We make our way to the stage but it's strangely silent. I guess nobody expected a hobo and a Kobold to make it this far. People must have lost a lot of money because of us as I could feel the looks of evil intent directed towards me. *I might as well examine this person since he is really good*. [Status]

(Name: Joe)

(Race: Human)

(Level: 42/999)

(Strength: 372)

(Agility: 421)

(Vitality: 341)

(Defence: 79)

(Magical Aptitude: 0)

(Intelligence: 68)

(Wisdom: 154)

(Health: 130/130)

(Magic Points: 0/0)

(Skill Points: 201/201)

(Skills and Magic: Ki, Martial Arts, Martial Master, Disease Immunity, Organ Crush)

(Unique Skills: Muscle Reading)

(Titles: One who has undergone Adversity, Monk of the Silicun)

(Equipment: Worn Shirt, Worn Pants, Monk Gloves)

This is the first time I've seen an evolution of art skills this has me worried. As we both get on the platform Joe speaks up. "I shall not underestimate you young Kobold or will I hold back". I get a happy feeling. *Finally I'm not being underestimated*. [Than I will not hold back either]. I get into a combat stance with my staff. "BEGIN".

Once the announcer spoke we both rushed forward at great speeds. I attempt a light attack with my staff which he easily parries with his arm. I use the momentum of his parry to follow up with an attack from the other side. He ducks and gets close to me. Since I'm half his size he has an easy time flipping me into the air.

Upside down I could see a fist heading straight to my gut. -BAM- I slam my staff into the ground to push my self away from the strike. I roll on the ground a bit but manage to recover. *My stats are way higher but his skill is increasable I can't compete with him in head to head. I decide to start running around him looking for an opening.

(Skill Activated: Invisibility)

(Skill Activated: Illusion)

I activate these two skills simultaneously and run around in the opposite direction. I have the illusion head at him straight on as I go for his side. Going for the back would be too obvious so that's why I head for his left side. Right before I can attack, he faces towards me ignoring the illusion. In a split second, I'm lying on the ground. I roll away from a foot coming for my face. *What's with this guy wait he did have that unique skill*. [Inspect]

(Muscle Reading)

(Allows the user to predict the opponents next attack by reading the contractions in their muscles, this can also be used to see through illusions)

*HOW DO I FIGHT THAT*. "I commend you for keeping up with me but you don't fight like a monster so you won't be able to utilize all you have". *Wait, fight like a monster what does that even mean*. We continue clashing but I'm fighting a losing battle.

-FWOOSH- My staff flies out of my hand landing out of bounds. "It was an interesting fight thanks for being my opponent". His fist flew towards my head with strange energy around it. *NOT YET*

(Racial Skill Activated: Trap Making)

(Skill Activated: Earth Morph)

The marble field changed catching the fist of Joe and trapping his leg. I gasp from the fear of nearly dying their. "Looks like you did it that's how you fight like what you are". It wasn't an insult but he was showing me that the skills of being a Kobold are useful in combat too. My respect for this stranger skyrocketed.

[I understand what you were talking about]. "Good now the fight can really start". With his other hand, he broke the marble that held him and charged me. I dodge left right and down while keeping my distance as much as possible.

(Skill Activated: Earth hole)

(Skill Activated: Water Fountain)

I use these skills to limit his movements and get him wet when I forced him to move through them. I'm forced to jump over his leg which leaves me vulnerable in the air. -BAM- I'm punched in the gut. It didn't hurt surprisingly but it sent me flying way more than it should. I was heading right for out of bounds. [MAX]! {On it}. Jumping out of my shadows Max stops my momentum as I jump off his back. People let out terrified screams as they see a glimpse of a gigantic blue wolf with dragon wings come out of nowhere.

(Unique Class Skill Activated: Skillshare)

(Sharing Skill: Howl of the electric king)

(Skill is undergoing mutation to make it usable... success)

(Skill Howl of the Electric King has mutated into Roar of the Electric Dragon).

I let out a fierce roar that sends purple lightning crackling everywhere. Joe manages to dodge the jolts very well but because the water on him conducts the voltage he eventually gets struck.

The voice of the announcer could be heard again. "The battle is over please remain where you are so we can announce the winner". Before the healers could arrive I decided to heal Joe myself. He wasn't a bad person and I respected him quite a bit.

(Skill Activated: Greater healing)

He starts to come to and looks upon me who is leaning over him. "Guess I lost". [Ahh come on I learned a lot from you and had fun fighting you]. "Well I may be old you have been the only one to give me this much enjoyment from a match". I help him up as the announcer starts speaking. "The winner of the beginner's tournament is none other than JOE" [WAIT WHAT]! "Due to setting up traps before the match as well as getting help from an unknown source Crimson is disqualified". [I DIDN'T SET ANYTHING UP BEFOREHAND AND THAT UNKNOWN SOURCE WAS MY FAMILIAR WHERES YOUR EVIDENCE]! "Kobolds can't cast magic or have whatever these familiars are". [COME RIGHT DOWN HERE AND CHECK MY SKILLS IT PROVES IT]! "Don't need to your disqualified if you won't leave I'll have the guards take you away.

"No need" Joe speaks up "I forfeit meaning the second-place competitor wins isn't that right"? The announcer grinds his teeth. A tear runs down my cheek. *This is the first time somebody has stood up for me. The announcer lets out a deep sigh. "The winner is Crimson the Kobold would you like to move to the next tournament"? I only nod. "With that your guild rank gets advanced and you're in the next tournament, I hope you die in it" The crowed started booing louder than ever before except for the other monsters they let out a cheer.

"Hey Crimson was it, want to go and get a drink"? [HELL YA]! {OH GOD NO PLEASE NO WHAT HAVE YOU DONE OLD MAN}! I could hear Max's screaming but I chose to ignore it.

These people are the only ones who have been on my side but the thought of having to depart eventually saddens me. But for now, I'm going to get some drinks with Joe.

"Here are your drinks sir". The waitress puts to cups of ale on the table. I have never drank before but I'm interested in the taste. "Alright then let's drink" Joe stated that and started gulping down his drink. {Crimson whatever you do, do not dri-}. I was already drinking the ale put in front of me. {OH NO PLEASE NO}. It tasted good and I felt funny. [May I have another one]? "Of course". Me and Joe drink happily. We even started singing old Kobold songs in our drunken state though Joe had a bit of a rough time following along I'd say we killed it.

I can't exactly remember what happens after that but when I woke up I was in the ally way sleeping on the trash with Joe who was about fifteen feet from me. [Agh my head hurts]. {YOUR HEAD HURTS I HAD TO LISTEN TO YOU AND THAT OLD GUY'S DRUNKEN SINGING FOR TWO HOURS STRAIGHT WHO'S HEAD DO YOU THINK HURTS HUH}! [Gosh sorry we should get ready for the next tournament since we won this one].

This was the start of a new day as well as my drinking problem.