Chapter 39, Part 1, Face Off (Tengfei POV)

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And here I thought that I would take that chance and run away.

Now as I descend the ladder, all the things that were previously in my head just disappeared.

Anxiety is the only thing left. Or so I once thought.

Looking at the ring that Lihua gave me... Made me realize as to how truly wonderful those peaceful times in the inn. Unlike this march towards hell.

When I got down, the first thing I saw was the cage being lifted. Slowly but surely, my demise awaits.

I always try to avoid any sort of scenario that would risk my life but I don't know why I decided to face this monster. Did I become retarded? I know that I'm an idiot but... This much?

If I survive this ordeal and someone in the future would ask me, "What's your greatest mistake?" Then I would immediately talk about the time where I decided to accept this challenge.

What do I even get by completing this so-called contest? Obviously, I'm not going to join a sect!

*Sigh*

Looking around, all I could see is dead corpses. What a great way to motivate me... huh.

I walked towards the beast while trying to stop my shaky legs by stomping hard. To no avail, it just got worse as I realize the heavy breathing of the beast was getting closer.

The ring which that man with a funny beard gave me, made me wonder as to how it works?

Is it the same as the time where I gave a healing effect on my hand?

Recalling as to how small and dirty my mana pool was... Can I even use that pond?

I've been asking too many questions to myself and so I rather just test it out. I almost forgotten to thank my brother Zhou Huan and his lady friend. Without them, I wouldn't have overheard the info regarding this.

Pointing my hand towards the roaring ape, I tried my best to replicate the feeling I had before.

It felt like something coursing through my veins and I could strangely control its direction.

Seeing that the recent ring that they gave me was on the index finger, I directed the thing into the ring.

It glowed in bright light before my index finger started feeling heavier.

Without thinking anything else, I pointed towards the beast who still didn't escape the cage yet. The moment the cage was fully open, I decided it was time.

What came out was something like a projectile, but still can't really tell what I fired.

Though the attack I fired didn't land at all. It's probably because of the recoil and my unsteady hand.

Even if it missed the target, I judged that the force coming of it was not something to take lightly. Seeing as to how it caused a small crack on the wall it landed on.

I didn't stand still as I realized the monster was already charging towards me. Making full use of its arms and legs.

As I curved around the arena, I prepared to launch another attack.

Alas I'm still unlucky by missing not once, not twice but trice!

Eventually the goddess of luck felt pity on me and so my last attack actually managed to land on the eye of the beast.

It shrieked in pain as it held its eye.

My side was hurting like hell as that beast managed to almost rip apart my organs from my body. Not only that, my body was really tired for some reason. Maybe my anxiety is taking a toll.

If I were to thank anyone, then it would unfortunately go to that individual who skewered my arm previously. I realized that I was irrational and moving only through my feelings.

So, what happens if I ignore fear?

The answer is... I get to live. Like the method is just telling my brain to forget about it for a moment.

After my last attack, the ring on my index finger broke. Which I already expected.

Now the real question is as to how I'm going to beat this now one-eyed beast with nothing but my hands.

Hmm, wait a moment.

I almost forgot, there were two dead female bodies around here.

Both being part of the same affinity as me.

One of them didn't show as to what their ring does... But the other if I recall, is able to erect a barrier.

Looking around, I saw the barrier girl with only her upper torso left.

I held inside the urge to vomit out as I extract the ring from her finger.

By the time I wore the ring, I could feel death's door appearing from above.

That's right, three arms where ready to squash me.

All the misfortune that accumulated today seems to balance out with what I did next.

As if it were natural, I ended up producing a barrier which enclosed the beast inside. Every time the beast touches the barrier, it seems to burn him.

Knowing that it wouldn't last that long, I hurried to find the other lady.

...Unfortunately, she was on the other side of the arena.

I likely have to somehow go around this angry beast who's lusting for my organs.

My head also feels light and I could feel the blood dripping from my nose. Obviously, signs of fatigue in mana.

Somehow, I managed to out maneuver the beast with only a deep wound on my shoulder as price. Only now did I realized being a petty thief helped me in this scenario... Being quick with the feet and all.

Another unexpected thing to occur was when one of the lying corpses held into the leg of the beast.

As if the person's final wish was to drag that beast to death with him.

If I had a chance in the next life to meet him, I would give my sincerest thanks to that person.

Without any time to waste, I removed the ring from the lady before wearing it.

I don't know what will come out of it. I don't know if I can even activate it. But I do know that if I just stand still thinking, I would end up the same as this ring's bearer.

As usual, I pointed my finger before releasing almost all of the mana I have towards the ring. Ignoring my steadily growing weak body and dizzy head.

I aimed directly at him and what escaped was something amazing. Or should I say... Something unexpected.

A bird made of light flew out from the ring, it went towards the Beast before circling around it. As if it's producing strings made of mana on it.

Somehow the string was strong enough to make the struggling beast fall to the ground, unable to be free.

I guess that it wouldn't last that long as the tearing could be seen. The strings also seem to have some type of burning property, similar to the barrier.

My body feels like shit but I can't just fall down now.

So, I picked up the nearby axe from the ground and walked towards the beast. Dragging the heavy axe and causing a creaking sound.

The moment I'm to the side of its head, I lifted the heavy axe before I started hacking on the its neck. At the start, It didn't go through much due to its tough muscle fibers, but as I kept on hacking and hacking... Eventually the head went off.

The last swing made me fell to the ground in exhaustion. I truly pushed my body to the limits.

I could hear the announcer speaking something but my consciousness already faded.

I'm just... Simply too tired.

....

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A somewhat nostalgic dream

My head feels numb...

Though my kneel will always be ready for my Queen.

She who sits on the broken throne, she who sulks for a simple home.

I am but a simple knight, longing for her to be free from the shackles.

Falling down the crumbling floor, what I see next was my death door.

Me laying in the corner, just simply waiting...

Before my conscious fled, I felt her presence leaning upon me. Filled with grief as her sobbing lulled me to sleep.

I will... miss those ruby colored eyes... of hers...