Chapter 29 “Tomb of Edward Third the Great”

-so Arata, will you finally tell me what you did?

-I didn’t do anything.

Arata replayed to Levi’s question although he was not entirely sure if his answer was the truth.

“I might been a little cold to her when she came to me as I ended up thinking about Kotori again but later on, I spoke with her normally. I don’t know why she suddenly left.”

Yesterday Arata and Levi promised to help someone with a quest. Well, it was a gain/gain situation for them as getting a quest and then getting reward out from it was the most profitable thing one could do in EOA. Because of that, there was no much debate on ‘should they take on the offer or not?’. The person that shared the quest with them was a girl whose name was Rin. Both of them already meet her before but that didn’t really change much as their encounter was short. A lot of things happened yesterday, but in the end, Arata and Levi went to the girl’s house and took part in the party that was organized by Yume.

Yume was also someone they both meet before. She was Rin’s best friend. The party progressed nicely and even Rin started to open up to them, which they did not expect to happen. Still, the party did not end happily. During Arata’s and Rin’s conversation, Rin out of sudden stood up and went to her room. Yume seeing her friend leaving sprinted right after her and that’s how the party ended. Arata and Levi waited inside the house as they wanted to find out what happened. After about an hour Yume came back and told them that they shouldn’t worry about it and that Rin sends them a message that tomorrow morning they will go and complete the prequest as planned. There was actually not that many hours between ‘the morning’ and ‘the time the message was send’ so Arata and Levi just took a short break logged out and then log right back which was the current time.

-from where I saw it, you definitely did something. You even made her cry.

Levi started once again.

-she cried?

-well I didn’t see it but at least it looked like she was going to. You know how it goes. Girl run up the stairs, jump onto the bed, hugs the pillow and starts crying without making a sound. I picture it like that.

-don’t imagine things, she is not the type that would cry easily. Also if she were to cry because of what I said, I could at least recognize what I said wrong but as I already told you, we simply had a conversation about nothing and out of sudden she was like that.

Arata tried to explain himself.

-but you saw how Yume run after her second later.

-well, I did but that doesn’t change anything. Also she told me it’s not my fault. She always used to hate liars but also hated lying herself, I know her well enough to tell you that.

Only because Rin personally told him that it wasn’t his fault, Arata was calm about the situation and didn’t blame himself.

-fine, if you say so… By the way, I already could tell that you two knew each other earlier given how well you interacted with her at this start but when did you two meet up? I am still guessing but do you know her from real?

-yes, but don’t try to bring it up again Levi.

Arata send him a glance to Levi telling him that he was serious. Although Arata did knew Rin or rather Arthur did knew Amanda in the real world, Arata promised Rin that he will behave as if they didn’t know each other at all or rather more precisely that they don’t talk about the past. Of course that made it a little hard for them to interact. Arata had few questions that he would like to ask Rin about, but he did understand that she did not want to talk about it. Because Rin did not want to talk about it, Arata decided to not think about ‘that matter’ at all. He probably could find out the answers to his questions with a single phone call to his grandfather without involving Rin at all but it would be unfair to her.

-eh, it was such a good teasing material.

Levi said half joking but Arata already knew him well enough to know that he will not bring the matter up again anytime soon.

-Levi, what time do you normally consider when you say ‘morning’?

Arata asked.

-that depends but it would be in range 6:00 – 9:00. Right now ‘my morning’ would be closer to nine rather than six though.

-mine would be similar I guess, although ever since I start playing EOA I sometimes end up waking up during the midnight.

-if you want, I know a good counter measure for it. You simply have to play for exact same time every day and even with time speed difference you won’t feel out of place.

-I would probably do that if I had something to do on daily basis.

As of now Arata didn’t have anything that important to do. Well maybe except his “favorite activity of the day”. Still apart from that at the current moment there was nothing else. Arata did try to think up of something but so far there was results.

-you can also never sleep in real world again and just do it here, that way you will never wake up at any strange hour.

Levi gave him another proposition.

-I think I will not go to this extreme.

-I also once thought like that as well but right now it’s been about two month since I slept in normal bed and it was only because I was visiting someone. Before that, it would be another three months since I started that custom.

-nolife.

-I don’t mind being called one but you are not the one to call me that as you are nolifing as much as me.

“That also true I guess.”

-still Levi, how long do you think we will have to wait?

-ah, that’s why you asked that question about mornings…

Right now it was 10:37 and one couldn’t call it morning anymore.

-well, I don’t know how long it will take but when she comes here we just have to say that we just came here as well.

-why? We are waiting for two hours already.

-haha, from my research, that is a response that you tell to the girl when you set up a meeting. Ah, you will never be popular Arata.

-as far as I can tell, your research does not work.

-you can only said that because you have a girlfriend… for a note, I still haven’t forgiven you for that you bastard.

-yea, yea go drown in your solitude.

-hey, that hurt!

Levi responded in depressed way.

-fine, I am sorry. But still, why do you want to use your stupid research or whatever when we are just going to do a quest?

-situation does not matter, in every opportunity you need to be a gentleman.

-but it’s Rin.

-and?

Levi did not understand what Arata meant.

-what you just talked about is you wanting to have a girlfriend, right? Rin is your choice?

-she is cute so why not?

He once again answered like nothing.

“Is he for real?”

Arata could not comprehend it so she asked.

-well I understand where you coming from but do you really like her like that? More than anything else in this world more than…

-ah, you misunderstood one thing Arata, I don’t want to have one single girlfriend.

-then what do you want?

-what I want is a harem of five to eight girls. That’s why as long as they are cute they are welcomed aboard.

-… .

Arata face palmed himself.

-what?

Levi asked as he didn’t know why Arata had that kind of reaction.

-you know what. You should definitely invite Rin to that harem of yours, she will definitely say yes. Be sure to explain your vision of it as well.

-haha, I don’t want to get killed so I will pass on that…

“He at least knew this.”

-speaking of the devil, she finally came.

Arata looked behind himself and saw Rin rushing towards them. From her look he could easily say that.

“She slept in.”

Her red hair was all over the place, losing its silkiness and also she had a toast in her mouth. Nevertheless she was quick on her feet and get to them before they could start laughing.

-sorry, I am late.

After stopping right before them she said that, still holding a toast in her mouth. Although she probably rushed here from her house she was not tired at all and breathed normally.

-no problem, I also just get here.

Levi replayed.

-I see so you were also late…

Rin responded in annoyed way.

“That would be all for your research Levi.”

-sorry that I kept you waiting Arata but I slept in.

Rin the said to Arata.

-I can somewhat tell. Well, it happens to everyone. At least, thanks to that I had some time to eat my breakfast in that shop.

-breakfast, right I also need to eat something.

“It seems like she is not really affected by what happened yesterday.”

Actually Rin was strangely talkative today.

-well, you should probably start with that toast you have in mouth.

Arata pointed it out.

-what toast?…

It looked like Rin was not self-aware that she took it.

-here.

Arata pointed at his mouth, then Rin moved her left hand to her mouth and catch a toast.

-aaa! How did it end up there? Anyway one toast will not be enough.

Rin made really sad face when she said that, or rather sad-funny face.

-I can wait few more minutes so go take care of things and as for Levi, he just came here after all so people who are late have no vote.

-thanks, I will be back in a minute…

Rin run into one of the shops and few seconds later she shouted.

-aaa! My hair!…

Then, doors opened once again and there was another shout.

-I will need ten more minutes!

“I guess she is alright.”

Rather Rin was more than alright.

“So, it was not because of yesterday, after all.”

Right now it simply looked like Rin was excited about finally completing the quest and any bad thoughts that she had left her, however.

“What she said yesterday will not change though. Well, it’s not like it has to. There is no other reason for us to party other than completing the quest. Afterwards with a huge world this game has we probably won’t even meet each other again.”

At the end of yesterday’s party, Rin ‘informed’ Arata that after the quest is done, they are over. It was a little sad but it’s not like it changed anything because Arata already planned for it to be like that as well. There would be no need for them to party up together when the quest is done. It was nothing uncommon for teams to disband when their objective is complete.

-hey Arata. Weren’t you two fighting yesterday and that fight ended with her closing herself in her room?…

Levi commented the situation.

-how is it that she is now more radiant than before?

-as I said, I don’t remember us fighting yesterday.

Well there was a time when she was yelling at him as he was ‘not in the mood’ but that wouldn’t be called a fighting.

Time went fast and after around 7 minutes, Rin walked out from that shop. Her scarlet hair was now once again silky and beautiful. She was also holding a bag with cookies in left hand. Then in the right one, she had half eaten round brown cookie with chocolate in it, although rather than being round right now it was in a shape of a half moon.

-I am ready, let’s go.

With that said Rin lead them outside the city. After passing the southern gate they entered the road that lead to the tomb of Edward Third the Great.

Rin was walking at the front while eating cookies while Arata and Levi were following behind her.

-so Rin can you finally tell us about the quest?

Arata asked as it would be a good opportunity to do so. It was better than stopping before the tomb they could do it while walking. Strangely enough they still didn’t have a conversation on it even though it should be the first thing they should have done.

Rin thought for a moment after hearing Arata’s question and then answered.

-three more cookies…

With three more cookies eaten, she started.

-I guess I will start at the beginning. In this prequest we simply have to get the crown from the tomb that we are going to right now. Simple as that.

-wasn’t it finding out the secret behind the crown?

Arata asked.

-isn’t that the same?

-I don’t think it is.

-if we get the crown we will definitely complete the quest as well anyway let me talk for now. As for the tomb itself, it is a four hours long boss encounter in which you fight against skeletons.

-ah, I already saw that. That didn’t look like a walk in the part though.

“Well that red one will be quite complicated.”

Arata already had an occasion for a skirmish with the crimson knight and he considered a managing to run away from him a success.

-don’t worry. I already came up with a plan as how are we going to do it…

It seemed like Rin already had everything planed out.

-because I have a full year experience in this fight I can practically solo it and you two entering will do more harm than good.

She started explaining.

=ah… .

Arata and Levi just sighted disappointed.

-you guys said that you already saw how the fight goes. Do I need to say anything else?

-but Rin, if you were able to complete the quest alone, we wouldn’t be needed in the first place.

Arata stated the fact.

-yes that is because no matter what, I will not be able to complete it alone…

Rin stopped on the road when she said that but then once again continued.

-the fight itself is not complicated. Throughout the whole duration of it, skeletons keep coming and you have to fight them till the end. Apart from that, there is also a ‘special skeleton’ that comes out every 20 minutes. I call them ‘super skeletons’. There are twelve super skeletons in total. Their power and fighting styles are all different but I can manage to defeat them easily most of the time. Still from this twelve there is one that no matter what, I can’t defeat.

“Even she can’t defeat?”

-that red knight?

-… .

Rin nodded and didn’t say anything else.

-so in short you want us to help you when he comes out but until then we just stay put and do nothing…

Levi summed everything up.

-hey, Arata what do you think of this plan?

Levi asked.

-it is as unpractical as it can be and we will definitely not complete that quest even if we were to pull that off.

Arata answered without much thought.

-yea, I thought the same.

Levi agreed to that as well which made Rin speak out again.

-then what are we supposed to do? This plan gives the highest chances of success! You two will help me in fight against that guy and I will take care of everything else. It may not be enough but after two or three tries we should…-

-ah, she does not understand, does she?

Levi interrupted her.

-what do you think I don’t understand!?

-Arata, mind you?

-nah you can tell her.

-well, then. First of all we will not let you do things on your own, only because you are better than us. As bitter as it is, we acknowledge that you are better than us but we will not let you do anything you want.

Levi started.

-but this is the best tactic!

-I am just getting to it so wait patiently. From what you said, there is one guy that blocks us from completing the prequest, right? Then we have to be in 100% condition to fight him. Still that 100% also includes you. If we let our best fighter be in bad condition, for the most important fight, our chances will get lower, all three of us needs to be in best average condition. I don’t even try to mention that it will hurt our pride as man if we let a girl fight for us. Did, I forgotten about something Arata?

-only that, even if we win that fight we will not complete the prequest anyway.

Arata added.

-ah yes that, well I thought that it’s obvious.

The two of them kept making Rin angrier and angrier.

-then you mean that my understanding is wrong! That for nearly a year I was doing it wrong?

-well not completely wrong but you skipped the important part.

Arata tried to calm her down.

-exactly, can you tell me where in your plan do we learn about the secret of the crown or have a graduate that we will get the crown? I mean, I heard that someone managed to complete that thing already but they couldn’t take the crown anyway.

It was something that Arata and Levi arrived earlier on. The quest they were doing was not simple go, pick up the object from some monster body and return. It was uncovering the secret behind the crown. It could not involve only fighting.

-well if we get the crown we will probably find out the secret as well. And maybe one has to have the quest to take the crown.

Rin explained.

-ah, that’s some wishful thinking.

Levi commented.

-I agree. I wouldn’t count on something like that. Sure getting the crown would not be bad but our objective is finding out the secret behind it. Also Rin, you have forgotten about something.

-what did I forgot Arata!?

-I did solve a riddle for you, didn’t I? When does the riddle come to play in all this?

-but that riddle is nonsense anyway. It doesn’t have anything to do with that. It was just that damn Wizard playing around with me.

Rin complained.

-hey Arata. It looks like, despite everything Rin is quite a newbie, isn’t she?

Levi commented.

-yea, I arrived at the same conclusion.

-… .

Rin shot them the death glare to which Levi answered right away..

-do you even know what newbie means?

-well not no but it’s definitely something bad and you are insulting me.

-bad? It’s not anything bad right Arata?

-well, everyone is a newbie at some point, that’s how it goes. Anyway Levi, it looks like we won’t be able count on her while we plan anything.

Arata continued.

-yea her lack of experience is too great.

-hey! I did defeat both of you! Where is that lack of experience I ask! If I am not experienced then what about you two!

-don’t get angry I will explain…

Levi said calmly.

-Rin, how many quest did you complete so far?

-what does that have to do with anything?

-just answer.

-four long quest lines and three one phase quests.

-now then, Arata same question, how many quests have you completed so far?

-well I can’t remember something like that, that’s impossible to count.

Arata answered right away.

-see that’s the experience I am talking about. By the way, I also completed impossible to count number of quests by the way.

-and you think I will believe that?

Rin said right away.

-Rin right now, we are not talking about EOA but quest from games in general.

Arata quickly explained.

-… .

Rin went silent. Arata continued.

-we did them so many of them so we know that in quests whenever there is some extra information, it’s definitely something that is related to the quest. Nothing should be put away as nonsense. So Rin, that riddle how was it again?

Rin took out the solution to the riddle and read it out loudly.

-Plebian can’t lay their hands on King’s crown. Only worthy one, recognized by the king can take it.

-Levi what do you think?

-the keyword would be ‘Plebian’ right?

-probably, Rin does that word appeared somewhere when you were trying to complete the quest?

Arata asked, Rin wondered for a moment and then said.

-only once. When I was talking with the ghost of the king. When I asked him to fight with me for the crown he answered that he won’t fight with every plebian that comes to ask for a fight.

-wait, wait, wait, wait a moment. You can talk with the ghost of the king!?

Levi quickly interrupted her.

-yes, you can speak with him whenever you enter the tomb before the fights begins. Still, whatever you speak with him or not the outcome will be the same so I just skipped it every time after I tried it once…

When Rin said that both Arata and Levi face palmed.

-what!?

“I should have known, after all her knowledge of the games before should be at Anari’s level.”

-it’s nothing.

Arata didn’t even want to comment on that.

-so Arata you think that there is another requirement for this quest?

Levi asked.

-maybe but we will still try just talk it out first, right?

-we will need a really good story to convince a ghost that we are someone worthy though. Hmm…

“I don’t have any ideas at the moment, first I need to see how the talk even goes.”

-okay, I got it, leave the talking to me. Arata you just improvise and follow what I say and you Rin, just stay quiet, smile and try to look nice.

-who do you think I am!?

-Rin just let him do what he wants. Maybe he has a good idea. Also if it goes wrong, we can always jump out from the roof and try again.

-fine! Do what you want but after he fail we are going with my plan!

The party arrived at the cemetery and without delay entered the tomb.

“Those stairs are long after all.”

-hey don’t we need some torch or something? It’s dark inside. Hey, newbie, how do you light up those green things that were here last time?

Levi started.

-they light up automatically and stop calling me newbie!

-but you are newbie.

-I am not!

-how can you be so sure? You don’t know the meaning of this word.

“He will get killed for it one day.”

Arata thought seeing how Levi completely forgotten his old fear and now was teasing Rin like no tomorrow.

“Well I also did end up teasing her. Well after ‘that show’, you can’t simply be scared of her anymore. Hmm?”

Arata felt as someone pulled his left sleeve. They were already inside and it was completely dark so he didn’t see who did it. He then heard a whisper.

-Arata, what does that word mean?

It looked like Rin did want to know.

-nothing bad Rin. It means someone who is new to games but you are not a newbie Rin so you don’t have to listen to him.

-um.

-something else?

Arata asked as Rin did not let go of his sleeve. Rin did not answer but after three seconds let go of it. At the same time the green light exploded at the center of tomb, and three lines of it went in separated ways. Then the lights stopped at the walls on which they started to burn making the tomb bright and filled with green light.

The tomb was a rectangular area with radius of five to six meters. At the opposite end to the entrance was large sarcophagus but apart from that, there was nothing on the ground. On the other hand the walls were filled with rectangular opening. In those openings there were coffins. Above each of coffin there was a painting that showed profiles of people. Most of them were men but there were two women as well. Still Arata did not have a lot of time for sightseeing as.

-hahahahaha…

The tomb was filled with empty laugh and something came out from the main sarcophagus. The cover of sarcophagus was not moved though but rather something came out through it. At first it was a green, transparent mist but it soon changed into another form. The form resembled that of a human but it was still transparent and green. Only the contours were rough and visible. It was about two meters high and while it was floating over the sarcophagus it nearly touched the ceiling. The build of the ghost was very slim and the face looked like from someone who hadn’t eaten for years. Still the face did resemble the one on the painting behind the sarcophagus. The ghost spoke the words.

-who is thee that disturb the sleep of me?

-pss, do what I do…

Levi whispered to them and stopped forward as when the ghost appeared they were still quite away from him. Arata and Rin followed him. When Levi was about two meters away from the ghost he knelled.

“Got it.”

Seeing it Arata also knelled. While doing so he cached Rin’s head and pushed it down a little, Rin understood what he meant and also knelled. Then Levi started

-I am Prince Edward the Eleven. I came to have an audience with my ancestor Edward third the Great.

Levi said while bowing down.

“I see so this is your plan.”

-and those two?

The ghost asked.

-those two are my servants and bodyguards.

“Servants? I will give you servant.”

Arata understood Levi was planning to do but Rin was already ready for the kill. Still she did not do anything and stayed quiet while planning her revenge.

-is that so. Hahahahahaha, I didn’t hear a better joke since a long time but… my line is long dead! How you dare to trick the great me!?

It seemed like Levi’s attempts rather than help just added oil to the fire.

“Eh, it didn’t work after all.”

-I dare not, what I say is true. I don’t have a proof as I myself just learn about it not so long ago, also you don’t have to believe me, what I want is just an audience with you.

Levi was not giving up though.

-you! Didn’t I just said that my line is long gone. With my own eyes I saw how my sons and daughters were slain. I also saw how my brothers died while we fought arm to arm and you still dare to lie to me like that?! I don’t have to believe you, you say? Yes I don’t, because I do know that you lie. So tell me now, why shouldn’t I just execute you on the spot?

“I guess it is a lost case already.”

-you won’t do that because I believe that my ancestor would not do that until he was 100% sure. And you can’t be 100% sure because I am alive. I know that what I say is the truth and even though you are so sure of what you saw, your memories of that time are not that fresh anymore. From what I found out, during the fall of our empire, one of your servant did bring out alive my grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grandfather when he was just an infant. It was already after you fell on the war. You didn’t know of your last son that your wife brought to the world…

Levi was not giving up though although his story was really unreliable.

“You went a little overboard with this fairy tale.”

-I am not sure if everything I says is the truth as I know it from uncertain source but the main facts should be correct.

-so it was already after I died?…

Ghost wondered for a moment.

-yes, it can be the truth…

“It worked?!”

Arata saw how Levi showed him a victory mark but it was a little bit too early for that..

-but don’t you worry, what you just said can easily be checked. Let’s find out the truth.

-eh?

Levi did not understand what the ghost said or rather he didn’t want to believe what he said.

“That ghost can check it? Well I knew that this story will not work but how is he going to do that.”

-mind of my army the king calls for you!

The green ghost shouted and the cover of coffin on his left started to move. From it bones raised, they were quickly covered by green ghost similar to that of the king. The green mist resembled the man on the painting above him.

-your servant reports, what is it my king?

New ghost answered formally.

-Shepard my friend, I have a question for you.

-I will help my king in whichever way I can.

-as official as always… even after dying. My friend I have a question, tell me, is it possible that my descendant still lives. This one here claims to be one.

The ghost of the king pointed at Levi.

-it was too long ago to say for certain but it is possible. My king did not know but queen Marlera gave birth to your last child and child was still alive at the time I died.

-and why do I not know about it?

-the child was born five months after your death and the news arrived even later.

“Impossible.”

At the same time Arata heard all that, he also saw how Levi looked away from the king as his face also had a jaw dropped. Levi himself did not believe that his story actually worked.

“Well it’s going good for now, but it’s still not confirmed.”

-then is it possible that the child lived through ‘that’?

-it is my king. But if you wish to know for sure, I remember that when the fate of the kingdom was sealed, I sent Victoria back to the castle and told her to take care of the child. My last hope was that one day the light of dawn will once again shine upon Solaris and the kingdom will be reborn.

-wings of my army, your kings need you!

The ghost of the king shouted right away the moment he heard the news. The coffin next to the coffin of the other ghost moved. From it another green spirit came out. This time however the ghost had a light silver armor on the green cover, also this time it was a woman. Even though already long dead, the green glow still combined into something beautiful. At each of the side the ghost had two short silver blades.

-what are your orders my king?

The new ghost kneeled the moment she came out.

-knight Victoria, is it true that I had a child that was born after my death?

-it is my king.

-Shepard says that you were sent to take care of it, tell me about it.

-when the war was lost, you were dead and our armies practically destroyed, commander sent me on a special mission that was as follow. ‘Preserve the king’s blood no matter what’. Queen Marlera was already dead when I arrived in capital. The capital itself was under siege by the traitor’s forces. Nevertheless the child was successfully evacuated from the capital. Following my mission I traveled to an elven lands where took shelter with the child and continued my mission till I died. Before that however, I saw how your descendant married one elven girl and lived happily.

-as suspected of Victoria, won’t you agree my king?

The ghost called Shepard interrupted.

-yes, she never let me down. You knew who to send on this job as suspected of my strategist. Knight Victoria your success means that there still should be somewhere in this world some of my descendants right?

-there might be a problem about this one, my king. Your last descendant had only one daughter. The village’s elder said that he had an incurable disease that didn’t allow him to have more than one child. He explained that it happen because he was an early child and queen Marlera was too old at that time to give a normal birth. What was worse, that disease did pass on to his daughter as well, I was told that it became genetic.

-so that means, should any of the descendant die before giving a birth to another child the line would be broken.

-yes, it’s just like commander said. All I can say is that when I still lived neither your son nor his daughter died. Also, just as commander instructed, I never told anyone that the child was your son, my king.

-I see… Shepard you can go, Victoria you stay…

The ghost king waved his hand and the ghost on the left of him returned to his coffin. The ghost of the king returned his glance to Levi.

-stand up all of you…

So far they were knelling to show respect but now that king asked them to stand up so they did just that.

-I still not sure if what you said is correct or not and if you really are my true descendant but nevertheless I will give you a chance. First of all answer my question. You came here for the crown didn’t you?

-yes I did, I also came here to unlock its secrets.

For the first time Levi said the truth to the ghost of the king.

-I see. Listen, whatever you are my true descendant or I am not able to check it, that’s why I will decide whatever to give you the crown or not based on an old custom. The trial by battle. The god of war will tell us if you are worthy of the crown or not.

-okay and what that trial looks like?

Arata and Rin and Levi expected it to be the challenge that Rin normally did over and over again through pass year but they were all wrong.

-we will hold three fights at the same time. Each of them will be one on one, if you and your bodyguards manage to win two of them then I will give you the crown and tell you its secrets if you lose however, then… well you will die. It’s a fair trade won’t you agree? So do you accept?

-would your descendant back out from something like that? Victory or death, everything or nothing.

-yes this is how it should be.

“Levi is really doing a good job.”

Arata was not sure if he could pull something like that off. He would probably gave up the moment the king first said it’s impossible but Levi didn’t gave up right to the end and continued to use everything he could thought of.

-but why do we hold three fights, wouldn’t one be enough?

Levi asked.

-it’s true that the trial by battle is usually one on one fight, but I did say that it will be a fair trade, didn’t I?

The ghost answered.

-well you did.

-you see, it’s not fair if you don’t have any chances. If it were one on one fight then the outcome would already have been decided. Anyway, there will be three fights, that is my decision. You will be fighting against me just as royal blood should and your two knights will fight against mine two knights. To be fair, you can choose who fights who.

-and who will be the other two fighters?

-one of them will be Victoria who is already here and the other one…

The king stopped for a moment and then shouted.

-the mightiest champion of our empire your king calls for you…

The coffin on the right from the king moved and from it come out a new ghost. Although, Arata was not sure if he should call him that. He could not see if the one that came out was truly a ghost or not. He was completely covered in crimson blood armor. He also had large crimson two handed sword on his back. On his helmet there was a small line visor. The knight did not say anything after coming out but slowly moved forward and the moment he did so, Arata saw how Rin started shivering.

“Wow, I didn’t expect her to…’

He stopped thinking when he looked at Rin’s face covered in fear. She even started to make small steps backwards.

-Rin.

Arata said her name and catch her arm. Rin looked at him but did not say anything. Her shivering did not stop either.

In the meantime Levi’s and the King’s talk continued.

-so who will fight who?

King asked.

-that crimson knight is the strongest, right? Even more than you?

-I see you can tell his strength. Well even though I once got a title of great warrior I never managed to win against him, that’s why I said it would be unfair if it were fight one on one fight. It would be unfair because he will not lose. Anyway let’s get started already, who will fight who?

-hmm… well I guess the strongest against strongest so… .

-prince Edward allow me to have an honor to fight against the strongest knight of Solaris.

Arata said it after knelling down while still holding Rin’s arm. Only when he said that Rin finally calmed down then she gave him a reaction which was a surprised look.

-why did you?

-… .

“I can’t let her just go there and die right? She already lost her calm and the will to fight even though they didn’t even start fighting. There is no way she could win in this situation.”

-very well, so be it.

The king answered without waiting for Levi’s approval.

-could I ask for some time so we can prepare ourselves?

Levi asked.

-take as much as you want, just don’t go outside…

The ghost didn’t see anything against it.

Levi finally walked back to where Arata and Rin were staying.

-haha, I don’t believe that it actually worked.

He came with those words.

-me too, but still good job.

Arata congratulated him.

-how can you call it a good job!?

Rin was not convinced though.

-well, if we win we will find out the secret of the crown and get the crown as well. How you could not call it a good job?

Arata quickly answered.

-and if we lose?

-let’s not think about this scenario, we just have to win.

Arata said carefree.

-we just have to win you say!? First of all Arata, you are already dead.

“Wow I didn’t except her to worry about me.”

It was the first time that he saw Rin acting like that still his answer was.

-but I don’t remember dying today.

Arata answered with a joke.

-shut up! How could you say that you will fight him, it should be obvious that I as the best of us should fight against the strongest enemy. You know that I couldn’t defeat him no matter how hard I tried and you say you want to fight him out of sudden!…-

-Rin you don’t have to say anything else.

Levi interrupted her.

-but he is just going to die and why did you let him do it? Are you willing to sacrifice him?

-yes this is exactly what I do. If you still did not recognize. Arata created for us a perfect opportunity to complete this quest. You said so yourself, you can’t win against that crimson knight, right? So no matter who of us will fight against that guy, that person will lose and die. On the other hand, you are sure to bring us a victory if you were to fight the lady knight, right? In this case the most important and deciding fight will be me against the king in which I will hopefully win.

“Well that is the sum of it.”

-but Arata will… -

-Arata volunteered to be a sacrifice so it’s his deal. Anyway it’s normal that with quests you die from time to time but it’s a worthy transaction. Also it will be the easiest for him to recover those levels as he has the lower level than you or me. If you feel bad, help him with regaining them afterwards, it shouldn’t take more than a week.

-hey Levi, I don’t remember singing up to be a sacrifice. I just thought that it will be most interesting to fight that guy.

Arata interrupted them.

-yes, yes. You definitely didn’t do it to stop Rin from shivering right? I mean you never do something as stupid as playing the role of a good hero right? Have fun while dyin… I mean fighting.

Levi said that sarcastically and then walked towards his opponent. The ghost king was awaiting him with great metal club in his hands. Also in the meantime the ghost changed a little as the green cover was now covering a huge skeleton that came out from sarcophagus. On that skeleton’s head was a golden crown.

-Rin don’t worry and focus on your fight, you also won’t have it easy.

Arata said to Rin. Her opponent also didn’t look like easy nut to eat either. But then Rin suddenly asked.

-Arata, you really did it for me?

-well, I did it for myself but it is true that if you were to go shivering like you did, you wouldn’t have stand a chance. Also, I saw your last fight with him, even thought you were fighting for few hours already you shouldn’t fight against him like that.

-like what?

-you simply used your skill from a game and nothing else. It isn’t your best, is it? You were much better in our fight.

-I fought light that because I was tired.

-wasn’t it because you were scared?

-I…-

-anyway just focus on your fight and I will focus on mine. Also to answer your question… yes I did that for you! After our fight in the arena you asked me for help and I agreed to help you. It’s too late for you to take it back so till the quest is done I will support you in every way possible.

-Arata…?

-that’s why Rin… I will start with defeating your fear.

With that said Arata moved to the right part of the tomb where the crimson knight was already waiting for him. The moment Arata walked through certain distance, the tomb was divided by green flames on three equal parts which separated him from Rin who looked like she was still considering his words. But from this moment Arata could not longer see what was happening in other parts of the tomb and he could not wait for Rin’s answer as right now, before him stood ‘he’.

Arata looked at the enemy before him.

“’I will defeat your fear.’ Hmm, even though I said that, how I am supposed to win? Well as grandpa once said, fights are not complicated at all, if you are not sure of what to do, just go at your opponents and beat the crap of them.”

Arata unsheathed his sword and get in the fighting stance.

-this will not be honorable fight young knight. I lost my honor long ago.

The crimson knight said those words and slowly moved in Arata’s direction.

“Whoever attacks first, wins.”

Arata on the other hand rushed forward with full speed. He wanted to use the time, in which the knight would not prepared. After all he didn’t even hold his weapon in his hands yet.

After reaching his enemy, Arata lunched a strike from the left with his red sword. Knight just stopped it with his arm hand and Arata’s sword bounced off his crimson armor.

“Well, this doesn’t look too good.”

When Arata attacked with second sword the knight spinned on foot and afterwards he had his great sword in his left hand. Second later, the knight made a powerful swing horizontally. He didn’t even have to aim as the area of attack was all around him. Arata managed to jump backwards outside of the range though.

“Now!”

Second the sword passed, Arata rushed forward once again. Big attacks like the one that knight just demonstrated had a weakness which was ‘after one big swing it would took some time to stop it’ which left the user undefended. Arata wanted make use of it but the sword which should be flying backward changed its momentum and started went back to attack forward. Arata seeing the impossible only managed set up a guard with his left sword but that wasn’t enough. Arata’s sword was pushed away. The crimson greatsword managed to cut Arata on left side of belly before Arata strengthened his guard with the second sword. The moment he finally blocked it however, Arata was sent flying to the wall by the power of knight’s push. The knight did not stop to let Arata land. When Arata was in the air the knight pointed his hand in his direction and second later several large fireball was fired out at him.

“Magic as well!? But he is already using some cheating moves!”

Arata was little surprised by the fact that the knight was also able to shot fireballs at him. Still magic attacks were easy for Arata to defend against so he was in a way lucky because if the knight were to rush him down with his sword, it might have ended up badly.

[Sword enchant: fire]

Arata cut through the fireball that were to hit him. Other fireballs were shooted in the area around him, probably in the case Arata could somehow avoid the frontal one. After cutting through fireball Arata landed safely on the ground. But he did not have a lot of time as knight started to use other kinds of magic as well. Earth rockfist, ice lances, electric thunder. Knight had quite a lot of them but Arata was just on defence and was cutting through each of it.

[Sword enchant: earth]

[Sword enchant: ice]

[Sword enchant: electric]

Sword enchanter, the second class that he got was a perfect example of anti-magic class. Even though it might not look that strong, when one unlocks its secrets, he can do a lot. It was, after all a class of rank four.

Although the knight should switch to melee attacks once again he kept trying with magic attack.

“Is he testing my abilities?”

Arata read it as that. The knight probably thought that there is a limit to how many attacks Arata could defend against but Arata could defend against really large number of spell.

Suddenly the knight let go of his sword and started casting something bigger. From the ground a wall of fire erupted and that wall started moving in Arata’s direction.

“Em…? Can I cut through it as well? I don’t think I have a choice.”

Yes Arata did not have a choice here as there was no way for him to avoid it. The area that wall of fire consumed was completely filling the space that they have been fighting in. That attack was also actually cutting through the green fire at one corner.

[Sword enchant: fire]

“If it doesn’t work then I am dead but if it does work then there is a chance.”

Arata rushed forward at the wall believing that his skill will not fail him. In the end Arata cut through the fire without any problems although his sword lighten up in flames the moment he did so.

Arata jumped through the opening he had made leaving the wall of fire behind him.

The place he came out from was ‘right in front of the knight’ who after casting a spell did not have his weapon in his hands.

Without wasting any minute, Arata slashed at him from both sides and once again the knight just took it on his hands like nothing. Then the knight’s left leg bursted in flames and he kicked forward at where Arata was staying but something like that wouldn’t work on Arata. Arata just dodged it with ease and counterattacked. This time it was Arata who kicked the knight and even though he tried, the knight could not dodge it. The kick forced him a little backward. Arata followed it up with swords attacks and the crimson knight started taking the hits. Two, four, eight, sixteen. Arata was slashing at the knight’s left and right. Still, his attacks did practically no damage to knight’s armor and in a way the knights was ignoring them while standing up but that did not discourage Arata at all.

“Now!”

[Sword enchant: wind]

[Sword slash]

[Sword slash]

Arata send out double sword slash combo from a close range at the crimson knight and the knight took it right on the chest and afterwards he was sent flying back into the green fire. It seemed like he was actually going to go through it which could interrupt the other fights but there was some kind of barrier that prevented the knight from passing through the flames and he ended up landing right inside them.

“Did I win? It was too easy but normally just one sword slash and anything dies and he just took two of them.”

It was truth that the knight was very powerful but so far Arata didn’t see anything in this game that withstood his sword slash. No matter how many times he used it, it always ended with enemies being cut in half. But this time it was not the case as the knight was not cut in half but he was blown away.

“No way.”

Arata saw as the crimson knight stood up from the flames like nothing and this time he started running in Arata’s direction. So far he was just walking.

However this time the crimson knight’s red-blood armor was not left untouched but at the same time it was not broken. The only thing that was left of Arata’s attack were two lines that made a cross mark on the knight’s crimson armor but it was just a small scratch nothing else.

“Is he for real?”

Arata could not believe it at first but there was no time for that.

“Ah, he also got angry, still as long as I won’t let him pick up that sword it shouldn’t be that bad.”

The knight was running forward in Arata’s direction but it was now more towards to his sword. Arata entered his way and prepared for the attack. He stroke with both swords at the knight when he got in range but the knight did not even try to block it. He simply continued to run ignoring Arata’s attacks. Without any interference the knight reached his sword.

“And what I am supposed to do when he can simply ignore my attacks? Even sword slash had no effect.”

At the present time Arata’s attacks simply had no effect which meant that the knight could simply ignore them completely and go into full attack mode. That was exactly what he going to do now.

Arata once again found himself on the assault of the crimson knight. With his crimson greatsword he continued to make one powerful attack after another. Arata was only moving backwards now out of attacks range and kept looking at the attacks.

“Those moves are unnatural. It’s like at any given time he can change the direction in which his sword is going. Simply put it laws of physics do not apply to his sword. Still I don’t have time to think about that. If I stay on defense I won’t be able to do anything.”

Although he knew that attacks his attack will have little effect, Arata could not defending forever.

“I highly doubt that ghosts can get tired, that tactic simply won’t work. There is no other choice than this.”

As suicidal as it might seem, Arata decided to enter the close combat. The moment the large swing passed in front of him, Arata stopped moving backward and once again rushed forward. The crimson greatsword immediately went back at Arata with its unnatural flow.

[Sword enchant: shield]

Arata set up a guard with two swords as he already expected it to happen.

‘clink’

The swords clashed. The knight was clearly at advantage as even though Arata was not send flying this time he was being pushed. Even though there was little strength in knight’s backward swing, the moment swords clashed it was a contest of power in which Arata didn’t have much chance. While being pushed to the side Arata focus more at getting closer to the knight rather than staying on the position. Arata wanted to get as close as possible to the position in which the knight could not use the full power of his huge swings but the knight did not let that happen.

Arata felt that the weight on his guard disappeared but second later the red greatsword was coming at him with great speed from the other side. Arata knew from the start that blocking full swing is impossible for him. He managed to block the previous attack only because it had no speed behind it.

Arata quickly crouched down to avoid the horizontal swing. Still, the moment the greatsword was over his head, it’s stopped for a second and then started going downward. Arata right away moved to the right.

The greatsword did not hit the ground but once again stopped in the air and second later went after Arata once again.

[Leap]

Arata jumped upward to the ceiling with a spin. The greatsword went after him once again in similar matter. The greatsword ended up making a rectangular arc in the air.

Right now, Arata was standing on the ceiling upside down while blocking the greatsword that came at him. In the contest of strength he was slowly pushed upward and upward even though this time Arata had complete weigh of his body on his side.

Then the knight saw an opening. He stopped trying to push Arata upward. The moment he did, Arata start falling down and while falling down he had no way of avoiding the incoming swing.

“Not good.”

Arata took a full swing from the knight who spinned on the ground. Of course he set up a guard but the moment swords clashed, Arata was send flying into the wall with incredible speed.

[Sword enchant: water]

[Sword slash]

Before Arata hit the wall, Arata send out a wave of water in the direction he was going. The slash opposed the force that he had and Arata slowed down and stopped. The wall on which he used the sword slash was cut deeply and the water was flowing out from that intersection.

“That was a nice idea. Now then.”

Arata looked back at his opponent who put his greatsword on his arm and was slowly walking in Arata’s direction.

“Hmm, he is full of openings. Well, my attacks won’t work on him anyway. Rather than a fight, for him it’s still a child play with no risk. That armor is really something. Still I just have try to break through it again and again till it’s works. That’s the only thing I can do.”

Just as Arata was going to try another raid at the crimson knight the area around him has slightly changed. The green lines of flames that previously separated inside of the tomb into three parts burned out. Soon after Arata could hear a loud laugh.

-hahahaha, you did end up defeating me after all. I would want to say that I couldn’t fight at my full strength in this state only with those old bones but a true warrior does not look for excuses after losing. Haha, it’s seems like your bodyguard won as well.

It was the ghost of the king’s voice

-I ask for your forgiveness my king but only with my spirit alone I could not hope to defeat such opponent.

Arata looked around. It looked like both Rin and Levi already won their matches which meant that they successfully completed the quest. Levi was rather alright after his fight, he didn’t look too damaged. On the other hand, Rin did have a lot of wounds and a silver sword was pierced through her arm. Still her opponent state was much worse as she was completely covered by red weapons. Rin took out the silver sword and started holding her arm on a wound from which a blood started coming out.

-there is nothing to forgive Victoria, you may go. Now then, young fighter, you have won the trial of battle and proven yourself worthy of the crown. Pick it up from my remains.

The ghost of king was no longer covering the skeleton but was once again floating in the air. Also from king’s skeleton only the head in crown remained, all other bones were destroyed. It looked like Levi was not wasting his time there.

Levi walked up to the crown and picked it up.

-now, tell me about the secret of it.

-oh, I will, I will but we are not done with the trial yet, are we? You might have won already but the trial of battle is not yet complete.

“Ah, and here I hoped that I can get away from it somehow.”

For a moment Arata hoped that he would not have to continue his fight with the crimson knight but it seemed like it was not going to be the case.

-it’s not necessary to continue the fight.

Levi tried to help Arata out.

-fights that started shouldn’t be stopped until the winner is decided. After all, it’s a fight of two knights. Do you want to make them lose their honor. Once a trial of battle starts, from two fighters only one survive. Now, call your other servant over here so she doesn’t get in a way.

Levi tried to help Arata out, but the king did not agree.

-but we are in hurry so maybe they could finish it out with a tie? We have important business later on.

Levi did not give up. Just like before when he tried to persuade the king.

“If it works, I will really have to thank him.”

-important business, you say? It can’t be helped then. Ah, I wanted to see a fight of someone who could survive this long against my champion but very well…

“Yes, it worked.”

And so Arata was saved and he did not have to continue the fight with the red knight… that is what could have happen but this world is unfair and evil.

-my champion, our guests don’t have much time so stop playing around and finish it quickly!

The ghost of the king shouted an order.

-as you wish my king.

-… .

Levi felt silent after hearing that.

Arata saw as air around the red knight has changed. Then his crimson greatsword become completely covered in some dark energy.

-… .

“Hmm, if it isn’t a technique that cut through my double sword slash the other day… Damn you Levi.”

Arata send a sharp glance to Levi who just throw up his hands showing that there is nothing he can do.

“I wonder if I just run away right now the quest still will be completed.”

Arata considered trying this option but then he saw Rin.

“

-sorry Arata, we shouldn’t have done that after all. Bear with me until we complete the quest but after that…

-…after that do not speak with me ever again.

“

“

-that’s why Rin… I will start with defeating your fear.

“

Arata remembered what he said to Rin not that long ago and he was no longer thinking of running.

“No, there is only one possible thing I can do and that is to beat the crap of this guy.”

Arata stopped hesitating and once again focused on the fight. The knight finished his spell and started running in Arata’s direction. Even before his blade looked terrifying but now covered in dark energy it was even more terrifying. Still, Arata did not fear it at all and also started running at his enemy.

“This time blocking is not an option. Touching it is not an option, getting close to it is also not an option. As for getting hit, nothing has changed here, I will get slashed in half regardless if there is black energy on it or not.”

Arata was not afraid of his enemy. He just arrived at logical conclusions.

Knight’s range was greater so he was the on to first lunch an attack, he swung horizontally at incoming Arata.

[Lighting steep]

In comparison to all other times Arata jumped right before enemy’s sword. The black energy was nearly touching him but right now Arata was moving faster than the swing of knight. He run passed the knight on the right side and landed a hit on him with his left sword while running pass him. That attack bounced of knight’s armor like always.

After the attack Arata get at enemy’s back from where he wanted to make few additional attacks but the greatsword did not stop even though it should. It was because the knight started to hold it only with one hand and continued his swing to his back.

[Black dash]

Arata went through the knight, before the sword got him. He stopped right at the front of the knight from where he stabbed both of his swords backward, after he felt as they bounced off the armor, Arata started running forward before the sword came from the back.

The knight went right after him before Arata could even turn around, still Arata’s speed was much greater and when he got into the safe distance, he turned around not losing speed and once again charged at knight.

The knight thrusted his sword forward at Arata. Arata went down on his knees and slide on them underneath knight’s greatsword. Before the sword changed its direction with his great speed Arata slipped next to the knight and hit with both of his swords at knight’s legs. Still, the armor the defended knight’s legs, was as solid as every other part of armor he wore.

After the slip Arata went back at his legs and charged at knight’s back. Knight spinned on his foot right away and lunched another horizontal strike. Arata was rushing forward like before but right before the range of sword he stopped letting the sword go forward. This time Arata once again went forward after the strike went and somehow this time the reaction of knight to his change of speed was much slower.

“Got you.”

[Stream of night.]

[Black dash.]

First Arata pierced with both of his swords into the knight’s chest, then using the skill Arata lunched another twelve strikes and before the red greatsword came at him Arata run away with black dash behind his target. From there he once again stabbed backward with his swords at knight’s back and then moved away from knight’s range.

Arata was doing it all while using his lighting steep ability. It drained a lot of his stamina but it was very helpful in fight where Arata can’t even touch enemy’s weapon.

“No more streams of night. My attacks don’t work anyway and I need to keep stamina for lighting steep for at least until his dark sword ability is still on.”

Throughout the whole fight Arata’s main objective was winning it. Arata would not consider losing no matter what. That how he just was. Still right now his main priority was focused on staying alive rather than attacking, that was because if he stayed alive he would always had a chance to find a way to break through the crimson knight’s armor. Right now, was the hardest period in which his opponent used his ultimate spell, attacking was now even farther on the list. If Arata was here alone, he would probably just run around the tomb until the spell dies off but he could not do it as Rin was watching him, and even though his main objective was winning, there was still something even more important that he had to do right now.

Arata once again raided on the knight. This knight attacked over from the head downward. Arata moved to the left to dodge it. The greatsword changed its direction without stop and diagonally swung left. Still even though there was no delay Arata managed to run forward before it got him, still because he had to speed up he did not hit the knight. Stopping with a slip two meters away from the knight, Arata rushed once again at his back.

While using lighting steep Arata’s advantage in speed was enormous. He could practically run around the knight and charge at his back before the knight could even turn around. And once again Arata crushed into the knight with his swords thrusted forward and then moved away before the sword got him.

Arata was the only one to land attack on his enemy and knight could not keep up with him as long as Arata used lighting speed skill.

From the outside it might even look like Arata was winning it huge but truth was that his attacks still did not bring any effect.

Arata circled around the knight and rushed at him this time at his left. He pierced right into knight’s arm with both of his sword once again looking for any weak spot but once again there was none and his swords just slide on the crimson armor. Knight reactions were faster right now and the greatsword was coming at Arata with much greater speed. Still, it was nothing that would manage to catch him. Arata moved to knight back lunched another slash there and then started to get outside of knight’s range.

“Ha?”

But then after making two fast steep’s Arata’s whole body took a shock that stopped his movements. It was only for a second but that was enough, then when Arata continued to move forward he no longer had his double speed. Also because he stopped midway, Arata did not manage to run away in time. The tips of edge of greatsword run through his back. The wound was not big and it didn’t reach inside much but even though it was just that Arata felt immersive pain.

-aaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Arata start falling to the ground but then stopped midway as he put his right leg forward. Then with all his will he tried to ignore the pain that was going through his body.

-ha, ha.

“I am alive? But I was just seen that he cut me in half.”

Arata was not cut in half but to him it looked like that. When the greatsword reach him the dark energy that surrounded it went right through his body and appeared at the other end before Arata’s eye.

“I can’t stay here for too long.”

Arata felt as the knight behind him already prepared another attack.

The moment Arata moved forward, the greatsword landed at the spot he was in before.

“I can move so his attack shouldn’t do that much but what was that numbing pain?”

Arata was already experienced in taking hits but an attack that made him scream like there was no tomorrow was completely something else. Still it didn’t seem to make any physical damage.

As for the reason why he got hit, Arata didn’t thought for a second about the shock he received. He somehow knew that it was because his stamina ran out. Proof to that was that lighting speed run out as well.

“Whatever it was, I have more important things on my mind right now.”

Yes Arata had more important things on his mind, first being how to fight and survive without his overwhelming speed.

“This is bad.”

This time it was the knight who attacked first. With two fast steps he moved forward and before Arata could react his swing his sword at him.

[Sword enchant: shield]

Arata managed to stop the sword but the dark aura that was around it cut through his body.

-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

The moment it hit, first Arata once again could not stop his scream but after that all resistance he had was lost. Arata fell to the ground.

-Arata, watch out!

Levi’s shout brought him back sentences as Arata for a second completely passed out from the pain.

“Not good.”

He did not see what happen in few seconds back but right now the knight was delivering an executing blow at his body. Arata put his swords before in cross sign and the greatsword stroke at it.

-aaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Although once again he did stop the enemy’s sword, which surprised even him but then once again he screamed in pain when the black energy got him.

“I can’t pass out now!”

-aaaaaaaaaaaa!

Arata continued to scream. Still, it was not only because of pain that was running through his body. It was also to help him keep himself awake.

-Arata!

-Rin stop, you can’t go and help him!

-but he will!

-we knew that it will end like this, don’t let his sacrifice be in vain.

“Rin.”

-aaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Arata continued to scream while mustering lasts of his strengths.

“

-Arthur, Arthur, come over here.

-what do you want grandpa? Can’t you see I am busy, it’s you who told me to train with those swords.

-haha, and even though you said it’s a pain you kept on doing so, now I thought that it will be a good time to add a sparing to your training program as well. Look over there she will be your partner.

-emm… grandpa, isn’t she a little bit small? Also you expect me to go serious against the girl?

-stupid grandson!

-aua!

-did I ever teach you to look down on your opponent?

-no but even though you say that, she doesn’t look like someone hard to beat.

-ah… you will have to learn it on your skin then. Yes it will be a good lesson, you will learn not to underestimate your opponents based on look.

-then can I underestimate them based on other things?

-stupid grandson!

-aua!

-hey Amanda, come here for a moment! Teach my stupid grandson a lesson and don’t hold back at all.

-yes master!

“

-aaaaaaaaaaaaa!

“No more!”

Then suddenly the flow of battle was changed. Although still screaming, Arata started to push back the enemy’s sword. Slowly but steadily he pushed it farther and farther. At some point Arata managed to get back at his feet. The dark energy was still cutting through him. This time the cut was not only creating a pain but also physical internal damage to his vitals but that did not stop Arata. From the start he knew that his chances were slim and even though he did not believe in victory anymore, he still wanted to show ‘her’ that one should not fear anything and fight to the bitter end.

And then Arata saw it, the ray of hope.

Arata gathered all strength that he had left and for the first time in the fight completely pushed away enemy’s weapon. While he managed to do that, he felt as if that strength was not really his as he never had this many strength before. Still, he didn’t stop to think about it and right away without stopping. Arata pierced forward at knight’s crimson armor. The knight completely ignored Arata’s attack at prepared his sword for finishing blow but he did not expect it to be his downfall.

-waaaaaaaaa!

[Sword enchant: flame]

[Sword slash]

Arata pierced his black sword right into knight’s armor and this time it did not bounce off like all other attacks he made so far. It did not bounce off, and that was because Arata hit into the opening in enemy’s armor. There was tiny hole in the place where he once shooted out with his sword slash. It was so tiny that normally one would not notice it but Arata did notice it because compared to fully red-blooded armor there was a small little green light blinking there. Arata did not know which attack made this hole and since when it was there but that did not matter.

Arata’s sword made that hole just a little bigger but it still did not reach far enough to hurt the knight, still it was the end of the fight. Sword slash skill which Arata normally used only as arc was now used while doing pricing attack, the effect was that all its energy was send out from the tip of the sword. Arata did not see it but inside knight’s armor a massive amount of flames appeared. Because they could not break through the armor anywhere else, all flames stayed inside and started combining with each other. Only the visor on knight’s helmet could somewhat tell what was happening inside as it become completely red in flames.

There was no scream, there was no sound. The crimson armor just dropped down along it’s crimson greatsword.

-ha, ha, ha.

Arata also fall on his knee after delivering the last blow, he had no more strength to stand but nevertheless it was his victory.

“Is it over?”

Arata expected to hear something or at least see the green spirit coming out from the body but that did not happened.

“Don’t tell me he is still alive.”

If the knight were to move again it would be a game over for Arata but thankfully that did not happened. Instead.

-clap, clap, clap…

Arata heard a clapping coming from his left and it was coming from the spirit of the king.

-spectacular, spectacular. To think that there would be a person who could defeat him. Not only did you defeat him in battle but also destroyed his spirit in this world, he is now finally free from the curse…

Then the ghost of the king looked at Levi and said.

-hey Blondie, give me back my crown.

-hey!…

The crown fly up from Levi’s hand and went to the hands of the king or rather it’s started to float around.

-but you promised…-

-black warrior, tell me is this truly my descendant?

The king was no longer listening to Levi but asked Arata instead.

-he is not, everything he said was thought up.

Arata replied.

-as I thought, in this case…

The crown flied over to Arata.

-in recognition of your strength I will give it to you.

Arata cached the crown.

-rather than the crown we are more interested in its secret.

Arata said quickly.

-yes, I will tell you that as well. The crown was always a symbol of the kings of Solaris. As long as there was a ruler to wear it as long Solaris stood strong. After my death the crown was not passed to anyone and that is the reason that my kingdom fallen to dust. Still, the crown do have a power to bring back the kingdom back to its glory, how exactly it will happen, I cannot tell but the legend is definitely the truth.

-so crown’s secret is that it can resurrect the kingdom?

-yes, you understood well.

[Prequest ‘Test of worth’ objective completed]

The message signaling completion of the prequest appeared. Now all Arata’s party needed to do is to go back to the Wizard.

-first part finished!

Levi shouted with joy. It looked like he didn’t care that his previous ‘play’ was destroyed as long as the quest was completed. Then Rin’s reaction was even more. Arata saw as tears start pour out from her eyes but he was not worried as they could be only tears of joy. Or was there a different reason behind them?

-now then you have the crown and you know the secret, my promise to you all is complete. I have guarded this place for so long but now my work here is done and this place no longer bonds me. Before I go young fighter listen to my last message. You can do whatever you want with the crown I gave it to you. Still in your hands it’s nothing else than a decoration. I will not ask ‘it’ of you but if you wish to resurrect my kingdom, look for my true descendant. Even though it was all your play, the truth is that he might still be alive. Should he truly still live and should you bring Solaris back from the land of death your reward would be unimaginable, it is my promise to you as a king.

[Heir to the throne

You have entered into the possession of legendary crown of kings of Solaris. Its power however cannot be used by anyone outside of royal bloodline. You have learned about possibility of living descendant of last king Edward Third the Great. Should you find that descendant and help him in bringing back the kingdom to its glory, you can expect the ‘king’s gratitude’.

Reward: Unknown.

Rank of the quest 4

Warning: Information about king’s heir being still may not be the truth. Should the heir no exist all your effort will be in vain.]

“Oh I didn’t expect another quest. Although, it’s seems way too troublesome so I won’t be doing it any time soon unless I get bored. But is it quest only for me or did others get it too?”

The conversation with the king ended up being a quest. After all Wizard’s quest was not directly connected with the tomb as it was only a testing place. Also the quest that Arata got from him never mentioned getting the crown at all.

-hey did you guys just get a quest?

Arata asked to find out. He did not want to hide the fact that he got one.

-you mean confirmation that we completed the quest? I did when the ghost finished talking.

Levi answered.

-no I mean the other quest connected with the crown.

-no I didn’t, you did!?

-yes, just now.

-then why I didn’t get one! We are in party right? When someone gets a quest in party it’s automatically shared between everyone. Hey, Rin did you get one?

-… .

Rin did not answer him instead she walked to Arata’s front still holding her wound on right arm. Arata was still sitting on the ground.

-Rin?

Arata said her name but he was quickly interrupted.

-why did you won!?

She asked him in angry voice.

-is it bad?

-why did you won!?

“Why does she yell at me?”

-I managed to defeat my enemy so I won. It was not easy but I gave it my all and it somehow worked out.

-then doesn’t that mean mean you went easy one me?

-ha?

-you went easy on me! Do you not care about my pride at all?!

Instead of congratulating him Rin was really furious at him.

-what are you talking about?

Arata could not understand her. After all, he tried so hard to defeat the crimson knight mostly for her.

-Arata, it’s probably something along these lines. Yesterday she defeated you in your duel but today you defeated someone whom she could not defeat, conclusion you went easy on her.

Levi voiced Rin’s thoughts.

-but I didn’t go easy on her!

-you don’t have to tell me this I saw how badly you got beaten yesterday. Completely outclassed.

-whatever you say Levi, you will not convince me. This guy was always like that! You may not know how many times we fought but he never took me serious!

Rin was so angry that she forgotten that they were not going to mention the fact that they knew each other from real life.

-that’s not true, I…-

Arata tried to defend himself and then Levi interrupted.

-hey Rin, I don’t know about the past but yesterday he really gave it his all. As to why he won today, it’s probably because yesterday’s fight was pure swordsmanship only and today it was full arsenal with games abilities and skills. I admire your real skill but you are still newbie when it comes to games when Arata is experienced veteran of highest caliber.

-Levi you better shut up.

Arata said that but then.

-no Levi, please continue.

Rin said to him.

-I pretty much said everything there was but what I can add is that in this world just knowing how to fight in real is not enough to win.

“You idiot!”

Arata heard the sound of unsheathed sword and when he looked back at Rin she was holding a red sword which end was now right at Arata’s throat. Also around her other red weapons appeared floating in the air. They were also pointed at him.

“Man, I got to ‘this situation’ for the third time already, but this time it’s the worse from all.”

-Arata let us fight again and this time use everything you can to beat me, no more excuses no more going easy on me.

-but Rin, you are too wounded to continue the fight, and your arm is completely useless.

Arata pointed it out. The wounded arm which Rin hold so far was now just floating in the air. It didn’t look like Rin had any control over it. Her fight must have been really dramatic for her to end up like that.

-you are also wounded just like me and I am well experience in fighting in a state like this. Don’t worry even though with this handicap I will still win. So stand up and don’t you dare to go easy on me!

-but I swear I didn’t go easy on you! You would recognize it if that were the case. Remember I even asked you yesterday how did you reached that speed as for me it was something unthinkable. So calm down.

-you might be true, I didn’t saw you giving me an edge but still I want to fight you with going full all out. We are fighting in ‘this world’ so we should use the full power that we have in this world. So stand up and fight me.

-but adding our skill will not change the outcome, I give up! You already beat me when we fought normally and if we add skills, those flying red things behind you are definitely much more powerful than everything I have combined. Then you still have other skills, I really don’t feel like winning with you.

-yes, you can’t win against me but that’s why I asked you. Why did you won!?

The conversation circled to its starting point although lucky Rin calmed down now.

-I fought with all I got and I was lucky.

-you think I will be satisfied with an answer like that.

-rather than asking why did I win, you should think why did you lose.

-fine I will tell you why I lose. No matter what I tried, no matter how hard I tried, I always ended up being pierced by his blade, right through my chest here. It was not one time thing, I lost against him many times and each time we fought it was even worse, even though I knew more and more about him. In each of our fight he fought from a starch but I already knew his abilities but still he still pierced me with his sword. Here, are you looking Arata!

Arata looked elsewhere as he was not comfortable in looking at the place Rin was pointing at.

-Rin you still don’t know why you lose. I told you before the fight didn’t I?

-…

After Arata said that Rin instantly got quiet.

-I told you that I will defeat your fear.

-… .

-I think you never actually had a fair fight against that knight. You only fought against him during that other encounter right? The one you told us about. It’s only natural that after few hours of fight you would not be able to fight against someone this strong. Then, each time he defeated you, your will to fight against him got weaker and weaker.

-no if I were to fight him today I would still lose. It wouldn’t have matter if I were to fight him in my best condition.

-I won’t argue here with you, you would lose but it’s not because you are weaker. Remember what grandpa once said. There are two easy ways to lose a fight. One is to underestimate your opponent and other is to fear them. Don’t ever think of any of it during the fight as it will bring your doom. This is what he thought us.

-yes I remember that.

-see, no matter if you are better than me you still lose because you feared him. Is that the answer you were looking for.

Arata understood it ever since he first saw Rin’s fight against that knight after he was teleported by the wizard near the tomb. At that time Rin was not fighting, she simply used her skill and waited for the doom. And Arata knew that no matter how strong her skill were, her real swordsmanship and her real abilities were what makes Rin strong.

-but, how did you know?

Rin asked.

-well you kept saying that no matter what you can’t win against him and when you saw him coming from the coffin you had a dead look on your face and started to shiver. It was rather easy to tell.

-well I did fear him but even so, I had my reasons for it.

-well, I definitely don’t blame you here, that guy was scary, I don’t want to see him ever again. Also what did that ghost say, that wasn’t their best? I really would want to avoid meeting that guy while he was still alive.

-the ghost also said that warriors does not look for the excuses. You really managed to win against him, Arata…

Rin stopped for a moment and added.

-yes, you were incredible.

Arata got fully complemented by Rin. It was no longer ‘you didn’t fight with me seriously yesterday’ or ‘you went easy one me’ but real complement.

“Well, I really glad it didn’t end up in us fighting again.”

Thought, Arata after Rin sheathed her sword back.

“Coz I would surely die this time once again.”

-hey, might I add some thoughts on the matter as well.

Levi joined in after the tension eased.

-Levi you better not say anything, can’t you see that it’s ended peaceful. I don’t want to hear a word from you.

Arata said to him right away.

-fine then I will only tell it to Rin.

Levi came closer and started whispering to Rin’s ear.

-…for my sake?

Arata only heard what Rin said to confirm something. When Levi finished her face was completely red.

-hey, Rin what did he told you?

-… .

Arata asked but when he did so Rin particularly avoided his eyes and didn’t answer anything. Arata repeated the question this time to Levi.

-what did you tell her?

-only the truth that I saw, nothing else. Also I think I heard you said the same thing to her already, in slightly different words but the same.

“Why do I feel like, he just said something that will make my life more complicated.”

-Rin whatever he said, don’t take him seriously.

It didn’t seem like Rin could hear him now. Then Rin took something out from her bag. It was a healing potion. She drunk it right away.

-we are tired after the fight so we will return the quest to Wizard later. Meet me at my house at six, bye!

She said it quickly while not looking in their direction and especially no Arata’s one. Then she start running to the only entrance there was. In short time she was nowhere to be seen although when she was running outside Levi saw that her face which she tried to hide was still red if not redder.

-ah maybe I overdid it. Who knows what the girl will think right now.

Levi said out loudly.

“I don’t want to know what he said, I really don’t.”

-we should get going as well.

Arata and Levi also went outside but there they were soon welcomed by rain outside.

-ah man, the weather sure got bad while we were underground and here it was such refreshing sun in the morning.

Levi started.

-if you looked closely at the sky you would recognize that storm clouds were coming.

-you pay attention to something like that?

-no but I still saw them.

-I wonder if Rin run through this rain?

-well she is not here at least.

Right now they were standing at the edge of the tomb where the rain still not dropped.

-maybe she log out.

Levi proposed.

-… .

-what?

-nothing but I just don’t think that’s the case.

-then she should have stayed with us and discuss the quest. Ah, it was really good experience you can’t often have a duel with a true king right. Well it was just its spirit thought. Still good thing that he was only a spirit. Being as strong as he was in this from, I wonder how strong he was while he was alive. When I defeated him the king said that he couldn’t use even 25% of his real power that he had while he was still alive, it was probably the same for other spirits as well. After all, those were the strongest warriors of the everlasting empire, normally guys like that are super strong way outside our league. You probably don’t know but in this game there are NPCs that are so strong that… , hey are you listening to me?

While Levi was talking Arata looked through his inventory and took out blue umbrella.

-see you later Levi. Be sure not to get late.

-hey you are leaving me here alone?

Arata ignored Levi’s last comment as well as his last speech and started walking through the rain. The sound of rain drops falling on leafs was soothing for Arata after his fight. On the other hand the view got worse as the forest in season of fall did not look too great while it was raining. Especially the road was filled with wet mud mixed with brown leafs, still it did not hinder Arata too much as for the first time in some time he was free in his solitude. For past few days he had ‘golden always speaking machine’ that traveling with him. The thought that he will not get away from ‘that machine’ at least till the quest is complete did not help, that’s why Arata wanted to take as much as he could from this rare opportunity.

At the edge of the forest, he saw Rin siting under one of the trees. She also had a white umbrella over her head so the rain did not touch her. She was just sitting there with her eyes closed and had a smile on her face. A smile that Arata did not see her make ever before. Arata could hear that she was humming some song that he did not know. Still he did not even consider interrupting her and walked outside the forest. He also had an unusual smile on his face.