece of metal that is the same size as a pen flies out of ONE¡¯s pocket. Immediately turn into average-size Katana.

    When ONE grabs the Katana, Sunz''s ability activates immediately. But for a moment, millions of ONE appear and then disappear into the ONE standing in front of him.

    Sunz said to his ability (How many patches do you need?)

    Sunz releases the darkness from the ¡®Dark and Light Blade¡¯ in front of him, which makes Sunz invisible from ONE¡¯s view but Sunz can see through the darkness.

    Right after that Sunz swings his wooden Katana to push the darkness toward ONE with his ¡®Shockwave¡¯ element. Then he swings the wooden Katana once again after the darkness travels quite a bit.

    During the swing, the Katana suddenly collects water from the air around it. Then it releases a sharp wave in the same direction as darkness.

    ONE didn¡¯t know what was behind the darkness and decided to cut it in one slice but nothing happened. But the darkness suddenly disappeared to reveal the wave coming at him.

    ONE was able to block the wave but it resulted in cutting his Katana in half and hitting his face.

    The darkness had returned to Sunz¡¯s Katana and the wave had disappeared to show Sunz the result. But ONE was looking at the floor.

    Sunz: How was that?

    ONE then looked up at Sunz without any scar or damage on his face and said

    ¡°Finally able to put up a fight?¡±

    ONE¡¯s Katana after being split in half, turns back into two separate pieces of metal of the same size as before. They both then fly to each of ONE¡¯s hands and shape into the same Katana as before.

    ¡°As you can see, I¡¯m not done collecting data yet!¡±

 Chapter 56: Favor (Part 2)

    ONE and Sunz swing their sword at the same time at each other, even though they are both quite far away from one another.

    ONE sends out a ¡®Fire Wave¡¯ while Sunz creates a ¡®Water Wave¡¯ as a counter. Both attacks collide, which results in mist everywhere.

    Sunz immediately dashes at ONE with the boost from ¡®Electric Element¡¯ trying to land a hit on ONE. But ONE successfully blocked the attack with ease.

    The sound that was created by Sunz¡¯s attack can be heard by Sogae, who is sitting outside of the place.

    After successfully blocking Sunz¡¯s attack, ONE quickly retaliated by igniting his other sword, but right before he was about to strike Sunz.

    He got blinded by Sunz¡¯s ¡®Dark and Light Blade¡¯, which gave Sunz an opportunity to retreat.

    After getting his vision back, ONE sees that all of the mist is gone. Then he sees Sunz signaling him to look at the sky.

    After getting ONE¡¯s attention, Sunz tap his wooden Katana to the ground two times. Right after that, ONE got hit by two lightning strikes out of nowhere.

    ONE didn¡¯t make any noise after getting hit by that attack. But he did look up and saw clouds disappearing above him.

    Sunz: You sure have an endurance body. Am I not interesting enough for you to show any strength?

    ONE said while sharpening his sword together

    ¡°Not interesting? No no no! Out of everyone here, you made this ordinary tournament have more meaning.¡±

    ¡°Who would¡¯ve have thought that, we would be able to witness a ¡®Multi Elements User¡¯.¡±

    ¡°You are what they consider a RELIC!¡±

    After finishing that line, a bolt of lightning flies out of ONE¡¯s sword mid-sharpening, aiming at Sunz.

    Sunz releases the darkness from his Katana at the lightning bolt.

    The two elements try to absorb each other, but fail and end up disappearing together.

    Sunz and ONE stare at each other for a moment, while both wielding ¡®Elementless Weapons¡¯.

    ¡­

    ONE starts the fight by igniting both of his Katanas, then throws one of them at Sunz.

    Sunz charges his wooden Katana with ¡®Water Element¡¯ to block the attack. But, when Sunz held the wooden Katana up for defense, it was cut in half.

    The attack luckily didn¡¯t hit Sunz but it created a shock that made him drop the half-wood Katana.

    When he turns his back to see what just happened. The Katana that was thrown at him turned into a metal plate sticking out of the wall of the arena.

    Upon closer inspection, the metal plate has ¡®Electric Element¡¯ in it.

    Sunz: Don¡¯t tell me you also can.

    ONE: Oh, I can do what you can!

    ONE immediately uses ¡®Electric Element¡¯ to dash at Sunz and strike him with the ¡®Flame Katana¡¯.

    Sunz blocked the attack with his ¡®Elementless Katana¡¯ or so it seemed. The ¡®Flame¡¯ on ONE¡¯s Katana immediately extinguished after contact with Sunz¡¯s Katana.

    Sunz and ONE continue trading a few more blows until Sunz feels like he is running out of energy. Then on their final clash, Sunz uses ¡®Shockwave¡¯ to knock ONE away from him.

    After using that move Sunz¡¯s body feel too exhausted. Trying to stand on his own two legs, but couldn¡¯t. He is forced to kneel on one knee in front of ONE.

    ONE: Looks like the challenger finally reached his limit. Tell me, why couldn¡¯t my Flame be reignited?

    Sunz: If you can do what I can, then figure it out yourself.

    ONE ¡°Suit yourself!¡± said why having the Katana blade pointing at Sunz¡¯s face.

    ¡°As much as I would like to kill you¡­ There are some obligations restraining me from doing so.¡±

    ONE retracts the Katana and the metal plate. Before leaving he leaves Sunz a message.

    ¡°We all would like to see you make it to the Final!¡±

    This will be the final time Sunz faces ONE. Unless he can make it to the Final for a rematch.

    After ONE disappeared, Sogae appeared where ONE was standing to pick Sunz up.

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    Sogae: You look rough.

    Sunz: Well, this is better than what I had expected. My opponent let me go all out while sparing my life at the same time.

    Sogae: In no way I would let either of you kill each other. But he didn¡¯t spare one of your swords though.

    Sunz: I guess, something must be sacrificed in the battle.

    Sogae picks up each half of the wooden Katana. They are sturdy enough to hold for a few seconds until both halves suddenly crumble to dust and being blown away easily by the wind.

    Sogae:¡­ Sacrificed it was.

    ¡°Do you have any energy left to walk? If not I can carry you back to the car.¡± Sogae said after dusting her hand off.

    Sunz: I¡¯m sorry for inconveniencing you, but I can¡¯t move any of my muscles. Just give me 10 minutes then I can move again. I think?

    Sogae: Not a chance!

    After saying Sogae picks Sunz up and carries him in the ¡®Fire-Fighter Carry¡¯ position.

    Sunz: Wait wait wait! You don¡¯t have to do this! Can¡¯t we have a break?

    Sogae: You can, once we get in the car. And don¡¯t try to struggle, you might stab me with that sword¡­ Well, you don¡¯t have any energy left anyway.

    Sunz: Ok, I¡¯ll comply¡­ How often do you do this? You pick me up effortlessly.

    Sogae: Not often, but enough.

    ¡°Whenever you have a drunk customer you need to help them get back to their room. If they disobey you¡¯ll need to knock them out and carry them back to their room.¡±

    Sunz: Hmm, am I heavy?

    Sogae: Nah, you¡¯re as light as a girl, which reminds me of why I don¡¯t punch drunk women.

    Sunz: Why?

    Sogae: They are fragile! Punch them in the face they might need plastic surgery, and you know how much it costs. Punch them in the stomach you might break their bone. So it¡¯s better to hold them at a distance.

    Sunz: Doesn¡¯t that mean you are being violent instead of them being fragile?

    Sogae: Watch your mouth kid, most girls don¡¯t like hearing that. But I am violence is true.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to get drunk and cause trouble, you deserve to be punished physically. Men, punch them once, and they are out faster than 3 bottles of Soju. Woman, can¡¯t even lay a finger on them.¡±

    Sunz: Did you send one of the female guests to the hospital?

    Sogae: No¡­ I slap her, which knocks one of her teeth out. That was the moment I realized that I should not hit another woman. Like, punching them I understand but slapping, Really! That shouldn¡¯t be possible.

    Sogae opens the car door, ¡°That¡¯s should enough story for now.¡± Then gently put Sunz in the car.

    Before closing the car door she told Sunz ¡°Be quiet, we have company.¡±

    Two men in police uniform approach Sogae for some questions.

    Policeman 1: Young lady stop right there, we have some questions.

    Sogae: Can we do it quickly sir? I¡¯m in a hurry.

    Policeman 1: What are you doing at this hour?

    Sogae (He ignores my question!): I was just taking a stroll. Is there any problem with that?

    Policeman 1: We got a report of loud explosion in this direction. Did you see anything while walking around here?

    Sogae: Nothing sir!

    Policeman 1: OK then. Is this your car? If so I need you to show me your license.

    Sogae said ¡°Sure! Give me a second.¡± While reaching for something in her outfit.

    She pulls out a handful of purple powder and blows it at the two officers.

    The two men just stand there without saying anything while Sogae quickly gets into the car and drives away.

    Sogae: Whew, what a mess that was!

    Sunz: What did you just do to them?

    Sogae: Haha, just mind-wipe them of the last 5 minutes.

    Sunz: What?!

    Sogae: I suggest you refrain from asking me any questions until I tell you to.

    Sunz doesn¡¯t say anything.

    Sogae focuses on driving for the next few minutes until she meets a red light.

    After stopping, she releases a huge sigh, ¡°haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Now! You can ask.¡±

    Sunz: Um¡­You were quite different during that moment. More nervous, a lot more nervous to be precise.

    Sogae: It was my first time mind-wiping people. I could have talked my way out of it but I wasn¡¯t in the mood¡­ So yeah that happened!

    Sunz: Are they going to be ok?

    Sogae: Of course! I know what that stuff does. One to Five, 5:30.

    Sunz: What does that mean?

    Sogae: The amount of dust to use. 1 finger = 5s, 5 finger = 30s. The person who got hit by the powder will be stunt for that amount of time and forget the last 5 minutes.

    The light turns green and Sogae continues to drive back to the hotel.

    Sunz: Is it one of Aster clan products?

    Sogae is surprised that Sunz knew that name but all she said was

    ¡°Once you join us then you¡¯ll know more about them.¡±

    Sunz: Make sense.

    Sogae: When you were hanging off my back, I felt your sword. Why was it so cold?

    Sunz: I just mastered a new element and it¡¯s cost a lot of energy to sustain.

    In that moment Sunz traced back to how he leaned the core of the ¡®Ice Element¡¯

    It was when Jihu and Yama left the room. Sunz ask Grace to stay in the room with him for a bit.

    Grace: You want to ask me something?

    Sunz: Can you teach me how to use your Element?

    Grace: What are you planning?

    Sunz: What? I just want to add more Element to my arsenal.

    Grace: No! That¡¯s only part of it. If you don¡¯t plan on using Element in the next battle, then why do you want to learn it now?

    Sunz: I just forgot to ask. Since I don¡¯t plan on doing anything else, so I thought training your Element could help me clear my mind.

    Grace: Fine! That sounds stupid enough to make me trust you.

    ¡°Now pull out your weapon.¡±

    Sunz and Grace both draw their weapon from the sheath.

    Grace: The difference between mastering the ¡®Ice Element¡¯ to other Elements is ¡®Sustain¡¯ not ¡®Contain¡¯.

    ¡°Do you understand what that means?¡±

    Sunz: Not at all.

    Grace: Can you ignite your sword for me?

    Sunz activates his ¡®Fire Element¡¯ to cover the whole blade in flame.

    Grace: That is what I called to contain. Using your energy to start and make sure the Element focuses in one place.

    The flame on Sunz¡¯s Katana suddenly disappears which surprises him.

    Grace: For ¡®Ice Element¡¯ the energy you use is stored in the blade waiting to burst. Which will affect the environment and other Elements around it while charging.

    ¡°Like how I just nullify your flame. But the weaknesses to this Element are it takes a lot of your energy to sustain and if you stop giving it energy, the Element will slowly deactivate.¡±

    Sunz: Why does this Element act so different from the others?

    Grace: Because it doesn¡¯t have a source to sustain itself. Water-Fire-Air-Earth can be found everywhere. While Ice needs Water in very cold temperatures to form.

    ¡°Without the cold temperature, it will be just Water. So you have to be the condition to help create Ice.¡±

    ¡°So do you understand it now?¡±

    Sunz: Yes! Should I try it here now?

    Grace: No! What you need now is to take a break. And try it in your room later. Since it going to cost you a lot of energy, it will be easier for me to take care of you when you fainted.

    Sunz: Well thank you for everything.

    Grace: No need to! Just take care of yourself, and I¡¯ll drop by tonight. So see ya!

    Sunz: See you later!

    Sunz then breaks out of his trance through Sogae¡¯s voice.

    Sogae: Hey hey sleepy boy, we¡¯re back!

    Sunz: Ughh! How long was I out for?

    Sogae: About 10 minutes. Now get out and get some rest in your room.

    Sunz: Before I go, do you know which room No Name is in? I want to ask her something.

    Sogae: She is in ###. Just don¡¯t bother her too much.

 Chapter 57: The Gang Day Off (Preparation)

    Sunz gets out of the car and heads to No-Name¡¯s room while Sogae continues with her job.

    Sunz wanders through the hall on the floor that he has never been on. The layout is the same as his floor, the hard part is looking for room ###

    Sunz: Room ### where is this? Should I have gone to the training facility first to check if she was there?

    ¡°Should have thought beforehand! It¡¯s probably been 12 hours since I last saw her. Do these people sleep more or less than the normal average?¡±

    Sunz continues talking to himself while wandering through this ¡°Labyrinth¡±. But he doesn¡¯t know that there is an entity following right behind him.

    Sunz: Where the hell is that room?... Wait, if I can¡¯t find her in her room, or the training facility. Where do I go next?

    ¡°Do I go back here and wait? Wouldn¡¯t that make me look weird? Plus my body is beat up. Probably going down then back to my room if she ain¡¯t there.¡±

    Finally, after wandering for several minutes Sunz found room ###... Which is next to the elevator that he came from.

    Sunz: My brain is in such a mess right now. But at least I found the room.

    Sunz knocks on the door once ¡°Hello anyone in there?¡± but no answer.

    After some seconds.

    He knocks on the door again ¡°Hello anyone in there?¡± but no answer.

    Sunz (Should I wait here for like 10 minutes?... OK, one more before waiting, repeat then leave. Third time a charm!)

    Sunz prepared to knock but stopped after being grabbed on the shoulder by the entity that was following him.

    Entity: What business do you have around here?

    Sunz: I come in peace.

    Entity starts squeezing Sunz¡¯s shoulder with a lot of force.

    ¡°Let me rephrase that! What are you doing, in front of MY ROOM!?¡±

    Sunz: Your room?... Are you No Name? If so I want to ask you something.

    The Entity releases its grasp on Sunz¡¯s shoulder.

    Sunz turned around and saw that it was No Name, still wearing the same outfit as before.

    No Name: What is it so important that you want to ask me at this hour?

    Sunz: It¡¯s not important. Just want to ask, are you going to continue training tomorrow?

    No Name: Yeah, has any problem with that?

    Sunz: Can you cancel that plan?

    No Name: Why? Give me a reason.

    Sunz: Because I¡¯m not going to train anymore and just have a day off. Plus you fighting against those AI isn¡¯t going to make any difference to your strength.

    No Name *sigh*: Looks inside your hat.

    Sunz: My hat?

    Sunz looks inside the head of his ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ and notices some dirt and dust in it.

    No Name: ¡°Not going to train anymore¡± pretty good excuse. Trying to increase your chance of winning through lies. I expected better from you.

    Sunz: I¡¯m not lying! Allow me to explain what happened before.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    After some minutes of retelling his fight against ONE.

    No Name shakes her head in disappointment

    ¡°Dueling against the final opponent of this tournament isn¡¯t training then what is it? There are holes in your reason!¡±

    Sunz: That was my Elemental self. The me that will fight against you will be the inferior version of you.

    ¡°And to be honest! During my fight with ONE, I didn¡¯t gain anything. Probably because I was at my peak potential during that fight.¡±

    No Name: Are you doing this because you accepted your defeat?

    Sunz says with a smile on his face: Precisely! I have to face the truth.

    ¡°My journey is the shortest of everyone here. You can say, I made it this far in the tournament due to sheer luck, and I wouldn¡¯t disagree.¡±

    ¡°When I saw you fight. Your skill was the purest out of everyone here. From the form to techniques, it wasn¡¯t elegant or perfect but, you understand the sword better than everyone else.¡±

    ¡°You can take everything I said with a grain of salt. Even though I admitted my defeat, I won¡¯t be going easy on you. I want to improve my technique to your level.¡±

    ¡°Sometimes the Weak has to be a threat to the Strong. So I¡¯ll make sure you gain something during our fight.¡±

    No Name: Are you always like this? Talkative?

    Sunz: Not at all! Talking that much surprised me too.

    No Name: Well then, now that I see you mean no harm. Why do you want me to cancel my training?

    Sunz: I want you to have a day off. And invite you to hang out with us. Do you accept?

    ...

    No Name: Sure why not!

    Sunz: Wow, didn¡¯t expect you to agree.

    No Name: Your reason made me agree. You were right when said that ¡®Training against AI won¡¯t make a difference.¡¯

    ¡°And to be honest, I feel that. Maybe, what I need is a break. So who are we going to hang out with and where?¡±

    Sunz: Location that hasn¡¯t been decided. For who¡­I think Jihu, Grace, and Yama will agree?

    No Name: Ddd did you really not plan ahead?

    Sunz: Yeah.

    No Name: Then do it now. What are you waiting for?

    Sunz: I¡¯m going to do it once I get back to my room.

    No Name: Ugh you¡¯re so slow.

    No Name forcefully pushes Sunz aside, unlocks the door to her room, and then drags Sunz by the collar into her room.

    No Name: You can sit on one of those chairs.

    Sunz takes a seat, quickly pulls out his phone, and texts Jihu, Grace, and Yama.

    No Name: Make sure that you also include ¡®No Name is coming with us.¡¯

    Sunz texts to everyone.

    <Hey, do you want to hang out tomorrow? Meet up at noon.

    No Name is coming with us too.

    The Gang Sunz, Jihu, Yama, Grace, No Name.>

    Sunz then shows his phone to No Name and asks: Is it good?

    No Name: Why are you showing it to me for?

    Sunz: To make sure that I don¡¯t miss anything.

    No Name: You are so weird sometimes.

    Sunz shrugs his shoulder: Eh!

    ¡°Why did you bring me into your room for? I can just finish texting outside.¡±

    No Name: And see you fainted again. The amount of energy you regain after that fight, is still not enough for you to stand around for 10 minutes. Let alone multitasking.

    Sunz: What do mean by ¡®Again¡¯? I¡¯m sure that you never saw me fainted.

    No Name: Look like Sogae didn¡¯t tell you. I never saw you fainted but I saw the aftermath. I report you to Sogae after seeing you just lying on the floor.

    Sunz: I guess thank you.

    No Name: Don¡¯t bother. I need you out of that room so I can train that all.

    ¡­

    Sunz''s phone starts buzzing from many notifications.

    No Name: Look like they responded, check them.

    Sunz takes out his phone and starts checking.

    Message from Yama: Sure, I¡¯m free.

    Message from Jihu: Count me in. I¡¯ll take care of where we¡¯ll go since I know you have no plan.

    Message from Grace is the same as others but she also includes some ¡®Angry Emoji¡¯.

    Sunz shows No Name the message and asks: Does this mean anything?

    No Name: What are you trying to show me this time?

    She glances at the message for a second then immediately runs to the door and opens it. She checks left and right of the hall but doesn¡¯t see anyone.

    No Name closes the door then tells Sunz: It¡¯s time for you to leave.

    Sunz: Sure, but what was that for?

    No Name: Grace must have seen you talking to me and now she is suspecting something between us.

    ¡°Now! You must go back to your room and explain everything to her.¡±

    Sunz: OK then.

    No Name opens the door for Sunz to leave. After getting out of her room Sunz suddenly has a question.

    Sunz: Will you have enough energy to hang out with us tomorrow? You know, you just wake up.

    No Name: I can manage that. Now hurry! Your lady is waiting.

    No Name closes the door to her room and Sunz goes back to his room.

    After opening the door to his room, Sunz notices that the light is on. (She must be here.)

    When he walks further into the room, he sees Grace sitting on his bed reading her book.

    Grace noticed Sunz come in and greet him with a loving smile. But to Sunz that smile radiates more negative energy than positive.

    Grace jumps out of the bed to give Sunz a big hug and asks: What were you doing before that made your body so tired?

    ¡°And instead of coming back to your room. Why did you visit Her?¡±

    Sunz tries to answer calmly: I was inviting her to join our group tomorrow trip.

    Grace: OK then. Do you mind if I talk with her?

    Sunz: Well, that depends on her not me.

    Grace: Can you give me her room number?

    Sunz: Why?

    Grace: So me and her can familiarize with each other.

    Sunz: OK then, her room is ###. Please be civilized.

    Grace then releases Sunz out of her hug and tells him ¡°Take care and don¡¯t oversleep!¡± then leaves the room.

    Sunz: Well that was smooth sailing!

    Sunz turns off all of the lights and goes to bed.

    Sunz: Darkness I both love and hate you.

 Chapter 58: The Gang Day Off (A lot of Banter)

    After hours of sleeping, Sunz wakes up and heads straight to the shower to freshen up.

    Sunz put on a T-shirt and a pair of shorts before checking his phone. Between the time he slept and woke up, he got a message from Jihu.

    *Message from Jihu: We gonna going ¡°Dungeon Raiding¡±.*

    Sunz thinks to himself (Are we gonna continue with this stupid joke from yesterday? Well, let¡¯s see.)

    After that Sunz grab a white button-up shirt and a black pair of trousers. Sunz wears the button-up shirt over his T-shirt and then puts on his trousers.

    Sunz put on the Windbreaker as the third layer of his outfit before heading to the elevator. Before going down to the dining area Sunz takes a detour to No Name¡¯s room.

    When he knocks on the door, there is an immediate response. Fast footstep sound then immediately stop. The door creek opens a bit but no one pokes their head out. Then a tired voice speaks up.

    Voice: who¡­ is it?

    Sunz: Housekeeping.

    The voice says softly: Je t¡¯emmerde!

    Sunz (wait that was French): Grace are you¡­in there?

    ¡­

    Voice:¡­nein!...

    Sunz: You can¡¯t trick me with a common German word.

    ¡°I know your voice. And I know the only reason you said that word was because you knew it was me¡­ I think?¡±

    The door creaks open a bit more and someone pokes their head out with a bare arm holding on to the door. And that person is not No Name but Grace. She looks at Sunz for a sec then speak up.

    Grace: Your outfit is really nice! But why are you here?

    Sunz: Oh, thank you! I was going to tell No Name where everyone going to meet up.

    ¡°But I didn¡¯t expect you to be here¡­ Is this why you ask for her room number?¡±

    Grace: I know we are in a relationship, but there are things I don¡¯t want to share, at the moment. Are you ok with that?

    Sunz: Well if you don¡¯t want to share then I won¡¯t force you.

    Grace: You are such a good boy! Because of that, you get to choose. White or Black?

    Sunz: White, I guess.

    Grace: Let¡¯s hope you¡¯re not too disappointed with that decision.*giggle*

    ¡°Anything else you want to say before we part ways?¡±

    Sunz points at Grace¡¯s shoulder: Are you not wearing any top except for your bra?

    Grace smirked ¡°Would you like to know?!¡± she tugged the strap on her shoulder and then released it, which created a nice ¡®snap¡¯ sound.

    Sunz looks embarrassed: haha. No need for that. I don¡¯t want any of those images, this early in the morning.

    Grace: Are you discriminating against my body? Is it because I¡¯m not as flat as a cutting board?

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Sunz snap out of his embarrassed state after hearing that: What?

    Grace with a stone-cold look: What?

    Sunz: That other half you just said.

    Grace: I said nothing!

    Sunz: OK, I¡¯ll ignore that. What I meant was, it would be better if I didn¡¯t expect anything.

    Grace: My my, as you wish! There will be plenty of surprises waiting for you in the future.

    Sunz has no response to that.

    Another voice speaks up from inside the room, must be No Name.

    No Name: Are you two done flirting? If so, Grace I think this one is a bit tight for me.

    Grace: Looks like I¡¯ll have to go now. Meeting at the lobby like usual?

    Sunz: Yeah! See you then. Bye!

    Grace: Byeee!

    Grace closes the door and Sunz heads down to the lobby straight away.

    After reaching the lobby floor, Sunz sees Jihu and Yama talking with each other in the lobby lounge.

    Sunz makes his way to the lounge and then interrupts their conversation.

    Sunz: Hey guys, been waiting long?

    Jihu: Well well! If it ain¡¯t the main character of the trip.

    Sunz smacks Jihu¡¯s shoulder: Don¡¯t joke around like that!

    Sunz takes a sit and asks Yama: Did you gain any weight back? You still look the same as before.

    Yama: Not at all, even though I ate a lot. So I guess it must be the type of diet?

    Sunz: Is it the same type of diet for Sumo wrestlers?

    Yama: Not really. Compared to them I¡¯m way rounder. All I know is that my meal in Japan includes a lot of rice.

    Sunz: Well, you didn¡¯t factor in your ability. That is probably what makes you rounder. And for the weight, I guess once you return to Japan you¡¯ll slowly become round again.

    ¡­

    ¡°But I have to say, without that much weight you do look good.¡±

    Jihu: Can¡¯t deny that. Definitely better than my face¡­

    ¡°Do you have any abs under there?¡±

    Yama is now both confused and frustrated: No, I don¡¯t have any abs, even if I do they will be sacrificed for defense. Why are you guys talking in gay now?

    Jihu: We just have to admit that, there will always be someone more attractive than us. And we will compliment them for that.

    Sunz: Whether we are fond of them or not. But that also depends on our perspective.

    ¡°But right now you are the most handsome one in the group.¡±

    Yama: You guys can¡¯t just rank me like that. Ok then, abs you two must have some right?

    Sunz: I haven¡¯t been exercising until 3 weeks ago. So no chance for that.

    Jihu: I have some, but it is moderate. And I ain¡¯t showing any!

    Yama: Maybe using that was the wrong way to rank each other.

    ¡°In my opinion, Sunz is the most attractive, because he and Grace become a couple out of nowhere!¡±

    Sunz: Well, I would disagree with that. This might just be a temporary relationship and she might find someone better than me in the¡­

    Out of nowhere, Sunz got punched in the head by someone, which interrupted his sentence. Sunz is then immediately being pulled up by the collar by the same person.

    Sunz (Wait this feels familiar.) opened his eyes and to his surprise, it was Grace who punched him.

    Grace furiously says: DON¡¯T MAKE ME HAVE TO CUT YOUR THROAT TO STOP YOU FROM SAYING THAT!!!

    ¡°I¡¯m here with you forever! Is that clear?!¡± her voice calmed down a bit.

    Sunz¡¯s voice trembles: yes¡­ma¡¯am¡­

    Grace gently places Sunz back down. Then she points at Yama and says.

    ¡°You! Out of the three, you have the highest chance of attracting girls''s attention so stop whining and accept it.¡±

    Yama: No No No that can¡¯t be true!

    Grace: This is from a girl''s view and also a senior. So shut up and take it.

    Yama: Nooooooooooooooooooo!

    *Yama accepts the truth and stops talking*

    Sunz: Did we just bully someone with positivity?

    Grace: No, we just made him skip 5 stages of grief.

    ¡­

    Then a random person sit down with the group and ask

    ¡°How would you rate my attractiveness, young lady?¡±

    Grace being honest: You look like a university student who just finished cramming for a test. The only person who can be with you must be someone who has known you for a long time and is willing to drag you out of your slump, with force. Anyone without those criteria wouldn¡¯t match with you. And I suggest you put on the glasses you¡¯re holding, they will help you a lot.

    ¡­

    ¡°Who are you anyway?¡±

    Stranger: Thank you for your¡­insight! My name is Soju and I¡¯m here to deliver you these. Have fun!

    Soju leaves after placing 6 gold cards on the table.

    Sunz a bit confused: Was that mean of you?

    Grace: Well, he asks for opinions. And that is the answer.

    No Name: Let¡¯s just ignore that. What are these golden cards anyway?

    Jihu: They are the keys to the Dungeon!

    *Bonus*

    Soju run back to Narae and tells her what just happened to him. All she has in response is.

    Narae *giggle*: That kid nearly made you cry with that! Well, she isn¡¯t wrong at all. Look at us right now!

    Soju: I know she is right, I was sobbing because I know there won¡¯t be another you.

    Narae put her finger on Soju¡¯s lip and whispered: don¡¯t worry. Let¡¯s just enjoy the moment.

    ¡°Come on and go change. You promised to take me to the Aquarium when you come back. Remember?¡±

    Soju: Yeah, I remember.

    Narae clings onto Soju¡¯s arm and then says: After all of this carnage is over. We can talk about having kids.

 Chapter 59: The Gang Day Off (A lot more Banter)

    Everyone is now confused about what Jihu just said except for Sunz.

    Grace points at Sunz and says: Isn¡¯t he the weird one, not you?

    Sunz: Jihu my friend, I think you should explain it in simple terms for them to understand.

    Jihu: There is nothing to explain. The place is literally called Dungeon.

    ¡°Now everyone grab a card and follow me.¡±

    Sunz: How far are we going to walk for?

    Jihu: About 10 minutes.

    Everyone grabs a gold card and keeps it safe somewhere on their body. Jihu also pockets the extra card and then leads everyone outside of the hotel.

    On their way to the ¡°Dungeon¡±, everyone has something to keep them occupied:

    - Jihu and No Name have a small talk.

    Jihu: No Name, is that your placeholder name for this tournament?

    No Name: Do you have a problem with that? Are you going to disqualify me?

    Jihu: Please, don¡¯t take it the wrong way. When people hide or abbreviate their name, that must mean they play an important role. So I¡¯m just curious about your role in this tournament.

    No Name: You are digging a bit too deep into someone''s personal matter.

    Jihu: I am. But it¡¯s your choice to answer the question, lie to me, or stay silent.

    ¡­

    No Name: I don¡¯t play a role or not yet. Hiding my name was a way to keep my personal information out of this tournament¡­ I am not as important as you think. Right now! I¡¯m just your friend''s biggest obstacle.

    Jihu: That was before, your role right now is a member of this group.

    ¡°Which is kinda strange. You said you want to keep your information to yourself but you accept his invitation to join us.¡±

    No Name: He did go out of his way to invite me, so it would be rude to decline. Plus, it is not a two-person trip.

    Jihu: Well, this is just my speculation. The reason why you decided to join this trip was because you were lonely. Have no one to rely on.

    No Name *scoff*: And you¡¯re saying that he is the one who pulled me out of that ditch.

    Jihu: haha¡­haizz, If that was true, he and I wouldn¡¯t have become friends.

    No Name was shocked to hear that but didn¡¯t say out loud (What?!)

    Jihu: You and him are kinda similar in a way. You both want to be alone and don¡¯t think that you need friends.

    No Name: About what you just said before, did you become friends with him just out of pity?

    Jihu: If that was all it took, it would make me look bad. It¡¯s more like a combination of I feel pity for him, he is strange and time. It¡¯s taken me at least a week of pestering, just for him to talk with me.

    No Name: Wouldn¡¯t that have the opposite effect most of the time?

    Jihu: That is also dependent on the person too.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you also get pestered by someone too? The person that allows you to be comfortable wherever you are with them.¡±

    *No Name got a flashback of the previous night. After Sunz left, about 10 minutes later she heard constant knocking on her door. She draws her weapon and opens the door. Something lunged at her sword and got stabbed. That something was Grace, when No Name saw who was at the door she wasn¡¯t quick enough to draw the sword away. Leading to a nonfatal injury near Grace¡¯s collarbone.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    *Grace quickly took off a piece of her attire to cover the wound, then pulled her suitcases inside the room and closed the door. While she was doing that No Name tried to find some stuff to patch her up but was only able to find some bandages.

    *Grace said ¡°That will work!¡± then grabbed one of the bandages off No-Name¡¯s hand. Still holding the piece of attire on her wound, Grace activates her ability to lower her body temperature to stop the bleeding and then close her wound with the bandage.

    *No Name asked with a confused look: What are you doing here? How did you know my room number?

    *Grace opens her suitcases and says: I¡¯m here to bond with you¡­ And you already know who I need to pressure for the information.

    *No Name: Bonding? I¡­ don¡¯t think it necessary.

    *Grace grabs both of No-Name¡¯s hands and says: If you want me to leave then just say it. If not we are going to have some fun.

    *No Name: I¡­uhm¡­ Please leave.

    *Grace answers with a smile: No!

    *No Name: But you just said.

    *Grace: And your answer was hesitant¡­So we are going to have a lot of time to bond.

    *Grace used the moment No-Name¡¯s guard was down to release both of their hand and start stripping No-Name.

    *Flashback end.

    No Name: Is pestering the same as stripping someone bare?

    Jihu: What?... I guess different people have different ways.

    ¡°The outfit you¡¯re wearing right now. It¡¯s from Grace, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    No Name: So you notice. Grace has so many different outfits, but for some reason, they¡¯re all in pair of Black and White.

    Jihu: Grace is definitely an interesting addition to our life.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy to see that she is doing fine in life. You now have a friend who works in the same field as yourself.¡±

    ¡°But I have to say, Sunz is going to be affected the most. He now has someone that will help him grow up.¡±

    No Name: Even though their relationship is pretty one-sided.

    Jihu: How one-sided?

    No Name tells Jihu about the deal between Grace and Sunz.

    Jihu: Oh, so that''s happened. Hmm, when will these two get married?

    No Name: How can you be so sure about that?

    Jihu: I can give you a bunch of reasons like (Relationship can grow no matter how one-sided it is.), (Our line of work is dangerous for family members or loved ones that can¡¯t protect themselves.)

    ¡°But I¡¯m sure because I saw their ¡®Red Thread¡¯.¡±

    - Sunz and Grace were walking behind them while having their own conversation. More like they don¡¯t know what to say to each other and are still lost in their thoughts.

    Grace¡¯s mind (Why isn¡¯t he saying anything? Am I always have to take the initiative? But what can I ask? His family? Where did he go last night? Does he like that ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ more than me? Ok, that was a stupid one. Maybe that is his only comfortable clothes.)

    Sunz¡¯s mind (Moron think of something to say! Compliment her outfit or something. But what do I follow up with? Just give her a compliment then be quiet for the next minute. Well, I could ask about that bandage on her chest. But she will answer by asking ¡°Were you looking at my chest?¡±¡­ Let¡¯s just go with that script, it is easy, predictable, and will have the conversation rolling.

    Sunz: So¡­why is there a bandage on your chest?

    Grace (Finally): Oh this! I have some accident so I need to cover it up.

    Sunz: Accident like cutting yourself?

    Grace: Yeah, that type of accident.

    Sunz: How can you even cut yourself? Aren¡¯t you very skilled with that rapier?

    Grace: Uhmmm¡­

    Sunz: I remember that you didn¡¯t have a bandage when I met you last night.

    Grace (Don¡¯t skip my turn like that! And how did you even remember that detail?)

    Sunz: Did you accidentally assault No Name and get stabbed there?

    Grace (How the fuck did you get that!): Why would you think that ridiculous scenario lead to the bandage?

    Sunz: Well, you did ask for No-Name¡¯s room number and I met you inside her room this morning.

    Grace:¡­That is true. But why ¡®stabbing¡¯ and ¡®assault¡¯?

    Sunz: As a victim who had her sword to the neck before, I just use that as a base, and for ¡®assault¡¯ it is just to fill in the blank. For the bandage, I just have to put it in between since I don¡¯t know who would bring bandages with them.

    ¡°So if the bandage is easy to remove, it was put on last night. If not, it was put on this morning.¡±

    Grace: Who are you, Sherlock?

    Sunz: Did I dig a bit too deep?

    Grace: You want to know how it happened?

    Sunz: If you don¡¯t mind telling, then yes.

    *Grace tells Sunz how she got the bandage.*

    Sunz: Then what did you do after that?

    Grace: Don¡¯t dig too deep into ¡®Girl Time¡¯!

    Sunz: Sorry. Is it still hurt if you touch it?

    Something just erupted in Grace¡¯s mind (!!!!!!!!!!!)

    ¡°Well well, why don¡¯t you give it a try!¡± she said after putting one finger on the bandage.

    Sunz and Grace have never been this fast in their life. After Sunz touches the bandage, both of them quickly retract their hand and act casually, like nothing happened.

    Lucky for them, almost no one sees their unholy action. Except for Jihu and No Name.

    Jihu and No Name (That was cute but don¡¯t do it in public.)

    Both Sunz and Grace''s body temperatures rise at the same time so Grace decides to grab Sunz¡¯s hand and cool his body down.

    Grace: Let me help you with that!

    Sunz: Thank you! The outfit you¡¯re wearing is very beautiful, especially the dress, its color goes well with your hair.

    Grace: Thank you! You pick it after all.

    Sunz: I¡¯m sorry that I couldn¡¯t compliment your outfit sooner. I¡¯m really bad at describing clothes.

    Grace: To be honest, when it comes to attire I¡¯m also as bad as you are. I have a friend who gave me a file of what pieces of clothing to mix together.

    Sunz: She sounds like a considerate person.

    Grace: She is and she loves fashion a bit too much.

    While Grace and Sunz continued to talk with each other, No Name and Jihu had stopped their to eavesdropping on them.

    While two people eavesdropping on the others, Yama constantly charms every Korean he walks by with his look. (This includes both males and females.)

 Chapter 60: The Gang Day Off (Demon King and Shadow Monarch Title)

    *After 10 minutes*

    The four arrive at a very tall cylinder shape building, which to Sunz looks kinda like a tower.

    Sunz says to Jihu with an unenthusiastic voice: I can¡¯t believe your country built this!

    Jihu: Nobody expects ¡®Dungeon¡¯ and ¡®Esport¡¯ would mix this well.

    Grace: Can you ¡®Weirdos¡¯ explain what this place is?

    Jihu: We¡¯ve been bantering too much already. Let¡¯s just go inside and have the employees explain.

    As the gang walks in, the door automatically opens for them. After everyone walks into the lobby.

    The door instantly closed and then automatically locked itself after Yama went through (as the last person), which startled him a bit.

    Inside the lobby, there are no other employees, except for two bodyguards standing in front of the entrance and a front desk lady.

    One of the bodyguards said to the group: Please stay put and wait for the group in front of you to finish.

    While the other bodyguard gives everyone in the group a complimentary water bottle.

    Water bodyguard: Stay hydrated.

    After that, the two bodyguards don¡¯t speak another word.

    Sunz¡¯s mind (I thought they were supposed to speak Korean, not English?)

    Sunz then looks around to see who is in front of them

    Two people are at the front desk and one of them is talking to the lady. The one that is talking has a British accent and is the same height as Sunz¡¯s group. The other is wearing a big hoodie over their weirdly tall, big, and familiar figure to Sunz.

    ¡­

    Since the whole room wasn¡¯t that big, it was quite easy to notice who they were and what they were talking about.

    British guy: What do you mean that we don¡¯t meet the conditions for those cards?

    Front desk lady: I¡¯m sorry but it¡¯s policy. We can¡¯t give you one of the cards unless you have visited 7 days in total. For now, your only option is the visitor tickets.

    British guy: Can¡¯t I just buy 7 tickets at once?!

    Front desk lady: Sorry but only 1 ticket can be registered per day. You can buy 7 and use them every following day.

    British guy sounds desperate: Don¡¯t places make exceptions for ¡®Special people¡¯. What is your requirement?

    Front desk lady: Big celebrity in general. Esport player that is playing or used to play in the ¡®Main League¡¯ of any game. If you aren¡¯t any of that then I¡¯m sorry.

    British guy: What about ¡®Hero¡¯? Are there any exceptions?

    Front desk lady: We do¡­but it will depend on your rank.

    British guy tells his friend: You mind helping me?

    Big guy then pulls out a card from his pocket and puts it on the counter.

    Front desk lady takes a look at it and says: Your rank needs to be a lot higher to get the offer.

    She places the card down and points at the two bodyguards: Those two and every bodyguard in this whole building are at least A-rank heroes. That is the minimum requirement. Sorry!

    Big guy takes back his card and looks down at British guy.

    British guy: Can you not joke around at this moment? It''s past midnight already.

    Big guy just shrugs and then pulls out a different card. This card is a lot more different than the previous one, more pristine and higher quality.

    The lady has a look at the new card with some skepticism. Her expression quickly changes from skepticism to shock but her actions and voice are still calm and collected.

    Front desk lady: So that will be two cards right?

    British guy: Yes.

    Front desk lady: Here you go! Enjoy your stay! And remember your win/loss affects your duration here.

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    The two take their card and then head to the elevator. After the elevator left the lady announced ¡°Next group please!¡±

    The gang moves closer to the desk.

    Front desk lady: Wow big group today! Will it be tickets or do you have your own card?

    Jihu: All card!

    Front desk lady: OK then, just give me your card one at a time, then go stand near the elevator when you''re done. If you have any questions, just ask!

    Everyone takes turns to have their card scanned by the Lady. When it was Grace''s turn, she asked.

    Grace: What does this card use for?

    Front desk lady scans the card then leers at Grace with a smile: This is your first time here right? Or should I say all of you!

    ¡­

    Grace (Was that something I shouldn¡¯t ask?) twiddling her fingers: Uhmm¡­Yes! Is that a problem?

    Front desk lady: Don¡¯t be that nervous! It¡¯s obvious that you all are tourists, just from your clothes. Except for the first boy and the hooded one.

    ¡°Since no one is waiting at the moment, I can give you a brief explanation.¡±

    ¡°This whole building is a ¡®Game Paradise¡¯ where this card acts as your Title. It goes from ¡®Player -> Challenger -> Demon King -> Shadow Monarch.¡±

    ¡°In this color order (The card starts shifting its color from) Gold -> Silver -> Red -> Purple.¡±

    ¡°And the last two keep switching their places on which is the best Title.¡±

    The Lady gives Grace the card back along with a poster of the building layout.

    Grace leaves The Lady with a ¡°Thank You!¡± and then joins up with the Gang. Yama has his card scanned with no issue.

    After all that. The gang heads into the elevator and the Lady tells them ¡°Have Fun!¡±

    The elevator closes then choose a floor for them.

    Sunz: We didn¡¯t pick a floor right?

    Grace: It said in here that the elevator will take us to the ¡®Lounge¡¯ floor first. Then we can choose other floors from there.

    Sunz: That¡¯s convenient.

    *The elevator opens to reveal a floor that is kinda similar to the hotel lobby floor combined with a food court.*

    No Name: Let¡¯s sit down and plan.

    ¡°Also, we are not going to the internet cafe floor! Are you two clear?¡± she said while glaring at Sunz and Jihu.

    Sunz: We are not that addicted! Plus that floor is useless when you are going as a group.

    Grace: No Name stop arguing with him for a moment. I need to ask them something.

    No Name: ok!

    Sunz: What was that?

    Grace: What?

    Sunz: Her attitude! She was more well-behaved toward your request.

    Grace: That! So are you also requesting her to be nice toward you too?

    Sunz: Of course not. That would be no fun. My ¡®what¡¯ here is, how fast did you two bond within the last 2-3 days?

    Grace: As the ¡®Adult¡¯ of this group I need to take care of my sister. You three have each other while she has no one until I force my way in.

    ¡°Well, three might become two sooner or later. Better keep Yama within the group vicinity, these teenage girls are vicious.¡±

    Sunz: Hey Yama you ok there? Is anyone trying to snatch you from us?

    Yama drags his body close to Jihu and tugs on Jihu¡¯s outfit then begs: Please save me! As the other attractive person, you must have some way to negate all this attention.

    Jihu to Yama: Ok let¡¯s go!

    Jihu to the rest: We¡¯ll be back in 5 minutes.

    Jihu then drags Yama to the nearest bathroom.

    *Now there is only Sunz, No Name, and Grace together.*

    No Name: This group is a bit odd but in a good way.

    Grace: See! This is better than just staying in your room all day.

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace: You know, this is the second friend group I¡¯ve been in. Back in France before all this and before my first group I didn¡¯t have any friends nor did I plan to have any.

    No Name: Was it because of you or the people around you?

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace: A bit of both¡­ Judging from my clothes, my manners, and my weapon it was pretty blatant that I came from a rich family.

    ¡°And¡­with different wealth come different study environments. Grade never mattered much to my parents because I was born with something special.¡±

    Grace summons a snowflake floating in her palm. Both Sunz and No Name say nothing, allowing Grace to continue.

    Grace: In the early stages of my life, I spent a lot of time improving my ability, with the help of my parents, two ordinary human beings.

    ¡°Until the start of secondary school, they tell me that I¡¯m ready to know their secret¡­ They are ¡®Heroes¡¯ and they would like me to follow in their footsteps. Like a good daughter, I agree.¡±

    ¡°For the next few years, I was trained by them with the weapon of my choice. The training was harsh but I managed through it. Whenever I improve their compliment gives me confidence, but when nothing changes or I get a bit rusty. They didn¡¯t say anything, which crushed me and forced me to train behind their back.¡±

    ¡°Until Highschool started!¡±

    Grace suddenly stops and nervously asks: Am I¡­ talking too much?

    Both Sunz and No Name were really enjoyed listening to Grace¡¯s story.

    Sunz: Not at all, I was really enjoying it. This is the most open you have ever been, during your time here.

    No Name: I was also enjoying it a lot too, but I think I won¡¯t be sharing any today.

    Grace pat No-Name¡¯s head and said: No need for you to open up this soon. Ok then let¡¯s get back to the story.

    While telling her backstory Grace¡¯s voice was very calm.

    Grace: Until Highschool started, my parents told me ¡°From now on you¡¯ll be on your own. We won¡¯t always be there to assist you anymore.¡± Which is the start of my independent life, but with my parents'' financial support.

    ¡°The story will end there for now, I¡¯ll tell you two more when we get some private moment. Those two are back already.¡±

    No Name:¡­

    Sunz: Way to end on a cliffhanger.

    Grace: Time is limited! Sorry, hehe!

    When Jihu and Yama come back, it doesn¡¯t look like anything changed.

    Sunz¡¯s voice is a bit annoyed: What did he teach you, Yama?

    Yama:...

    Jihu says with a snarky voice: Why so angry buddy? Did I ruin your time with the ladies?

    Sunz: Well you did ruin story time¡­ How is Yama holding up? He not saying anything.

    Jihu: Poor kid, his brain got short-circuit after hearing some compliments, combined with encountering some girls while coming back here.

    Sunz: Will he return soon?

    Jihu: Within the next minute.

    Grace: That''s enough time for a question for you two. This has been bugging me, what is a ¡®Demon King¡¯ and ¡®Shadow Monarch¡¯ rank?

    Sunz and Jihu: One is a ¡®God¡¯ in the gaming culture and the other is just ¡®Arise¡¯.

    ¡­

    Grace: That is enough for me not wanting to know more.

    Just after that Yama returns to reality.

    Yama: Where am I?

    Jihu: Reality buddy!

    Grace: Looks like everyone is here. Let¡¯s get moving!

    Sunz: So which floor are we going to?

    Grace: The Arcade floor. The most neutral floor in this whole building. And apparently, this place also has an Aquarium.

    The Gang makes their way to the Arcade floor.

 Chapter 60.5: Graceâ€™s First Friends

    A lonely blond-haired girl has to face the hardest challenge of her life. Making Friends!

    Grace to herself: Friends, friend friend how can you meet one, when for most of your life the only people you interact with were your parents?

    ¡°On the plus side or downside, this is a school for the Rich! There are too many tropes for me to list off. Let¡¯s just hope my personality doesn¡¯t get degraded.¡±

    While walking through the school¡¯s yard she sees many groups of students that are mixed and not mixed hanging out¡­ And just as she expected, their clothes are either brand or tailored.

    Grace stopped by a water fountain in the middle of the yard. She leans forward to look at her reflection in the water.

    She fixes her hair and then takes a look at her attire.

    Grace: Flawless hair and tailored clothes. I am the same as everyone here. You hypocrite!

    ¡°Let¡¯s just get today over with!¡±

    Grace leans back and walks away from the fountain. But all she did was turn around and be stopped by a group of three rich boys.

    One of the boys speaks up with a confident voice: Are you a new student here, Lady?

    The one speaking up has short blond hair and is wearing the best suit out of the three.

    Grace (Bad influence this early!): I am! Also please refrain from calling me ¡®Lady¡¯, I¡¯m not that old yet.

    Blond boy: An elegant voice mixed with polite manners. People like you are rare to combine these days.

    Grace (Stop smooth talking and leave me alone!): Hehe, thank you!

    Blond boy: How about you and I go somewhere to get to understand each other better?! Just the two of us!

    Grace: Sorry, I don¡¯t think I can. I still have some business to do before getting any free time.

    Blond boy: You have such a hard-working mindset. This why you deserve some break, and I have something that will change your mind.

    Grace (It¡¯s going to be a Black Card, no doubt)

    Blond boy pulls a Black Card from his attire: With this, you can go anywhere and have anything you want.

    Grace (Is this connard reading from a script?): Aren¡¯t some places prohibited from letting people under the age of 18 in?

    Blond boy: These places are blinded by money. All we need to do is give them lots of money then we can do anything we want!

    Grace (Let¡¯s just get this over with): I¡¯ll be honest, you should stop flirting! You have the look and money, but this is the wrong place to use those.

    ¡° You, me, and everyone here are all filthy rich! We are all commoners in this circumstance. Now, if you don¡¯t mind I need to go.¡±

    Blond-boy¡¯s goons step up to stop Grace from taking another step.

    Blond boy put away his card: Not only are you beautiful and elegant, but also smart. What a perfect Girl! If money and look are not what you looking for, then I still have another ace up my sleeve.

    Grace (Ugh! Don¡¯t tell me this salope has it too.)

    Blond boy stretches his arm toward Grace and within seconds Fire appears out of his palm.

    Blond boy: Not everyone can have this. This is what money can¡¯t buy. Superpower! Now are you impressed?!

    Grace lashes out at him: Not at all! You think that I will follow any rich connard that waves their card at me! I¡¯m 15 and I¡¯m financially stable with a future in front of me.

    ¡°So I¡¯m not going to be a prize that you show to your friends!¡±

    Blond-boy¡¯s goons look like they are about to attack Grace but he stops them.

    ¡°No need for violence, we are gentlemen after all.¡±

    Blond boy: Smart people like you make wealthy people like me angry whenever we hear you speak. But anger should not be treated with violence because we have a quote.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Violence feeds commoner. Humiliation feeds the rich¡±

    Blond-boy¡¯s palm ignites in flame then he pushes Grace into the water fountain with the same palm.

    Grace in the middle of the fall reflects on herself.

    ¡°I should have seen that coming¡­¡±

    ¡°I could have stabbed them if my rapier was here¡­¡±

    ¡°But it was pretty fun to scream at that connard. I should speak what''s on my mind more often¡­but I need to be passionate about what I¡¯m screaming.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring any clothes, so I¡¯m going to be wet like a rat¡­¡±

    ¡°Am I thinking really fast or falling really slow?¡±

    ¡­

    Suddenly Grace hears a loud *Thwack*, followed up by something grabbing her collar.

    Grace leans her head up and sees that the Blond-guy just got hit in the face by a male student wearing a full black suit. She also saw where that student grabbed her. At her collar and quite near her chest with a bit of smoke coming out of it.

    Grace¡¯s mind (His hand isn¡¯t touching my skin so it''s not that bad. Plus he must have got his hand burned while smothering the fire on my clothes.)

    She then hears a running sound getting closer with the sound of luggage on wheels. The sounds stop then Grace get pulls close to the guy.

    Grace *mutter*: Personal¡­space.

    ¡®Black suit¡¯ pulls Grace behind him and says: Get her something to cover herself.

    Grace looks around and sees a Female student in a full white suit dragging a black and a white luggage.

    ¡®White suit¡¯ has a look at Grace then her eyes light up: Brother, you got me mannequin! Her body is so good, but the attire is ruined!

    Grace (I¡¯m a mannequin? An object! That''s a first.)

    ¡®Black suit¡¯: Don¡¯t call people like that first-time meeting, and get her something to cover that up.

    ¡®White suit¡¯ looks inside her luggage then pulls out a white fedora. She gives it to Grace and says ¡°This will help!¡±

    Then she tells ¡®Black suit¡¯: Everything is done!

    ¡®Black suit¡¯: Great. Just need to deal with these trashes now.

    ¡®Black suit¡¯ punched Blond guy so hard that it knocked him down along with one of his teeth. It takes a minute for Blond guy to stand up.

    Blond guy: You bastard! You know what you just did and you know what my parents can do to you!

    ¡®Black suit¡¯: Shut up with that phrase. Your parents and mine are the same in power and wealth¡­ For that tooth, someone with a superpower can create a new one for you.

    Blond guy: I can fucking sue you for assaulting, you know that!

    ¡®Black suit¡¯: Are you delusional? We have a permit to defend ourselves against people like you.

    ¡®White suit¡¯ yells at ¡®Black suit¡¯: Just get rid of that ¡®Commoner¡¯ already!

    Blond guy¡¯s hand ignites into flame: How Dare YOU call me That! I AM THE SON OF THE RICH! I¡¯M SPECIAL and BETTER THAN YOU ALL!

    ¡®Black suit¡¯: Pardon her language. When she said that you¡¯re a ¡®Commoner¡¯ she was talking about your Fire Ability.

    Blond guy: Are you scared now? I can¡¯t let you go after insulting me like that. Maybe burning your luggage will satisfy me!

    ¡®Black suit¡¯: If you¡¯re smart then don¡¯t touch the luggage. Understood?

    Blond guy just says ¡°Fuck!¡± and walks away.

    ¡®Black suit¡¯ turns around and checks on the two girls then says: First Day shouldn¡¯t have been a mess like this.

    ¡®White suit¡¯: It could also have more action too.

    Right after saying that, ¡®Black suit¡¯ got hit in the back by a Fireball.

    ¡®Black suit¡¯*sigh*: 15 seconds!

    ¡®Black suit¡¯ turns around, dashes toward Blond guy then he grab Blond¡¯s shoulders with both of his hands and slams them each against his knee.

    He then grabs both of Blond¡¯s hands which are still on Fire and crushes them both. Finally, he throws Blond¡¯s body at the statue in the middle of the water fountain. The statue didn¡¯t receive any damage but Blond¡¯s body is lying motionless in the water.

    ¡®Black suit¡¯ says to Blond¡¯s goons: Go and drag his body out of there already.

    Both of them follow the order like a lap dog, while ¡®Black suit¡¯ casually walks back to Grace and ¡®White suit¡¯.

    ¡®White suit¡¯: That was so cool and heartless. How many more fights will happen during our time here?

    Grace: I¡­don¡¯t know.

    ¡®Black suit¡¯: If this is Korea, at least one a week¡­First and foremost stop grabbing onto her clothes.

    Grace was confused when heard that. Both of her hands are holding onto the fedora in front of her chest. She turned her head to where ¡®White suit¡¯ was standing and noticed that ¡®White suit¡¯ was tugging on her dress.

    ¡®White suit¡¯: Shouldn¡¯t we keep her safe? She is a loner and we can be her friends!

    ¡®Black suit¡¯: That is her decision, not ours.

    ¡®White suit¡¯ withdraws her hand away from Grace¡¯s clothes then immediately grabs Grace¡¯s shoulder and asks ¡°Would you like to be Friends?!¡±

    ...

    Grace: You know what, sure! What is there to lose?

    ¡®Black suit¡¯: Did you think this through?

    Grace: I have to make friends in the future anyway, so getting it out of the way first will be convenient.

    ¡°Plus you did save me, so making your sister happy will be me returning the favor.¡±

    ¡®Black suit¡¯ grabs his luggage: Let¡¯s hope our relationship will benefit each other, My name is Ars¨¨ne.

    Grace and Ars¨¨ne shake hands.

    Grace: My name is Grace!

    ¡®White suit¡¯: And I¡¯m Amelia or Ame for short!

    Amelia is still holding on to Grace.

    Ars¨¨ne to Grace: I¡¯ll ensure that she doesn¡¯t stress you out too much.

    Grace: I think she is pretty harmless.

    Ars¨¨ne: That¡¯s what you wish she was.

    The three then go to the dormitory to register their room.

    ¡­

    The lady at the counter asked for their name.

    Ame: Amelia Blanche!

    Ars¨¨ne: Ars¨¨ne Noir.

    Grace: Grace Patinage!

    Lady: OK, the names are correct. Are you three in a group?

    Ars¨¨ne: Yes.

    Ame: Yes!

    Grace: Yes.

    Lady: Your room will be 3## on floor 3. Here are the keys.

    The lady gives everyone a key of their own.

    Ame excitedly runs to their room first while Grace and Ars¨¨ne take their time. But these two didn¡¯t talk to each other at all during that moment.

    When they get into the room, the whole place is a very big suite with 3 bedrooms, a big living, and a kitchen. But the whole living room just got trashed with clothes everywhere and an empty luggage in the middle of the room. With no sign of Ame.

    Ars¨¨ne: If she goes overboard then tell me. I need to unpack first.

    Grace: What? Um¡­ ok.

    Ars¨¨ne goes to his room and closes the door. After that, the door to room 3## got closed, locked and Amelia was standing in front of it.

    Ame: Your clothes are ruined! Let me fix that!

 Chapter 61: The Gang Day Off (GAME ON!)

    After getting into the elevator Grace''s eyes start to feel heavy. Her movement is a bit sluggish, even though before this she was fine.

    Grace whispers to Sunz (Can you lend me a shoulder?)

    Sunz whispers back (Sure what for?) while feeling concerned about Grace''s condition (Are you ok?).

    Grace place her head and an arm on Sunz''s shoulder (Just a bit sleepy) then she grabs onto Sunz¡¯s other shoulder with her last hand then she whisper one last time (Don¡¯t drop the tower! I already gave you another support.) before falling asleep.

    Sunz to himself (This is not an optimal position for holding someone¡­both of my arms can¡¯t even hold her.)

    Jihu: Smile for the camera!

    Sunz (Fuck!). Jihu snaps a few photos of Sunz and Grace in that weird position.

    Jihu: Your parents gonna love to see this!

    Sunz: Don¡¯t you dare! If my parents gonna know about this then it has to be from my mouth.

    Grace in her sleeping state blurt out: Fucking Connard!

    Jihu: What did she just say?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know (I do know)!

    Yama: Is that what having a girlfriend is like?

    Jihu: In your dream buddy! This is a rare moment of no self-esteem.

    No Name:¡­

    Jihu: Are you going to add anything?

    No Name: If you have nothing to say, it¡¯s best to stay quiet.

    Jihu: If your parents can¡¯t know then someone else will.

    *Pictures sent*

    Jihu: Gonna take some time for him to respond tho.

    Sunz: At least I¡¯ll get some tips from Archibald.

    Jihu: General couple tips, yes! But your situation is just so ¡®you¡¯, only you can understand it.

    Sunz:¡­ Can¡¯t argue with that.

    !!!

    Sunz feels that Grace is waking up from the shifting of her body. Without looking at him, Grace pushes Sunz *slam* into one corner of the elevator and then back herself into the opposite corner while covering her body with her arm.

    Grace and Sunz stare at each other for a bit while recovering their consciousness. Grace from her sleepiness and Sunz from the headrush.

    Grace (Why was that moment always a nightmare to me?)

    Sunz (Ouch! Headrush, really!?)

    No Name: Sister? Did he do something inappropriate to you?!

    Grace: What? I, uh don¡¯t think so.

    Sunz: Then why are you covering yourself like that?

    No Name, Jihu and Yama: ???!!!

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Jihu: You should be the last person to ask that question, or not asking at all.

    Sunz: I know that I was paralyzed, but these bastard *show his hands* can probably act on their own.

    Grace: Isn¡¯t that a bit of a stretch, both figuratively and physically?

    Sunz *asks seriously*: Then why are you still holding that pose?

    Grace (can¡¯t tell them I was being assaulted): Well, this is one of my sleeping positions. Whenever I wake up from sleeping on my belly, I usually try to push myself up¡­ and on some occasions when I¡¯m still sleepy, I just retract my arms like this and go back to sleep.

    ¡­

    Sunz: Make sense, I did that sometimes.

    Grace (*phew*): Thank you.

    Jihu, No Name, and Yama (If you have nothing to say, it¡¯s best to stay quiet.)

    *Elevator sound*: Arcade Floor.

    The elevator door opens to reveal a pitch-dark room with no light to illuminate it except for the light from the elevator.

    Jihu: I¡¯ll go first!

    Jihu steps out of the elevator and on his first contact, the floor lit up like an invisible platform and slowly spread to the wall.

    Grace sarcastically says: Wowww aesthetics!

    Jihu: It¡¯s not that impressive. Let¡¯s move forward!

    The gang keeps walking straight with Jihu as the leader. The farther they go, new lights appear and the old lights disappear. Until they reach a door guarded by no one.

    Sunz: Dead end?

    Jihu answered, ¡°Not¡­quite.¡± While reaching out to touch the door. Which then summons two bodyguards after contact.

    Grace: Now that was cool!

    The two bodyguards standing at each hinge side of the door look the same as the bodyguards in the lobby, but this time they are wearing sunglasses¡­ Well one of them is wearing fully intact sunglasses while the other is wearing sunglasses with one broken eye.

    Sunglasses bodyguard: So you five are the next group. Well then have fun and don¡¯t cause any trouble. Any questions?

    Sunz: Yeah, one. Why are your sunglasses better than his?

    Sunglasses bodyguard: Play stupid games, win stupid prizes¡­Well then just walk through the door and enjoy your time here.

    One-eye bodyguard: Each of you has a total of 24 hours in the card.

    Everyone thanks the bodyguards for the information and walks through what appears to be an illusion door.

    *Only the two bodyguards left*

    Sunglasses bodyguard: More conscious this time, haha.

    One-eye bodyguard: Oh be quiet! I didn¡¯t expect to scare that much muscle and get punched for it.

    Sunglasses bodyguard: Seeing you get punched was quite a change of scenery¡­ You¡¯re still gonna keep scaring people, aren¡¯t ya?

    One-eye bodyguard: Yep! But now with more caution.

    Sunglasses bodyguard: Ignore that then, who turns to buy food is it?

    One-eye bodyguard: Well, since I got hit you should get us food¡­

    Sunglasses bodyguard:¡­ sure, but you should walk around a bit, and get some fresh air. Standing still for long periods isn¡¯t good for you.

    One-eye bodyguard: Standing still for long periods is a feat. And I get fresh air with you ¡®lightweight¡¯ every night.

    Sunglasses bodyguard: Midnight¡­

    *Back to the gang*

    Grace: So¡­this is an arcade¡­ a lot different from those computers.

    Sunz: You¡¯ve never gone to an arcade before?

    Grace: Never. Have any of you gone to an arcade before?

    Yama: Sometimes.

    No Name: Never have.

    Jihu: Me and him went once or twice before just to hang out.

    Sunz: Going here alone is kind of boring unless you have other people with you or you are very good at all the games here.

    ¡°But this one is a lot different from the one at home.¡±

    This arcade is just like every other arcade. A dark room being lit up by different arcade machines, with many people occupying it, mostly students and some families with kids. But this place is more lively and intense.

    Many machines have groups of people standing around to watch, cheer, or waiting for their turn. And the machines that have the most people are the ones with people holding a ¡®Red or Purple¡¯ card.

    *The gang scouting out the whole place before choosing what to do*

    Grace: Those people with the ¡®Red or Purple¡¯ card are like celebrities here right? Judging by how few there are. It looks like each type of game has only 2 ¡°Demon King or Shadow Monarch¡±.

    Sunz: Yeah¡­wow you¡¯re very perceptive.

    Grace: I just read from the poster that all.

    ¡­

    Everyone (So what now?)

    Sunz: I guess, let¡¯s just split up and see where things go.

    Grace: First you said, ¡°Going here alone is boring¡±. Now you suggest slitting up?

    Sunz:¡­

    Jihu interferes: What he means is we can go play the game we want now, and when one of us is bored they can join up with the other group. If you go here alone your options are continue playing or go home.

    Grace: Well then, that is clear up. No-Name you¡¯re going with me!

    No Name: Yes, sister!

    Grace and No Name disappear out of the three sights.

    Sunz to Jihu: Nice saving!

    Jihu: Just doing my job!

    Yama: Well then you guys have fun. I¡¯m going to the rhythm game section.

    Sunz and Jihu: Ok see ya.

    Sunz and Jihu look at each other¡­: Yeah, see you later.

    Everyone split off to do their own stuff.

    Grace and No Name gravitate toward the Dance&Karaoke section of the Place.

    Yama enters the danger zone of musician Rhythm Forever.

    Jihu wandered into the places of quick finger trigger One Shot.

    Sunz heading into the Palace of 1v1, where he certainly can¡¯t win.

 Chapter 62: Vs Demon King and Shadow Monarch (Monarch The Scuff Queen)

    *Grace and No Name*

    When the two arrive at the Dance&Karaoke, they both notice that this section is separate from the other with a yellow line that covers the top and bottom of the entrance.

    They ignore it and walk through the yellow line. When their whole body passes the line, they are immediately hit with flashy lights, loud music, and cheers.

    Grace to No Name: Now I¡¯m really impressed! Never thought that technology would be used for this.

    No Name: So am I¡­Let¡¯s go there!

    No Name grabs Grace¡¯s hand and easily drags her to where the crowd is. But when they both arrived, they couldn¡¯t see anything except everyone back. (Grace is taller than No Name.)

    Grace tells No Name ¡°Get on my shoulder. Now!¡± then she lowers her elevation and No Name immediately gets on. They both have no trouble in keeping balance on each other. No Name then report to Grace about what is going on.

    On the stage, there are two girls having an ¡®Idol Showdown¡¯. One of them has long silver parted hair with light blue eyes while the other has purple hair.

    The two girls both sing and dance to see who hit the highest score in the game and who has the highest support from the crowd.

    ¡­

    In the end, the winner is the silver-haired girl. And the purple-haired girl collapsed. Before hitting the floor the girl was caught by a guy wearing a purple scarf and a name tag ¡°Tech Support¡±. The girl was then carried to a row of chairs where eight more girls were sitting together.

    All of these girls look like they have no energy left.

    Silver hair: Thank you C for carrying my ninth Victim to their tomb. Now! Who wants to be my 10<sup>th</sup> Victim?!

    The crowd goes wild with hand raising from everyone. Now blocking No-Name¡¯s view, but she did see the ¡®Silver hair¡¯ girl cover her ears after that speech.

    No Name tells Grace ¡°Cover Your Ears Now!¡± then both of them cover their ears. The crowd and everyone who wasn¡¯t covering their ears got to hear the worst sound imaginable.

    Then the ¡°Tech Support¡± guy shows up on stage with a microphone.

    C: Quiet down! Just like what Monarch said, we will now choose the final Victim.

    Monarch''s eyes start to glow: If any of you have ever gone to one of my shows in this location before, you will know that I always leave the best for last. Today, much to my surprise the best also arrived last.

    Monarch jumps off the stage and approaches her 10<sup>th</sup> Victim. The crowd makes a path for Monarch to walk through. Then she stops and points the microphone at¡­

    Monarch: You! Blondy will be my 10<sup>th</sup> Victim!

    ¡­

    Grace: Ehhh! Me? Are you serious?

    Monarch: Mom never wrong!

    Grace: Mom?! But you don¡¯t look that old¡­ You know what Mom/Monarch I accept your challenge!

    Monarch''s eyes start to fade: Great! Let¡¯s go! You can also bring your friend closer to the stage.

    Monarch walks to the stage first.

    Grace grabs No-Name¡¯s hand forcefully: You are going to cheer me on!

    No Name: But I don¡¯t know how to cheer¡­

    Grace: Just scream at the top of your lungs is good enough!

    Grace jumps on the stage, standing next to Monarch. C then gives No Name a pair of glow sticks.

    Monarch: Now, as my final Victim, choose your song!

    Grace: How about you choose the song! This is my first time well¡­ second time hearing you sing, and I want to hear your voice at its best.

    Monarch: Oh! Don¡¯t mind if I do.

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    !!!

    C: Monarch don¡¯t touch those, you have many Nicknames for a reason, like ¡°The Scuff Queen¡±¡­just tell her what song you want and let her choose it.

    Monarch: Fine C¡­ the song I want is ¡°?????¡±.

    Grace scrolled on the panel to find ¡°?????¡±¡­When she found it, the song was a duo song?

    Monarch: This round will be different from the last 9 rounds. Instead of a 1v1, you will be performing with me.

    Grace: Just so you know this is my first time doing karaoke!

    Monarch: And I know you have a knack for it!

    Before the song starts both Grace and Monarch each have a ¡®Fan Meter¡¯ holographically displayed next to them.

    Monarch ¡®Fan Meter¡¯ 80%.

    Grace ¡®Fan Meter¡¯ 20%.

    Monarch sings the first line then the song immediately passes over to Grace. This goes on for the first minute, then the ¡®Fan Meter¡¯ change.

    Monarch ¡®Fan Meter¡¯ 95%.

    Grace ¡®Fan Meter¡¯ 5%.

    Both Monarch and Grace''s vocals sounded the same very mature, strong, and elegant. But Monarch definitely has better control over her voice than Grace. Plus Grace has to also dance while singing.

    When the ¡®Fan Meter¡¯ reaches to a ratio of 99% vs 1%. No Name screams at the top of her lungs while swinging the pair of glow sticks.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Sister! You can¡¯t lose here! You have to beat her in one challenge at least!¡±

    After that, the ¡®Fan Meter¡¯ changed to 90% vs 10%, and more people are now cheering for Grace.

    In the end, the ¡®Fan Meter¡¯ score is 85% vs 15%. Monarch has a 99% accuracy in the ¡®Vocal Score¡¯ while Grace has a 90%. But Grace has a 100% accuracy in the ¡®Dance Choreography¡¯ while Monarch has an 80%.

    C: Just as expected the winner is Monarch.

    Monarch says to the crowd: Winning has always been an expected outcome for me. But today I didn¡¯t expect that we would find a¡­ potential Idol! Everyone makes sure to pay attention to her if she ever decides to join the industry.

    ¡°After that performance of yours, would you mind sharing your name with everyone here?¡±

    Grace: I¡¯m afraid not. But if I ever decided to join, my name would be created by my fans out there.

    Monarch: Wow, mysterious! Let¡¯s hope that we will see you again in the future!

    That is where the show ends but not the conversation. While Monarch having a quick meet and greet with her fans. C pulls both Grace and No Name to the side to tell them something.

    C: OK, Monarch really wants to talk with you two a bit more. Do you accept her request? It¡¯s ok if you two are busy.

    Grace: Sure, why not! We have plenty of time to spare.

    No Name: Shouldn¡¯t she only talk with her, why include me too? All I did was scream.

    C: All I could say is¡­ a Fan brings out an Idol''s full potential¡­ So do you both agree?

    No Name and Grace: Yes!

    C: Great, then follow me.

    C then takes them to the ¡®Green room¡¯ in that section of the Arcade. Then tell them ¡°Monarch will be here in a few minutes.¡± Then he leaves.

    *Only Grace and No Name left in the room*

    Grace: Let¡¯s talk about you for a bit.

    No Name: Me? Why me? Shouldn¡¯t it be about your performance?

    Grace: It¡¯ll be bring up later. But now what I want to know is¡­How can your voice be that loud?

    No Name: That was just a scream to cheer you on. It¡¯s nothing special¡­

    Grace: No no no! I myself have loud shrieks and screams before but they all need a push. Your just come out very naturally.

    ¡­

    No Name: Well I did have to scream at people a lot, so that might be the cause of my loud scream.

    Grace: That makes sense¡­I guess.

    The door to the room then opens and Monarch comes in.

    Monarch with a tired voice: What a day! And it¡¯s not even over yet¡­

    When she sees Grace and No Name her voice becomes more cheerful: Hey! You two accept my offer. How nice of you!

    Grace: Well, we don¡¯t have any plans later so we might take a chance to talk with you. Plus you must have a reason for wanting to talk with us.

    Monarch: I do! Would you like to become an Idol?

    Grace:¡­I don¡¯t know yet. But why do you think I can become an Idol?

    Monarch: First simple fact is your stamina. If you saw the nine girls that were sitting on the bench looking lifeless, that''s because they didn¡¯t have the energy to go for a second round.

    ¡°It¡¯s one of the main keys when you are performing live for 2 hours straight.¡±

    ¡°Another thing is the way you dance. It¡¯s very rare to see someone reach 100% accuracy on the dance floor, let¡¯s alone reaching that score while singing. Because of that, every choreographer will love you so much.¡±

    ¡°And your voice. I can¡¯t comment on that.¡±

    Grace: Well, thank you for your feedback. But what if I tell you that I was planning to become a ¡®Hero¡¯.

    ¡­

    Monarch: That¡¯s even better!

    Grace: How is that better?

    Monarch then pulls a card out of her hair. On the card, it displays her name A## ### and her ¡®Hero Rank¡¯ D.

    Monarch: See this, the lowest rank. All this thing does for me is allow me to use my power in public in a moderate way. Suck that most of the benefits are for strong heroes (B rank at least) and not popular ones.

    ¡°So if you can, at least try to reach for the teleport rank. It¡¯ll help you in traveling a lot.¡±

    Grace: I didn¡¯t know you have a power.

    Monarch: It¡¯s just a simple power that allows me to see people''s potential in being an Idol.

    ¡°And for your friend here¡­I don¡¯t really have anything to say to her. I just thought that bringing her along would make you more comfortable.¡±

    ¡°Just like when I have C with me.¡±

    C: I¡¯m here to make sure that you don¡¯t break anything when going live¡­Also, we need to go, today''s schedule is packed.

    Monarch: OK then, it was nice to talk with you two and I hope we can meet again!

    Grace (say for No Name too): Thank you both, and I hope we can meet again if we have a chance.

    Before they leave, Monarch tells them a secret ¡°Oh yeah, for you two only. I actually come from another entity outside of this universe.¡±

    *Outside of the room*

    No Name: Is that her persona?

    Grace: Let¡¯s hope so!

    Something then catches Grace¡¯s eyes¡­ A photo booth, she then drags No Name there.

    Grace: Let¡¯s make some memories!

    No Name: Ok!

    Both enter the photo booth to take some pictures. After looking at some of the photos, and thinking of everything that happened. No Name suddenly has a feeling that she can trust Grace with anything.

    No Name: Sister, I want to tell you something.

    Grace: Just call me Grace if you want to!

    No Name:¡­ Grace¡­ I have a secret to tell you but please make sure not to tell anybody.

    Grace: I promise!

 Chapter 63: Vs Demon King and Shadow Monarch (Hunter Vs HeadMaster)

    *Jihu turn*

    Just like the Dance&Karaoke section the One Shot section also has the yellow line that covers the top and bottom of the entrance.

    When Jihu crosses the yellow line a video game UI appears in front of his face with the text *Choose your Weapon*

    He is then presented with two guns a ¡®Desert Eagle¡¯ and a ¡®Revolver¡¯.

    Jihu covers his face with both hands and laughs: Haha¡­ The joke can¡¯t go on for this long¡­ this is so stupid *grab the Degale* but so amazing.

    The UI text changed to

    *Main Quest: Kill the Demon King*

    *Side Quest: Kill 20 Players*

    Jihu: And of course, it has daily quest¡­How about¡­Map!

    After saying that a map of the One Shot section appears in his palm. Currently, it only shows where he is standing, when he zooms out he sees the whole map.

    This place is divided into 3 zones.

    -1<sup>st</sup> zone Public

    -2<sup>nd</sup> zone PvP

    -3<sup>rd</sup> zone Throne

    Jihu fires his gun at one of the guys in public but nothing happens, no one notices and his Deagle disappears.

    Jihu: Guess that you can¡¯t even shoot in here. Let¡¯s move further!

    Jihu makes his way into the PvP zone. While he doing that 3 rando follows behind him.

    When Jihu enters the PvP zone his Deagle automatically equips to his hand. As he goes in further, the other 3 follow him closely. Then he encounters a familiar situation in the Public zone.

    The same machines with the same layout but nothing is displayed on these machines. The atmosphere is intense and quiet. Everyone has their gun out on display either on their body or on the machine. Some people are moving in front of their machine while holding an Invisible Gun? And most are standing still, not looking at the entrance. But everyone here is standing in front of the machine, not to the side or back, just staring straight at the machine¡¯s screen.

    ¡­

    Then 3 shots were fired at Jihu. The bullets were visible enough for him to dodge but the 3 that were following him did not and they all just lay limp after getting hit.

    Jihu then instantly fires his Deagle at the person that shot him 3 times but the bullet apparently hit an invisible wall surrounding the guy. Then Jihu got a *system notice* and a red aura surrounded his body.

    *System notice: You¡¯ve attacked a passive Player. 5-minute penalty. You can¡¯t attack anyone and nobody can attack you. Go to the Public zone or rest at a machine in the PvP zone.*

    Jihu (What the? He attacked me first.)

    The man walks over to Jihu and tells him ¡°Take my spot!¡± then he carries all three bodies at the same time back to the Public zone.

    The guy looks like a mid-20 Korean, he is wearing a police uniform and carrying a Silver card.

    Jihu goes to his spot and the machine demands him to swipe his card to rest.

    *System notice: Penalty clear. Your time will be drained until you shoot your weapon. You can regain time by winning Duel against other players.*

    *Reminder: Swipe your card every 5-minutes!*

    After swiping his card onto the machine, a bunch of gamemodes appear on the screen but right before he can choose one, the Player next to him asks him something.

    *During Jihu''s POV everyone speaks to him in Korean*

    Player with a deep and wise voice: Aren¡¯t you supposed to be in school right now, young man?

    Jihu quickly scans everyone around him and sees that all of them are at least 20, wearing police uniforms. And for the Player next to him, he looks early 40, has white hair and beard, dressed formally and he has a Red card.

    Jihu (Why are there police here? Better choose my words carefully.)

    ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t live here. I¡¯m only on a vacation trip.¡±

    Player: Is that so? Hmm¡­ Do you think you have the intelligence to survive our Education System?

    Jihu: I¡¯m smart¡­but not that smart.

    Player: Consider yourself lucky¡­ We could use people like you.

    Jihu: That¡¯s, you don¡¯t have to worry about. This country still has many backup ¡®Hunters¡¯ to build up.

    Player: Haha¡­ I read all of those back when I was young and I still read some nowadays. And I tell you only 1 out of 100 has the potential.

    Jihu: That still seems like a great odd. You got a ¡®Hunter¡¯ out of 99 humans.

    Player points his gun at Jihu¡¯s head: And you know why we don¡¯t have more?

    Jihu:¡­Tell me¡­

    Player: Because we don¡¯t want you. We know that you¡¯re guaranteed to become a ¡®Hunter¡¯ so we all going to kill you and take that chance for ourselves.

    Jihu: So jealousy is the reason why we don¡¯t have as many ¡®Hunters¡¯ as we should?

    Player put his gun away: To explain this situation will take too much time. So I¡¯ll explain it simply as a ¡®Hunter¡¯ three-stage.

    ¡°Stage one (Death) the ¡®Hunter¡¯ will experience the pressure (Physically and Mentally) from people around them. It¡¯s up to them to see if they can handle it or just take their life.¡±

    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Stage two (Worth) is when the ¡®Hunter¡¯ train themselves to be worthy of the power they are holding.¡±

    ¡°Stage three (Path). Will they choose to be a ¡®Hunter¡¯ or ¡®Killer¡¯¡­ Either path will kill them anyway.¡±

    Jihu: Ain¡¯t all of these just real-life stuff. This is what I¡¯d expect to hear from those ¡®Heroes¡¯ and not from an Old guy in an arcade¡­

    ¡°So what is your role in this world?¡±

    Player: My role? Just a Principal working part-time to keep you students in school. And in here my name is ¡®HeadMaster¡¯.

    Jihu: I thought it fixed to Demon King or Shadow Monarch.

    HeadMaster: The color reflects the type of person. The title is for marketing.

    Jihu: ¡°HeadMaster¡±? You choose that because you head-shot everyone you fight?

    HeadMaster: That is true¡­but look at the time. It¡¯s High Noon!

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you ¡®Hunter¡¯!¡±

    HeadMaster walks out of the PvP zone and the other 20 cops point their gun at Jihu.

    Jihu (Side quest before Main quest.): Let¡¯s roll.

    Throughout the whole battle, none of the cops can land a shot on Jihu. And he didn¡¯t even break a sweat. But after the shootout, no cop was to be found. Except for¡­

    Silver card: Yo kid, you take them out faster than expected. Still, I was able to drag each of them out faster than you eliminated them.

    Jihu: You were the one dragging the cop out.

    Silver card: Indeed! Need to make room for the visitors to play.

    Jihu: Who are you?

    Silver card: Just a cop doing cop stuff¡­ Now you, your hair color looks familiar... Are you related to Han Jun?

    Jihu:¡­How did you know that name?

    Silver card: Jackpot! I know it because I¡¯m dating her¡­Shocking right?

    Jihu: Not really, it is expected of her to have one since she got asked out too many times. I just didn¡¯t expect to meet you here¡­

    Silver card: First time meeting her other relative too¡­But you better get going, don¡¯t want to let that man wait.

    Jihu: Can I know your name?

    Silver card: Let¡¯s both keep our names hidden from each other for now¡­ But you can ask Jun if you want to¡­ See you next time then.

    Jihu: Yeah, see you¡­

    The two men part way. Jihu goes to the Royal zone while Silver card groups up with the other police officer.

    When Jihu entered the Throne zone, his whole outfit got changed to a cowboy outfit. And the whole place looks like a shootout scene in movies. No one is around, all of the buildings are empty. Only Jihu in a cowboy outfit and HeadMaster in his original outfit.

    HeadMaster: Looks like that challenge was too easy for you!

    Jihu: I thought police officers were supposed to be better than that.

    HeadMaster: They were all still in training so don¡¯t expect much.

    Jihu: By the way, can I get rid of this outfit?

    HeadMaster: Ah right! Just click on the *Disable custom outfit* icon then you¡¯re good.

    Jihu did what he was told and the outfit is gone.

    Jihu questions the man: What type of Principal are you? You work at an Arcade as a Boss and have connection with the police.

    HeadMaster: The Fictional type! Now we should get right to business, I can only give you 5 minutes before my guest arrives.

    HeadMaster made some gestures then Jihu received an invite.

    *Duel invitation from Demon King 1v1*

    *Modification. Starting bullet 1. Increase the bullet by 1 when both Players empty their mag. (Max bullet 6)*

    Jihu accepts the invitation, and then a holographic screen displays above them with the title ¡®Challenger Vs Demon King¡¯ while slowly counting down from 30 seconds.

    Jihu (Did I rank up?) then he asked: I thought your name was HeadMaster.

    HeadMaster: That the fixed Title in the system to avoid false Title. Can¡¯t change that.

    Jihu: Make sense¡­Are we allowed to move or do anything?

    HeadMaster: You can warm up if you like but I think you already did. You can get physical but the system won¡¯t score that.

    Jihu: Like actual punch and kick?

    HeadMaster: I won¡¯t advise those, but if you believe in yourself then you¡­ Can!

    *Duel*

    The announcement starts at the same time as HeadMaster¡¯s sentence ends. And a bullet immediately flew out of HeadMaster¡¯s revolver and flew straight at Jihu.

    When Jihu heard the gun sound, he immediately fired his gun. And a message gets broadcast around the whole zone.

    *Bullet collide. No Hit. Reload!*

    Jihu: I didn¡¯t expect you would play dirty.

    HeadMaster: We only pull dirty tricks when we know we gonna lose. And I know that this is nothing compared to what you have experienced.

    Jihu: You can¡¯t *Shoot* make assumption like that *Shoot*.

    All the bullets that Jihu shot got deflected by HeadMaster using his Revolver.

    Jihu: The battle hasn¡¯t even over yet.

    HeadMaster shoots his two bullets at Jihu and he dodges them effortlessly.

    *Stray Bullet. No Hit. Reload!*

    HeadMaster: It was never an assumption. If I hadn¡¯t experienced this before. 5 Years ago I was defeated by a rookie cop in this room with the same format. We made it to 6 bullets¡­but it should have ended in the first round.

    Both Jihu and HeadMaster shoot all three bullets at the same time after that sentence ends.

    *Bullet collide. No Hit. Reload!*

    HeadMaster: He got in my head. He copied all of my actions, making me think that I was the better shooter.

    Both empty all 4 bullets out of their gun without dodging until they hear the broadcast.

    *Draw. 4 hits. Reload!*

    The 4 shots all aim at each other body parts, two arms and two legs. When the bullet hit, it made that part of their body feel paralyzed. Until they hear the word ¡®Reload!¡¯, that is when everything returns to normal.

    HeadMaster: With 5 bullets in the chamber and after the result in the fourth round. I felt confident that I was better than him¡­So I shoot first.

    *Bang*.*Bang*.*Bang*.*Bang*.*Bang*.

    ¡­

    All five shots were coming out of Jihu¡¯s Deagle and not HeadMaster¡¯s Revolver. And just like in round 2, this time it''s HeadMaster who dodges all five bullets effortlessly.

    Jihu grips his gun tightly and prepares to dodge the next 5 shots.

    HeadMaster: But I wasn¡¯t better. He was just holding his action, waiting for me to execute mine. My speed and accuracy were good but he was even better.

    *Bang*.*Bang*.*Bang*.*Bang*.*Bang*.

    Five shots were fired but not at Jihu, but it was at the ground in front of him. Making dust fly all over the place and cover his vision.

    *Stray Bullet. No Hit. Reload!*

    HeadMaster: This Round 5 was the same as the one from 5 years ago. But the role has changed.

    ¡°When the dust clears up, what you¡¯re going to see will confuse you for a moment and you will be the Winner.¡±, this is not HeadMaster¡¯s voice. A different voice but a familiar voice.

    ¡­

    As the dust slowly cleared up what was in front of Jihu was ¡®Silver card¡¯ holding the Revolver to his own head and he said one last sentence.

    ¡°Well Play!¡±

    *Bang*

    ¡­

    *Time up! 11 bullets left. Draw!*

    Silver card: That was unexpected!

    Jihu: I ain¡¯t winning like that.

    Silver card: You didn¡¯t even let me speak and shot the gun out of my hand as soon as the dust cleared up.

    ¡°You know how hard it is to time the ending!¡±

    Jihu: I don¡¯t know. I just can¡¯t let you summon your inner Demon. And why are you here, where is HeadMaster?

    The whole wild west atmosphere disappears to reveal a field with rows of bleachers around it. And HeadMaster is sitting on one of those bleachers.

    Then a flood of 50-100 kids storms into the place.

    Jihu: What is going on?

    Silver card: It¡¯s kindergarten time. Let¡¯s get out.

    Silver card grabs Jihu and walks him out while maneuvering through the children storming at HeadMaster.

    *After fleeing to the PvP zone. They both stop and talk.*

    Jihu: What is going on? Is HeadMaster going to be eaten alive?

    Silver card: Same old weekday stuff that''s all.

    Jihu: And what was the switcheroo stuff you two just did?

    Silver card: Just something we haven¡¯t got to do for 5 years.

    Jihu: 5 years? Are you saying all of that was just an act to experience your moment from 5 years ago?

    Silver card: Close enough¡­ you should have seen his face when I shot myself. Totally baffle!

    Jihu: Is this some grown-up stuff I don¡¯t understand?

    Silver card: Nah! It''s just my stuff.

    Jihu: So what is the purpose of that whole thing?

    Silver card: I have my fun. HeadMaster got to test his skill and you got to hear a good story.

    Jihu: So all of the things HeadMaster said were just a script.

    Silver card: Nah, all of that was from his own voice and no one else. Because he knows that we are both better than him.

    Jihu: Ok then, if all of that was true then¡­ Why did this place just got turned into a kindergarten?

    Silver card: This area acts differently from the rest. It has a time system. At 12 pm during weekdays, that place turns into a daycare until 5 pm. Then at 7 pm across the whole week, it turns into a battlefield till 12 am.

    Jihu: Then why the police are here?

    Silver card: Training of course, mostly for aim training. From 8 am to 12 pm during weekdays.

    Jihu: This whole place is so confusing.

    Silver card: It is¡­Well, it was nice meeting you, kid. I hope to see you again in a different outfit.

    Jihu: Uh yeah, it was nice meeting you.

    Silver card walks away while Jihu stands there thinking of what to do next.

 Chapter 64: Vs Demon King and Shadow Monarch (Vivid the Choreographer Queen. Part 1)

    *Yama turn*

    Just like the Dance&Karaoke section the Rhythm Forever section also has the yellow line that covers the top and bottom of the entrance.

    From the outside looking in, the whole place looks the same as other areas, but when he crosses the yellow line the floor looks more like a disco floor with squares divided equally while constantly changing their color. Which is kinda like the lit-up squares the Gang first encountered when arrived on this floor.

    Compared to the Dance&Karaoke section this place is even more lively. Yama walks around to find an open machine but every machine is occupied by a player.

    Yama: This is just like home¡­ Machines are packed and all you can do is wait. But they do lack in machine variety.

    The layout of this section is quite weird. All of the machines are positioned to create an empty circle in the middle of them all. Now thinking about this whole section again. The layout and the vibe are quite familiar to the ¡®Dance Battle¡¯ event in Japan.

    Yama: Was it their inspiration?

    After 5 minutes of walking around and not being able to find an empty machine. He takes a seat at one of the empty benches in the area.

    Yama said to himself

    (Not an empty machine in sight. I was looking forward to spending 30 minutes straight dancing. All of the machines have a time counter that displays 1, 2, even 3 hours. And the number keeps going up¡­ have they all been playing for that long!)

    (Those greedy bastards! Some of them aren¡¯t even that good.)

    ¡°kuso!¡±

    (I just want to clear my mind off being the fifth wheel in the group. All of them are older and have great chemistry with one another¡­)

    He leans his head back, looking at the ceiling, and thinks (What to do? Should I leave? But this is the only type of game that I can lose myself in.)

    ¡­

    While sitting there looking at the ceiling, he hears a familiar voice. But he doesn¡¯t know this person, the familiarity comes from the voice tone and the language they are speaking.

    What he heard was ¡°Kuso!?...¡±

    ¡°Hello? In the mood for talking? Japanese?¡± all of these were spoken in Japanese.

    Yama thinks that (there must be other Japanese people here or I¡¯m just overthinking. Sunz can speak two languages but he keeps changing between them abruptly¡­)

    Then someone suddenly, intentionally push his shoulder, which force him to look at them.

    Standing before him is a girl with a petite physique, wearing casual clothes and a black fiddler cap. She leans forward at Yama with her arms crossed behind her back.

    Yama in English: Can I help you?

    The girl shakes her head.

    Yama: Am I bothering you?

    The girl nods.

    Yama is a bit confused: I guess I¡¯ll leave then.

    When Yama lifts his body off the bench, the girl pushes him back down while shaking her head.

    Yama: Ok¡­no leaving then¡­

    When she removes her hand, a slip of paper floats down Yama¡¯s lap.

    Yama picks it up and asks: Is this your?

    On the paper was written ¡®Japanese?¡¯ in Japanese.

    Yama switched to speaking Japanese: Is this better?

    The girl nods while clapping her hands. Which reveals to Yama that she had a bunch more paper slips with her.

    Yama asks: Are you a Mute?

    The Girl¡¯s face displays no reaction or movement.

    Yama *sigh*: Move on then¡­What is your name? My name is Yama.

    The Girl smiles and gives him another slip of paper. On it is only the word ¡®W¡¯.

    Yama noticed something about the girl changed after he looked at the slip of paper and then looked back at her.

    Yama: Ok W¡­

    The Girl was a bit surprised when he said that but she just nodded.

    Yama: Where is your hat? Why are you wearing a cat ear accessory?

    The Girl just shrugs and then starts tip-toeing while swaying back and forth. Waiting for Yama to speak.

    Yama¡¯s intrusive thought (They do look real tho¡­kinda want to touch them.)

    Yama follows his intrusive thought and immediately gets his arm restrained by W¡¯s hand and gets slapped back to the bench by a bunch of slips of paper.

    Yama: Ok I deserve that.

    One slip of paper was stuck to his face after that slap. He takes it off his face and reads what''s on it.

    (You look handsome, are you in any dance groups? Do you know how to dance? Are you really from Japan?)

    After reading the first half he starts getting irritated because of all the handsome jokes/compliments he has been getting all day. When he gets to the end he feels like she is comparing him to a K-Pop member.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Which irritated him even more so he grabbed onto both of W¡¯s shoulders and gave her a piece of his mind.

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me handsome! Don¡¯t compare me to those boys from your country! I¡­I just want to be myself ¡­ I don¡¯t want people to have fixed thoughts on how I should act¡­ I-I don¡¯t want to be called handsome.¡±

    ¡­

    After saying all of that Yama¡¯s felt his mind just got a bit clearer. But that action might make him hate himself more than feel relaxed because he just kinda screams at a Mute Girl.

    When he goes to release his grip on W¡¯s shoulders, only one hand can be removed while the other hand is still gripping her shoulder, due to one of W¡¯s hands holding onto his hand.

    But this only last for a few seconds before she manages to slide the previous slip out of his hand. And immediately tearing it apart.

    The parts of the slip that were being torn out of her hands didn¡¯t fall to the floor. Instead, they disappear into faint sparkles which look like a magic trick. Then all she left with was a slip with these words

    (know how to dance?) which she held in front of her chest with her two hands for Yama to read.

    Yama: Umm¡­ Not great at normal dancing. Just good at rhythm dancing.

    W¡¯s next action really surprised him. She has the biggest smile after hearing that, she even does a fist pump to celebrate.

    Yama: Was it that amazing to hear?

    W just shrugs then slaps a slip with only a question mark on her forehead. Which confuse Yama even more. Then out of nowhere she just hugged him. But he also feels that she just stuck a big slip of paper on his back.

    When she releases the hug, Yama has to blink many times to see if there is anything wrong with his eyes. Because for some reason W is now wearing a penguin onesie.

    Before he could even say anything, she just waddled away.

    After all of that interaction, Yama¡¯s mind just froze for a bit before grabbing the big slip of paper on his back.

    On the slip of paper, it has these words

    *Have No Machine to Compete!*

    *The floor is your Key. When the time to compete begins, try to score as much as you can from the Dance Floor.*

    *When you have the highest score in the competition. You will get a dance lesson from one of the best choreographers. Demon Queen Vivid.*

    *Remember keep those combos high. Color tiles = Combos. Gray tile = Miss.*

    Yama mind (What the?)

    Then a stage slowly gets raised up in the middle of all the dance machines. Standing on that stage is a Girl in a colorful outfit with a Red card clipped to her hair.

    Yama: So this is one of those ¡®Monarch and King¡¯ people¡­Do they have an age requirement? She looks quite young. (About my age maybe¡­)

    The whole place suddenly went dark, all of the machines got shut down but the floor light still flickered. Then lights from above shine down onto Vivid.

    Vivid with a loud and clear voice: Before we begin, I would like to say Sorry to our casual Player for the malfunction that just happened to all of the machines here¡­ But most of you aren¡¯t casual Players.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the time on all of those machines, all of you ¡®Bug¡¯ has been practicing, waiting or should I say hogging the machine for yourself.¡±

    ¡°But I can¡¯t blame you¡­ The reward is too valuable. Let¡¯s see who will earn that reward. Will it be my fans or my haters will steal it from them¡­ or will it be some individual that just wants to make good money.¡±

    ¡°Now! Before the competition can begin, the people that aren¡¯t competing please stand on the white tiles to stay out of the Player''s way.¡±

    ¡°For those that bring friends to increase their chances of winning. Remember that you can only sabotage the people on the Dance Floor, not the people using the machines.¡±

    After saying all that, the whole Dance Floor immediately gets separated into 3 zones ¡®White¡ªRed¡ªColorless¡¯ and the ¡®Sunglasses bodyguard¡¯ from before also shows up.

    Vivid: Now everyone has 2 minutes to get ready. When start, this competition will only last 3 minutes.

    Everyone starts moving in and out of the Dance Floor. Yama also stands up to join the competition, then he receives a digital message with a timer counting down from 2 minutes.

    *Would you like to hide your face*

    *Yes*-------------------*No*

    *If you don¡¯t make a decision you won¡¯t be able to join.*

    Yama (They also have this type of technology.) chooses *Yes* and a Kitsune mask appears in his hand then flies onto his face. (Wow pretty convenient and fits perfectly too.)

    He walks to the Dance Floor and still has 20 seconds to spare.

    Vivid: A reminder to all Players. You don¡¯t have to be good at dancing to win, just having the highest score is enough. And for those that are on the Dance Floor¡­

    Vivid *chuckle*: 3 grays and you. Are. Out!

    Music started to be blasting around the whole place and slowly getting louder. Then the whole ¡®Colorless¡¯ zone lit up with color when Vivid yelled ¡°Begin!¡±

    Everyone on the machines starts dancing while most of the people on the Dance Floor start pushing each other around to steal the score for themselves or eliminate the other person.

    Yama sees that the tiles that he was standing on when lit up immediately turn gray, that goes the same for everyone else.

    Yama (That means I scored some points already.), then he sees the other ¡®Colorless¡¯ tiles got stepped on immediately turn red and go back to gray instantly.

    The people who stepped on a ¡®Colorless¡¯ tile got a red armband on their shoulder. Step on another one again, and another red armband appears on their antecubital. Step on them for the third time the final red armband appears on their wrist and the ¡®Glassess bodyguard¡¯ quickly carries those people out of the Dance Floor. The tiles also turn gray when ¡®Glasses bodyguard¡¯ steps on them.

    Yama (OK so stay away from him and try to win). In the middle of his monologue, he got tackled from behind. He was able to dodge that attack and use his ¡®Shockwave¡¯ to knock the attacker down. Then he noticed that when the attacker got knocked to the floor, every part of his body that touched the floor also turned the ¡®Colorful¡¯ floor gray. But Yama also noticed that he stepped on a gray tile.

    The ¡®Glasses bodyguard¡¯ picks up the body in front of Yama while also showing him 2 fingers as a warning.

    Yama (Every body part counts and I only have 2 more chances. Let¡¯s go!)

    Having the advantage of being stronger than everyone else on the Dance Floor, Yama quickly runs around the whole dance floor, taking all of the scores he can get. Until there are no more points to take, everyone just standing on the recently captured tiles.

    But after that stunt, Yama knows that he is now on top of the elimination list.

    Vivid: 1 minute is over! It¡¯s time to Lit Up again!

    The Dance Floor goes from gray to colorful in an instant.

    Knowing that he is now the prey, Yama attacks the location with the most people by turning that whole section gray which immobilizes them. Within 30 seconds he turns the Dance Floor from ¡®Colorful¡¯ to ¡®Colorless¡¯ while taking out a few Players that try to eliminate him. Those that tried to attack him head-on got thrown to the ground of the Dance Floor by Yama, hitting the ¡®Colorless¡¯ tiles which eliminated them.

    Vivid was baffled by Yama¡¯s action ¡°The Dance Floor just got clear in 30 seconds? That means it¡¯s Reset time.¡± As she snapped her finger the Dance Floor lit up once more.

    Vivid: It looks like today''s winning condition will change!

    Every action on the Dance Floor remained the same for the next 1 minute and 30 seconds. The only thing that changed was, when the time hit Zero, Yama was the last person standing on the Dance Floor.

    Vivid: The competition is over! Now, let¡¯s see who is our winner!

    Vivid removes the red card from her hair and holds it with two fingers. Then she throws the card.

    ¡°Whoever this card lands on is the Winner! And don¡¯t try to snatch it out of the air, don¡¯t want to lose any of your fingers.¡±

    The card makes a few rounds around the Rhythm Forever section before it flies above Vivid and starts spinning really fast then immediately stops.

    A second after it stopped. It explodes into even more cards flying at other people and sticking to their heads. Most of the cards are Gold and Silver¡­ except for the card on Yama¡¯s mask, which is bright red.

    Vivid: Those are the rewards for participants and second places. Now the winner wearing the fox mask, which reward will you choose, 10 million won or a dance with me?

    Yama thinks (What am I supposed to do with 10 million won?) then he throws the card back at Vivid. The card suddenly hits an invisible barrier and disappears into a flight of stairs leading to the stage from where he is standing.

    Vivid¡¯s outfit started to glitch out as she began to speak: My fans if you have seen his performance¡­I¡¯m worried that today might be the last day you get to see me.

    As Yama walking up onto the stage, he can see the crowd is screaming directly at him but he doesn¡¯t understand what are they saying. Then a bunch of light sticks appear into the hands of people in the crowd.

    Vivid: I suggest not to give him any more motivation to beat me. If you want me to stay with you all, then start pouring your heart out for ME!

 Chapter 65: Vs Demon King and Shadow Monarch (Vivid the Choreographer Queen. Part 2)

    Yama and Vivid stand face to face on the stage. Then two screens got lower down, displaying the name *Vivid*----*Kumiho* with the number 0 under them.

    Vivid says to Yama: When I said your reward is to dance with me. It¡¯s more like what you did on the Dance Floor, except this time it¡¯s only you and me.

    Yama*blinks many times*: I¡¯m only here to have fun, nothing too serious.

    Vivid: Is something wrong with your eyes? Stop blinking.

    Yama: Sorry, your outfit is hurting my eyes a bit.

    Vivid: Is it? I guess this one is a bit colorful for your eyes. Don¡¯t worry, the next one will be less bright.

    Vivid outfit changes to a more Lolita style with black as the main color of her dress with additional accessories like lace gloves. Then the music starts to play.

    The music feels unfamiliar to Yama. The music feels slow, calm, has good rhythm flow, but it¡¯s not for an individual, it needs two people to be perfect.

    Lost in his thoughts and only breaks out when he feels that his body is moving on its own. And see that Vivid¡¯s hands are controlling him on the stage.

    Yama doesn¡¯t understand why his mind suddenly goes blank, doesn''t know what dance he is performing and his body just gives up on controlling itself. But he can still notice what is going on around him.

    His score is stagnating at 2 while Vivid¡¯s score constantly going up as the two dance. Being led by Vivid back to her side of the stage then acts as a point for her to dance around. They continue the same choreography for most of the stage.

    At some point, Vivid picks Yama up and spins him around effortlessly. And her score keeps rising while his stays the same.

    Finally Vivid finishes the show by having Yama holding her from falling off the ledge after collecting the final point on the stage. Then immediately has him pull her close to his chest as the song finishes.

    When the song ends, Yama is finally able to control his body again, and the first thing he asks Vivid while both of their body are so close to each other.

    Yama: What was all that?!

    Vivid: That is what we call a Waltz a simple yet mesmerizing dance. And you follow really well!

    Yama: A what? I don¡¯t even know what it''s called, let alone follow your movement.

    Vivid caresses Yama¡¯s cheek: I know, but you follow the music, not me. All I did was directing you.

    Yama can¡¯t move a muscle and all he can do is speak: Is this ok for you to touch me in front of all of your fans?

    Vivid: All of their eyes are fixed on me, no one remembers that you were even here. When the music started, almost everyone was looking at me. Except for¡­

    Yama: Except for who?

    Vivid: You! All you did was focus on the music and ignore my present. Your eyes only stay on me for a moment then change their target, never look at me again.

    Yama: Is that a problem for you?

    Vivid: On the contrary, you¡¯re a fun ¡®Puppet¡¯! But I haven¡¯t done testing.

    Yama: What are blabbing about?

    Vivid pushes Yama away to the other side of the stage. When Yama stops sliding, the crowd goes wild.

    Crowd: THAT OUR QUEEN! NO ONE CAN DEFEAT THE QUEEN! GO HOME KUMIHO! DID HE EVEN MOVE!

    Yama¡¯s mind (Of course, I can¡¯t understand what they are saying. All I hear is my ears hurting. And why is she the only person speaking English here?)

    Vivid: What a performance! I hope all of your eyes were on me¡­ I wonder, was he performing at his best?

    She points at Yama, telling him to say something.

    Yama:¡­

    Vivid: No time to speak! If you wish to outperform me, you better step up your game! IT¡¯S TIME FOR ROUND 2!!!

    After that announcement, Vivid outfit switch again to a black fitted cropped top and black jogger pants with white sneakers. And the music starts.

    Yama says to himself (Ugh not these types of songs!) while having one hand on the mask

    Vivid sees that Yama¡¯s body looks unenthusiastic, so she smiles at him and snaps her finger. Suddenly the music melody feels a lot different.

    Yama (Was that a snap I hear?), removes his hand from the mask and looks at Vivid, who is slowly reaching her hand out for him. For some reason, Yama''s body slowly copies her actions. As the music slowly infects his brain.

    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Vivid simple actions start getting more rapid as the music rhythm pace getting faster.

    Yama¡¯s body somehow copies all of her actions perfectly without missing a beat. For Yama it feels like Vivid is directly controlling his body, every movement connects with each other with ease.

    He tried to reject it but another force kept pulling him back, the harder he tried the stronger the pull was. Then that feeling of being controlled slowly getting weaker and ended, as the song finished. They ended in a position where they both fist bump each other.

    Looking at Vivid.

    Yama asks: You ok there?

    Vivid wipes her cheek with her thumb and sees there is sweat on her nail.

    Vivid: haha, look at that¡­ I¡¯m not supposed to lose that much energy in such a short time with only one person. The ratio is supposed to be 5/1, not the reverse.

    A sudden pause then the crowd scream.

    ¡°HOLY SHIT HE TIE! I DON¡¯T WANT TO LOSE MY QUEEN! CHEER LOUDER! GO VIVID GO! DEFEAT KUMIHO!¡±

    Vivid: never seen them this riled up before.

    Yama looks at both his and Vivid''s scores and sees that in that round their score are tied.

    Yama asks Vivid: What trick are you using to control my body?

    Vivid answer: saying control is a bit much, I prefer using the word guiding. Your body allows me to do my job in the first two rounds. Now you¡¯re on your own!

    Vivid walks toward the edge of the stage.

    Vivid: ARE ALL OF YOU READY FOR THE FINAL ROUND ???!!!

    One guy The Crowd: DON¡¯T LEAVE US!

    Vivid outfit starts changing one final time while she speaks

    ¡°Who said I¡¯m leaving? I¡¯m gonna make HIM REGRET FOR CHALLENGING ME!!!¡±

    Vivid outfits now change to a more casual street wear that is often seen in Dance Battle with an addition of a ball cap.

    Vivid points at Yama: Now you get in position!

    Yama feels that he now has more control over his body than before, and the body feels even more flexible than ever before. Those two rounds did more to his body than all of his later yoga sessions.

    Both Yama and Vivid get into their position and the music starts. They both wait a few seconds to let the melody soak in their body.

    Yama doesn¡¯t know what to do first, but Vivid does.

    She runs at Yama and grabs onto his shoulder then uses him as a pole to spin around, turning the zone around him gray.

    Yama knows that one misstep from himself can cause a lot of damage to Vivid¡¯s body.

    Yama waits for the perfect moment to use his ¡®Shockwave Element¡¯ from his shoulders to release Vivid¡¯s grasp. Then uses the Element again from his palm to knock himself into Vivid¡¯s starting position.

    But a bit of miscalculation of the Element power knocked him off the stage, luckily he managed to grab onto the ledge and launch himself into the air with the ¡®Shockwave¡¯ then land onto the stage in the split pose to maximize point collection. Then trigger the Element once more time from his palm to spin him 360 degrees to collect the points around him.

    Yama (I just did that! 4 in a row!)

    Same guy from The Crowd: HOLY WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!

    Yama (That scream was crazy) glances at the crowd to see where that sound came from.

    Vivid looks at the guy that just screamed and thinks (Looks like one break out of the trance.) Then she turns to look at Yama and says.

    ¡°I like your performance just now!¡±

    ¡°I want to see more!¡±

    ¡°I want to see more!¡±

    ¡°I want to see more!¡±

    ¡°We want to see more!¡±

    Yama turns back to face Vivid due to hearing voices from her.

    Now in front of him, there are three Vivid with Round 1 2 3 outfits.

    Yama (She been wearing different outfits this whole time? Then what were those glitches before?)

    R3 Vivid rushes at Yama while the other two stay back.

    Yama''s eyes suddenly fixate on R2 Vivid and he can not move his own body. When R3 Vivid gets closer to him, his body suddenly lowers itself and creates a platform with his own two hands.

    R3 Vivid jumps onto the platform and Yama launches her high up in the air, and she lands perfectly on the square behind him. She winks at him and runs to claim other squares.

    Yama sees that R2 Vivid has the same pose as him (Dammit how can I get out of this situation¡­ Maybe¡­)

    Yama release his ¡®Shockwave¡¯ from the side of his torso, knocking him flying toward the squares that R3 Vivid was hunting and successfully stealing them for himself. But that knockback also flings R2 Vivid into the squares on the opposite side of the stage and due to the unexpected force, she flies off the stage and disappears into smoke.

    R3 Vivid standing behind Yama says ¡°Whoa you killed her!¡± then taps him on the head and runs to other squares.

    Right now the score between Yama and Vivid is tied, and there are only a few points left to steal.

    Yama now knows that his Element can be used to push himself around and has gotten a bit better with it in the last minute.

    Yama launches himself toward the squares that R3 Vivid is going for, he manages to travel faster than her but is immediately grappled by R1 Vivid, which loses him the scores to R3 Vivid.

    R1 Vivid says to Yama: Want another dance?

    R1 Vivid¡¯s hands are both very strong and soft, it feels impossible to get out of her grasp. Then she starts moving both of them out of R3 Vivid''s way.

    Yama: What even are you, some kind of illusion?

    R1 Vivid: Technology has gone a long way isn¡¯t it? It looks like you aren¡¯t going to win.

    Yama: I was not planning to win in the first place. But I ain¡¯t losing while doing nothing. Since you have such a good grip and are not real, you don¡¯t mind being pushed around?

    R1 Vivid has a confused look on her face then she suddenly feels a strong force dragging her away with Yama.

    While collecting the rest of the available points, R3 Vivid sees that Yama and R1 Vivid keep spinning at high speed on the stage.

    R3 Vivid (We going to have a nice ending)

    ¡­

    Yama: I can¡¯t believe you can hold on this long.

    R1 Vivid: I¡¯m just preparing for the final¡­

    In that moment R3 Vivid slides through Yama and R1 Vivid''s legs. R1 Vivid turns into smoke right after that and Vivid grabs both of Yama¡¯s hands and stops his momentum, which releases a big gust of wind from the stage.

    The music stops, and the crowd is silent until the two screens merge together and display this message.

    *VIVID IS THE DEMON QUEEN*

    The crowd goes wild: YES THE QUEEN WIN! SHE STILL STAY WITH US! I NEVER LOSE HOPE!

    Yama says to Vivid: I have to say that was pretty fun.

    Vivid ¡°I also enjoy it too!¡± takes a step back.

    Yama: What are you doing?

    Vivid: I wish I could show you the way out but schedule is full so the security will.

    The part of the stage that Yama is standing on is slowly being moved down.

    ¡°I hope I¡¯ll get to see you again in the future!¡± is the final thing he hears from Vivid before being lowered into a room under the stage.

    Waiting there for him is the ¡®Glasses bodyguard¡¯ from before and he is holding some food.

    Yama: How did you get here so fast?

    Glasses bodyguard: That you don¡¯t need to know. Hurry I need to get back to my post. You and the Penguin girl.

    Yama: Penguin girl?

    He turns his head around quickly and accidentally hits something. He takes a few steps back and sees that it is W. The bump was quite painful for her.

    Yama: Are you ok?

    W frowns and then rips the mask off of Yama''s face, the mask disappears into smoke when it got removed. Then she immediately goes for a hug, Yama just accepts and doesn¡¯t say anything.

    A few seconds pass¡­

    Glasses bodyguard: Are you two done? I¡¯m in a hurry.

    W and Yama quickly release each other. The ¡®Glasses bodyguard¡¯ walks out first then the other two follow.

 Chapter 66: Vs Demon King and Shadow Monarch (Lucas)

    *Sunz turn*

    After walking into the Palace of 1v1 and walking through the Yellow line, Sunz''s hands got equipped with a pair of gloves with the number 177-013 on each hand.

    Sunz then steps out of the Yellow line and sees the Gloves disappear¡­ Then he just steps back in and the Gloves reappear.

    Sunz: The gloves feel real, comfortable and they come with funny numbers.

    Sunz walks around for 5 minutes, scouting the whole section to see what is going on and what type of games they have.

    Sunz (There are so many machines with so many different fighting games,¡­ but why aren¡¯t there any buttons on them and why are they all in arcade box?)

    (Not to mention, there is a huge view party in the center of this place.)

    The view party is packed with no more available seats, some have to stand to watch the ongoing match displayed on the big screen of the 2 players playing on the stage.

    On the stage, the two players are, a buff shirtless Fox with human body named ¡®LowtierFox¡¯ and an ordinary guy.

    Sunz just standing on the outside watching the Fox beating the Guy in 30 seconds with two perfect K.O.

    After the Guy gets defeated, the arcade machine on the stage turns black and the Guy leaves the stage while another Player steps up to challenge LowtierFox. The Player stepping up was sitting in the front on the far right of the aisle.

    After the new Player leaves his chair, the chair automatically folds to the floor then every seat is moved forward and a new chair appears in the far left of the last row.

    This repeated for 9 more times with the same result, every opponent was easily defeated by LowtierFox within 30 seconds in two rounds, some were perfect K.O, some got a few hits in before losing.

    But the thing that surprised Sunz the most after watching all of those matches was¡­ 6 different fighting game franchises were played.

    Sunz then wanders away while the next match is being played. Still watching the match on the screen while wandering around, Sunz accidentally bumps into someone with the same height as him and knocks both to the floor.

    Sunz: Sorry about that! I didn¡¯t pay any attention, Sorry!

    The other person stands up first and then reaches their hand out to Sunz. Sunz grabs their hand and gets up. They both stare at each other for a moment without saying anything, which gives Sunz a bit of time to recognize their face.

    Sunz (It¡¯s the British Guy): I remember you have another person with you.

    British Guy: And I remember you go in a group of five¡­

    Sunz:¡­Well, this is strange¡­ Sorry about what just happened, I¡¯ll leave now.

    British Guy: Are you going to wander around this place for a second time?

    Sunz:¡­Maybe¡­ If we going to talk can we have some topic¡­

    British Guy: Let¡¯s start with an introduction, the name is Lucas.

    Sunz: My name is Sunz.

    Lucas: Now that¡¯s done. This is your first time watching a fighting game tournament?

    Sunz: Yes¡­

    Lucas: You played any fighting game before?

    Sunz: I have and my skill is average at most.

    Lucas: This tournament is getting pretty boring for me, want to do some rounds?

    Sunz: Are you going to pull any of those infinite combo?

    Lucas: It¡¯s no fun for both of us if the other can¡¯t do anything, but there is more to Fighting game than infinite combo.

    Sunz: Oh no, that infinite combo stuff is just annoying. I don¡¯t care that you¡¯re going to destroy me, I just want to play the game.

    Lucas: Is that a yes?

    Sunz: Yeah it¡¯s a yes, let¡¯s duel.

    Lucas then leads Sunz to a fully black machine with no game franchise art display around the machine.

    *Sunz and Lucas standing side by side*

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Sunz: So what games are we playing, Shadow Fight?

    Lucas: No, but that is a good title for a fighting game. Different from other machines with artwork, these black machines don¡¯t display their art until you choose the game. And they have all of the Fighting games in the world.

    Lucas swiped two cards into the machine and it lit up with two option

    *Opposite* ----- *Side by Side*

    Lucas: So which one do you prefer?

    Sunz: What¡¯s the difference?

    Lucas: One is you and I sandwich the machine. The other is like what we doing right now but sitting.

    Sunz: Let¡¯s go with the second one.

    Lucas: Got it, also watch your knee.

    Sunz: What?

    Lucas chose the *Side by Side* option then two chairs from under the machine got shot out at both of them. Lucas catches one of the chairs with his leg. Sunz catches one of the chairs with his knee, which puts him in immense pain. Sunz uses the chair to help him stand and wait out the pain.

    Lucas: I warn you¡­

    After 30 seconds of enduring the worst pain in his life, Sunz was finally able to speak up and sit in the chair.

    Sunz: ok let''s play.

    Lucas: Are you crying?

    Sunz: yes¡­ I didn¡¯t expect that to happen¡­ but now *deep breath* let''s fight.

    *A minute of silence*

    Lucas: Fully recovered?

    Sunz: Yes.

    Lucas: So what type of controller do you use? Stick, Hit Box, Controller, or Keyboard.

    Sunz: I use Keyboard.

    Lucas: I¡¯m old-school so Stick for me.

    Lucas performs some action on the screen and another cabinet from the machine opens to deliver them their controller.

    Lucas: We won¡¯t have any place to put our controller so start getting used to it. Now for the game! What games have you played before?

    Sunz: Well I had only played one game before and it''s a fan game called Idol Showdown¡­but now¡­

    Lucas: Now you want to try some of the mainstream games.

    Sunz: Yeahh¡­

    Lucas: Well lucky for you, with the advance of technology we can now play every character from all over the franchise including fan-made games too.

    Sunz: I may be an amateur but don¡¯t different games have different systems, character graphics¡­ so on and so forth.

    Lucas: To be honest, I don¡¯t know what drug were they on while developing this system but I don¡¯t really care. I just want to see 16-bit characters fighting their 3D counterpart.

    Sunz: True.

    Lucas directing Sunz: So first choose the company then the franchise then the version of that franchise then you pick your character.

    Sunz: Ok got my character, before we fight another question. Aren¡¯t some games allow you to have 3 characters at once, how do they balance the 1 v 3?

    Lucas picking his character: They just 3x that character''s health¡­Now warning I might throw slur if you are horrible at the game.

    Sunz: Got it!

    *The game starts*

    Both Sunz and Lucas back into their corner to test out their button for 15sec.

    Lucas: Ready? Start on 80.

    Sunz *deep breath*: Ok!

    *Result Lucas beat Sunz 2-0*

    Lucas: First time experience what¡¯s your review?

    Sunz: Cool game, movement feels very different¡­ One complaint! How does your character attack hit 70% of the screen?

    Lucas: That is a Zoner character. They have really long move to hit the opponent at fullscreen. Your character is also a Zoner too!

    Sunz: How is my Zoner the same as your Zoner? Only my basic is full screen while all of your attacks are full screen.

    Lucas: I can change character if you hate It that much.

    Sunz: Hmm¡­Can you continue using that character until I beat It?

    Lucas: Sure. I can train you.

    *Give Sunz his other Golden Card*

    ¡°Knowing that you¡¯ll lose a lot, I¡¯ll pay for your turn, and if that card runs out we¡¯ll do a switch.¡±

    Sunz: Isn¡¯t that the card of your big guy friend? Doesn¡¯t he need it?

    Lucas: Just beat me first then you can know other details.

    Sunz: Got it!

    *Second Game Sunz lose again 2-0*

    Lucas: Better, try to keep things simple. You are not capable of performing fancy button pressing yet. Again!

    *Third Game Sunz lose again 2-0*

    Lucas: This round is worse, I nearly got 2 Perfect K.O, ignore the grab button, also your character has an Ult button use that.

    Sunz: Ok then, again!

    *Fourth Game Sunz lose 2-1*

    ¡­

    *Fifth Game start*

    Sunz manages to win the first round with a sliver of health.

    In the second round Lucas up his blocking game and only hit Sunz a few times, which resulted in Lucas winning at full health and Sunz losing at half health due to time out.

    Final round, Sunz starts getting a better grip on his character. He manages to take Lucas down to half-health then lose to an endless combo loop.

    *Fifth Game Sunz lose 2-1*

    Lucas: Damn I went overboard¡­

    Sunz: Another, if I can beat you in the first two rounds then I don¡¯t have to fight your true self.

    Lucas:¡­Good luck¡­

    *Sixth Game start*

    Sunz did better than all of his previous rounds and won First round with more than 50% of his health.

    Second round was a bit harder but Sunz managed to break Lucas¡¯s guard gauge and win the match.

    *Sixth Game Sunz win 2-0*

    Lucas: All it took was 6 games for you to beat me.

    Sunz: If you didn¡¯t go easy, I would¡¯ve never won any round. By the way is this normal for my hand to feel tingly?

    Lucas: We¡¯ll take a five-minute break. So are you working as a Hero?

    Sunz: Uh¡­No? Why are you asking that out of nowhere?

    Lucas:¡­Let¡¯s just say there is a familiar face¡­

    Sunz (Fuck I think I know why!)

    Lucas: But let''s bury that topic. The big guys that you mentioned before, said that he got some business around here and will be back. It kinda annoys me that he didn¡¯t even know about this place before but he still has work here.

    Sunz: Well, I might have accidentally eavesdropped you two while we were in the lobby and I heard that¡­ he is a Hero?

    Lucas: Yeah he is¡­ Are you a fan? You know that he might not be the Hero you thought of, due to his body is pretty common in that area.

    Sunz: That area?

    Lucas: You know the ¡®Super Strength¡¯ type, there are so many of them.

    Sunz: So, what is your relationship with him?

    Lucas: Acquaintance¡­ I am currently under his training.

    Sunz: You and him have the same ability?

    Lucas: No, not even close. Which is hella confusing, shouldn¡¯t a meathead train another meathead and not some kid he found at a soccer field?

    Sunz: So you don¡¯t like it? Just tell him that he is looking for the wrong person.

    Lucas: Well¡­he told me ¡°I see something special in you!¡±, combine with he has been attending a few of my school soccer matches¡­ he is also a celebrity where I come from¡­ he also came to my house and talked with my parents to tell them that he wants me to join him.

    Sunz (So it is him): He is quite persistent. So what is the deal that led to this?

    Lucas: I will become his student in exchange, I don¡¯t need to care about my school grade anymore but I still have to attend school regularly.

    Sunz: So just like Esport players?

    Lucas: Yeah, the only difference is they have Tournament Rank to prove their worth, and I don¡¯t even know what I have to show.

    Then suddenly their machine turned off.

    Sunz: What just happened?

    Lucas: It¡¯s time.

 Chapter 67: Vs Demon King and Shadow Monarch ( LowtierFox )

    A loud howl silences the entire place.

    Sunz feels goosebumps across his whole body ¡°What was that?¡±

    Lucas: He is hunting.

    Sunz(What?)

    LowtierFox¡¯s voice echoes around the area: 10 Pathetic Players. not a single one can win a round¡­ Let''s get on with the usual, who here is ready to sacrifice themselves to save the next 10?

    ¡­

    LowtierFox drags his chair to the middle of the stage, he sits down and glares at the audience with displeased while drinking his water bottle.

    ¡°Well then if no one is brave enough¡­ We¡¯ll take a five-minute break.¡±

    Lucas nudges Sunz: Want to fight him?

    Sunz: No, he going to demolish me faster than the previous 10.

    Lucas: You got a point. If you don¡¯t then I will.

    Then Lucas throws his Golden Card at LowtierFox.

    LowtierFox catches the Card with his ear then his voice echoes throughout the room.

    ¡°What is your Game and Controller choice?¡±

    Lucas: Game ¡®Anything Goes¡¯, Controller ¡®Human¡¯.

    LowtierFox: Game accept! Controller deny!

    Lucas: Why?

    LowtierFox stands up from the chair and within 1s he¡¯s already standing in front of Lucas.

    ¡°This answers your question?¡±

    An extreme force of wind blasts out after that sentence, flinging Sunz and Lucas chairs away. Both Sunz and Lucas manage to still standing after being hit by the wind.

    Lucas: You want a sacrificial lamb for these Pathetic Players, here I am.

    LowtierFox: An advice for you Kid¡­ Don¡¯t insult people until you show them your strength. Right now what separates you from the rest is the boldness, otherwise you¡¯re just one of them.

    ¡°Now, I suggest you change your controller to something safer.¡±

    Lucas: Advice taken, but I guarantee that only you and I are well trained enough for that type of controller.

    LowtierFox: You know there are a lot of differences between¡­wait a bit

    ¡­

    It looks like LowtierFox is talking to someone else.

    LowtierFox (Well well well, you would be the last person I expect asking for a favor.)

    ¡­

    ¡°Change of plan kid, your request has been accepted.¡± He says to Lucas

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°All PLAYERS STAY PUT!¡±

    After shouting, the whole view party area starts moving to create a fighting arena in the middle of all the seats.

    LowtierFox walks into the arena and Lucas quickly follows.

    Lucas and LowtierFox get in their spot and stand 10 meters apart.

    LowtierFox: Choose your character.

    Lucas picks a shadowy character called ¡®Silhouette¡¯.

    LowtierFox: Going for a hand to hand combat only?

    Lucas: I choose the character that best fits my style.

    LowtierFox: Suit yourself¡­ You know what''s great about these technologies? I can play as Myself!.

    ¡°Rule! There are 3 ways to win/loss

    -Running out of health

    -Timer ran out

    -Unconscious¡±

    ¡°Ready?¡±

    Lucas: Ready!

    Inside the arena, Lucas and LowtierFox got replaced by their character hologram.

    *Round 1*

    Lucas takes the initiative and attacks first, but all of his attacks get blocked then he gets hit by a counter-attack which knocks him to the wall.

    LowtierFox: You nearly break my guard gauge. Good effort!

    Lucas checks his health bar and sees that it only lost about 5% (I only lost that little¡­this will be the longest minute of my life!)

    LowtierFox and Lucas move around the arena, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Until LowtierFox attacks first, going in for a grapple and then canceling it for a low attack, but Lucas makes a perfect dodge then does an air attack and follows up with a combo that knocks LowtierFox down to 50% health.

    LowtierFox: You sure are slippery! Can you still keep this momentum up after blocking my next hit?

    Lucas: Blocking is not an option anymore and I can always count on Adrenalin!

    LowtierFox: Two more bars to go then.

    After 20 seconds of going head to head against each other, Lucas managed to dodge all of LowtierFox''s attacks and win the first round.

    Lucas *huff*: Is this the skill of the Monarch? I know you have more ways to deal with this type of playstyle.

    LowtierFox: You are not as bad as I thought, you have the skill¡­ the only thing holding you back is the weak human body.

    Lucas *huff* *huff*

    LowtierFox pulls out a bottle of cologne and sprays himself: Need to cover up my scent, since us Fox have unpleasant odor or that just me. Today I¡¯m using ¡®Boiling Skin¡¯.

    ¡°Now where was I¡­ you know having the endurance ability from those common meathead would be really useful for you. Since you are not in the best shape.¡±

    *Round 2*

    Lucas attacks first, but with perfect timing LowtierFox makes Lucas and himself perform a *Trade* which knocks both of them down. LowtierFox stands up faster than Lucas and both take 5% damage to their heath.

    LowtierFox: That was a direct hit kid.

    He slowly approaches Lucas.

    Lucas ¡°Damn you!¡± quickly dash through LowtierFox and unleash his character full combo but all that damage was blocked, which create an opening for LowtierFox to unleash his *Super Special*. The move animation is just LowtierFox spraying cologne on himself and then delivering a powerful punch at Lucas¡¯s character chest that shatters all of the bones in his body.

    The attack took 80% of Lucas¡¯s health, knocked him down, and when he didn¡¯t move after 10 seconds the system declared LowtierFox as the winner of Round 2.

    ¡­

    LowtierFox squats down in front of Lucas and tells him: Stand up so I can end your suffering.

    Lucas then feels an extreme shock pulling his body up (I can¡¯t move anything)

    *Round 3*

    Lucas just stands still, not being able to move at all while LowtierFox casually approaches him and performs a grab command. Lucas¡¯s hand got grabbed and then his entire body being thrown to the floor.

    *Winner Monarch LowtierFox*

    LowtierFox (At least your heart still beating.): Listen here EVERYONE! This is your example to remember not to challenge me in ¡°Human/Vr Mode¡±. Now, I need to take care of this Player and when I come back, I will fight the next 100 Players without stopping. So start practicing! I¡¯ll come back in 10-15 minutes.

    After that speech, LowtierFox carries Lucas¡¯s body on his back to the private room.

    Sunz (This is not what I expected to see today, I hope he won¡¯t have any permanent injuries.)

    *Buzz Buzz*

    (Game or Messages?)

    Sunz pulls out his phone and see that it was a message from Grace.

    Grace: Hey? You finish with your activity?

    Sunz: Yes. You done with your too?

    Grace: Yeah. We are meeting at the food court of this floor.

    Sunz: Of? Don¡¯t you mean On?

    Grace: No, apparently every floor has it own food court.

    Sunz: Did not expect that. Well then see you in a bit.

    Grace: ???

    Sunz: This is new and weird/scary.

    Grace: Scary?

    Sunz: My mind is just everywhere when encounter new situation.

    Grace: Don¡¯t couple text like this?

    Sunz: Depend? You want me to use emoji? I myself am a pretty bland texter.

    Grace: Look like it up to me to make this relationship more interesting!!!

    Sunz: I fear for what you plan in the future, Scary Lady.

    Grace: You should be!

    Sunz: Ok then see you in a bit.

    Grace: See you!

 Chapter 68: Regroup (Part 1)

    Sunz made his way out of that Section of the Floor and was able to find the Floor map in the lobby. After a minute of looking at the map, Sunz found where the food court was and at the same time.

    Familiar voice: This is where we stop, have fun, and don¡¯t cause any trouble.

    Sunz turned around and saw that it was Yama and Glasses-bodyguard.

    Glasses-bodyguard notices Sunz and then tells Yama: Your friend is here too.

    The Glasses-bodyguard leaves and Sunz approaches Yama.

    Sunz: Why was he with you?

    Yama: Complicated stuff happened¡­

    Sunz: Was the complicated stuff involved using your handsome look to pull her (pointing at the Penguin Girl)?

    Yama: Well¡­

    Before Yama could say anything, W steps in front of him and delivers a nasty punch at Sunz¡¯s stomach.

    Sunz tried his best to endure the pain but it wasn¡¯t enough to help him stand on his two feet. Yama quickly catches Sunz and uses his body to help Sunz stand, during that moment W quickly skedaddles out of their sight.

    Sunz having his head over Yama¡¯s shoulder saw W''s amazing escape and also noticed a piece of note on the ground with this text.

    *DON¡¯T CALL HIM HANDSOME!*

    Sunz (ok?)

    Yama pulls Sunz away from his body and asks ¡°You Ok?¡±

    Sunz can only shake his head in response.

    Yama holds Sunz up with one hand and tells him ¡°This is going to hurt a lot but you¡¯ll be better in a minute.¡± Then strikes his palm at Sunz''s chest.

    Sunz:¡­

    Yama (???) (No reaction)

    30 seconds later

    Sunz: Uh, what happened?

    Yama: Can you stand?

    Sunz: Yeah¡­ I think I can.

    Yama removes his hand from Sunz and waits a few seconds before speaking up,

    Yama: Sorry about what just happened.

    Sunz: You might want to pick up that note on the floor.

    Yama (Oh no what did she write?) picks up the note and reads it¡­ (She didn¡¯t need to vent my anger for me.)

    Sunz: We can discuss that or not. But first, we need to regroup at the food court.

    While walking with Yama to meet up at the food court, Sunz texts Jihu where everyone will be at, then says something to Yama.

    Sunz: You think she¡¯s a Yandere?

    Yama: We are talking about her right?

    Sunz: The one that just punched me? Yep.

    Yama: I don¡¯t know, probably not¡­ But isn¡¯t your girlfriend''s behavior the same as hers?

    Sunz: I haven¡¯t accepted the fact that we are GF and BF yet, our relationship is weird. But I don¡¯t think she is one¡­ (Remember what happened yesterday). Nope, she definitely is one.

    Yama: Are you afraid of that trait of her?

    Sunz: Do you have another love interest and does your family dislike her? If both answers are ¡®No¡¯ then there is nothing to be afraid of.

    ¡°Also did you get anything from her to stay in touch?¡±

    Yama: I did not.

    Sunz:¡­

    Yama: Don¡¯t judge me like that! You see how often¡­ I mean how fast she ran.

    Sunz; I¡¯ll ignore that. So how did you two meet and who talked first?

    Yama: Shoudn¡¯t you stay out of my business?

    Sunz: Well, my gut got involved so I¡¯m just looking for compensation.

    Yama: Fine you win. How we met was random, and she was the one that approached first but she was a Mute.

    (Give Sunz the paper with the letter W on it.)

    ¡°This was how she communicated and this is the only information I have about her. Her name is W.¡±

    Sunz hands the paper back to Yama: That¡¯s will be how much I¡¯ll pry into, but I guarantee you¡¯ll meet her again¡­ not because you look for her but it¡¯ll be her appears when you least expected.

    Yama:¡­ You think I¡¯ll have a chance?

    Sunz: That is your problem to solve.

    Yama: Don¡¯t you have any tips?

    Sunz: If you are one of my classmates and know about my relationship with Grace. What will you ask? And try using your harshest words.

    ¡­

    Yama: How can someone like you be able to pull a girlfriend that is so out of your league?

    Sunz: You don¡¯t! I don¡¯t have the skill to pick up girls. I was the one that got picked up/adopted/kidnapped with force by that woman¡­ So I just accept this new life now.

    Yama: Isn¡¯t that answer a bit much? Aren¡¯t you underselling yourself a bit? Maybe she saw something that you can¡¯t.

    Sunz: If she saw something that must mean I¡¯m blind because I don¡¯t see anything significant in myself.

    ¡°I¡¯ve only lived in this new world for about a month and before this, my life was pretty normal and boring. So all of these events and relationships still feel weird to me.¡±

    Yama: Weird¡­ like in everything is new to you.

    Sunz: No, weird in everything happens so unexpectedly.

    ¡°We will have to end the conversation here. I don¡¯t know what am I even talking about anymore. Plus we have arrived and there is our group.¡±

    *Somehow Jihu arrived there before Sunz and Yama*

    Sunz nudges Yama: Also don¡¯t tell Grace about this conversation. If she knew that I degraded myself, she probably going to do something bad to me.

    Yama: As long as you don¡¯t mention the Penguin Girl.

    Sunz: Deal!

    *Sunz and Yama sit down where the rest of the group are. Everyone exchanges conversation about what they all did during the split-off while Jihu orders the food for the group.*

    Sunz: So everyone got to fight the Shadow-Monarch/Demon-King of their section, except for me.

    Grace: Technically, I got chosen to compete while No-Name cheered me on.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Jihu: Mine was just a gunslinging duel. And Yama was apparently a Dance Battle?

    Yama: I don¡¯t remember most of what I did there, because the Monarch was very captivating.

    Grace: Our fight against them was pretty tame, most of them aren¡¯t even fight. But in your section, the Challenger fainted?

    Sunz: Apparently, during their fight, I don¡¯t know what was going on except for the fighting game noises.

    Jihu: Our food is ready, I¡¯ll go get them. Yama help me out!

    Yama: Ok

    ¡­

    Grace: So this Challenger was the person we saw in the lobby?

    Sunz: Yeah¡­he was¡­

    ¡°No-Name, can I borrow Grace for a bit?¡±

    No Name: Sure, I¡¯m not her boss.

    Sunz ¡°Thank you.¡± Then immediately grab Grace¡¯s arm and drag her out of everyone''s sight.

    Jihu and Yama return with the food.

    Jihu: Where are the other two?

    No Name: Don¡¯t know, Sunz drag her to some place¡­ You think they are¡­

    Jihu: Nah, he doesn¡¯t have the gut for it. Probably going to ask Grace something and that will be all. But Grace might be the one making moves.

    Yama: If he doesn¡¯t come back soon, can I have his portion?

    Jihu: Sure, why not.

    ¡­

    *Sunz has dragged Grace to a random secluded place on the floor*

    Grace (hehe! You finally have the courage?!)

    Sunz: OK, now that we are alone. First I would like to apologize for dragging you to this random place, and second I''m not doing any romantic/erotic thing that is on your mind right now.

    Grace: Whaaat? Are you talking about? My mind is perfectly clean, I¡¯m not expecting anything.

    Sunz: Your facial expression gave it away. It was the same dominant, eager expression that you showed me when you wore that suit.

    Grace: I¡¯ll get you back for ruining my mood¡­ How did you remember that expression?

    Sunz: A mix of different emotions that form a core memory.

    Grace: Well, all of my expressions had always been calm and collective, sometimes even cold, but never dominant, eager.

    Sunz: Had that expression ever appeared before that event?

    Grace:¡­*slight blush* Shut up! Let¡¯s finish our business here and go back.

    Sunz: OK then. Do you remember the guy that fainted at my section?

    Grace: Yeah¡­

    Sunz: Apparently he knows you from work.

    Grace: And by work, you mean ¡®Hero¡¯ right?

    Sunz: Yeah¡­ Am I prying in too much?

    Grace: You dragged me out here, you better finish what you started¡­ Are you afraid of me two-timing you?

    Sunz: No, if I think about that. It means I¡¯m degrading myself, thinking that I¡¯m not enough for you, which you are sick of hearing and will result in you hurting me.

    Grace ¡°Good answer.¡± has her arm up slightly with the dorsal side of the hand covering her mouth like an evil rich lady, for a brief moment before she breaks character.

    ¡°Hahaha, you are so easy to break¡­we are slowly getting to know each other better.¡±

    Sunz: I did not expect this. Different relationships must have different ways to grow.

    Grace: They sure do and I¡¯m enjoying this a lot¡­ But you are right I don¡¯t like hearing you degrading yourself.

    *Has both of her arm on Sunz¡¯s shoulders and stare him dead in the eyes*

    ¡°I won¡¯t hurt you if I heard it because I have other ways to deal with you without being physical.¡±

    ¡­

    Grace removes her arms from Sunz: That was a quick therapy session. But that probably wasn¡¯t what you planned on asking.

    Sunz: Uh hmp, yeah. So back to the beginning, the guy I mentioned before said that one person in our group is familiar to him. And since he is working with a ¡®Hero¡¯ that means you are the familiar face.

    ¡°Which makes me wonder, are you a high-rank Hero?¡±

    After saying that, the air around Sunz suddenly becomes extremely cold.

    Sunz (Did I say something wrong?) tried keeping eye contact with Grace, but her eyes had become soulless, along with her voice.

    ¡°You¡¯ll take this to your grave.¡±

    Grace motions her arm up and her hand (middle finger and thumb) forms a flicking gesture at Sunz. Slowly a sharp icicle forms between the two fingers.

    ¡­

    Sunz: OK, things are escalating so out of the blue. If you kill me how will you escape?

    Grace: That is my problem.

    Sunz (dialogue, dialogue, dialogue¡­): What is your reason for this? I have no value...

    Grace: And you never will! Stop self-pitying.

    She flings the icicle at Sunz after finishing her sentence. Sunz didn¡¯t do anything to dodge her attack at all, except for closing his eyes.

    Sunz (This is not what I expected. My body is extremely cold, I can¡¯t feel my limb¡­ but I can still smell blood?)

    (Shouldn¡¯t I already be dead? What is that sound?)

    Sunz heard a soft and frantic voice ¡°Hey Hey! Are you ok? I hope I¡¯m not too late! Why is your body so cold?! Come on come on don¡¯t die!¡±

    Sunz ¡°Am I still alive¡± slowly opens his eyes, and the first thing he notices is that he is on the floor. The second thing is these is someone checking his heart with their head on his chest(still clothes).

    Frantic person lifts their head from Sunz: Oh you¡¯re still alive. Thank goodness. Are you conscious enough to talk and see me clearly?

    Sunz: I think I can.

    Frantic person: Describe me the person in front of you.

    Sunz: Female¡­ I guess.

    Frantic person: It¡¯s Female! Talk faster!

    Sunz: Blond. Glasses. White outfit. Oh God, there is blood covering your whole arm.

    Frantic Female: Great you are in a stable enough condition, still way too cold tho. Now try to read this while I look for some bandage.

    She places a thin rectangle-shaped thing in Sunz¡¯s hand.

    Sunz was finally able to move his body but decided to only move the arm that had the rectangle thing close to his face.

    What is in his hand right now looks like the Frantic Female ID.

    ¡°Blond, Glasses, different outfit.¡±

    (Rank A- Name: Patinage Grace)

    Frantic Female: Why did you suddenly go so quiet? Where are the bandages?

    Sunz: What is going on¡­ Why do you both have the same name?

    Frantic Female stop looking for bandages: Because¡­

    An icicle appeared above Sunz''s face and launched at him.

    Sunz (Not again.) this time he just stared straight at it without closing his eyes.

    As the icicle gets closer to his face, *Snap* it explodes into many sparkle snow.

    Frantic Female: I was messing with you!

    Sunz:¡­What?

    Frantic Female: Let''s get you off the floor first!

    When the Frantic Female grabs Sunz¡¯s arm and pulls him up, his body temperature returns to normal.

    Sunz holds her ID up to compare the picture with the real-life figure.

    Sunz: Name, hair color, and I feel less cold after you touch me are her traits. Which leave me one question, WHYYYYYY?!

    Frantic Female: Because¡­

    She interrupts her sentence by pulling Sunz in front of her and crouches a bit behind him.

    Then someone in police uniform walks by, sees Sunz, and Frantic Female hiding behind him: Sorry for interrupting¡­ You two had 15 minutes to finish what was going on.

    Then the person left, and for the first 10 seconds, Sunz¡¯s mouth was covered by the Frantic-Female¡¯s hand.

    Frantic Female: He walks far enough from us¡­*adjust both of them to their previous position*¡­Now where was I¡­ You asked my Hero Rank and at that moment I decided to do a dramatic reveal.

    ¡°But you just have to close your eyes.¡±

    She does the same action that Grace did, summons an icicle, launches it at Sunz then it explodes into sparkle snow.

    ¡°I decided to improve my ability a bit after yesterday''s mess. After that whole charade of me turning into a cold psychopath, I was going to show you my card.¡±

    Sunz: OK, so you really are Grace,¡­Why did you turn that arm into such a bloody mess?

    Grace: Ehhh¡­improvisation! Also, it''s not even that bad, just a bunch of cuts that¡¯s all. Plus I already dry up all of the blood while some stick to this outfit so I¡¯m not leaving any traces here.

    Sunz: So how did we go from you ¡°killing¡± me to your ¡°identical twin¡± saving me?

    Grace: You close your eyes a bit too long and your body actually goes limp due to my ability. Luckily I caught you just in time but at that same time, my brain also decided to go with the flow.

    Sunz: By going with the flow you mean¡­

    Grace: Escalate this moment to the most unrealistic while still making sense. So it will look like you were saved by a maiden that got injured in that process. A maiden that hides her skill behind her extremely frantic personality.

    Sunz looks at the card and then looks back at Grace and her wound.

    *Sigh* ¡°All of this mess was caused by me asking a stupid question.¡±

    Grace: You know what stupid! How hard it is to shoot icicles at this arm(bloody one) while making sure no blood splats on the floor, and at the same time making sure you don¡¯t open your eyes and see me pew pew my arm!

    Sunz: Your voice doesn¡¯t sound angry, more like annoyance mixed with excitement.

    Grace: Looks like all of that time I screamed at you finally paid off!

    ¡°You have always been the one to make a move on me, whether it is unintentional or not. I know that our relationship is a bit one-sided since I was the one who initiated it. Since that day, all of the events that happened between us have only increased my feelings for you.¡±

    ¡°I know that you¡¯re still indecisive about this, so it¡¯s my turn to balance the scale. Since everything has been resolved, please focus on that ID and Me.¡±

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know what you trying to do but I¡¯ll give it a go.

    Sunz switches his focus between Grace and her ID for one minute.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see what you¡­ mean¡­ Oh no¡­¡±

    Grace: Finally I break you.

    She gets closer with her hand on his chest and whispers in his ear (You like Glasses!)

    ¡­

    They stay in that position for about 10 seconds then Grace steps back.

    Grace: Wow, your heart never beats that fast, even faster than mine!

    Sunz: I think I prefer you with glasses. Does that make me sound like an asshole?

    Grace: I don¡¯t care, because I can use it as a weapon.

    Grace takes off her glasses, it immediately turns into a bracelet attached to her wrist.

    Sunz: With glasses on you look less intimidating.

    Grace: I assure you that I¡¯m still intimidating with or without them.

    Sunz: You really ruin my image of you with that.

    Grace: With different attire and accessory. This is just the beginning, leave room for a lot more to come. Right now we need to get back.

    Sunz: How? Your arm is not something to show in public.

    Grace: Good point. Give me your ¡®Windbreaker¡¯!

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace: Did you really just take a moment to think about that?

    Sunz takes off his ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ and gives it to Grace, ¡°Please be careful with it.¡±

    Grace puts on the ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ ¡°Do you really care more about this than me?¡± after putting it on Grace feels something strange

    ¡°Aren¡¯t your body supposed to be smaller than mine?¡±

    Sunz: Yeah?

    Grace: Then why does it fit me?

    Sunz: Probably because I buy it a size bigger than I should.

    Grace: When did buy it?

    Sunz: 2 years ago.

    Grace: Did you even grow at all?

    Sunz: Not really.

    Grace: That¡¯s good to hear, don¡¯t want you to be taller than me.

    Sunz: Yeah yeah¡­ Didn¡¯t you carry a bag?

    Grace: Don¡¯t be silly, my hands are already occupied with yours.

    Sunz: Really...

    Grace: What, don¡¯t like it?

    Sunz: Not that, during the moment you were looking for bandages in your bag, I remember hearing shuffling sound.

    Grace: There were no bags or bandages, just there.

    She shows Sunz her empty palms slowly being filled up with snow then she just slaps both of them together to make sound.

    Sunz: Really, that was what I heard.

    Grace: Yeah, creative right!

    Grace then grabs Sunz''s hand and walks out of wherever they are.

    The Officer from before saw that they finally left and said to himself (Kid these days are so bold.)

    Then he heard a female voice from his communication device (Eun Eun, danger code Purple. Two Hero Down)

    Using the same device he sent a message

    ¡°This is Officer #### block off every road that leads to The Dungeon and evacuate everyone within the area.¡±

 Chapter 69: Regroup (Part 2)

    *While Grace was killing Sunz, someone was waking up from their coma.*

    Familiar voice: The kid is in stable condition and will wake up within seconds.

    Lucas opens his eyes to see himself lying on a couch and a big wolf man in doctor coat watching over him, along with his big Hero friend.

    Lucas tried to sit up but his body didn¡¯t budge.

    Wolf in coat: Don¡¯t even bother moving, your body is in its healing state. All of the bones in your body got broken¡­ by me. I just injected medicine in your body so your skeleton must have healed already, right now just waiting for all of the nerves to reconnect. Which may take 10-30 minutes so enjoy your state. Be glad that you can still speak.

    Lucas: Are we playing dress-up now? And why are you here Ben? Aren¡¯t you supposed to do your Hero Business?

    Ben (The Hero): The business was, doing some maintenance.

    Lucas: What are you? A high-rank Hero or a Lackey. First, you didn¡¯t even know about this place, and now suddenly you have some business.

    LowtierFox: Old habits die hard. That is why you either tell the truth or shut your mouth. Haha!

    Lucas and Ben:¡­

    LowtierFox: Tough crowd.

    Lucas: And you Mr.Fox, what with that outfit?

    LowtierFox: It¡¯s my medic outfit. I hold the highest life save in the Corp.

    Lucas: So you two know each other from the Corp?

    LowtierFox: Yeah, back when this ¡®National Hero¡¯ was called the ¡®Blob¡¯.

    Lucas: The Blob?

    Ben: Which means a sack of meat. A title given to the worst ¡®Strength¡¯ Hero by other Strength peers.

    Lucas: But you bounce back, right?

    LowtierFox: He did, but there is always a limit. Rank B is the highest he can reach.

    Lucas: And that¡¯s bad?

    Ben: The worst. You might as well compare me to a normal citizen. No skill, just Strength.

    LowtierFox: And just like how great his rise was, there is always a disgusting element that plays a role in it.

    ¡°Sometimes the worst decision is the best decision, or vice versa. What matters is who will benefit from it.¡±

    ¡­

    Lucas: Ben, is what he saying is true?

    Ben: Even though he is a fox. Cunning is not his trait.

    Lucas: So for some reason you can¡¯t lie anymore.

    LowtierFox: I am the reason, back when we used to work together, I was the brain and he is the muscle. Which left most of the talking to me while he standing there looking intimidating.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Lucas: So why did you leave him, because of the secret you found?

    LowtierFox: I left because I had other business opportunities and plus that happened in the future¡­

    ¡°This is fun, it¡¯s like we are comforting a friend that just broke up. I¡¯ll get some snack, your healing is almost done, broken boy.¡±

    While LowtierFox getting some snacks, Ben receives a call.

    Call (The building is being attacked. Two Rank A is down. Don¡¯t let any below Rank A join.)

    Ben: Got it.

    LowtierFox comes back with some snacks.

    ¡°Well well, look like we got some problem¡­Door Open!¡±

    After saying that a zone of the window of the room disappeared.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the kid.¡±

    Ben said, ¡°Listen to him, kid.¡± Then jump out of the room and dive to the first floor. The window zone returned to normal after Ben jumped out.

    LowtierFox ¡°Now that he gone.¡± sits back down next to Lucas and tells him.

    ¡°That man is a nice man but he is also a Yes Man. He put a lot of effort to rise to that rank, but I still don¡¯t know what secret training he did. And the disgusting element, take place a long while after he reached his peak.¡±

    Lucas: I thought you never lied.

    LowtierFox: I never! Right now, you are playing as a role for him to fix his past. After today, you can leave and he won¡¯t do anything to you or your family. You have a choice, he is not threatening you with his rank at all.

    ¡°Those will be all. For now, I have a job to do.¡±

    He stands up then grabs a pair of glasses on the table and puts it on Lucas¡¯s face. From the glasses, a salt-sized bug flew out.

    LowtierFox: Since you can¡¯t move, it will act as your eyes and ears. Say the name of the Hero you want to connect with then you two will be able to talk with each other. There are snacks on the table when you get better.

    ¡°Enjoy controlling your Mecha!¡±

    With that LowtierFox left the room then Lucas hears

    ¡°IT TIME TO COUNT SOME SHEEP!!!¡±

    ¡­

    *Up on the Aquarium*

    Soju: Finally a day off, and all I have to do is spend time with you.

    Narae: I feel the same. I even told the Corp not to send me mission unless it happens where I¡¯m standing.

    Soju: I¡¯m so glad I¡¯m finally allowed to see your face and touch you in public.

    Narae: You got to touch me plenty the other night.

    Soju: That was erotic touch. Now we¡¯re having casual touch, just enjoying each other company.

    Narae grabs Soju¡¯s hand: Usually, you should grab my hand after saying that. But I agree, no more hat and mask to cover my face *kiss Soju¡¯s cheek* and it all thanks to their perfume.

    Soju: Let¡¯s see what can we do here!

    *After some activities*

    Narae¡¯s phone just buzzed. (I hope not!)

    Narae checks her phone to see the message

    *Location: The Dungeon 1<sup>st</sup> Floor./ Note 2 Hero down.*

    Soju: I know that look. You have stuff to take care of right?

    Narae: This is so annoying! I could have bailed on this mission if it was minor but it not.

    Soju: Making sure these innocent people don¡¯t get dragged into this unfortunate is part of our job. Plus I believe you can take care of that mission real quick.

    Narae: I wish but whatever down there might say otherwise. It took down 2 Heros, dead or alive. This Building only has rank A or above so¡­ now think again, I¡¯m ranked 1<sup>st</sup> so this will be easy.

    Soju: I think you should start going. Also, remember to neutralize the perfume.

    Narae: Yeah yeah, you¡¯re right. I¡¯ll see you in a bit.

    She quickly gets in one of the bathroom stalls, sprays her perfume then pulls out a device that instantly switches her entire attire with accessories add-on (Hat and Mask).

    Then she quickly made her way to the elevator where she was stopped by two bodyguards. Not letting them speak a word, she pulled down her mask and they instantly stepped out of the way.

    Narae: Keep this whole floor safe and support the foundation.

    The two bodyguards just nod.

    *Moment before crisis at the bottom floor*

    A Strange Figure enters through the entrance while covering from head to toe. There is nothing to see, except their clothes.

    The two bodyguards started preparing for the worst while the front desk lady did her job.

    Front desk lady: Hello, how may I help you today? Do you bring your card or are you buying ticket?

    A voice can be heard from the Strange Figure.

    ¡°There are two people I need to find and I believe they are here.¡±

    Front desk lady: Oh ok, before you can enter. You need an access pass first.

    Strange figure: That won¡¯t be a problem.

    When the sentence ended, two swords flew out of the figure which tore its clothes and stabbed the two bodyguards, rendering them lifeless.

    Only turning its head for a moment but the Front desk lady is already gone.

    Strange figure: I¡¯ll find you!

    Then hundred different types of swords flew out of the Strange-Figure body.

 Chapter 70: New Face-Old Face-No Face (Part 1)

    *Back to Sunz and Grace finding their way out of where they were*

    Grace: You know which way we came from?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know. I instinctively found this area while dragging you.

    Grace: Hmm¡­ we can ask the Officer from before for direction¡­ or we could wander our way out.

    Sunz:¡­ You prefer the second option, don¡¯t you.

    Grace: Oh, so you want to let the group wait! Fine, I¡¯ll spoil you some more.

    Sunz *brain crash* (WHAT!?)¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­..

    ¡°Yeah, let go with that.¡±

    Different voice: Sorry for interrupting you two¡¯s moment. Are you perhaps lost?

    *It was the Officer from before*

    Sunz and Grace:¡­

    Officer:¡­ So you two are lost. Strange, this area is restricted, one of the security guards must have left their post. And you two must have ¡°mistakenly¡± wandered in here.

    Grace: Are we in trouble, Officer? This is my fault, he has nothing to do with it.

    Sunz (This is my Fault!)

    Officer: Call me Silver, and no need to point finger. This couple thing happened more often than we expected.

    Grace: If you can give us the direction, then we will be out of here in no time.

    Officer Silver: As much as I want you two to leave this area, I can¡¯t allow that to happen. For now, you two just have to stay in this spot.

    Grace: Did something bad happen?

    Officer Silver:¡­ Yes, right now, the building is under attack. And we need the civilians to stay put while waiting for rescue. Can you two do that?

    Grace steps behind Sunz and places both of her hands on his shoulders: We can! Plus, I have him keeping me company.

    Officer Silver: That is good to hear. So stay safe. I have to go now.

    He turns away and says to himself, (It''s my fault!) then runs in the opposite direction of Sunz and Grace.

    Sunz felt Grace¡¯s hands leave his shoulders (Well, he''s gone.) Then a pair of glasses got put on his face.

    Sunz: Wait, what are you doing?

    Grace: Don¡¯t wiggle around. It¡¯s just glasses.

    Sunz turns around to see that Grace has put her glasses back on.

    Sunz: Woah!

    Grace: No time to admire my beauty. You want to know what is going on?

    Sunz*slaps his own face to snap out*: Yeah, I do, but we aren¡¯t allowed to move.

    Then a bug flew out of Grace¡¯s glasses and hovered between the two.

    Grace: This will be our eyes and ears.

    Sunz: This is cool.

    Grace: I know!

    Grace gestured for the bug to follow Silver. It flies at extreme speed and manages to sew itself onto Silver¡¯s outfit shoulder without him notice.

    The glasses on Sunz and Grace¡¯s face start changing lenses to reflect what the bug is seeing and hearing.

    Sunz: This thing has great image stabilization.

    Grace *messing with Sunz*: What that¡¯s?

    Sunz: Never mind that.

    Silver is running straight at the window ¡°Open!¡± then leap out while the window shaping itself. ¡°Close!¡±. In the middle of this, he put on a glove that allowed him to stick and slide down the side of the building at a fast speed.

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    In the middle of getting to the bottom floor, he sees many swords flying up toward him and passing him like a flock of birds.

    Silver spoke into the communication device: ALL UNITS PREPARE TO BATTLE! THEY ARE GOING FOR SPECIFIC FLOOR!

    ¡­

    At the moment when a hundred swords fly past Silver, Sunz immediately threw his glasses away, breaking it. His whole body feels extremely fatigued, and his mind feels like it''s about to explode while his arms hold on to his head, making sure the brain doesn¡¯t pop out.

    Grace wanted to check on Sunz, but he stopped her and told her, ¡°You need to stop those things from killing us.¡±

    *Shatter glass sound*

    Grace steps in front to protect Sunz. She summoned an ice rapier in her right hand¡­ ¡°I just want a break¡± ¡­ and a few more identical ice rapiers around her.

    *Back to Jihu, Yama, and No Name*

    Yama: They have been gone for quite a while...

    Jihu: I can go look for them.

    No Name: Just let them alone, they only have a little time left to spend with each other.

    Yama:¡­

    Jihu:¡­

    No Name:¡­

    -These three don¡¯t mix well together-

    Out of the corner of Yama¡¯s eye, a familiar peguin appear, waving at him, then running away.

    Yama: Sorry guy, I need to go to the bathroom. Be right back.

    Yama instantly got out of their sight.

    *Only Jihu and No Name sitting at the table with their phones.*

    Jihu: You saw that, right?

    No Name: Lonely boy finally falls... I did. Let hope she is a decent person.

    Jihu: So you have any love advice for someone like me?

    No Name:¡­ You look good enough, girls will flock to you in no time.

    Jihu: Any advice for other elements beyond my look?

    No Name is *annoyed*: Don¡¯t you have better topics to talk about?

    Jihu is *amused*: Like personal stuff. No no no, with that name of yours, there is nothing to ask, also I don¡¯t like to talk about myself to strangers.

    No Name: Stranger, huh? I like that. Let''s keep it that way. Then some facts from this stranger.

    ¡°You are Korean combined with your K-Pop frame, that means you are in a lot of girls preferences. From there, you can go two opposite routes, rich business Korean Man (based on your family condition) or manipulate Korean Emperor.¡±

    Jihu: Those are very bad routes and very stereotyped.

    No Name: You asked for love advice, I combined love = getting girls with girls your age preference to that answer.

    Jihu: You are joking, right¡­

    No Name: Don¡¯t take any stranger''s advice too seriously, and just be yourself. It worked out for those two.

    Jihu: You¡¯re right.

    *Jihu remembers a fun moment in the past*

    -It was during the break, and Jihu was reading his book when he heard some people talking about him.

    Girl 1: OMG, he looks so handsome, just like the idol I¡¯m crushing on.

    Girl 2: Look at him, not hanging out with other boys, just sitting there and reading a book. I wonder if he is an heir to a powerful company.

    Girl 3: I¡¯m sure he is hiding his corrupt personality under all those kind and easygoing personalities. I wish he would corrupt me!

    Jihu (This is getting out of hand, it¡¯s only been the first week.) put his book away and approach Sunz, who was playing rhythm at another table, then tap him on the shoulder.

    Sunz *remove headphone*: You again¡­ What do you want?

    Jihu: The class is playing soccer in the school yard right now. Want to join? It will be a waste to just sit around all day.

    Sunz: Yeah, not interested.

    Jihu: Come on, don¡¯t make me have to carry you out again.

    Sunz: Give me a minute, you parasite¡­ Let¡¯s go. You know you don¡¯t have to do this and just ignore me like everyone else.

    Girl 1-2-3 whisper to each other (Why does he always hang out with that bastard? I just want to kill him.)

    Sunz and Jihu got out of class.

    Jihu whispered to Sunz: The girls in class said they wanted to kill you.

    Sunz: I wish I was surprised. Maybe if you stopped trying to hang out with me, then the bounty would be gone.

    ¡°So how is it adjusting to a new environment?¡±

    Jihu: Already settled.

    Sunz: Good to hear.

    *Back to reality*

    No Name nudges Jihu: What are those two bodyguards doing here?

    Jihu: Getting lunch or changing shift. Let''s hope nothing bad is happening.

    ¡­

    *Yama caught up with W*

    Yama: Hey, we met again.

    W holds up a slip of paper *Wow! You really fast!*

    Yama: I did some training.

    W changes paper *Were those your friends... included the person I punched?*

    Yama: Yeah, they are. There is still one more, but she is hanging out with the guy you punched.

    W changes papers *Oh!* changes paper *Are they dating?* changes paper *The two at the table* changes paper *and the two that are gone*

    Yama: Can¡¯t you just string all of those on one paper?

    W changes papers *I want to feel like I was talking.*

    Yama: Make sense, sorry about that. Also, that information is not mine to share.

    W slaps this paper on her forehead * (¡ä?¨q¨r?`) * then holds up with her right hand *Are you dating one of them* and left hand *Include the males*

    While her face is still neutral.

    Yama:¡­

    W heard no answer¡­ changed her emotion, slapped * (¨i?¨i)¡ò * on top of the other paper.

    Yama: I¡¯m not dating anyone. I¡¯m single.

    W smiles, removes the two slips on her forehead and holds up *Will you date me, despite my condition?*

    Yama: Despite your condition. You are a good girl, and I would like to date you, but I would need a way to contact you first.

    W slaps *¡­* on her forehead and holds up, then switches these slips in order.

    *I will be the one to contact you*

    *I hope you are ok with this*

    *Please trust me*

    *And don¡¯t cheat on me*

    When she held up the last slip, her hands were shaking. Her face looked down at the floor and looked like she was about to cry.

    Yama quickly shut all of that emotion down by getting down on one knee and grabbing both of W¡¯s hands.

    ¡°I promise to be loyal to you.¡±

    W just nodded in response to what seemed like a proposal. When she looked up, she quickly pulled both of her arms back and showed Yama a new slip.

    *If we are in danger, what will you do?*

    Then she pointed behind Yama.

    Yama turns around and sees many bodyguards fighting a bunch of floating swords.

    ¡°Your safety is my priority.¡±

    After saying that, he swept W¡¯s feet and carried her away.

 Chapter 71: New Face-Old Face-No Face (Part 2)

    *Ben diving down to the bottom floor*

    Seeing many swords flying toward him, he widens his arms and slaps them together, sending a huge shockwave to the floor. The amount of force that got released made him hover in midair for a few seconds, and the blast also shattered all of the swords that flew at him, but it didn¡¯t cause any property damage.

    Ben: Cheap Materials.

    After landing softly on the ground to make sure that the building''s foundation doesn¡¯t collapse. Ben saw two bodyguards bleeding out on the lobby floor and the Strange Figure.

    Ben: So you are the Villian that caused all of this. Surrender or Die!

    Strange Figure: You and I are the same. A tool to serve our master.

    Ben immediately leapt at the Strange-Figure to punch it, but more swords flew out of its body to form a protective barrier. The barrier was shattered immediately by Ben¡¯s punch and resulted in thousands of sharp fragments blasting everywhere, along with creating a temporary dust storm.

    None of the fragments did any damage to Ben, but for the two bodyguards, the result would be different, and Ben knew that. He quickly dashed back to save both of them, a second before the barrier shattered. But he only managed to protect one of them from being penetrated by bullet-speed fragments.

    Strange Figure: Risking a chance to kill me just to save these disposable soldiers. And you couldn¡¯t save both of them.

    Ben:¡­

    Strange Figure: What''s wrong? Cat got your tongue... Oh, I see, you are those. What are they called? Ah, all brawn and no brain.

    *Gunshot*

    A bullet got fired from inside the dust storm at the Stange Figure, but it easily dodged with a slight movement of its head.

    The dust storm cleared up to reveal Silver with the other bodyguard on his back. Both of their clothes got torn from all of the fragments, and only Silver took some damage from that event. Slashes on his shoulders, arms, and cheeks...

    Silver: Sorry Hero! Didn¡¯t want to get in your way, but it seems like you need some help.

    Strange Figure: A rat saving an insect¡­ how strange.

    Silver: If you don¡¯t mind, may I have the other body?

    Ben gave Silver the other bodyguard¡¯s body: This is not a place for you people to be a hero.

    Silver: Same goes for you, can¡¯t go all out. But that''s enough from me. Continue the fight.

    Silver ran away to relocate the two bodyguard bodies to the safe zone outside of the Disaster Area.

    Strange Figure: Now if you just let me complete my objective, then there would be fewer casualties.

    Elevator door opens *ding*

    Narae: The next casualty will be you, Villian.

    Strange Figure turns around: A new entity has appeared. What are you? Hero? Civilian? Or A Nobody?

    Narae clenched her fist with the thump out and gestured a cutting motion across her neck. When the action finished, a stream of water appeared from thin air and decapitated the Strange Figure.

    The cloak that the Strange Figure was wearing disappeared and revealed a decapitated wooden puppet with ink flowing out of its neck. Both Heroes got into their ready stances to see if the Vilian was hiding another trick.

    The decapitated head started speaking, ¡°I¡¯m going to die either way. So let all die!¡± while the body twitching itself.

    The head then exploded and splattered ink inside the building and on the street. While the body starts crawling across the whole lobby and spilling ink out of its neck. Narae used her skill to stop the ink from splattering on her and Ben.

    The body crawls like a headless chicken until it starts hanging upside down from the ceiling. The ink keeps unlimitedly flowing out of its neck like a fountain.

    Then, from the ink, swords start flying out like swarms of insects. They aren¡¯t targeting Ben and Narae but focusing on other floors of the Tower and nearby buildings.

    Ben and Narae: Headquarter! Send many F.P.S teams to this location!

    Narae said to Ben, ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the outside. You kill that bastard.¡± Then immediately move out of the building and summon a water barrier around the first floor, along with an additional barrier encircling the whole building.

    All of the swords that made out of the Lobby got dragged down and destroyed by the second barrier, while many new swords kept spawning from ink to get through the first barrier and kill Ben at the same time.

    At the same time, Lucas¡¯s bugs managed to get inside the lobby before the first barrier appeared and stick to Ben¡¯s outfit to communicate with him.

    Lucas: Ben? You ok down there?

    Ben: Doing fine. You can see and hear everything clearly, right?

    Lucas: Yeah¡­

    Ben: Great. I¡¯m gonna need your help on this. The wooden thing that is drooling ink out of its neck caused all of this, and we need to destroy it and all of its little friends.

    Lucas: Why do you need my help? I¡¯m bedrest. Plus, you are powerful. Your skin has no damage, except for your outfit.

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    Ben: Then watch!

    Ben jumped up to attack the puppet, but all of the swords formed a shield to protect it, resulting in all of the swords shattering and all of their fragments being blasted everywhere.

    Narae: HEY! I DON¡¯T NEED YOU CAUSING COLLATERAL DAMAGE TO THE CIVILIANS!

    Ben to Narae, ¡°SORRY!¡± then continue communication with Lucas, ¡°You heard and saw what happened right.¡±

    Lucas: But what am I supposed to do?

    Ben: Use your ability.

    Lucas: Got it, and before we do this. No one can tap in this line, right?

    Ben: Only me and you.

    Lucas: Ok, this will be the plan. Get a hold of one of the swords and get in position.

    Ben: Got it and ready!

    All of the swords just swarming around the puppet, waiting for their numbers to go up.

    Lucas: THROW!... BOOST!

    Ben threw the sword at the puppet, and all of the other swords came together and formed a wall in front of it. Two seconds later, Ben jumped in the direction he threw the sword. The sword didn¡¯t do any damage to the wall except shattering itself.

    Lucas: GRAB!

    Ben immediately grabs the wall, but the puppet knows what he is about to do and disperses the shield formation. Ben manages to grab two swords from the swarm.

    Lucas: BOOST! GRAB!

    Ben threw the two swords behind him to give him a boost that the puppet didn¡¯t expect, then he grabbed the puppet and slammed it to the ceiling. And with a flick of his thumb, the wooden puppet burst into flame.

    Ben: This will make sure there is nothing left of you.

    The puppet grew back its head while burning: My task is 50% completed but it was a good half.

    Then all of the swords and ink disappeared while the puppet burned to ash in Ben¡¯s hand.

    Lucas: That is the end of this, right?

    Ben: Yeah¡­ everything is okay now.

    Corp reporting to S-class: The F.P.S teams are here.

    Ben to Corp: The Villian had been killed. Prepare to move civilians out of the building.

    Corp to S-class: Roger That!

    Ben to Lucas: So big match in a few hours.

    Lucas: Yeah, not like we''re going to lose when I''m playing.

    Ben: I know you will bring home the trophy.

    Lucas: And you will be there above all of us.

    Ben: Like always.

    Lucas: How about this time you watch the match on the ground? You are their celebrity. They might try to impress you and give me a harder match, or they might just fumble, and you can be there as a consolation prize.

    Ben: I will. I¡¯ll end the call now.

    Lucas: Ok.

    *Before the puppet got destroyed - Outside*

    The ink that splattered outside and spawning swords everywhere got taken care of by Silver and Narae.

    Silver: Need any help, Hero?

    Narae: No need. It¡¯s better for you to make sure no one enters this area.

    A sword arise from the ink and was immediately shattered by Silver¡¯s bullet.

    Silver: I can do both.

    Narae: That is great! Less weight on my shoulder.

    A few minutes later, Narae received a message from Corp ¡°The Villian had been killed. Prepare to move civilians out of the building.¡±

    Narae removes the barrier: Hey Cop, the crisis is over.

    Silver: Nicely done, Hero. What would we do without you!

    Narae: You are a lot better than the common cop. Ever think of being a Hero?

    Silver: A Hero can be a Cop but the opposite rarely happens.

    Narae: I¡¯m not saying you should quit the force. Being a Hero is like a part-time job with valuable benefits while at high rank.

    Silver: Well, that''s the problem. Best I can reach is probably C tier.

    Narae: Your skill shown that you can reach at least A rank.

    Silver: All you saw was me destroying swords with bullets.

    Narae: And you think that is common?

    Silver: In your field, probably.

    Narae: I took enough of your time. I¡¯ll leave you and your squad to take care of the rest. And make sure to get the benefit.

    Silver: I¡¯ll consider it.

    *Before the puppet got destroyed ¨C Sunz and Grace*

    Grace managed to hold down to the last wave of swords and her last rapier. Both her strength and mentality are at their lowest, while Sunz has recovered from what he thinks was information overload.

    Sunz grabs one hand onto Grace¡¯s shoulder, and she immediately responds: You ok now? These are the last of them¡­ we will be¡­ ok soon.

    Sunz heard Grace''s heavy breathing in that sentence and saw that she couldn¡¯t survive this last wave.

    Sunz: You are in no condition to continue.

    Grace: Oh, please! I¡¯ve been through worse. (No I haven¡¯t!)

    Sunz quickly swiped the ice rapier off Grace¡¯s without a problem.

    Grace: Hey!...

    Sunz: If you can still fight, then I wouldn¡¯t have been able to steal this from you.

    Grace: Fine¡­ but I¡¯m staying right behind you.

    Sunz: But it will reduce my movement.

    Grace placing both hands on Sunz¡¯s shoulders: Better that than you dropping the rapier. It made out of ice¡­ your hand can¡¯t hold it longer than 10 seconds.

    Sunz: Can¡¯t argue with that. There are only 5 left.

    Grace: Five? I can only see three.

    One of the swords came straight at Sunz and destroyed the ice rapier and itself. Then the other two visible swords follow up. Sunz crouched down, lunged forward to escape from Grace, and restrained both swords with his hands.

    Then, from the rubble of swords that Grace created, two swords came flying at her with malicious intent but were immediately destroyed by Sunz using the other two swords.

    Only two evil swords remain, trying to get out of Sunz''s grasp, but they slowly stop trying, turn back into ink, and disappear. The same goes for the rubble of destroyed swords.

    Sunz (It¡¯s over? They are all gone from my vision.)

    Grace still has the glasses on, and overhears Narae and Silver''s conversation.

    Grace: Hey, Sunz! Look like everything is ok now, and rescue is on the way.

    Sunz walks back to Grace: You are okay, right?

    Grace: Just tired¡­ Thank you for saving me.

    Sunz: I should be the one saying that. You were the one keeping us safe first.

    Grace: Well, what matters most is¡­ we¡¯re still alive.

    Sunz: Yeah¡­ that is what matters most.

    Grace ¡°but...¡± leans in to hug Sunz, ¡°I still like to thank you properly.¡± then quickly pulls herself back, ¡°And this too...¡± then leans in again to kiss Sunz on the lip. The kiss lasts for a few seconds before she pulls herself back, but still has her hands gripping on Sunz¡¯s shoulders.

    Sunz is in shock at what just happened: Was that also a thank you?

    Grace: That one is for me! Since after this tournament, we won¡¯t be able to meet again for a while, so I took the shot¡­ I¡¯m also afraid that, in this line of work, every moment we have right now will be our last moment. So I don¡¯t want to regret being stagnant.

    Sunz: I don¡¯t think I can top your speech, but all I can say is. If we always have each other¡¯s backs, just like today, the future outcome will be the same.

    Grace: I really want to cry, but I think I¡¯m too tired to do that.

    Sunz: I also feel the same. Let¡¯s finish with a quick hug.

    Grace: Agree.

    Both Sunz and Grace hug each other for a few seconds, then release.

    Sunz and Grace (That''s a core memory!)

    Sunz: By the way, both my shoulders feel cold and hurt at the same time. What did you do?

    Grace: Ummm¡­ in the moment¡­ I might have¡­ I mean definitely have stabbed your shoulders with my fingers, so I froze them to stop the bleeding.

    Sunz: Since you hurt me, I must hurt you back.

    Grace: What?

    Sunz: I really prefer you with glasses.

    Grace: ??? You trying to hurt my pride.

    Sunz: Exactly!

    Grace: Why are you so fixated on glasses? Is my face not good enough?

    Sunz: Well, before today, I had only seen your normal face, but when you put on that glasses. My brain just thinks, Perfect!

    Grace: You¡¯re Moron you know that. You didn¡¯t hurt my pride, except given me a weapon to manipulate you. So enjoy this Perfect form of mine because, after today, you won¡¯t be able to see it for a long time.

    Sunz *sarcastically*: Oh no!

    Grace: But seriously, this Bitch will be hang.

    Sunz: Welp that suck.

    Grace: I think it''s about time we regroup.

    Sunz: Yeah, let¡¯s go.

    Both Sunz and Grace walk out of wherever they are, and while walking, Grace tells Sunz something.

    Grace: You know, your glasses obsession is kinda similar to my friend''s obsession.

    Sunz: And who is it?

    Grace: You have to meet them to know.

    Sunz: Can¡¯t wait.

    Grace: Oh yeah, one more thing. Selfie!

    Grace took a selfie of herself and Sunz while she was wearing Sunz¡¯s windbreaker.

 Chapter 72: New Face-Old Face-No Face (Part 3)

    *Before the puppet got destroyed ¨C No Name and Jihu*

    They were both hiding under the table while watching the bodyguard deal with all the flying swords.

    No Name: The person who is controlling those swords isn¡¯t really causing that much disaster, or the bodyguard is really good at dealing with this situation.

    ¡°Why do these swords keep shattering after getting in contact with these bodyguards?¡±

    Jihu: It¡¯s because of their ability. These bodyguards all have the same ability called ¡®Barrier¡¯. It¡¯s allowing them to create an impenetrable barrier.

    No Name: That is one of the most basic abilities. How can all of them rank A?

    Jihu: It¡¯s because they mastered the advanced version of ¡®Barrier¡¯. Which allows them to create a different foundation to keep the building from collapsing even if the first floor gets demolished. Also to prevent that event.

    No Name: Interesting... Also, can you remove your hand from my shoulder?

    Jihu: I thought you''d ask about that first instead of the previous question.

    No Name: I only asked to see if you also knew what was going on. These ¡®Barrier¡¯ people are all in the same company or guild, and that is basic knowledge.

    Jihu: If you ask Sunz this, he definitely won¡¯t know what is going on or know that there is a company or guild for specific abilities.

    No Name: Now, can you please remove your hand?

    Jihu: Then can you conceal your aura again? If I remove my hand, those things will aim for us.

    No Name: What are you talking about? My aura has always been hidden.

    Jihu: True¡­ I have also been keeping track of three familiar auras, and then suddenly a new aura appeared next to the ¡°Ice¡± aura.

    No Name: You can keep track of aura? Or is this an excuse for you to touch me?

    Jihu: No excuses¡­ From what I have experienced, there are two ways to keep track.

    ¡°First is sensing, which is pretty common. Using your own aura like a magnet to push other auras away while also being pushed when encountering a stronger aura. The only problem with this way is that it depends on your strength. The stronger you are, the more area you can cover with your aura, and it''s also not that good when trying to stay on a specific target.¡±

    ¡°The other way is using your eyes, which is really rare. It¡¯s like having x-ray vision combined with smoke and silhouette. You can see their aura outline, and it leaves a smoke trail to track down that person.¡±

    No Name: The second one sounds kind of annoying. Can you turn it on and off? Also, having that kind of make you seem like a pervert?

    Jihu: You¡¯re right. It''s kind of annoying and hurts my eyes, but I can toggle it, and it works best when my eyes are close. It only makes you a pervert if you voluntarily use it for inappropriate stuff.

    Also, I have only unlocked this new skill for like a day. There is so much I need to learn to get used to it.)

    No Name: You¡¯re right. It was wrong of me to call you that.

    Jihu: Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m at that age, so it''s pretty normal to suspect that... So, can you hide your aura now?

    No Name: You know, there is a saying, ¡°Everything happens for a reason." So I won¡¯t hide my aura for now. Instead¡­

    *She is looking for something in her outfit*

    Jihu:¡­

    No Name pulled out a long piece of cloth out of her outfit: Let use this situation for you to train.

    Jihu: Is that part of the outfit, or do you always have it?

    No Name: Always. Now, if you would like to train, lean closer to me.

    Jihu*skeptical*: There is an ulterior motive for this, right?

    No Name *annoyed*: You boys are such a lost cause! Always thinking that every small action us girls did as a hint.

    She aggressively leans close to Jihu and blindfolds him.

    ¡°I¡¯m just doing this out of the goodness of my heart¡­ There.¡±

    Jihu: That was fast, and kind of tight.

    No Name: It¡¯s a blindfold, you aren¡¯t supposed to see through it. *deep breath* (Finally, I can put this on pause.)

    ¡°So, is everything different?¡±

    Jihu: A lot different. I can see the aura more clearly. Our aura and the Heroes¡¯s aura are so different from those of normal civilians.

    No Name: That is expected. So how are their condition? You mentioned before that the three of them don¡¯t know how to hide their aura.

    Jihu: Well, Yama is carrying someone with a stronger aura than a normal person, and there are some bodyguards near their area. So they will both be okay.

    ¡°For the love duo... They are under attack. Sunz is being useless. Grace summoned a few replicas of her rapier and is protecting both of them.¡±

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    No Name: What happened with your friend?

    Jihu: I don¡¯t know. But both of their auras are acting very strange.

    No Name: How strange?

    Jihu: Sunz¡¯s aura is somehow a lot stronger than before, and it is slowly getting weaker for no reason. While Grace is having dead aura in her arms.

    No Name: ¡°Dead"Aura"¡ªwhat¡¯s that?

    Jihu: It¡¯s a term I came up with when someone is alive while having no aura.

    No Name: Heh, pretty cool.

    Jihu: Are you okay?

    No Name: I¡¯m fine. What the matter?

    Jihu: You sound a lot softer than before.

    No Name: Really? I didn¡¯t realize that. I guess the feeling of not being able to do anything just makes me feel relaxed. Despite what is happening, this day off is kind of worth it.

    Jihu: It looks like you also have a weird personality.

    No Name: It seems so. While I¡¯m enjoying my moment of relaxation, you keep hiding my aura and keep checking on the group.

    Jihu: Roger that!

    *After the puppet got burned ¨C No Name and Jihu*

    No Name: Sounds like everything has dived down.

    Jihu: Yeah, I''m not seeing the enemy aura anymore. I think our friends are okay, except for the love duo. Their aura decreased by a lot.

    No Name *stretching*: Hnnng¡­ They aren¡¯t dead, which is the most important.

    Jihu: You¡¯re right.

    No Name: I have hidden my aura, you can remove your hand now.

    Jihu: Oh, ok.

    No Name: You want me to remove the blindfold, or do you want to keep it on?

    Jihu: Let me keep this on for now.

    No Name: Then you can keep the cloth. I have plenty of it.

    While getting out from under the table, Jihu banged his head.

    No Name: Ready to change your decision?

    Jihu: I¡¯ll get used to it. Everything takes time.

    No Name: Suit yourself. But do you need me to hold your hand to guide you?

    Jihu: Sorry, I can¡¯t allow that.

    No Name: Why? You can¡¯t really see where you are going¡­¡­.. Are you dating someone?

    Jihu: I am...

    No Name: That¡¯s why you were hesitant. You should have told me sooner.

    Jihu: Well, we aren¡¯t particularly close, and your personality is kind of cold and intimidating.

    No Name: You¡¯re right... So who is the lucky girl?

    Jihu: Since we have to wait for them to regroup, might as well do some small talk.

    *After the puppet got burned ¨C Yama and W*

    Yama: It looks like everything has dived down. You are okay, right?

    W *nod* then hold up a slip of paper *That was kind of fun and scary at the same time.*

    Yama: What aspect of the situation was fun for you?

    W fuses all of her paper slips and shows Yama a picture of him carrying her with a note.

    *I¡¯ve never run that fast. ?(^ o ^)??(^ o ^)??(^ o ^)? *

    Yama: I¡¯m glad that I can make you feel safe. So what next?

    W flips the picture around to reveal a lot of text behind it.

    *They are going to round up the people soon.*

    *You should return to your friend.*

    *Our time today was short, but I really enjoyed it.*

    *We¡¯ll meet again.*

    Yama: It was great to hang out with you.

    After saying their goodbyes, W gives Yama a quick hug, then runs away out of his sight.

    Yama (What a strange girl!) returns to where the group originally was.

    *Everyone meets up again and has all kinds of questions after seeing each other''s condition*

    Sunz and Grace are in bad shape. Sunz lost his clothes, and Grace gained new clothes and accessories.

    Jihu has a blindfold. No Name hair and outfit look messy.

    Yama... nothing changed.

    Grace: So did everyone have their own adventure?

    Everyone:¡­

    Grace: Great, I¡¯m so tired right now. Let all just sit at this table while waiting for the Heroes to evacuate people out of here.

    Everyone:¡­

    Grace: No one is saying anything must mean Yes¡­ Sunz comes and shows me how you sleep in this Windbreaker.

    Everyone just rests at the table while waiting for the F.P.S Teams.

    After a few waves of evacuations and the police questioning what happened, it was finally the Gang turn. When they all safely reached the ground floor, they (except Jihu) saw a lady in business attire arguing with two police officers. Another officer had to intervene, and only Sunz and Grace recognized who the officer was.

    Sunz asks Grace: That is officer Silver, right?

    Grace: It seems so¡­

    Sunz: His outfit is soaked in blood. How bad was the situation down here?

    Grace: Really bad. The first floor nearly got destroyed.

    ¡°Onto other matters, they just kissed, and now they are approaching us.¡±

    ¡­

    Silver: I think this is the group you were worrying about.

    Lady: They all look a bit different, but this is the group I was worrying about. Thank you!

    Silver: Just doing my job, also next time you don¡¯t have to act like that.

    Lady: Of course, who doesn¡¯t go into meltdown mode when their family member is in a life and death situation?

    Both of them just smiled at each other, then Silver left.

    ¡­

    Sunz: Do we know you, Miss?

    Lady: You don¡¯t remember me? I¡¯m Han Jun. Jihu¡¯s sister.

    Sunz:¡­ Jihu, can you confirm this?

    Jihu: Yep, that is my sister.

    Jun: Now everything is clear. I¡¯ll drive you all home.

    *Everyone follows Jun to her car.*

    When Grace saw the car, she spoke up: I think we have a problem. That car is for five people. We have six.

    Jun: You¡¯re right¡­ Since you noticed first, do you have any solutions?

    Grace: hehe¡­ I do.

    She then organized everyone into the car. Jun and Jihu are seated in the front, followed by Yama, No Name, and Grace in the back. While Sunz is forced to sit on Grace¡¯s lap, by Grace.

    Jun: Is everyone comfortable?

    Everyone except Sunz: Yes!

    Grace is restraining Sunz¡¯s movement with one arm while the other arm is covering his mouth.

    Jun: I can¡¯t believe I agree to this.

    Jihu (blindfolded) gives his phone to No Name: Take a couple pictures of them for me if you don¡¯t mind.

    No Name: Gladly!

    Jun (A car with five people and a life-size stuff animal is not a plan I expected.) starts driving.

    While the car is moving, Sunz can feel Grace''s head lean against him, and her restraint has loosened. Knowing the situation he¡¯s in, Sunz decided to close his eyes and quickly fall asleep to pass the time.

    ¡­

    *While sleeping, he started dreaming*

    Inside the dream, Sunz is standing in a graveyard behind someone who is mourning. Sunz then steps aside to see whose tombstone it was, but for some reason, everything on it is blurry to him.

    The person who was mourning stood up and turned to Sunz to reveal that it was Sword.

    Sword: So we meet again. What brings you here today?

    Sunz: Nothing? I just fell asleep, and now I¡¯m here.

    Sword: If it wasn¡¯t me or her that called you here, that means something unusual happened with your body.

    Sunz: I don¡¯t think anything strange happened.

    Sword: Really? What about that moment when your brain was shredded into pieces?

    Sunz: That? How did you know about it?

    Sword: I had thousands of students before you. So there are many common causes that led to this conversation.

    Sunz: Then I guess the random headache I got is why I¡¯m here.

    Sword: So¡­ Did your headache start out strong, then slowly get weaker the fewer enemies there are?

    Sunz: I think so.

    Sword: Then, what happened to you was that your mind got overloaded with information. Simple as that!

    Sunz: Really? It just that.

    Sword: So be prepared in the future, the more skills you learn, will be the cause of your death.

    ¡°Seriously, at least half of my students die because of that. So try your best to keep your thinking simple.¡±

    Sunz: Ok, noted.

    Sword: If you have nothing else to ask, then you can leave.

    Sunz: One question. Who are you mourning?

    Sword: Someone¡­ who used to be close to me.

    Sunz: Oh¡­ sorry for asking about that.

    Sword: You know this happened like ages ago, right? Also, I died like within a year of her death.

    Sunz: Yeah, I think I should leave now.

    Sword: It was a nice conversation.

    Someone shows up and throws Sunz into an empty grave, then that whole grave disappears.

    Sword (You will have the worst headache out of everyone here, and your relationship won¡¯t last long. I hope the second won¡¯t follow my pattern.)

    ¡­

    Sunz woke up from the dream and saw that he was lying on the floor of his hotel room. When he stands up to stretch himself, he sees a note taped to the back of his hand.

    *Take shower and rest. Everyone meeting for dinner in the evening. I got patched up. Windbreaker being washed due to blood. That¡¯s all.*

    Sunz: Today finally end. Tomorrow will be rough.

 Chapter 73: Sunz vs No Name â€“ The Winner is Obvious

    The night before Sunz vs No Name match, everyone agreed to not bother both of them until the match was over. On the day of the match, Sunz received his Windbreaker back from Sogae, then he, No Name, Grimm, and Fourth contestant all headed to the arena by bus.

    The first match will be Sunz vs No Name.

    The second match will be Grimm vs Fourth contestant.

    Before the first match begins, Jihu, Yama, and Grace meet up with Jun and Soju in the viewing area.

    *Jun arrived first and saw Soju breathing smoke out of his mouth*

    Jun: Did you relapse again?

    Soju: haha, funny joke... No, I¡¯m not.

    Jun *looks around*: Narae, aren¡¯t here yet?

    Soju: She has to go back to work¡­ but you already know that.

    Jun: And you are angry about that?

    Soju: I am... angry about not spending time with her.

    Jun:¡­ You know, I don¡¯t know how hard it is for you two to find the time when her schedule and yours are pretty flexible. She has the disguise perfume, and we have three times the energy of a normal person after 8 hours of sleep.

    Soju (I can¡¯t think of anything): Look, the kids arrived.

    Jun turned around, about to say hi to them, but something made her sentence shift.

    Jun: What happened with you, Grace?

    Grace had no response.

    Jihu: She was already like this when we met.

    Yama (I don¡¯t know these people. I stay quiet.)

    Jun: Her appearance looks dead and alive, while her movement is¡­ kind of normal?

    Soju lightly pushes Jun aside, then shoves something inside Grace¡¯s mouth.

    Jun: What are you doing?

    Soju: Relax I¡¯ve seen this many times.

    After what Soju just did, Grace¡¯s appearance returned to normal.

    Soju: What is bothering you?

    Grace: I... can''t cheer¡­ for them, both. Sunz - No Name.

    After saying that Grace¡¯s appearance returned to her dead ¨C alive state.

    Everyone, including Jun, has no idea what is happening.

    Jun: What happened with her?

    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Soju: She is fine, just indecisive. She didn¡¯t know who to cheer on in the next match, which caused stress, and then her appearance was morphed by the aura based on the state of her mind.

    Jun: What can we do?

    Soju: Nothing. Wait until the match is over, and then that appearance will be gone. Her condition is more of a simple one. Imagine having to choose between two future husbands or wives.

    Jun: I understand half of what you said. So she is ok and is under stress¡­ What did you put in her mouth?

    Soju pulls out a bag of leaves: One of my medicines." This one is called... Aura-numb. One leaf can suppress the person''s aura and make them stoic for a few seconds.

    Jun: Isn¡¯t that just ¡°Drug¡±?

    Soju: I wouldn¡¯t say that. You can¡¯t get addicted to this, it doesn¡¯t help out in battle, and if normal people eat it, it will have no effect since their aura is weaker than ours.

    Jihu: Soju, may I ask. How much do you know about aura?

    Soju: I have plenty of knowledge about aura. You want to learn about it?

    Jihu: I want to.

    Soju: I don¡¯t know about that. Don¡¯t want to compare you to your sister standing over here, but even she can¡¯t learn pass the basic of aura, and she studied law. How can you?

    Jihu: She is only the best at fighting and using skills, not at healing. That is what I think learning aura is about. Also, I studied chemistry, which revolves around testing... Plus, I can see aura.

    Soju and Jun:¡­ The last five words are more important than the whole sentence.

    Jihu: What?

    Jun: You think you can teach him? Do you even have any experience in teaching?

    Soju: First time for everything. Plus, you are the best at fighting maybe he will be the best at healing. If he isn''t, at least I will get more information about aura.

    Jihu: Is that a Yes?

    Soju: It is. Prepare to be locked in that library for days, where the only person you¡¯ll meet is Sogae.

    Jun: So that¡¯s why you two can¡¯t find the time to hang out. It¡¯s all your fault.

    Soju answers Jun: I see...

    Soju said to Jihu: Ok student, your first mission is to observe the two matches, then report any details that are new or strange to you.

    *Sogae making an announcement*

    Sogae: Hello, lady and gentlemen, welcome to today''s match. We are only four matches away from finding the winner of this tournament. Without further ado, here are the two fighters of the first match Sunz and No Name.

    *While Sunz and No Name walking on to the arena*

    Soju: So who do all of you think is winning this match?

    Jun: The girl has a higher chance of winning, but that boy can do unexpected stuff.

    Jihu: Well, today there will be no unexpected stuff. He is fighting her without any ¡®Elements¡¯.

    Grace: There is no way for him to win without using ¡®Elements¡¯ such a Moron. The match has already been decided.

    Jun: His number 1 fan doesn¡¯t even believe that he has a chance.

    Soju: I think even he himself knows that. He just using this moment to refine his sword skill. All he has to do is find another ¡°Prize¡±.

    Jihu: What ¡°Prize¡±?

    Soju: Just watch, and you¡¯ll see.

    *On the arena*

    Sunz and No Name have drawn their blades, waiting for Sogae to start.

    Without a countdown, Sogae immediately disappeared, and both opponents dashed at each other. The clash between both of them last for a few seconds before knocking each other back, and blood starts dripping from the tip of their sword.

    From a quick glance, Sunz took a direct hit to his right arm and minor grazes around his body. While No Name has no visible damage on her body.

    Sunz put his right arm out of commission, while having a confused look on his face. He clenches his right hand and tightens the grip of his sword on the left.

    Sunz (What are you hiding?)

    No-Name (You¡¯re communicating with me? In my mind¡­ Impossible!)

    Sunz (¡­)

    No-Name (¡­)

    ¡­

    Soju (Things are looking a lot more intense after that quick trade): Yo Jihu, he is your friend, right? Do you know why he intentionally took the first hit?

    Jihu: I don¡¯t know. He doesn¡¯t even know himself.

    Soju: Make sense¡­ It takes time to know yourself.

    Grace (You know you can¡¯t control it, so you opt it out¡­ or ¡­, heh, what do I know about controlling element, let alone multiples of them.)

    Jihu: Soju, I think you will find this interesting. Sunz¡¯s aura has increased to become equal to No-Name¡¯s aura. Does that mean he is on an equal footing with her?

    Soju: Of course not. What Sunz has is ¡®Temporary Aura¡¯ while No Name has ¡®Base Aura¡¯. It¡¯s only increasing his chance by a little bit.

    Jihu: But why did it increase that much?

    Soju: I¡¯ll explain it more clearly when we train. All I can say now is, he found his new ¡°Prize¡±.

 Chapter 74: Sunz vs No Name â€“ I Lost

    Sunz (Your hair¡­what happened to it?)

    No Name (¡­)

    Sunz (What are you hiding? Is this a cover for your true identity?)

    Both tighten the grip on their swords¡­ then clash with each other again and again. Trade after trade, the arena is being painted with Sunz blood slowly. No major hit was received by both, but small grazes did happen with a ratio of 1:10.

    Wanting to end the fight quickly, No Name trapped Sunz¡¯s sword with her own, then moved acrobatically and delivered a powerful direct kick at Sunz¡¯s face.

    Knocking him far back into the wall of the viewing area.

    Sunz didn¡¯t stand up for the first few seconds. Feeling the pain in his head, his right hand instinctively moves to check the spot. Before looking at his hand, he already knew what had happened.

    Sunz (It¡¯s ok. Just finish this, and then you¡¯ll get a checkup.)

    As he stood up, blood was dripping down from his chin and his right arm. His movement is sluggish for a moment before getting better.

    No Name gripped tightly on her sword, but lowered it a bit (Your eyes can only see the sword movement. Anything else, you must learn to get faster.)

    Sunz (Understand¡­ The match was decided from the start. Shouldn¡¯t you end the match already?)

    No Name (I¡¯m letting you have your last breath. You aren¡¯t in great condition. Plus, you don¡¯t have the guts to kill me.)

    Sunz (Of course. It''s coming back to bite me sooner or later... You were intentionally being careless. My eyes saw you change your stance to take my hit.)

    Sunz was only able to take a few steps before his body forced him to kneel down on one knee: hahaha¡­

    (It¡¯s great to communicate without the need to speak. Cost less energy.)

    No Name (Those hits were for me to figure out the limit of my ability. My arms and legs won¡¯t reveal much information. You should aim for my head. Hair and eyes are your clue to finding me in the future.)

    Sunz stand up (I do want this group to regroup in the future, but I know it won¡¯t be through me. For now, we are friends, but in the future, we might not. Even now, our friendship could just be fake.)

    No Name (Everything is fake until proven not to be.)

    Sunz (Damn right!)

    No Name set up her stance (For your last attack, I¡¯ll tell you this. I will not move, the outcome you see can¡¯t be changed. Ready!)

    After recovering the last of his energy, Sunz dashes at No Name to deliver his final attack.

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    A clean, loud clash between the two weapons.

    No dust, no follow-up hit, and block. Only No Name and Sunz two meters away from each other. One is standing with their sword sheathed, and the other is kneeling with a hilt and half of the blade.

    ¡­

    Jihu *panic*: His aura it-it gone. I can¡¯t see anything. Is he dead?

    Grace, after hearing what Jihu said, was about to jump out of her seat but was restrained by Sogae.

    Sogae *whisper*: Stay calm, lady. Can¡¯t let that happen again.

    Soju: Don¡¯t worry, if his aura doesn¡¯t return in one minute. That''s when I¡¯ll take care of it. Usually, for broken weapon, it only takes ten seconds at most for the aura to return. Watch closely.

    *The first few seconds pass*

    Jihu: His aura, it returned.

    Sunz stands up, then turns to No Name while gripping his sword.

    No Name turns around and sees that the person standing in front of her is not Sunz. The posture is better, better gripping onto the sword, but the most different detail is that both his eyes color turn into violet.

    Then she hears a female voice talking to her (Your victory is well earned. Even with ¡®Elements'' I don¡¯t think he can beat you.)

    A huge blast of aura radiated from Sunz for a few seconds and immediately disappeared. Everyone in the arena has never felt such a powerful aura before.

    Jihu: His aura has returned to normal, but this time its color is purple.

    Sogae said to Soju: Should I interrupt the match?

    Soju: No, let''s see where this will go.

    On the field, the match continues with No Name as the aggressor. Despite the fact that she has the upper hand throughout the whole match. This time, all of her attacks couldn¡¯t push him back, instead she is the one that has to step back.

    No Name now suddenly stands no chance against Sunz. All of her attacks were blocked or dodged. When the role switched, she was able to block Sunz¡¯s attacks, but those attacks sent shockwaves that made her want to drop her sword.

    Finally, in a quick chain of action, Sunz stabbed No Name in the abdomen, then swiped the sword off her hand and leapt back.

    No Name kneels down on leg (I-I lost. I can¡¯t believe it.)

    Sunz (You are the winner of this match, but I can¡¯t allow that outcome.)

    No Name (And who are you stripping me of my victory?)

    Sunz (My name is Violet. I am currently overseeing this body as a teacher¡­)

    Violet-S (This useless body with a moronic brain.)

    No-Name¡¯s hand suddenly acts on its own, trying to grip onto something that is not there.

    (Then why are you doing this? I need to win this!)

    Violet-S (You don¡¯t need to. Just like this Fool¡¯s tactic, winning the tournament will give you little to no experience or what you are seeking.)

    No-Name (What are you talking about, you don¡¯t know what I¡¯m seeking!) With fear and anger in her mind, her hand suddenly felt like it was gripping onto something.

    Violet knows what is going on, so she cuts that hand cleanly off No-Name¡¯s arm.

    (I don¡¯t need you to increase your bounty price. Your journey ends now, just surrender¡­ we have a lot to discuss.)

    No Name ( Ok¡­ I¡¯ll surrender.) raises her other hand, then shouts: I SURRENDER!

    ¡­

    Sogae then appears in the middle of the arena and declares: The winner of this match is Sunz.

    Then she guided Violet-S and No Name to the infirmary.

    In the infirmary, both Sunz and No-Name''s bodies were stabbed by Sogae''s sword in order to recover.

    Then Violet asked Sogae: Can you not let anyone in here before the second match is over?

    To Sogae, the voice that was asking her was Sunz, but the aura was very different, which scared her into complying.

    Before leaving the room, Sogae gave No Name a glass cup and told them: Once you¡¯re done, just break this cup then visitors are allowed.

    ¡­

    Violet gets out of bed and pulls one of the chairs near No-Name¡¯s bed to sit on.

    Violet-S: You ready to talk?

    No Name: I¡¯m, but I want to talk to you, not his body.

    Violet-S: Very well.

    Sunz¡¯s appearance turned into Violet¡¯s appearance. A mature woman dressed in blacksmith attire with purple as the main color.

    Violet: Better? This is me.

    No Name: Where did his body go?

    Violet: It''s still here, only the appearance is different. Like hitbox¡­

    No Name: Ok¡­ One thing I would like to know. Will you continue to save him if he loses the next round?

    Violet: No! If he lost it all on him. This match is the only exception.

 Chapter 75: Sunz vs No Name â€“ The Aftermath

    No Name: Then why was it me, that had to take the fall?

    Violet: Because you have multiple opportunities, while he has none. This tournament is the only key to unlocking more opportunities for him.

    No Name: Isn''t that supposed to be my key? I earned it fair and square!

    ¡°You aren¡¯t even going to help him clear the rest of the tournament. If he lost¡­ that means you wasted my opportunity for nothing¡­¡±

    Violet:¡­ Since we already know who Sunz is going to fight. Do you think you can defeat him?

    No Name: I believe I can!

    Violet: You are confident. Even though you haven¡¯t seen his weapon.

    No Name: I know my skill and understand what my level is at.

    Violet: Hmm¡­ Will you still be this confident without your sword?

    No Name:...

    Violet: Do you think you can win against Grimm with your bare hands?

    No Name: I-I don¡¯t think I can win...

    Violet: The thing with you two is the sword. It¡¯s your main source of power. In the future, both of you will need an unbreakable sword.

    No Name: An unbreakable sword will be impossible to find.

    Violet: All you have to do is look for it¡­ or just don¡¯t break your own sword.

    No Name: Violet, it seems you already know that I¡¯ll lose this tournament. Then, what made you think Sunz has a better chance than me?

    Violet: I don¡¯t. He is not my problem. It¡¯s up to him and his real teacher.

    No Name: His real teacher?

    Violet: There are some details that you and I don¡¯t need to thoroughly discuss.

    No Name: Ok¡­

    Violet: That¡¯s all, right? You don¡¯t have any other questions about today?

    No Name: No, I have nothing left to ask.

    Violet: Good! Then I have some questions for you.

    She held up No-Name¡¯s sword and asked: How long has this sword been with you?

    No Name: It has been with me for a while now.

    Violet: Really? This sword was a hand-down, wasn¡¯t it?

    No Name: Yes¡­

    Violet: I have nothing to say except, this is a great sword. But you haven¡¯t used it to its full potential.

    No Name:¡­ Is it because of my lack of ¡®Element¡¯?

    Violet: No! You don¡¯t need ¡®Element¡¯ to unlock your full potential. While someone else needs ¡®Elements¡¯ to unlock their full potential.

    No Name: You mean Sunz.

    Violet: You and Sunz are equal in strength if you both started at the same time. You are great with sword techniques ¨C He is great at utilizing ¡®Elements¡¯¡­

    ¡°But he can¡¯t kill, and you''re afraid to dull your blade.¡±

    ¡­

    No Name: That makes no sense, afraid to dull my blade. I cut his sword with my own blade.

    Violet: You did, but why couldn¡¯t you do it again? You knew his weapon''s durability was worse than yours.

    ¡°I was really entertained by your first half and impressed with the way you finished the match, but that was through my eyes.¡±

    ¡°When I was physically holding the sword and clashing against you. All I felt was hesitation from you, your hand couldn¡¯t firmly grasp your weapon, which is the only thing that is preventing you from death.¡±

    No Name:¡­

    Violet: But maybe, I could be wrong. You were thrown into an unexpected event, against someone who is way above your level. So I only have one piece of advice for you. Even the dullest blade can flourish when in capable hands.

    No Name: Thank you.

    Violet *smiles*: Don¡¯t thank me just yet. I still have one more thing for you.

    She jammed the tip of No-Name¡¯s sword into the floor, then suddenly the whole room shifted into the room where Sunz and Violet once battled.

    Both Violet and No Name are standing on their sides of the room with their own weapons in hand.

    No Name holding up the weapon just to ask herself: What just happened?

    Violet: What you are seeing and feeling right now is all inside of your head. In simple terms, it¡¯s an illusion.

    No Name: How is that possible?

    Violet: The answer will not help you at all because this skill isn¡¯t learnable.

    ¡°Inside his brain, there are countless skills waiting for him to unlock. Some are good, some are bad, and some are situational, like the skill that allowed you and him to communicate telepathically.¡±

    ¡°This skill is quite helpful. I didn¡¯t know it existed until today.¡±

    No Name: Then what are we doing here?

    Violet: Within this limited amount of time, I will sharpen you up.

    ¡­

    *During Grimm¡¯s match*

    Grace¡¯s appearance had returned to normal, but her face showed a sad emotion that looked like she was about to cry. Throughout the match, everyone didn¡¯t say a word to each other, just keeping their thoughts to themselves.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Grace *panic* (Keep calm, keep calm... That was to win the match¡­)

    Jihu *calm* (Let¡¯s assess the situation¡­Grace returned to normal¡­ Yama, Soju, and Jun don¡¯t change much¡­ It seems only the people who are close with the contestants are in shock¡­ Which there are two.)

    ( First it was Sunz, who has the purple aura. Now No Name has it too... What the fuck is going on?)

    Then everyone hears

    ¡°The Winner of This Round is Grimm! Keeping his weapon a secret until the final round.¡±

    Jihu got close to Grace, tapped her on the shoulder, and then asked: Let¡¯s go visit them.

    Grace stood up and nodded but kept her head down.

    Jihu: Yama, let¡¯s go!

    Yama quickly moves his feet, then all three run to the room where Sunz and No Name are resting at.

    *Jun and Soju saw all three of them running away*

    Jun: You want to see where this will go?

    Soju: Nah! We are bystanders, so they aren¡¯t our liability.

    Jun: What will you do now?

    Soju: Preparing the study material for my new student. You?

    Jun: Getting back to work.

    Soju: More work. Don¡¯t you think you deserve a break?

    Jun: I¡¯m a lawyer, so my workload is a lot, and money doesn¡¯t appear from thin air. Plus, our biological clock is fuck up, so night is day and day is night.

    Soju: True¡­ then why haven¡¯t you started dating? You¡¯re at the beautiful age of...25¡­

    Jun glares at Soju:¡­

    Soju: Sorry about that, I¡¯ll be going now.

    Jun: STOP!

    Soju: yes¡­

    Jun: You knew I could easily end your happy life, right?

    Soju: Yes¡­ Pls don¡¯t.

    Jun: I won''t, but you should remember, your relationship started because a girl almost dragged you to hell.

    Soju: I remember, and it¡¯s such an amazing memory.

    Jun: Well then, see you when this thing is all over.

    Soju: See you then.

    ¡­

    *Inside the infirmary room*

    Sunz and No Name returned to reality.

    Sunz observes his surroundings before speaking up: Where are we? Why am I holding your sword? Why are we both so sweaty?

    No Name: You don¡¯t remember what happened.

    Sunz sheath No-Name¡¯s sword: All I remember is that I lost. You really pushed me to the edge, so congratulate on moving forward.

    No Name: Wow¡­so you really don¡¯t know what happened.

    Sunz: yeah¡­ what happened?

    No Name: You are the one moving forward, not me.

    Sunz: No, I lost. I literally feel my soul leaving my body, which means I can¡¯t move.

    No Name: Or another soul pushes you out of your own body...

    Sunz: huh? What do you mean?

    No Name: Long story short, a woman named Violet took control of your body and won the match for you.

    Sunz:¡­ I cheated¡­

    No Name: I won''t say that, you just got help.

    Sunz:¡­ I cheated¡­ I need to fix this¡­

    Sunz immediately got off the chair and walked toward the door, but he was stopped by No Name grabbing his arm.

    No Name: You don¡¯t have to do this, I¡¯m ok with this result.

    Sunz: Ok then, but I¡¯m not doing this for you, it¡¯s for me. This is weighing down on my conscience.

    Then they both heard footsteps from outside and a familiar voice.

    Jihu: Hey, can we come in?

    ¡­

    No Name: If I can¡¯t convince you to stop, then someone else will.

    She immediately released her grasp and threw the cup at the wall. The cup didn¡¯t shatter when hit the wall, it just evaporated, and then the door swung open.

    The first one to walk through the door was Grace. When she sees Sunz, something inside her just snaps. She starts tearing up, then slaps Sunz in the face.

    Grace: W-Wh-Why, why did you do it?!

    Sunz just stood there, dumbfounded. No Name immediately jumps out of the bed after seeing what happened. She lends Grace a shoulder to cry on while also directing Jihu to drag Sunz out of the room.

    Jihu quickly follows, then slams the door shut.

    Outside of the room couldn¡¯t hear anything inside, except the crying that was slowly turning into sniffle.

    Jihu is standing, leaning against the wall, while looking at Sunz, who is slouching on the floor and burying his face in his knees. The silence between the two lasted for a few minutes before one of them spoke up.

    Sunz: I don¡¯t remember anything. Tell me what happened after my sword was broken.

    Jihu *deep breath*:¡­ When your sword was broken, you seemed to have turned into someone else. Everything about you was different, your posture and the way you handled your sword were almost perfect. Which allowed you to dominate over No Name with a broken weapon.

    ¡°You then stabbed her in the abdomen, swiped her weapon, and then decapitated her hand. After that, she surrenders, and you are the winner.¡±

    Sunz:¡­ That was someone else, it wasn¡¯t me.

    Jihu: You¡¯re saying someone else helped you win. (Interesting.)

    Sunz: Which means I cheated. I don¡¯t deserve to move forward, so tell the person in charge to disqualify me.

    Jihu:¡­ Don¡¯t you think you are being too harsh on yourself? I know you don¡¯t like to be untruthful,¡­ unless you have to. You said you cheated, just take a moment and compare it to cheating on a test. You''ve done it before, and it didn¡¯t bother you.

    Sunz: The difference with the test is. If I fail, I¡¯m dragging myself down alone, not switching someone else''s success with my failure.

    Jihu: Fair point... Let¡¯s say, she knew that she couldn¡¯t win this tournament, so she accepted that you cheated but believes that you have more potential than her and trusts that you will win this tournament for her.

    Sunz: That is a bad let¡¯s say. Didn¡¯t you say this is a very important tournament, once in a lifetime chance¡­¡­¡­¡­ Also, it sounds like you just said "Pls win this tournament for me, then you will rank up from Friend to Lover.¡±

    Jihu: Finally returned to your moronic self.

    He lends out his hand and pulls Sunz up.

    Sunz: You charismatic bastard... So what now?

    Jihu: Fight till the end while also asking your Purple Monster to not interfere.

    Sunz: Yeah, got it.

    Jihu: Also, did that slap hurt? Geez!

    Sunz: That¡¯s what I get for decapitating someone''s hand.

    ¡­

    Grace walks out of the door and sees that Sunz is talking with Jihu and Yama. She then slowly approaches Sunz while Jihu drags Yama away. Her face isn¡¯t weeping like before, but she is purposely avoiding eye contact with him.

    Grace: I¡¯m sorry for hitting you¡­ Today, having to wonder who to cheer on, then witnessing both endings, really took a toll on my fragile emotions.

    ¡°It looks like I¡¯m not the same ice cold and confident Grace you first met.¡±

    Sunz: I¡­ don¡¯t think so. You¡¯re still as intimidating as the first time I met you, maybe more. The only difference is that you now have more people that you really care about.

    Grace: Aww, thank you! Now go back in there because No Name has something to ask you. Also, walk in my blind spot, I don¡¯t want you to look at my face.

    Sunz: Lound and clear.

    Sunz enters the room and sees that No Name is ready to get out.

    No Name: Wow, you recovered fast. I thought it would take longer to lift up your guilt.

    Sunz: When you have friend that know you, those situations are quick to resolve. By the way, how did you help her calm down so fast?

    No Name:¡­ Once you two got out, the first thing she asked was ¡°Why is your face so sweaty? Like you went swimming in that outfit without drying off.¡± What is wrong with you two? Sometimes you two just return to your neutral state because of the most random detail.

    Sunz: I have no answer for that.

    No Name: Ignore that then. So I told her about why you were acting like a maniac, ¡°A Purple lady named Violet was controlling his body.¡±

    Sunz: Ok then, on to another topic. Grace said you want to ask me something.

    No Name reaches behind her back and pulls out a letter.

    No Name: I was tasked with delivering this to Jihu¡¯s Grandpa after winning this tournament. Now I want you to complete my task, and you can¡¯t say no because you decapitated my hand.

    Sunz takes the letter from No-Name¡¯s hand: I wasn¡¯t going to say no, but...

    ¡°How did you store a letter in that outfit? Not to mention, it''s not even wet either.¡±

    No Name: See see this is the random detail I was talking about!

    Sunz: Note taken, but will not fix.

    No Name*sigh*: Let¡¯s just get out of here.

    Sunz put the letter in one of the pockets inside his ''Windbreaker'', then followed No Name out of the room.

    Outside of the room, they see the rest of the group talking with Grimm, and he is carrying a sword on his hip.

    Sunz: Hey Mr.Grimm. It''s been quite a while.

    Grimm: Ah Sunz, I was looking for you. First, congratulations on moving forward, I¡¯ll be your next opponent.

    Sunz: Thank you sir. I look forward to our match. Is that the weapon you used today?

    Grimm: Nah kid. My weapon hasn¡¯t been revealed yet. But your weapon was destroyed. How will you fight now?

    Sunz looks at his group.

    Everyone: No!

    Sunz: Guess I¡¯ll check out the armory at the training facility. It¡¯s going to be hard to find the same weapon.

    Grimm ¡°I think you deserve an upgrade!¡± threw the sword on his hip at Sunz, and he easily caught it.

    ¡°I forged this sword just for you, I made it lighter while increasing its durability. This is ten times better than your old one.¡±

    ¡°That will be all. See you till then and practice hard.¡±

    Grimm walks away.

    Sunz: Thank you, Mr.Grimm.

    Grace: Are you going to check it out now?

    Sunz: Nah! I want to rest. Today was such a mess.

    Grace: Agree.

    Jihu: So dinner meet up like usual?

    No Name: Sure. I can finally rest.

    ¡­.

    Grimm (I hope you use the sword well kid, because you can only use it once.)

 Chapter 76: Break Time

    Everyone returned to the hotel without any problem and headed straight to their room to clean themselves and relax.

    Sunz removed the letter from his ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ and placed it on the table before taking a shower.

    While taking the shower, something crossed his mind.

    (I have some bloody clothes that need to be cleaned¡­ Why didn¡¯t this come up sooner? I guess, I''ll ask Sogae about this.)

    After finishing his shower and putting on new clothes, Sunz uses his phone to call Sogae.

    ¡­

    The phone rang for quite a while before someone picked it up, but it also took a few more seconds to hear a response. A weak, half-awake voice responded to the call.

    Voice: h-h-hello? Who this?

    Sunz: Uh, hello. This is Sunz. I¡¯m calling Miss Sogae. Is she there right now?

    Voice: Mi-iss Sogae? Me? It''s just Sogae, you hear me. Sunz!?

    Sunz: I heard.

    Voice: Good¡­ So why are you calling?

    Sunz: So I want to talk about my clothes...

    Sogae (Tired?): Yeah¡­ughgh¡­ keep going.

    Sunz: They are kind of bloody after every match, and I don¡¯t know where to get them clean¡­

    Sogae (Tired?): That''s right. I forgot to tell you all about that. Give me 5 minutes, and I¡¯ll be right theeeere.

    *Hang up*

    Sunz:¡­ Sleepy Sogae, did not expect that¡­ five minutes.

    ¡­

    Two minutes later, someone is knocking on Sunz¡¯s door, and he quickly goes to open it. Outside, it was Sogae pushing around a big, empty laundry cart.

    Sogae: Sunz, sorry for not informing you and other contestants about this¡­ Actually, I was supposed to visit all of the contestants after every match for this.

    Sunz: Don¡¯t worry about that, I don¡¯t think anyone got as bloody as me.

    Sogae: Maybe, but I¡¯m here now. Don¡¯t want your room to smell like a murder scene, right? Now hand me the bloody clothes and your ¡®Windbreaker¡¯.

    Sunz pulls his room laundry basket out of the bathroom for Sogae.

    When she opened the basket, all she had to say was: I¡¯m going to take the basket and burn it¡­ You still want your clothes? I can burn them together.

    Sunz: Yes¡­ I still want my clothes back. And is it that bad?

    Sogae: Kind of. It looked like a gutted fish bucket.

    She then threw Sunz¡¯s ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ in the laundry cart, bagged the basket, and put it in the cart.

    Sogae: That will do¡­ Anything else?

    Sunz: I think that is all... And just a question. Did I call you at the wrong time?

    Sogae: Oh, that. Don¡¯t worry. I was taking a power nap, that¡¯s all.

    Sunz: Ok¡­ but for me, it seems like you had a really long sleep. Your response time, and especially your voice.

    Sogae: What is wrong with my voice?!

    Sunz: Nothing¡­ nothing wrong.

    Sogae: Oh my! Did my voice somehow charm you? The voice of a maiden awakens from her slumber.

    Sunz: Yeah, no. Let''s cut it right there. I thought you were gonna hit me but instead teasing me. Your voice¡­ it sounded like you were unmotivated and tired of your job.

    Sogae:¡­

    Sunz:¡­

    Sogae: It¡¯s a miracle that a girl actually likes you¡­ Anyway, I have other rooms to visit. You¡¯ll get your clothes back later tonight or morning.

    She then closed the door in Sunz¡¯s face and walked away.

    Sunz (I guess that made her mad¡­) standing around while thinking of what to do next.

    (Dinner is a few hours later. I guess I could try talking with them for a bit. Just to pass the time.)

    Sunz turns off the light, closes the curtain, then lays on his bed and begins to close his eyes (I hope this-). He was immediately knocked out.

    When he opens his eyes, he sees that he is in a restaurant, a crowded one, in fact. His table was in the corner of the room, he was seated right in front of the window, and sitting opposite him were Sword in a suit and Violet in her same outfit.

    Sunz: What is going on?

    Violet: Don¡¯t ask me, kid. It¡¯s all him.

    Sword: The kid wants to talk with us, so I chose this environment.

    Violet:¡­

    Sunz:¡­

    Sword: So, I saw that you utilized the ¡®Blood skill¡¯ I taught you the other day. Great job!

    Sunz: Thank you.

    Violet: Blood skill?

    Sword: The skill that allows the user to communicate telepathically with others by having their blood on the opponent''s weapon.

    Violet: Oh that¡¯s¡­ So you only taught him a fragment of that skill?

    Sword: He only asked for an easier way to communicate with opponents without having to move his lip. So I gave him that.

    Violet: So now, you just give him anything he asked for?

    Sword: Of course not, I have to teach him first, and if he can¡¯t learn that skill, then move on.

    Violet: That¡¯s good, then.

    Sword: Ok, then, enough about that. I know that we had quite an amusing event happen today.

    Violet: I stole your student body and caused a minor horror scene¡­ sure.

    Sword: Sunz, you want to talk about it?

    Sunz: Sure, I would like to know bits and pieces of it.

    Sword: So, when you used up too much of your energy and fainted. I can choose to switch places with you in order to make sure you are not dead. While I possess your body, you can still see and hear everything around you.

    Sunz:¡­ Wait what? See and hear everything. I don¡¯t remember that happened.

    Violet: That¡¯s right. He didn¡¯t know what actually happened.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Sunz: What?

    Sword: So¡­ Violet is not your real teacher. She is like a substitute one. So she can¡¯t easily switch places with you, like me. So while she was possessing your body, I was tying you to a tree with a blindfold and all.

    Sunz:¡­ Wow, that is something.

    Violet: He just accepted it without having any major reaction. Is it normal?

    Sword: It is. Some have this, others don¡¯t. Part of this is learning how they act and finding a way to teach them.

    Violet: Ok, understand.

    Sword: Well buddy, do you have anything else you want to talk about?

    Sunz looked around the restaurant, seeing the people attending, and asked:

    ¡°Am I the weakest one you¡¯ve ever taught?¡±

    Sword: I know you don¡¯t like beating around the bush, so I¡¯ll answer bluntly. You¡¯re definitely the weakest. You wanted to use today''s match to improve your skill, and what you gain is less than what you''d have gotten if you actually fought like normal.

    Sunz: Yes, I notice, and that¡¯s the reason I want you to give me extreme training for the next few days. I want to win that match.

    Sword: Look like someone is all fired up. Also, I¡¯ll make sure you win, and we won¡¯t switch places.

    Sunz: I¡¯ll do my best.

    Sword: That¡¯s good to hear. Just a reminder, make sure to have someone watch over you. The training will wear you out.

    Sunz:¡­ Got it.

    Sword: It looks like you have nothing else to ask. Ready to leave?

    Sunz: Just one thing. Why are we inside a restaurant?

    Sword: I like to choose new places to talk.

    Sunz: I guess staying here long enough gave you the power to manipulate dreams.

    Sword: Close enough. Your ride is here!

    Sunz: My ride?

    Suddenly, something broke the window behind Sunz and pulled him out of said window into the emptiness.

    ¡­

    Violet: You sure love doing this.

    Sword: It¡¯s part of the job.

    Violet: You sure you can bump him that much without cheating?

    Sword: Cheating, how?

    Violet: Like giving him every ¡®Elemental Skill¡¯ you have.

    Sword: Yeah, no. He will overdose on that.

    Violet:¡­

    Sword: Come on, choose some food. I want you to try the outside flavor.

    ¡­

    *Back to outside*

    Sunz returns to reality (That scared me!) then checks his phone (Wow, I was in there that long. Better get going.)

    Sunz goes to his closet to put on cargo pants (just to have something to keep his phone and not go down there in short).

    Sunz taps his outfit and pockets to make sure he didn¡¯t forget anything: There, that,¡­ ok, nice and tight.

    In a quick and swift movement, he turns the light off, gets out of the room with his sandal, closes the door, then double-taps himself to make sure everything is there.

    ¡­

    Then suddenly, something sneaked up behind him, lifted him up, and spun him around.

    Sunz frantically looked around but couldn¡¯t see the thing clearly: Ok, this is not funny. Put me down!

    The thing obliged and put Sunz down. He turned around and took a step back to see who or what it was. Turn out, it was just Grace messing with him.

    Grace: Hello!

    Sunz: Uh¡­ hi? Where did you come from?

    Grace: Wow, not only are you light as a feather, you are blind like one too.

    ¡°I was just standing here waiting for you. When you opened the door, it perfectly blocked me from your view. But when you closed it and did your little tap dance. You didn¡¯t even turn and just walked away.¡±

    Sunz: Because of that, you decided to pull that stunt.

    Grace: You have a problem with that?!

    Sunz: Nope. You can do anything you want. Throw me off a bridge if you like.

    Grace: And let you float to safety, not a chance. I¡¯m not letting you off my grip that easily.

    Sunz: I hope not¡­

    Grace *blush* (Moron)

    Sunz: So what made you want to escort me to dinner by yourself?

    Grace: I was afraid that you might overslept. And I can technically enter your room anytime I want. Still have a copy of your room key card from last time.

    Sunz: I now know who to look for if I lose my key... I think we talked long enough. Don¡¯t want to make them wait.

    Grace: They won¡¯t mind. Let¡¯s¡­ continue talking like our first conversation.

    Sunz: Ok¡­ really putting me on the spot. So, what were you doing while waiting for me?

    Grace: I was reading a book. The same one you¡¯ve been seeing.

    Sunz: Nice. I can¡¯t really read books like you. I find them rather boring.

    Grace: Well, they aren¡¯t for everyone¡­ Your outfit. Everything is breezy except that part. Explanation?

    Sunz: The thing is, I have a really big ¨C Nope! Stopping right there¡­ I just don¡¯t like showing that much skin in public.

    Grace: Really? Does that mean you also hate getting shirtless on the beach?

    Sunz: Yeah, also, my body isn¡¯t beautiful like yours. Plus, I don¡¯t like the beach.

    Grace: Let''s stop with the accidental, not accidental flirting, and get down there.

    Sunz:¡­ Agree.

    Grace: Also, I don¡¯t really have the body of a gym girl.

    Sunz: We still talking?

    Grace: I said stop flirting. Like, I really mean it. Years of training, cardio, swimming, hand-to-hand combat, etc¡­ and no abs under this silk.

    ¡°Apparently you need to have a strict diet, training routine, and lift weights! It¡¯s easier to break a sandbag, dummy, or wall than lifting a few kg every day. Then there is no sweet in their diet, what is wrong with them, don¡¯t they want to enjoy life?¡±

    ¡°But who is the winner now, bitches! Never lose a match when competing with them¡­ or they are the winner? Since all of them have gone and competed in the Olympics."

    ¡°Oh well, who cares about that. We reached the dining room, and there the group.¡±

    Sunz: What just happened? How did we get here so fast?

    Grace: Don¡¯t question it.

    Sunz: Ok, then, let¡¯s grab our food and meet back at the table.

    *After getting their food and finishing it. The group continued to sit at the table and talk for a bit.*

    No Name: So, Sunz, what is your training plan to fight Grimm? Need our help.

    Sunz: That¡¯s right. I was planning to ask you guys that.

    Jihu: Looks like it¡¯s going to be a few days of pain for us, mostly you.

    Sunz: Yeah, I think you guys have the wrong idea. I want you guys to watch over me while I train.

    Jihu: Sure¡­ I guess, but training alone won¡¯t improve you that much.

    Sunz: Ok, this is going to sound a bit stupid.

    Jihu: Nope, nothing is going to sound more stupid than the fact that you said, ¡°I have an aura that makes girls hate me.¡±

    Grace: But it is true.

    Jihu:¡­

    Grace:¡­

    Sunz: Before we sidetrack. But yes, this will be on par or more stupid than that. So I have a ¡®Teacher¡¯ that will be training me in my sleep, and I want you guys to just watch over me to make sure that nothing bad happens.

    Jihu:¡­ No, this somehow makes a lot of sense for why you¡¯ve been improving a lot within a few months, including that accident.

    Grace: I kind of knew about that ¡®Teacher¡¯ for about a day now. No Name told me.

    Sunz: So does that mean everyone agrees?

    No Name: Sure, I¡¯m on vacation now.

    Grace: I¡¯m on board, but what can we do to entertain ourselves?

    Jihu: The hotel has a lot of board games.

    Grace: Sure, why not.

    Jihu: So that¡¯s settled. What time do we start?

    Sunz: Wait, we haven¡¯t heard Yama¡¯s opinion.

    Jihu: He agreed. He''s just playing as the ¡®Silent Protagonist¡¯.

    Sunz: Is it true?

    Yama nodded.

    Sunz: Look like everyone is on board. Also, we are starting tonight.

    Jihu: Well, then, Yama and I will get some board games and meet you guys in Sunz¡¯s room.

    *Jihu and Yama leave the table*

    Sunz: I guess you two will now take your leave too.

    Grace: We are, but I have something to ask. Did you find something strange about Sogae this afternoon?

    Sunz: No? She was perfectly normal.

    Grace: Really? When she came to my room today to apparently pick up my bloody clothes, she looked pretty tired. She was yawning, her movement was slow, which made her look like a grandma. But her voice was so hot, like a morning maiden.

    No Name: It sounds like you are about to cheat on him with her. But I have to agree with that statement.

    Grace: I¡¯m not going to cheat on him because he was cheating on me with Sogae.

    Sunz:¡­

    No Name:¡­

    Grace: Ok, I heard myself. I was trying to be funny, ok. I saw your ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ in the laundry cart, and Sogae¡¯s outfit was a bit messy. So I came up with that conclusion.

    Sunz: Ok, I think I kind of know what was going on. So this afternoon, I called Sogae about the bloody clothes, and I think I called her while she was napping.

    ¡°When she came to my room to pick up the bloody clothes, I mentioned her voice, and she was teasing or seducing me with that. When I told her what I thought about her voice in that moment was ¡®unmotivated, tired of her job¡¯.¡±

    Grace: Yeah, that¡¯s a mistake from you.

    Sunz: Because of that, I think she adjusted her clothes to make it seem like something happened, as revenge.

    No Name: Now the mystery is solved. Let¡¯s all head back and meet up later.

    Grace: Agree, see you later!

    ¡­

    *The group split up and regrouped back in Sunz¡¯s room an hour later*

    First were Jihu and Yama, then No Name and Grace. Then an unexpected knock on his door.

    Outside: Hello, this is Sogae delivering your laundry¡­

    Sunz opens the door for Sogae, and she sees that the room is packed.

    Sogae: Having a party, aren¡¯t ya? Here, just take your stuff. A new basket for your room with your clothes and ¡®Windbreaker¡¯.

    While Sogae was giving Sunz back his stuff, Grace noticed that Sogae¡¯s outfit was messy, like how it was in the afternoon. When they done, Grace immediately pulled Sunz outside and closed the door to have a private talk with Sogae.

    Sunz: What are you doing?

    Grace: Quiet!

    Sogae: Oh, Grace. You want your clothes back now?

    Grace: Yes, please, and No-Name¡¯s clothes too, if you have them. But before that, I want to ask you something. Should you be walking around with your clothes like that?

    Sogae: What''s wrong with it? I know it''s a bit untidy, but I tried to make it not look erotic.

    Grace: I-I¡­ It was him, he put the thought in my head.

    She pulled Sunz in front of herself, using him as a shield.

    Sunz:¡­

    Sogae:¡­ I think I get it. No, I wasn¡¯t trying to seduce your boyfriend, at most teasing him. And yes, I was mad at you Sunz, but I won¡¯t make your girlfriend think that you were cheating on her with me.

    Grace: But why did your outfit look like that? We always see you looking neat and tidy.

    Sogae: I just made it look like this to display how hard-working I am. And I know that some details do make me look more desirable, which I still need to fix or leave that part alone.

    Grace: I¡¯m sorry for thinking about you like that.

    Sogae: I can¡¯t really blame you two. It¡¯s your first committed relationship, and you''re just afraid of losing each other. But we talked long enough. Here are Grace¡¯s clothes, and these are No-Name¡¯s clothes. Have fun!

    She gave Grace¡¯s clothes to Sunz, and No-Name¡¯s clothes to Grace then walked away with the cart.

    ¡­

    Sunz: I think your finger made me bleed.

    Grace: Quiet, and go to bed!

    Sunz: Yes, Ma¡¯am.

    Both get back inside of Sunz¡¯s room, and everyone acts like nothing happened.

    Before going to bed/training Sunz tells everyone: If any of you don¡¯t feel comfortable sleeping here, then you can return to your room.

    Jihu: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll always be here.

    Grace: I can just return to my room and bring my pillow.

    Sunz: Ok, then. I saw that you guys have plenty of board games. So have fun.

    With that, Sunz goes to bed while wearing his ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ and covers himself from head to toe with the blanket like a cocoon.

 Chapter 77: Phase 1 Training

    *Inside the Dream*

    When he opened his eyes, white, white was all he could see, spreading infinitely in all directions. Then there is Sword standing in the middle of this infinite white void.

    Sunz: Not as colorful as other dreams.

    Sword: I¡¯ll change it between sessions.

    Sunz: So, what is your training plan for me? Getting better with basic sword techniques or something to do with ¡®Elements¡¯.

    Sword: For the first session, we won¡¯t be training your ¡®Elements¡¯. About the basic sword techniques... they don¡¯t matter much when you have your own style.

    ¡°For now, just go with the flow.¡±

    Sword then equipped Sunz and himself with the sword that Grimm gave Sunz yesterday.

    Sunz: This sword¡ªI''ve never seen it before. Why does the weight feel familiar?

    Sword: It¡¯s the weapon that Grimm gave you. You haven¡¯t seen the inside of it, but you did hold it. Because of that, I can replicate it to perfection in here.

    ¡°We are killing two birds with one stone. Getting familiar with a new weapon while training.¡±

    ¡°Now let¡¯s start! The next eight hours will feel like eternity for you!¡±

    ¡­

    Just like what Sword said, during those eight hours, not even one second was wasted. Sword is constantly attacking Sunz with a wide variety of tactics. For the first hour, Sunz started getting used to everything that Sword threw at him.

    But an hour later, his body feels like it has used up all of the energy he has, which resulted in him being hit and thrown around the dream for the next hour. While being treated like a sandbag during that hour, his body was still capable of moving, but all of the movements were slow and sluggish. Those movements are only good at helping him recover and pull himself up. Fighting was not an option during this hour.

    Then, after that hellish hour, his body suddenly felt energized. For the next five hours, the training is exactly like what happened during the first hour. But for some reason, his body was never tired, he was at his peak performance.

    Throughout the eight-hour training session, Sunz wasn¡¯t able to access his ¡®Elements¡¯ at all. While at the same time, he had to counter Sword¡¯s ¡®Elements¡¯. The variety was the same as Sunz but was used at a higher level.

    The training was like some kind of torture that helped him experience all types of pain, like burns, frostbites, shocks, instant death, etc¡­, while raising his endurance.

    After the eight-hour mark, Sunz''s appearance was the same as when the training began, but what he felt had been ingrained in his mind and body.

    Sword: Time¡¯s up! How do you feel about the training, kid?

    Sunz:¡­ Like hell, but way worse... Is this going to be the core training for the rest of my life?

    Sword: I wouldn¡¯t call that training, more like bullying. Also, that was only a warm up.

    Sunz: Warm up? Really! Kill me already.

    Sword: The simple mind of a student. Already giving up... It''s always fun for me to see you guys reactions to knowing that¡­ that was the ¡®Hardest lesson¡¯.

    Sunz: What? That was the hardest. Damn you! I thought you were about to drop some old sage quotes like ¡°...¡±. I can¡¯t think of any.

    Sword: More like none of those quotes relate to your situation, and those people don¡¯t have as much experience in training as me. I teach you to see how far you can go, while they teach their students to turn them into elixirs or new hosts.

    Sunz: Is that common? The turning students into elixirs and new hosts.

    Sword: 75 percent of all the kills I have witnessed include them. There are just so many that want to be god. But these types of people are being killed on a daily basis anyway.

    ¡°Now, let congrat you on finishing the hardest training of your life. Finally, we can get onto the fun stuff.¡±

    Sunz: Fun stuff?

    Sword: Elements testing.

    Sunz: Oh, that... then why didn¡¯t we skip the ¡®Hardest lesson¡¯? Even you felt relief after it was done.

    Sword: That will be a surprise for you when fighting Grimm. And the ¡®Hardest lesson¡¯ is not a normal training that helps improve yourself by a long shot. If use too much, it can kill you. No matter how strong you are.

    Sunz: Jeez¡­ So no begging you to use the ¡®Hardest lesson¡¯ to help me defeat God.

    Sword: You mean asking Death to reschedule your appointment. I can do that. But first, experience the side effects.

    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Suddenly, Sunz drops the sword that he was holding, followed by losing the sense of feeling his arms.

    Sunz: I can¡¯t feel my arms. Oh no, this is not fun. Lesson remembered, not to ask for that.

    Sword: Also, this will affect your real body too.

    Sunz: Goddamnit!

    Sword: Since you¡¯re not freaking out, let me ask you one more thing before letting you out.

    ¡°You remember how many Elements you have?¡±

    Sunz: Let¡¯s me think... Lighting, Water, Force, Dark and Light, Ice, Fire, Blood communication.

    Sword: Good, then have your break, and then I¡¯ll see you in three hours. Let''s give you a second phase.

    Everything then turns from white to black, having no indication of whether he is still dreaming or not, except his whole body is sweaty.

    Sunz (Look like I¡¯m back in the real world¡­.. and both my arms are paralyzed¡­ Now, I could scream out to get their attention or roll myself off the bed. Am I that moronic? No¡­)

    Sunz constantly kicking the blanket, and after around a minute, he got out of the cocoon. When he sat up after freeing himself from the blanket, he felt an intense aura in his room and saw what appeared to be a scoreboard with names and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th under them.

    Sunz still groggy: What happened here?

    ¡­ Suddenly, a book was thrown across his face, which startled him. Then follow up with a familiar voice.

    Voice: You ok sleepy head?

    Sunz: Yeah¡­ who talking? The person who threw the book?

    Voice: It¡¯s Grace.

    Sunz: Oh hi¡­ should you be throwing your book around like that?

    Grace: You ok? You are less responsive than usual. You know what is going on?

    Sunz: What you guys did to this room in the last eight hours. No idea, haha.

    Grace: What about now? Like, in the moment I¡¯m talking to you.

    Sunz: You¡¯re talking to me. That¡¯s all I know. Haven¡¯t looked around yet.

    Grace: Then you didn¡¯t notice that I¡¯ve been poking your arm when you woke up?

    Sunz turns to the side the book flew from and sees that Grace is standing in the crevice and poking his arm.

    Sunz: Were you sitting in that crevice and reading your book?

    No Name: I¡¯m going to kill you both.

    Sunz turns to the other side and sees No Name sitting in one of the chairs with a book in her hand and another book on the table beside her.

    Sunz: Or were you two passing books across the room?

    No Name: I¡¯ll pass you out if you don¡¯t stop sidetracking.

    Grace: I think she is not kidding.

    Sunz: Agree.

    No Name: So, ''Butterfly'', what''s wrong with your wings? Did metamorphosis give you amnesia?

    Sunz: Yes, it did. My arms are temporarily unusable.

    No Name: You sure? Maybe your brain just needs to be rewired. The book I¡¯m holding can help¡­

    Grace: As much as I would love to see that. Please don¡¯t hurt my books.

    No Name: I thought you would care more about him?

    Grace: Umm, well, we have someone that can heal him but no one to fix my book. Moving on.

    (What next¡­?)

    Jihu: FUCK!!!

    Sunz, Grace, and No Name:!!!

    Sunz: That¡¯s wake me up.

    No Name: Lost again?

    Jihu: Yeah.

    Grace: How bad?

    Jihu: 13 ¨C 0

    Sunz: What the hell did you play to lose that badly?!

    Jihu: Go Fish.

    Sunz:¡­ You actually did not get one pair.

    Jihu: Maybe you haven¡¯t heard, I have been cursed, and our ¡®Silent Protagonist¡¯ has been blessed.

    *slam his hand on the scoreboard*

    ¡°Look at this, me in 4th place all the time, and him in 1st and 3rd. No 2nd. What kind of joke is this!?¡±

    Sunz: Maybe you just have really really bad luck.

    Jihu: Want to add another ¡°really¡± just to hit the spot?

    Sunz: Never seen this angry side of you before... The competitive Asian coming out?

    Jihu: Nah, I¡¯m not angry, just frustrated. The competitive Asian was last seen four hours ago¡­ So how was the training?

    Sunz: Pretty good, got some side effects tho¡­ want to stab me with all that frustration?

    Everyone:¡­

    Jihu: Man¡­ I¡¯m frustrated, not psychotic. I¡¯m not gonna stab you unless it''s for medical reasons¡­ It¡¯s for medical reasons, isn¡¯t it?

    Sunz: It is. As you can see, my arms are paralyzed.

    *trying to lift them up*

    Jihu: I see, more like clotting that leads to paralysis. Let¡¯s see what I can do. But first, everyone who is not the patient, please get inside the bathroom or out.

    ¡°Include the crazy lady that is about to throw her extra book at me.¡±

    No Name: Yeah, I¡¯ll take care of that.

    She lowered Grace¡¯s weapon and then dragged her inside the bathroom.

    Sunz gets off the bed.

    Sunz *whisper*: fear?

    Jihu *whisper*: terrified!

    Sunz *whisper*: me too.

    Jihu: Well then let¡¯s patch you up.

    30 minutes later of testing different techniques and weapons.

    Jihu: That was my last option¡­ nothing worked.

    Sunz: But I have to say, very skilled. No blood coming out.

    Jihu: Common stuff. But damn, what did you do in there that led to this?

    Sunz: Training, hard training.

    Jihu: Then the only option left is to throw you back in there.

    Sunz: Now?

    Jihu: No. I didn¡¯t heal you, but that doesn''t mean I didn¡¯t get other information. Right now, you need to eat. You are running on zero energy. Like you¡¯ve been starved for days.

    Sunz: I guess, let¡¯s all go down to the dining area again.

    Jihu: With your condition, I don¡¯t think so. You need food that gives you a lot of energy and goes fast through your throat.

    Sunz: I think they call that soup. Eat with a straw.

    Jihu: Just because that''s the only thing you can cook, doesn¡¯t mean it''s your only option.

    Sunz: I won¡¯t call that cooking, just throw everything in a big pot and boil it.

    Jihu: Point still made. At least, my idea will satisfy three people, you, me, and Grace.

    Sunz: You haven¡¯t told us the place and what we are having. Plus, the girls are still in the bathroom.

    Jihu knocking on the bathroom door: Ladies, you can come out now.

    ¡­

    No Name: You know stress reading is a thing. She just finished three books in there.

    Grace: No need to talk about the one trait I hate most about myself. So what place do you have in mind, Jihu?

    Jihu: Can¡¯t tell you the place yet, but it will be sweet and bitter.

    Grace covered her mouth with her hand after hearing that.

    Sunz: Is she hiding her smile?

    No Name: Apparently, she has a big space in her heart for sweets.

    Jihu: Can he still fit in there? Grace?

    Grace still covering her mouth:¡­ well, if he can make sweet, then he can claim my whole heart.

    Jihu: Hear that, buddy?

    Sunz: Yeah¡­ I heard. I¡¯ll be practicing baking in the summer.

    Jihu: Well then no time to wait. Meeting down there in 10 minutes, go change into your casual clothes.

    No Name: You sure it won¡¯t be like the Tower situation?

    Jihu: Let¡¯s hope so. Mostly drunk office workers are still active at this hour.

    *Picking up Yama and walking out the door*

    ¡°I need to wash down the bitterness you gave me with more bitterness. Meeting in 10 minutes.¡±

    Grace and No Name said their goodbyes while walking out the door.

    ¡­

    Only Sunz is left in the room.

    Sunz: Jihu, you fucking bastard.

    Fifteen minutes later, Grace came to pick up Sunz to reunite with the group.

    Sunz: You look great!

    Grace: Thank you¡­ we all forgot.

    Sunz: Let¡¯s just go.

    Grace: Let¡¯s fix you up a bit.

    *She adjusts his clothes, pulls up the ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ head, and tucks both of his hands in its pocket.*

    ¡°A lot better... now let¡¯s go! I can¡¯t wait to taste those sweets.¡±

    Sunz: As your wish, my Queen.

    Grace: More like you are the Queen, because I¡¯ll be feeding you.

    Sunz: What?

    Grace: Don¡¯t be shy!

 Chapter 78: C.C Cafe (Part 1)

    After a few minutes of walking, they arrive at the location, C.C Cafe.

    When Jihu opened the door, it rang the bell above it, sending a nice *ding* across the room. After getting through the door, everyone admired the cozy atmosphere of the Cafe, then they heard a female voice yelling out.

    Female voice: IN A SECOND!

    Jihu: Take your time!

    ¡­

    Then they heard tools banging into each other, running sound, and a male voice.

    Male voice: No need to be hasty! And put the stuff down!

    The running sound stopped and appeared in front of them was a cute girl with her hair tied up. One thing special about her is that she was whisking something in a clear glass bowl while greeting the group with a smile.

    Pastry girl: Jihu, you back! And you bring customers!

    Sunz: Is this the reason you befriended me?

    Jihu: Everyone, this is Su. The best baker in Korea. In my opinion.

    ¡°And Su, these are my friends. You won¡¯t need their names because you are bad at remembering them.¡±

    Su: Hello everyone, make sure to spend a lot of money!

    A tall male figure appeared behind Su, placing one hand on her shoulder.

    *crack, crack, crack¡­ ding*

    Male voice: That''s enough. Ten minutes in the kitchen now!

    Su quickly scurries away ¡°See you all in 10!¡±

    Male Voice: Sorry about her. She is very free-spirited. My name is So.

    So: I run this Cafe with my sister and parents. So table for 6, right? Come this way!

    So led the group to their table, waited until everyone had sat down, and handed each of them a menu.

    So: I¡¯ll come back in a bit to collect your drink order, and she will collect your food order when she comes back.

    So goes back to the counter.

    Sunz: Jihu, you know these people?

    Jihu: Yeah, knew them for quite a while. I usually work here with them during the summer.

    Sunz: How did that happen?

    Jihu: The girl in there started it. Jun, my sister, invited me to this Cafe to hang out because I was bored. Then Su asked Jun if she could borrow me for a bit.

    ¡°She thought that Su was interested in me, but what Su was interested in was my charisma, which helps draw in more customers.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you.¡±

    Jihu got out of his seat, talked with So for a few seconds, and headed to the back of the Cafe. At the same time, So approached their table with a notepad in his hand.

    So: Is everyone ready to order their drink? I already have his.

    Sunz: Iced coffee for me.

    No Name: This Vietnamese coffee, what does it include?

    So: It¡¯s somehow familiar to iced coffee, but replace the milk with condensed milk or egg.

    No Name: Egg? Raw?

    So: Apparently so.

    No Name: I¡¯ll have the condensed milk version then.

    So: Got it.

    Yama: I¡¯ll have a Matcha Latte.

    So: Ok then.

    Grace: A large Eiskaffee.

    So: Ok¡­ You three also want a large or smaller.

    The rest: Large.

    So: Ok, coming right up... *ding-ding-ding-ding*, and now it¡¯s her turn.

    Su ran from the back of the cafe to the group table at high speed, which made her trip. But she managed to save herself with a beautiful slide, along with her brother''s help to make sure she didn¡¯t knock the table over.

    So: Here.

    He tore a note off the notepad, then handed the notepad over to Su, then returned to the counter to make drinks.

    Su: Hi, my name is Su, and I¡¯ll be taking your cake order. Please tell me the cake number and the amount you want. One slice, two slices, or even the whole cake if you feel very hungry.

    Grace: WHOLE CAKE!

    Su: Sister, you really like cake, don¡¯t you? It makes me really happy to hear that. I hope you order a lot¡­ because... *clenching the notepad*... business has been bad lately. We don¡¯t even have the money to send me and my brother to university.

    ¡­

    ¡°I- Ow!¡±

    Something suddenly, out of nowhere, hit her head.

    ¡°So, what did you do that for?¡±

    So then flicks something in his hand at Su. This time the object created a sound when it hit Su¡¯s head, knocking her to the ground, and the object returned to So¡¯s hand. He then put it back in his shirt pocket.

    So: Stop fooling around and get the order.

    Su: Fine! *Stand up* I suggest that you only order a slice to have a test to see if you like the flavor or not. After that, I can bring you the whole cake.

    Grace: Can I order like 10 different slices?

    Su: Are you ordering for the group or yourself, Sis? I can see the gluttonous in you.

    Grace: We''re all going to share... I hope so.

    Su: You clearly want all to yourself, and I don¡¯t want you to gain so much weight. So please order accordingly.

    Jihu: You don¡¯t have to worry about that, Su. *Walking out in a butler outfit*, we are going to clear at least 50 different slices.

    Su: Still looking good as usual... I¡¯m still skeptical, but sure, I¡¯ll trust you. The first 10 slices are coming up.

    Su headed back into the kitchen, and Jihu returned to his seat.

    Sunz: Lookin fresh, buddy. Grace, can you snap a picture of Jihu and send it to me?

    Grace: For what reason?

    Jihu: He is going to submit my photo for ¡®Best Looking Senior¡¯. It¡¯s a yearly tradition at our high school. He thinks I¡¯m going to win it, but I disagree.

    Sunz: The only reason you disagree is because this is a mixed competition. You don¡¯t think you can win against the girls. They may have make-up, but you, you have the Korean gene. And plus, it''s going to be really funny when you win.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    So returns with everyone''s drinks: I agree. It will be pretty funny to see you win.

    Sunz: See, even this older guy agrees with me.

    So: By how much older do you think I am?

    Sunz: Maybe 10...

    So: I¡¯m only 20, kid. I know my voice does not match my face.

    Sunz: I¡¯m terribly sorry for aging you up so much.

    Su: Don¡¯t be sorry about that. With that fully mature voice and bossy attitude. Even grown-ups misjudge his age.

    She then placed down a huge plate with 10 different slices each on a smaller plate.

    ¡°Enjoy!¡±

    Everyone grabs a slice and enjoys it, except for Sunz.

    Su: Hey ¡®Edgelord¡¯, why aren¡¯t you taking a slice? Is my cake too sweet for your dark persona?

    Sunz: No no, it¡¯s not that.

    Grace (Forgot) picks up another slice and shoves a few pieces inside Sunz¡¯s mouth (That will keep you busy for a minute.).

    ¡°I¡¯m currently responsible for feeding him because his arms are paralyzed.¡±

    Su: How? From jacking off too much.

    Sunz nearly choked on his food from laughing. *shakes his head*.

    Grace: No¡­ I hope that is not real. He injured himself while training¡­ I think.

    Su: Fun couple you found, Jihu. One sweet, one dark. Just like me and my brother.

    Jihu: Sweetness is just her current cover. And the ¡®Edgelord¡¯ is pretty insecure about his body.

    Su has a glance at Grace feeding Sunz while stuffing herself with cake.

    Su: The second statement is obvious. But I don¡¯t believe the first one, just look at them. Such a cute couple, and this is coming from a person who has seen couples form and break inside this shop. I even have ¡®First Date¡¯ and ¡®Last Date¡¯ cakes on the menu. So I know my stuff.

    So grabbed a chair and sat between Sunz and Yama: If you know your stuff, then bring home a boyfriend then. Weren¡¯t you voted as the number one ¡®Wife Material¡¯ in your first year?

    Su grabbed a chair and sat between Grace and Jihu: The only husband I married to is ¡®Baking¡¯. Plus, I have no interest in any of them. The first years are horny, the second years are try hard and the third years are desperate.

    So: So that event you did during Valentine, was it for their interest or you finding yours?

    Su: Need I remind you that, that event brought this family a good amount of revenue.

    So:¡­

    Su:¡­

    Sunz shaking his head, refusing the piece of cake to be shoved into his mouth.

    Grace: You don¡¯t like this flavor?...

    So: I think he wants to say something.

    Sunz nodded, then Grace stopped.

    Sunz: I think you two want to share with us a story, but are having a hard time weaving it in. So it¡¯s best to get straight to the point.

    So: Are you a psychic?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know.

    Su: Psychic or not, I¡¯m getting more slices. *leave the table*

    So: You have a point. On Valentine''s Day of her first year. She received a huge box containing lots of letters. Members of the student council were struggling while carrying the box to her class. But she didn¡¯t have a problem carrying the box.

    *Flashback*

    Su (15)*carrying the box*: Anyone that sent me a letter, follow me to the schoolyard.

    In the schoolyard, at least a hundred students show up, with the majority are boys of all grades and a few girls that have their phones out to record.

    The box was placed a few centimeters from Su and a few meters from the students.

    Su (15): I know I¡¯m a desirable girl, and because of that. Just a month before today, I said ¡°I have no interest in any of you, and I will burn the rest of the feeling you have for me on Valentine''s Day.¡±

    *pulling a matchbox out of her pocket, then proceeding to light a match and throw it into the bucket*

    After a few minutes, all that¡¯s left is ashes. Then the bell rings, and teachers have to come out to bring all of the students in, except Su.

    The only person there with her was¡­ the janitor, telling her to clean up her mess.

    *Return to present*

    Su: End of Part 1. *Carrying two big plates with 5 slices on smaller plates on each plate* Here are 10 new different slices. *smoothly transfer all 10 slices onto the huge plate*

    Jihu: There are two parts to this story?

    Su: I wish. After my big event, the next day I decided to give everyone in my school some chocolate.

    Sunz: Why?

    So: Because she is a psychopath, wanting to see how everyone will react, especially the people that saw their letter burned to ashes.

    Su: The reactions were expected, confused, shy, happy, blank until...

    *Flashback*

    Su gives a senior her chocolate, and he immediately throws it straight into the trash can.

    ¡°You think you can just walk up here and act like nothing happened?!¡±

    Su (15): First, you ignored my warning. Now you¡¯re ignoring free food. You should really learn to accept rather than ignore.

    Senior:¡­

    Su (15): If your letter wasn¡¯t in the pile, you wouldn¡¯t be making a fuss right now.

    Senior *clench both hands*: You trying to provoke me? You are nothing without that face.

    So walks out of the classroom with his backpack and steps in between Su and the Senior.

    ¡°It¡¯s best that you don¡¯t put a finger on her.¡± So said while rubbing Su¡¯s head.

    Senior: Isn¡¯t this adorable. The older brother is protecting his sister.

    So (17): Who said I¡¯m protecting her?

    *Grab her neck with the hand that was patting her head*

    ¡°Only I am allowed to hurt her. So take this as her apology.¡±

    *Squeeze*

    ¡­

    Senior: You¡­ you¡¯re faking it. No one can keep a straight face while hurting their family.

    So(17): This isn¡¯t enough for you?

    *Squeeze tighter*

    ¡°Reminder, human can go without air for 2¨C3 minutes. I¡¯ll start counting. One ¨C Two ¨C Three¡­¡±

    Senior: What are you trying to prove?

    So doesn¡¯t answer and continues counting.

    *30 seconds passed*

    Su showed signs of running out of oxygen as she tried to remove her brother''s hand from her neck. Her hand dug its nails deep into So¡¯s wrist, and they drew blood.

    *15 more seconds passed*

    A little bit of blood dripped from So¡¯s wrist onto the floor. The Senior was horrified by the scene and decided to run away.

    So grabs the chocolate bag that Su was holding onto and drops her to the floor. She managed to catch herself from hitting the floor too hard and lifting her body a bit above the floor.

    The Senior walks back with a smirk on his face: I knew that you two were faking it.

    *cough* *cough*

    So (17): Want to double-check?

    The Senior has a better look at Su and sees a different blood stain a few millimeters away from her face. The blood stain is watery, with a thick blood clot in the middle.

    So slowly approach the Senior: Did that change your mind?

    The Senior had already run away when he noticed So started moving toward him.

    So (Good riddance) picks up Su¡¯s body and notices that both of their bloods on the floor are gone (¡­). Then he brings Su¡¯s body to the nearest Male WC and locks the door.

    So (17): Time to clean up. *place her down on two feet*

    Su immediately checked herself in the mirror and threw a red piece of tissue into the toilet.

    So: The floor was spotless. *washing the blood from his wrist*

    Su spits out blood into the sink, then proceeds to wash her mouth, and then starts fixing and checking herself in the mirror.

    At the same time, So washed the blood off his hand and bandaged the wrist, then he changed his school short-sleeve uniform for a long-sleeve uniform in his backpack.

    Su (15): THOSE BASTARDS ARE SO ANNOYING-

    So (17): Tone down.

    Su (No more blood coming out from spitting): I hope this doesn¡¯t cause permanent damage.

    So (17): Lesson learned? I told you to keep a low profile.

    Su (15): Can¡¯t keep a low profile when all eyes are already glued to you. Just because you also experience it doesn¡¯t mean you are an expert¡­ although your popularity was significantly less than mine.

    ¡°At 15, you have an above-average look by Korean standards, but what made you stand out was the maturity in your personality and your voice. With the bonus of having coffee aroma around you.¡±

    So (17): And I¡¯ve been plummeting that popularity as far down as I can. First phase, hoping that I don¡¯t find a love interest until graduate. Can¡¯t say I¡¯m lucky or unlucky, but the combination of my taste (which is nothing) and the amount of carbon copy our country created¡­ really helps with that.

    ¡°Phase two, reject every confession coming my way. Through phase one, I now know that I have no interest in anyone in this school, so it will be cold and harmless for me.¡±

    ¡°Final phase, slowly outcasting myself. Soon, the once popular idol will be an ordinary student.¡±

    Su (15): You did all that because you were scared of these ¡®Street level Highschooler¡¯ coming after our family business. Just because you attracted their prey or¡­ carbon copy, like you said.

    So (17): You were also following the phases pretty well... until recent event. Found some new slice-of-life manga with an over-the-top premise?

    Su (15): Better than all of the K-dramas you¡¯ve been watching.

    "Also, I¡¯m not secluded like you. I feed off human emotions, but none of them are over the top. So I have to cause them.¡±

    So (17): What are you, a super rare Succubus?

    Su (15): Who knows! Also, this mark on my neck. Mom and Dad not gonna like it.

    So (17): Better than seeing you in a worse state.

    Su (15): Wish that was a joke.

    So (17): Here one, can you find a one-shot that is named ¡°Found out my Sister is a masochist after strangling her to near death with my hand!!!¡±

    Su (15): Can¡¯t find that on the normal surface.

    So (17): NTR?

    Su (15): NTR.

    ¡°Serious question. Did you enjoy it?¡±

    So (17): If I did, I¡¯ll hang myself tonight. If you did, ask your boyfriend. I only comfortable with verbal abuse with you.

    Su (15):¡­ Don¡¯t kill yourself. We need you.

    So (17): No time for sentimental moments. Cover that up with your leftover choker. *toss his bag at her*

    Su caught the bag: Thank you!

    So (17): You only have the third-year floor left, right?

    Su (15): Yeah¡­ got it.

    So (17): Took you long enough. *take the backpack back*

    Su (15): You left them in such an unorganized state.

    So (17): Be grateful that carry them for you.

    Su (15): I am, Prince of Blank. Let¡¯s go give away the rest of these chocolates.

    ¡°Want to personally give these to the girls?¡±

    So (17): You made them, you give them away yourself... Can¡¯t believe you made a perfect batch for the whole school without error.

    Su (15): Because I¡¯m amazing!

    So (17): Because we can¡¯t risk losing more money on ingredients.

    *Return to present*

    Su: Luckily, everything goes smoothly... Until part 3!

    Jihu: There still more? Shouldn¡¯t you two rest up for tomorrow?

    Su: When there are guests no time to rest! Especially the rich ones.

    So: We switch shifts with our parents at noon.

    Su: Move on then. After 30 slices, I think you all are pretty full right, especially the couple?

    No Name: Not really, and I want more coffee too.

    Yama: Me too.

    Sunz: Same for me.

    (Did I really use that much energy during training? Mom is going to kill me if I lose weight.)

    Grace: Look like you have to get back to the kitchen, our Maid!

    Su: It seems so. *Grab Grace¡¯s hand* I would like the Lady to choose the flavor she most prefers!

    Grace: Permission granted.

    (Ahhh! The location of magic.)

    Su dragged Grace away.

    No Name: I¡¯m going to follow them.

    *Only the 4 boys left at the table*

    Sunz suddenly able to move his hands.

    Jihu: Welcome back, arms.

    Sunz: I never want that to happen again.

    So: You three have fun, I¡¯m going to prepare another round of drinks.

    Sunz: I have a question. Which way is the bathroom?

    So: Just right down that hall.

    Sunz: Thank you.

    *Three left*

    So: His girlfriend is being eaten alive right now.

    Jihu: Really?

    So: Su had the look when she first found you. Luckily, nothing bad will happen.

    Jihu: Let¡¯s hope so.

    So: If you two want to see how the drinks are made, just meet me at the counter.

 Chapter 79: C.C Cafe (Part 2)

    (No no don¡¯t touch me there¡­ I¡¯m still a virgin... body so weak... I must resist... so relaxing.)

    (Sweet¡­ sugar¡­ bringing me back)

    *paper being tear sound*

    Grace: MY BOOKS!

    She immediately turned to the direction the sound came from and saw that Sunz was holding a ripped piece of paper in each of his hands.

    Grace feels that she¡¯s about to cry, automatically moves her hands to wipe the tears but immediately stops when she notices a fork and a small plate with cake in each of her hands.

    Her mind is now in a state of confusion and crying.

    Grace (It happened again¡­): What is going on?

    *Everyone has returned to their seat and is all looking at Grace*

    No Name: I don¡¯t know what happened. When I reached you two, Su was holding you from falling. Then I go to help Su hold you up. After I touched your hand, you suddenly stood up, didn¡¯t say any words, and held my hand tightly, then willingly followed me back to your seat.

    ¡°After sitting down, you stop holding my hand and sit in the chair neatly. Jihu checked your status to make sure you are ok, since he is the only doctor here. So made us more drinks, and Su brought out more cakes... We all don¡¯t know what happened to you and how to bring you back... until he returns.¡±

    Grace *places the fork and plate on the table*: Let me guess, the first thing he did was poke me with his finger.

    No Name: On the contrary, he was too afraid to touch you.

    Grace (How useless are you?)

    No Name: Instead, he tried to feed you cake.

    Grace (How can you do that but afraid to do- Wait¡­): What do you mean tried?

    *buzz buzz*

    Jihu: Check your phone.

    Grace received a message from Jihu, it has no text, only a picture.

    The picture portrays Sunz''s failed attempt to feed Grace a piece of the cake slice. The piece touches Grace¡¯s cheek instead of going into her mouth.

    Grace takes a piece of napkin and wipes that part of her face.

    Grace: ugghhh¡­ I made a bad decision.

    Everyone:¡­

    Grace: Because of his failed attempt, my body somehow moved on its own and finished the job for him, right?

    No Name: Yes¡­

    Grace (can¡¯t believe I guess that correctly.): So why the paper tearing?

    No Name: You ate three slices without any improvement, so Sunz thought up another plan.

    Sunz:¡­ That is half true. I was getting a bit bored while you were taking your sweet time. So, if doing what you like doesn¡¯t work, then what if I do what you hate. Resulted in me mimicking tearing your book.

    Grace: This, this is why girls hate you. No Name was covering your ass, and you just have to shoot yourself in the foot. Sometimes less context is better than more.

    Sunz: But more context makes it funnier.

    Grace: You would rather be an ass than a decent human being?

    Sunz: Woah, there is a huge difference between being an ass and a harmless joke.

    Grace: You made me cry! That¡¯s harmless to you?!

    Sunz: They are just books, if you don¡¯t like seeing them being destroyed, buy the e-book version.

    Grace: We are digging the same hole here. I wonder who will crawl out first.

    Sunz (waht does that mean???): I¡¯m quite comfortable in this hole, you ca- (Why did I stop?)

    Grace: I can what?

    ¡°As someone who read hundreds of books, I¡¯ll leave you this quote.¡±

    ¡°Just dig in your heels and Never show weakness.¡±

    ¡°Come on, be brave and finish that sentence.¡±

    Sunz (My body is getting hot or the room is getting colder. But one thing I know is I should not say anything):¡­ I zip my mouth!

    Grace: I want to rip that tongue out of your mouth right now.

    *Slam*

    So slammed his hand on the table and stood up, asserting his authority.

    So: You two need to stop arguing, I don¡¯t want to bring out another ¡®Break Up Cake¡¯.

    Grace: Arguing? People don¡¯t normally talk like that. And break up. I don¡¯t want to break up with him. What made you think I¡¯m about to?

    So (K-drama doesn¡¯t help you picking up clues.): Your tone and specific details in your sentence.

    Grace: I need to double check. Sunz, did I sound like I wanted to break up? And do you want to break up?

    Sunz: Ok, I just talk like how I normally talk. I don¡¯t have any interest in breaking up, I was even scared to bring it up¡­ And yes, you did sound like wanting to break up.

    Grace (Does that mean I have to talk like a lovey-dovey character to Sunz¡­ that feels fake as hell!)

    ¡°Ok, we are now clear that Sunz and I are still a normal couple. Let¡¯s continue with other stuff.¡±

    So (why did that give me a headache?): So Grace, what did my sister do to you?

    Grace: I-I don¡¯t know. This had happened before, I became like that when being touched in specific spots.

    So: haizz¡­ Su, did you molest her?

    Su: Of course not! I am handsy, but I don¡¯t go that far. My hands were only touching her shoulders and collarbone, then she suddenly went limp.

    So: Your action has to be disgusting and unexpected to make someone go limp, right?

    Grace: Actually, that is not 100% true. I have a friend who is handsy like Su, probably more. And she did try to touch the ¡°specific spots¡± but they had the opposite effect.

    No Name (Consider what she did to me. Is Grace also a handsy one???)

    Sunz: Sounds like you have the ability to attract creeps.

    Grace: Oh?! Does that also make you a creep?

    Sunz: No, because I don¡¯t touch you without consent.

    Grace: Consent, you said. You know you have the power to fondle my boobs anytime you want!!!

    Sunz (I want to kill myself.): Let¡¯s move on with Part 3 of the story, and someone switches seats with me. I don¡¯t feel saf-

    Grace shoved a piece of cake inside Sunz¡¯s mouth: Just because you can move doesn¡¯t mean you can do anything you want.

    ¡°I agree, let''s continue the story.¡±

    So (This relationship doesn¡¯t feel real. Is this what in those romance animes?)

    Su (This feels abridged very abridged¡­): So after that event and a few days later. The social media blew up with a video named.

    ''Girl burn hundreds of confession Letters on Valentine Day!!!''

    ¡°With the viral video comes doxing.¡±

    *Flash Back*

    So (17): This is getting out of hand. Now all of Korea knows your face and location.

    Su (15): No, this is actually a good thing. We can use this to make profit and keep the Cafe running.

    So (17): Since you are a professional social media addict, work your magic.

    Su (15): Great! Let¡¯s get the promotion video going!

    So (17): Video?

    Su (15): Don¡¯t question the internet brother. Just do as I say.

    So (17): It¡¯s for the Cafe.

    After a day, Su posts the promotional video.

    The video starts with Su standing in the middle of the frame, wearing her school uniform.

    Su (15): Hello internet people, this is Su, the girl from the viral video.

    ¡®Girl burn hundreds of confession Letters on Valentine Day!!!¡¯

    ¡°Today, I bring good news for those looking for a relationship. On next week Saturday and Sunday, our store will be running an event for 48 hours straight.¡±

    ¡°For a price of $$$ you will get to have a 5-minute date with me with a free slice of cake of your choice. It¡¯s open for both Male and Female. And I wish I could put an age limit, but who is stopping you. So just be 15 and above.¡±

    "Also, you get to pick what outfit I will wear on the date. Here are your options.¡±

    *A picture of Su in a maid outfit*

    *A picture of Su in an office outfit*

    ¡°Tickets or number orders will be on sale a day before the event. Any ticket that is being resold will be invalid. We take pictures to make sure you are the purchaser.¡±

    ¡°For those that don¡¯t care about the event at all and just want to have some cake. The price will be $ like always. This will be the person in charge of the event.¡±

    *A picture of So appeared in the video*

    "He is currently not in a relationship, if any ladies want to shoot your shot, wait until this event is over. He doesn¡¯t like to be disturbed while working.¡±

    ¡°That is all! Remember *shop address* this is the doxed location.¡±

    *Video ends*

    So (17): I don¡¯t know what I just watched.

    Su (15): It¡¯s best that you just ignore the video.

    So (17): Mom and Dad had also agreed to let us control the shop for those 2 days.

    Su (15): Can¡¯t believe they allowed me to do this.

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    So (17): Tough time we¡¯re in. Do you really need to include me in the video?

    Su (15): We need a consistent flow of customers. The Male won¡¯t be sticking for long. But the female, once they taste my cake. Sweet will never be the same.

    ¡°So I need you to be the hook for the Female fish. Your above-average looks and cold personality are what popular in my age range.¡±

    So (17): Let¡¯s revive the shop!

    *Back to Present*

    Su: That was our promotion video.

    Sunz: How did you look more mature in those 2 pictures than your original sefl? Like at least 10 years different.

    Su: Because they were based on real women. It¡¯s really easier to act mature than acting like a psychopath.

    So: She is actually pretty good at acting. Sometimes I forget that I¡¯m running the shop with a Demon, not a well-behaved Sister.

    Su: You are being mean. I¡¯ve always been a well-behaved Sister. The Demon only comes out when it feels comfortable.

    So... That... makes more sense... Continue the story.

    Su: The event actually went very smoothly. There were a few bad apples, but nothing I couldn¡¯t handle.

    ¡°Most of the boys were the same. They don¡¯t know how to communicate with girls. So all they needed was some courage and me convincing them that I¡¯m not the girl they¡¯re looking for.¡±

    ¡°There were actually some girls. Instead of giving out relationship advice like for the boys. I accidently made them gay.¡±

    ¡­

    ¡°Mostly good things came out of the event, except for a bad scenario that we hope wouldn¡¯t happen. A gang Leader shows up and wrecks the front of our shop. What made it worse was, he had an ability.¡±

    ¡°When we thought that this was the end for our shop, a Hero showed up, which was an ordinary police officer. I¡¯ve never seen So lose so much hope in a few seconds.¡±

    ¡°But lucky for us, that ordinary police officer easily took down that gang Leader.¡±

    Sunz, Grace, and Jihu all have the same thought (That must be him.)

    Su: He did put a few holes in the gang Leader¡¯s body. Then we thanked him with a box of cake. And then nothing else happened, the event ended on a peaceful note.

    So: No, we still have an unexpected visitor.

    *Flash Back*

    Su (15): I can¡¯t wait to die on my bed. All of my limbs are already in bed. Brain about to shut down.

    So (17): Just finish closing the store, then I¡¯ll carry you to bed.

    Su (15): I think... I¡¯m already in bed¡­ My brother had never been this kind to me.

    So (17): Simmer down, drama queen. You earn it. Working 48 hours straight, talking with hundreds of customers... this is the best I can offer for your hard work.

    Su (15): If it wasn¡¯t for your coffee, I couldn¡¯t stay awake this long...

    *sobbing noise*

    So (17): It¡¯s rar-

    Su lightly tackled and hugged So from behind. Her hug was tight, and her tears started to soak into So¡¯s clothes.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m so happy that we got to work together. I¡¯m happy that we saved the Cafe¡­ I¡¯m happy to see myself continue working in this Cafe.¡±

    *muffle of louder crying sound*

    So (17): Cry for me too...

    ¡­

    ¡°Um¡­ did I come at a bad time?¡± A young lady appeared in front of So and spoke in a soft, tired voice.

    ¡°I am sorry, but are you still open?¡±

    So (17): I¡¯m sorry, but we are in the middle of closing. But since you come to us at this hour, I can have my Sister make you a slice, on the house.

    Su (15) steps out from behind So: Is there... any flavor you want?

    Tired Girl: Oh, thank you. But I am not here for that, I am here to ask. Do you need to hire a bodyguard for your store?

    So (17): That came out of nowhere, we don¡¯t even know you.

    Tired Girl: That right¡­ After your recent, event with the gang, it is best for you to hire a bodyguard to reduce the risk of them appearing again. I want to work for your shop for free.

    So (17): Can I have your name, and why do you want to work for us for free?

    Tired Girl: My name is Sogae, and I¡¯m working at the ¡®Water Slash¡¯ hotel. I want to work for you because I have a lot of free time on hand.

    So and Su (The most luxurious hotel in Korea!)

    Tired Sogae: I don¡¯t want to bother you anymore, this is my number. Call me when your shop is in trouble or anytime.

    She gave So a paper with her phone number on it, then immediately disappeared in front of their eyes.

    So (17): Let¡¯s close down the shop quickly, then go to bed.

    Su (15): Right behind you.

    *Back to Present*

    Su: And that is the story of how we revive C.C Cafe.

    Sunz: I have been wanting to ask this all night. What does C.C mean?

    Su: It means Cake and Coffee! From the start, my Father was the coffee maker, and Mom was the baker. Now it¡¯s me and So.

    So: They are still around, they work the day shift while we work the night shift. Or put it simply, parents¡¯s customers are adults, and ours are students. Which makes this Cafe have 2 different names.

    Grace: That means Cake and Coffee Cafe is your parent''s brand name. What is you two?

    Su: It¡¯s Cake and Cosplay Cafe!

    Sunz: That explains your outfit and Jihu¡¯s butler cosplay.

    Grace (???): Wait, that is what you ask?

    Sunz: Yea..h, something wrong?

    Grace: Aren¡¯t you supposed to ask where they put the ¡®Coffee¡¯? When this Cafe is run by both of them.

    Sunz: Well, she did revive the Cafe, and it¡¯s currently famous for its cakes. You remember the list.

    Grace: But but you are a-

    Sunz: Moron? I know, but sometimes my brain can¡¯t decide will it be Moron 1 or Moron 2... I don''t know what I¡¯m saying anymore.

    Grace: Everything suddenly feels strange.

    Sunz: Probably because you have too much sugar.

    Grace:¡­

    So: Before we suddenly spiral the conversation, might as well tell the reason behind the name. What Sunz said would be a reason, but it not why.

    ¡°We don¡¯t put the word Coffee is because Coffee and Cosplay Cafe didn¡¯t smoothly roll off the tongue and we have limited C¡­¡±

    ¡­

    ¡°I know that you all are trying to see the difference between Cake and Cosplay Cafe, and, Coffee and Cosplay Cafe. Plus, why not go with Cake Coffee and Cosplay Cafe¡­ We didn¡¯t think of that at the time and limited C.¡±

    ¡°¡­ And Su, stop touching Grace!¡±

    Su: What? I was helping her de-stress from being "abused" by him. Plus, she is not fainting like before.

    So: If she doesn¡¯t hate it, then do as you please.

    Grace: I¡¯m not, and I have a question. Does Su have the ability to change people''s clothes in a blink of an eye?

    So: She does...

    Grace: Ok, Su can you stop and take a few steps back, then slowly turn 360 degrees for me?

    Su: ok?

    Su gives everyone a full view of her outfit, which is just a normal baking outfit with a timer drilled into her back.

    Grace: Your outfit seems normal enough, except for that part. It makes you look like those wind-up toys.

    Su reaches behind her back and turns the knob slightly, then after a few seconds. Her whole body started shaking, and the *ding-ding-ding-ding* sound came from the outfit. Then the whole thing stopped when she punched herself in the chest.

    Su: Ta da!

    Grace: That is something new.

    Sunz: How do you wash it?

    Su: Just thow it in the washing machine like normal.

    Sunz: But it has machinery in it.

    Su: Yeah, so? The person that built this said, wash it like normal clothes.

    Grace: And who is this person?

    Su: It was a female for sure, and she visited at midnight... Kinda weird that we meet the oddest people around that time. This group, that Female and Sogae.

    So: You are sidetracking.

    Su: Sorry. Like your group, same time, same atmosphere. So I got to talk to her quite a bit... But for some reason the clearest detail that I still remember was ¡°Trading a cake that will satisfy a Mafia Boss¡± for this outfit...

    Grace (I thought it was Ame, but I was wrong.)

    Jihu: So weren¡¯t you with her during that time?

    So: I was taking a nap when all this was happening. At first, I didn¡¯t believe her, until a week later that outfit arrived. With a note, ¡°Pleasure doing Business.¡±

    Su: The outfit came with an instruction manual and a repair number.

    Grace: Su, if you don¡¯t mind. Can I have a look at the number?

    Su: No! *smiling*

    So: Better not bother asking her that. She doesn¡¯t even tell me the number either.

    Grace: Oh, that (disappointing) ok. But did she ever tell you her name?

    Su: I don¡¯t remember any detail about her, but after that event, I occasionally hear ¡°The name Ema¡± out of nowhere.

    Sunz: This starting to feel creepy.

    Grace: Calm down. There is something more scary next to you. (Ema... is Ame backward... I¡¯m going to tell her about this trip anyway. Questions can be answered then.)

    Jihu: It¡¯s been fun, but time for us to go. Some of us have important business to attend.

    Su: Wait, you all not going to try the Cafe Special?

    Jihu:¡­

    Grace: What¡¯s the Cafe Special?

    Su whispers words into Grace.

    Grace: Oh, that sounds fun. Let¡¯s do it, and I¡¯ll pay for everyone.

    Sunz: I don¡¯t like the sound of that.

    Jihu: Well, you can¡¯t pull out now. The grownup made her decision.

    Su: That decided! So, you take care of the boys. The girls are with me.

    *Su pulls the girls away*

    So: Let¡¯s dress the rest of you up.

    *So takes the boys to one of the dressing rooms*

    *After 5 minutes, the boys return to their seats and wait*

    Sunz: So... we all just dressed up in butler outfits. That¡¯s it?

    Jihu: You expecting more? You greedy son of a bitch.

    Sunz: I guess.

    So: Usually, when paid for the Cafe Special. You first put on the outfit, then we bring you the slices. You then proceed to talk with your friend, take pictures, then leave, and you get to keep the outfit.

    Sunz: Keep? How much is the Cafe Special?

    So: Around 100$ and higher.

    Sunz: Holy fuck, and there are 4 of us.

    So: That¡¯s why it¡¯s the Cafe Special. Besides the cost, there is no other downside. The outfit looks good and can be used for other cosplay events or day-to-day clothing.

    Sunz: You¡­ got a point... What is taking them so long? Your sister has the ability to strip and wear people in the blink of an eye, right?

    So: She is having her fun, and, or the girl she is dressing just realized what she is wearing.

    ¡°Also, I don¡¯t think you realize it yet, Sunz. The Cafe Special is usually for couples.¡±

    Sunz: That doesn''t mean much in this situation. Also, she just changing outfit. What is the worst thing she can do?

    *ding-ding-ding-ding*

    So: They are coming out.

    *Su and No Name return*

    No Name: Wow, are we looking to expand? You trying to get rid of both the gangsters and customers? At least the other one will help bring in more females.

    Sunz: Need I guard the Cafe in the nearest alleyway for maximum profit?

    No Name: Wow, so considerate of you!

    Sunz: I wish I could think of a comeback, but I can¡¯t. You are literally the hateful maid archetype.

    No Name: And what¡¯s that???

    Sunz: The type of maid that throws hateful comments at other guests, with the most common phrase, ¡°You disgust Me!¡±

    No Name:¡­ YOU DISGUST ME!

    She said it at Sunz with the most hateful eyes the group has ever seen. The whole room went silent until one of them spoke up.

    Su: That was amazing!

    No Name: Really? Thank for the compliment. Also, I¡¯m not looking for work. Don¡¯t drag me in like you did with him.

    Su: But but, I can¡¯t do what you can.

    No Name: Aren¡¯t you good at acting?

    Su: I can¡¯t say it as good as you did.

    Jihu: I got a bit scared after hearing that. And I think you might awaken something inside him.

    Sunz seems to be in deep thought, and his look is a combination of annoyance and anger.

    No Name: That is sad. We don¡¯t need to see him having a harem.

    Sunz: Ok, let¡¯s not shoot me with those accusations. The way you said it, made me feel like I¡¯ve met you before.

    No Name: Really? Have you been listening to that line so many times that it messed up your memories?

    Sunz (Ugh, my brain hurt!): Let¡¯s move on. Where is Grace?

    Su: She is having some trouble...

    Sunz: Like what?

    Su: Embarrassed, self-conscious... any other words for shy.

    Sunz: That¡­ is a load of bullshit.

    Su: Wow, someone needs to learn how humans and females function.

    Sunz: Funny *sarcastically*.

    ¡°When you said "shy", I already knew you were lying. That¡¯s word, and Grace doesn¡¯t go together.¡±

    Su: fuck! Come out Grace, he is not falling for it.

    ¡­

    Suddenly Sunz feels a cold, tight grip on his shoulder and hears a seductive, playful, mocking whisper, ¡°My my, Master. You are so smart for seeing through my plan. I should reward you... I mean, I should reward myself for making you this smart!¡±

    Knowing what is pinning him down but not knowing what is going to happen next, kind of makes him a bit excited and fear for his life. Which kicks him into fight or flight mode.

    Sunz (This is really unexpected. Everyman dream and my nightmare.)

    Grace *whisper*: Master, did that turn you on? You were frozen for a few seconds... Hehe, don¡¯t mind if I overindulge myself.

    Sunz (Fuck!)

    Grace plunged her hand into the suit, through the neck hole, popping the button in between, and reached Sunz¡¯s chest. Her arm wanting to reach further, was stopped by Sunz¡¯s hand to make sure things didn¡¯t escalate further.

    Grace *whisper*: Master, has your reflex always been this good? You should relax and let others take the lead.

    Sunz: My reflexes are normal. You are just predictable. Now, can you stop please? I am so scared.

    Grace *whisper*: I won¡¯t stop unless you cooperate, if you know what I mean.

    Sunz *inhale* *exhale*: My dear Head Maid, tonight you can indulge as much as you like. For now, we have guests to greet.

    (Can¡¯t believe those words come out of my mouth.)

    Grace *whisper*: You are such a tease.

    She takes both of her hands off of Sunz, and her voice returns to normal.

    ¡°I must say Su, this roleplaying is kind of fun.¡±

    Su: Haha, that¡­ was roleplay? (More like foreplay)

    Grace: What, was I that bad? I think I did a good job at roleplaying.

    Sunz: If your objective was to creep me out, then I¡¯ll give you a 10 out of 10.

    Grace: Aww, how sweet!

    Sunz: But, were you roleplaying as a Maid or a Yandere?

    Grace (Yandere? He brought that up again.): I was showing you my loyalty. When I buy a Maid I expect 100% loyalty, and I can do anything to them.

    Sunz: What?

    Grace: I mean, there are limits to things I can do.

    Sunz: Ok, let''s change the topic to something less rich.

    Grace: ok.

    Sunz: How does the maid outfit feel? Since you have a personal tailor, what is the difference?

    Grace *spins around*: It feels good. I expected worse quality.

    Su: You look really comfortable in that outfit. Girls mostly comfortable in that outfit when they are hanging out with friends and not on a date.

    Grace: Really? This outfit feels like a power move on their partner... *yawnnnnn* that was a long one.

    So: That is the cue for all of us to rest.

    Su: Wait! Can I take a picture with everyone in it?

    Sunz: Sure, why not. Position us.

    Jihu: Wow, not hating taking pictures anymore.

    Sunz: It¡¯s a special occasion.

    Su: Yay! Ok, split into two groups. Butler and Maid... The camera is set. Get Ready!

    *Shutter sound*

    ¡­

    *Su, Grace, and No Name have a look at the pictures while Jihu paying the bill*

    Su: They are all so good!

    Grace: They do. Give me your contact information and send those to me.

    No Name (We all look nice. So is him.)

    Jihu: Here is the card.

    So: Oh, you don¡¯t need to pay. Grace already paid in full.

    Jihu: Ok then.

    *Sunz and Yama just talking on the side.*

    Yama: You really wearing that over this suit? Don¡¯t you feel hot?

    Sunz: This is just how I like to look. Plus, I endured way worse heat.

    *The two groups said goodbye to each other and parted ways*

    On the way back, the group has the same formation as before, Jihu-No Name, Sunz-Grace, and Yama. None of them talk on the way back except a small conversation between Sunz and Grace.

    Grace: So, haven¡¯t asked you this... How do I look?

    Sunz *glances*: You look good, like a maid.

    Grace *thinking*:¡­

    ¡°You know, there were other maid outfits that allow my boobs to breathe, but to satisfy your preference. I chose the most demure outfit.¡±

    Sunz: My vocab isn¡¯t big like yours, but I think I know what you are saying.

    ¡°Just wear what makes you most comfortable, ignore my preferences... Also, those details were made to amplify your feminine traits.¡±

    Grace: You said that, but I know you always prefer the other option.

    Sunz: You are not wrong¡­ What wrong? You keep staring at your chest.

    Grace: To reinforce our relationship and clear my mind, I have to ask you this. Even though I¡¯m not flat, do you still like me?

    Sunz: We did not nearly die for you to ask that stupid question.

    He then walked ahead and grabbed Jihu, then they both took the lead of the group. No Name took a few steps back to walk with Grace.

    Yama (Relationship is complicated.)

    *The group returned back to the hotel*

    Sogae notices the outfit they are wearing (So they visited that place.)

    *Back in Sunz¡¯s room*

    Sunz sat down in one of the seats and said, ¡°I¡¯m sleeping here.¡±. His body immediately stopped moving when he closed his eyes.

    Grace: I think I should also sleep.

    She threw herself onto the bed, and her body immediately went limp.

    Jihu: Yama please return to your room. Party is over.

    Yama: Ok.

    *Four people left in the room*

    No Name: These two are such a mess.

    Jihu: They are our mess now.

    No Name fixes Grace''s position to make sure she sleeps correctly.

    Jihu checked on Sunz to make sure he was ok.

    After all that, Jihu sleeps on the seat next to Sunz, and No Name snuggles in bed with Grace.

 Chapter 80: Phase 2 Training

    After closing his eyes, Sunz¡¯s body felt like it was falling for a moment¡­ Then it suddenly hit a concrete wall.

    *Crows sound*

    Sunz still closes his eyes and thinks (There are birds now. How much power does he have in here?)

    When Sunz opened his eyes, he saw that he was sitting on a fence inside of a huge graveyard, in the middle of the night.

    Sunz: This is a dream not real. You have a clear vision of everything.

    While talking to himself, Sunz feels something grabbing onto his right arm.

    Sunz: What the?

    When he held up his right arm, he noticed that he was wearing the butler outfit and there was a crow hanging upside down from there.

    Sunz and the crow stare at each other for a moment before it releases its grip on Sunz¡¯s arm and falls down. He quickly caught it when it started to fall.

    Holding the crow with one hand he asks it: Why are you so fat?

    Fat crow: *crow noise*

    Sunz: Yeah¡­ I don¡¯t know where I was going with this.

    Then he got pushed off the fence by Sword.

    Sword: Have fun with your break?

    Sunz: I think I did.

    Sword: Good. I see that you¡¯ve met Doodle.

    Sunz: This crow? Was it your pet before you died?

    Sword grabs Doodle from Sunz: No, it was one of the student''s pet.

    *throw Doodle into the void*

    Sunz: What was that for?

    Sword: Relax, I just returned it to the owner.

    Sunz: I guess, can¡¯t have distraction while training. Explain, why this is the training location and why I¡¯m in this outfit?

    Sword: You need to get used to moving in different outfits. Can¡¯t wear that stay-at-home outfit every time.

    Sunz: Got a point.

    Sword: And for why we here *snap finger*

    The ground beneath them started to shake and hundreds of corpses rose up from the ground.

    ¡°They will be your training dummies.¡±

    Sunz: You really stress the infinite of dreams.

    ¡°Well explain the objective and the rule. But judging by the variety of these corpses, I guess we are training my ¡®Elements¡¯.¡±

    Sword: Lightning, Water, Shockwave, Darkness, Light, Fire, Ice are your mastered ¡®Elements¡¯. Your goal is to reach a fragment of this¡­

    *Sword summoned a sword in his hand then proceeded to gather ¡®Darkness¡¯ from the corpses until the blade turned pitch black. Then he stab the blade into the ground, spreading darkness across the whole graveyard*

    *Right after that, Lightning strikes down at all of the corpses, and within a few seconds there are only Sunz and Sword standing in the graveyard*

    Sunz: what the¡­?

    Sword: Or we can see what miracle you can pull from this training.

    Sunz was shocked after seeing what Sword could do: Question! How strong were you in your past life?

    Sword: I think your world power ranking is different from mine. We don¡¯t have time manipulation or dimension bending type of power, things were simple back then.

    ¡°If I have to guess, S-tier at most.¡±

    Sunz: You are amazing!

    Sword: Save your compliments for future events and summon your weapon.

    Sunz *imagined a sword in his hand and successfully summoned it*

    ¡°Woah! I can do this now? I thought you were in control.¡±

    Sword: I¡¯m not, this is your mind. I can only influent or manipulate your dream if you allow me to. Unless you¡¯re unconscious then it¡¯s mine, temporary.

    Sunz: ok¡­ Does what happened to my body in my dream happen to me in real life?

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Sword: Part of it. The paralyzing you felt before was due to the intensity of the training. Dream is a place for you to train in conditions that real life can¡¯t offer.

    ¡°All you have to do is keep the training moderate or you¡¯ll die in your sleep.¡±

    Sunz: You are saying this not to scare me but to warn me?

    Sword: Precise! Now, enough with the talking and start.

    Sunz: Wait a bit. Your light show didn¡¯t really tell me my objective.

    Sword:¡­True, hit the corpses with the right ¡®Elements¡¯ that''s all.

    *He then teleports to the fences and watches Sunz perform, with a tombstone in front of him*

    ¡°Start!¡±

    Sunz suddenly felt a sharp pain in his left hand, then saw that there was a 1 engraved in his palm.

    Sunz: Real-life Zombie mode. Can¡¯t believe I''m playing the VR version first.

    Corpses started rising from the ground and attacking Sunz, their speed was the same as an average human so Sunz was able to outspeed them. In the first wave, the corpses only have Lightning, Water, Fire and Ice.

    Wave 1 ended smoothly, using his Lighting skill Sunz was able to keep a distance between each strike. What he noticed was, the Element disappeared when it struck a target.

    Sunz *huff* *huff*

    Sword: That was only Wave 1 and you''re already tired.

    Sunz: I¡¯ve never fought 100 people all at once, that for a start and they spawn pretty slow. How about you up the difficulty?

    Sword: Was going to have you fight all the waves but, since you asked nicely.

    Sunz felt another sharp pain in his left hand. The number had gone up from 1 to 10.

    Sword: Start!

    Corpses start rising from the ground at a faster rate than Wave 1, combined with the fact that most of them now have 2 Elements. The only upside Sunz can think of was (At least there are no unknown Elements.)

    After a while and hundreds of slayed corpses, the number of enemies is even more than before. Throughout the battle, Sunz figured out many ways to combine his ¡®Elements¡¯ to create an AoE attack, that help clearing many corpses at once.

    But, with an infinite amount of information going through his head, in the middle of the battle... he just collapsed.

    While Sunz is unconscious, Sword doesn¡¯t stop the Wave and let it continue. Corpses started piling up on top of Sunz, which created a huge mound that continue to grow.

    After a while, Sunz woke up in the darkness, feeling a lot of weight on his body.

    Sunz (Really? He let this continue.) can¡¯t move most of his body due to the weight, but his two hands can at least move a bit.

    (This is so unfortunate, my face is directly in the dirt and I can barely move my body. This will be the best sleep position if I don¡¯t have all this weight on my back.)

    (Let''s get out of this mess first¡­ and the sword is gone, fantastic. Ok, simple. Just imagine the sword in your hand then apply Lightning to blast yourself out of here.)

    ¡­

    After a bit of focusing Sunz felt the hilt in his hand and the blade buried in the ground. Then instantly Sunz was blasted out of the mound and stopped after his body was slammed into the invincible fences.

    Sunz: That¡¯s hurt¡­ what the *looking at the towering corpse mound*

    Suddenly, lightning strikes at the mound, and all of the corpses stop moving.

    Sword sitting on the fence that Sunz slammed into: You got out unscathed.

    Sunz: Not really, I have some bruises and got crushed by a mountain.

    Sword: You did well, like really well on your first try. Until that moment.

    Sunz *sigh*: Yeah, that¡¯s going to be a huge problem.

    Sword: We have to change the objective of this training. From seeing how long you can survive to how long can you fight before going unconscious.

    Sunz; Yeah¡­ I guess so. *stand up* Let¡¯s go again.

    Sword: With a bladeless sword?

    Sunz: What are you talking about?

    *looked at his sword and saw that there was nothing left except the hilt*

    ¡°You¡¯re right, what happened?¡±

    Sword: Hmm¡­ when you blasted yourself out of the mound, the heat from your Element must have burned the blade.

    Sunz has a disagreeing expression: That implies that I have mastered the Element on a higher level, which I think is bullshit.

    Sword smirk: So you have a better assumption than the guy that has taught millions of lives how to use his own skill?

    Sunz: No¡­ but if what you said is right. Shouldn¡¯t the hilt be gone too or at least damaged?

    Sword (You are smart.): Well, let¡¯s see if you can recreate it, then we¡¯ll have the answer.

    Sword snaps his finger and the mound instantly teleports outside of the graveyard.

    ¡°We will use this as time indication. To see how long can you fight until your brain stops working.¡±

    Sunz:¡­Sure¡­ but that ¡°time¡± is wrong.

    Sword: You are right *snap finger*, that¡¯s about right.

    Sunz: That, that is less than half of the original¡­ I wasted so much time.

    Sword: You didn¡¯t waste any time, you just produced unwanted results. Now get back to training, this time I make sure you¡¯ll instantly wake up after fainting.

    *After 5 more runs*

    Sword: Ok let¡¯s stop there for now. Hmm?

    Sunz: ow ow, head hurting, stop stop it!

    Sword: On the next two runs you did a lot better, then you fell off on the last three. They are even worse than the first run.

    Sunz: It seems I am nowhere near ready.

    Sword: It seems so¡­ Having some issues with your unexpected relationship?

    Sunz: Can we not talk about that topic in a place designed for training?

    Sword: Sometimes, when you are at your peak performance, every little detail can snowball you to the bottom. Example the last three rounds.

    ¡°So just tell me about what is on your mind and we will see if any of my past ¡°experience¡± can help.¡±

    Sunz: How much do you know?

    Sword: How much do I know, enough.

    ¡°16 turning 17 boy meets an 18-year-old girl, who suddenly falls head over heels for him for the weirdest reasons. Through many events and interactions, the girl is shown to be obsessed with the boy. While the boy is still unsure about his feelings.¡±

    ¡­

    Sunz: That is everything. Ok, I don¡¯t know if you heard this or not but this is what has been ticking me off, she asked ¡°If I¡¯m not flat do you still like me?¡±.

    ¡°Like, how can she still ask that after we protected each other from nearly dying. With how much she is obsessed with me, the answer should be Yes already.¡±

    Sword: Did you say this to her or was it your assumption of what she should¡¯ve thought?

    Sunz:¡­ My assumption. What are you trying to say?

    Sword: I mean, she may be obsessed with you but she does set her boundaries. The relationship contract that she forced you in, probably made her feel guilty. So, that stupid question was a way for her to know if you like her back.

    Sunz: Does that mean I¡¯m in the wrong?

    Sword: Not yet, both of you are polar opposites, one is moving too fast while the other is stagnant. You have her answer now she needs your, Yes or No. After that, this dream/nightmare will be over.

    Sunz: I mean-

    Sword cut Sunz off: That is not our conversation. It¡¯s for yourself and her.

    Sunz takes a deep breath and thinks: Ok I got it. I made up my mind.

    Sword: Good, now let''s get back to training.

    Sunz: I thought you were gonna release me.

    Sword: I don¡¯t half-ass training.

    Sunz: What am I supposed to do with my thought? All you did was replace a question with another question.

    Sword: Wrong, I gave you the answer to that question.

    Sunz:¡­Hmm¡­ I guess you¡¯re right.

    Sword: Now, those five rounds have given me what I need, to give you a Phase 2. This will be your key to winning the next round!

 Chapter 81: My answer Yes and No

    After many hours later, Sunz finally wakes up. He is a bit groggy but this time is able to move all of his limbs.

    Sunz (ugh! This light is killing my eyes.) makes his way to the light switch and shuts off all of the lights. Standing in the comfort of darkness for 10 minutes. Everything is quiet except for his mind.

    ¡­

    Sunz: That¡¯s better *turns on the light*¡­ *looks around* hmm everyone is gone. They all have their own stuff to do and it is already night *check phone* of the next day¡­ it''s midnight.

    ¡°Wow, I¡¯ve been sleeping for nearly 2 days. I guess it was pretty convenient, and now only less than 12 hours before my match against Grimm.¡±

    ¡°But need to get this out of my way first.¡±

    *Calling number*

    *Ring Ring¡­Ring Ring¡­ Ring Ring¡­Ring Ring¡­Ring-*

    Grace¡¯s sleepy voice: hello? this is Grace, alone, surrounded by the cold and now I have to talk with you.

    Sunz (Is she angry?): I don¡¯t know if you are being serious or just fucking with me.

    Grace:¡­*hang up*

    Sunz: I fuck up!... Should I even call her back tho? (Fuck!) Why do I care about this so much? She is into me, not the opposite.

    (Well, she is the second woman that allows you to act like yourself.)

    ¡°I act like how I am most of the time even without her.¡±

    (She is a nice girl with perks like, better than you in every way, physically especially.)

    ¡°I don¡¯t know Brain, all that still doesn¡¯t add up for me to like her.¡±

    (You know why they don¡¯t add up, because you are a Bitch. If you care about her you will tell her what is on your mind now.)

    ¡°Fuck you Brain!¡±

    (Fuck you too Mouth!)

    *After arguing with himself for a bit Sunz receives a call from Grace*

    *Answer*

    Sunz: Hey Grace thank you for calling me bac-

    Grace¡¯s muffled voice: Just get to the point, you have 5 seconds, if nothing comes out I¡¯ll hang up.

    Sunz: Ok, I want to talk with you about our relationship and my answer for it.

    Grace¡¯s muffled voice: Just don¡¯t, if your answer is Yes¡­ I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll accept it. I don¡¯t want you to feel like I forced you into this one-sided relationship.

    Sunz: I don¡¯t care. You hearing my answer is the best and only option for our relationship.

    Grace¡¯s muffled voice: You¡¯re horrible and a coward. About to say thing behind a cover instead of saying it to my face.

    Sunz: The plan was to see if you¡¯re awake then ask for permission to talk with you face to face. Telling my answer through the phone was never an option.

    *Balcony¡¯s door slides open, and a rush of cold wind blasts into the room and Sunz¡¯s back*

    Grace: Now say it. *hang up*

    ¡°I am here!¡±

    Sunz turned around and saw Grace standing in his room with a stern look on her face.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    Grace: Speak now!

    Sunz throws his phone onto the bed: Ok, I¡¯m ready.

    ¡°Grace, I don¡¯t think that I like you. But I enjoy having you around. You are smart, strong, have amazing outfits, and a terrifying personality. I know I want to be more than friend but for some reason, my heart can¡¯t feel anything¡­¡±

    ¡°After all of that, I see that my answer is No but I don¡¯t want to say that. I want to be with you because of the future. I know that we live in a dangerous world, if I were in a relationship with someone weaker than you, I would worry about them a lot but I won¡¯t always be able to protect them.¡±

    ¡°With you, I know that I will still be worrying about your safety but at least I know that you¡¯ll be alive the next morning¡­ if I¡¯m going to think further, our child will have the best protection.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all. Wheew!¡±

    (I feel so good now.)

    Grace:..

    *walks close to Sunz and hugs him, burying his face in her chest*

    ¡°how do they feel?¡±

    Sunz: They feel soft and cold.

    Grace: Thank god this arc is finally over. *pull Sunz away*

    Sunz: What?

    Grace: Thank you Sunz¡¯s teacher for pushing him to make a decision.

    Sunz: Ok what with the mood swing?

    Grace: What mood swings? I¡¯m still your normal, terrifying now official girlfriend.

    Sunz: Then who was the sleepy head that broke through the balcony with an angry face?

    Grace: I was fucking with you! Hehe!

    Sunz: Sure¡­ so how long were you out on the balcony?

    Grace: An hour or two, looking at the city and the sky, didn¡¯t expect you would wake up while I was out there. First was standing in the dark then arguing with yourself. You are as strange as always.

    Sunz moves his arm to reach Grace¡¯s hand on his shoulder, slowly grabbing it and moving it off his shoulder then holding it firmly.

    Sunz: Something was on your mind right?

    Grace: No, I¡¯m fine. Everything has already been resolved, our relationship, my boobs.

    Sunz: You¡­ sure? You still emitting a cold aura after I confessed.

    Grace: It-it¡¯s nothing!

    *pulling her hand away but accidentally pulling Sunz close to her*

    Sunz: You are nervous. It seems this arc isn¡¯t over yet. Time for you to confess. For once, we both need to act like adults.

    Grace: I-I¡­ I HAVE A NIGHTMARE! Fuck! I can¡¯t say it.

    *Biting her lip*

    Sunz releases his hold on Grace¡¯s hand and just stands there.

    Grace: I¡¯m sorry. I wish I could have more courage.

    *sit down on the floor in defeat*

    Sunz walks past her, making some rustling noise then¡­

    Grace felt something draped around her shoulder and covering the light above her, then she felt Sunz leaning his back against her.

    She moved her hand to her shoulder and felt a familiar material.

    ¡°This-this is your Windbreaker.¡±

    Sunz: Yes. You now have a part of me. I hope it can give you some of my courage.

    Grace: That line is so corny. Where did you even steal it from?

    Sunz: A combination of many dialogues from things I enjoy.

    Grace: Haizz, you are funny in a strange way.

    ¡­

    Sunz: Ready to tell me about the nightmare?

    Grace:¡­I saw you with other women. I thought I made you mad with my question about my boobs. So my mind just assumes that you hate my appearance and me.

    ¡°I saw so many moments of you just enjoying life with other women that aren¡¯t me.¡±

    ¡°I was jealous. I was crying inside and outside.¡±

    ¡°Then I woke up with No Name comforting me.¡±

    Sunz: I think it was a good thing for you to have that nightmare.

    Grace: What? Why?

    Sunz: It¡¯s a sign showing that you¡¯ll be a wonderful partner to me like those women. Or you were only seeing the final good moments I had with those women before breaking up. Now it¡¯s your turn to break that cycle, give me a happy ending.

    ¡°Turn your nightmare into something positive.¡±

    Grace: What if it¡¯s the reverse, those women should be with you, not me?

    Sunz: Well, those women aren¡¯t real but you are. So, you have the upper hand.

    ...

    Grace *laugh*: Thank you. You are not bad with words. So why aren¡¯t you more popular?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t like to be the initiator.

    Grace *processing information*: Which means, if I didn¡¯t talk with you at the start of the tournament then this relationship wouldn¡¯t exist.

    Sunz: True.

    Grace: You ok now? Have nothing else on your mind?

    Sunz: Me? I should be the one asking you that. I have nothing else to worry about.

    Grace: That¡¯s good to hear. Me too!

    Sunz stood up and tried to lift Grace up but was unable to.

    Grace: Oh wow, your weak-ass body is turning me on.

    Sunz: Ha ha very funny. I know I¡¯m weak.

    Grace *stands up*: You sure are. Can I wear your ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ a bit longer?

    Sunz looks at Grace:¡­

    Grace: Really, you¡¯re that selfish!

    Sunz: No no, it¡¯s just I really like this look on you. Your black dress then my ¡®Windbreaker¡¯.

    Grace: Oh my, that actually does turn me on... Wearing your ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ like this does make me feel like a pirate.

    Sunz: Hmm, I think you¡¯re right.

    *Both tummies growling loudly*

    Grace: Wow that turns off the mood¡­ Oh well, you haven¡¯t eaten in a long time, so makes sense.

    Sunz: yeah¡­ what about you? Yours was also really loud.

    Grace: Ah¡­yeah¡­I also¡­haven¡¯t eaten after the nightmare. Wah wah waaahhh.

    Sunz: So where should we go?

    Grace *dials her phone*

    ¡­

    Grace: Hey Su! Is your shop still open? I want to swing by with Sunz.

    Su: Sure! Only you two? Is it a date?

    Grace: Yeah! We just became official!

    Su: Ok. I¡¯ll see you soon! Bye!

    Grace: BYE!

    *Call end*

    Sunz: We are visiting C.C Cafe again.

    Grace: But this time it¡¯s just the two of us.

    ¡°First official date!¡±

    Sunz: You have such a crazy mood swing.

    Grace: Well, deal with it. Hehe!

 Chapter 82: Grimmâ€™s Future

    *While Sunz and Grace were enjoying their date, Grimm was finally enjoying himself after a long time*

    Sogae: You sure you should be drinking at this hour? Your match is like hours later.

    Grimm: As the Organizer you suppose to stop me from this? But you are here serving me.

    Sogae: My job is to give you the best service. If you go out of line, you know what will happen. We also have ways to make sure you don¡¯t have drunk or hangover feeling inside your body.

    Grimm: Good, gotta have to those rules to protect your young, innocent soul from those fucking preying hands.

    Sogae: But those rules are always being violated/bypassed in many ways, no matter the warning.

    Grimm: Only by those that have more power and richer than you.

    Sogae:¡­ So how do you feel about fighting Sunz? You seem to be fond of him. You even made him a new sword before his previous match.

    Grimm: The kid is a dark horse, nothing more than that. Everyone dominated their round, while he was really close to losing all of his rounds.

    Sogae: Expecting the same result? Him winning with a last bit of luck or something magical will happen.

    Grimm: Who knows? I always like to see people around his age losing all their confidence right after one mistake.

    ¡°It helps build character and let them know where they stand.¡±

    Sogae: You seem to be ¡°good¡± at this mentor thing. What if you actually win against your ¡®Golden Boy¡¯?

    Grimm:¡­

    ¡°I win I lose.¡±

    ¡°I lose I win.¡±

    ¡°Simple as that.¡±

    Sogae: So you guarantee that you ain¡¯t winning against One. What makes you so sure that Sunz can?

    Grimm: He saved me...that night would have been my last if he hadn¡¯t stepped in. If he can see what these old eyes can¡¯t, then he will have a better chance.

    "¡­"

    ¡°That boy, One. How did your clan find him? He doesn¡¯t seem normal.¡±

    Sogae: Yeah¡­ he is bloodthirsty but just like training an animal, it¡¯s all take time.

    Grimm: heh, animal. Even a hippo is less violent than him. He is not human or animal.

    Sogae: You expect him to be a mythical creature?

    Grimm: That would be better. *drink* So, the kid killed one of your clan members and you still allow him to join.

    Sogae: Did you eavesdropping on one of my conversations? *pour*

    Grimm: It¡¯s pretty easy to bug the most clueless guy.

    Sogae: And here I thought I wouldn¡¯t get any use out you¡­ Did they fuck yet or has any steamy thing happened between them yet?

    Grimm: No, I don¡¯t eavesdropping in personal life. Ask him yourself.

    Sogae: Nooo, I don¡¯t want it to become weird when I talk to him and her. I don¡¯t want them to know what I know about them.

    Grimm: Your lost then. Now let''s come back to that murder.

    Sogae: Win this then you can ask some secret information. And who said someone died by that murderer.

    Grimm: So you lied? *drink*

    Sogae: I didn¡¯t lie. *pour*

    Grimm: Move on then. Before leaving this tournament I still have some business with you.

    Sogae: Oh yeah, that. Go ahead!

    Grimm: How the hell did you find me? I know for sure, that only I and one other person know that secret base.

    Sogae: Grimm, the only truthful detail here is, I don¡¯t know you. I only know about you through ¡°God¡± because he asked me to find you.

    Grimm: Yeah, ¡°God¡±. Superheroes are already a thing now then why not. So why did you agree to find me for him? Blackmail, hostage situation or he¡¯ll kill you?

    Sogae: I¡¯m an orphan.

    Grimm was surprised: Same.

    Sogae: Another reason is, crunch time. I was supposed to find another contestant for the tournament, but I don¡¯t talk to anyone or travel outside of Korea. So no hope of finding a new contestant.

    ¡°Then he arrived out of nowhere and gave me a thing with all of your information and location. And now we are here.¡±

    Grimm: Then where is he now?

    Sogae: Yeah¡­ I¡¯ve only met him once. He just appears out of nowhere at the most random time.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Grimm: So the ¡°God¡± that interferes with my personal life doesn¡¯t want to talk with me, even though he ¡°hired¡± someone to find me for him.

    Sogae: Well, he is here already.

    Grimm: How can you be so sure? Have you seen his face?

    Sogae: The other gentleman keeps glancing at us, and he looks like one of the famous movie stars I follow.

    Grimm: You Koreans are all the same.

    Sogae: True, but he is different. Have a scar on his face, caused by a Yandere fan kidnapping him.

    Grimm glanced at the man and only saw his suit.

    ¡°Fancy. Rich, famous, and handsome are all the traits a ¡°God¡± wants us to perceive.¡±

    Sogae: But that is the ¡°God¡±. The actor is filming overseas right now and his name isn¡¯t on our celebrities list.

    Grimm: So I¡¯m supposed to walk over there and talk with our ¡°God¡±. If he can appear here then he can take a few steps and talk.

    ¡­

    Grimm heard a familiar voice, which made him feel very angry but try to not show it.

    Voice: Grimm. God is here to talk with you.

    Sogae duck behind the bar (It¡¯s is ¡°God¡±.)

    Grimm jumped off the seat and had a clear look at God¡¯s face. The face that had been the bane of his existence. It¡¯s Ben''s face.

    Voice: Finally we mee-

    Grimm delivered a combo of left and right hooks at God, knocking him to the ground.

    ¡°That is not a face I want to talk with. A God using another God face.¡±

    Voice stand up: I can¡¯t dictate what you are seeing, all I can say is, the face you are looking at is convenient.

    After standing up Voice retaliated with his left and right hook, pushing Grimm away.

    After getting punched in the face twice, Grimm had flashes of images of devices that he had never seen before but suddenly had all the knowledge about those devices.

    Two of them have no visible injury even though they both got punched really hard.

    Grimm: So that¡¯s how we¡¯re going to do it.

    Voice: An all-out street brawl.

    ¡­

    Sogae: Can you two not fight in here? This room is expensive.

    Voice: Don¡¯t worry, as ¡°God¡± everything will return to normal after this.

    Grimm: You seem to not see yourself as ¡°God¡±. What are we supposed to call you if you aren¡¯t ¡°God¡±?

    Voice: I go by Merchant.

    Grimm: Ok Merchant, to me you have a very punchable face!

    *Fight initiate*

    Merchant threw down a device before getting kicked toward the entrance by Grimm. His body didn¡¯t go throw the door but slammed into an invisible wall.

    Merchant: 1 witness and 2 fighter. No one getting in or out.

    Merchant and Grimm continue to trade blows until Merchant gets the upper hand and throws Grimm into the alcohol shelves.

    Bottles of alcohol shattered and impaled into Grimm¡¯s back. Up until this point, both of them have no visible injuries on their body.

    Grimm standing up: Ohhh that sting, I¡¯ve never thought about drinking alcohol this way.

    Grimm pulls out a baton from his pocket and with one swing extends it 3 times its original length.

    Grimm: I¡¯ll kill you!

    Merchant creates a normal wooden chair from thin air and uses it as his weapon.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±

    When the two fought with their weapon, it was clear that Grimm had a better weapon. The baton was easily able to break the wooden chair into pieces. But that didn¡¯t give Grimm the upper hand.

    Taking the opportunity when the chair got broken in one hit, Merchant grabbed the stick size pieces and impaled Grimm with them, reducing his arms and legs movement. Then he delivered a powerful kick at Grimm¡¯s face, knocking the baton off his hand and flinging his whole body into the invisible wall.

    Grimm couldn¡¯t do anything except panting while the blood soaked into his outfit.

    Merchant picks up Grimm¡¯s baton and inspects it.

    ¡°Great weapon you have here, light, compact, can do a lot of damage. All those attributes can be fit nicely in your pocket.¡±

    Grimm: ha¡­ha¡­ha¡­ What do you want? You hired Sogae to find me, disguised your face as Ben and you are clearly more powerful than me.

    ¡°What is my role in your master plan?¡±

    Merchant: My master plan? It¡¯s to see your progress. When you¡¯ve been alive as long as I am and have been to many places. The only interesting thing left is seeing how people''s lives progress.

    Grimm: Go read a book or watch a movie, there you can see how people''s lives progress. Want to influent someone''s life, go play those simulator games.

    Merchant: I can¡¯t, you see. There are no books, movies, or games about a German orphan boy who became a Hero and quit being a Hero because of a guy named Ben.

    Grimm: Scheisse!

    Merchant: Scheisse indeed. So what is your plan for the future now, Grimm?

    Grimm: I think you already know.

    Merchant: *sigh* I do. Such a waste of your talent.

    Grimm: A waste? I¡¯m already a waste in this world. There are more talented people in my field. So go bother them instead.

    Merchant: But none of them can create your weapon.

    ¡°Right now, you are stuck in front of a wall. A wall named Ben. I am here to help you destroy that wall.¡±

    Grimm: You mean kill him? An ordinary man can¡¯t kill God.

    Merchant: Kill or not that''s your choice. You need to get rid of that bane first before you can progress.

    ¡°You have no one left here, your student San will be ok but her mind is complicated. Go with me and I will prepare you for your mending.¡±

    Grimm: Those devices. The thing you implanted into my brain after every punches and kicks. What are those?

    Merchant: Practice material, crafting one sword doesn¡¯t mean you are rid of rust.

    Grimm: I accept. This healing trip of your better work.

    Merchant: Don¡¯t worry. Now let¡¯s fix you and this place up.

    He pulled out a device and smashed it. Grimm¡¯s body was instantly healed and all of the damage they caused to the room was instantly fixed.

    Merchant tossed the baton back at Grimm and he caught it.

    Merchant: It was great meeting you Grimm, see you after the tournament. And put on a great show to push the kid.

    After saying that he walked out of the room.

    Sogae stood up from behind the counter and went to check on Grimm after seeing him resting against the floor.

    Sogae: You¡­ seem to be¡­ ok?

    Grimm: It seems so¡­ How much did you hear?

    Sogae: Hear? Hear what? You two were speaking a foreign language, not English or Korean for sure.

    Grimm: Germany maybe.

    Sogae checked Grimm¡¯s clothes to see if he fully healed.

    Grimm: What are you doing?... This is harassment.

    Sogae: Just making sure you have no wounds on your body. The wooden chair and alcohol shelves did a lot of damage to you.

    Grimm: Not as bad as what you did to me.

    Sogae: A stab through the heart is the most merciless and painless way to take someone down.

    ¡°Ok, you are fully healed¡­ in a magical way.¡±

    Grimm: Great. Now please get away, don¡¯t want people to get the wrong idea.

    Sogae: Sure, want another drink?

    Grimm: Probably not now, how long until the match?

    Sogae: Still long, your squabble lasts at most 30 minutes.

    *making herself a drink*

    ¡­

    *ping*

    Sogae (Someone texted)

    -From Sunz: We will go to the tournament ourselves. Will that be ok?

    *calling*

    *calling*

    *connected*

    Sogae: Hey Sunz, calling to tell you about what you just texted.

    Sunz¡¯s phone: This is not Sunz. It¡¯s Grace holding onto his phone.

    Sogae (moving so fast):¡­ Did you steal this from him?

    Grace: No¡­ he asked me to hold onto it while he learns how to bake.

    Sogae:¡­ And you?

    Grace: I¡¯m learning how to make coffee or better coffee. He knows that baking will be a lot more messy than coffee making so he asked me to hold onto his phone.

    Sogae: Great, good for both of you. I call to tell you two that, I will be picking you two up and drive to the tournament.

    Grace: No problem, we¡¯ll probably visit a few more places later. So call ahead so we can stop and wait.

    Sogae: Great, see you two much later.

    Grace: See you later too.

    *hang up*

    Sogae: These two are so carefree. Having their date night right now.

    Grimm still on the floor: Why are you saying that out loud?

    Sogae: Because those two are not wasting time wallowing in alcohol.

    Grimm: You want me to sleep to pass the time?

    Sogae: I got something better and still include alcohol.

 Chapter 83: Before We Get Serious!

    *Many hours later*

    Grace and Sunz were standing outside, waiting for Sogae to arrive.

    Grace was holding onto a pink stuffed alligator and Sunz had a pair of sunglasses.

    Grace: You have fun today?

    Sunz: I did, and I assume you too.

    Grace: It was fun, probably in my top 3. Stuffed animal is kind of a clich¨¦ date gift. You could have done better.

    Sunz: Sure, it is clich¨¦ but still better than the sunglasses you bought me.

    Grace: Those are good sunglasses, they now have your prescription, protect you from the sun, and help you see clearly.

    Sunz: I can still see things clearly, I¡¯m not blind like you¡­

    ¡°How blind are you anyway?¡±

    Grace: Can see up close not far. In one word, nearsighted.

    Sunz *takes off the sunglasses for a bit*: This thing feels quite annoying after a while.

    After saying that Sunz got jabbed by the stuffed alligator¡¯s mouth a few times.

    Alligator: Wow! The guy who loves to see his girlfriend wearing glasses can¡¯t stand wearing them. You are a bad boy and I¡¯m a talking alligator.

    Sunz: You want to wear it, Alligator?

    Alligator: Don¡¯t put it on me, I have stubby arms that can¡¯t reach the sunglasses. It will fall if you put on me, now be a good boy and wear them.

    Sunz: Ok, pink Alligator¡­ So Grace, when you don¡¯t wear your glasses, you wear contacts?

    Grace *petting the alligator*: Once and never again. So inconvenient to wear and frozen in cold weather, which is bad when having a cold-related ability.

    Sunz: Fun fact, nice. So, how can I make it to your top 1 and 2?

    Grace: Hmm¡­ that, will be hard. My top 1 and 2 can¡¯t be replicated or replaced.

    ¡°In my top 1, the date was simple. We chased each other throughout the city all night then went on a light ice skating trip.¡±

    Sunz: That doesn¡¯t sound like something you would enjoy and the activities are very limited.

    Grace: *sigh* that is all you get when you get a sudden notice that you have a date in 5 minutes. And you¡¯re right, I probably didn¡¯t enjoy that, but my feeling, did enjoy it a lot.

    Sunz: What about the top 2, how did it lose to top 1?

    Grace: Top 2 was a way better date than top 1, the two of us fighting for our lives, protecting each other.

    ¡°Top 2 should been the top 1 but I did not want to die that day.¡±

    Sunz: Your date ranking is very strange.

    Grace: I know, but not as weird as the guy who took me on those two dates. I can¡¯t believe I would go out with someone inferior to me.

    Sunz:¡­ Didn¡¯t you ask him ou-

    Alligator: The Lady is talking, show some respect.

    Sunz *giggle*: I¡¯m sorry, please continue.

    Grace: Sure he is inferior to me but, I enjoy spending time with him. *smack the alligator¡¯s jaw on Sunz¡¯s head* So you better think of better dates if you want to surpass those two.

    Sunz:¡­ You are really good at using that alligator.

    Grace *smirk*: What can I say, anything can be a weapon in my hands.

    ¡­

    Grace: But I¡¯ll be honest, no other date can top those two. The first date chains my feelings to you and the second date chains your feelings to me¡­ well, for you it needed more force.

    Sunz: ¡°Chain¡±, why ¡°chain¡±?

    Grace: Can you think of a better word to describe two people falling for each other, that haven¡¯t been used before?

    Sunz:¡­ No.

    ¡­

    Grace: Hmm¡­ anything else¡­ oh right.

    ¡°You¡¯ve never told me that you can speak multiple languages.¡±

    Sunz: Apparently so.

    *beep*beep*

    A black car pulled up next to them and honked

    Sunz: You think this is our ride?

    Grace: Wait for the window.

    The window rolls down to reveal Grimm sitting in the front and Sogae driving.

    Grimm: Looks like your favorite couple had a great time.

    Sogae: They sure did.

    ¡°Come on you two hop in the back.¡±

    Sunz quickly opens the door then the two of them get into the car.

    *On the way to the tournament location*

    Sogae: So Grace, what did you two do on your date?

    Grace: We, uh¡­ you konw, just wakl aroudn and find things to do.

    Sunz: What just happened?

    Grace: The alligator got me¡­

    Sunz: Ok then.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Grimm: Having a date night before an important match, didn¡¯t know you had that much confidence!

    Sunz: I have nothing else to do¡­

    ¡°Why are you reeked of alcohol? So is Sogae.¡±

    Grace (oh my god) hugs the alligator tightly.

    Grimm got a quick glance at the rearview mirror and saw Grace''s expression.

    Grimm: *sigh* I was having drinks at the bar and Sogae was bartending for me.

    Grace also saw that Grimm just glanced at her, so she decided to sink into the car seat, then hide her face with the ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ hood and the alligator.

    Sunz: So are you showing up drunk?

    Grimm:¡­

    Sogae: Don¡¯t worry, he''s not. I made sure there was no alcohol in his body.

    Sunz:? So did he just drink until it¡¯s time to go?

    Sogae: Oh god no. I don¡¯t need another person on my ¡°Drinking out of grief¡± list¡­ After a while of drinking, I opted for a better activity.

    ¡°After hearing that you two were practicing baking and brewing coffee, I decided to teach Grimm how to make some drinks.¡±

    ¡°And I must say, his skill is quite decent. A bit more practice then we could give him a job here.¡±

    Sunz: So until now, Grimm was only drinking and practicing making drinks?

    Sogae: Yeah.

    Sunz: Then why does he smell like blood?

    Sogae:¡­

    Grimm:¡­

    Grace (There blood?)

    Sunz: Ok, you two suddenly got quiet. What happened?

    Sogae: Well, Grimm¡¯s drinking session was interrupted by a very powerful person. Grimm attacked the man then got retaliated.

    Sunz: How¡­bad was you injured? You were invincible throughout the tournament.

    Grimm: Could have been worse, could have been dead.

    Sunz: Are you sure you can fight at your full strength?

    Grimm: Less worry about me and focus on yourself, kid. I have a move, that is guaranteed to make you completely useless. Unless you have an ace up your sleeve.

    Sunz: What, you going to break both of my arms? Because I have no ace for that.

    Grimm: Consider your weak build, way too simple. I want to create a challenge for you and me, not losing badly.

    Sunz: Hmm, ok back to that last conversation. Do you know who they were?

    Grimm: The person disguises their face with other people''s appearance, but their voice doesn¡¯t match the appearance.

    Sunz:¡­

    ¡°Was this person named Merchant?¡±

    Right after hearing that Sogae immediately slammed on the break, which resulted in Sunz and Grace slamming their face into the seat in front of them. It wasn¡¯t that hurt for both of them and Grace felt almost nothing as the alligator took most of the impact.

    Sogae: We might need to seriously talk about that now.

    Grimm: How did you know about this Merchant?

    Sunz: I probably don¡¯t know him but he knows me. I¡¯ve encountered him a few times, but those encounters are always very random. He was also the one that told me he beat you up, while testing my eyes.

    ¡°If that didn¡¯t happen, I would¡¯ve not think that you got into a fight.¡±

    Grimm: It seems information about this Merchant is low¡­ well then only have one thing to ask you.

    ¡°Is this person trustworthy?¡±

    Sunz: I think he is. I think all he wants to do is see what will happen next.

    Grimm: That is reassuring¡­ I guess. *sigh* Ok, that is enough talking. Save that energy for the fight.

    After saying that Grimm just closed his eyes.

    Sogae: I also won¡¯t partake in any more conversation. You two keep each other busy.

    Sogae continues driving the group to the location.

    Grace was quiet during the conversation and continued being so¡­ until.

    *ping*

    *ping*

    *ping*

    Sunz received messages from¡­ Grace

    Grace: Feel like I was not there.

    ¡°Is this Merchant person important to you?¡±

    ¡°Did he teach you how to speak multiple languages?¡±

    Sunz: He is important in my history in a way. For languages, he gave me a candy that helped me understand every language after consume. Well, I don¡¯t know how many languages are in the candy, all I know is I now also understand French and Korean.

    Grace: I knew that you weren¡¯t smart enough to learn multiple languages!

    Sunz: I¡¯ll be honest, I don¡¯t have the patient and the above detail.

    Grace:¡­

    ¡°I have officially run out of things to talk about.¡±

    ¡°This is bad!!!¡±

    ¡°You! Think of something!¡±

    Sunz:¡­

    ¡°You said you feel like you were not here.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    Grace:¡­

    ¡°I was feeling like I wasn¡¯t part of the conversation. I know nothing about what you two were talking about.¡±

    Sunz:¡­

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that normal?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t always have the knowledge of everything.¡±

    Grace:¡­

    ¡°But now I have nothing to talk about with you.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t that make me boring?¡±

    Sunz:¡­

    ¡°You¡¯re being insecure?¡±

    Grace:¡­

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°yeah¡±

    Sunz:

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, you can only talk to someone for so long.¡±

    ¡°You just need some alone time to regain your social skills or talk with others that is not me.¡±

    Grace:¡­

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Sunz:¡­

    ¡°Professional Loner for 15 years until Jihu shows up. So I know how things go.¡±

    Grace:¡­

    ¡°That is sad.¡±

    ¡° It seemed we were in the same boat.¡±

    Sunz:¡­

    ¡°?¡±

    Grace:¡­

    ¡°Nothing.¡±

    ¡°What now?¡±

    Sunz:¡­

    ¡°We stop talking for now, until something comes up.¡±

    ¡°Also I am more boring than you.¡±

    Grace:¡­

    She was about to type something then she just stopped. After all that texting, the two just put their phone away and everyone sits in silence.

    ¡­

    *Destination reached*

    Sogae: Ok you two we are here, get out.

    *tapping on Grimm¡¯s head until he wakes up*

    ¡°You too, you have a kid to beat up.¡±

    Grimm: *yawn* yeah got it.

    After getting out of the car, Grimm did some stretching then punched his hand into the pavement.

    Grimm: Whooo, that was painful.

    Sogae: Really, injuring yourself before the match.

    Grimm: Just waking myself up.

    Sogae: I¡¯m going to stab you before the match. You and Sunz go prepare, I¡¯m gonna take Grace to the viewing place.

    Grace: Sunz, make sure to win. Grimm, beat him up really hard.

    *Grace and Sogae leave*

    Grimm: I hope your body got tougher kid.

    Sunz: It did not.

    *Grimm and Sunz go prepare*

    *Grace reunited with Jihu and No Name in the viewing area*

    Grace: Hey you two¡­ sorry for kicking you out of the room and not giving you any follow-up information.

    Jihu: At least nothing bad happened. But you should never kick the doctor out. I¡¯m the only person who knows if he is still alive.

    No Name: You were also sleeping¡­ so you are only useful when awake.

    Jihu:¡­ That is not wrong. Ok let¡¯s leave all that in the past, it seems Miss Grace had quite the fun time, judging by the souvenirs in her hands.

    No Name: A pink alligator. And a box?

    Grace: Oh, the alligator was his gift for me and this is the sunglasses I gift him. He asked me to hold onto it during the match.

    Jihu: Wait isn¡¯t that sunglasses brand quite expensive? What kind of gift are you two giving to each other?

    Grace: Well¡­ I give the expensive gift and he gives the, normal gift¡­

    ¡°Move on then. What did you two do before now?¡±

    Jihu: Advance training and hit the library.

    No Name: Nothing.

    Grace: Really? You didn¡¯t do anything, No Name?

    No Name: I¡¯m just using the last few days as my vacation.

    Grace: Make sense.

    No Name: So you and Sunz are like ok now? No more problem?

    Grace: Oh yeah, we are good, better than ever. We are now an official couple.

    Jihu: That is good to hear.

    No Name: I hope you two fun times didn¡¯t cause him to lose.

    Grace: I won¡¯t worry too much about that¡­ plus he wasn¡¯t planning to train after waking up.

    *Before starting the match*

    Sogae meets up with Grimm and Sunz.

    Sogae: It¡¯s almost time to fight, you two ready?

    Sunz: Ready!

    Grimm: Let¡¯s go!

    Sogae: Good.

    *Summon two water swords in each hand then stab Sunz and Grimm in the heart*

    Sunz (She stabs us.)

    Grimm (This girl is a bit too honest!)

    Sogae: Hmm, good. You two are at full strength.

    The two swords then vaporize and Sogae disappears onto the stage and starts announcing.

    Sogae: Hello everyone we are now one step closer to seeing who will be our clan''s newest member. We will only have one match today and it will be between SUNZ and GRIMM!

    ¡°Sunz has shown us his ability to use different elements and how he can turn Lost into Win.¡±

    ¡°Grimm hasn¡¯t even break a sweat and his weapon hasn¡¯t been shown throughout the whole tournament. Will he finally show us what his weapon is or will this match end quickly?¡±

    ¡°Now let¡¯s welcome our contestant!¡±

    Grimm and Sunz walk onto the arena and into their position, they can feel gazing from their friends, foes, and clan members.

    ¡°The two contestants are now in position.¡±

    ¡°PREPARE!¡±

    ¡°3¡­2¡­1¡­¡±

    ¡°FIGHT!¡±

    Sogae disappears from the arena and Sunz immediately takes the first attack while Grimm allows him to.

    Sunz didn¡¯t use any elements on his first attack and he charged at Grimm in a straight line.

    When Sunz reached within his blade striking distance, Grimm immediately grabbed onto Sunz¡¯s sword with his bare hand. Stopping Sunz''s movement entirely.

    There was no blood dripping from Grimm¡¯s hand after stopping the blade.

    Grimm: Time to show me your full strength. Show me your second phase!

    The blade of the sword Sunz was using slowly turned into rust and crumbled like sand. There was nothing left except the sword handle.

    Sunz lost his balance after losing his blade and Grimm kicked him back to his position.

    Sunz was fast enough to block the attack and minimize the damage but wasn¡¯t strong enough to withstand the knockback.

    Sunz stood up and pointed the handle at Grimm.

    ¡°I would have lost if I didn¡¯t prepare my second phase.¡±

    ¡°Time to get serious!¡±

 Chapter 84: Sunz vs Grimm - Final Ace

    Grimm saw Sunz pointing the sword handle at him and mumbled some words.

    ¡°Well then, time to fight for real.¡±

    He pulled the baton out of his pocket, extended it with a swing, and pointed it at Sunz.

    Sunz¡¯s sword handle started forming a mist around where the blade was, then he charged at Grimm with the left arm behind his back.

    As Sunz gets closer to Grimm, his vision starts to flicker with a vision of something that is not there.

    Grimm was just standing there, pointing the baton at Sunz, until he got within 2 feet of Grimm. The baton extended 2 ft more and transformed into a zweihander.

    Sunz managed to dodge the attack after the vision got clearer, but it flickers again when Grimm retract the zweihander into the baton. Then it returned when Grimm struck the baton at Sunz and re-summoned the zweihander in the middle of the attack.

    Grimm: Now, show me the fruit of your labor, kid!

    As the heavy blade of the zweihander nearly struck Sunz''s torso, the mist from Sunz¡¯s sword handle exploded, covering both of them from everyone''s view for a few seconds.

    Grimm felt his zweihander clashed with something that wasn¡¯t organic, and it was trying to push him back.

    Once the mist clears up, it reveals Sunz clashed against Grimm with his sword handle and an ice blade.

    Grimm: Well well, now that isn¡¯t normal.

    Sunz: We are pulling all of our Aces after all.

    Grimm seeing Sunz able to block and withstand his attack, does put a smile on his face.

    Grimm: It seems you have grown some muscle.

    Sunz: Not quite, just got thrown around a lot and got used to it.

    (Holy! Sword did train my strength to get used to heavy weapons. I was wondering how his attacks keep getting heavier with the same weapon.)

    But Sunz couldn¡¯t withstand it for too long, as the clash lasted longer than it should.

    Grimm: Maybe, I complement you a bit soon.

    Sunz: Like always, I was never a strength guy.

    *Bang*

    Grimm immediately felt an extreme force coming from Sunz, knocking him off balance, and created an opening for Sunz to strike him with the ice blade.

    Quickly got back on his feet and retracted the zweihander into the baton, then the two clashed again but this time, Grimm¡¯s baton shattered the ice blade and followed up with a left hook at Sunz¡¯s face.

    Lucky for Sunz, this time he has the upper hand in speed. When the ice blade shattered, all of the fragments flared up and burst into flame directly in front of Grimm.

    Sunz''s vision was blocked by the flame, resulting in him getting punched in the face and knocked back a few feet before stopping his movement with a shockwave.

    Sunz took a nasty hit to his face and tried to recover his blurry vision, while at the same time, Grimm looked the same, without any noticeable burn on him.

    Waiting for Sunz to recover.

    Sunz (Fuck. Fire ain¡¯t working on him¡­ He worked with metal and TRAIN a fire user. Of Course It Not Gonna Work.)

    Grimm: Still flimsy as a stick you are. Better start dodging.

    Sunz shout: I DIDN¡¯T HEAR ANYTHING BUT THANK YOU. I WILL USE THESE FREE SECONDS TO RECOVER!

    Grimm (I have nothing to say.) sees that Sunz starts blinking in one eye and then stops (It seems the concussion is over.)

    Then he gestured for Sunz to come at him, with that Sunz sheath his handle and spread out both of his arms, challenging Grimm to attack him this time.

    Grimm (you ask for it.) throws the baton at Sunz and it transforms in mid-air into the zweihander when it is within a few centimeters from Sunz.

    Sunz didn¡¯t expect the baton to transform and was about to dodge the hit like normal, until the vision showed him the image of himself being cut in two.

    Change of plan, Sunz''s left hand immediately created a lighting sword that blasted a lighting bolt directly into the sky which pushed his whole body down onto the floor, and helped him dodge the zweihander.

    A second after Sunz dropped to the ground, a loud crash occurred in the direction the zweihander flew to. Leaning his head back and rolling his eyes up, Sunz sees that the zweihander just fully encase in the wall of the viewing area.

    The zweihander quickly zipped back the direction it was thrown, into Grimm¡¯s hand.

    Sunz stood up and looked at Grimm (Still got more Aces.), in the middle of Sunz dodging the attack that could have killed him, Grimm put on a pair of black gloves.

    Sunz dismissed the lightning sword and Grimm charged at him with the zweihander in his hand.

    As Grimm quickly gets closer, Sunz draws the sheathed handle and reveals the darkness blade it holding, then he points the blade at Grimm. Immediately a darkness zone surrounded Grimm, blocking all light sources, rendering him blind.

    Grimm also immediately stopped his movement when darkness formed (cheap tactic I see). Then he hears a loud *bang* and a tingling feeling on his body.

    (Let¡¯s hope you¡¯re not using guerilla tactics and shooting me from the side, because that is so cheap.)This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Grimm hears another loud *bang* then immediately swings his zweihander in a cone shape. Didn¡¯t feel like he hit anything but received another tingling feeling on his body. Then another *bang*, but this time it was louder and he felt the tingling in his leg.

    (You sneaky rat. Miss my shot.)

    Outside of the darkness, Sunz is sweating profusely.

    (That was fucking scary. If I didn¡¯t stop there, my head would have been chopped off. Ok, plan¡­ knocking that zweihander out of his hand and keep attacking.)

    Sunz dashed at Grimm then retracted the darkness to his left hand, turning it into a sword and striking Grimm in the torso. Grimm was caught by surprise as the darkness around him disappeared at the same time he got hit and didn¡¯t prepare for that attack.

    But the darkness sword didn¡¯t do any damage to Grimm except going through his torso and start wrapping around him. At the same time when Grimm got a glimpse of Sunz in his vicinity, he struck the zweihander at him and then noticed Sunz¡¯s handle was pointing in the direction of his swing.

    Then a *bang* immediately being felt on the hand that was wielding the zweihander, knocking the weapon away from both of them. Within a second of the weapon flying out of Grimm¡¯s hand, his entire body was hit by a powerful surge of electricity.

    Sunz (if I can hold this, I might not need to create a combo.)

    Grimm still continues to attack with the hand that wielded the zweihander, by turning it into a fist and punching Sunz. Another loud *bang* was created and it was on Grimm¡¯s fist, stopping the attack movement.

    Sunz (ok, just need to keep an eye on those hands and I¡¯m good.)

    Grimm (smart move kid, smart move.) still being fried by high voltage decided to lean back and punch Sunz with his left hand but once again, another loud *bang* nullified that attack.

    Grimm (Great!) uses the force of the *bang* to transfer all of that force into his right leg and kick Sunz right in the side of his stomach.

    Too focused on Grimm¡¯s hands and only noticed at the last second, Sunz was able to shift the handle and summon an ice barrier on his side before the impact¡­ but that wasn¡¯t enough.

    The barrier was immediately shattered on impact and Sunz immediately dismissed the darkness blade to do a quick switch. Launching the handle from his right hand with shockwave then catching it with his left and immediately summoned another ice barrier to block Grimm¡¯s kick.

    ¡­

    All that, was only successful in minimizing the amount of damage Grimm¡¯s kick did. Sunz got knocked back a few feet but still able to maintain his balance. For Grimm, he took a lot of damage from Sunz''s electric attack but still able to move his limbs like nothing happened.

    Sunz (Fuck! Did nothing work on him? There must be other wa-)

    ¡°AAHHHHHHHHHH!!!¡±

    Sunz on his knee, squeezing his head while letting out a terrifying shriek that shocks everyone watching.

    Grace panicked inside her head while squeezing the alligator

    (no no no no no no, not again not again. Come on, I not gonna always be able to save you!)

    Sunz

    (DAMIT! There are no other ways. I can¡¯t exert much more.)

    (Fire is useless, Water is still an option, Lighting is good, Darkness and Light are support, Ice is good defense, Shockwave is physical.)

    Grimm (A few seconds is all it takes. A few seconds of hope.) starts approaching Sunz while stretching his arms and neck.

    Sunz seeing Grimm getting closer to him, which only starts making his thinking worse.

    (Think think, come on combine your arsenal!)

    *Footstep getting closer ¡­ and stop*

    Grimm windup his left leg (Game Over!) and kicks Sunz right in his face. Knocking him only a bit farther from the first kick.

    (Again, really?) Grimm realized that he heard another shatter before his kick came in direct contact with Sunz''s face.

    Sunz was able to stand up despite taking a nasty hit to his face, and created an Ice blade for his handle and an Ice sword for his left hand.

    (Can¡¯t believe Love is saving my ass again¡­ ok, no one else except her in my mind.)

    Both Sunz and Grimm dashed at each other and attacking fiercely.

    Grimm was throwing punches and kicks while Sunz was blocking with his ice barrier from the sword and tried to score hits with the other sword.

    Sunz used the millisecond the barrier provided to move and score a hit on Grimm. For some attacks, they required Sunz to create a second barrier to get into a safer position.

    Sunz managed to not get hit in his body directly once and score a few hits on Grimm, but he can feel his body start getting weaker and weaker the longer he fight.

    Grimm knew that he could wear Sunz out if he continued with this brawl-fighting style.

    But Grimm has set Sunz up in the position he wanted and immediately recalls his zweihander, which is right behind where Sunz is standing.

    Sunz''s vision also notices the zweihander is zooming back to cut him in half. Grimm has one hand recalling the zweihander behind his back while the other hand and legs keeping Sunz from moving too far away.

    As the zweihander prepared to cut Sunz in half, he instinctively stabbed both of his Ice swords behind his back, creating a barrier that stopped the zweihander on impact and it didn¡¯t shatter the barrier but still applying a lot of force.

    Grimm seeing his chance, immediately goes in for a killing blow with his hand and Sunz immediately shatters his barrier, turning all of the fragments into snow to cover Grimm¡¯s vision. The force from the zweihander pushing through Sunz¡¯s barrier was strong enough to launch Sunz over Grimm¡¯s head.

    When flying past Grimm¡¯s head, Sunz stabbed the Ice sword at the perfect spot in mid-air to create a platform to launch him back to the ground, and stabbed Grimm in the back with both of his Ice blades, then shattered them to encase Grimm in Ice.

    Over-exerting himself, Sunz wasn¡¯t able to hold onto his handle and it just fell off his hand. Standing in silence, with his mind going crazy waiting to see if Grimm will break out and punch him in the face.

    After minutes go by and nothing, until.

    ¡°The Winner of this round is SUNZ!¡±

    Sunz after hearing that, just felt all of the pressure got lifted off his body.

    Sunz (G-¡­ I did it. I won. Let go, time for a good nap after this.)

    Sogae was easily able to free Grimm from the Ice prison.

    Sogae: Well, he did it. Kinda sad that you didn¡¯t go all the way. Your body is still full of energy.

    Grimm: No, I did go all the way. There was no way he could endure this longer than me. Using different tactics was his only chance and he could have died at any moment. I saw it in his eyes.

    Sogae: If you say so. I think it is time for you and him to part ways.

    Grimm: Well, thank you for everything you did for everyone.

    Sogae: It¡¯s my job after all.

    ¡°TODAY''S MATCH IS OVER THANK YOU FOR COMING AND ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR STAY AT OUR HOTEL!¡±

    She then proceeded to take Grimm and Sunz out of the arena.

    Grimm: You did well kid, but still not good enough to beat an A-rank hero.

    Sunz: If they aren¡¯t resilient like you then I think I can¡­ by the way how was your weapon able to fly back to you.

    Grimm: Special magnet engineering¡­ and I think you drop this.

    *stab the handle back into the sheath*

    Sunz: Oh yeah, I forgot I dropped it¡­ Did you purposely make me a sword just to destroy it?

    Grimm: Of course, what other way to put you in a desperate situation?

    Sunz: I guess I have a good handle now, lighter than ever¡­ You were able to break metal and ice with your bare hands or gloves. How strong are you?

    Grimm: The gloves mostly are weapon support and to protect myself from myself. I can break ice not metal.

    Sunz: But I saw you broke my sword.

    Grimm: I rusted it then broke it. I have the ability ¡°Rust¡± which only affects metal. Only able to use it once in the fight and nowhere else¡­ except for collapsing build I guess.

    Sunz: And I here I thought you were a normal human.

    Grimm: If your ability isn¡¯t useful for everyday use then you are a normal human. Plus with this kind of strength, I don¡¯t think we are normal humans anymore.

    Sunz: So what is your next plan?

    Grimm: Leaving this planet, I guess.

    Suddenly a glitchy figure appeared in front of the three of them.

    Glitchy figure: Hello Grimm, ready to start your journey?

    Grimm: I have nothing here, so yes Merchant.

    Merchant: Well, it will be amusing seeing what you can do. And Sunz, congratulate on winning. I have a special gift for you after this is over.

    Sunz: I look forward to it, I guess. You should really stop appearing at such strange time.

    Merchant: Strange to you but normal to me. Now Grimm, let¡¯s go.

    Grimm separates himself from Sunz and Sogae to join up with Merchant.

    ¡°If anyone asks, just tell them I leave because of personal life reasons.¡±

    After that, Grimm and Merchant disappear into the darkness.

    Sogae: Well, let''s get you back to your friend. Do you need to go into the infirmary?

    Sunz: I think I¡¯m find.

 Chapter 85: Victory Rest

    Sogae helps Sunz regroup with Jihu, Grace, and No Name.

    Sogae: Special delivery!

    Sunz: Hey guys.

    No Name: Fancy suit.

    Jihu: I was gonna say that.

    No Name:¡­

    Grace: I thought the package was supposed to be in better condition.

    Sogae: You did order last minute¡­ See you all later when it is time to go, I have some cleanup to do. I don¡¯t know how you two got here but the car is not full.

    Sogae leaves the group until they need a ride back to the hotel.

    ¡­

    Grace: Jihu, fix him up.

    Jihu: Gladly!

    Summon a water sword and stab Sunz in the heart, and within a few seconds, all of his wounds are healed and the sword disappears.

    ¡°His wounds are healed but his mind is still short circuit.¡±

    Grace: Good enough!

    Immediately lunge at Sunz and hug him.

    ¡°You had me so worried. I¡¯m so glad you aren¡¯t in a casket right now.¡±

    Sunz: I¡¯m sorry¡­

    Grace: For what?

    Sunz: I can¡¯t hug you back¡­ this is like last time but worse, my brain is not in good condition.

    Grace: Oh don¡¯t worry. Like always, I have to be your guardian angel.

    Sunz: or Lucifer¡­ but I have to thank you. You were the reason why I won.

    Grace holds on to Sunz¡¯s shoulders and pushes him a bit away

    ¡°How???¡±

    ¡°Sure you win with mine, but you also use other Elements.¡±

    Sunz: You remember that horrid screech I released?

    Grace: You fucking scared me, of course I remember.

    Sunz: pft, did not mean to laugh¡­ well after that scene, I wasn¡¯t able to use more than one Element. So after listing out my options, I went with Ice Element because of you.

    Grace: How was my Element the best option?

    Sunz: Well, it was not the best but it was convenient.

    Grace *squeezes Sunz¡¯s shoulder*

    Sunz:¡­ Brain still not good, so probably saying something I shouldn¡¯t¡­ nope I definitely will say that if brain is normal.

    Grace: Just get to the point, this is exhausting.

    Sunz: I need something to keep my brain functioning and thinking simple. The Ice Element alone won¡¯t be enough to win. So you were the solution¡­ this will sound crazy.

    Grace: We¡¯ll see.

    Sunz: I repeat your name about a million times in my head.

    Grace released her grasp and slowly took a few steps back with a horrified look on her face.

    Sunz: I know, that makes me seem like a lunatic. But, you use Ice Element, so by doing that I know what Element I¡¯m using.

    Grace immediately hugs Sunz again: You¡¯re not a lunatic¡­ you just use what you have at the time.

    Sunz: But, you just step away with that horrified look.

    Grace: Not because of you but me.

    Sunz: what?

    Grace: I might have broken or dislocated your shoulders. Jihu! Stab him!

    *After a quick medic check*

    Jihu: Good again but his brain is not and worse. Here is your spotlight Grace.

    *switch place with Grace*

    Grace: So by repeating does it go like this ¡°Grace, Grace, Grace, Grace, Grace, Grace, Grace, Grace, Grace,¡­¡± until the battle is over?

    Sunz: Yes, all the way but in my brain.

    Grace: How does that help, seriously?

    Sunz: The power of Love.

    Grace (aww how cute): Well, need to fit me into your brain somehow. Probably the most you will be thinking about me¡­You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    ¡°Now let¡¯s call Sogae and get you some rest.¡±

    Sunz: We can talk a bit more. I can still function.

    Grace: One of your eyes is closed. You two keep him company, he might faint if no one talks with him.

    *leave to make a phone call*

    Jihu: Any reason why you didn¡¯t use your best friend Element? We have been together for two years, you parasite.

    Sunz: I did, just didn¡¯t use it directly. Ice is the physical form of water so it is easier to use Water to create Ice than creating it out of thin air. Plus it costs less energy.

    Jihu: Cost less energy, how?

    Sunz: When you have 7 kids begging for attention, you have to learn how to micromanage them. Can we talk about other things than Elements? They are tearing my brain out.

    Jihu:¡­

    No Name: Nice outfit, was this plan from the start or you were lazy?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know, I was training in this outfit too.

    No Name: Can¡¯t believe you are that filthy?

    Sunz: Before this, I wasn¡¯t filthy, but after being thrown around I agree with that statement.

    No Name: Well, I have to applaud you for fighting in that. If I have to fight in that maid outfit, disaster.

    Sunz: You just have to get used to it. So what happened, why weren¡¯t you two in the room?

    No Name: She woke up and dragged both of us out of the room and said she would call in case of emergency, go do your own stuff.

    Sunz: Anything else or reason why?

    No Name: No.

    Sunz (the nightmare was that bad.)

    Jihu: One thing I have to comment on, I never thought she was that strong.

    Sunz: Well she did drunk fall asleep on you like a boulder.

    Jihu: That was body weight, not arm muscle.

    Sunz:¡­ Are you that weak?

    Jihu: What?

    Sunz: Yeah, what you said implies Grace is fat or you are weak. As someone who saw her ¡°body¡± and held her with both arms once, I can confirm she is not fat.

    Jihu: Wait you saw her body?... No, getting sidetracked. What you hold was a tired person and Sogae has to hold onto her for you. I was crushed in a position that was not suitable for lifting.

    No Name: Wow, you boys really take the smallest thing seriously.

    Sunz: We are boys, after all, leave us to our own devices.

    No Name: Well, I just want to add, as someone who also saw Grace''s body, I have to agree with Sunz. You are weak, Jihu.

    Jihu: Damn getting ¡°bullied¡± by a girl. Is this how you feel all the time Sunz?

    Sunz: Talk shit behind my back, look disgusted whenever they look at me. I wish those things happened, make school life a lot more interesting, but mostly just arguing with Class Rep.

    No Name: Does he actually want girls to hate him? Is that aura of him not enough?

    Jihu: Who knows?

    *Grace returns*

    Grace: I¡¯m back, what were you three talking about and why is No Name standing next to Sunz?

    Jihu:¡­

    No Name:¡­

    Sunz: We were discussing about whether you are fat or Jihu has weak muscle.

    Jihu and No Name (What the?! That straightforward)

    Grace: Give me the long reason.

    *After a few seconds of recap*

    Grace: So that''s what¡­ I¡¯ll take Jihu¡¯s side. I don¡¯t remember what position I crushed him in, plus I must have done other things to restrict his movement.

    Jihu: It¡¯s 2 to 2.

    Grace: And we will keep it like this, so you and I can keep our dignity.

    Sunz: This feels NTR.

    Jihu: pft¡­ we need to find a way to zip your mouth.

    No Name: Really?

    Grace: What is NTR?

    Jihu and No Name immediately switch places.

    Jihu: Let¡¯s just ignore what this moron just said.

    Grace: Is that thing bad?

    Jihu: For the love of your relationship don¡¯t look that up.

    Grace: ? ok.

    ¡­

    Sunz: I ju-

    Jihu immediately covers Sunz¡¯s mouth and No Name immediately covers Grace¡¯s ears.

    ¡°Are you going to say something stupid?¡±

    Sunz shakes his head, so Jihu and No Name release their hands.

    ¡­

    Sunz: I was gonna ask. Where is Yama?

    Jihu: Apparently, gone on a date.

    Sunz: Good for him, kinda feel bad that he couldn¡¯t communicate with us¡­ What about you two, how did both of you get here?

    No Name: The person Grace insulted, drove us here.

    Grace: Who?

    Jihu: The person who gave us the ticket to the Tower.

    Grace: Oh, him. I hope there wasn¡¯t any bad blood.

    Jihu: Don¡¯t worry, he is fine.

    Sunz: And that¡¯s it. I ran out of dialogues.

    Grace¡¯s phone started buzzing so she checked to see who calling.

    ¡°Perfect timing!¡±

    *Answer call*

    Grace: Hello?

    Sogae: Everything is finished on my side, going to the car right now.

    Grace: Ok, we are heading out now. See you then.

    Sogae: Bye.

    Grace: Bye.

    *Call end*

    Grace: Come on let¡¯s go.

    After a few minutes of walking, the group met up with Sogae, standing next to the car waiting for them.

    Sogae: Is Sunz good? Why is Grace carrying him on her back?

    Grace: Yeah, he is still good, we did a stab test. His body just gives out and he is sleeping.

    Sogae: Ok then, just get in the car.

    Sunz was shoved in the back seat corner, Grace sat in the middle, and No Name was in the other corner. While Jihu and Sogae sit in the front.

    Everyone had a little chat while Sunz was sleeping until they returned back to the hotel.

    Sunz''s tired body and sleepy mind were being shaken into consciousness.

    Sunz: I¡¯m awake¡­ barely.

    Grace: Come on, once you get back in your room, you can sleep all you like.

    Sunz: I¡¯ll try.

    Grace successfully dragged Sunz out of the car and had him standing up.

    Sogae: I¡¯ll take my leave now, see you kids at other times.

    Everyone: Bye Miss Sogae.

    ¡­

    No Name: If you need to look for me, I¡¯ll be in my room. *quickly leave*

    Jihu: Well, it seems he is not going to have any heart attack in the near future. So I¡¯ll leave too. *quickly leave*

    Sunz: Ok then, let¡¯s just get our room key and rest.

    Grace (What the fuck?)

    Sunz and Grace went to the front desk to get their key and there was another person there checking in.

    Sunz ask the person at the front desk: Can I have the key for rooms XXX and YYY?

    Front desk person: Sure, give me a few seconds.

    Grace: Sunz¡­ Are you ok?

    Sunz: Yeah, I¡¯m fine don¡¯t worry.

    Front desk person: Here are your keys, enjoy your stay.

    Sunz: Thank you.

    While grabbing the keys, Sunz got a glance at the other person.

    ¡­

    Sunz: Is that you Mr. Archibald?

    Check in Person: Is that you Sunz?... It is, I couldn¡¯t recognize you without that black hood of yours¡­ and you look more lifeless.

    Sunz: It¡¯s great seeing you here, where is Laikan?

    Archibald: He, has personal matters that need to be resolved. But he will be here to watch you perform.

    Grace: Sunz, you know this person?

    Archibald: Is this the young lady you¡¯ve entangled with? The name is Archibald, a pleasure to meet you.

    Grace: Me too? My name is Grace.

    Archibald: I think you should go now Sunz, we can talk at another time. I can see that you need rest and your fa?ade can only last so long. Please take Sunz back to his room as fast as possible Grace. It¡¯s only a matter of seconds before his body knocks him out.

    Grace: Ok, right away. *immediately drags Sunz to the elevator*

    ¡­

    Front desk person: Here is the key to your room, enjoy your stay!

    Archibald: Thank you.

    *Grace succeeded in dragging Sunz to his room in under 30 seconds*

    Grace: Finally! Back to your safe place. *slam her body onto the bed*

    Sunz: Wow, you¡¯re more relieved than I am¡­

    Grace: That man said you were fake being well!

    Sunz:¡­ He was right. Now, I will go to hell. *fall onto the floor*

    Grace (Son of a bitch) quickly throws a pillow to where Sunz¡¯s head was falling and succeeds in not letting the head hit the floor.

    Then she throws a blanket on top of Sunz, covering him whole.

    Grace:

    ¡°Well, that will do.¡±

    ¡°How long will he be out for?¡±

    (You can do something bold with this opportunity.)

    ¡°No, I can¡¯t do it while he is vulnerable!¡±

    (Come on it will be fun, you are doing him a favor. You¡¯ll not be the only one that is flustered.)

    ¡°Was my mind always this dirty?¡±

    (I was holding back!)

 Chapter 86: Canâ€™t Do Anything

    Right before Sunz¡¯s body knocked himself out, he knew that his face was going to hit the floor, not the soft pillow that Grace threw in to save him.

    But to Sunz''s surprise, his face hit a hard and sandy surface. Still closing his eyes from the knockout, Sunz doesn¡¯t know where he is and what is he lying on.

    Still able to hear the sounds of the environment around him but chose to ignore them, until his head and body got hit by a wave of water.

    Sunz

    (Ok what is going on now? Why am I on some kind of beach?)

    (WHY AM I FULLY AWAKE?)

    (I can¡¯t ignore this at all.)

    Standing up and open his eyes to see a lot of people having fun and partying in their swimwear.

    Sunz (What is going on inside my head? Who are these people?)

    Voice: Hey kid come here!

    Sunz immediately knew which direction that voice came from and when he turned his head in that direction, he saw Violet sunbathing on a sunbathing chair under a beach umbrella.

    He immediately ran to her location and asked her: What is going on?

    Violet: That¡¯s right, you never know what we did in here¡­ why are you here anyway, it¡¯s still early.

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know. Am I not supposed to be here?

    Violet: No, but you should be in your own dream if nothing serious happened¡­ That¡¯s right, you have a match today. Did you lose and now going to us to cry?

    Sunz: No, I won that match¡­ with a 99% chance of losing.

    Violet: Then go treat yourself to something nice, in real life.

    Sunz: I can¡¯t, my brain is dead and it leads me here.

    Violet: I¡¯ll be honest, I have no idea what is wrong with you. Go ask Sword.

    Sunz: I would, but I don¡¯t know where he is.

    Violet pointed her finger to the ocean, following the direction of her finger Sunz saw Sword or somebody surfing way out in the sea, there was only one person way out in the sea.

    ¡°He''s there.¡±

    Sunz: You mind helping me out¡­?

    Violet: Sure, a little exercise won¡¯t hurt.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Getting out of the sunbathing chair and stretching herself, she then summons a sword in her right hand and throws it at the sea. Her throw was so strong, it caused a wind gust where she standing.

    Sunz (Damn, she''s strong!... wait did she just throw that sword at Sword?)

    The person that was surfing fell off the surfboard. Then they fell from the sky and hit the ground next to Violet. The person standing up, with a sword impaling their chest was Sword.

    Sword: Ok, Violet what is the reason for this? *pull the sword out* Also, still not changing into a bikini.

    Violet: And you haven¡¯t found anything else except a different variety of your swim trunks?

    Sword: I ain¡¯t putting on those wetsuit.

    Violet: And I can¡¯t put on a bikini because I don¡¯t have boobs just chest. Once you put on the wetsuit I¡¯ll put on a bikini.

    Sword: Well, that will never happen.

    Violet: We have plenty of time.

    Sword swinging the sword around in his hand: Why did you throw this at me?

    Violet points at Sunz: For some reason, he is here¡­

    Sword: Hah, nothing wrong but he shouldn¡¯t be here. I¡¯ll take care of this and you continue what you were doing.

    Violet: Take care.

    Sword snaps his finger and immediately, he and Sunz are teleported to a white room expanding infinitely.

    ¡°So why are you here? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be out there with your friends?¡±

    Sunz (How did both of you ask the same question?)

    Sword: That¡¯s right, you have that match¡­ and now you are here. Well, losing is part of life can¡¯t win every time.

    Sunz: I won the match.

    Sword:¡­

    Summoned a chair for him and Sunz then sat down.

    ¡°You won then why are you here?¡±

    Sunz didn¡¯t sit down: I overexerted myself, which caused the worst headache I¡¯ve ever had then I fainted and now I¡¯m here.

    Sword: Pretty common stuff, nothing out of the ordinary, the only problem is you somehow enter my mind space instead of your mind space.

    Sunz: Mind space?

    Sword: The room we are in is your mind space. You can do anything you want here¡­ anything.

    Sunz: Ok, other questions about me and new information I learned. Why am I fully awake? I was in survival mode, trying to stay awake.

    Sword: Yeah¡­ here comes the bad bad news. Outside, you are currently ¡°sleeping¡± regaining energy, and will not wake up for a day or two at most.

    Sunz: How is that bad bad news?

    Sword: You can¡¯t time skip like sleeping, if you are out for 1 or 2 days. You are staying awake for that long in here.

    Sunz: O...k, sounds like an insane asylum. But at least I can do anything.

    Sword: As long as you have a fragment of that in your memory.

    Sunz: What does that mean?

    Sword: For example, if you have a book or a game that you haven¡¯t finished and want to finish them here. You can only complete to where you left off.

    Sunz: That sounds annoying.

    Sword: Well, people handle this situation differently. I think I named this.

    ¡°Can¡¯t sleep, relax is an option.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to return to my mind space. If you want to leave this place then scream ¡®leave¡¯ really loud.¡±

    ¡°See you.¡±

    Sword disappeared and there is only Sunz in the white room.

    Sunz:

    Well¡­ I am alone in my mind, where anything is possible.

    *look at himself*

    ¡°I¡¯m still wearing the suit¡­ give me my Windbreaker.¡±

    A Windbreaker got equip on to Sunz like a videogame item.

    ¡°Ah, this is nice. I miss you.¡±

    ¡­

    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything else, I don¡¯t want to do anything.¡±

    ¡°I hate this. I can¡¯t be alone.¡±

    ¡°LEAVE!!!!!!!!¡±

    After screaming, Sunz was immediately blinded by a white light forcing him to close his eyes. A few seconds passed, Sunz felt a sandy texture around his feet and his nose got a hint of smoke.

    When Sunz opened his eyes, he saw Sword and Violet doing barbeque.

    Sunz: umm, hello?

    Violet and Sword:!

    Both turned around and saw Sunz.

    Violet: Again, kid? Go hang out with your friends.

    Sword: He can¡¯t, he going stuck here for a while.

    Violet: Oh, then why are you here again?

    Sunz: I-I¡­uh¡­ Can I hang out with you two?

    Violet:¡­

    Sword: What do you think Violet?

    Violet: Sure, why not. The only interaction I had with him was killing him and stealing his body.

 Chapter 87: Hang out with Teachers (Part 1)

    Standing around the barbecue grill, eating and hearing Sunz¡¯s reason for being there.

    Violet: Can¡¯t believe you left that space because you can¡¯t stand being alone. It literally has everything you wanted.

    Sunz: Sound better in your mind than actually experiencing it.

    Violet: At least you actually called for help. Before you, some just lay in that room and cry, becoming insane until their mind wakes up.

    Sunz: Wait¡­ what? Wouldn¡¯t that be bad like really bad?

    Violet: Hey Sword stop messing with the grill and explain this to your student. I¡¯m not here to babysit him for you.

    Sword: You are part of this whether you like it or not Violet. You did interfere with his mind¡­ so he is your problem too.

    Violet: Ughhh, why can¡¯t I be like the other? Living on as memory fragments.

    Sword: Courtesy for being the first¡­ Also, we wouldn¡¯t be here if your event didn¡¯t happen.

    Violet: Can¡¯t change our mistake anymore, I¡¯ve done everything I can¡­ At least, if he dies I won¡¯t have to take care of the next one with you.

    Sword: If you don¡¯t interfere then yes.

    Violet: Sunz?

    Sunz: Yes.

    Violet: I heard that your final opponent is a ruthless one. You think you can survive? Each match had been getting closer to death and this might be the one.

    Sunz: I¡­don¡¯t know.

    Violet: hmm¡­ well, if you don¡¯t, at least you still get your love story.

    Sunz: What do you mean by that?

    Violet: I¡¯m talking about Miss Icy. Witnessing your death might make her the next student. Which means, you two can now be together forever. Isn¡¯t that nice?

    Sunz: No! I don¡¯t want that. Can you not bring other people in while poking fun at me?

    Sword: She may be poking at you but she¡¯s not wrong. The student selection is very random, but that emotional outburst does give you a much more favorable chance.

    ¡°It was the root of this.¡±

    Sunz: Ok, I¡¯ll make sure to win that match.

    Violet: Tch, that will be hard. You haven¡¯t, really demonstrated the ability to kill.

    Sunz: I¡¯ll find a way to win without killing.

    Violet: Well, you do you, but you¡¯ll have to kill sooner or later.

    Sword: Let¡¯s leave the killing lesson for another day. You still owe Sunz an answer to his question.

    Violet: Yeah, the going insane thing. If you ever gone insane in this situation. Once you wake up, it won¡¯t affect you at all. It will be like a dream that you have little memory of and it will quickly fade.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Sunz: So I don¡¯t have to worry about going insane?

    Violet: Yeah, nothing to worry about.

    Sunz: If my insanity doesn¡¯t change when I wake up. How did I still retain the knowledge I learned?

    Violet:¡­ *shrug shoulder*

    Sword: Yeah, I have no idea either.

    Sunz: Haa¡­ wait does that mean I won¡¯t remember any of this after waking up?

    Sword: Hmm, I don¡¯t know. This is the first time I actually hang out with my student.

    Sunz: Ok then¡­ I guess, let¡¯s talk about something normal.

    Sword: What do you have in mind?

    Sunz: What are we eating? It¡¯s meat but the flavor is not like any type of meat I¡¯ve eaten before.

    Sword: It¡¯s dragon meat.

    Sunz: What? Dragon?

    Sword: Yeah, at first it seems that dragon will taste like lizard but there is a huge difference.

    Sunz: Woah, before we talk about taste. How the hell did you have dragon meat?

    Sword: One of the students here killed a dragon and had to eat it to survive, because of that event I can now manifest the taste of cook dragon.

    Violet: You have some complaints, Sunz?

    Sunz: No, it tastes good but just I wonder what was the reason for eating the dragon. Most stories and games mostly killed the dragon for glory and materials. Eating, never heard of it.

    Sword: Well, like every dragon-slaying quest you either kill or be killed. The student managed to kill the dragon but it had another trick up its wing.

    ¡°Both the student and the dragon corpse were teleported into a huge cave that had no exit. So in response, the student try to dig their way out with their Elements.¡±

    ¡°But the cave is super durable, even better than the dragon scale. Digging their way out was not a problem, the only problem is energy and resources.¡±

    ¡°So as food and water ran dry, eating the dragon was the only option. They tried to freeze the dragon''s corpse to prevent rotting but were not that successful. Apparently, when a dragon dies, their body becomes hotter instead of cool down.¡±

    ¡°Because of that, thinking the dragon is still alive, they cut its head off and for some reason, it was easier to penetrate the dragon skin than before.¡±

    ¡°From there you can already guess the story, continue eating the dragon while getting out of the cave.¡±

    Sunz: What the fuck! If I didn¡¯t know there were millions of students before me, I would have accused you of lying.

    Sword: You think I wasn¡¯t surprised? That was one of the moments that made me wonder what world are we living in.

    Violet: You want to drink some dragon blood?

    Sunz: Jeez, how can you casually bring that up?

    Violet: This is not the first time we''ve eaten dragon meat kid. We¡¯ve been reliving these moments many times.

    Sword: What can I say? We experience through you students. Want some dragon blood now?

    Sunz: sure.

    Sword created a cup floating in mid-air in front of Sunz: Enjoy.

    Sunz grabbed the cup and took a sip of the warm red liquid that is dragon blood. After the first sip, he immediately spit it all out before it got a chance to go down his throat.

    ¡°This is disgusting, worse than ginger tea!¡±

    Violet takes a sip of her drink with a smile: You just don¡¯t know how to enjoy this delicacy.

    Sword: You just have different tastes from us.

    ¡­

    Violet *cough*cough*choking*: I can¡¯t hold it in¡­this¡­is too¡­good.

    Sunz: Why is she dying?

    Sword also had the same reaction as Violet but he was quicker to calm his body.

    ¡°That¡¯s hurt¡­¡±

    ¡°We were messing with you. Dragon blood tastes disgusting when it¡¯s hot and warm. Best to drink when it¡¯s cold.¡±

    Sunz: So I shouldn¡¯t drink this.

    Sword: No you can, it just tastes very gross in that temperature. Here taste the better version.

    The cup in Sunz''s hand suddenly turns cold and he carefully has another sip. This time it tasted better which made Sunz down it in one go.

    Sunz: This is very good¡­ Shouldn¡¯t you help Violet, she still dying on the sand now.

    Sword: Just let her get it out of the system, it¡¯s been a while since she laughed like that.

    ¡­

    Violet: phew, that was refreshing.

    Sunz: Since you¡¯re ok now, was it necessary for you to mess with me like that?

    Violet: Me, messing with you. I was simply watching you fall into the trap that I¡¯ve fallen into.

    Sunz: Wait, so you also taste that disgusting drink.

    Violet: yeah, and it also ended worse than yours. At least it is funny when you are not the victim.

    Sunz: How did it end for you?

    Violet: I beat him up, simple as that.

    Sword: Woah, you got a few surprise hits. We were on par in strength.

    Violet: I don¡¯t think so, you were running away for most of that squabble.

    Sword: I can¡¯t fight you while trying to hold my laughter.

    Violet: Well, I think we can end the beach party session here. Let¡¯s do other things.

    Sword: It¡¯s your turn.

    Violet: Since we have an uninvited guest, might as well let him join the fun. So he doesn¡¯t have to continue running over to us.

    Sunz: So what are you planning?

    Violet: All you need to know is you ain¡¯t laughing when I¡¯m in charge.

 Chapter 88: Hang out with Teachers (Part 2)

    Violet: I¡¯ll go first, go to my place when I give you the signal.

    Violet immediately teleport out of Sunz and Sword¡¯s sight.

    *Only Sunz and Sword are left on the beach*

    Sunz: Oh yeah, forgot to thank you for the training. It¡¯s help out more than it should.

    Sword: My pleasure. It will be a waste to see you all die at such a young age¡­ but what part of the training are you talking about?

    Sunz: The part where you subtly help me get used to fighting against heavy weapons. If that didn¡¯t happen, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to block the zweihander.

    Sword: That¡¯s part¡­ consider yourself lucky. It took one life to save many.

    Sunz: Are you saying¡­ you came up with that lesson because one of your students died?

    Sword: I was born to teach myself not others. Teaching you was not an obligation, but while sitting in here watching them underperform made me annoyed, and had to step in.

    Sunz: Wait, underperform? I thought everyone you taught was skillful.

    Sword: Sure some of them are and some are in due time, but most are like you, have the potential, just don¡¯t know how to unlock it.

    ¡°The student that died was good, better than you physically. They were so good that I¡¯ve never had to step in. Winning every fight they got themselves into, until they met someone that was stronger and wielded a bigger weapon.¡±

    ¡°This is when experience comes into play. Normal heavy weapons I¡¯ve encountered before, but they haven¡¯t. So with one swing, they die¡­ and that was one of the first death that hurt me, because I didn¡¯t do anything.¡±

    ¡°So I tried to fight the fragment of the person that killed them, and for the first time in forever, I broke down every detail of that enemy. And the result I got was, they were not surviving after that match.¡±

    ¡°But like always there is a small chance that they could have survived. So I turned that misfortune into something that you were able to use. I didn¡¯t watch your match but that Grimm guy. And his zweihander? Weren¡¯t as strong as that ¡®Misfortune Bringer¡¯.¡±

    ¡°I was struggling at the start when fighting them. Their strength was overwhelming, even more than of a dragon.¡±

    Sunz: Kind of sucks that this training doesn¡¯t increase my real-life strength.

    Sword: Well, that lesson was only acted as a strength measure, to know if you are fuck or not. And everyone is built different, for you, strength is not something you should focus too much right now.

    ¡°Increase your low stamina pool and train your mind. You are probably the glassest canon I¡¯ve ever taught.¡±

    ¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s time to go, Violet just send me the signal.¡±

    Sword snaps his fingers to teleport him and Sunz to Violet¡¯s location.

    To Sunz''s surprise, he didn¡¯t expect to visit the place he first met Violet.

    Sunz: Sooo¡­ the next activity is here. Are we forging? Because that is the only activity I can think of.

    Sword: Probably, she is only good at two things, fighting and forging.

    ¡°Hey, Violet! We are here!¡±

    *Quick and loud sound of footsteps echoed through the building*

    *The sound comes to a stop with a loud door open*

    Intense hot air blasted out of the room with Violet welcoming Sunz and Sword in her blacksmith outfit, with an enormous authority aura.

    Violet: Welcome to HELL! Sunz!

    Sunz: How are you even scarier than before?

    Sword: Because you are entering her domain.

    Violet: Come on Loser get in! *walk away* AND CLOSE THE DOOR!

    Sunz: Is she giving me nick name now?

    Sword: You did nearly lose without her help. *walk in first*

    Sunz followed behind Sword and closed the door.

    Inside the smithy, the heat is way more intense than the first time visited and the layout is also completely different, with only a hall leading to the forging station. As they got closer, the heat was also getting more scorching.

    Sunz: Hey Sword, is it possible to faint in here? I know that my body is fully awake, but this heat is fucking scary.

    Sword: I did say there is no time skip in here but maybe you can break that rule, haha.

    Sunz: How are you still the same?

    Sword: I visit this place from time to time so I¡¯m used to this environment.

    Inside the forging station, there is a big forge in the corner of the room, normal smithing tools hang on the wall, some are scattered across the room, inside of metal buckets. Then there are three anvils arranged in a triangle shape.

    Violet is opening windows to ventilate the room, Sword is going to one of the empty stations and Sunz confusingly approaches the other empty station.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Sunz looks at all of the tools and materials in his station, grabbing and putting them down like he doesn¡¯t know what to do.

    Violet approaches Sunz station: Well, how are you enjoying this environment so far?

    Sunz: It¡¯s a bit hot but I¡¯ll manage.

    Violet: We all sweating like crazy, no need to act tough. Water is dripping out of me like crazy.

    Sunz: Dripping? Doesn¡¯t your outfit absorb your sweat?

    Violet: Yeah, you are new so you don¡¯t know this. Our clothes don¡¯t actually absorb water.

    She rotated her arm down toward the floor, and then a small stream of water dripped down and vaporized when it hit the floor.

    ¡°See, waterproof. I even have water slowly dripping down my legs as we speak.¡±

    Sunz: ok, I don¡¯t need that much information.

    Violet: True, if you don¡¯t like this we can make your clothes absorb water again.

    Sunz: No, this might be better, wet clothes are worse than this environment¡­ That must suck for you back then, working in that outfit and it getting drenched every day.

    Violet:¡­ well well well, look like that Yellow hair girl did change you a bit. I like you a bit more now. Because of that, I¡¯ll pay more attention to you.

    *Slam a paper onto Sunz¡¯s station*

    ¡°Complete this order for me~. Also, remember to hold it tight and pound it hard.¡±

    *leave*

    Sunz takes the paper and reads what''s on it.

    ¡°katana blade¡±

    ¡°thin katana blade¡±

    ¡°rapier blade¡±

    ¡°Tutorial - Heat metal and smash it with a hammer.¡±

    ¡°ok¡­¡±

    Before he started working, Sunz watched Sword and Violet to see how they smith because he had no idea what he should do.

    First, they both pick a piece of metal from their station, Violet then puts her metal into the forge then uses a set of tongs to pull out a piece of red hot metal.

    Sword way is way more different, he pulled out a knife and ignited it with fire, then stabbed it into the piece of metal to heat it up to the same color as Violet¡¯s metal.

    Then the two of them grabbed a hammer and started hammering their metal.

    (I guess that''s how they d-)

    ¡°HEY! IF YOU GOING STAND THERE AND WATCH! PUT YOUR INGOT IN THE FURNACE!¡±

    Sunz''s thoughts were cut off by Violet screaming at him.

    Sunz: I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯ll do it now *franticly chooses his ingot*

    Violet: Fucking kid, wasting everyone''s time.

    Sword:¡­

    After grabbing his ingot, Sunz makes his way to the furnace and places two third of the ingot inside then waits for it to heat up while watching the other two work.

    After waiting around near the hot furnace for some reason, Sunz saw that the metal Violet was working on had cooled down and she was making her way to the furnace with the beat-up ingot being held by the tongs.

    She placed her ingot back into the furnace and grabbed the other ingot that she put in before.

    Violet: What are you waiting for? Your ingot is ready.

    Sunz moved his arms to grab the tongs and grabbed the ingot with it without saying any words.

    Violet: Hold it tight! Drop it on the floor, I¡¯ll kill you!

    Sunz followed her instruction with fear across his body and a pair of eyes watching all of his movement until he reached his station.

    Violet took the other ingot back to her station and started working on it while keeping an eye on Sunz.

    Sunz after having a firm grip on the ingot with the tong, grabbed a hammer from his station and remembered the words that Violet told him before.

    *klink*klink*klink*klink*klink*

    Hearing the sound that she wanted to hear, Violet diverted her eyes away from Sunz and focused on working the metal.

    Time passed as everyone focused on their project and after an amount of time, everyone finished their project. Sword finished creating his weapon, Violet finished creating 5 different weapons and Sunz is still on his first blade.

    Violet walks over to Sunz¡¯s station to check on him: Hey kid, how you doing? Sword and I already finished with our work, while you are still on that blade. Something wrong?

    Sunz: Oh, no. I¡¯m fine and this smithing is kinda fun.

    Violet: Ah yes, smithing is fun indeed but it¡¯s also important for you to finish your job. I see that you have finished this blade, but why haven¡¯t you moved on?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know, you said this blade is finished but I don¡¯t feel like it is finished.

    Violet grabbed the tongs that were holding on to the blade: What do you mean it''s not finished? It¡¯s look good, easy to swing like your first katana and *slides one of her fingers across the blade* it very sharp, see I bleed.

    Sunz grabs the tongs back: I know, but¡­ after learning and knowing what I can do with my Elements. This blade doesn¡¯t spark that much joy anymore.

    Violet: Hmm *places a hammer onto Sunz¡¯s station* even the perfect sword is imperfect in the wrong hand. As blacksmiths, all we can do is keep hitting it until we are satisfied.

    Sunz grabs the hammer and asks: Do I need to heat it up?

    Violet: It¡¯s already thin enough but your choice.

    Sunz holding the tongs with the blade in one hand and the other hand holding the hammer. After pondering for a moment, he struck the hammer and¡­ broke the blade in half.

    Violet

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ¡°When I said all of that, I also mean an imperfect sword still better than a broken sword¡­ but beginner mistake so I¡¯ll let you off this time.¡±

    Sunz:...

    Violet: ehh? Are you ok kid? Did your body reach its limit?

    The arm that was holding onto the tongs suddenly stabbed the hand that was holding onto the hammer.

    Violet:¡­

    Sunz: never¡­been¡­better¡­ I guess.

    Violet: What was that for?

    Sunz: My intrusive thoughts get the better of me¡­ Also, were you about to kill me?

    Violet: Yes I did! Broke another one in my home, I¡¯ll send you back like last time.

    Sunz: I¡¯m sorry, but I didn¡¯t break it, instead I somehow modified it to my liking.

    *pulls the blade out of his hand*

    ¡°I can now restrain my opponent without hurting them.¡±

    Violet glanced at Sunz¡¯s hand: You sure? It¡¯s bleeding, not too much but still.

    Sunz wipes the blood from his hand with the suit: Still a work in progress and I have to thank you for that.

    Violet: What do you mean? This is just something I do to relax.

    Sunz: While forging my sword, I can feel the importance of the weapon''s length and width. I hope you can teach me more about forging.

    Violet: I can¡¯t believe it¡­ Sword what you said was right, it does feel rewarding when they learn the lesson you were trying to teach.

    Sword: That''s why I¡¯m still the best after teaching millions of them.

    Sunz: Wait, you were actually teaching me?

    Violet: I wish that was how it was from the start. Like I said before, this is something I do to relax. I¡¯ve never intended to teach you, but you did show me that you want to learn, so I¡¯ll give it a try.

    Sunz: That¡¯s generous of you.

    Violet: Well, don¡¯t take it the wrong way. He is still your main teacher and I¡¯ll teach you things that might come in handy. Your fighting style matched him more than me.

    ¡°But I¡¯m more strict than him, so be careful.¡±

    Sunz: What if I need to break another sword to get the result I want?

    Violet: Eh, as long as you reuse it, I don¡¯t mind.

    Sunz: This is not a trap right?

    Violet: Kid, my father didn¡¯t let me use the good metal until I restored a blade to its former glory. So I know where you stand¡­ right below where I was.

    Sunz: Not wrong.

    Violet: So Sword, it¡¯s your turn to choose the next activity, but I need to take a bath after this long day of work. I¡¯ll signal when I¡¯m ready.

    Sword: Got it, see you later.

    Sunz: See you later too.

    Violet: Yeah, bye bye boys.

    *Sword teleported himself and Sunz out of there*

    Sword: Well want to take a bath, because I am.

    Sunz: Sure, she said the sweat doesn¡¯t stick to our clothes but it still feels annoying.

    Sword: Great, then I know a place.

 Chapter 89: Hang out with Teachers (Part 3)

    Sun and Sword are both soaking themselves in a hot spring.

    Sunz: Does it always take that much effort and awkwardness to take this bath?

    Sword: Do you think it''s worth it?

    Sunz: It..does! *sinking his body in the hot spring*

    Sword: Once you do this many times, all there''s left is the reward.

    Sunz: yeah, I guess you are right. Is this like one of those onsen in Japan?

    Sword: This is a Japanese onsen.

    Sunz: hah.

    ¡­

    Sword: It''s been quite a while, you think you¡¯ll wake up soon?

    Sunz: How should I know? You have the knowledge of how long time has passed.

    Sword: You¡¯re right, but I¡¯m not gonna check it.

    Sunz: Well, it doesn¡¯t bother me that much. All I can do is relax.

    ¡°Never seen you exposing yourself this much and it makes me wonder. Your body is somehow familiar to me but more muscular. I thought you were supposed to be bigger than me.¡±

    ¡°Is this your real body? Because the first time we met you used my body.¡±

    Sword: This is my body. For that introduction, the best way for you to know what is going on is you explaining to yourself. Got it?

    Sunz: yeah?

    Sword: Good enough. So how old are you?

    Sunz: uhh¡­ 16 turns 17 later this year.

    Sword: You''re still young, wait until 18 then you¡¯ll see some development. Plus, if you are not going into other fields then you¡¯ll probably be like me when you are 20.

    Sunz: Wait what, my 20, isn¡¯t that a bit too soon? I thought you had really good strength.

    Sword: You reach my physique at 20, my strength never. Also, my strength is not top-tier or anything. I spent most of my time traveling and my fight is my training.

    ¡°Violet is definitely stronger than me in strength. She worked in that place all her life so it makes sense.¡±

    Sunz: hmmmm¡­

    Sword: What''s wrong, something on your mind?

    Sunz: Am I a normal human?

    Sword: What? Gonna need more information for that.

    Sunz: I mean, it seems like I got my power from you and Violet. You have the ability to use Elements and Violet has the ability to understand weapons to use them to their full potential.

    Sword: Are you saying that we are the reason you are here?

    Sunz: Very likely. I can use and understand Elements the moment I encounter them, it from you. Foreseeing the event of what a sword can do, that from Violet.

    Sword: And that bothers you in some way?

    Sunz: Kind of. It feels like, without you I¡¯m nothing.

    Sword: It¡¯s pretty common, don¡¯t you think so?

    Sunz:¡­ How?

    Sword: Those who are ordinary or unfortunate are given a chance to prove themselves. We just can¡¯t control whether their actions will be bad or good.

    Sunz: I kinda get what you mean.

    Sword: So don¡¯t worry too much about this stuff. You ignored me for years, so let¡¯s call that your handy cap.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Sunz: haha. It seems, you can communicate with me at any time but you choose to ignore me for those years too.

    Sword: Yeah, there wasn¡¯t anything happen with your life so I don¡¯t know what to do except wait.

    Sunz: I guess we are both at fault¡­ but I kinda also want my own ability that is not from you two.

    Sword: I mean don¡¯t you already have one? Sure, those skills you listed before might not be from you, but your mind needs something to overclock itself.

    ¡°You are definitely not the fastest or strongest but your range of utilizing the Elements is beyond my capability.¡±

    ¡°When you bring up the headache, I thought it would be just a normal overthinking but after reviewing that memory¡­ yeah, even I can¡¯t process that much information in my head. Seeing millions of sword patterns and thinking up ways to counter them, that¡¯s not a normal feat.¡±

    Sunz: I thought that was normal.

    Sword: So, it seems you have a bigger brain than you thought, the only problem is it is not in the right place.

    Sunz: Yeah, would have made tests a lot easier.

    Sword: You students always have such niche abilities.

    Sunz: So what should I name this ability?

    Sword: Name?

    Sunz: Yeah, if you are born with an ability that no one has then you can name it.

    Sword: Interesting, call it ¡®Overthink¡¯, a simple name.

    Sunz:¡­ sure why not.

    Sword: Well, it''s about time for the next activity. Go and dress up.

    Sunz: Ok, but where are we going next?

    Sword: You know it when you see it.

    ¡­

    *After a while of drying and putting on new clothes*

    Sword: Still wearing the same outfit?

    Sunz: I¡¯m used to this now, ok. Your outfit is pretty casual.

    Sword: Yeah, let¡¯s go.

    *Sword teleports Sunz and himself to an unexpected location*

    ¡°Here we are.¡±

    Sunz looks around and sees a lot of people this time, some are lining up to buy tickets and food, and some are just standing around.

    ¡°hah, we are at a movie theater¡­ didn¡¯t expect this.¡±

    Sword: More like you can¡¯t expect anything. Wait a bit, I¡¯m contacting Violet right now¡­ done, she coming in a bit. You want to grab anything?

    Sunz: No, I¡¯m fine.

    Sword: Ok then, I¡¯ll grab some for myself. So wait here.

    *Sword leaves and Violet appears*

    Violet: Hey kid, where¡¯s Sword?

    Sunz: Oh, he went to get some food.

    Violet: Got it¡­ you still wearing the same outfit?

    Sunz: So are you.

    Violet: This is my most comfortable outfit.

    Sunz: Comfortable? With that many layers.

    Violet: I wear this all my life so yeah, it¡¯s comfortable to me. What about you, I thought you had other outfits?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know. I think, I¡¯ve been wearing this for a few days and my body already got used to it.

    Violet: Interesting. So whose memory are we watching?

    Sunz: Memory?

    Violet: Yeah, you really thought we were gonna watch a real movie¡­ well we actually can if the memory we are watching does have a movie.

    Sunz: That is kinda cool¡­ wait doesn¡¯t that mean-

    Violet: No, all of the things you do with your body and with your lover and or sidepiece are not in there.

    Sunz: That¡¯s reassuring, but how do know I was going to ask that?

    Violet: No one wants to be watched pleasuring themselves by other people¡­ but for some reason, if you watched porn we can watch it, just without you there.

    Sunz: hah¡­¡­¡­ how do you know the other person is doing it with their lover and or sidepiece, if there¡­is no¡­memory?

    Violet: Usually, when you and the other person are onscreen and it suddenly goes black then it later returns with you two naked and are heavy on breath. We know what you did.

    Sunz: So it starts then skip to the end.

    Violet: Well, not skip, it''s just a blank screen until the two of you done fucking. Sword has to edit the memory to skip that blank part, and we even have a gallery of how long each blank was.

    Sunz: That is more interesting than I thought. So what is the longest blank you have?

    Violet: Ahhhh, well most of the longest blank are all girls, there are a few boys at the top. But there is one unfair instance of a girl stabbing the boy to transfer her energy into him to keep going. At that point do we still count that?

    Sunz: I mean, that counts because you need two people to have sex. Also, I want to hear how that happens.

    Violet: ok then, he''s currently has the longest blank. So like usual, memory of him and this girl in the room together, it goes blank, we know what happens next. Then the memory returns with the girl sitting on top of his naked body with a dagger in her hand.

    ¡°They exchange conversation which I don¡¯t want to remember, while the girl has the lustiest look on her face then she stabs him with the dagger and blank again. That situation could have turned into a good assassination.¡±

    ¡°And I must say that girl has way, way too much stamina. Their first round was already in the top 10 but round 2 put the rest to shame.¡±

    Sunz: They must have many kids.

    Violet: Oh they do, always twin for some reason and half half too.

    Sword returned: Hey, you¡¯re here. What are you two talking about?

    Violet: Explain to him that this is not a movie theater and telling him about the ¡®Two Round¡¯ couple.

    Sword: Oh them, so many blanks. I like that couple and the girl¡­ she carried that journey.

    ¡°Here Violet, this is your popcorn.¡±

    Violet grabs one of the popcorn buckets from Sword: Thanks. So whose memory are we watching today?

    Sword: A mystery.

    Violet: Well, it¡¯s always a mystery when you don¡¯t know anyone here.

    Sunz: So Sword, question. Are all of the memories in first person?

    Sword: Of course and we can also zoom out to get a better view.

    Sunz: This dream place is way more fancy than thought.

    Sword: Well, its fanciness depends on how many memories you have in here. When there were only my and Violet¡¯s memory this place was quite blank.

    ¡°But enough talk let¡¯s watch one of these student memories. Follow me.¡±

    After walking for a bit, they reached their room and settled down in their seat. Sword sits in the middle of the group with Sunz and Violet to his left and right.

    Sunz: So are we going to watch someone''s memory like from the start?

    Sword: Of course not, that will take way too long. Instead, we are watching the important events of their life.

    Violet: If we have nothing to do with you students, then we do watch the whole memory. Just skip all of the sleep moments.

    Sword: Ok, are you two ready?

    Sunz: Yeah.

    Violet: Let¡¯s start the show.

 Chapter 90: Whose Memory (Part 1)

    The movie theater screen starts showing the memory of the mysterious person walking on an open road and passing a mature girl wearing traditional Asian clothing. The environment is familiar to the countryside, nothing modern.

    Walking past the girl, they felt a force grabbing their arm and heard a concerning voice.

    ¡°Sir, are you ok?¡±

    The man yanks his arm back and continues walking without giving the girl an answer.

    The girl then jumps in front of him and warns him: As the apothecary of my village, I won¡¯t let a sick person like you walk past me.

    The man then violently pushes the girl to the side of the road, knocking her off her feet then continues walking away. Only able to walk about 10 steps forward, before he heard rapid footsteps approaching him.

    He immediately draws his sword and swings at whatever ever behind him. Then a loud sound of metal clashed to reveal that, the apothecary girl was attacking him.

    Apothecary girl: You know who pays attention to me most? DYING PEOPLE!

    Man:¡­

    The girl seems to be struggling in the clash, due to the fact that she isn¡¯t as strong as him. To him right now she just seems like a nuisance, a petty thief, a waste of time and energy.

    The man breaks the clash and then kicks the apothecary in the side of her torso. The girl wasn¡¯t strong but she was very fast, being able to quickly react to the attack, she stabbed the man¡¯s leg and took the hit.

    The girl got violently flung into a tree, lying lifeless in it and a few seconds later the tree fell and brought her with it. While the man now has a sword through his leg.

    The man used his sword to cut part of his outfit then pulled the apothecary¡¯s sword out of his leg and used the cloth from his outfit to patch up his bleeding leg.

    While patching himself, he didn¡¯t hear any sound coming from the direction of the apothecary. When he was done, he threw the apothecary¡¯s sword into the tree that was nearest to her location, and continued walking in the direction he had been walking, before all of this mess, but this time his pace got affected by the wound in his leg.

    Wasn¡¯t able to take at least 5 steps he already heard sounds coming from the apothecary direction. Turning around, he saw the apothecary using her sword to support herself approaching him.

    Apothecary: heheh, ok¡­ I may have underestimated you. I thought I could just beat you up and help you recover at our village like many before you.

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: hahahah, still not talking. You, are an interesting traveler. I¡¯m also, an interesting apothecary too. Carrying an unknown condition, that will break my body if I go over its limit.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: Oh, this must be destiny. Do you have a condition that makes you unable to speak? Just come with me and I¡¯ll get rid of it for you.

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: Even that, can¡¯t make you make any noise. Fine, you can beat me at my full strength but let¡¯s see if you can do it again.

    *pull out a candy from her pocket and eat it*

    Within a few seconds, the apothecary was able to stand on her own. She sheathed her sword then summoned two water swords each in her hand.

    ¡°There are three outcomes. I drag you back to my village to treat you. You beat me and left me here to die. We both die due to blood loss.¡±

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: Don¡¯t make that face. If you were following me from the start, this wouldn¡¯t happen.

    The man sheathed his sword and gestured ¡®Come at me¡¯ at the apothecary. The apothecary dashed at him and attacked with her water sword at a speed that he didn¡¯t expect her body to be capable of performing.

    Even though she is faster than before, he¡¯s still able to see and catch up with her movement. All of her attacks did minimal damage to the man because he was able to break the water concentration with his bare hand before it could hit him directly.

    Every time they clashed, all it took was three hits for it to end. Two hit to break the apothecary¡¯s weapons concentration and one hit directly at the apothecary¡¯s body.

    The apothecary tried her best to get any advantage against him, become faster, reconcentrate her weapon at the moment he broke them but none of that worked and the pain kept getting worse and worse.

    It¡¯s like, every time she is one step closer to closing the gap, he takes 2 steps and stops. Their fight keeps going on without a destination in sight until one of them forces that destination to appear, and it won¡¯t be her.

    After breaking one of the apothecary¡¯s swords with his hand, the other hand goes in for her arm and breaks it. Then he elbowed her in the face, grabbed the other hand that was holding the sword to restrain its movement, then he broke that arm with his other hand.

    Finally, he grabbed both of her shoulders and kneecapped her in the torso, she coughed up blood onto his outfit and fell limp on the road.

    The man stared at the apothecary¡¯s lifeless body for a moment, before checking which part of his outfit got some of her blood. Then he cut off the bloody part with his sword and threw it away.

    Before he started walking away, he felt something ramming his foot and heard some grunting.

    Man sighed and looked down to see the apothecary ramming her face into his leg. When he moved his leg away, the girl slowly looked up to him and ask

    ¡°Mind helping out an injured apothecary?¡±

    Man:¡­ *lifts her body up and leans it against a tree*

    Apothecary: haha, you can be quite the charming person. *cough*cough* sorry, don¡¯t want to get blood on you again. Before you go, I have a request. There is a pill in my pocket can you *cough* put it in my mouth?

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: *cough* do me the favour please, just open my robe and you¡¯ll see it¡­ you beat me up and going to leave me here, at least do me a favor and help me end this suffering.

    The man was reaching for her robe but stopped when she said she wanted to end her life.

    Apothecary: Come on why did you stop?... were you thinking that I was killing myself *cough*, how ridiculous. My condition, it¡¯s acting up and I need that pill to stop it *cough*.

    The man opens her robe, which has a lot of pockets that all look the same except for one that has the pill. After taking the pill and putting it in the apothecary¡¯s mouth, he closed her robe.

    Apothecary: thank you, you can leave now¡­ I¡¯ll be ok¡­ I hope¡­

    The apothecary fell asleep in the middle of her sentence and nearly faceplanted herself into the dirt again but the man was there to hold her body. After adjusting her position a bit, he stood up and prepared to leave but stopped.

    Man sighed and grabbed the apothecary¡¯s sword, put it on his other side then grabbed the apothecary and carried her on his back.

    He then continued to walk the path that his vision was showing him, an aura leading him to his next destination.

 Chapter 91: Whose Memory (Part 2)

    Nothing eventful happened to the man while walking on the road with a beat-up apothecary on his back. The apothecary seemed to be more relaxed than expected, even though she got hit real hard in the face. She is still able to nibble the man and list out random names while unconscious.

    As time passed and the sun already set, they finally reached a village. Throughout the last hours of walking, there was only one road and the apothecary came from that direction, this might be the village she mentioned.

    The entrance of the village is lit up by a few torches with some guards with swords out front.

    All of them draw their sword and point it at the man, like they are about to interrogate him.

    Guard: Who are you traveller and why do you have our apothecary?!

    Man:¡­

    Guard: Answer! Don¡¯t force us to use violence on you!

    Man:¡­

    Guard:¡­

    Apothecary''s weak voice: don¡¯t hurt him¡­ please stop.

    Guard: My apothecary, what did he do to you?

    Apothecary: h-he saved me from th-that person

    Guard: He is here already! We must fortify the defense.

    Apothecary: that won¡¯t be a-a problem for a-a while. My sav-vior managed to injure him qui-i-ite a bit before he ran away.

    Guard: That¡¯s a relie-

    Apothecary: can we¡­talk¡­later? I¡­need treatment¡­ he needs rest. You, escort us to¡­ my apprentice¡¯s house then escort him to an inn.

    Guard: I¡¯m sorry, let¡¯s us go now. All of you be on high alert!

    The guard took them to the apprentice¡¯s house with the direction help from the apothecary.

    Apothecary: here we are¡­ place me down, please.

    The man carefully placed her down.

    Apothecary: thank you, you two can leave now.

    Guard: Do you still need any help?

    Apothecary: I¡¯m good *walking up to the door*. *bang her head on the door* I need treatment.

    The door then immediately swung open and a girl came out, carefully escorted the apothecary in, and shut the door.

    Guard: She has always been an odd one.

    Man:¡­*nod*

    The guard took the man to the inn and left.

    The man orders some food from the inn for dinner and then gets a room to rest for the night. He got a good night''s sleep as nothing happened to interrupt him, except in the morning.

    Next morning, when he was leaving the inn, the owner gave him a piece of paper and told him that the apothecary wanted to meet him.

    After getting out of the inn, he takes a look at what is written on the paper.

    Paper: Thank you for saving me yesterday, you must have gotten hurt after fighting with that person. I wasn¡¯t able to treat you but now I¡¯m better, visit my apprentice¡¯s house and I¡¯ll take care of those wounds for you.

    ¡°How shameful of me to stay at my apprentice¡¯s house, but she is the only person that is good enough to take care of me.¡±

    Man:¡­

    Putting the paper inside of his outfit and decided to not visit the apothecary. Instead, he takes a walk around the village and gets some food at the market.

    Walking around and exploring this village, nothing out of the ordinary, just a village that has people that know water sword skills living among the normal people.

    The market is buzzing with food aroma, you can even smell it when you aren¡¯t close to the market. The man walked around the whole market to see all of the food there, before backtracking to buy what he wanted.

    Some of the food did catch his attention. When he backtracked to one of the shops that he wanted to buy from, and after waiting in line for his turn.

    Shop owner: Sorry young man, we just sold out.

    Man:¡­

    Shop owner: This morning we are selling less than usual, to prepare for tonight¡¯s festival. So I hope to see you again, traveler.

    The man walks away while the shop owner closes down the stall. Before walking to other shops, he felt a tug on his outfit. When he turned around, it was the apothecary and her apprentice.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Man:¡­

    Apprentice: Master, he looks mad, I don¡¯t think he wants to see us.

    Apothecary: Well, you did buy the last 2 two portions from that stall. He probably hasn¡¯t eaten anything yet.

    Man:¡­ *reaching for one of his sword*

    Apothecary: You probably want to stand back, he might hurt you.

    Apprentice: B-b-but he saved you. Why would he hurt you now?

    The man reached for one of his swords, tossed it at the apothecary, and she successfully caught it.

    Apothecary: Thanks *munch on food*

    Apprentice: Eh?... Master! Don¡¯t joke with me like that!

    Apothecary: *munch*munch* you mind if we tag along?

    Apprentice: why are you ignoring me?

    Man:¡­*walk away*

    Apothecary:*munch*munch* fowow wim.

    Apprentice: He really doesn¡¯t talk at all¡­ is the saying true? Strong people don¡¯t talk.

    Apothecary: Take him to bed and you¡¯ll see how strong he is~

    Apprentice: Eww master, don¡¯t talk about that in public.

    The two of them continue to follow the man while he getting food and they also buy herbs at some of the shops near where he just got his food.

    When the man got to sit down and eat his food, the sound of the two girls was gone and what was left next to him was the apothecary¡¯s sword. Which he keeps a close eye on while eating his food and when he is done, the two of them return with a basket full of different herbs.

    Apothecary: That¡¯s everything. *grabs her sword* Well see you when you need treatment, traveler.

    As the two of them walk away, the man gets out of the seat and follows them. After walking for a bit, the apprentice turned around with a horrified look on her face.

    Apprentice: w-wh-why are you following us?!

    Man:¡­?

    Apothecary: I know you don¡¯t want to talk but you have to explain yourself¡­ do you¡­ oh my¡­ maybe you somehow attracted him, my apprentice.

    Apprentice: what-no-what-no-what-no-what-no-

    The man reached for his sword and smacked the sheath on the apothecary¡¯s head and reached inside his outfit.

    Apothecary: Ow, you can¡¯t do that to a patient.

    Apprentice: no¡­ (He interested in her?)

    The man took the paper out of his outfit and gave it to the apprentice.

    Apprentice after reading the paper: This¡­this is your doing. He was following us because he didn¡¯t know where we would be.

    Apothecary: Well, half of it is. I didn¡¯t know that he would follow us back. I thought he remembered where I was left off last night.

    Apprentice: It was night and he probably didn¡¯t pay attention.

    Apothecary: You got a point. Ok then, follow us and I¡¯ll treat you.

    Apprentice: Will that be ok? Is one night''s sleep enough for you to get back to work?

    Apothecary: Oh my na?ve apprentice, I¡¯ll be fine, plus he doesn¡¯t look that injured.

    Apprentice: Ok then.

    *At the apprentice¡¯s house*

    Apprentice: I¡¯ll be in the back preparing the batches. Do you have everything with you?

    Apothecary: I do, I¡¯ll see you in a bit.

    *apprentice left the room*

    ¡°Ok, let''s get to work.¡±

    The apothecary unsheathed her sword and placed it to the side. Then she fidgeted with the sheath for a moment until it opened up, showing many small powder and liquid bottles.

    While the apothecary looking and grabbing bottles from her sheath, the man is sitting on a chair with his injured leg placed on another chair.

    Apothecary: ok, that will be all. Before we start, I need to stab you with my sword. Are you¡­ ok with that?

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary:¡­

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: You need to speak or something. It¡¯s starting to get annoying when you aren¡¯t saying things.

    The man took off his outfit and showed her his bare chest.

    Apothecary:¡­ Have you ever heard of me?

    Man:¡­ *shake head*

    Apothecary: How do you know I need you to remove your clothing?

    Man smacks his forehead with his palm, then holds up a part of his outfit and pierces it with his sword, leaving a hole in it.

    Apothecary: *smack her forehead* of course, that. I¡¯m getting too used to this. How did I forget the common detail, my ego is getting big.

    ¡°Ok, you have given me the permission. Let¡¯s start.¡±

    The apothecary grabs her sword, infuses it with water element then stabs the man right in his heart. There was no pain, no blood coming out, nothing that he could see or feel, only silence. After a few seconds, she pulled the sword out and there was no wound on his heart.

    Apothecary: Ok, that''s done¡­ So, you are totally fine, except for the leg part¡­ Let me take care of that first then move on to whatever is wrong with you.

    The apothecary starts treating the wound in the man¡¯s leg with her medicine, then she sews up the open wound and bandages it.

    ¡°And that¡¯s it, you are fine now¡­ well, you were fine before but now, your wound won¡¯t get infection.¡±

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: *sigh* ok, you are definitely not mute but for some reason, you are choosing not to talk and it¡¯s not because of your condition.

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: What with that face?... You don¡¯t know what conditions you have?

    Man: *nod*

    Apothecary: tch tch, it¡¯s not a medical condition either¡­ I¡¯ll try my best to explain. Your soul, it¡¯s stagnant and not vibrant like everyone else. Usually, this means the person will die, soon.

    ¡°This only shows up in people that have incurable disease or old age, but, you¡¯re young and perfectly healthy. Which only leaves out one possible outcome¡­ you planning to kill yourself.¡±

    Man:*gesture his hand in agreement*

    Apothecary: And you are being very blunt about it¡­ why? Are you traveling around and then ending yourself at a random place?

    The man holds his finger in front of his lip, implying it¡¯s a secret.

    Apothecary: You, you are a strange one, traveler¡­ but is there a way for me to stop you from killing yourself?

    Man:¡­*point his finger at the apothecary*

    Apothecary: Me?... You want to know something about me?

    Man:*nod*

    Apothecary: I guess every little thing helps¡­ I¡¯m the apothecary of this village, my father is the sword master of this village and that¡¯s everything about me.

    Man: *points at his heart then points back at her*

    Apothecary:¡­ you want to know about my condition? Well, my condition, it¡¯s complicated. If I do something that breaks my body''s limit, it feels like my soul is breaking at the same time.

    ¡°Which is kinda silly, we are born to break the limit of our body, but I have to suppress it if I want to live. The two pills that you saw me consume the other day, one is for opening my limit the other is to close it.¡±

    ¡°But sometimes, when it¡¯s close, I can feel my soul breaking so I have to take the pill to open it, but that just makes the condition worse. So I have to close my limit and only open it when necessary.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all. Does that help you at all?¡±

    Man:¡­*shake head*

    Apothecary: I thought so too¡­ well, since you going to die anyway. Can I use you?

    Man:¡­*disbelief*

    Apothecary:¡­ that sounded weird, I didn¡¯t give you a reason¡­ I want you to hang out with me during tonight''s festival. Is it ok with you?

    Man:¡­*sigh*nod*

    Apothecary: That was more simple than I thought¡­ I guess, you can leave?

    The man stood up, got close to the apothecary, and grabbed her arm.

    Apothecary*slight blush*: What are you doing?

    The man lightly squeezes her arm.

    Apothecary: OW! I¡¯m not fully recovered yet.

    Man:*giggle* *free her arm*

    Apothecary: The only time you made any sound was to laugh at me.*giggle* you are a horrible person.

    Apprentice walked into the room: Master! I¡¯m don-e¡­ Did I interrupt anything?

    Apothecary: Oh, it¡¯s nothing. Come on, bring the batches to me.

    Apprentice: oh, ok.

 Chapter 92: Whose Memory (Part 3)

    The man hangs around the girls while they are working and helps when they ask for his assistance, until the sun starts setting and the whole village sheds a new color.

    Apothecary: Ok, that¡¯s everything. I think we all deserve a break before anyone hurt themselves during the festival.

    Apprentice: The ceremony is about to begin right? Shouldn¡¯t we go early?

    Apothecary: I mean, if you want a good view, it¡¯s already too late. But maybe there is a chance.

    Apprentice: I can watch over this place while you show him around the festival.

    Apothecary: That¡¯s sweet of you, but you always looking forward to this festival.

    Apprentice: I¡¯ve been experiencing it for all my life, missing it once won¡¯t affect me much. Besides, if he got to experience the festival, our village might get more travelers like him.

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: hehe, yeah, he will return after experiencing the festival.

    Apprentice: That¡¯s amazing. Umm, will you finally put on your festival outfit?

    Apothecary: We spoke about this before, I will probably have many people to tend to during and after the festival, so can¡¯t wear that outfit.

    Apprentice: Don¡¯t worry, you and I are kind of equal in this department. Your reason for training me was so I can take care of patients, while you are out to find herbs.

    ¡°And all of that training come to fruition, after what happened to you yesterday.¡±

    Apothecary: Exploiting your Master''s downfall is not a good quality.

    Apprentice: Please, you work yourself all year, take a break once, please.

    Apothecary: *sigh* I get it, I get it. This will be your reward for working so hard¡­ I hope it¡¯s not too loose.

    Apprentice: Oh don¡¯t worry, I made sure to bring it to the tailor and have it fit your size.

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary:¡­

    Apprentice: What?

    Apothecary: That¡¯s quite weird, for your standard.

    Apprentice: No, I use the measurement of your health checkup to see if the outfit still fits you. Plus you leave it here and never bring it home for some reason.

    Apothecary: Well, this is my home too¡­ but thank you, I¡¯ll go change now.

    *Go up to one of the upstairs rooms*

    Apprentice: It will take a bit, why don¡¯t sit down?

    Man:¡­

    Apprentice:¡­

    Quick footsteps ran down the stairs, and the apothecary appeared in a whole different outfit, that still had some of the style of her previous outfit.

    Apothecary: I¡¯m done.

    Apprentice: That¡¯s fast!?

    Apothecary: I don¡¯t like the cold after a bath, so changing clothes quickly has become one of my talents¡­ So how do look?

    Apprentice: You look amazing!

    Man: *hand gesture so-so*

    Apothecary: Above average and without make-up, I¡¯ll take it.

    *Grab the man¡¯s hand*

    ¡°We¡¯ll be going now.¡±

    Apprentice: You two have fun.

    The apothecary dragged the man out the door without closing it. Then the two make a run through the not-so-crowded street, to where the festival ceremony is. Until they made it to the ceremony¡¯s ground, which was packed with people and no way to squeeze through.

    Apothecary: Well, looks like the journey ends here.

    Man:¡­*crouch down*

    Apothecary: Stop! I¡¯m not gonna sit on your back like last time. Also, this is for you to see, not me. Maybe you should be sitting on my back.

    Man:¡­*ignore her and look in other direction*

    Apothecary: What, you think I can¡¯t carry you? You and I are nearly the same in height and body proportions. I may not be as strong as you but you are not that much heavier than me.

    The man suddenly grabbed the apothecary, which surprised her.

    ¡°What are you up to this time?¡±

    Then he quickly jumps from roof to roof with the apothecary in his arm until they reach the perfect view of the ceremony.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Apothecary: Ok, that was not something I could do¡­ but isn¡¯t this kind of dangerous?

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: What? Attacking you was my own doing, this, this is your doing.

    The man sighed then grabbed a hold of the apothecary¡¯s hand and the two of them leaned over the top of the roof, watching the ceremony.

    On the ground floor, there is an assembly of the guard and a big man with a face full of beard in the middle, all have their hand on the hilt.

    Apothecary: The person in the middle, that¡¯s my father.

    The Man¡¯s vision starts showing him a thick aura that immediately flies straight to the apothecary¡¯s father and wraps itself around him.

    *sigh*

    Then the ceremony starts, the sound of the drums vibrates the surrounding silent atmosphere. Then all of the guards that were presented for the ceremony, drew their swords and each summoned a water serpent from thin air.

    Then it was the sword master''s turn, he drew his sword and summoned a giant water dragon from thin air. The dragon and the serpent movement, are being controlled by the way the guards and the master swing their swords.

    The dragon flew around the whole village while being chased by the serpents. The chase created multiple strong wind blasts across the whole village and lasted for a few minutes until all of the serpents caught up and constricted the dragon, killing it in the process.

    As the water dragon fell from the sky, all of the guards sheathed their blades, except for the master. When the dragon with many serpents constricted to it hit the floor, water splashed everywhere, but was stopped.

    All the water waves formed after the fall, flowed back to the center to morph into a giant serpent, that immediately launched up into the sky and disappeared.

    When the master sheathed his sword, the sound of the drums slowly stopped, and a light rain fell from the sky. When it¡¯s ended, everyone starts leaving.

    Apothecary: that¡¯s the ceremony *cough*cough*. what do you think?

    Throughout the ceremony, the man didn¡¯t pay that much attention to the apothecary, but he did feel her squeezing on his hand and hearing her muffled coughing.

    When he turned to face her, she was covering her mouth with her outfit while hiding her other hand.

    Man:¡­?

    Apothecary:¡­

    The man let go of his hand, resulting in the apothecary falling off the roof, but he was fast enough to get onto the ground before her and catch her from hitting the floor with both of his hands.

    Apothecary:¡­

    Man:¡­

    They stared at each other for a moment before the apothecary slapped the man in the face, leaving some wet texture on the spot.

    Letting the apothecary to stand on her own two feet, then wipe whatever she just slapped on his face with his outfit. That is when he saw blood on his outfit and noticed the apothecary losing her balance.

    Standing next to the apothecary with one hand on her shoulder to keep her stable, while the other hand showed her the blood on his outfit.

    Apothecary: haha¡­ha, it¡¯s seems my condition acting up again. such a hassle. *showing the blooded part of her outfit and pulling out a clean, small coin bag*

    ¡°Here money, you don¡¯t have any right? Go and enjoy the festival. I¡¯m heading back.¡±

    The man grabbed the money from her, but not letting her go, instead, he took her to the better-illuminated street and to the stall where her and her apprentice bought the last food.

    Due to the ceremony, the stall wasn¡¯t that full of customers.

    Shop owner: Hello, it¡¯s you again and you have the apothecary with you¡­ We¡¯ve never seen you during the festival at all.

    Apothecary: That¡¯s because I¡¯ve to always be on guard in case someone injured themselves on this day. So I minimize going around because people know where to find me.

    Shop owner: So what made you want to enjoy the festival today?

    Apothecary: He needed a check-up and asked about the festival. So I¡¯m here showing him around while my apprentice takes my spot.

    Shop owner: Well then, I hope you have a good time and hope that we¡¯ll meet each other yearly. So one for each of you?

    Apothecary: Yes.

    Man:¡­*nod*

    Shop owner: Here you go and enjoy the festival!

    *The man and the apothecary leave and walk down the street with their food*

    Apothecary: You sure, you want to enjoy the festival with me?

    Man: Why not, take it as an apology for that time.

    Apothecary: I knew that you can talk *cough*cough*, sorry. There is still blood, I wish it could just go away.

    Man: I¡¯ll be here with you all night, let¡¯s hope that I¡¯ll be more painful than that condition of yours.

    Apothecary: You sure? You were more of a pain when you didn¡¯t talk.

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary:¡­

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: Two can play at that game *cough*cough*.

    Man: I¡¯ll be the distraction. You are so stubborn and strange.

    Apothecary: I can say the same for your romantic gesture. Broke a girl¡¯s arms just to carry her back to her village, not gonna work on all girls.

    Man: That¡¯s just courtesy. Besides, you started it first. There is no romantic feeling between you and me.

    Apothecary: Suure, you say that now, but do you know who you are talking to?

    Man: A deranged and sick apothecary that likes to nibble on people while unconscious.

    Apothecary: I can- wait what?... Did I actually do that while you were carrying me?

    Man: I don¡¯t need to make up anything you did.

    Apothecary: It was the injuries you caused that changed how my mind works.

    Man: So, no different. Maybe banging your head on the door was my fault too?

    Apothecary: Fine! Maybe all that was my doing unconscious or not. But that is what pulls you to me.

    Man: Eat some food first, all that blood loss clouded your mind.

    Apothecary: I can see your soul, remember that. You can lie and dodge all you want, but I will always know the truth. That fire may be small now, but with the right event, it can be devastating.

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary:*munch*munch*

    Man: You sure you in the right field, Miss? Shouldn¡¯t you be a matchmaker with that ability?

    Apothecary: Don¡¯t know.

    Man:¡­

    Apothecary: Can I join you on your trip?

    Man: No, never.

    Apothecary: Why not? I¡¯ve proven my capability, I stabbed you once. I¡¯m an apothecary, which will be useful if you get into more fights. I¡¯m the best person to bring on your journey.

    Man: Skeptical. You are ready to leave your village behind just to travel with a stranger you just met. Also, you are this village''s best apothecary. Trading many lives for one isn¡¯t something an apothecary should do.

    Apothecary: Of course, that is why I have an apprentice. She was there for a reason?

    Man: For you to abandon your job?

    Apothecary: heh, close enough. It¡¯s because of my condition. I hate diseases, I hate conditions that have no cure, I hate that they sometimes make me feel like dying for a moment then acting like nothing happened.

    ¡°It¡¯s like they are taunting me and my patients. Saying that, today might be the day you¡¯ll die then nothing. Giving a false hope, just to kill us at the most unexpected moment.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the best apothecary with a condition that no one has, if I can¡¯t get rid of it, then who can?! That¡¯s why, I need my apprentice to deal with curable diseases and conditions, while I look for cures for the unknown one.¡±

    ¡°So, traveling with you might be what I need to cure my condition. But if I die¡­no no, haha that won¡¯t happen. I''ll show it the consequences for taunting me this long.¡±

    Man: I¡¯ll think about that. Your reason may have persuaded me but let¡¯s just enjoy this festival.

    Apothecary: ok, I¡¯m sorry for dampening the mood.

    Man: It seems that you are not that close to your apprentice to tell her those words.

    Apothecary: Well, sometimes there are things that you can¡¯t share with people who are closest to you¡­

    ¡°Also, have you been holding on to your sword this whole time, and not drawing it?¡±

    Man: Oh, that''s just habit. Traveling so much and you¡¯ll get paranoid that almost everyone will try to attack you... Like you for example.

    Apothecary: I did for a good reason, don¡¯t lump me with those thugs.

 Chapter 93: Whose Memory (Part 4)

    After spending time and enjoying the festival for several hours with the Apothecary, they both returned to the apprentice and acted like nothing happened.

    Apprentice: Welcome back! How was the festival?

    Apothecary: Oh you know, it was ok, would have been better if I wasn¡¯t the only one talking.

    Man:¡­

    Apprentice: That¡¯s suck, but at least you two have fun right?

    Apothecary:¡­ Yeah, I did enjoy his company.

    Man: *nod*

    Apprentice: I¡¯m happy you two did. I was so bored, there was no one here for treatment¡­ I thought you said it''s usually busy on this day, Master?

    Apothecary: Huh, really? Like no one got into any accident?

    Apprentice: Did you lie just so you don¡¯t have to attend the festival¡­ or am I just really, really unlucky?

    Apothecary: Are you wishing for people to get hurt? That¡¯s not very apothecary-like.

    Apprentice: I mean, you did say there will be many people to tend to¡­ then no one came-

    *The door suddenly opens in the middle of the conversation and a group of young boys and girls come in*

    Apothecary: Look like your wish come true. I¡¯m gonna go change and then help you. And you *point at the man* follow me.

    Apprentice: I didn¡¯t mean for this, and they are young too.

    The apothecary walks away and the man follows her while the apprentice takes care of the youngsters.

    The man followed the apothecary to the second floor of the building.

    Apothecary: This place suddenly becomes quite noisy, I think you can put off that act for a bit.

    Man:¡­ So let me guess, you did lie to her. Locking yourself in this place because your condition always acts up during the festival.

    Apothecary: Hmp, I guess, traveling so much makes you better at reading people.

    ¡°This is my fight, so fewer people worry is better¡­ There are two beds, you can rest here if you want or you can go to the inn.¡±

    ¡°For now, I have to go change and treat my patients.¡±

    The apothecary went into one of the rooms on this floor and within seconds she returned in her normal outfit and rushed to the first floor.

    The man quietly followed the apothecary down the stairs but not all the way down, and just watching her and her apprentice treating the wounds on those kids.

    Apothecary: So how did they get these kids got these wounds?

    Apprentice: Firework accident. They were playing with fireworks then things suddenly went wrong.

    Apothecary: That explains the ashes, but why some of them are wet?

    Apprentice: Jumped into the river to clean themselves just so their parents don¡¯t know what they did. The only bad thing is they can¡¯t treat their wounds.

    Apothecary: Did these kids tell you that?

    Apprentice: No, it¡¯s from experience. I used to do this with other kids in the village when I was younger and the same situation happened. I got scolded by my parents when they found out what happened.

    Apothecary: You then learned your lesson and never played with fireworks again.

    Apprentice: *chuckles* of course not. I¡¯m still the same but since I¡¯m more mature now, I watch over these kid to make sure they don¡¯t hurt themselves and cover up their wounds.

    Apothecary: So you just let them accidentally hurt themselves?

    Apprentice: Better than dying. Failure and pain are what make you grow. Plus I don¡¯t want these kids to get scolded by their parents.

    Apothecary: You¡­are also reckless¡­ wait if you did attend the festival, will these kids get hurt?

    Apprentice: Oh they will and I¡¯m just gonna treat them right there, so they don¡¯t have to go here.

    Apothecary whispers to herself (I think the village will be ok.)

    Apprentice: Did you say something?

    Apothecary: Oh, it¡¯s nothing. I can¡¯t believe you can watch over this many kids.

    Apprentice: They¡¯re quite a handful I tell you.

    The man observes the apothecary and her apprentice treating the kids for a bit longer before whispering to himself (I hope I don¡¯t see you tomorrow) and going to sleep on one of the beds upstairs.

    ¡­

    The next morning, the man woke up, looked around the room, and saw the apprentice sleeping soundly on the other bed, but her master was nowhere to be seen.

    He then quietly made his way downstairs, where he saw the apothecary sleeping on the counter, drooling from her mouth. While walking past her, toward the door he suddenly heard.

    Apothecary: You will take me right? Helping me cure this condition I have.

    ¡­

    When he turned around, the apothecary was still sleeping soundly and she was sleep-talking.

    Apothecary: Of course you will. You enjoy my present¡­ haha¡­ me too.

    Man: *sigh* I will but I travel alone.

    The man quietly walked out the door and closed it. Then his vision starts showing him the direction to the swordmaster.

    (No time to waste)

    Within a minute of running across the roof of all the buildings in the village, he landed in a huge yard where a boy was sweeping it.

    The boy suddenly fell to the ground when the man appeared out of nowhere. Terrified by the man present but his courage was able to mutter up a question ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Man: I¡¯m here for your swordmaster.

    Boy: Yo-ou are real.

    Man: Come on, I don¡¯t have all day.

    The boy immediately ran off into the building inside the yard while screaming ¡°HE HERE! HE HERE!¡±

    After waiting around for a few minutes, the swordmaster comes out of the building.

    Swordmaster: So, you are the mysterious figure that¡¯s been going around on a killing rampage.

    Man:¡­ I only aim for important figures such as yourself, no innocent life needs to die except for your and mine. A fair duel to the death. Are you ready?Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Swordmaster: I¡¯ll risk my life in order to keep the peacefulness of this village.

    Man: There is nothing to risk.

    Both of them draw their sword and at the same time, many students come out of the building to watch the fight.

    Both of them dashed at each other, their swords clashed and the master¡¯s sword was shattered on impact, then he got grabbed by the collar and thrown back into the building.

    All of the students were shocked to see their teacher being defeated so easily.

    Man (as expected, their strength are the same.): All of you get out of here now, this is not a place for you to hang around.

    Immediately, from inside the building, a giant water serpent lunged at the man with incredible speed but was easily cut in half.

    The Swordmaster walks out of the building with a water sword in his hand.

    ¡°This is just the beginning!¡±

    The swordmaster dashed at the man and their weapon clashed again.

    Man: So, you suddenly got stronger.

    Swordmaster: I told you, I¡¯ll risk my life for this village.

    Man: We both know that is a lie, you are risking your daughter''s life.

    The screen suddenly glitched and switched from the man''s point of view to the apothecary view.

    Apothecary: Uggghh *stretches herself* morning already? *wipe her drool with her outfit* no one needs to see that.

    She made her way upstairs and saw her apprentice sleeping in one bed and the other bed was empty.

    Apothecary: *sigh* he left¡­ well, I can only drag him around for so long¡­ or he just left to buy some food¡­ I hope so-

    Her body suddenly collapsed onto the floor.

    (Why does it have to happen right now?)

    (Why is it worse than normal?)

    (I can¡¯t move my body, I can¡¯t feel anything!!!)

    (Blood? Blood is spewing from my mouth!)

    (I¡¯m not fainting, I can see my body breaking¡­)

    (I-I can¡¯t do anything.)

    Then she heard footsteps rapidly approaching her and a worried voice calling for her.

    Apprentice: Master! Master! Can you hear me, can you move? Please tell me you keep those pills in your pocket.

    In front of her is the worried apprentice, rummaging through her outfit until she finds two identical pills. After pondering for a few seconds, she put one of them in the apothecary''s mouth.

    ¡­

    Apothecary: t-th-thank you.

    Apprentice: Master! You ok right? Did your condition act up again?

    Apothecary: I¡¯m only stable for now, it¡¯ll wear off in a bit, I hope.

    Apprentice: Is it worse this time? You weren¡¯t able to move at all.

    Apothecary: Let¡¯s hope that it¡¯s just a one-time thing.

    Apprentice: There is so much blood.

    Apothecary: Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll clean it up *cough*cough* hahah¡­ or not.

    Apprentice: I¡¯ll do it, you need to rest first.

    Suddenly their whole body and the building felt a big vibration.

    Apothecary (No don¡¯t tell me): There is no time for that, we need to *standing up* go to the ¡®Sword Ground¡¯ right now.

    Apprentice: Why? Do you know something, I don¡¯t?

    Apothecary: Sadly yes¡­ the man that was with us is that person.

    Apprentice: Wait what, you lied to me.

    The apothecary grabbed her sword and grabbed her apprentice¡¯s hand.

    ¡°I wish I could explain more but we have to now.¡±

    The apprentice just nodded and got dragged out of the door at extreme speed and to the entry of the ¡®Sword Ground¡¯. Where they can feel more of the vibration and fighting sound.

    Apprentice: What are we supposed to do?

    The apothecary suddenly falls to her knees and coughs out more blood.

    (My vision is getting blurry, I¡¯m losing myself)

    Apprentice: Master!Master! You are not ok. What am I supposed to do?

    Apothecary: *panting* take¡­me¡­inside¡­to the yard.

    The apprentice followed what her master said while still wanting to know more.

    Apprentice: Why are we here? What are you trying to do?

    Apothecary:¡­

    Apprentice: Who are you trying to help? Him or your father?

    Apothecary:¡­ why did you suddenly ask that? Isn¡¯t it obvious?

    Apprentice: It¡¯s not. I now know that he is the bad guy, but for some reason, he brings out the real you. I¡¯ve only seen you that normal when talking to me.

    Apothecary:¡­ let¡¯s wait and see.

    Apprentice: Please just don¡¯t put yourself in danger, that¡¯s all I¡¯m asking.

    Apothecary: *panting* I¡¯ll try.

    Before they got close to the yard, a dust storm suddenly blasted from the yard direction for a few seconds before calming down.

    When they got closer to the yard, no one noticed their presence and just focused on the fight.

    The fight is very one-sided with the man having a few scratches on himself while The swordmaster has wounds all over. Then they saw that he was about to deliver the final blow.

    Apothecary: Sorry¡­

    She immediately pushed her apprentice away and dashed directly into the fight, interrupting it by impaling herself into the man¡¯s sword. Which shocked both the man and her apprentice.

    The man tried to pull to sword away but was stopped by the apothecary holding on to his hand and pulling it closer to her.

    Apothecary: Just, just stop resisting.

    The man clenched his sword and suddenly, they are both surrounded by smoke.

    ¡°What you doing, I was trying to cure you?!¡±

    Apothecary: Well, you took too long. As the best apothecary, I already know the cause and root of my condition. The cure¡­ your way is a valid option with unknown results.

    Man: If you already know then why try to interfere?

    Apothecary: You simply took too long and my body can¡¯t handle anymore¡­ but that might be a good thing. You were planning to die anyway, so I¡¯ll be there first waiting for you.

    Man: You are acting selfish, killing yourself just because I¡¯m not with you anymore. This village and your apprentice what will happen to them, did you ever think about that?

    Apothecary: I think can be a little selfish after knowing how many people I¡¯ve saved and treated. If this village turns into chaos after I die, then they deserve it.

    ¡°At least I know that my apprentice will do fine. She is just me without the condition and special eyes.¡±

    Man: *sigh* You are definitely not normal. Don¡¯t worry, I know how the water blade skill works, so you will be fine.

    Apothecary: *giggle* oh you are so na?ve, I¡¯m the one with the condition, not you¡­ I¡¯ll be waiting, and told my apprentice that I know she can be a greater apothecary than me.

    After saying that her whole body shattered into white light and disappeared in front of him, leaving behind only her sword.

    Man: *sigh* not again.

    He picked up the apothecary¡¯s sword and put it on his side, then he cleared the surrounding smoke and saw that a hundred swords were pointing at him.

    Swordmaster: You murdered my daughter! Now you must pay!

    Man:¡­

    He pointed his sword to the sky and within a few seconds, the sky turned dark, strong wind started blowing and out from the dark clouds, a giant water serpent emerged circling the whole village.

    The man then pointed his sword at The swordmaster, which made the giant water serpent immediately dive at him from the sky into the ground, leaving nothing behind.

    The wind stopped and the sky turned blue again.

    Man: I¡¯m not here for any of you. Any aggravation will result in the fate as your master.

    Everyone was terrified of what the man just did and the words he said forced all of them to sheath their weapon.

    The man silently dashed out of the ¡®Sword Ground¡¯ grabbed the apprentice and brought her back to her house.

    After carefully placing her back on the ground, she slowly walked toward the bed and sat on it while the man leaned against the door.

    Apprentice: So¡­ she¡¯s gone, right?

    Man: I¡¯m sorry.

    Apprentice: I¡¯m also at fault *sob*sob*.

    Man:¡­

    Apprentice: If only, I had become an apothecary faster, then she *sob* could have spent more time on researching. *sob* then she wouldn¡¯t have died.

    Man:¡­

    ¡°Haizz, you two are such a mess!¡±

    A familiar voice echoes the room, but no one was there except for those two.

    Apprentice: Master? I-is that you?

    Then a figure of light appeared between the two of them and turned into the apothecary. Her whole body emitted dim light around her.

    The apprentice jumped off the bed and tried to hug her master, but was unsuccessful.

    Apothecary: Oh you silly, you can¡¯t hug me. I¡¯m dead! *giggle*

    Apprentice: I¡¯m *sob* so sor-

    Her sentence was interrupted when she felt a familiar warmth hug.

    Apothecary: There there, no need to say that. You already did your best and I know that.

    Apprentice: I-I¡¯m, I just wish you could stay a lot longer.

    Apothecary: Me too, but I think this is a good place for my journey to end. I¡¯ve taught you everything I know, you and I are the same. Now I can watch you grow in your own way.

    Apprentice: *sob* I-I promise I¡¯ll be a better apothecary than you.

    Apothecary: That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been waiting to hear.

    She released her apprentice from her arms then grabbed her sword from the man''s side and held it toward the apprentice.

    ¡°I want you to hold on to my sword and use it well.¡±

    Apprentice: I will *grab the sword from the apothecary¡¯s hand*

    Apothecary: So¡­ are we done sobbing over my death?

    Apprentice: Yes¡­ but don¡¯t say it like that, it¡¯s still hurt.

    Man: So? How are you able to *hand gestures* do this?

    Apothecary: I don¡¯t like seeing you two sad¡­ is a lie. I was frustrated seeing how both of you feel after my death, so I¡¯m here to lighten the mood.

    Man: You take this like it was nothing.

    Apprentice: She had always been an odd one after all, haha.

    Apothecary: I¡¯ve endured that pain for most of my life, so I¡¯m glad it¡¯s gone.

    Her body suddenly starts to flicker.

    Man: Look like times up.

    Apothecary: It is. So before I go, you *point at the man* I know that you gonna die soon so we can catch up later.

    Man: Wow, that¡¯s heartless.

    Apothecary: Of course, you stabbed it. And you, my apprentice. I hope you take your time and die of old age.

    Apprentice: You are bad at saying goodbye, but I¡¯ll promise.

    Apothecary: It¡¯s great to ease you two emotions¡­

    After saying that, her body slowly disappears in front of their eyes.

    Man: So our path ends here.

    Apprentice: Until I die we¡¯ll meet again.

    Man: Her personality is rubbing on us.

    Apprentice: Kind of. Well, good luck on your journey of killing the master.

    Man: And you, will become the best apothecary we¡¯ll ever see.

    ¡­

    The screen slowly faded to black.

    Violet:¡­

    Sword:¡­

    Violet: So we just watched one of your memory, again. The more sentimental part of your memory. Too bad that he fell asleep through half of it.

    Sword: That means his body already recovered.

    Violet: What? I thought we needed to do something to make him wake up.

    Sword: When he falls asleep again, he will appear in here. What we did was, letting us choose where we can meet him.

    Violet: You have a point¡­ So why did you want him to see your memory and specifically this one?

    Sword: I just want to see his reaction, I guess. Also, his partner is kind of similar to mine.

    Violet: Good or bad similar.

    Sword: Hmm¡­ I would say almost identical, just different job.

    Violet: I guess he killing her then.

    Sword: Let¡¯s hope not.

 Chapter 94: Unexpected Sight

    Sunz slowly regained his consciousness and broke out of his sleepy state. When he fully opened his eyes, everything around him was dark and he felt something soft under his head. Feeling around, he realizes that he is on the floor with a blanket over him. At the same time, he heard people speaking Korean.

    Lifting the blanket off himself, his surroundings are still dark but are illuminated a bit by the TV inside the room. Looking around the room while still feeling sluggish, he got a glimpse of Grace¡¯s face, fully awake and hearing the sound of silverware.

    Grace sounds irritated: So, finally awake?

    Sunz: Uh, yeah¡­

    Grace: *sigh* just turn on the light.

    Sunz: ok?

    After making his way to the light switch without bumping into anything, when turned on the light, he saw something that he wasn¡¯t supposed to see.

    Grace:¡­

    Sunz:¡­

    It was Grace sitting on his bed, eating a cake inside of a cake box while wearing only lingerie.

    Sunz slowly moved his hands over his eyes but was stopped by Grace.

    Grace: Don¡¯t you dare! You¡¯ll have a normal conversation with me while I¡¯m wearing this and eating this cake.

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace:¡­

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace: Are you fucking with me?!

    Sunz: No, just enjoying the view¡­

    Grace: fine *eat cake*

    Sunz: ok, that¡¯s enough. May I ask, why are you in your¡­ lingerie?

    Grace: Isn¡¯t the answer obvious?

    Sunz: Just so you can fuck with me, mentally not physically.

    Grace: Geez, that was a quick one.

    Sunz: In my performance or answer?

    Grace: *choke on cake* you bastard! *cough* We¡¯ll see how well you perform in the future.

    Sunz: So, it seems you are less mad at me. Mind explaining, why are you eating cake while wearing lingerie, and watching Korean-drama¡­ with subtitles?

    Grace: Fine I¡¯ll confess, I thought it would be funny to see your reaction, seeing what''s underneath my formal self.

    Sunz: ok then, how long have you been wearing... just that?

    Grace: Right after you fainted. I don¡¯t know why I didn¡¯t give it more thought but, eh.

    Sunz: So you¡¯ve been wearing that for some amount of time¡­ why did you get mad at me?

    Grace placed the cake box down, jumped off the bed, and approached Sunz, then she grabbed his collar with both of her hands. Stare him dead in the eyes.

    Grace: It¡¯s because I was losing patience waiting for you to WAKE UP. The fun idea slowly turned into frustration because you took your SWEET TIME in there! Got it?!Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    Sunz: yes¡­

    Suddenly the button on his collar snapped and blasted into Grace¡¯s face, leaving a small red spot.

    Grace: I think I might have gone overboard a bit¡­ you ok?

    Sunz: uh-yeah¡­

    Grace:¡­ what¡¯s that sound? *pulls Sunz¡¯s chest close to her head*¡­

    ¡°All this got you excited, this is your kink or something?¡±

    Sunz: Of course not, I don¡¯t know. Anyone in this situation will have the same reaction.

    Grace: Fair point.

    She then released Sunz from her grasp and picked up the button.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna keep this.¡±

    Sunz: Uh, why?

    Grace: I just feel like it.

    Sunz: Sure, I guess¡­ *sniff*

    Grace: Did you just smell me?

    Sunz: Yeah¡­ you suddenly have a very strong aroma. Did you take a shower recently?

    Grace: Huh, recently? I take a shower every 1-2 days, 3 if I¡¯m not doing anything. How are you only noticing it now?

    Sunz: I guess it¡¯s because your outfit never shows that much skin.

    Grace: That does make sense, I think. My turn~ *sniff* hmm, I thought would smell bad after not showering for quite a while. Doesn¡¯t mean you smell good.

    Sunz: So I¡¯m gonna go shower now¡­ and can you cover up your lingerie?

    Grace: Yeah, I guess teasing you with this much is enough for now.

    *30 minutes later*

    Sunz comes out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his body.

    ¡°That was amazing.¡±

    Grace had put on her new outfit, which still followed the black and white pattern, and she was sitting on the bed eating cake while watching Korean drama.

    After putting on his new clothes which weren¡¯t as fancy as his old outfit, he went and sat on the corner of the bed and talked with Grace.

    Sunz: What K-drama are you watching?

    Grace: I don¡¯t know, just pick whatever has subtitles. *eat cake*

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace:¡­

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace: Did you jack off in there?

    Sunz: What? No! There is no reason for me to do that.

    Grace: I don¡¯t know, you were in there quite long and I heard some strange noise from there. Plus you did see me in that lustful outfit without getting hard, which I was amazed at. Maybe you are just very good at controlling yourself.

    Sunz: Damnit, don¡¯t tell me I have to clear things up.

    Grace: You don¡¯t have to. I can have my dirty thoughts~

    Sunz: Are you still mad because your lingerie scheme didn¡¯t work out?

    Grace:¡­ *stuff cake in mouth*¡­ mwaybwe.

    Sunz: I was in there so long because I enjoy hot shower. Sometimes I accidentally put it on too hot and can¡¯t find the perfect spot in between the hot and cold, so I just endure the pain by making weird noises.

    Grace: You are dating a girl with cold ability while living in a cold country but you enjoy hot shower. That¡¯s¡­ ironic.

    Sunz: I¡¯m just built different, wrong in every way.

    Grace: Sure¡­ what about the other part?

    Sunz: I guess it¡¯s time to share with you one of my darkest secrets. I¡¯ve played a lot of erotic games that have affected my preferences which resulted in some details that don¡¯t turn me on and some that turn me on more than anything else.

    Grace:¡­

    Sunz: Too much information?

    Grace was confused: They make erotic games?

    Sunz: Wait what? You don¡¯t know about those.

    Grace: Yeah¡­ I thought they only had erotic books.

    Sunz: Have you ever played video games before?

    Grace: I¡­um¡­eh¡­ is that bad?

    Sunz: What the? No! Why did the role suddenly swap? I was being interrogated not you.

    Grace: This, this is so much harder than I expected. I can only keep up with you to a certain point. Like who brings up erotica out of nowhere, can¡¯t you have other normal reason?

    Sunz: I¡¯m a lazy shut-in person, I spend most of my time at home with my computer, and the only normal conversation I have is with my parent-

    Grace: Stop¡­ ok I¡¯m good¡­ yeah I¡¯ve never played video games before, but I know to use a computer.

    Sunz: What just happened?

    Grace: I just have a hard reset. Talking with you takes a lot of thinking energy. *eat cake*

    ¡°So, erotic games¡­ let¡¯s change the topic. I¡¯ll learn more about this from you in the future.¡±

    Sunz: I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be willing to go that deep.

    Grace: Oh don¡¯t worry, I have a plan. Topic change now!

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace:¡­*eat cake*

    Sunz: That¡¯s right, how long was I out for?

    Grace: 2 days. You didn¡¯t check your phone?

    Sunz: That¡¯s long! Welp, I only have a day left to train, goddamnit.

    Grace: We can go train right now if you want but it will only be me and you.

    Sunz: Why? Are the others busy?

    Grace: Jihu is studying about his eyes. Yama is busy, I guess, don¡¯t really talk with him at all. No Name is relaxing. Which leaves only me to train with you.

    Sunz: I guess that will work, this time you can get your revenge on me for beating you.

    Grace: If I beat you that just means you haven¡¯t improved at all.

    Sunz: *stands up* We¡¯ll see¡­ *immediately sit down* I think my head is spinning nonstop.

    Grace: You haven¡¯t eaten anything for the last two days. Of course, your body gonna have some experience.

    *jumps off the bed and goes to the mini fridge inside of the room and pulls out another cake box*

    ¡°Here eat this first, get some energy in your body.¡±

    Sunz: *take the cake box* thank you¡­ You didn¡¯t buy these cakes in your lingerie, right?

    Grace hit Sunz on the head: Of course not! Now shut up and eat your food.

    Sunz: Ok, ma¡¯am.

 Chapter 95: Unexpected Training

    After getting energy from eating a whole cake and asking Sogae to take care of his butler outfit, Sunz and Grace made their way to the training facility.

    While walking to the ¡®Sparring Area¡¯ they pass an elderly man with white hair and beard wearing a full suit.

    Grace whispers to Sunz (That old guy is rich, he¡¯s wearing a brand suit.)

    Sunz whispers back (Really, what kind of brand is that? I just want to know what brand you¡¯re talking about. To me all suits are expensive.)

    Grace whispers (It¡¯s not a brand that you can find online, this brand only exists in the Hero Corp. It¡¯s known as the Outfit Development branch, and they only provide for Rank-A and above, that old guy must have good connections and lots of money.)

    Sunz whispers (Wow, Rank-A and above. You must also have one right, since you are rank-A after all?)

    Grace whispers (Of course, but not as high quality as that man.)

    Sunz whispers (What? High quality? If you are at least A-rank then your outfit must be top of the line. How higher can you go?)

    Grace whispers (I actually don¡¯t know, the only obvious detail is that, the suit was made for him and no one else¡­ kinda disappointed, I¡¯m sorry.)

    Sunz whispers (If you got to S-rank then we¡¯ll know more.)

    Grace whispers (That¡¯s¡­ gonna be hard, like really hard.)

    Sunz whispers (That is for the future us to figure out. For now, how do you know that his suit is S-tier?)

    Grace whispers (Well, every A-rank outfit always has the first letter of their name embroidered on the cuff of their outfit, and the color is always black. That man has his name embroidered in his chest pocket with the color blue.)

    Sunz *chuckles* and then jokingly whispers (You would be a menace if you still have 20/20 eyes.)

    Grace threateningly whispers (Well, I can get the surgery to have my 20/20 eyes back, but you will lose the glasses privilege¡­ the process is very simple.)

    Sunz: Please don¡¯t!

    Grace: Wow~ someone really has a problem, haha.

    Sunz: I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to be loud.

    Grace: Oh well, at least that old guy is already gone, so we can talk normally now.

    Sunz: Yeah¡­ so, did you see what his letter was?

    Grace: It was the letter N.

    Sunz: So is there any person in the Hero Corp with an N in their name, that is old and also likes the color blue?

    Grace: I don¡¯t think so.

    After walking a bit more, they heard noises coming from the ¡®Sparring Area¡¯.

    Grace: I thought we were the only one here. Most of the losing contestants are already on break.

    Sunz: I guess, it must be one of the staff. I don¡¯t think they will be mad if we ask them to leave, since they probably know who we are.

    Grace: I hope so.

    When they entered the ¡®Sparring Area¡¯ they saw Archibald fighting one-on-one against the hologram.

    Sunz whispers to Grace (So, who will be the one to ask him?)

    Grace whispers back (You should! You know him, I don¡¯t.)

    Sunz whispers (I can¡¯t. Sure, he and I know about each other but not that close for me to start the conversation. I usually let the other person initiate the conversation, not me.)

    Grace whispers (If you don¡¯t do anything soon then your time will be cut short.)

    Sunz whispers (Why don¡¯t you do it? You started the conversation when we were strangers.)

    Grace whispers (Well¡­ I don¡¯t want to interrupt an old man''s exercise. They have little time left to live.)

    Sunz whispers (So, are we just going to wait until he''s done?)

    Grace whispers (I guess so.)

    ¡­

    After 5 minutes of watching Archibald effortlessly sparring with hologram, the system shut down.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Archibald: That was quite the warm-up¡­ You two can come out of the corner now.

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace:¡­

    Archibald: I also heard what you two were whispering about. Either you two come out or this old man with a lot of time left will do it himself.

    Both Sunz and Grace awkwardly step out.

    Sunz: H-hello Mr.Archibald, long time no see.

    Grace just waved her hand.

    Archibald: It¡¯s great to see you and know that you¡¯ve advanced to the final round.

    Sunz: Thank you.

    Archibald: I see that you¡¯ve also been acquainted with a fine young lady. If I remember correctly, your name is Grace, right?

    Grace nodded.

    Archibald: Not much of a talker? Well, if I didn¡¯t miss hearing that you are here to train, then hop on. I¡¯ll help you prepare for the next match.

    Sunz: You sure that it will be ok?

    Archibald: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m old but have lots of experience. I heard that your next opponent is quite the work, so you¡¯ll need every help you can get.

    Sunz: Um, thank you. *getting on the arena and making his way to the other side*

    Archibald waited for Sunz to walk out of earshot and told Grace

    ¡°You too, join the fun and make it a two-on-one.¡±

    Grace: ha¡­ha, will it be necessary? Isn¡¯t it better for him to fight you alone?

    Archibald: An A-rank will surely bring up the difficulty. Don¡¯t you think so, Miss Patinage?

    Grace was shocked to hear her last name: You¡­ you know who I am?!

    Archibald: hmmm, your parents have an important role at the Hero Corp don¡¯t they?

    Grace: I¡­ I don¡¯t know. All I know is that they are also Heroes like me.

    Archibald: How unfortunate, that¡¯s mean I know as much as you do.

    Grace: Are you, one of those people?

    Archibald: The best money can buy¡­ For now, go team up with him and test out your strength.

    Grace immediately dashed over to Sunz, leaving a trail of her ice image that disappeared in less than a second.

    Archibald: Oh young talents, how I envy you.

    ¡­

    Sunz: Ok, I think this is far enough ¨C Holy! What are you doing here?

    Grace: Wow, startled much.

    Sunz: Of course, you were there and now you are suddenly here.

    Grace: Well, *draws her rapier* it¡¯s been I while since I last trained. You won¡¯t like it when I get a bit chubby.

    Sunz: Well¡­ I have a wide range of preferences, as long as you have glasses.

    Grace:¡­I have no words to describe this.

    Archibald: Well, it seems you are both prepared, and there will be one rule. Keep going until your body can¡¯t handle anymore¡­ So are you two ready?

    Grace: Yes!

    Sunz: Let¡¯s do this!

    Archibald *smile*: START!

    Sunz immediately felt a rush of wind from Grace blowing over him as she rushed in first.

    Sunz (I thought this was my training?) decided to not engage yet and observe what Grace going to do.

    Despite engaging with amazing speed, Grace''s first attack missed, and the same goes for the rest of her attack. Archibald''s amazing footwork allowed him to dodge with ease, then as frustration built up in Grace after missing so many of her attacks, he performed a simple leg sweep that knocked her off balance then he grabbed her neck and swiped her rapier.

    Archibald starts applying more force to the choke as Grace tries to break free. Once he noticed Sunz about to move, he threw Grace at him while holding on to her rapier.

    Sunz successfully caught Grace from behind, but they were pushed back a bit due to the force of the throw.

    Sunz: You ok?

    Grace: ugh, *checking her neck* yeah I¡¯m good. You?

    Sunz: Not a scratch, yet. Something wrong? You were being a bit reckless.

    Grace: Oh, you know¡­ haven¡¯t been training that much so just trying to get back in the groove.

    Sunz: And¡­ the perfect person for that is some old guy?

    Grace: Ummmm¡­ yeah kind of.

    Sunz: *sigh* well, you can have this. I¡¯m gonna try my best to support you.

    Grace: I¡¯m sorry, this was supposed to be your training.

    Sunz gets Grace back on her feet: Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s still training for me, just less physical contact¡­ and more brain power, I hope.

    Grace: Thank you. Well then *summons two ice rapiers in each of her hands* keep up.

    Once again, she immediately dashed in to attack Archibald but this time with Sunz''s support.

    On Grace¡¯s first strike, Archibald was about to block but was stopped when Sunz sent out a water wave at his arm and froze it, stopping its movement, which allowed Grace to get a direct attack at his chest and shattered her ice rapier on impact.

    The whole thing just shattered in her hand, crumbling onto the floor. Didn¡¯t give her a moment to process what happened, Archibald broke the ice that was impairing his arm movement with a slight shake of his shoulder, then he forced Grace¡¯s rapier back into her hand and windup his leg.

    But suddenly, a loud bang came from Sunz''s direction, which made Archibald push Grace away and take a step back himself before fire suddenly flared up between them.

    Using the moment there was a flame between them, Grace tried to pierce Archibald again but before she about to strike, a foot appeared from the flame and kicked her in the chest, flinging her at Sunz.

    Despite seeing what happened, Sunz wasn¡¯t quick enough to respond, which resulted in Grace getting flung at him and landing on his body.

    Sunz: Ok, not moving around for 2 days is showing its effect.

    Grace: Well, you¡¯re still a good cushion¡­haha¡­ow that¡¯s hurt.

    Archibald slowly approaches them: I must say, first round you two did quite well.

    ¡°Sunz, I see that you are getting better since our last accident.¡±

    ¡°Grace, amazing precision, going straight for the heart but just slightly missed it in order to not kill the target.¡±

    ¡°Well, are you two ready for round two?¡±

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace:¡­

    Archibald: I¡¯ll give you two a few minutes to process what happened.

    Grace: How are we supposed to beat you if our weapon can¡¯t pierce you?

    Archibald: Well, training doesn¡¯t necessarily mean winning, and you should know that. I am your wall, every time you manage to chip me down that means your training is working. But there will be no chipping today.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a small break.¡±

    Archibald walked outside of the ¡®Sparring Area¡¯

    Sunz: Grace?

    Grace: Yeah?

    Sunz: Can you get off of me? You are crushing me.

    Grace: You saying I¡¯m fat?

    Sunz: No, I¡¯m just saying you are bigger than me because of our height difference.

    Grace: Fine¡­ *standing up*

    Sunz: thank you. *getting up* well, this training is gonna be tough on both of us.

    Grace: I think, he is also not being serious. So this is how it feels to be bullied by the strong.

    Sunz: You bullied the weak before?

    Grace: Of course, lower rank goes up against higher rank to gain experience. It¡¯s always bully, until the lower rank shows some potential, that is when we become serious.

    Sunz: That somehow makes sense.

    After a small break, Archibald returned and they continued the training for hours later until.

    Grace has gotten used to training against Archibald, and is once again being knocked back by his attack, but this time she didn¡¯t instantly engage again.

    She was standing still for a few seconds and then fell onto the floor lifelessly.

    Archibald immediately rushed over to check on her while Sunz pulled out his phone to call Sogae.

 Chapter 96: Grace Familiar-Unfamiliar Entity

    *After an amount of unknown time*

    Grace has regained her consciousness, still a bit hazy but is able to notice her surroundings.

    Grace (Bed is soft but, light too bright¡­ Am I in the infirmary? What happened?)

    The room she is staying in has other empty beds.

    After a few more seconds, Grace finally fully regained her consciousness and jumped off the bed, landing her feet into a pair of slippers.

    Grace (Quite comfy.)

    Walking toward the only door inside of the room, Grace slowly felt that her body was getting heavier¡­ She slammed her shoulder against the door, her hand holding on the door handle, feeling all tired after only taking a few steps.

    Her face pressed against the glass panel in the door, her eyes fixed on the door handle while her hand tried to open it but it wouldn¡¯t budge. Her eyes shifted over to the glass panel to see what was outside and all she saw was nothing.

    The whole place was dark, even the light inside of the room she was staying in couldn¡¯t outline anything from the outside. After using so much of her strength, the door wouldn¡¯t budge.

    Suddenly out of nowhere, a pair of eyes appeared in front of the glass panel. Despite the darkness, the pair of eyes were clear as day.

    Grace (What the f-) thought was interrupted when the door suddenly opened in her face, knocking her back and onto the ground.

    Grace: Bordel de merde! Tu ne peux pas voir!

    Unfamiliar voice: It seems so.

    The pair of eyes float into the room and morph into a young female wearing a black cloak. Her eyes fixed on Grace then she spoke up.

    Unfamiliar Female: Not dead yet?

    Grace: Of course, I¡¯m not. Who the hell are you?

    Unfamiliar Female: It seems we will be meeting more often than not.

    The black cloak female changes her appearance into her male counterpart.

    Unfamiliar Male: I am Death, like the Grimm Reaper. But Death for short.

    Grace pushed herself away from the unfamiliar person: Are you here to take my life? I-I-I only fainted, you can¡¯t count that as a death.

    Death M: You don¡¯t question my identity but question how you die.

    Grace: Of course, I don¡¯t care who you are, I have a future with someone I like and I won¡¯t let Death or anyone interfere with it.

    Death M switched to Death F: Oh, how na?ve you are. I can¡¯t wait to see you be the person who interferes with that beloved future of yours.

    Grace: And I can¡¯t wait to see you be wrong. On my deathbed, introduced him to you for the first time.

    Death F: You have quite the sharp tongue. I expected you to be more vulgar after insulting that dream of yours.

    Grace: haa, if you are Death or not. I ain¡¯t giving you any leverage to pull your string.

    Death F: Aww, such a smart girl. Want to hear a secret?

    *pull out a book with black cover and the word DEATH engrave on it*Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°Death only kills 1% of the people in this book, the rest are the souls I collected. Your name was about to be in this book, but things happen and now your name is not in here.¡±

    Grace: Then why are you still here?

    Death M: You don¡¯t get to meet people that die and are reborn that frequently. And you have a pretty fun future to be looking out for, well for me at least.

    *Toss a small ring box at her*

    Grace: heh, what is the meaning of this? You switched gender just to propose.

    Death M: Another fact about this book. It¡¯s also keeping track of fate, we¡¯ll surely meet again during that moment of your life, but for now just the usual death check-up.

    Death then disappears in front of Grace''s eyes.

    Still lying on the floor and doesn¡¯t know what to do, her body doesn¡¯t have the strength to pull herself up, but have enough strength to open the ring box, which contains a golden ring inside.

    Grace took the golden ring out of the box to do some inspection but when she just touched it, the golden ring immediately inserted itself into her ring finger.

    Annoyed by what just happened, Grace¡¯s body fully regained its strength to pull the golden ring out of her finger.

    Grace: You fuck¡­ how dare you violate my privacy like that¡­ Agggh why won¡¯t you budge? Get out of my hand ¨C Agh!

    *panting*panting*

    (Finally, why was it so hard.)

    Suddenly a loud sound of metal hitting the ground shocked Grace out of her thoughts.

    Grace: What was that?!

    Grace hastily looked at her surroundings and she saw that she was sitting on the bed and not on the floor. The metal sound was the IV stand falling to the floor.

    Grace (Wait? Was all that a dream and now I¡¯m back in reality?) then hears a familiar voice.

    Familiar voice: Are you ok Grace?

    Grace looked to where the voice was and saw that it was Jihu lifting the IV stand off the ground.

    ¡°Umm, I guess. Why am I here? Did I faint somewhere?¡±

    Jihu: You did. Before you ask any more questions, I need to ask you some questions and do some assessment.

    Grace: Is it really necessary? This happened all the time, I trained too hard then fainted and when I woke up, it was like nothing happened.

    Jihu: It¡¯ll be necessary if you don¡¯t want your fainting to continue interrupting your training.

    Grace: Good point. So, do what you need to do.

    Jihu: Do you remember what you were doing before fainting?

    Grace: Me and Sunz were training against a butler named Archibald for some hours, and then everything shut down for me.

    Jihu: Ok, right now do you feel anything strange, any discomfort, headache, numbness in your arms or legs?

    Grace: No, nothing at all. I am¡­ completely fine, except for this part on my arm that just bleeds a bit and still stinging. But I think that was where the IV was.

    Jihu: And you say it¡¯s normal for you to faint while training and wake up like nothing happened.

    Grace: Yeah¡­ well not normal like it happens all the time, it only happens when I strain myself with training.

    Jihu: Were you dreaming when you pulled the IV cannula out of your arm? Your eyes were closed during that.

    Grace: IV cannula?

    Jihu: The needle thing that was stabbed into your arm.

    Grace: I was dreaming for sure but I didn¡¯t know that I pull the needle thing¡­ WAIT! You were watching me sleep!... wait why did I worry about that? You are the person who knows if his patient is dead or alive.

    Jihu: ok¡­ do you remember what happened in the dream that forced you to pull out the cannula?

    Grace: I was visited by Death, she-he I mean they gave me a golden ring that automatically attached itself onto my ring finger. When I was pulling it out, I think my real-life body was pulling on the cannula.

    Jihu:¡­ Is your obsession over Sunz getting out of hand? The Death you mention. Is it symbolic of you and him dying of old age?

    Grace: Yeah probably. (His logic seems to make sense, maybe that is not really Death)

    Jihu: That is all of the question. Now, can you get out of the bed?

    Grace jumps off the bed with ease, landing on the floor with her bare feet.

    Jihu: hmm, nothing wrong. Now can you summon your ice rapier and perform some swing for me?

    Grace: One rapier or two rapier.

    Jihu: Two if you can but one is good enough.

    Grace summoned two ice rapiers each in her hand then performed some of her attack in front of Jihu. All of her movements seem to be normal, her body has no strange reaction.

    Jihu: You don¡¯t feel anything strange right?

    Grace: Nothing¡­ well a bit tired after waking up and quite hungry.

    Jihu: Well, you are good to go then. You can leave whenever you like.

    Grace vanished her ice rapiers: Hey, do you where Sunz is right now?

    Jihu: Oh, he just sitting in that corner over there sleeping, tired from his training.

    Grace (how did I not notice?): How long has he been here?

    Jihu: About an hour or two. I did have to fix him up a bit, there were bruises all over him. He also said that he was sorry for not staying longer.

    Grace: Oh, that¡¯s moron there is no need to be sorry for not staying longer. If it was because of me that he lost his final round, I would have beat him up.

    Jihu: Well then, I¡¯ll leave you two alone. See you again.

    Grace: Yeah, see you.

    Jihu walked out of the door and closed it behind him. Then he pulled out his notebook and noted something down.

    ¡®Dead aura still appears as Dead after the patient has recovered. It seems to be acting like normal aura but appears as Dead.¡¯

    Jihu: This aura study is more complicated than I thought.

 Chapter 97: Rocky Relationship

    Grace walked inside the infirmary with her bare feet on the floor (I hate this feeling, need to find my socks and shoes), after a few minutes of looking, she managed to find them. (My savior has appeared) It only took Grace a few seconds to wear them.

    Grace then casually approached the sleeping Sunz, stopping in front of him, and crouched down a bit. Thinking of how she should wake him up while tugging on his Windbreaker.

    Grace: Can I really do that to him¡­ of course I can. The question is, should I?¡­ I wonder what is he dreaming about or if is he even dreaming at all.

    *Inside of Sunz¡¯s dream*

    Sunz is sitting down on a chair with Grace standing in front of him, staring him down.

    Sunz: Umm, you need something?

    Grace: Just need to test something out *pinching Sunz¡¯s cheek*

    Sunz: Hey stop it, not fun.

    Grace: Hmm, oh well.

    *raised her hand and slapped Sunz really hard in the face, knocking him off his chair*

    Sunz immediately woke up from his dream and felt that he was lying on the floor. His body and his forehead have a sudden ache out of nowhere.

    Sunz: Ugh, that is one way to wake up. *notice Grace is also on the floor* what are you doing down here, Grace?

    Grace: You bastard, I¡¯m the one that should be asking questions. Why did you suddenly headbutt me out of nowhere?

    Sunz: Headbutt you?

    Grace: Yeah!

    Sunz: How did that even happen? Were you in front of my face or something?

    Grace:¡­ Maybe I was.

    Sunz: Ow, still hurt. Ok, why were you all up in my space?

    Grace: I¡­*twiddle her finger* don¡¯t want to talk about it!

    Sunz: Get back on that high horse and tell me.

    Grace: No!

    Sunz: This is starting to get annoying.

    *glares at Grace*

    ¡°Well then, if you don¡¯t tell me then you and I don¡¯t have to talk to each other again.

    Grace: Oh wow, I would like to see you try. Throwing away your one-in-a-lifetime chance.

    Sunz (Fuck! So many options. If I stay quiet, it will trigger her unique dialogue and I¡¯m 99% sure that she will tell the truth. On the other hand, I have something I want to say which will trigger a different reaction.)

    ¡°Calling yourself a one-in-a-lifetime chance, big ego you have. Also, you threw yourself on me, there was no chance involved¡­ plus I¡¯m a natural-born loner, so I¡¯ll be fine without the other half.¡±

    Grace (This Bitch who does he think he is talking to me like that¡­ fuck! This nobody has all the leverage, he has nothing to lose but I do¡­ We are so fucking pathetic. MY AVERAGE DIPLOMATIC SCORE IS BITING ME IN THE ASS!)

    ¡°You¡¯re right, I did throw myself onto you. See how pathetic I am, I throw away my dignity, my status just to be with you. So can you please spare this nobody of your judgment?¡±

    (Ok, buy yourself some time. I can still win this if I tired him out with emotional manipulation¡­¡­ but is it a good tactic?... I have no other choice. Worse is better than none.)

    Sunz:¡­ *stands up and walks toward the door*

    Grace (I¡¯M LOSING! I¡¯M LOSING! I MUST FOLD!) *standing up*

    As Sunz getting close to walking out the door, Grace throws an ice rapier at him that scratches his face and shatters into multiple mini snowflakes.

    Sunz turned around facing Grace with no emotion on his face:¡­

    Grace: A man of your word isn¡¯t it? Fine, I¡¯ll tell you why I was in your face.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    *quickly approaching Sunz, her hand slowly raising up as she closed the distance then she slapped him in the face really hard, right on the location where her ice rapier scratched him*

    ¡°That¡¯s your answer.¡±

    Sunz slowly moved his hand to the spot on his face where Grace slapped him. When he raised his head to look at her, she saw the most terrified shocked face in her entire life.

    Sunz''s voice was normal but it had the volume of a whisper: It was true.

    ¡­

    Grace (Fuck! Did I go overboard?)

    ¡°Are you ok, I should tell instead of sho-)

    She held out her hand to check Sunz¡¯s face but met a powerful grip from his other hand. Knowing that she is partially at fault, there was no intention of resisting from her. Sunz slowly looked around the room and then focused his eyes on Grace. His shocked face has returned to its normal expression.

    Sunz: This room, this atmosphere, they are not identical but familiar enough.

    Grace: Sunz¡­ you¡¯re kinda freaking me out. What are you talking about, hehe?

    Sunz: My dream, it¡¯s predicted this.

    Grace: heh?

    ¡­

    They are now sitting on the bed that Grace was previously lying on. As Grace trying to dissect Sunz¡¯s story.

    Grace: So you were dreaming and in that dream, I slapped you which snapped you out of that dream. It happens at the same time I¡¯m about to slap you in real life which leads to the headbutt incident.

    Sunz: Yeah¡­ some real Deja Vu moment. Same room, same atmosphere, even same position. It seems I can predict the future.

    Grace: Predict the future eh¡­ what happe-

    Sunz: I¡¯m just gonna stop you there. I was joking, most of my Deja Vu is very random but there is no chance of love.

    Grace: Tch liar. You were ready to leave me before. What is preventing your Deja Vu from giving you a better girl?

    Sunz: I can guarantee about the first one. The second one I can¡¯t be so sure. If I do have a dream about that, I have to go through this process of building up the relationship again.

    Grace groaned and leaned on the bed: Being thrown away like street trash. Those books I read were right, you boys are terrible.

    Sunz looks at Grace, seeing her being all sad and depressed: Well, your situation ain¡¯t that bad. Think about yourself in the most positive way possible, no negativity. You¡¯re an attractive girl which means guys and or maybe girls are pinning for you every second. Sooner or later you¡¯ll find someone that you connect to.

    Grace:¡­ I fucking hate that your point kinda makes sense¡­ All of the female leads I read about are pathetic.

    ¡°Sunz? Is this a healthy relationship? It¡¯s not the same as the books I read about.¡±

    Sunz: Wow, you are delirious from being all sad and depressed. The obvious answer is No! Talking about the books, not this relationship.

    ¡°I am not the perfect role model the book wants me to be. I have the common trait¡­ listening, understanding, and others.¡±

    Grace: You¡¯re missing the important traits like honesty, loyalty.

    Sunz: That¡¯s common sense not trait¡­ Also, you know that my homeroom teacher told me to be more gallant to the girls.

    Grace: Is your homeroom teacher also a man who sees himself and all the mistakes he made in the past reflected in you?

    Sunz: No that homeroom teacher was a girl.

    Grace: hmm¡­ Does she also hate you like all of the girls in your class?

    Sunz: No,... not at all.

    Grace: Wow, that means your girls hate aura doesn¡¯t affect older women.

    Sunz: Probably¡­

    Grace: Where is this all spiraling into?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know.

    Grace: Let¡¯s just get back to¡­ Is this a healthy relationship?

    Sunz: I think it¡¯s neutral and it has its moment. I already know why I¡¯m committed to this relationship. I know you are not that easy to be killed. But what is your reason?

    Grace: My reason? *covering both of her eyes with her arm* If you can recall who I was before the moment when we were both alone.

    Sunz: You¡­ were kind of obsessed with Jihu.

    Grace: You are correct. After so so many years of not talking to him my emotions just cracked and luckily my childhood memory was there to restrain me from doing anything rash.

    ¡°Until I saw your interaction with Jihu. It was cold and unenthusiasm, which triggered my hatred for you. But after interacting with you a few more times, my emotions just exploded. Somehow, you make my feelings vulnerable.¡±

    ¡°Also you were right about me crushing on Jihu, but it was only a small crush formed from childhood memories. I¡¯ll be happy if it can move forward but I also won¡¯t be sad if it didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Then in that room and at the moment you told me he already has a girlfriend. That crush just shattered and instantly reformed itself. That crush was empty but it has your name on it.¡±

    ¡°Only through a few interactions in that room, that crush was instantly filled up. And in that moment I know that I can¡¯t let you slip away until you push me away, snapping me out of my reality. And now we''re here.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t find a good reason about committing to this relationship, because it started with you being the second option after I got rejected.¡±

    Sunz: This is definitely not a healthy relationship but does it even matter if it works?

    Grace: What do you mean?

    Sunz: Well Grace, as the initiator of this relationship you are also the rift in it-

    Grace: Sunz, do you know what rift means?

    Sunz: You cause trouble to make this relationship more fun.

    Grace:¡­Continue (You really need to read the dictionary.)

    Sunz: While you are the rift, I¡¯m here to create more chaos from the trouble you created. Like how you were about to slap me and decided to not tell me, I make a declaration that spirals us to this point.

    Grace (So that Death person was right. I am the rift.): Sunz, how do you feel now after knowing you were kind of a Jihu substitution?

    Sunz: You did try to kill him so I don¡¯t think that is true anymore.

    Grace: How many more times are we going to discuss about our relationship after every rift?

    Sunz: That will depend on the context tho.

    Grace sat up and jumped off the bed: *yawn* I¡¯m hungry. Let¡¯s eat normal food this time.

    Sunz: Got it *jump off the bed*

    Grace: Umm¡­ how''s your face?

    Sunz: Oh, it still hurts. You are physically so strong.

    Grace:*giggle* let''s put this as my temporary reason for committing to this relationship. I know you are inferior to me in some field which allows me to manipulate you.

    Sunz: I have nothing to lose but you do, so it should be the opposite.

    *both giggle*

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you chose to slap me instead of shaking my body to wake me up.¡±

    Grace: Physical pain is the best caffeine.

 Chapter 98: Sunzâ€™s Preparation

    Sunz and Grace returned to their own room to put their weapon away, then they met at the dining hall for dinner, where they went to get their food on their own and eat together at the same table. They didn¡¯t talk much except just asking how each other food tasted. When they finished they both just sat at the table scrolling through their phone. Until they were interrupted by Sogae.

    Sogae: Hello, enjoy your meal?

    Both: Yes, we did.

    Sogae: That is great to hear. So Sunz, your match is tomorrow, make sure to be prepared, and I will drive you to the location. Also, there will be a change of plan, only the people you choose can watch the fight. The others will have an extra free day until this tournament is over.

    Sunz: Is there a limit to how many people I can choose?

    Sogae: No, but you can¡¯t choose the unknown people.

    Sunz: Well, I guess the usual team, Grace, Jihu, Yama, No Name, and also Mr.Archibald.

    Sogae: Archibald?... Oh right, the butler that was with you when I arrived to pick up Grace¡¯s body. Now I must ask, Grace are you all ok now?

    Grace: Um, thank you for asking. I think I¡¯m all good now, my forehead is still a bit hurt tho.

    Sogae: I don¡¯t know what really happened but even Elder Nam has to also check on you.

    Grace: Mr.Nam visited me?!

    Sunz: Yeah¡­ apparently the old guy we saw before was Mr.Nam, who is Jihu¡¯s grandfather, the person that organized this tournament¡­

    ¡°You know him, Grace?¡±

    Grace: You didn¡¯t do your research? He is the person who owns this hotel.

    Sunz: Was I even supposed to?

    Grace: You don¡¯t travel to another country without doing any research beforehand.

    Sogae: Well, I¡¯ll come by your room in the morning to pick you up, so prepare everything you need. Enjoy the rest of the day you two.

    Both: You too, Sogae.

    *Sogae leaves the two of them alone*

    Sunz: Ok, I did do some research but I didn¡¯t go that deep. I checked to know the location of the place I¡¯m staying at, and at most I checked the review.

    Grace: Please tell me that is a joke.

    Sunz:¡­ ok, kind of. Since Jihu was the person who chose this place, I didn¡¯t feel the need to¡­

    Grace: At least that¡¯s a reasonable argument.

    Sunz: Uh¡­ yeah¡­ seem so *keep shifting his eyes between Grace and his phone*

    Grace:¡­*kicks Sunz¡¯s leg under the table* Pay attention when someone is talking to you.

    Sunz: Ow, I¡¯m sorry¡­*shifting his glance between his phone and Grace again for a few seconds*

    Grace: *sigh* At least show me what you are comparing me to or whatever the hell you¡¯re doing with your eyes.

    Sunz: So¡­ I was checking out the heroes ranking website to see if your name was on there or not and I did.

    Grace: For what reason make you want to do that?

    Sunz: Do you remember the small guy with the big guy that we saw at the Tower?

    Grace: I remember, I also remember that you told me the little guy knew me.

    Sunz: So, when I went to check your profile on the website, it does have a profile picture and¡­ *shows Grace his phone*

    Grace: Yeah, that¡¯s me. Can¡¯t believe that picture is two years old already, how time flies.

    Sunz: Ok, I know that you are joking because your appearance in this picture is the same as the one you showed me after your murder attempt.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    Grace: *smirk* It seems you have good memory. So let me guess, you¡¯re wondering how that guy recognized me as a hero even those that picture and me are totally different, right?

    Sunz: Yeah.

    Grace: Well, you na?ve newbie. The number that is shown on the website is scaled down. Rank S and A have an extra digit, rank B has two extra digits and rank C has three extra digits.

    Sunz: So it only shows the top 10% of that rank.

    Grace: Bingo, you found the obvious answer.

    Sunz: You seem to enjoy seeing me being incompetent.

    Grace: Well, sometimes I can¡¯t help it.

    Sunz: If you are that high ranking, then no wonder he recognizes you.

    Grace: You know¡­ there is like a way more obvious answer.

    Sunz: What? From what I know that is the only answer. Is there like a third-party website?- no, that is dumb and does not make sense.

    Grace placed her hand on her forehead and gently shook her head (Are you this oblivious?) then placed both of her hands on her lap and sat in a prim and proper position in the chair.

    ¡°You look at this and don¡¯t see the obvious red flag.¡±

    Sunz with a confused look on his face scanned Grace for a few seconds before speaking up.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I don¡¯t see any of the red flags you¡¯re trying to show me. If you are talking about your personality, I don¡¯t think it''s that noticeable at a glance.¡±

    Grace mumbles: my personality is not the red flag, something else is you oblivious moron.

    Sunz: I understand half of that. Just say it directly, like how dragged me into this mess with you.

    Grace: Fair point¡­ You see my hair and its color? This is like the most common appearance on the ranking website. So of course that guy will mistake me for someone else.

    Sunz: You sur-¡­ I guess you¡¯re right, since that is also the most common female design in games and manga. Especially for female lead or maybe love interest.

    Grace: What do you mean you guess? It¡¯s of course. I¡¯ve been in this field for longer than you are so most of the things I say will be right.

    ¡­

    ¡°So to you, am I the female lead or the love interest?¡±

    Sunz: What is the difference? They are both important characters that are used to drive the plot.

    Grace: Well, the lead drives the plot while the love interest, is the love interest, they can be the plot point here and there or just throw them to the side.

    Sunz: I don¡¯t feel that comfortable discussing that with you in public.

    Grace: Agree. Let¡¯s leave.

    *Both Sunz and Grace return to Sunz¡¯s room*

    Grace jumped onto the bed while Sunz just standing in the middle of the room.

    Grace: So, back to the conversation.

    Sunz: What you said, was irritating. You literally don¡¯t care about the love interest character at all.

    Grace: Yeah, so? I¡¯m not reading a romance. I¡¯m reading books.

    Sunz: What does that even mean?

    Grace: Well, when you¡¯re at my speed level, reading books is literally a hobby. Heck, I¡¯ll even read studying materials when I¡¯m desperate.

    Sunz: I¡¯ll call that an addiction, a weird one. But back to you saying love interest is trash-

    Grace: I didn¡¯t say that, but I kind of mean it. Please continue.

    Sunz: I think we both know you are the female lead, but I¡¯ll tell you this, to me the love interest is what makes the story fun. Sure they are the plot point here and there, but they are an important piece of the puzzle used for breaking the main character''s emotion, letting them reach their highest high and lowest low.

    Grace: Wow, that was quite¡­passionate. Let¡¯s summarize your words and my words.

    ¡°After everything that happened, from my view, I¡¯m the main character and you are the love interest, but from your view, you are the main character while I¡¯m just some female extra.¡±

    Sunz: That¡¯s not right. We have the same role in both views.

    Grace: Someone hasn¡¯t thought hard enough to get a headache. By your logic, you as the love interest had made me experience emotional breakdown that forced me to kill your best friend. While I haven¡¯t given you any of that trauma which means I¡¯m not the love interest.

    Sunz: This is just a fun conversation, you are not implying anything important right?

    Grace: Yeah¡­ Oh! Did you really think it was serious? Haha!

    Sunz: Well talking about relationship with you has always been a serious topic.

    Grace: Even I can¡¯t deny that. But enough talking about random stuff, you should go prepare for tomorrow¡­ need any help?

    Sunz: There are a few things that I feel like I need to bring, but I don¡¯t really have anything to carry them. Do you have any spare purse that I can borrow?... Actually, do you even have a purse to begin with?

    Grace: Oh I do, I just don¡¯t use it that often. Be back in a bit!

    *She jumps off the bed and walks out of Sunz¡¯s room.*

    Sunz started to gather the stuff he wanted to prepare.

    *10 minutes later*

    Grace returned to Sunz¡¯s room with a purse in her hand and saw that Sunz was playing with his phone.

    Grace: Yo, love interest, having too much time on your hands?

    Sunz: It¡¯s only been a few minutes.

    Grace:¡­ Well,l here your purse. What are the stuff I¡¯m going to carry for you?

    Sunz points his finger: They are on the table over there. You gonna carry them?

    Grace approached the table Sunz pointed at, and looked at the stuff he gonna bring before speaking up.

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t want you to carry any unnecessary thing into the fight¡­ but are these really what you are bringing?¡±

    Sunz approaches Grace and looks at all of the stuff he chose: Yeah, something wrong with them?

    Grace: Well¡­ odd choice of items, I think. A water bottle, 4 shot glasses, and a letter¡­ what is the role of these fucking things?

    Sunz: I just feel they are important to bring.

    Grace hands Sunz the purse: Hero you go, put them in. The final match is yours, so I don¡¯t have any say in this. But I can express my confusion to whatever you bring with you.

    Sunz: Thank, Grace.

    Grace: Also, I¡¯m gonna sleep with you tonight, making sure you do not oversleep.

    Sunz: I¡¯m not planning on using the bed anyway so go ahead.

    Grace:¡­ You are such a piece of work. It¡¯s not a biohazard zone just because my bare body was on it, we going to sleep together in the future so get used to it. If you¡¯re not sleeping on the bed tonight, I¡¯m gonna turn you into a stuffed animal like Jihu.

    Sunz:¡­

    Grace: Got it!

    Sunz: Yes¡­

    Grace: Good, now finish preparing.

 Chapter 99: Nothing Left To Do Except Wait

    Waking up in the middle of the darkness fully awake, with limited vision and cold air breathing down his neck.

    Sunz (Lucky me, waking up and aren¡¯t tired¡­ but what messed up time did I wake up at?) trying to reach for his phone while his movement is impaired by an arm over his neck.

    Sunz (Grace! I hope you didn¡¯t do this on purpose. My right hand is in my pocket while the arm is sandwiched between her chest. My left arm is free but has limited movement due to her hugging my neck.)

    (Dark room, blanket over my body, and limited movement¡­ I¡¯m not going back to sleep!... Maybe I could.)

    Sunz tried to wiggle his way out of this situation, but when he moved just a bit, Grace¡¯s restraint tightened, and she pulled him closer to her body.

    (Fuck! Bad move. The most important match of the tournament and here I am getting restrained in bed. I could tried to wake her up¡­ nah.)

    Minutes passed by which felt like hours for Sunz.

    (I might go crazy if I stay here any longer¡­ *sigh* let¡¯s try that.)

    Sunz summoned a lighting sword in his left hand and pointed it at the wall near his head, while his right hand clenched hard onto nothingness in his pocket.

    (Let¡¯s hope no cop shows up¡­)

    With a loud *BANG* Sunz was shot out of the bed, released him from the restraint, and slammed himself into the wall.

    Sunz quickly recovered from the minor injury: That works better than I thought, now to get my phone.

    He dismissed his lightning sword and carefully navigated to his side of the bed, moving his hand aimlessly until he found his phone.

    When he pressed the power button, the light from his phone revealed a tired and annoyed Grace holding up her pillow and smacking him on the head with very little force.

    Grace: Why the FUCK were you trying to deafen me at this time!?

    Sunz: I was trying to get out but you were restraining my body.

    Grace: You have a mouth don¡¯t you? You Moron! Fuck you! I¡¯m too tired for this, going back to sleep.

    ¡°If you do this again, I¡¯ll fire a gun near your ear to see if you enjoy it. Don¡¯t tempt me, you Bitch! Bye!¡±

    Grace slammed her face into the pillow and showed no sign of movement like nothing ever happened.

    Sunz (My fault¡­) quickly rushed out of the room into the bright hotel hallway and locked the door before leaving.

    Sunz: *yawn* now you''re tired. Don¡¯t toy with me, body. I don¡¯t even want to check the time. I hope they have hot food down there.

    Sunz making his way down to the dining room of the hotel. The atmosphere of the whole place is quieter than usual, which kind of creeps him out. Until he arrived at the dining hall, there were some people there enjoying their meal which eased him off the creepiness vibe.

    Sunz grabbed some food to eat and then sat at one of the empty tables. While eating, he¡¯s thinking of how he will deal with ONE.

    (So¡­ I have to kill ONE in order to win this tournament, as much as I hate to do it, it either me or him that will die¡­ let¡¯s just hope the clan won¡¯t actually going to let me die.)

    (Let¡¯s not compare physical strength with him since out of everyone here, I am clearly the weakest one. But my only saving grace¡­ hmp Grace. Is my variety of elements, which somehow that bastard also has access to.)

    (I have such a great start but the second half was brutal. I defeated Yama with a heavy injury, the match against Grace was a lot better. I got floored by No-Name and won by cheating. Grimm was going easy on me or at most half of his true strength, I think¡­)

    (I really have to step up my game in order to win this tournament.)

    Lost in the middle of his thought, Sogae sat down at his table with her food.

    ¡­

    Sogae: Why are you awake at this time, too nervous for the fight kid?

    Sunz: !!! When did you get here?

    Sogae: You a jumpy one, a few minutes ago.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    Sunz: Couldn¡¯t you pick another table, there are plenty of empty ones.

    Sogae: Just making sure that my guest is well rested for his important day. Judging by the fact that you did not slam your face into your food while lost thought, I¡¯ll say you are well rested.

    *eating her food*

    Sunz: What about ONE, how is he doing? Not trying to kill anyone else after the first-round result?

    Sogae: Right now don¡¯t worry too much about him, just know that he is very eager to fight you.

    Sunz: Well, I wish I was as excited as that murder hobo.

    Sogae: So that was what on your mind. Don¡¯t worry too much, you¡¯ll probably find a way in desperate need.

    Sunz: But is winning by pure luck will benefit me that much?

    Sogae: Well, you won¡¯t die and get to join the clan so, you benefit a lot.

    Sunz: Sure, I get that much but I do not really benefit the clan that much.

    Sogae: Everyone figures their use sooner or later.

    Sunz: Well, I¡¯m gonna head back to my room now. See you later.

    Sogae: Yeah see you in a few hours.

    *Sunz returns to his room*

    When he enters the room, his hand automatically reaches for the light switch and turns on all of the lights in the room. After a few seconds, he remembered that Grace was sleeping, which forced his hand to turn off the light, but before he could turn them off, he saw that the room was empty.

    Sunz (I guess she went back to her room for a better sleep.) standing in the middle of the room, thinking of what to do. (Well, I could train¡­ but what can I do that will give me a significant edge???)

    (Be honest with yourself, there is really nothing left to do except wait. You can watch the TV.)

    Sunz gets comfy on the bed and then turns on the TV to watch a random K-drama show in full Korean.

    After watching a few episodes of the random show, something occurred in Sunz¡¯s mind.

    (I can understand this show clearly, the translation in my mind has no abrupt cut. This is an amazing ability that won¡¯t help me at all in combat, but will be amazing for my personal entertainment.)

    Sunz muted the TV and pulled out his phone to watch something else.

    *Hours later*

    While watching stuff on his phone, he received a text message from Sogae.

    Sogae: Picking you up in 30 minutes.

    Sunz: Got it.

    After sending the reply, he felt a hand out of nowhere grippling onto his arm which startled him and forced him to punch whatever was grippling his arm.

    His punch was easily stopped by the unknown thing''s hand which was Grace.

    Sunz: Oh god, it¡¯s just you. I thought I was being attacked by a creature.

    Grace:¡­ And your first action was to punch it, with your physically weak body. Not summoning your weapon and stabbing it.

    Sunz: well, this is a bit new to me. Not getting assassinated that often so it hasn¡¯t built up a muscle memory.

    Grace: You don¡¯t have any muscle to begin with.

    Sunz: Fair point but if I did pull out my sword, it would have injured you.

    Grace: You think I couldn¡¯t dodge that simple attack from you?

    Sunz: That¡¯s right, you do have a better speed than me¡­ Can we pause and get prepared? Because Sogae will be here in less than 30 minutes.

    Grace: Yeah, sure. I¡¯ll return in 10 minutes.

    *After 15 minutes*

    Grace returned to Sunz¡¯s room after freshening up and wearing her new outfit with black as the main color and purple as the support color.

    Sunz: You? Attending a funeral?

    Grace: I tried my best to not make it look like that by not wearing its hat.

    Sunz: I must say the color is very Korean.

    Grace: Korean, how? Is there some context that I¡¯m missing?

    Sunz: Don¡¯t think too much about it, back to the important stuff. When did you enter my room?

    Grace: What are you talking about, I never left in the first place.

    Sunz: Really? When I returned, you weren¡¯t on the bed so I thought you went back to your room for a better sleep.

    Grace: Of course, because of the stunt you did who wouldn¡¯t want to leave. But I was too sleepy to even think about leaving.

    Sunz: Then why didn¡¯t I see you when I return?

    Grace: Wow, so you weren¡¯t actually ignoring me. *mumble* So what you were watching was genuine.

    Sunz: Ignoring you? I thought you left.

    Grace: Did you check the surroundings of the bed or did you just think Grace was not on the bed so it meant she gone?

    Sunz:¡­ yeah I did not check the surroundings.

    Grace: Well, because of that you didn¡¯t know I rolled off the bed and was sleeping on the floor.

    Sunz: You rolled off the bed without taking the blanket with you and somehow that didn¡¯t wake you up?

    Grace: It happened frequently enough for me to get used to it¡­ huh, I do get why you think I left. Usually, the blanket should go with you too.

    Sunz: You just said you frequently fall off the bed, wouldn¡¯t it give you head trauma?

    Grace: It should have but nope, my body is totally normal.

    Sunz: I wanna guess, you restraining me while sleeping. Was it to stop you from falling off the bed?

    Grace: Oh. No. That is from another habit, because of how often I fall off the bed in the middle of the night, it usually ruins my roommate''s sleep. So my friend Ame bought me two body pillows and it kinda stops me from falling off.

    Sunz: What do you mean by kind off?

    Grace: Well, they are pillows not really weighting that much so sometimes while restraining one of the two, I often brought it down with me, and like a coin flip I take the fall or it takes the fall.

    Sunz: Should I be scared of you crushing my body in the future?

    Grace: That¡¯s for the future. Also, I should be the one asking that. Should I be worry that I¡¯ll need a hearing aid before 30?

    Sunz: Don¡¯t worry it won¡¯t happen again. I was trying to not wake you but I wake you up in the worst way possible.

    Grace: *sigh* fine, next time just touch me like a normal person. I can fall back to sleep pretty fast.

    Sunz: Got it.

    Grace: So, enough about me. Who was the girl you¡¯ve been watching for the last hours? You were quite focused on the video and she was speaking a foreign language that I doubt you understand.

    Sunz: How long were you watching me?

    Grace: Some hours. I woke up and heard an unfamiliar female voice speaking in a foreign language. Just to see you watching a fictional female streaming.

    Sunz: And¡­ you have a problem with that?

    Grace: Oh no, my approach was out of curiosity, you are in no danger.

    Sunz: Grace, are you internet illiterate?

    Grace: I know the general stuff but not as much as a loner like you. But I guess I do understand why you like watching her. Her assets fit your preferences after all. *giggle*

    Sunz: It¡¯s hurt that you think that low of me.

    *Knock*Knock*

    Sogae: Sunz, you¡¯re ready? Time to go.

    Sunz yells at the door: We are, will be there in a bit.

    Then he told Grace ¡°We¡¯ll continue this at another time.¡±

    Grace: Oh we will *giggle*

 Chapter 100: Last Group Chat

    After picking up Sunz and Grace. Sogae took both of them to pick up No Name and Yama from their room without informing them.

    *At No Name¡¯s room*

    Sunz: What are we doing here?

    Sogae: To pick up the rest group *knock on door*

    No Name opened the door and was surprised to see Sunz, Grace, and Sogae. While the three of them were also surprised to see No Name with messy hair, in her pajama and slurping on cup noodles.

    She cut the noodles from her mouth in order to speak ¡°Oh, we''re going now. How much time do I have to prepare?¡±

    Sogae: Well, about-

    Grace pushed past Sogae and stepped into the room ¡°We¡¯ll be down there in 5 to 10 minutes. You two pick up Yama.¡± Then she closed the door between them.

    Sunz asked Sogae: Did you forget to tell them the time?

    Sogae: I didn¡¯t tell anyone the time, I just told them including you that I¡¯m going to pick you all up.

    Sunz: Let¡¯s just go and pick up Yama then we¡¯ll wait for you to get the car.

    Sogae:¡­

    Sunz: Why are you not moving?

    Sogae: From the way you speak it sounds like you know where his room is.

    Sunz: This is my first going to others room. The only room I know is mine.

    Sogae: Not including Grace¡¯s room?

    Sunz: No, she always meets me in my room.

    ¡­

    *At Yama¡¯s room*

    Sogae knocks on the door and after a few seconds, Yama answers the door.

    Yama: Hi, times to go?

    Sunz: Wow, already dressed up, very casual.

    Yama: Ah, no. These are yesterday''s clothes, I haven¡¯t changed out. But am I underdressed? You are wearing a full suit.

    Sunz: Don¡¯t worry too much, wear what you feel comfortable with. Also, this has become my fighting outfit¡­ but you, aren¡¯t you supposed to be relaxing and stuffing your face?

    Yama: I¡¯ve been doing that and other stuff on the side.

    Sogae: I can vouch for him, he has been ordering food through room service, a lot.

    Sunz: ha, really? You look more skinny than the last time I saw you.

    Yama: I¡¯ve been eating and playing around the last few days, there is no way I lost weight.

    Sunz:¡­ Well, not to speculate too much. Just say you are losing weight to impress a girl.

    Yama: I¡¯m not, we are just friends that hang out at that gaming building.

    Sunz: I won¡¯t pry anymore into that but, if you are planning to stick to that skinny form won¡¯t you lose at least 50% of your power? You hit stronger when you are fat, combined with your super defense ability. In this form, you are just like us. A fast and annoying bug.

    Yama: If I¡¯m not gaining weight here then I will back home. Also, I have another way to temporarily switch forms.

    Yama took a deep breath then breathed out, after a few seconds his body puffed up into the fat Yama from before. The form only lasts for 2 seconds before returning Yama to his current weight.

    Yama:¡­

    Sunz: Wow, very impressive. That must mean you can also switch into your skinny self.

    Yama:¡­

    *staring at them without saying anything and both of his pupils slowly moving to the corner of his eyes*

    Sogae: The kid is dazed *grabbed Yama out of his room and locked the door then pushed him onto Sunz*If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°He seems light enough for you to carry. Let¡¯s start moving.¡±

    Sunz: Sur- (wow he is light, the fuck!) Down we go.

    After a few minutes Sunz, Yama, and Sogae made it to the lobby.

    Sunz tossed Yama onto one of the lounge sofas and sat down on the one opposite of Yama.

    Sunz: So are you gonna wait for the girls then get the car or are you doing it now?

    Sogae: We can wait¡­ *elevator ding* that must be them.

    Two figures walk out of the elevator, but they aren¡¯t the people Sunz and Sogae were expecting. They both were wearing a white coat over their clothes and one of them just kept looking at the floor.

    The person who keeps looking at the floor seems to be just following the person next to them. They continue to walk in Sogae''s direction then stop.

    Sunz (Who are these two?)

    Sogae: Can I help you?

    Face white coat: I thought you already left?

    Sogae seems to be familiar with this person: Just waiting for the rest to get ready.

    Face white coat: Look like you can just take this one and add him to the group. Don¡¯t need me to drive him to the place.

    *tap the other person''s shoulder*

    ¡°Sit down next to Sunz, you can sense aura better now so you probably know which they are.¡±

    The face-down person walked toward Sunz and he scooted over in response then they slumped down into the sofa and revealed that it was Jihu, looking all tired with bags under his eyes.

    Jihu: Good luck¡­*fall asleep*

    Sunz: What happened and who are you?

    Sogae: Well, this is Soju, who is currently in charge of Jihu special training.

    Sunz: Ok, nice to meet you.

    Soju: You don¡¯t remember me, kid? I was the person who gave your group those amazing golden tickets¡­ glad to see that you were all safe after that incident.

    Sunz: We only met once and it was brief, so of course I won¡¯t remember you. The only person who probably remembers you is the girl that insults you.

    Soju: I wouldn¡¯t call that an insult.

    Sunz: So what kind of training did you have him go through? Never seen him in this state before.

    Soju: A lot of reading then testing and combined with not sleeping for a few days without consuming any caffeine. Will turn you into that. Well, I¡¯ll take my leave now. Listen to Sogae and don¡¯t cause any trouble.

    When Soju left, the elevator made another *ding* sound, and coming out of it were Grace and No Name. Grace looked around the lobby until she found the group then pulled No Name to where the group was.

    No Name: Sorry we are late, takes quite a while.

    Sogae: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m going to get our car now, so keep yourself company. *leave*

    Sunz: So you two are just wearing the same outfit but different colors.

    Grace: Yeah, got a problem with that!?

    Sunz: No? Just find it funny that the arms are longer when No Name wears your clothes. The other time I thought you had different sizes for one outfit.

    Grace: Well, the other time we have time for adjustment and not 10 minutes of rushing¡­ Also what the hell happened here? These two partied without you?

    Sunz: No. Jihu studied without sleep for a few days and Yama was knocked out after puffing up.

    Grace shifted her eyes between everyone while No Name slumped down on one of the sofas.

    Sunz: Looking for something?

    Grace: No, just looking¡­ This feels like we are going to a cosplay convention, except for Yama.

    Sunz: Huh, you¡¯re not wrong.

    No Name: So Sunz, how was your training with Archibald?

    Sunz:¡­ How did you know that name?

    No Name: Grace told me, and I can¡¯t believe you didn''t tell me about what happened to Grace.

    Sunz: I don¡¯t have your contact information.

    No Name: Fair point. So how was your training, any good improvement?

    Sunz:¡­kinda¡­

    No Name: Well, you fuck¡­ unless you pull out the cheat you use in our match.

    Grace: No! You are not allowed to do that again. I don¡¯t want to see you act like an emotionless murderer. That is my order to you!

    Sunz: Was that last line necessary? Is it because I¡¯m wearing a butler outfit?

    Grace: Yes it¡¯s necessary.

    No Name: Well, if he doesn¡¯t kill him then the other guy will.

    Grace: Well, he managed to get here without killing anyone so he might as well end without killing anyone.

    No Name: Well, I saw what happened to you guys that night so I¡¯m not that confident in him winning. You were lucky that Sogae was there.

    Grace:¡­ of all the people here why are you fighting against me?

    No Name: You want him to win, don¡¯t you? So are we and that is the best solution.

    Sunz: Well, that won¡¯t happen because they aren¡¯t going to interfere with this battle. I can¡¯t always rely on others for everything.

    No Name: Wow, feeling confident.

    Sunz: No, not at all. Terrified actually. I already know that my strength can¡¯t compare to him.

    Suddenly he felt a hand placed on his shoulder.

    Jihu: You all talk so much, I can¡¯t nap properly.

    Grace: Well, I just worried about him dying!

    Jihu: haha, fine then. I¡¯ll ease up the mood. Sunz you¡¯re not going to die in this match, so go all out, use any aces that you can think of even if it''s going to break your body, because you have the best doctor by your side.

    Sunz: Thank you¡­ and it seems that everyone here all thinks that I¡¯m going to lose.

    No Name: No doubt.

    Grace: I still have some hope, but yeah.

    Jihu: You *yaawn* make it this far was quite a miracle. I did see your potential to win this tournament. Well, that was before I knew about No Name, Grimm, and ONE.

    Sunz¡¯s phone starts ringing: Well that is enough talk for now, let¡¯s get going.

    As Sunz, Jihu, and No Name stand up, Yama also gets up from his lying position.

    Sunz: Hey, finally back on your feet Yama?

    Yama: uh, yeah just now tho, blood finally flows through my legs. But I did hear what all of you were talking about. I don¡¯t know too much about the person you are fighting against but since you were able to figure out how my ability works and adapted to my fighting style. You¡¯ll definitely win!

    Sunz (such an optimist kid): Well, looks like the bet is 4 to 1, if I win you are going win a lot of money Yama.

    Jihu: *yawn* if you can still joke then that means you think you can win, but I can¡¯t pick again.

    No Name: My bet still stands since he didn¡¯t even win against me.

    As everyone walked out of the hotel, Grace held him back for a bit.

    Grace:¡­

    Sunz: Something wrong, Grace?

    Grace:¡­ *quickly leans in and kisses him on the lips then pulls out with a bright red face* t-t-that is my side bet. If you win you have to pay me-me back.

    She then quickly walks past Sunz then holds onto No Name for support.

    Sunz: Was she planning on doing that or did the joke speed thing up? *smile* Wasn¡¯t that convenient for you, Grace¡­ always attack at the most unexpected moments.

 Chapter 101: Sunz vs ONE â€“ Getting into Position

    On the way to the tournament location, nothing eventful happened. The car the group is sitting in is bigger than the previous one. The car has 3 rows of backseats and everyone except for Sunz sits in each row. Jihu sleeps in the furthest back, Yama lying down in the middle row, Grace and No Name sitting in the row nearest to the front. While Sunz sitting at the front with Sogae as their driver.

    After getting past the gate and entering the parking lot, Sunz notices that there are a bit more people here than usual, wearing police uniforms.

    As Sogae drove them into the parking lot, Sunz asked her ¡°Are these people related to the incident from that time?¡±

    Sogae: Not at all, these are members of the clan disguised as police and armed with special powders. This is to prevent people from sneaking in. They get real curious when some tourist places close down for a while.

    ¡°We thought it would happen less with the internet sucking all of your time but, breaking and entering get a lot of view. That¡¯s why they are here.¡±

    Sunz: Has there always been this many people? I didn¡¯t see any of them in all of the previous rounds.

    Sogae: There were a lot less in those rounds. Since it¡¯s the final round, we have to take some precautions.

    Sunz:¡­ Is trying to minimize the sound from the fight the main precaution?

    Sogae: You¡¯re correct! Lower volume means less unwanted attention.

    *pulling into the parking spot*

    ¡°Ok, we are here, everyone gets up. Grace, you will be taking everyone to the viewing spot since Jihu is too sleepy.¡±

    Grace:¡­

    Sogae: Grace, Grace!

    Grace: Huh yeah?!

    Sogae: Well then, No Name you¡¯ll be taking care of everyone with Grace''s help.

    No Name: Got it.

    Sogae: Sunz you can go in and prepare.

    Sunz: Ok, see you guys later.

    *Get out of the car and go prepare*

    Sogae:¡­ I¡¯m going to get out first to check other things. Just make sure to get out before the match starts *gives No Name the car key then leaves*

    Jihu slowly gets up, his body is still extremely sleepy: Hey No Name, what¡¯s wrong with your sister who is always on high alert?

    No Name: She just worried about Sunz, that¡¯s all.

    Jihu: Liar. *get out of the car first and stretch a bit* check your phone Grace.

    Grace suddenly felt a chill running through her body when she heard what Jihu just said, her phone buzzed at the same time. She immediately grabbed her phone and unlocked it to see that Jihu just sent her a picture of her kissing Sunz.

    Grace: When did you take this?!

    Jihu: When you decided to make that impulse decision, and I must say the fire in that moment die instantly.

    Grace (I have no idea what that means): What are you trying to get from me?

    Jihu: Haah, isn¡¯t the answer simple. A reaction, you know the flustered embarrassed type. But it seems you have a different plan.

    Grace: Hmp, well of course. I have to be the adult in this relationship or else it will go nowhere. So those types of emotions need to be cast aside for the more mature ones.

    Jihu: Is lost in the moment one the mature emotion?

    Grace: I don¡¯t know but the urge to punch annoying prick like you is one of them. Jeez, when did you get this annoying?

    Jihu: Well, different types of personality are important for approaching different types of people.

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    Grace: Well, with that personality you ain¡¯t making any progress with me. So why don¡¯t you switch it up?

    Jihu: *yawn* not worth it. Going inside and sleep on the seat. Sit anywhere you like, plenty of space.

    (These emotions are affecting aura in such a strange way. They do give the additional boost as expected¡­ well Sunz got the additional boost while Grace is just strange¡­ maybe the aura just manifests as emotion. The books don¡¯t have much information about this and actually seeing it is better than sensing it alone.)

    *Jihu is already a bit far from the group*

    ¡°I need to sleep. *yawn* let¡¯s hope that event now gives him more winning chances.¡±

    *Yama then gets out of the car and catches up to Jihu*

    Grace: We should also get inside too. Double checks everything then let¡¯s go.

    No Name: Got it! *making sure everything is locked and no one left anything behind* Done.

    Grace: *sigh* sorry for forcing my job onto you.

    The two of them then walk inside with Grace crossing her arms feeling frustrated with her own emotion while No Name walks beside her spinning the key chain between her fingers.

    Grace: No Name, do you think my decision was wise?

    No Name: Sis, I think you can answer that yourself since you have more experience in this field than me. You said you rejected many others who are more charismatic than Sunz, isn¡¯t that enough experience?

    Grace: That is experience in rejecting not in a relationship.

    No Name: Well¡­ you did want your relationship to go somewhere and you took the initiative. Are you regretting it now?

    Grace: Of course not *sigh* what I regret is what will happen next.

    No Name:?

    Grace: I told him that he would have to pay me back if he won. The kiss was my bet.

    No Name giggles then it turns into a laugh: hehe, you¡¯re kidding right? You, the person who took the initiative now afraid of him taking the initiative.

    Grace gently caressed her head with her hand: I know, I know. It¡¯s so stupid. Why can¡¯t my emotion stay on the assertive side, instead it keeps bouncing between assertive and meek.

    No Name: Heehhh, well. I think you should stop worrying about it, since he won¡¯t have the confidence to do what you did. He never strikes me as the confident type.

    Grace: He¡­ you are correct on that but he will get things done. As a recon expert, I already know how he will return the payment. First, he will ask about the thing, then ask if I still want it. Which I have to reluctantly say yes, giving him the consent-

    No Name: Wait wait wait, reluctantly? You¡¯re saying you can deny it which can just end this emotional breakdown you''re having.

    Grace:¡­*whisper quietly* yeah.

    ¡°But that will also give him the easy option to back down. If I¡¯m going to suffer then so will he.¡±

    No Name: Wow¡­ you are willing to suffer for hours just for him to suffer a few minutes of what you caused. That is a bad trade-off.

    Grace: Let¡¯s stop this here. Logics are flying out the window, I hate my emotions, and the more you talk, the more flaws of it you reveal.

    *On Sunz side*

    After getting inside, he suddenly encounters ONE immediately, who is wearing the same outfit from the beginning compared to Sunz¡¯s butler outfit with the ¡®Windbreaker¡¯ over it.

    ONE: Welcome to the final show, Hero.

    Sunz: Eager to make yourself the Villain, already planned to lose.

    ONE: Well, like all the final villains. The Hero can¡¯t beat them unless they use some absurd plot armor and I want to see what armor have you prepared.

    Sunz: Well, sorry to disappoint you, I¡¯m all out of tricks.

    ONE: They always say that but tricks like feelings for their loved one are always secretly hidden from themselves.

    Sunz:¡­

    ONE: Well, your outfit reflected your rank or you just dressed for the casket.

    Sunz: Well, don¡¯t want to disappoint you again but I have friends that are not going to let me die.

    ONE:¡­ That¡¯s great, now fear isn¡¯t one of the factors that will hold you back since you got a second life.

    ¡°This will be a good harvest. You have friends that can save you from meeting Death combined with that Ice lover of yours who is giving you the hidden armor.¡±

    ¡°A perfect Hero mold! But I do wish you had more experience, well beggars can¡¯t be choosers. See you on the field.¡±

    ¡°Ciao.¡±

    Sunz:¡­

    *On Archibald side*

    Having already arrived at the location and selected his spot in the viewing area. Archibald is setting up a small camera on a tripod while talking to someone through an earpiece.

    Archibald: Can¡¯t believe you couldn¡¯t keep your promise to see your friend''s final match in person, young master.

    Laikan: I know, but this is the second-best option.

    Archibald: You mean setting up the camera for you to watch the match live? I wouldn¡¯t have to do this if you had flown in sooner.

    Laikan: I didn¡¯t expect a last-minute business call from Grandpa.

    Archibald: Since your father wasn¡¯t that interested in training in the past and now he has an important business to run, that makes you the second-best option¡­

    ¡°And there we go. Everything is set, how is the connection on your side.¡±

    Laikan: Everything looks good and no buffering¡­

    Archibald: Great¡­ and it seems your friends are here. You want to talk with them?

    Laikan: That won¡¯t be necessary, just told them that I¡¯ll be watching through this.

    Archibald: Got it, I¡¯ll keep you on the line in case anything interesting happens.

    Jihu walked into the viewing area and saw Archibald but no sign of Laikan, so he decided to spark up a conversation with him.

    Jihu: Hello *yawn* Mr.Archibald, where is Laikan? I thought that he was supposed to be here.

    Archibald: About that, he was supposed to fly in yesterday but due to some last-minute calls he wasn¡¯t able to, and now he can only watch through this camera.

    Jihu: That¡¯s suck *yawn*¡­ I¡¯ll probably won¡¯t be watching the match since I¡¯ll be napping in case of anything bad happen.

    Archibald: Ok?

    Jihu exits the conversation and finds an empty row of seats to lie down then sleeps. Yama who was behind him all this time and doesn¡¯t know who Archibald is just decided to sit in a random spot near them.

    Grace and No Name then arrived a bit later, saw where the others were sitting, and decided to sit in a spot within the group range.

    After everyone is seated, now they are just waiting for Sogae to start the match.

 Chapter 102: Sunz vs ONE â€“ Everyone Is Here

    Both Sunz and ONE standing on opposite sides of the arena stage waiting for Sogae to start the match.

    Just like what Sogae said from before, on the viewing area the number of people is less than ten. Aside from Sunz¡¯s group, there are three familiar faces watching the match, Archibald, Soju, and Jihu¡¯s Grandpa Mr.Nam.

    Sogae standing in the middle of the arena ready to start the final match of the tournament.

    ¡°PREPARE!¡±

    Sunz drew his bladeless handle from the sheath with his right hand while his left hand gripped nothing from thin air, but the gap between his fingers is similar to the gap created by his bladeless handle.

    ONE summoned two katanas from thin air out of his palms like a magician. Then he copied the way Sunz is posing.

    When ONE summoned his weapons, Sunz¡¯s ability activated and created hundreds of replicas of ONE surrounding him. The numbers are less and they don¡¯t immediately disappear like last time.

    Sunz (Ok, great. We now understand each other more right, my ability? For now, keep it simple. I only need one.)

    After talking to himself for a second, all of the replicas disappeared from his vision.

    (That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about! Only go crazy when he is within the danger zone.)

    Sogae: FIGHT! *immediately disappear from the stage*

    ONE ignited one of the katana and struck it to the ground, setting the stage ablaze and sending a wall of fire straight at Sunz.

    Sunz immediately summoned an electrify sword in his left hand and used it to launch himself through the wall of fire. A loud *BANG* was heard and within less than a second, Sunz was already in front of ONE striking his ice blade at him.

    ONE accepted the clash, expecting something great will come out of this¡­ but with one strike he shattered the ice blade with his katana. Shards shattered from the ice blade blasted in all directions and one of them cut Sunz¡¯s face.

    Feeling dissatisfied with Sunz¡¯s performance¡­but only for a second until he noticed Sunz quickly sheathed his handle then simulated the gripping feeling from before with his empty right hand.

    Sunz¡¯s right hand shifted its position to the back and the left hand pointed the electrify sword at ONE. That is when ONE noticed the ice shard that cut Sunz¡¯s face disappeared and in its place was a small lightning bolt.

    Sunz blasted a lightning bolt at ONE, knocking himself back, at the same time all of the ice shards had turned into lightning bolts of their previous size then targeted ONE for the attack. Which created multiple dark clouds of explosion on impact.

    Sunz can feel that all of the lightning bolts connected, nothing got blocked, all direct impact. The electrify sword disappeared as he got knocked back from the force, but his left hand was still physically gripping onto something.

    Sunz (I fucking hate this. Haha, the early morning accident did have it benefit.)

    He can feel that there is some force applying to the left side of his body, slowing down his body recoil until it stopped him from being knocked back, the distance was way less than usual.

    Doesn¡¯t know if anyone saw what just happened, but Sunz just cut the air like a physical object, with his air sword, which seems invisible to his eyes but not to his hand.

    Amazed at his unexpected new Element¡­ which has to be cut short as both of his hands suddenly feel extremely tingly for a few seconds.

    (So this, this is a drawback. Goddamit! Is this necessary to give me a weakness in this important match?!)

    Sunz, having his own conversation inside his mind while looking at the dark cloud surrounding ONE, hoping that it did something so he can rinse and repeat the process.

    The cloud slowly dissipates and reveals that no visible or even minor injuries are on ONE.

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    (What the fuck are these people make out of? That was lightning!)

    The only good news he got from this was that both of his hands stopped tingling. And he immediately draws his bladeless handle.

    (Ok, this drawback is not that bad if I don¡¯t overdo it. Good to experience.)

    Sunz gets back into a ready stance waiting to see what ONE will do next and to his surprise, his ability shows no sign of ONE attacking him physically¡­instead¡­the katanas on each of ONE¡¯s hands keep on shifting between Fire, Water, Ice and Lightning Elements.

    (My specialty!)

    One of the katana stopped shifting and burst into flame while the other was pulsing with electricity. ONE then used the electricity to dash forward but his body didn¡¯t move at all, which then created a small crater under his foot. All of the force that was supposed to push him forward is transferred to the hand holding the flaming katana, and with a swing it created a ¡®Fire Wave¡¯ that is bigger, hotter, shines brighter, and clearly stronger than anything Sunz can create.

    Sunz and his eyes can¡¯t think or see any way to block this attack. It¡¯s way over anything he is capable of. His eyes see his attempt to block the attack only resulting in him getting turned into the fuel for the fire.

    (I can be healed after being burned but my Windbreaker won¡¯t.)

    Sunz quickly sheathed his bladeless handle, shifted one arm out of his Windbreaker, then both of his hands tightened their grip onto nothing and he slammed them together, created a powerful shockwave that sent his Windbreaker flying, impaling itself to the seat next to Grace. It then fell down onto the seat like something was removed from it.

    Sunz now is fighting with his butler suit:¡­*chuckle then whisper to himself* that¡¯s makes no sense.

    Immediately pulled out his bladeless handle while shifting his left arm behind him, then dashed through the ¡®Fire Wave¡¯ with his Electric Element, his outfit was ok but his hair got a bit burnt. Quickly closing the gap between him and ONE.

    Sunz and ONE both quickly rotate their Element on their weapon to trade blows against each other. The amount of action on the arena was hard to keep up with, they both were zipping around the arena, smoke immediately appeared, covering where they stood every time they clashed, and the amount of sound was enough to deafen everyone there.

    Jihu *still lay down* (Not watching your match with my own eyes still giving me a headache¡­ *sigh* You can¡¯t keep the fireworks show that long.)

    Yama *watching the fight in awe* (This¡­this is crazy!)

    No Name *feeling a bit irritated* (You sure are full of surprises. Kinda wish you did go all out like that in our match.)

    Grace is currently wearing Sunz¡¯s Windbreaker over her outfit and watching the match with unease feeling (Please please don¡¯t overstrain yourself, don¡¯t give your opponent anymore leverage.)

    Elder Nam *calmly watching the fight* (He is not a person you can take on alone at your current level, Sunz.)

    Archibald focused on controlling the camera while watching the match and talking with Laikan: Your friend is holding out pretty well in this match.

    Laikan: Well, he can only keep up for so long¡­ if he actually gonna win, there might be another one of them.

    Archibald: The intel about ONE is correct but I don¡¯t see anything wrong with Sunz.

    Laikan: He is probably a more advanced version of ONE¡­ but that seems to be just a stupid guess since he has reached his limit.

    On the arena, after many moments of intense blow trading from both contestants, the fight suddenly stopped for a moment with the outcome of, Sunz is wounded all over while ONE has no visible injuries on him.

    Archibald looked up at the sky: Today is not going to end well.

    Laikan: It is good fortune for us but *sigh* not for him.

    Sunz is currently holding onto an invisible sword in his left hand to help him stand while his right hand is tightly gripping the bladeless handle incorrectly.

    ONE condition hasn¡¯t changed at all after the intense clash.

    Sunz (This is so bad¡­ I know I got some good hits at him but they didn¡¯t do anything!... That¡¯s it I¡¯m at my fighting limit¡­ *sigh* my body would have been all over the arena if it wasn¡¯t for that defensive skill.)

    ONE: Well Sunz, looks like you are in no condition to fight. So let¡¯s end your misery¡­ the sky is looking very gray so let''s use something appropriate.

    The katana in ONE¡¯s hand immediately pulsing with electricity created a loud *BANG* as it got thrown directly at Sunz.

    At that moment, Sunz¡¯s bladeless handle created an electric blade that stabbed him directly into his arm¡­ his body then suddenly being covered in electricity, as the electric katana hit his chest, there was a force preventing it from penetrating his chest. Within a second, the katana stopped and fell to the floor. At the same time, the electricity that was covering Sunz also disappeared and he fell to the floor, struggling to stand up.

    ONE: That wasn¡¯t supposed to happen *walking toward Sunz while readying his katana* let¡¯s end you the old fashion way!

    As ONE about to end the match, on the viewing area, both No Name and Jihu have to restrain Grace to stop her from intervening as tears stream down her face.

    Sunz is unable to do anything except accepting the fact that a blade is about to go through his neck, he knows it even his eyes foresee it.

    But when ONE swung his katana at Sunz, lightning struck between them and ONE was knocked back by an extreme force.

    Voice: That was a close one wasn¡¯t it!

    Sunz heard a familiar voice, a person with darker skin than him, wearing a full suit and having lighting pulsing through both of his arms, standing in front of him.

    Sunz: What the hell? Laikan?

    Laikan: Who else is it? God?

    Sunz: Did you just spawn out of the lightning strike?!

    Laikan: Where is your sudden burst of energy coming from? But that¡¯s a long story, right now we need to take care of that thing.

    Sunz: Thing? Did your rich personality slip your tongue?

    Laikan: No, that thing is an android and it can copy your skills and abilities.

    Sunz: The fuck now?!

 Chapter 103: Vs ONE â€“ Unfair Matches (Part 1)

    Everyone was shocked to see Laikan''s sudden appearance in the arena, except Archibald.

    ONE didn¡¯t receive any damage from Laikan¡¯s attack and felt a bit annoyed: Well, if you going to intervene an important march, make sure you can actually have an impact.

    Laikan: Making sure he is alive is good enough¡­ Now, why not fight someone your size?

    Laikan gets in his ready stance and rushes toward ONE with his fists. ONE blocked all of Laikan¡¯s attacks with his two katana then perform counters of his own.

    Laikan was shocked by the speed of ONE¡¯s attack, he was able to block some of them, and withstand a few minor hits until he received a critical blow through his shoulder, which forced him to unleash a powerful attack that knocked him, ONE and ONE¡¯s sword back in opposite direction.

    ONE was knocked back into the wall of the arena with both katanas clung to his hands. Laikan was knocked on his back and skidded all the way back to Sunz, who was still recovering.

    Sunz: *huff*huff* You got him or it?

    Laikan on the floor: No! not at all¡­ Hey Sunz, don¡¯t mean to undermine you but how were you able to go hand-to-hand with that thing, even though you have way less training than everyone here?

    Sunz: I have the ability to predict the movement of anyone holding a sword-type weapon, and the stronger they are or in great quantity the more my brain overthinks and will give me an extreme headache.

    Laikan: You are saying that, you won¡¯t stand a chance if that thing uses any weapons other than swords.

    Sunz: I still get my ass kicked when he is using a sword, but yeah I¡¯m pretty useless¡­ now you too?

    Laikan:?

    Jihu: What, can¡¯t I join in the fun too? I¡¯m one-third of this group.

    Sunz: This feels like a setup. Do you two know something that I don¡¯t?

    Jihu: All I know is you two can¡¯t win against him. *pulling Laikan up*

    Laikan: All I know is, the thing you are fighting is an android.

    Jihu: What?! I didn¡¯t know that.

    Laikan: Well it was just a rumor, the live stream I asked Archibald to set up was just a hoax to confirm it. And to my surprise the android was here, quite lucky I must say.

    Sunz: Are you saying, if that guy wasn¡¯t an android you wouldn¡¯t have interfered?

    Laikan: Not a reason at all, I interfered because IT was trying to kill you, plus I got to do a cool entrance.

    Jihu: Did you pass the final challenge?

    Laikan: Of course, I can now use lightning to travel around and that is the only perk.

    Sunz: What the fuck are two talking about?

    Jihu and Laikan: Clan stuff that is not relevant to you.

    Sunz: Fine, move on. Jihu if you going to join this battle at least fix us up.

    Jihu: That¡¯s right, I was here for that until we started talking.

    *summon a water sword in each of his hands and stabs Sunz and Laikan. After a few seconds, the water swords disappear and their wound is healed*

    ¡°Done, you two have returned to normal. Well, except for you Sunz.¡±

    Sunz: I know, I can¡¯t use my Elements¡­ probably running out of mana or some shit.

    Jihu: That is impossible.

    Sunz: That¡¯s right, you¡¯re Korean, this is your specialty.

    Jihu: No, you moron, that mana stuff doesn¡¯t exist, this ain¡¯t a fictional world.

    Sunz: We live in a society full of people with different abilities, you and him are in some ancient clan, I have a girlfriend which sounds pretty fiction to me.

    Laikan (WHAT!)

    Jihu: Fine, this is fictional enough but we don¡¯t have a mana game-like system.

    Sunz: Then what is the cause, doctor?

    Jihu: Simple, your body reached its limit so it shuts down your Elements to stop you from hurting yourself.

    Sunz: Oh, or else my body will slowly vaporize into many light crystal things.

    Jihu: Yeah, you got it¡­ you are totally useless now.

    Sunz: I know, fucking suck.

    Laikan: Gentlements there are two important things here. First is that android thing, I don¡¯t think all three of us can take it down together, even with Sunz at full power.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    *BANG* a loud familiar sound of lighting being shot out of a sword followed up with a loud *KA-BOOM* in Sunz, Jihu, and Laikan¡¯s position and covering the three of them in black smoke.

    Laikan then fistbumps his fists together which creates a loud *BANG* and wind force that clears up the black smoke around them to reveal Archibald standing in front of them facing ONE.

    Archibald: It¡¯s very rude to interrupt an ongoing conversation.

    ONE: Finally, something worth the money. You are the only thing the rich have no reason not to buy.

    Archibald: I can assure you, money is half of the condition, a life for a life.

    *Dashed at ONE and kicked him back into the wall*

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna amuse you for a bit.¡±

    *Back to the group*

    Sunz: Will he be ok?

    Laikan: Don¡¯t worry, he can easily beat up a S-rank. Now, the other important thing. Who is this girlfriend of yours?

    Sunz and Jihu: ???

    Laikan: What? Did I say something wrong?

    Sunz: Are you fucking with me?

    Laikan: No, I¡¯m not mocking or anything, the rumor of your reputation with the girls just makes that fact quite surprising.

    Sunz: What? Jihu, is that true, and how far did that rumor spread?

    Jihu: It¡¯s true and the whole school knows.

    Sunz: That¡¯s... a new fun fact I learned today. Move on, Laikan didn¡¯t Jihu send you a picture?

    Laikan: Picture? *pulls out his phone and sees messages from Jihu* Oh wow¡­ and she looks great¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ and she a Hero.

    Sunz: How the fuck did you know that?

    Laikan: Simple deduction, there is no chance you would suddenly find a girlfriend in that short amount of time. Also, the way she is holding onto you, implies that she was the person that initiated or pulled you into the relationship.

    Sunz: Ok, you got it right, very accurate.

    Jihu: How did you not read my messages?

    Laikan: I was training at a place that has zero signal. Well then, we have caught up with everything. How are we going to kill that thing?

    Sunz: Kill? I can¡¯t use my specialty, you can¡¯t even harm it, Jihu¡­ is a healer.

    Laikan: Then you just have to stay back and let us pro do our job.

    Jihu: Not gonna happen, we both are way stronger than Sunz but our speed can¡¯t match him when fighting against that Contestant.

    Sunz: Then what are we supposed to do, Inspector? Let¡¯s the old guy *glance at the fight for a second* who is not having any problem fighting that death machine at all.

    Jihu: You are the answer, remember the trip to the mist garden with Sogae, where you had to fight those misty creatures and your reward was a water bottle.

    Sunz: Yeah I do. Why so specific?

    Jihu: That bottle might give us the ability to keep up with ONE¡­ what other reason for you to bring it along?

    Sunz: I don¡¯t know. Maybe it was my loot goblin logic, bring everything that I¡¯ve collected for the final boss fight.

    Jihu: Well, time to use up all of those hoarded items.

    Sunz: Ok?

    *Turn to Grace and shout*

    ¡°I¡¯m going to need that purse of yours, Grace!¡±

    Grace shouts back: OK!

    *Throw her purse directly into Sunz¡¯s gut*

    ¡°You ok?!¡±

    Sunz holding the purse in his arms: I¡¯m¡­ fine!

    *Turns back to Jihu and gives him the purse*

    ¡°Here¡­you go. *Hah!* now what do we do?¡±

    Laikan: Your girlfriend¡­ she is really strong.

    Sunz: I think her strength is above average while I¡¯m, really fucking weak.

    Jihu: Here we go, each of us gets one. *handing Sunz and Laikan a shot glass full of water each*

    Laikan: Drinking on the job? What is your country''s drinking age? I don¡¯t think we have reached the requirement.

    Jihu wearing the purse hanging from his shoulder: 19 but does that ever stop us from trying? Each shot equals to an hour of effect from Sunz¡¯s water bottle and let¡¯s hope it gives us what we need to keep up against ONE.

    Sunz: So, drinking cheer?

    Jihu: You bet!

    Laikan: Let¡¯s do it!

    The three clank their shot glass together and take the shot in one go.

    Sunz: Wait do I need to drink it since it¡¯s my ability?

    Jihu: Probably nothing will happen to you.

    Laikan: So when will your special ability activate, Sunz?

    Sunz: Just watch the fight between Archibald and ONE.

    After watching Archibald vs ONE for about a minute, nothing happened, all they got was an amazing display of skill from Archibald in both offense and defense. Until they start seeing mirages of ONE in different positions and using a variety of Elements.

    Laikan: What the hell is this?

    Jihu: It just keeps spawning more and more.

    Both were shocked at what they were experiencing and just like Sunz, they got hit with a headache at around 50 mirages¡­ then it suddenly stop and the number of mirages decreased down to 10.

    Sunz: You two ok? Both of your minds were struggling.

    Laikan: We¡­ now know that you are the best at mental strength.

    Jihu: It felt like my brain was being stabbed repeatedly by hundreds of tiny needles.

    Sunz: Ok, let¡¯s focus, my brain is hurting too. It seems that our minds are currently linked together, I can see what you two are seeing and now know all of your movesets and more.

    ¡°So for you Laikan, is it ok for you to only fight with your fists and not switch to other weapon varieties?¡±

    Laikan: Aw man, that was supposed to be a surprise.

    Sunz: Well, it¡¯s not anymore. So can you fight with only your fists? Which will help my brain a lot.

    Laikan: Sure.

    Sunz: Great, so I¡¯ll stay back and let you two fight. I can guarantee to minimize or make sure you two take no damage. Laikan, you will be the DPS and Jihu will be the Interceptor ¨C Healer ¨C Opportunist.

    Laikan: Why does he have so many roles?

    Sunz: He will be responsible for blocking attacks to give you an opening, heal you when you take any damage, and capitalize on any extra opening. Sound good?

    Jihu: Ok plan, have to see how we execute it to make it a great plan.

    Laikan: Quite a bad plan I must say. How are you planning to communicate with us? You secretly have psychic ability?

    Sunz:¡­*grab his face* fucccccckk forgot about tha-

    Laikan: Just kidding, I have the solution right here *pull out two earpieces from his outfit and give them to Sunz and Jihu* you hold this button here and say 1 ¨C 2 ¨C 3 for it to register your voice then it will automatically connect you to the channel.

    Sunz and Jihu follow Laikan¡¯s instructions and then put on the earpiece.

    Laikan: Testing. Can you guys hear anything?

    Sunz: Loud and clear.

    Jihu: It seems we are all ready and prepared. Last question for you Laikan. Are you ready to take a life?

    Laikan: Been ready since joining this line of business¡­ you aren¡¯t willing to take a life, Jihu?

    Jihu: I can but he can¡¯t.

    Laikan: That¡¯s his problem and morale. Now let¡¯s get rid of that thing!

    Sunz: Last thing before you two kill ONE. I¡¯m gonna need you two to constantly applying pressure or else, he gonna kill me first because I have no chance of protecting myself¡­ I¡¯m ready.

    Jihu: Me too *ready his sword*

    Laikan: Mr.Archibald we want to switch.

    Archibald: Got it, Young Master. *deliver a powerful kick at ONE, sending him into the wall*

    *Walks back to the group then slides the purse off of Jihu''s shoulder*

    ¡°He will be a tough opponent for you three.¡±

    Then he jumped back onto the viewing area, returned the purse to Grace, and sat down to watch the next fight.

    ONE used electric Element to get himself out of the wall and onto the stage.

    ONE ready the blade in his hand with electric Element: This is so unfair¡­ I didn¡¯t ask to make this match easier!

    Immediately launched the electricfied blade at Sunz at a speed that was invisible to normal eyes but Jihu managed to block the blade with his sword. Both weapons shattered in front of his eyes and his sword handle got launched into the wall, lodged into it.

    Jihu feeling the tingle in his hands after blocking the attack, immediately summon a water blade in both of his hands.

    ¡°We are so fuck guys!¡±