Chapter 27 “My name is Rin.”

‘The longer you play, the better you become’ that’s what the saying says but there is always an upper limit out there for everything. At some point, one would arrive to situation in which, no matter how hard he tries, he can’t do better than previously, that was how it usually went in games. Still EOA was slightly different in that regard, over time, you could became better and better and better. Even though with time you would reach a certain level of skill from which you couldn’t progress anymore that easily, it wasn’t impossible as in some other games where you were limited by numbers.

In EOA, just by completing new quest and acquiring new skill, your overall performance would increase. There was a saying that in EOA, without real life fighting experience, you wouldn’t be able to arrive at highest level of play but it was a wrong saying. Fighting experience from real, sure it gave you a good head start, no one could argue with that statement but if one had played since the game come out, it would be 10 years’ worth of time. Let’s say someone was training for 5 years in real world and the other was playing EOA for 10 years. Who would do better? The one who trained? Or the one who spend his time on the battlefield? Although, extreme cases in which someone played EOA nonstop for ten years were unheard of. After all, it would mean spending the last two years in the VRcapsule nonstop.

-so what are we doing now?

Arata asked Levi while they were walking together in direction of Karma. It’s been few days since they were there last time not to mention their break which practically doubled that time. For four days they were slaying golems but even if it was four days, Arata’s level went up only by 3 and right now it was 103. Other people would say that it’s a good rate, four days in three levels but that didn’t convince Arata much and he kept on complaining that it was too slow especially when they when they didn’t take too many breaks in between and also they were using special tactic that speeded up the process. Still even with that effort, it was still only three levels. That experience made Arata sure that he is not going to focus purely on level anymore as rather than enjoyment it was hard work and people were not playing games to work hard.

-just as we planned before. First we are going to return all that iron to that dwarf and then with earned gold we will earn more gold.

Levi answered.

-arena it is then?

-arena it is then. By the way, do you have any experience in city’s arena Arata?

-well, I did fight once in arena in beginners city but that would be all. What about you?

-I did fight few times actually. It’s a good place to train PvP a little and because I am in ‘silver hand’ I need to be good at it. Although I must say that fighting against other players isn’t any different than fighting humanoid mobs.

-with mobs being as realistic as humans you probably see no difference.

-yea, just like that. Although, fights against other players is much more random because you never know how good your opponent truly is.

-you can’t find out someone’s level and even if you did it won’t tell you much. Unless you see someone fight you won’t know what they can do.

Arata summed it up.

-exactly but because of that fact, we can earn a lot of money.

-I don’t really need that much gold, right now.

-didn’t you want to learn crafting and gathering profession?

-if it cost that much I am not sure it’s worth it anymore.

-well, start it is a little hard and most people will say it don’t pay off but if you saw how much money daily earns a famous crafter your jaw would drop. They could easily make a living out of it without working in real.

-so why don’t you have crafting profession?

-it’s a pain to level it up and later on rather than going around the world and having adventure, you spend your time creating items. Sure, some people may enjoy it but it’s not really for me.

“I will have to think once again about this whole profession thing. Also my cooking is enough I guess and it’s also useful in real so if I were to focus on that it would be most beneficial.”

-by the way you remember which way it was?

Arata asked as they were passing the bridge to the Karma

-hmm, I would normally remember the way I once went if we went straight to the gate that is. Unfortunately because we were getting lost at each corner there is no way I remember.

-I remember it was in dwarven district.

-ah, you are so very observant today Arata.

-shut up Levi. If you don’t remember we will just have to ask for a way there.

-that or we could follow the direction of the smoke. As far as I know it should be coming out from forges.

-ah, you are so very knowledge today Levi.

-shut up Arata, also unlike you, I am knowledgeable every day. Anyway it should be this way.

-wait you two!…

Just as they were to walk to the right valley, someone call out to them, although they did not look back, as neither Arata nor Levi had any acquaintance in this city. They didn’t spend too much time in this city after all.

-hey don’t ignore me!

The person repeated herself. Arata and Levi looked back still not convinced that it was to them but it would be rude to ignore someone. When they look back they saw a girl with long silk blond hair. She was quite slim and high. She was wearing blue-white clothes and had a bow on the back. She was of elf race just as her ears signalized that.

Arata recognized her as she once showed him a way around this town while he wanted to earn easy money for solving a riddle. In the end those money weren’t that easy but he did earn them. Still he could not think of reason why would she look for him or Levi.

-what a beauty, do you know her?

-I wouldn’t say I know her, we just talked once.

“Also I don’t really remember her name.”

The elven girl quickly ran up to them.

-hi Arata, been few days.

-yes it’s been.

-can you introduce me to your friend first?

-yes, about that.

It would be hard to introduce her as he didn’t know her name.

-fine I get it. Looks like I need to introduce myself to you as well.

The girl recognized Arata’s signal when he averted his eyes in answering.

-if, you could.

-once again my name is Vivi, write it down somewhere.

-do I really need to remember it that badly?

Of course Arata could not simply answer yes but instead he complained about how annoying was to remember someone’s name that badly.

-of course. In the first place how could you forget it!

-we talked once so it’s not that surprising. Also, don’t make drama out of it.

-but its first time that someone forgotten my name.

-learn some hardship and get used to it.

-you are probably the only person on this world that would forget me but that’s why you are so… .

-I am positive that there are a lot more people who are bad with names in this world. By the way, Levi introduce yourself, I am not going to do it for you.

-sure, hi there, my name is Levi.

-em that’s it? You are not adding anything.

Arata asked as he was expecting at least five sentences of self-introduction from him and that he would end it with sentence like ‘beautiful lady’.

-yea, right now I am normal player after all, there is no need to talk about my great achiv… .

-yes there is no need so don’t talk about them…

Arata cut him in middle sentence before he start lamenting about his so called ‘great achievements’

-so Vivi, you wanted something from me?

-not personally, I am just delivering a message or rather notification. Yume said she wanted to meet you again.

Yume was a name of the player for whom Arata solved riddle. She also showed him a way to Wizard’s laboratory in which they got separated by Wizard’s spell. As for Wizard, Arata first meet him in city of beginners at the beginning of his journey in this world, although memories connected to him were not that pleasant.

-is it something about the riddle? I get it wrong?

-no, no, it was something different, I think. At least, she didn’t mention anything about the riddle.

-I don’t know what it else it can be about.

-me neither but, she asked me to wait here for you so it can be something important.

-Levi, mind if we change plans a little?

-it’s not like we are in hurry, let’s go to visit the flower of this city.

-you also already meet her?

-I did exchange few words with her and she even helped me at that time and gave me an advice.

-you guys shouldn’t be surprised. It’s actually hard to not meet Yume while being in this city.

Vivi explained.

-let’s see what she wants from you, Arata. We shouldn’t keep her waiting.

-Vivi, can tell us where she is right now?

-I will show you the way, is what I should have said right now but Yume is not logged in right now so it’s impossible to know where she is.

-I guess it’s not something important then.

-it’s Yume after all, with her it’s never anything important. Still, can you tell me where are you guys going to be in three to four hours? I will call her offline and tell her that you are in Karma.

-we should be in Arena at that time.

Levi answered Vivi’s question.

-you two are going to fight there?

-we plan to.

-well arena in Karma is quite high level you know, still I guess it will not be a problem for you Arata, given that you passed through trial of adventurer completely. You know what. I will come to root for you.

-you don’t need to. Also we are trying to keep low profile and earn on betting.

-I see, in that case I will just come to watch and root without shouting and pompons.

“Did she actually plan to do that?”

-Arata! Forget the gold! I want to see a cheerleader more!

Levi interrupted very seriously. Arata just made a face palm to that and Vivi answered with much worse opinion of him.

-I was joking.

-haha, I also was just joking.

-it’s too late Levi…

“It’s hard to hide your true nature after all.”

-anyway we will be at Arena today. I not sure about what will come later but I will try not to leave city again until I speak with her, so she doesn’t have to hurry.

-got it, see you later Arata.

Vivi disappeared in a flash after operating the in game menu.

-hey Arata, why didn’t she say good bye to me?

-because you are not thinking, what you are saying.

-it couldn’t be helped this time. Arata you must agree that having cheerleader like here would be something to look at.

-not really.

-just be honest.

Levi hit him two times by elbow.

-if you keep thinking about cheerleaders. No girl will ever look at you.

-you are planning smart just because you have girlfriend. But with few magic words I can also make you think of cheerleaders.

-no, I am positive you can’t.

-hahaha, you shouldn’t have challenged me but you will get what you asked for.

-fine let’s test it.

“It’s impossible anyway.”

Arata strongly believed in his will and his conviction but he couldn’t be prepared for what came at him.

-Arata, all you have to imagine is this. Your girlfriend dressed up as a cheerleader. The costume is in white-pink color but there is one problem as it is a little too small and tight in few important places. Still your girlfriend is trying her best to cheer on you while singing something like. A! R! A! T! A! Arata! Arata! Fighto!… .

Arata could not hear the rest of Levi’s singing or his tries to sound more girly like as his mind had become completely filled with a picture of Kotori in cheerleader costume.

After about five minutes Arata came back to the senses.

-and who is thinking about cheerleaders now?

-fine you won.

There was nothing else that Arata could say.

-hahaha, you shouldn’t underestimate my power.

-anyway let’s get our money first.

Arata decided to cut this conversation before Levi came up with other ideas. And so they went to the eastern part of city the dwarven district.

-Arata, that girl mentioned that you passed 100 level challenge completely, is it true?

-well yea.

-you definitely didn’t say it to show off?

-why would I do that? What you don’t believe I did?

-no that, I know how good you are, so you probably did managed to do that, still you just don’t often meet people who managed to pull that off.

-I don’t know about that. Four others from my guild also managed to do it, so it’s hardly impossible.

Arata found out that almost everyone from Refrain managed to pull it off with Zen being the first to complete the challenge. Second was Yuki, third Kotori, Arata was fourth and Odin was fifth. Anari died somewhere in second part and she was the only one that did not managed. Arata was not surprised by that fact. Rather he was surprised that she actually didn’t die earlier. As for him finishing fourth, it was probably because he spent half an hour chatting with the guy from Husaria. Well, that reason was at least something that Arata said to himself so he doesn’t feel bad about losing.

-your entire guild is crazy then. I wonder what you will do in a future. Right you already have one city razed on your account.

-it wasn’t our fault.

-it’s you who started that war though. Arata, I guess when the time comes it will be on me who will have to catch you.

-yes, good luck with trying to do that.

-haha, I’m just joking. Anyway that guy should be somewhere around here.

They visited the dwarf that gave them the job before. After returning all the parts both of them earned 30 gold each.

-isn’t it a little low?

Arata said when they started walking in direction of Arena.

-really, with you it’s always, not enough experience! Not enough gold! This thing cost too much! Could you stop complaining already? Those are all legit numbers.

-I am not sure that they are.

-in capital everything costs even more. Only because we are at this god forgotten province the prices are like that.

-given number of people here, it doesn’t look like god forsaken province to me.

-well, that’s because many people are send here after the 100th level barrier but as you can see there aren’t that many high level players around here and that’s is because there is nothing special about this city.

-I guess, I heard that at the other part of this world things are much more interesting.

-I didn’t go there yet.

-well I just heard it from Kotori but she really can’t decide what she should do right now, in the end she decided to take part in some expedition to go underground, although it will take place in few months from now so for now she focuses on smaller things.

-expedition to the underground in the east… You know, that expedition is actually organized by ‘silver order’.

Levi shared the news.

-you know something about it?

-well the role of leader of that expedition will take the leader of silver hand order so it will be something big. Many others big shots are coming as well, it will take place in four or five months from now, when everything is ready but people for it are gathered right now. Your girlfriend must be quite good if she managed to get sign up for it.

-and what about you, you didn’t want to go?

-I kind of did but you know, I don’t really like the leader that much. So in the end I decided to decline on that.

-and why do you not like him?

-well, it’s just my opinion but simply put it, I think he is crazy. Right! Don’t go telling around what I said to anyone or I will get kicked out.

-I wouldn’t even know who to tell it to. Anyway you have any reasons to think he is crazy or you just don’t like the guy?

-my opinion is only based on what my sister told me and I promised not to tell about it to anyone. So let’s leave it at ‘I just don’t like the guy’. Anyway do you know which way is it to arena or we are just going somewhere blindly?

-I thought you knew the way.

-I don’t.

In the end they asked the guard.

The arena was located in north part of Karma. Although the city itself was not that famous its arena was. One reason for that would be because there wasn’t that many other things to do here, so many people come to visit it every day. There were also many players joining in fight to show off their skills. It was also a place for guilds to look for their new members. They could see the ability of fighters and if they found someone promising, they could offer them a place in their guild. It was not only reserved to guilds of Karma. There were also representatives for many other guilds that didn’t have anything to do with it, even from high level ones, although those were interested only in really good players. Still, it all was beneficial to fighters as they also wanted to join those guilds. Guilds like Serenity, Shield of the East, P.C.P. , Dragon Raiders were famous guilds also had their representatives here. Normally it would be really hard to join them but if player could be scouted by them if he performed well on arena making the whole process much quicker. And if someone performed really well, even two strongest guilds my heard of that fighter.

There were some people however, for whom things like prestige and look in eyes of others didn’t mean much. They didn’t want to join any guilds either. For example, one who was already in a guild and other one who was a member of silver hand order, and people from there usually didn’t belong to any guilds as there was no need for that. For a note, joining silver hand order would be as hard as joining any of the famous guild already mentioned if not even harder.

-so who is going to fight first?

Arata asked.

-does it matter? Anyway both of us are signing up at the same time so it will go faster. But just as planned when I fight you bet on me and when you fight I bet on you.

-what will we do if we end up fighting against each other?

Their tactic would be meaning less if that were to happen.

-you probably got wrong idea. We are not signing up for any tournaments but just listing ourselves as fighters. By doing just that you are not automatically fighting right away. After signing up, you have to either challenge someone to fight or be challenged.

-right, you could explain a little bit more about how it works.

-it’s not really complicated but well there is one thing you need to hear I guess. Each arena has its ranking system. When you first sign up you get the lowest rank.

-what those rank do?

-well there is one annoying rule in which you can’t challenge anyone who is three ranks above you.

-doesn’t it make our plan impossible.

Arata’s and Levi’s plan were as follow. Each of them fights against two ‘champions’ of arena. Because both Levi and Arata are unknown no one will put any coin and they would put on champions as they are practically given to win. That will make the balance crumble and anyone who puts on them could make a lot of gold from it. No one would normally gamble on that but Arata and Levi knowing their strength would put on each other and win big. Still, it was only possible if they fight against someone well known otherwise they won’t earn much.

-not impossible, it only makes it harder. I said that we can’t challenge anyone above us, but those above us can challenge us. Normally new guys would not accept challenge like that as they were not crazy to fight against someone who already won many battles.

-so we are the crazy ones again. Still we have to somehow make them want to challenge us.

-well that shouldn’t be that hard. After all, they are all arrogant bunch who thinks that they are good players only because they can win some fights in Arena.

They went to a place where new fighters could sign up.

-I thought that there would be a longer line.

-well this procedure doesn’t take long and you need to do it just once and you are sign up for eternity so it is normally like that.

They entered the room. Inside there was a man behind the desk. He didn’t have one arm and his eye left eye was under patch.

-you two are here for fights?

The man asked. Although his look was frightening, his voice was calm and collected. What was more he could write!

-yes we are.

Levi answered.

-ha, don’t rush to you deaths kids, arena is not for a like as you.

-I think we will be fine but speaking of rushing to our deaths could you tell us who are two strongest and most well-known fighters here?

Levi was not wasting any time.

-ah, I see what you are trying to pull off, if you want to know answer to your question, look at the ranking in fighters quarters and you will know but I don’t recommend doing what you plan to, it usually ends bad. But who am I to tell you that? If you wish to die, then die. So your names?

-Levi.

-Arata.

-you guys are in any guild?

-if you are asking us if we are looking for a guild then no. I personally not in any guild but I am member of silver hand order and… .

-silver hand, pfuu…

The man split on the ground without giving Levi a chance to finish.

-you know, I hate that whole order and that makes me hate you as well. Get your number and get the hell out of here!

-right, remember not to tell anyone that fact as you know what we want to do.

-I rather want to see your face in blood, so I won’t.

-oh, you are so understanding. Thank you very much.

-get out!…

Levi was forced to leave the room but it looked like he was noted in man’s notebook like any other player.

-and you, don’t tell me that you are also in that thing.

-no, no I am not, do I look like cop to you.

-good answer. But I will give you an advice. It’s not wise to think about them in that way. They are the bad ones who need to be put in jail. Anyway you are in any guild?

-does it change anything?

-does it change anything he ask?…

The man said sarcastically.

-fine I will tell you. If you sign up with guild name, before the fight it will be announced that you are from them. It’s a way to spread out the name of your guild but at the same time, it protects you from other guilds invitations should you do any well.

“I rather not deal with people like that.”

-fine, sing down that I from Refrain.

-Refrain? Never heard of guild like that but whatever, take the number and go.

Arata left the room. Levi was waiting for him outside.

-what number did you got?

He asked.

-number 40114.

-mine is 40113. Well number is not that important. What important is the rank. Right now we are on lowest rank 7 and what we want to do is fight against some of rank 1, let’s enter the fighters quarters and make everyone angry at us.

-to that, we don’t even need a plan.

-just improvising should be enough, try to be as loud as possible though.

And so they entered the fighters’ quarters. In this place, one could challenge other players to fight. There were quite number of people here as this place was also the only place in which, one could be challenged to fight. Only when two players were here and both of sides accept, the fight could be held. But fight would not start right away. The fighters had to wait on their turn, as other people could be fight at that moment. Although, fights between players were usually not that long, so the waiting time usually didn’t extend half an hour. Also in this place fighters could bet on fight, it was convenient for them as normally the betting held place at tribunes. Still, in this place only registered fighters could bet, so it was not like normal people would gather here to take the spot in line.

Every fighter was either sitting on a bench or standing next to the wall while trying to look fearsome. Some were doing good job at it, other were terrible at it as their look completely didn’t fit image of arena fighter. Arena fighters were sometimes also called gladiators but if one were to compare those people to gladiators from ancient Rome, there would be too many differences. First of all, gladiators in Rome were slaves while here people fought because they wanted.

And now, two new fighters entered this place.

The arena fighters’ quarters were usually quite quiet place. It was probably because everyone was getting nervous before their next fights. Also, some didn’t want to reveal anything to their opponents so they were just whispering to their friends. But two new fighters that arrived didn’t follow that rule.

-Arata how do you think, how many fights do we need to fight in before we get to rank one?!

-I don’t know, it depends on how scared will those so called ‘strongest fighters’ are!

-well they would probably be too much afraid to fight against us!

-you know how it is, once they somehow get to the top, they are desperate to stay there!

-losing to us who just arrived here would be a blow to them after all, there is no helping it!

-but Levi, in the first place, fighting against them is meaningless as it wouldn’t even be called a fight. Also I don’t feel like staining my sword with their filth!

-really, you should have mentioned it before, why did we even came here?!

-I forgot, still in this case I guess there is only one thing we can do Levi. After all, we need to show all those people on tribunes how real fight looks like. They deserve it after watching everyday how those people desecrates this arena!

-you are right. We should give them a show to heal their eyes. I guess we will fight against each other Arata!

-well there would not be anyone else who could hold a candle to us so that is the only way!

The two new fighters could be described as follow. Too loud and way too damn annoying.

The reaction from other fighter differed from person to person. Some were surprised, some believed their words, some simply ignored them seeing through their act, some were angry at them but they wouldn’t say anything and simply ignore the small flies. But there were also some who easily caught the bait.

-hahahaha, you two made a nice performance there but you know what all of us here heard. ‘Oh, please I am so afraid to fight, let’s do a mock battle together and run away from this place. I didn’t think I will be that scared until I come here’. Right guys!

-yea, yea.

-get the hell out of here you idiots!

-as if someone could believe your words!

“Bingo.”

That was reaction that Arata and Levi were looking for. Also the man that was speaking looked like he had a lot of respect making him someone from rank one. Although, Arata and Levi knew that most of high ranking fighters would simply ignore their mocking as just as they said, they would have nothing to gain and much to lose from fight against them. Still, there would be some ‘meat’ idiots who were only good in fighting and their stupid pride wouldn’t allow them to listen. Also there would also be someone who given his position would not be allowed to stay silent while they were mocking everyone.

The first guy that spoke was just that. He was over two meters in height and he was very wide. Arata would describe him as ‘meat ball’. Although, his muscles were quite big, seeing them Arata could only make one remark.

“Strength comes from stats anyway so the bigger your posture the easier it is to hit you.”

Still, neither Levi nor Arata answer to him. They decided to wait and see how everything will turn out.

The ‘meat ball’ continued.

-bull’s eye ha? You don’t even say anything back.

-get out of here imposters!

-Karma’s arena is not for likes of yours!

-wait guys, guys relax. …

The man calmed down everyone.

-we cannot let them go like that after they said all those things, can we? We have our pride right, so we should teach those two that in this place, playing with words like they did is not the best idea. Hey Shathis, you won’t mind if I will borrow your idea!

He shouted to a man who was staying as far as possible from them in a dark corner of the room. It was clear that that man didn’t want to have anything to do with this occasion.

-do what you want.

The man just replayed without adding anything else.

-now, all I need is someone else from rank one to challenge the other gay.

-Garyl! Even if you want to challenge them, it’s impossible for those cowards to accept your challenge!

Someone shouted to meat ball guy.

-don’t worry about that, you guys may not know it but when someone says in this hall that he accepts challenge from anyone at high rank he really mean it and it’s not possible to take it back. Which means, as long as we challenge them they have no way of running away anymore… .

“Good thing to know but I doubt that meatball was the one that came up with it.”

-Margrag what will you say, you still didn’t fought today, mind eating one of those two?

-hahahaha, it will be good warm up for me before I go out serious in different fight.

“Looks like there are more meatballs here.”

The other man that laughed looked somewhat similar to the first one so Arata gave him name ‘meat ball number 2’.

-which one do you want?

-I will take the blond one. He looks a little like a girl and you know that I love killing them so much.

“Trash.”

Arata could describe him only with that world given. He regretted a little that he couldn’t fight against him himself.

-my boy, you know what. I will even give you right to be the first one to do the battle.

-hahaha, you just want to see how your opponent is pouring down his pants but fine. What is blonde’s number?

-40113.

-I challenge number 40113 to death-match.

After the meatball said those words, the fight got automatically registered on the board.

-hahaha, Margrag used death-match, as suspected of him.

Some people started laughing.

-but look it truly works although the other one didn’t say anything the fight was registered!

-but death-match! Who normally uses that setting?

-hahahahahahahaha…

The sound of laughter of the first ‘meatball’ echoed through the hall.

-Margrag you never fail to surprise us but your idea is great. I challenge number 40114 to a death-match as well.

When the meatball number one said that, his and Arata’s fight also got registered.

-aaaaaa! Garyl did it as well.

-hey I think I will be going to tribunes to see it from there, after all death-matches are rare. Still with match ups like that, there is no gambling at all, you just put everything on Margrag and Garyl and you get a profit.

-true, even though this will be probably minimum stake, you still will get 5% income.

-this Arena will go bankrupt one day if it goes on like that, I mean no one will put anything on those two.

About half of the people inside started to go outside. Probably to the tribunes as they mentioned. Still many of them went first to put money on those two fights.

-pss, Arata.

Levi whispered to him.

-what?

-it’s going better than we thought right?

-they are both rank one after all. It was actually too easy if I must say.

-anyway don’t say anything out loudly anymore, so it looks like we are really scared of them. People are going out right now so when word will get around that we look like we are sure to lose more people will gamble so we will get even more gold?

-anyway your fight is first so transfer me all your gold. How much do you have?

-110g, you?

-80?

-eh you shouldn’t have spent it all on all those useless things.

-you mean my meals were useless and it would be better to eat bread?

-fine, I get it. Anyway even if there is 30 gold in difference I don’t mind if we share fifty-fifty in the end. But you are paying for the food next time as well. Anyway with amount we will get we will be rich.

-you better not lose there.

-ha, as if that could happen. Anyway after my fight, quickly take out all money that we won and pass it to me. Then I will stake everything on you in next fight and the sum will be enormous.

-you don’t think that people will find out after your fight that something is fishy?

-it will be too late for those who already paid anyway. Look people are betting here on our fights even if there are two more before ours. When someone bets he can’t withdraw it anymore later on. Also there are a lot of people, so when they start betting on one fight, they will also bet on the second because they can have problem with getting it out later.

-we won’t have problem with putting on ourselves in that short break?

-well we have privilege of arena fighters and there are no lines here, still I guess it won’t hurt if your fight gets a little delayed I will think of something to let it happen.

-hahaha, look at them. They can’t even speak loudly and just whisper to each other.

-what did you expect, in moment of truth, people true nature comes out, that’s why I love killing so much.

Their two opponents didn’t suspect a thing.

They didn’t have to wait too long. As one of the fights was held off for later time and it appeared on a roster behind Arata’s fight, it looked like there was an option available like that as well. By the time that Arata went to put all of their gold on Levi, the other fight already started.

-how is it going?

Arata asked Levi as he stayed and watch.

-well the fighters in arena right now are both at rank 3, they are not that bad.

The fighters that Arata saw really were not that bad. They were definitely better than those that he saw in arena in beginners’ city.

-even if you say they are not bad.

-yes they are not that good either. Look at those opening on the right guy, aa… .

-looks like the opponent also saw that opening.

Second ago one of the fighters attacked with a spear which went through opponent belly. After that move the fight was over as its setting was not death-match but one severe wound. After the winner was declared, both of fighters were surrounded by yellow light and were healed back to full hp.

-guess it will be mine turn next.

Levi said it with sigh.

-don’t tell me you got worried.

-well I am a little worried, after all, so many girls will confess to me after seeing how I fight and I will have to break all of their hearts.

-yea definitely, anyway maybe you should rather find one heart that you don’t want to break.

-it’s not that easy you know. To pick one flower, out from so many.

-rather you don’t have even one to pick form.

-Arata it’s hurt you know.

-hey mistress, it’s time for us!

Levi’s opponent called him.

-eh he is so creative with names, still I going to make him pay for it.

-take it easy, it’s they who got provoked not us.

-no, the bloodshed must be done.

Levi’s green eyes started to burn with fury.

Levi and ‘Meatball number two’ entered the arena. Arata wasn’t really worried that their gold would be lost. After all, he could not imagine Levi to lose, especially after what he saw during last few days in iron canyon.

-you will have to wait a little. Margrag loves to play around with files like that!

‘Meatball number one’ said it to Arata. Arata didn’t talk back as he focused on a fight. Levi’s opponent was equipped with large two handed axe. When the fight started he slashed with it at Levi, he on the other hand blocked it with his shield.

“He wants to see the strength of that attack first.”

Levi blocked it and didn’t move an inch. Although, it might look powerful for semi-tank like Levi, hits that landed on shield didn’t have any effect. After blocking the first attack his opponent was practically open but Levi started to play around with him instead of attacking seriously.

“Ah what is he doing? No rather he did say that he wanted to create a show after all.”

-you said that you will accept any challenge from high ranker in this arena, will you accept mine as well?

Arata was pull away from looking at the fight as he suddenly heard that sentence coming from his left. He absolutely didn’t feel any presence or didn’t hear any sound before girl’s voice appeared. Arata looked to his left. Lower than him by head, stood a figure in red cloak. Her face as well as rest of the body was completely covered by it, only her maroon boots could be seen.

-if you have high rank you don’t have to ask me, you just have to challenge me like the others.

Arata answered.

-I don’t want to have anything in common with those lowlifes.

-and your rank is?

Arata was not sure if she meant that or if her rank was not enough but to his question he got an unexpected answer.

-rank zero.

“Zero? Strange, Levi didn’t mention anything about someone having rank zero. If he did, we would focus on those guys instead to earn more money.”

-you are telling the truth?

-yes.

Arata didn’t expect a straightforward answer like that but he didn’t feel lie in her voice.

-why would someone with rank zero want to fight against me? Did you get fooled by our act? We already caught enough fish on it so I can tell you that we only did that to earn money so don’t feel offended. Anyway, you can’t get anything form our win, right so why do you even bother?

-it’s because I want to have match with you.

Her answer remained the same as straightforward as possible without hint of hesitation like everything was thought up beforehand.

-did I do something to you that you want to kill me?

-no, also I didn’t ask you for another death-match, rather it would be a problem if you died, I don’t want you to die, just have a match with me.

“I guess I can have additional fight, if she wants it that badly. Also it’s irritates me a little that she is saying it like I am bound to lose. ‘I don’t want you to die?’ How arrogant can she be?”

-fine I will fight against you when I finish this business first.

The girl nodded her head and walked away to one of the corners.

“Strange girl. Anyway how Levi is doing? Aaaaa…”

When Arata looked back at the arena the fight was nearly over. ‘The meatball number two’ was laying on the ground head first. At top of him was Levi who was striking with his sword at enemy’s body while laughing. The blood and guts was flying everywhere. There was a good amount of it at Levi’s face.

“He went crazy again.”

It was not the first time that Arata saw Levi like that. It looked like the moment some amount of blood lands on his face or hair Levi ‘changes’ a little. Arata didn’t see it often, but when they were fighting against golems but when once Levi got hit in head and blood started floating out from a wound he entered in somewhat berserk mode. And when Levi was in berserk mode even Arata was not sure if it’s best idea to get near him. Still in this fight it was not his blood that was on his head as he looked rather untouched.

“Right I need to get money first.”

The fight has officially ended although Levi didn’t stop massacring opponent’s body just yet. Arata run up to the cashier and received the reward from betting. He used 190 gold to bet on Levi and now he got in return 900. It was more than 4x times the amount.

“If it goes up like this again we really will be rich.”

-hahahahaha, more give me more!

Levi returned to fighters’ quarters.

-Levi get a hold of yourself.

-Arata, can I do your fight as well, one guy is not enough.

-it’s impossible to change it now, you should know better right. Anyway if you don’t hurry we will lose a lot of money.

With those words Levi returned to normal.

-right money, how many did we get.

-900 in total, here.

Arata traded him everything.

-okay, I am going don’t take too long Arata.

Levi rushed to the cashier.

-don’t tell me it was your plan all along.

Mr. ‘Meatball number one’ asked and he was not laughing anymore.

-who knows?

Arata answered and headed to the Arena.

“It’s definitely bigger than the one in beginners’ city.”

Arata looked around as he entered. The place looked somewhat similar to how coliseum in Rome was looking like. Well Arata was never there himself but he saw it on movies. Tribunes however were a little more advanced as the spectators weren’t sitting on stones but on comfortable seats.

“It will be hard to beat the last performance.”

Arata could see it on spectator’s faces. After all, they saw the unexpected, probably losing a lot of gold in the meantime. Still losing some gold was probably worth it as their faces were not filled with anger but with amazement after seeing previous fight. Well, there were also few terrified faces as well, probably because when Levi goes crazy, he goes crazy in really frightening way.

-your friend must have used some trick but no tricks will work against me.

The ‘meatball number one’ said that, although he didn’t really believe his words.

“Still playing brave, let’s see.”

Arata send a cold glare at his opponents, just that look overwhelmed his opponent. Meatball picked up his red hammer and attack with it at Arata right away.

“Ua, I provoked him a little too much.”

Or rather it was too hard for his opponent to stand that glare any longer. Arata himself didn’t know how scary he looks like when he did that. Just as Arata was about to rush forward and finish it up quickly, he saw like some kind of magical barrier appeared right above him which blocked the enemy attack.

-wait till it’s officially starts, Garyl! You don’t know the rules!?

Someone shouted it to ‘meatball number one’.

“I guess you can’t attack before some kind of gong.”

-it’s not me it’s… .

-whatever it was, just wait till introduction.

Before arena fight begin, both of player would be first introduced to audience by presenter. His job was quite important to make people remember the names of those who fought so news about them spread around the city or even the whole world. Fighters that already had many battles behind them on the arena and had higher ranking would be introduced as glorious warriors while new guys would be introduced rather simply.

-another fight will begin any minute! Word fight might be a little overstatement here, still you should definitely enjoy it. I know that there are many fans of that person here, each of his battle are always just another manifestation of his strength and although we might not see all of it in this fight, it’s always good to see him in action. I give you the one of best fighters and veteran of this arena, Garyl the butcher! …

Although Arata did not expect it the audience did indeed must like that guy as there were loud shouts coming from tribunes.

“Really?”

-his opponent or rather punching bag will be Arata from guild Refrain.

Arata’s introduction was just way too different. To that tribunes were rather quiet, some people just laughed but Arata could see some worry face as well. After all, second ago the introduction went in similar way and Levi showed them his berserk mode. They were afraid that something similar might happen and that they will lose their money they bid on this fight. Still, not everyone was quiet as Arata could hear some unexpected cheers.

-Arata, fightoooo!

Arata looked in the direction of those shouts. The ones that were making it were Vivi and Yume.

“And she said that she will be quiet. Still, I already promised someone else a fight but here Vivi already brought Yume. I shouldn’t keep them waiting too long.”

-Lets the fight begins!

The commentator signaled the start of fight although just as he said it shouldn’t be called a fight.

They were three meters away from each other. The moment commentator gave the signal Arata shortened this distance in a second. He did not use lighting speed skill as he was fast enough without it. Before ‘meatball number one’ reacted, Arata made a somersault over him. When he landed behind his opponent both of his swords were in his hands and there was already blood on them. The ‘meatball number one’ ’s body fall to the ground and after that happened his head detached itself and roll few meters on the ground. Arata like nothing sheathed his swords back and started walking in direction of the exit. The fight ended in KO after ten seconds.

The audience became quiet. Even Vivi’s and Yume’s shout could no longer be heard. People still tried to grasp what just happened. Still what happen wasn’t really complicated Arata run up to ‘meatball number one’, jump over him and while doing so slashed of his head with an attack that started from unsheathing his swords. He didn’t use any of his class skills or anything like that.

In the end the commentator was the first one to react.

-ladies and gentlemen I give you unexpected winner! With quick and effective move he defeated the long veteran of this arena. Let’s hope that he show us more in the future but for now applause to Arata of Refrain!

Stadium went crazy with those words and although Arata never expected something like that to happen, he got a loud applause. It was not uncommon for winners in fight to get it but this one was louder than usual.

-hahaha…

Arata was welcomed in fighters’ quarters with Levi’s laugh.

-hahahah, I never thought it would be that easy.

-you thought I will have problems with it?

-not that I, mean I never thought it would be so easy to earn that much gold look…

Levi was holding a bad filled with gold.

-my sister knows this game well after all.

-what your sister has to do with it?

-it was from her that I found out about this way of earning money, you know. Well, it is only one time thing so it’s not a method you can always use.

-why not?

-there wouldn’t be that much difference in rate anymore, also do you think that there will be a single person that would want to fight against you after you mascaraed that guy?

-I just normally killed him. It was you who went crazy in fight.

-I was holding back you know and was creating a show, so maybe someone else would catch bait but then with you doing a flashy kill in two seconds we won’t find anyone who will want to fight us anymore. Although, we don’t really need to as we already earned 3200 gold, we are rich.

-if it goes like that maybe we should stay here a little longer. I mean we were hunting golems for four days just to get 30 gold and here we get nearly 1500gold income each after one fight.

-as I said it’s one time thing. Even during your fight, the rate was a little lower than at mine as people started to smell something is fishy, also those who already lost much in one ‘sure bet fight’ would not try to bet again at something similar that is happening right after. Anyway here is your part.

Arata’s account rose from 33 silver to 1600 gold and some silver. He earned extra three money from wining the fight.

-so we are giving up on arena for now?

-although it went faster than I thought, there is no real reason to stay here, even though I would like to fight few more fights as it felt awesome to stand there and hear all those cheers, we won’t find more opponents.

Levi summed everything up.

-speaking of opponents, someone else wanted to fight against me.

-well, after what you just did, I don’t think that person will still want to fight against you.

-I think she is rather more eager to do it.

-really and where is that person?

-she is right behind you.

Levi looked behind himself and spotted the red-hooded figure. Seeing as she appeared there out of nowhere he jumped away from her right away.

-where did she come from?!

He even shouted out from surprise.

-from that corner.

Arata pointed at the corner in which she was standing previously.

-yes, very funny.

-so you still wanted to fight against me?…

Arata asked the girl and she nodded.

-in that case use the mode that you like, I am not really familiar with this system my number is 40114.

-I challenge number 40114 to battle. Option, lose on surrender.

-I accept the challenge.

-hey, Arata what are you doing!!!

Levi shouted at him.

-what, one more battle won’t hurt right?

-so you don’t know what you just did.

-what I did? She wanted to fight with me so I accepted. Look our fight is already set.

Levi quickly turned around on the board. There was one fight set before them but on last position there was.

[Rank 4| Arata vs Rin |Rank 0]

-ah, so I was right. Arata, do you know what rank 0 means?

-not really, I guess, it means that she is better than those on rank one right? I am not going to complain about our gold income but shouldn’t we challenge guys with rank 0 instead?

-eh.

Levi did not answer right away.

-rank zero?

-hey do you see that! It’s rank zero!

-rank zero, haha impossible. Wait RANK ZERO!

The commotion started few seconds later.

-so, what does that rank zero means?

Arata asked once again.

-in this case it means that you are in deep shit.

Levi’s answer was not butting around the bush.

-I didn’t get it.

-well, every arena has its own ranking system but normally they are quite familiar with each other. While ranks seven to rank one are not that hard to get if you spend enough time on it, rank zero is different. Each arena gives it only to single player who in its history was the best. Simply said, their achievements on arena and their ratio in winning were better than anyone else. Also it doesn’t involve only free fighting like we are doing today but also tournaments or all other special events like free for all battles or one against ten. In some cities rank zero jumps from player each day but if we are talking about Karma, rank zero always belonged to one person.

-wow, in that case we might earn a lot of money again.

-as carefree as always he? Anyway Arata you still didn’t recognized her?

-hmm it’s hard to recognize someone when they hide behind their cloak. Hey, do I know you?

The girl first nod and after five second of thinking uncovered her head and took out her long red hair from under the cloak. With this Arata recognized her immediately.

-ah, Little Red Riding Hood!

Arata said out loudly.

-Arata, you know you are asking for death sentence right now right?

-you are somehow over reacting it? I think she likes that name.

-I am not overreacting it, it’s you who will be… hmm strange why doesn’t she attack you? I was expecting storm of swords coming at you any moment. Wow, she really does like it?

-see, that’s why I am saying that you are overreacting Levi. Little Red Riding Hood came to me and simply asked me if I can have a friendly match with her, although I didn’t know that it’s her, it’s doesn’t really change much does it.

-eh I forgotten that you are too carefree to worry about anything.

-life is too short for that. Still why did you want to fight against me?

Arata turned this question to the girl with red hair. The girl did not answer right away and Levi interrupted.

-Arata it’s already miracle that you are still alive, rather than asking questions to which you won’t get answer you… .

-this is arena where people fight, do we need a reason for that?

But the girl did indeed answer.

-I guess fighting against someone good is good reason enough. I will look forward to seeing you in action.

The girl nod and walked away.

-hey, Arata.

-hmm?

-how is it that you are calling her ‘Little Red Riding Hood’?

-it’s a nickname I gave her. She didn’t say to stop using that so as I said I think she like it. She even have cloak with red hood now so it works perfectly. Previously, I just said it based on her hair.

-I am not asking about that! Why are you on fine terms with her!?

-fine terms? We just speak normally. Well, maybe she doesn’t talk much but there also are people like her out there, right?

-but why is it that you two speak normally? When I first meet her she without saying anything used that skill she had and killed me in cold blood before I even get what was happening.

-hmm, wasn’t it because of your personality. As far as I remember Kotori also had similar reaction to that, attacking you right away.

-well, I might say a little too much at that time still I also heard about this girl from others. Remember why I was in that tomb.

-I remember, you were looking for criminal.

-exactly she is said to…-

-to what? You heard some third rate information from someone on the road and you believed it, Levi you should be more intelligent than that.

-but she killed me in cold blood man.

Levi ran out from arguments.

-you can believe what you want. I will be believe in what I see, as I always did.

-I get it, still Arata you are sure about fighting her? Good or bad, it doesn’t matter but I saw how she fights and trust me it will be hard on you.

-well I didn’t saw how she fights yet. So Levi, do you think she is better than me?

-better than you? Well, probably, also the moment she uses that skill you won’t be able to get closer to her than three meters away. Or rather the moment she uses it, it will be a game over for you.

-I guess I will be careful then if even you say that.

Arata had some respect in Levi’s opinion.

-being careful won’t help you.

-then what, should I get scared and run away? First of all, after you said that she is better than me I couldn’t be happier. Not only I will have fun in this fight but also at the end of it I will prove you wrong.

-hey, you weren’t listening to me. How can you have fun in a fight where you are doomed to lose.

-it’s only your opinion that I will lose, we won’t know until the fight finish and when I going into fight, it’s always with thought of winning.

-whatever, at least try not to die.

-victory or victory, those are the only two paths.

-those are the same paths.

-yes but you can only choose one of them.

-sorry Arata I don’t get you right now.

‘Victory or Victory’ It was one of Arata’s grandfather sayings. While going to the fight, you don’t think about winning or losing. You should take victory for granted and just focus on the fight.

-anyway I saw that Yume, the person we are going to meet was on tribunes so after this fight, we are going to meet her.

-that are your last words to me?

-I will be right back…

The last fight on arena already ended and it was nearly time for Arata’s fight. He walked up to Little Red Riding Hood.

-it’s not nice to eavesdrop, you know.

-…

The girl did not answer but clearly reacted to his word. Before Arata spotted that she was somehow staying closer and closer to position where he talked with Levi.

-if you wanted to listen you could just stay, you know.

-…

-right, the name on the board Rin, is it your name?

-…, …

The girl did not give any reactions.

“Eh that’s what you get for trying to be friendly.”

-yes, my name is Rin.

But then to his surprise she answered.

“Your timings are a little bit slow.”

-then once again, I am Arata if you forgotten. Right, now that I know your name should I stick to using Little Red Riding Hood or use Rin instead?

-…

“I guess she really is not comfortable with talking with me, maybe I should…”

-Rin is fine…

Although her answers stayed simple Arata was getting them.

“Don’t tell me she was hardly thinking about it and didn’t know which one to choose. Wow she really did like it.”

-Arata, it is time so let’s get going.

-right.

Arata was catch off guard when she said his name, it was probably the first time he heard her using it.

They entered the arena. First thing that picked Arata’s attention was that number of spectators increased by at least two. When previously about half of seats were empty right now each of them were taken. Arata did not know why it happen but when in city the news that rank zero is going to fight in arena, everyone who heard it, rushed to arena right away. In Karma, arena was quite popular place after all but most of players that are in here never actually saw a fight with rank zero of Karma. Even if they didn’t plan to come today, hearing the news they dropped everything and rushed to arena also it was no more than fifteen minutes since the board signaled this fight. If that happen earlier, the tribunes would be filled completely. Still even now people were still poring through the entrance.

-you are quite famous here you know?

Arata joked to the girl who was walking next to him. He didn’t really expect an answer but to his surprise she replied.

-not really, it’s been more than a year since I last fought here.

-you have been in this city for that long?

-…

Instead of answering she nodded once again.

“Guess she doesn’t care about the chitchat, well she just wanted to fight against me.”

They stopped walking in the middle and the voice of the commentator started to echo through the arena.

-ladies and gentlemen the fight that I will present you is not something you can see every day. Probably all of us wanted to see him in action after his last performance. Although his history with our arena is short we saw in his last fight that he did not come here to play around. Just fifteen minutes ago he defeated one of our regulars in matter of seconds. Slayer of Garyl, Arata of Refrain!

This time Arata’s applause was much bigger. People who saw what happened in his previous fight were all still here after all.

-still calling me slayer of ‘meatball number one’. I don’t know if he is parsing me or insulting me again.

Arata said out loudly although the only person that would hear him was the girl who was standing before him Rin.

-that commentator is an evil being.

That was the fastest response Arata get so far from her, and somehow her words were super serious. ‘The evil being’ continued when cheers died out.

-some of you might think that we will see another ten seconds battle, after all Arata managed to defeat one of our regulars and well known fighter, however his opponent this time will not sell her skin that easily! I was really surprised myself when I saw the name that appeared on a board ten minutes ago. I don’t know how many of you still remember those times but today is a day that the legend of Karma will be reborn. Some may say that I often exaggerate while introducing the fighters but no matter what I say right now it will not reflect on true strength of this fighter. I present you the one that against all odds remained undefeated, the true and only champion of Karma’s arena, I am not worthy to say her name but let me at least shout out the title she was once known on. Ladies and gentlemen, I present you, THE QUEEN OF BLADES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The moment he finished this long introduction the tribunes simply went crazy, If Arata thought that he got applause before, he was now proved wrong as compared to what was happening now, he simply got nothing.

“And here she said she is not popular.”

Arata looked at the centrum of the attention.

“Wait, she said that she just want to have match with me right? Why is she emanating such killing intent?”

Rin’s eyes said that she was ready for a slaughter, still when Arata looked more carefully he spotted that she was not looking at him right now but at the commentator.

“Good it’s not me. I thought I said something wrong.”

-hey, if you keep it up, you are going to kill him just with your eyes!

The girl blinked hearing this and then answered

-I just hate the way he introduces me. Anyway the fight will begin in few seconds so get ready Arthur Rain.

-…

“What did she just said…?”

Arata was not sure if he heard right.

-don’t think about it too much and focus on the fight, soon you will understand

Rin unsheathed both of her swords but she was not preparing for a fight just yet. She fetched her right hand forward and pointed at Arata. Still, she did that in very specific way. She ended up holding the sword horizontally. Arata was confused by the name that the girl called him out. After all she used a name name that in this world should be known only to one other person and even then that person would still prefer to use Arata.

Still all of his questions disappeared when he saw the girl and how she was standing right before him.

“Her hair is way longer that back then but it can only be her.”

-didn’t expect to see you here Amanda.

Arata recognized the girl who standing before him. He didn’t know that many people and less than half of them would stay in his memory and then remembering their names would remain to selected few. But he would not forget his training partner.

Arata for five years was living with his grandfather and in the meantime learn various fighting arts. Still his grandfather was well known trainer and had many students, one of them was Amanda. Because she was in the same age group as Arata they often ended up training together. Although, their relationship was purely that, they weren’t friends and didn’t talk to each other much outside the training. At that time Arata was not that very comfortable with others and he kept them away. On the other hand Amanda was liked by most people and everyone admired her hard-work despite her unfortunate circumstances. But last time Arata saw her was more than a year ago during mountain training camp.

“It was a year already and I still remember her name, good job me.”

Arata congratulated himself in mind as he was somewhat weak at remembering others people name. But then Amanda said something strange.

-Amanda died long ago, I am not her anymore.

-what do you mean by that?

He could not understand what she said.

“Even if she doesn’t want to use her real name in game, she should simply say so. What with that I died thing?”

-I already told you how you should call me so Arata never ask me about it again.

She once again started to call him Arata.

-but Amanda you.

-Rin, my name is Rin so Arata please don’t say anything else…

The moment Arata recognized her one question appeared in his mind but this question could not be answered by the girl that was standing before him. She knew the question and she knew the answer but Arata had no right to ask it. But nevertheless he wanted to ask it so bad.

“You appear out of nowhere after ‘that’ and you think that I will not ask about ‘that’…”

-Arata please.

Rin was still standing the same way with sword latched forward and even though for all spectators at the tribunes she looked the same after he heard her saying those two words, once again he felt a dramatic difference in them. The way she asked was filled with emotion, it was a request from the bottom of the heart.

-Arthur and Amanda, those two never were on good terms anyway so it’s not ever worth mentioning, I guess. So Rin, you came here just to have fight with this great Arata or you have something else in mind?

Arata understood that he could not do anything else than burry ‘that question’ in deeps of his mind and change the subject. From change in Rin’s face he right away understood that it was a right choice.

-…

Rin nod her head. Arata felt like for the last minute he was not talking with her but with some ghost of the past. Rin did not change her position, though. Even if she abandoned that name she did not abandon Arata’s grandfather teaching.

The atmosphere at tribunes was nearly its peak and if the fight took any longer to start who know what might happen. Still it was all doing of the commentator who was spicing up things up by unusual wait. He was not doing it for the fighters who looked like they started a chat, he was doing it simply for money as more and more people kept entering the arena with the news of legend appearing today. Still that time had to come eventually.

-lets the fight begins!

The commentator shouted. The spectators were expecting that the bloodshed would begin the moment he do so, especially seeing how Arata in his previous fight rushed right away to finish the battle as quickly as possible but this time it was different.

Arata unsheathed his swords and walked towards to Rin. Just like her he latched his right hand and his black sword forward. The first clash of swords happened, but it was not a strike nor defend but simply both of those swords touched each other. The moment it happened both of them turned around and started walking in opposite direction.

One step, second step, although it might look like they were simply walking away from each other, the atmosphere coming from there was deadly. People stopped shouting or even speaking when they looked how both Arata and Rin were walking in exact same manner and in complete harmony. It was like mirror image.

Arata’s mind was clear as he walked forward. Behind him in a similar manner was walking a girl whom he did not know, even if he spent so much time with her. The memories of that time seemed like different lifetime right now. They would not be recalled not by him and not by her. They could feel that with this fight, all that was once connecting them would be served to pieces, after that fight there would be no longer a connection between people called Arthur and Amanda. When they pass their tenth step there will be only Arata and Rin.

“Now!”

After tenth step it was the ending but at the same time it was the beginning.

Both Arata and Rin turned around at the same time and started to run at each other with swords in their hands. In nearly two seconds the distance they previously made was no more and their sword’s clashed once again. The first clash was followed by another and another and another. At first they were attacking fast with precise moves and excellent defense at the same time. With endless exchange one sword was attacking and one sword was defending. Neither Arata nor Rin would give away advantageous position to the other and they kept exchanging blows on equal standing.

Still it could not last forever. With time both of their moves become were less stable but at the same they were getting faster and faster and when fight was going like that, someone was bound to not keep up at some point and even though it would not bring the end of battle, it would define the winner.

“I can no longer see her attacks.”

With speed increasing minute by minute, second be second Arata was barely able to keep up at this moment. He was no longer thinking how to attack and where to defend but just tried to read his opponent and move instantly. There were several ways to tell where opponent would attack. The most basic was looking at opponent weapons but that would not be enough at some level. Then there was the method where you look at opponent’s arms and shoulders and from there you try to read how the attack will go. Arata was not using those methods right now he was just looking at Rin’s blue eyes and from there read what she would do and he was not the only one to use this method as Rin was also looking right at him as she was doing the same thing.

“Hahahahahahaha, not good, I started to enjoy it too much.”

Arata didn’t even realize when a smile appeared on his face. He already had few hard fights in EOA but the type of them was completely different. The only similar fight that he has was his first fight with Yuki when she first joined the guild still at that time he did not engrossed himself completely in the fight and kept thinking about unrelated things. Also during that fight they didn’t even get close to this level. Right now, Arata already long passed his limits. If he were to compare the speed on which he fought right now and any other time, the Arata of right now would be the fastest.

It looked like Arata was not the only one that was enjoying this fight as at some time a smile appeared on Rin’s face as well. Arata didn’t even have idea how rare it was for her and how even more rare it was for someone else to see it. Still the moment that smile appeared the battle changed completely. Although they were already moving at humans limits speed Rin once again speed up.

“Not good.”

After two exchanges Arata no longer could keep up with her and went onto defense. Now it was only Rin who was attacking and Arata was barely defending.

Normally in fight Arata’s greatest defense came from dodging but in this fight, he couldn’t afford to make even one of them. The speed at which they were going so far would not allow their bodies to keep up with swords and making dodge would be impossible that’s why the only thing both of them were doing was paring the attacks away but when parry would be delayed the strike would not be stopped.

Arata was barely keeping it up already but Rin kept accelerating and accelerating.

“Is that even possible?”

He could not believe the speed that his opponent was showing him. Arata always thought that the hardest and most impossible battles he had were already behind him. Those were battles against his grandfather. Still his grandfather never went against him all out and Arata never experienced the fight that would enter this level and he could feel that Rin was ready to go even higher. And then it happened.

“It was great but I am not on this level Rin.”

Arata could no longer keep up and backed off. He wanted to jump back and catch the breath but the moment he jumped back Rin spin on foot forward and attacked him with two swords at the time right in the moment in opening which was created when Arata moved back. Arata still managed to hold his sword to block that attack but the moment two red swords crashed with one black he lost his balance and landed on the ground.

Arata slid on his legs a meter back without control and the moment he looked upward he already had a sword right before his throat.

The scene looked somewhat similar to what happened few days ago. At that time Arata managed to trick her and change the situation to his advantage. But this time no such thought appeared in his mind. Even though his hands touched the ground they still hold the swords so technically it would be easier. Arata knew that this time she did not want to kill him so when he would try something the red sword before him would not move forward. There was also an option of using skills from game. Should he use black dash right this second, not only would he get out from this situation but also managed to land two hits on her and that would be quite big as so far in this fight not even one scratch on either of them has been made. Still Arata did not do any of those and instead he said.

-I have lost.

He dropped down both of his swords as a sign of surrender but he was not angry at himself, nor angry at his loss. The moment he said those words the red sword disappeared from his throat and Rin sheathed both of her swords. The fight was over.

-whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

-AAAAAAAAAA!

-whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

The shouts break out right away. Although it was quiet during the fight the moment it ended, tribunes once again went crazy. This time they were even crazier to the point where they probably couldn’t be even more crazier.

-THE UNDEFEATED QUEEN OF BLADES TRIUMPHS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The commentator announced the winner as loudly as he could and his shout outshout the crowd. But he did not try to add anything else as it would be probably impossible to do it twice in a row.

None of them said anything but Rin walked forward to Arata and gave him her right hand to help him stand up. After he was pulled back to his feet, Arata picked up his swords from the ground. They completely ignored the crowd and left the arena.

-told you, you are going to lose.

Arata was welcomed by Levi remark as he entered arena fighters’ quarters. Still he was not really bothered by it and answered like always.

-happens, Rin is simply better than me.

-I didn’t thought you will admit this defeat that easily, still don’t you think you give up too fast? I mean you could still try to win it with use of some underhand tactic. You are good in those, right? Also why didn’t you use any of skills in this fight?

-Arata, can I kill this guy this minute?

As unexpected as it was, Rin cut in their talk with those words. They had immediate effect on Levi.

-waaaa, wait, wait, why do you want to kill me out of sudden? You hate me or something?

-…

She nodded her head as it was in her custom.

-by the way Arata why did she ask you for permission? No, before that, please tell her to don’t kill me!

Levi was not even trying to play brave and tell her back, he was rather sure that the moment he does that, his life will be in danger.

-I don’t know Levi, you are saying things like this.

Of course Arata would not give up this moment that easily.

-what things!?

-you know you just said that I should use some underhand tactic or desecrate our fight by using game skills.

-but it’s a game, you normally fight like that!

Levi had a point but Arata didn’t have enough yet.

-Rin, if you want to do it, go ahead. I will even help you.

He was merciless.

-Arata! How can you say that! A death sentence on your partner!

Right now Levi was really screaming terrified.

-hahaha, relax I was joking.

-don’t tell it to me! Tell it to her!

Rin did already unsheathe her swords and was really ready to kill Levi any moment.

-oh.

Well after Arata said he was joking she made a dissatisfied sound and sheathed them back.

-ha ha ha ha…

Levi started to breath heavily.

-Arata I will get infract because of you.

-well you would just lose some levels again if you died because of that.

-no, I am positive that if it were to happen here, it would also pass on to my real body. Anyway, Arata how long does she plan to stay here? I can’t really relax with her around.

-I don’t know. How is it Rin?

-…

Arata was already acting like always and carelessly spoke to her. Even though, he just got completely defeated by her. Well Rin did not answer him. Then Arata remembered.

-right you wanted to talk about something, right?

-…

Rin the same way as always, she just nodded. Seeing it Levi remarked.

-Arata, how did you tame her?

-I didn’t tame her…

Arata answered and pointed at Rin.

-see, she no longer ask me for permission kill you and is doing it out of free will.

-sorry! I was joking!

After seeing ruby blades unsheathed, Levi’s face went pale again.

-me too.

By this, she probably wanted to say that she was joking.

-then why aren’t I laughing?

-hahaha.

-Arata, it isn’t funny!

-seeing you paranoid is.

-how can I not be paranoid? I still have nightmares in which red weapons pierce endlessly through my body.

“He did mention it few times already.

-right Rin. I heard that you killed this guy once. Is it true?

-…

Rin nodded her head.

-why did you do that? I think that as long as you don’t tell him why, we won’t progress from here.

After thinking for a second she replied.

-I had bad day and he was annoying.

-you had a bad day, that’s your reason!

Levi blow up again.

-…

Rin responded to him, although it was only her usual nod.

-I guess, it will be better if I try to forget about the whole thing.

In the end Levi was not someone who would hold a grudge for a long time, especially when it put him in difficult position.

-that will be probably for the best. So, what is it that you wanted Rin?

-…

She did not respond but just looked in Levi’s direction.

-even though he is annoying, he won’t pass a word to anyone if it’s some secret. Or do you want him to go?

-ah, fine, I will go somewhere else if you two want to talk privately, go ahead.

To both of their surprise the moment Levi said that, Rin shake her head and even said.

-don’t go.

Levi looked in Arata’s direction asking for answers. But Arata just shake his shoulders.

“I also have no idea.”

He wanted to say those thoughts by this action. Arata and Levi waited for a follow up. They expected the explanation from the girl before them but after two minutes the silence continued. Levi was the one to break the silence.

-hey Arata, weren’t we going to talk with someone now? It’s probably not good to end this conversation here but right now we are actually keeping lady waiting, it’s not something we men should do.

-oh I completely forgot about that.

They already had planned meeting with Yume. The fact that she send someone to watch over the gate just to wait for them and that she was already at the stadium during Arata fight should mean that it wasn’t just invitation for a tea.

-so what are we doing?

Levi asked.

-Rin is it something that will take long? Maybe you should take your time to gather your thoughts.

When Arata said that, Rin finally took action. First she bowed her head before him. The way she did that was familiar to Arata. It was just like in old days when they were training under his grandfather. Even though those were different people there, when asking someone for a sparing they would bow like that.

“One fight was not enough and she wants another?”

Arata thought that for a second but then Rin said while still bowing although unlike asking for a sparing she rise her head and looked at him.

-please help me with a quest!

She did not only say it in awkward position but also in awkward way and awkward loud voice. Actually that sentence was the loudest sentence that she said so far. Still after saying that, she bowed even more and was no longer looking at him but at the floor.

-ha?

-ha?

Both Arata and Levi had WTF reaction. Levi first broke out from it.

-hey, is this the way you normally ask someone to party up?

-well, it was a little too formal.

-you always know how to dress it up in good words Arata. Anyway, as far as I know, in EOA you never say things like this in this situation you know why, Arata?

-you are the knowledgeable one, Levi.

-it’s simple, when you have a quest, all you really need to do is say, ‘I have a quest!’ Second later it will be people begging you to invite them.

-so we are accepting right?

-you even ask that, of course we do.

-but didn’t you wanted to go for a dungeon?

-who cares about that when you can go for a quest, didn’t I already explained to you few times why it’s better to do those?

-well you did.

-also Arata, why do you even ask me if we are accepting. You already knew my answer and even if by some miracle it was different you would still accept simply because when someone asks for help like this, you of all people can’t decline.

-I am not that good hearten as you think.

-no, you are beyond that, you help people even when they don’t ask for it. Anyway answer her already because it’s awkward to have her bowing to us like this.

Rin should probably already understand that they accepted from their conversation but she still continued silently in that position.

-Rin we will help you in your quest.

Only after those words she stopped doing so and when she looked back at them she said to both of them.

-thank you.

Now it was even more awkward for Arata and Levi.

-as much as I would want to hear what this quest is about, we can’t keep the lady waiting so we will talk the details later. Is it okay with you Rin? By the way can I call you Rin as well?

-if you must.

Rin replayed to Levi’s question although she was somehow displeased with it.

-great, you can call me Levi. Anyway, Arata, how exactly we are going to find that girl Yume?

Levi happy with his first true reply from her went to their current subject.

-I didn’t thought about that, still I saw her on tribunes before so she should be somewhere around this area. Maybe she will be waiting for us at the entrance.

-optimistic as ever but I guess you are right. It’s easiest for her to wait for us there.

-I wouldn’t recommend you two going out by the main entrance right now, especially you Arata.

Rin joined their conversation.

-why is that?

-you probably won’t like the situation in which you will end up.

-but we have to go that way if we want to get out.

-don’t say later that I didn’t warn you.

-hey don’t stay behind and let’s go you two!

Levi shouted to them as he was nearly at the exit.

-me too?

Rin asked supprised.

-why do you ask surprised, we are party right now. We can let you go missing somewhere.

-it’s you who would get lost. I know this city better than anyone.

“Auch.”

-your knowledge will definitely be useful, anyway this shouldn’t take long and if you don’t want to, you don’t have to take part in that conversation.

-sigh.

To that Rin sighted in a strange misleading way.

-don’t worry the person we are going to meet is quite friendly and practically nice to everyone.

Arata said those last words and started walking. He had no idea to whom he tried to explain things.

Arata, Levi and Rin with people like that combining into one party even god would be afraid of what could happen.