//** Continuation of chapter 15. (From 15.1) **//

Three days have passed and they finally arrived at their destination. After that everyone went on food break and now most of them were all back.

-okay everyone is back, time to move.

The place where they stopped didn’t look like entrance to a dungeon but rather swamps. Arata just logged back and after looking around said.

-we are still missing some.

-you mean Loki and Kelly? They are not coming.

-and why is that?

-if you take a high level player to a dungeon you won’t get much experience, so it’s given that they won’t go. Same goes for me. I am also just showing the way, after you enter I am logging out.

-eh, I knew that it will be something like that, anyway Gerald where is the dungeon?

-this way or that way, which was it?

-you don’t know?

-of course I do. This way…

After saying it Gerald started to walk in one direction. But then he backed off and walked in complete opposite one.

“…”

-okay I am now sure that this is the right way, let’s go!

They start moving through the swamp. After about ten minutes they get out of there and were now next to a strange rock. Gerald happily declared.

-great, I found it!

-you don’t have to play, just tell us that you go the wrong way.

Arata was not convinced.

-how is that so? We are already on the spot. Now, let me tell you about the dungeon. The stone over here is the entrance. You use the key on it and boom the gate opens before you.

-you got the key, right?

-well, I don’t.

-… .

Gerald was really good at making Arata annoyed.

-hahaha, even though I say the key, all you really need to do is pick up one of the small colorful rocks that are scattered around and put it at the top of big stone.

-which of those rocks?

There were many different rocks lying around. One could count more than hundreds of them.

“As I thought, it would be too easy. Now we have to find the right rock.”

With his gamer instincts Arata already could tell how the rest would go. Secret dungeons were not easy after all. But to his question Gerald surprisingly answered.

-any will do. But depending on the rock, the effect will be different.

-any? Are you sure that it works??

-well, I actually never been here before but I know about it from a trusted source so it should work. Anyway, depending on the rock that you put, you will get a different version dungeon.

-how is it different?

-level wise, number of people required and type of challenges. Anyway when one of you put the stone on the rock, dungeon should be for 6 people as you have six people in party. As for level, it goes from 40 to 99. One more thing, once you put one rock you can’t put another one anymore. At least until you finish the dungeon.

-and what is it about those challenges?

Zen asked.

-I heard that dungeon have three parts, but explaining challenges is useless as they are different every time and I know only few of them to begin with. Anyway, just put the stone and see what you got. I will move away for a second as even though I am not in party, something can always go wrong. Just choose one of the stones and put it on the rock.

Gerald had a lot to explain but now he finished. When he moved away Arata said.

-okay, someone get one stone, so we can start.

-wait a minute.

Zen interrupted him.

-what is it Zen?

-can we just start already. I am bored to hell from this ride. Need some action, action!

Arata and Kotori wanted to put the rock right away so they can go straight to a challenge but Zen stopped them.

-you forgotten something. There can be different challenges so we should choose the stone with highest difficulty, right?

-we have quite good group here so we may as well do that.

Arata answered.

-then let’s look for the stone which will give us the hardest dungeon.

They come to understanding and were going to start look for the stone but then Odin interrupted them.

-Zen.

-ye?

-those stones may look different but we don’t know criteria for their shapes so how can you choose the right one for hard dungeon?

-… .

-just I thought. When he has good idea something is definitely fishy.

Kotori as always was merciless. Zen tried to defend himself.

-don’t say that. It’s simple. The biggest stone is the hardest isn’t it?

-I don’t think that it works like that but sure get the biggest stone. By the way, which is it?

Although in different shapes and colors, their size was not that different. Arata looking at useless dispute said.

-guys, just start already okay?

-you said that you want a hard dungeon too! So stop complaining. Anyway we need to find a pattern to it and…

A blue light started to form around the main rock. Looking at it Zen asked.

-hey what happened?

-Onii-chan, I put the stone on so we can get started.

A small blue colored stone was now placed on the gray rock in the middle.

-hey you little, we still haven’t decided!

-Zen, don’t yell at the child.

Odin tried to stop him but Zen continued.

-what child? She is old enough to be yelled at. Hey, you hear me! You can’t just do as you please! We are all equal here, you can’t just decide on your own only because you are younger.

-but Onii-chan said, fufu.

Yuki’s eyes started to get wet.

-Zen you are a bad person, you know.

Anari commented.

-where that came from?

-just so you know, don’t except to get any heals from me. You are on my black list from now on.

Kotori also added something.

-hey, wait, Kotori what you mean by black list?

-don’t use my name and don’t speak to me. Here, here Yuki don’t worry about that evil person over there.

-Zen is not only bad but evil as well, waaaaa!

-and that was the story of how Zen become the enemy of women in our guild.

Arata sum it up.

-Arata don’t even comment on that! It’s your fault anyway. Yuki follows everything you say.

-but I didn’t do anything.

-no, it’s your fault, I won’t settle down until I kick your ass.

-Zen give it up, you are only making it worse, go and apologize.

Odin tried to stop him.

-who I am to apologize!

Odin pointed in direction girls. Yuki was quietly crying in Kotori’s arms.

-but it’s not my fault.

-it doesn’t matter, when girl cries you have to apologize.

With those words, Zen had to give up and soon apologized.

-even though you apologized, don’t except any heals from me.

Kotori followed his apologies with this. Yuki was back to her usual quiet bunny holding self. Zen said.

-anyway I still think you shouldn’t treat her like that just because she is younger. I am sure that when you were her age you also hated discrimination in games because of age. You should know how it was to be look down just because you were younger. You probably had it even worse being a girl. I just didn’t want situation like this in our guild, that’s all.

-oh you sometimes say something intelligent.

Kotori had to give him justice here.

-so you finally have some respect for me?

-don’t think that you can escape my black list that easily. Try not to take any damage today.

-… .

In the meantime five orange portals have appeared as well as message.

-hey what are those?

-the entrance.

Gerald appeared out of nowhere and answered Anari’s question.

-but why are there only five? We have six people here.

-normally you need only one. Look, there are some notes next to it, Anari can you read them.

-okay…

As instructed, Anari started reading.

-this place is called Stonecell. Three challenges will be given to you after which, treasure waits. Based on your choose you take a trial ‘Aoimoon’. Challenges you receive. Recommended level 60 for challenge one. Recommended level 75 for challenge two. Recommended level 90 for challenge three, remember that all challenges must be completed in row which means that after you completed challenge one, you will be immediately teleported to challenge two…

That was the beginning of explanation.

-challenge one “Divide and conquer”. Six people have come but five roads are shown. Portal in the middle is an arena in which two people have to survive until other four roads are completed. Be wary though the longer you stand there, the harder it gets. Other roads are the lines of solitude. Individual players have to reach the end of the road while killing everything on their way. Routes have different difficulty. The one on the left is the easiest one, two next to the middle portal are normal ones and the one at the right is the hardest one. Good luck on your challenge. Information about challenge two will be given when you complete challenge one.

When Anari finished Gerald started.

-looks interesting to me. I will divide you because I think that it would take ages for you to come into understanding…

“In this case, I already know who get the hardest one.”

-Odin and Kotori you take middle route as it says survive and what is better for it than tank, healer combo.

-you sure, that it will be the best with those classes?

Kotori asked.

-the challenges are based on the party. As you can see other four routes are the same and we have four dps. Then the middle one is for two who are not dps.

-but I never fought together with Odin in party.

-if you want two person combo me and Zen are the best.

Kotori and Odin were not so sure but Gerald thought differently.

-if you never played together then, it’s great time that you play. The leader makes choices and rest follow. As I said, it would take ages for you to discuss it so I am choosing the most optimal way.

-but isn’t that tyranny?

-only if I was wrong, anyway be happy that I am still here to help.

-fine we will take this one.

Kotori finally agreed.

-great, next Anari, I trust you will manage easy gate on your own.

-but its high level, I don’t think I can do it.

-if you don’t believe in yourself then believe in my choice of inviting you to this guild. Use knowledge that I teach you.

-yes leader.

Although Anari was not confident. Gerald easily put a faith in her.

-Zen you take the one on the left from center.

-but I want the hard one!

-that may not be the best idea. Let me tell you one thing. This game is hard. When message says it’s easy you will maybe somehow make it, if it’s normal then you will have a lot of problems. Then when it’s says hard, well in those times it’s simply better to start running. You can trust me on that.

Gerald said that but Zen was not convinced.

-if anyone can do it, I surely can. Why do you want to give the hard one to Arata? Okay he may have the highest level right now but it’s not fair. Arata fight me for the hardest route!

In the end, it always came down to that.

-you can take it if you want.

Arata answered as he was not really excited for super hard impossible route either.

-then I am switching with Arata.

Zen declared.

-sure, then Arata you take the middle one on the left. Zen you take middle one on the right.

Surprisingly, Gerald didn’t have problems with it and switched them

-haha, you finally see my potential I will soon get the… wait! Why I am still doing the middle one?

-you switched with Arata, didn’t you? Well I don’t mind as it’s the same anyway.

-I was going to do middle one as well?

Arata asked surprised.

-what so strange about it?

-what about the hardest one? It’s not like I want to do it badly but someone has to. So who will take that one?

-well, Yuki of course, who else?

Gerald answered like it was the most natural thing.

-hey you think I am worse than this little girl. She also has like what level 35 or so. Anyway I am not accepting it.

-I have to agree with Zen this time.

Arata and Zen were not convinced. Gerald corrected them.

-You two are wrong. She has 37 level, right Yuki?

-yes.

-that doesn’t change much!

Zen exploded here. Gerald laughed.

-hahaha, still for the hardest route you choose best player from party. Isn’t that right?

-do you really think that she is the best?

-of course I do. At the same time, I don’t want you guys to die so my decisions are clear, I doing the best split so you guys complete the dungeon without any deaths.

-hey, I don’t know what she can do but didn’t she lose to Arata? How can she be best player?

Zen still did not accept that.

-ah yes that. Arata did she lose to you?

-technically yes.

-exactly technically, but in truth you were the one covered in brushes weren’t you?

-Onii-chan won, Onii-chan is stronger.

Yuki interrupted him but Gerald continued.

-good thing, that you have faith in him, but Yuki, what would happen if you started using your skills.

-but Onii-chan also didn’t use any.

-see she also thinks so.

It looked like disputed won’t end for a while. After all, it’s hard to choose best player from good group. Just like it’s hard to choose the strongest guild. Still, Gerald could shoot the disputed down in a second.

-okay let’s leave that duel behind. Guys, do I have to remind you how your boss fights went in your guild tests.

-… .

-… .

The flashback of painful memories entered both of Arata’s and Zen’s heads. Gerald continued.

-well, I am still not sure myself but at this moment, if I have to choose, Yuki is the best out of you all. But here is the thing, if you want to prove me wrong, be the first one to clear your route. It will be a race. The one that will be first to finish the route is the one I will consider the best of you all from now on. What do you say?

-even if it’s a race. She got the harder part so there is no point.

-exactly no point. But at least I will have a race with Arata.

Somehow today both Arata and Zen were in sync. Gerald laughed.

-hahaha, you guys think that you can win, hey Yuki go all out there.

-I can?

-when you go solo you can do what you want. No, rather from this point use your skills whenever you want. You don’t have to hide them before your guildmates.

-really!?

-yep.

-no matter what you tell her, the winner will be me!

Zen commented on that.

-good thing that you are high spirit but try to stay alive and don’t rush too much.

-don’t rush? What are you saying, it’s the race. Right Arata?

-it’s not like you have chance at winning Zen. Remember the level difference.

Arata answered to him.

-that is a handicap that I can give you. And the moment I win, I will laugh all day.

“I have to take it serious as well. At least I can’t lose to him. No, as someone with the highest level I have to be fastest.”

There was still Kotori who was one level higher than him but out from the ‘runners’ Arata indeed had a highest level.

Everyone now stood before their assigned portals. Gerald stood behind them.

-now then. The first most meaningless race of guild Refrain will being. Prepare yourself as the reward is great as what is the better reward than to shine in eyes of your glorious guild leader! Now on my mark. Ready! Set! Go!…

The portals flashed as they jumped through it. Everyone apart from Gerald, were no longer there.

-oh, I forgot that I will not be able to see the results anyway. Well, they will definitely never mention it again when they see the results themselves.

With that last thought, Gerald disappeared in a flash.

Arata found himself in some strange building. There were red curtains on the walls. There were also candles that lighted the way. It was a corridor. In that corridor he could go only one way forward. Although it was blocked by a barrier for the time being. There was instruction.

[You need to get to the other side of this place in which the lever awaits. You will encounter enemies that will block your path. Defeat them all as the lever won’t appear until you do this. The challenge will begin when all players are inside.]

[All players are inside. Challenge will begin in 30 seconds.]

“Looks like we didn’t need to enter all at the same time. Anyway the challenge looks rather simple. Get to the other side, kill everything on the way and pull the lever. Will I have to run back as well? Hopefully not.”

Thirty seconds has passed quickly and the barrier disappeared. Arata started to run. After just few meters he spotted two enemies rushing toward him.

“First time, I see human-type enemies.”

His enemies were two knights. They were rushing at Arata with swords and shields. When they got in range both of them swung their weapons at the same time. Arata tried to parry both of attacks. At the left side he successfully blocked the incoming attack but at the right side.

-aaaaahh… .

The knight screamed but his scream finished quickly as his head was cut off from his neck. His body also fallen to the ground soon after. And as for his blade, it was cut in half as well.

Arata made a quick spin on his right left foot and attacked second knight. The knight tried to block this attack with his shield but upon crushing with Arata’s weapon, the shield scattered into pieces and the second knight fell to the ground with yell.

-aaaaahh… .

“They brought broken weapon or what?”

Arata thought that at first but he soon realized that it was not the fault of their weapons. The left one blocked normally after all.

“Then it’s means.”

Arata once again looked at the difference between his left hand and right hand and then.

-muahahahahaha!…

He made an evil laugh.

After that Arata continued to run and slash down other knight that came his way in similar way without much problem. In his mind, there was a song.

“I have overpowered item, lalalalala.”

Knights couldn’t do anything as their weapons shattered when as they contacted black sword “Kuroi”.

-muahahaha!…

Arata like hurricane was going through the dungeon. It wasn’t hard for him. After all, this was one person speed run and the dungeon was for level 60 when Arata was 55. With his overpowered class-weapon which completely mascaraed everything that came in contact with it, there was practically no difficulty involved.

The number of incoming knights has increased with time but that fact didn’t change much. It was already some time since Arata started and he still couldn’t see the end of the tunnel but.

“If it’s like that, I can do it all day.”

-aaaaaa!

-aggggg!

-ahhhhhh!

One after another fell before might of black sword.

“The experience gain isn’t that good but even so”

[You have gained a level, Current level 56]

Killing so many of them in short time was a good exping ground even if one didn’t give much. It was a good place to exp after all. Especially if you had overpowered weapon which one-shooted everything.

After 10 minutes of the run, the overall ability of the knights has increases. They also looked stronger now. They wore full plate armors and their weapons also looked better but they still fall to the black sword Kuroi. Well at least their shields started to survive one attack if blocked correctly. But that didn’t slow Arata at all as he just avoided attacking into the shield.

“This is true slaughter feast.”

After another 10 minutes type of knights changed again. Although they didn’t became better but rather changed their weapons to spears. It created a small problem as they would stick it forward. Arata had to be a little more carful while running now.

Arata run speed slowed a little but thanks to that he could immediately change path of move.

After getting away by inch from the spike he made a move to the left or to the right and the result was.

-aaaaaa!

-aggggg!

-ahhhhhh!

Knights one by one fell to the ground.

After another ten minutes, Arata got another level and once again the knights with spears, started to look stronger. Just like the previous type. Still.

-aaaaaa!

-aggggg!

-ahhhhhh!

That didn’t change anything. Time went on and Arata started to get a little bored.

“This is taking too long. Need to speed up.”

He started to use black dash from time to time when he encountered the large number of enemies. He could use skills more often now as his mana and stamina went up with level. His black sword also reduced costs of black swordsman skills. ‘Overpowered’ was indeed the best word to describe that weapon. Same distance that he needed 10 minutes before now took 6 minutes and he finally reached the point in which he could spot a difference in the distance. At the end of the tunnel was some kind of large red door.

Last knights have died and Arata reached that door. Although after seeing what was inside, Arata realized that calling his previous enemies that he slaughtered so far ‘knights’ was a little overstatement. As inside he could see two ‘true’ knights. They were sitting next to the table but when Arata opened the door they stood up right away.

-intruder has reached this place!? Interesting.

Said the one of them after seeing Arata.

-why did you kill all of them? Why have you come to this place?

Asked the other one. Arata not being used to talk with human-type enemies answered.

-emm, to pull the lever.

If one were to put logic here, Arata just slaughtered endless number of people just to pull some lever. Even if they were just data to those two before him he was a mass murder.

-do you hear him, Orier? He killed everyone just for that. No matter what you will say, I will avenge my brothers. Come with me and let’s kill him, fast.

-slow down. Even though he is evil man, we cannot follow his footsteps. Two against one is a disgrace for a knight. I Orier, the Paladin in service of our goddess Ellsa will be his opponent. Servant of evil, if you have an inch of honor left inside you, say your name and fight honorably.

“Why I am the bad guy?”

For Arata slaughtering everything in a way was not something to feel bad for. It was normal for games after all. Arata didn’t care to respond as he no longer saw any meaning to do so.

-Orier it’s not use, you can’t reason with him.

-you are right. His evil roots too deeply. He can’t even see his sins. Without a doubt, I will purify this evil creature for good. Whaaaaa! Hammer of justice!…

Paladin made a battle shout and then threw a hammer which was covered in light at Arata. Arata simply tried to reflect it with his sword.

Clink!

Upon the hit Arata wasn’t damaged but he lost grip of the sword as it flied off his hand upon a shock.

-for Ellsa!

With a battle shout Paladin started to shine in light. With shield and sword in his hands, he started to run at Arata.

“It’s not like I need two swords to fight against him.”

Arata was too lazy to go pick up his sword now so he decided to fight with only one.

Arata dodged Paladin attack to the left and slashed with his sword from there. He landed a shot at Paladin’s shoulder. After that Arata quickly moved back as counter was coming at him.

“It only took 5 %, this one must be a boss-class or something. Well it doesn’t matter much I used to immortal enemies already. And it’s a dungeon for one player so it’s should be easy.”

Paladin without delay continued his attacks. But they were easily dodged by Arata, although Arata couldn’t counter each time with only one sword so it was going slowly.

Paladin was at 76% right now, Arata dodged everything by now but this time he had to parry the incoming attack. When he did that, Paladin slammed with his shield to attack him. Arata moved back an inch but when he did that, Paladin’s shield glowed and he instantly moved forward. The hit with the shield pushed Arata back to the wall doing 15% damage in the process.

When Arata was getting back to his feet, another hammer of justice came his way, this time Arata didn’t try to bounce it again, and he simply avoided it.

“Maybe I should get the second sword but if I already decided that one is enough then I going to continue like this.”

Arata with his stupid pride decided to continue with one sword. He ran back to the Paladin dodged his swing and countered back and then slashed again before jumping away. Paladin health went under 70% and Arata continued his attacks, even if his best style were two swords, Arata was skillful with a single sword as well. It was going slowly but with Arata stable hits, it was just a matter of one or two minutes till the fight finish. But then, Paladin’s HP reached 60%, he became surrounded by yellow light which heal him instantly back to 100%.

It wasn’t strange and Arata expected Paladin class to have some sort of healing spells but the problem was that the light did not disappear after healing Paladin back. Now every time Arata made any damage, two seconds later Paladin’s health went back to full.

-hahaha, your attacks mean nothing to me. Goddess Ellsa defends those who serve her.

Paladin said to him as he swung his weapon.

“Yes and overpowered skills have definitely nothing to do with it. Anyway what is the level of this guy?”

After another dodge Arata summoned the menu.

“90. So that’s the reason why he has a spell like that. Otherwise it would be too easy. But what I am supposed to do? Attack him till his mana runs out?”

Thinking too much during a fight wasn’t usually a good idea as your opponent could use it to his advantage. Arata stopped for a second and he had to parry another attack instead of dodging. Second after that like last time Paladin’s shield started to shine.

“Not this time.”

[Black dash activated]

Arata used his skill but this time he didn’t pass through Paladin but simply crushed with his attack.

“What?”

Not having enough time to think why his skill didn’t work, Arata dodged incoming sword. Another attack came soon after.

“Anyway, for now I need to get back my second sword.”

Arata dodged paladin’s attack and started to run in direction of lying sword. It wasn’t far and Paladin surely couldn’t keep up when Arata started to run but then when Arata was about 3 meters away from his sword the second knight appeared in his way.

He was holding long halberd in one hand which was pointed in Arata’s direction. His movements were rather fast and he already was ready to strike any time.

“No, I don’t think so.”

[Lighting speed]

[Skill leveled up]

Much faster than before, Arata went around his enemy and caught his black sword. Then with skill still activated, Arata wanted to attack the second knight. But even with lighting speed activated and attack from behind, the enemy managed to move away and avoid it. Those were just few fast steps right above the ground but they made a great distance in seconds.

-Kaiser, don’t interfere!

Paladin shouted to his comrade and it looked like he listened as he lowered his weapon again. Arata’s battle against Paladin continued.

With two swords Arata damage output went up by a lot compared to before. In particular black sword made tremendous damage but even so Paladin’s hp managed to regenerate fast enough.

After getting black sword back Arata tried to destroy opponent weapon by slashing at it with the black sword but that didn’t work so Arata went back to dodging. Still, even if Paladin’s hp went down by 15% at each swing, it never went below 70%. Paladin was as healthy as ever and there were no sing of him losing any time soon.

“Need more damage. Hmm, I could use stream of night but that might not work as he will heal himself in mini-seconds between each strike so all that left is sword slash. Yes, this guy needs to be one-shooted.”

Arata didn’t know how much damage he could make with it but this skill has never failed him, so he fully believed in it.

[Sword enchant: ice]

[Sword slash]

After dodging another attack Arata executed his attack and from close range, Arata send an arc of ice which slashed suppressed Paladin in half without any resistance. Two parts fall to both sides. The blood did not flow out though, as the body was frozen in the locations of those wounds.

[You have leveled up. 300%]

[You have gained a level. Current level 59]

Surprisingly the Paladin gave a lot of experience.

-Orier you did well, leave the rest to me…

The second knight said farewells to his friend and started to walk in Arata’s direction.

-you did well in defeating him. But are you ready for the second round?

He started.

-sure I am.

-hahaha, before we start I will tell you this, Orier depended too much on his armor and shield. The only thing that true warrior needs is a weapon in his hands. I already saw that you were quite fast when you passed through me. I think that you will give me a lot of fun before I kill you…

The knight lunched off the ground and passed the distance of five meters in seconds while holding the halberd forward. It was quick but Arata was already prepared for something like that seeing his movements before. Arata parried incoming attack to the left and rushed forward to counter. The distance was about one-two meters but when Arata was trying to get to the enemy, knight rotated his weapon and with the second end of halberd, he stoke at Arata whom didn’t have a chance to evade. Arata’s rush was stop.

Knight continued his attack and attacked now with the spiky end.

“Emm, this is getting really bad.”

The knight’s moves were faster than those of Arata. Arata was trying to keep himself alive and only managed to change the direction of halberd but it still made some scratches. Arata once more tried to move forward but when he did that, knight simply jumped back which resulted in the same distance once again. It looked like the knight had a lot of experience in using his long distance weapon.

-where is your speed from before? Without it, you won’t have a chance to pass through my line of defense…

It looked like the knight was slightly dissatisfied by Arata’s performance so far.

“The line of defense must mean the range of his halberd. Weapon like that can give much advantage if you can keep your enemy at distance.”

Arata already knew where the biggest problem is. He simply couldn’t get to the enemy. Either the knight will jump back or counter making it impossible to get to him.

“Anyway I can’t keep defending like that.”

[Black dash activated]

Arata rushed forward with his skill but Knight made quick steps right above the ground to the left.

-yes, you need a speed which is at least like that, but such obvious attack won’t work on me…

After saying that, knight once again started his attacks. Arata wasn’t blocking or dodging but simply moving backward like knight did just a second before.

-what is it? Is that all you’ve got!?…

“I can’t keep on dodging like this. It’s time to be a little less defence focused.”

Arata came up with something. He stopped dodging and once again rushed forward. The knight immediately moved backward. He was out of range again and began preparation for next attack, but Arata didn’t stop his rush and continued the assault. Knight went back to offense and lunched a strike at Arata to make him stop. It was deadly attack but easy to dodge as it was going straight forward. It was attack that’s purpose rather than damaging was to stop Arata’s rush. Arata however didn’t stop even for a second. He took the blow right into right side of belly. The halberd went through him and come out from the other end.

-another meaningless death…

Knight commented but this wasn’t Arata’s loss.

[Black dash activated]

With that range and it being surprise attack, Knight had no chance for dodge and would definitely be hit by that attack. But the dash finished right before him as Arata didn’t want to go through him but rather.

[Stream of night.]

Two strikes, Four, Six, Twelve hits. The knight didn’t have much armor to begin with so after the skill ended, it was already the end.

-yes, that’s a speed I wanted to see.

With those words the Knight fell to the ground.

[You have leveled up by 300%]

[You have gained a level, Current level 62]

[New skills unlocked.]

“uff, That worked.”

It was not that Arata couldn’t dodge that strike but it was an important part of strategy. Knight got overconfident the moment he thought it was his win. With this, Arata just had to get to him and burn him down with huge dps before his enemy realizes his mistake. In difference to Paladin, the second knight didn’t wear that much of armor so he died after just one skill. Also, as long as level was not far apart attacks like cutting of the head that would normally kill, will kill no matter the defense. The EOA combat system was quite complicated.

A lever appeared in the middle of the room right after the knight died.

With 30% hp left and bleeding effect which decreased his health sadly but not by huge amount, Arata walked up to the lever and pulled it. When he did that an orange portal appeared nearby. With a message next to it.

[The second challenge awaits you at the other end.]

“Good thing that I don’t have to run back, although I thought that if someone still didn’t complete their challenges, I would have to go and help them. But it already takes me to second challenge, so there is nothing like that. Everyone is on their own. I just hope they do well, especially Yuki, she had a hard route after all. If those two guys were a normal difficulty I wonder what happens on hard one.”

With those thought Arata went through the portal.

//** This chapter is still far from over. Continue to part _15.3 **//

http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=333&t=3219