The Preliminary battle had finished, the remaining Participants are gathering in the Waiting room and waiting for the next battle began. There are 4 Champione here. Arya as one of the winners in the first battle survey his surrounding, there is Lin Chen guy with his oversized shield in his back, Iroha talking with her Partner about something, maybe battle strategy? the last one is a person with a double axe.

''Hnn, Airi, yeah I am fine see...?''

Airi asking in worried tone about his condition but Arya tell her not to worry and showing his arm muscle, that is wrapped in armor. Airi sighed seeing this, but Arya is having a cold sweat on his back.

Arya clearly remember his last fight, Raka strengthened his body and when he is attacking with just bare hand. The punch is so heavy and hurt. Arya already using his 'Limit Break' once to catch the different in power, in his current state Arya could only using it twice a day. With his limited skill, he hopes the next fight will not force him to use it again.

Glancing toward his two Partners, Arya silently sighed in relief.

''No no, its jus-''

Before Arya finished his word, the blue Panels appeared in front of him and the other participants.

| Next Battle |

| Iroha vs Siva | Arya vs Lin Chen |

[Hello hello, it's me the beautiful Host, Angelica!!! Yay, the fight has progressed to the next stage. The battle to decide for the Final battle!! Well, this time for the convenient of the battle will be held at the same time in the separate area, the winner will be teleported to the special room for the next Final battle!! Anyway, all Participants please get ready alright~]

The host announces that in cheerful tone to ease the situation, the Participants are walking toward the Arena before long Arya saw that Iroha is approaching him.

''Arya-san, your next opponent is quite strong. Are you ready for this fight ?''

''Yeah... I know right, he seems only having a shield for his primary weapon. But it's not good to simply assume like that.''

'Like in Raka's case, it surprises me when he throws aside his sword and attacking with his hand. Like me that having my own secret, I believe all of them have a secret weapon. Proper observation is what I needed.'

Losing in thought Arya didn't notice that Iroha is staring at him, he coughing once before focusing his attention.

''Sigh, Arya-san. I just want to tell you. His opponent is defeated but he and his partners don't even have injuries at all.''

''What? Is that true? Urgh, it will become a hard fight.''

Airi and Linda that feeling left out decided to jump in the conversation, Iroha just shrugged and walking away leaving them.

Arya on other hand started to inform his strategy toward his Partner while walking, not After taking a glance at the opponent in front of him. Feeling Arya stare, Lin Chen turn his head and giving a salute with his two fingers. Of course, a smile and a wink included.

Remembering his hard stare last night and this new expression make Arya to shudder.

*****

Loud cheers have surrounded the Arena, standing in the Arena below the spectator seat, 4 people are facing each other divided by a transparent wall in the midst of arena. Before long, an air board that carrying the host appeared.

[Welcome!! Now for the waiting moment !!]

The host flicks her finger and a bluish barrier appeared and divide the area. Arya focusing his attention toward the Lin Chen in front of him that currently leaning toward his shield. Their distance is 5 meter away.

''Yo Arya, I hope you give me a good battle.''

Arya ignores his word plus unneeded wink and just observed Lin Chen equipment. As Lin Chen swing his oversized shield, Arya wondered how can this Lin Chen casually and naturally lifting his shield. The shield shape is in between oval and round, no it's just round but having a sharp blade on both sides. Somehow, the shield has Yin and Yang like design.

Arya changes his observation toward Lin Chen armor, he is wearing stylish blue leather armor. That's all, Arya didn't see any weapon present. In the beginning, the teacher clearly telling about 3 slots of weapon equipment, so Arya keeps his awareness. However, Lin Chen partners are covered in black samurai armor with the demon-like mask, holding a Katana and Wakizashi really look intimidating.

[.... So to make everything in order, we will just start this battle~]

''''Yeeeaaaahhh.!!!''''

Arya didn't notice the Host that speaking about something and just return to his sense after hearing another earthshaking cheer from the spectator. Above the Arena, a huge countdown appeared.

''Linda prepare your spell first in the back, Airi follows me in the front.''

The two nod each other and preparing their formation. Seeing it, Lin Chen and his partners also preparing their own formation. Lin Chen positioning his shield in the front as he blocked Arya sight on them.

The counting down are over and Arya and Airi move first on attacking, Arya lead the way and use his 'Heavy Blow' and 'Shout' for the opening. His opponent flinched for a moment and the 2 seconds stun activated, with the swing of his spear it hit the wall-like shield...

And bounced.

Not expecting this, Arya frowned. It's clearly that the shield durability is no joke, Airi seeing her master attack failed, turn her aim toward the right side of the shield. She aiming for the gap of the shield to slip and swing her Halberd.

Only repelled by the slight tilt of the shield.

With her slender arm, Airi receiving stun damage from hitting the hard shield. Immediately, a black figure appeared beside Airi and thrust his katana. Its aim is so deadly and flying straight to penetrate Airi neck.

However, Arya modified spear flying and stopped the assault, Airi grabs Arya spear and leaped 1 meter behind, distanced them self. After Arya receive the spear from Airi and resumed their assault.

As they running forward, Arya and Airi exchanged a glance before nodded together as if knowing each other intention, they split up. Arya to the left side and Airi to the right side. Their aim is to confuse their opponent from choosing which one to counter.

But their expectation was destroyed, Arya and Airi clearly showed some good coordination and moving at the same time, but Lin Chen easily blocked their attack.

Surprisingly, Lin Chen just Rotate his shield to the side in full rotation while it's still planted and standing straight like a Moving Wall!! A circle mark appeared below Lin Chen, 'A UFO mark?!' Arya joked in his mind. But suddenly a black figure appeared and attacking Airi once again!

Because of the different in distance, Arya can't help much. The black figure swings his sword but blocked by Airi Halberd, then the attacker continued with knee attack on Airi stomach, make her flying high. Somehow, the attacker didn't do more damage and just jumping behind the shield once again.

After helping Airi to stand up, they started different plan but always blocked and counterattacked. Without knowing, the battle already 30 minutes long and they are clearly being pushed to the wall.

It's mysterious as to why they always jumped back and not finished the blow.

Right behind Arya and Airi is the calm and in chanting mode, Linda.

[Wonderful, everyone. It's really amazing, the Fortress mode from the Champione Lin Chen is sure is worthy of praise. Even in the first battle, his enemy are overwhelmed and defeated!!]

[This defensive stance is so terrifying, that no one able to break it. The clan name of 'Immortal Guardian' is not a joke!! It's really a heavy tanker. What will happen next~]

'Tanker indeed.'

Arya gives a slight giggle at that and takes a peek behind. Linda is focused in her chanting and if by chance disturbed her, the rebound will render her useless in battle. He turns his attention toward Airi.

Her state now is so messed up. Bruises and cut injuries covered her body, then he looks at his own body and back to Airi. It looks like the repairing fee would wait for him after this, this thought makes him to frown.

''Nothing, it's just the fee will quite expensive... Oops...'' Arya unconsciously speaks his mind and then shut his mouth.

Airi snapped hearing her Master word and swung her Halberd.

''Wha... that's dangerous, Airi!! My armor will get damaged!!''

Arya unconsciously speaking his mind again, resulting Airi to frown as an angry vein popped and keep swinging her Halberd at Arya. There is silence around them, the usual Host cheerful comment and the Spectator cheers is strangely quiet.

But Arya attention is focused on how to evade the accurate swing from Airi. Unconsciously, Arya standing straight in front of the shield. When the Angry and powered swing from Airi approaching, Arya ducked and the swing hitting the wall-like shield behind him....

Pushing the shield 1 meter backward, and make a cloud of dust because the shield still pierced the ground.

''Wow, Airi you can do that!? Do it once again!!''

Airi wants to deny it but cutting her word, new info panels appeared in front of them.

[Congratulation, your partner Airi acquired active skill 'Impact']

[Impact, channel the energy toward the single place and released a full straight attack. The energy can be gathered by user emotion like Anger, Happy, etc or from the force of the enemy attack. Increase attack power by 50% and more.]

''Indeed.''

Airi can't refute and just giving the giggling Arya a glare. Before long the loud cheers erupt and the host takes the lead.

[Wonderful, the Champione Arya really can make us lost of words!! Few minute ago he started a romcom drama and now, they manage to push the 'Fortress'!!!]

Seeing the Lin Chen repairing his stance, Arya and Airi prepared them self and observe the situation. Lin Chen struggles to place his shield and look defenseless, from the point of view of the observer it was the best chance to attack. But Arya knows.

Right behind the struggled Lin Chen, there, stood a dangerous looking bodyguard. Its eyes locked toward them.

Arya thought of why they never landing the finishing blow, because of the shield weakness. The one that attacking is Arya and Airi, so in the normal situation its right to defeat Airi for just focused at Arya. But...

There is another problem, yes, it's Linda. Even when she is just standing still, Lin Chen partners already marked her as dangerous existence and warry of her. So if he focused on attacking one person, his Master will be surrounded and defeated.

Before long, Arya received a signal from Linda and turn his head toward Airi with a carefree smile.

''Airi, its plan B.''

They spread and distanced them self, followed by a white laser-like attack that rushed toward Lin Chen shield.

With a loud boom, Lin Chen shield shifted to the side showing his surprised expression and his body. Not wasting the chance, Arya and Airi rushed toward the collapsed 'Fortress'.

When in range, Arya thrust his spear forward in full force.

His target, the rushing masked samurai. Not expecting attack aimed at him, the masked samurai crossed his weapon in X shape for receiving the damage.

Pushed backward, he tries to repair his stance when Airi rushed past Arya and unleashed 'Impact' that send the masked samurai backward in '>' shape.

''Linda!!''

Receiving Order, Linda dashed forward. Chasing the flying masked samurai. Leaving Lin Chen Partners to her, Arya and Airi focused at the Shieldman in front of them.

''Hahaha... Splendid!! Arya, you really Interesting person!! To think my defense can really be breached, you really amaze me...''

''Is that so? Thanks?''

The serious atmosphere was broken by Lin Chen loud laugh, even Arya didn't know what to say. Before long, the oversized shield already standing straight on the ground.

'No, I mustn't let him recover. Urgh, it's too late.'

Arya frowned seeing the shield still intact and fine, it's just the place which being hit by Linda spells are released a smoke, otherwise it's still strong.

''You lose your bodyguard you know.. how-''

''Did you really think so? If you think a threat will make me cower, it's fail. With a face like you, the threat level becomes negative.''

Arya tries to using threat tactic to his opponent, but the person in question just easily throw some rude remark. Arya becomes surprised and glances at Airi, understanding what in Arya mind, Airi evade eye contact. Make Arya more shocked.

''I don't care! So why if my face is not intimidating, don't you can't even-''

'Attack!!' Arya want to shout that while pointing his spear at Lin Chen, but he was once again shocked.

Lin Chen do something with his shield and it's started to break! No its break into two but, Lin Chen holds the each shield piece in each hand.

The Yin and Yang shape are split up into two, if its normal shield, even if used to attack just will resulting in a blunt damage.

But a long blade popped out from the pointed area on the shield and become more deadly! Like a certain card in certain card battle, Lin Chen changed from 'Deff' to 'Attk' mode!

''Now, it's my turn.''

Lin Chen prepared his stance with one blade-shield in front and other in back, he bent low place his front shield down a bit and the back more upward. With a confident smile, he dashed forward.

He appeared beside Arya and Airi and rotated his body like a whirlwind. Arya able to put his shield in time but it's different to Airi, she received the full force attack and send flying, rolled on the hard ground and stop moving.

''Airi!!''

''Look where your enemy is !''

Arya shouted desperation, but receive more and more attack from Lin Chen. He slides backward from Lin Chen attack and saw a demon.

''Weak, you know that. I hope you give me a good battle, stop playing around!!''

In front of Arya, the change really showed. With the sharp glare and expressionless face, even he can feel a black aura surrounded Lin Chen. He stands still but the intense bloodlust sends a chill run down in Arya's spine. Arya shakes his head to clear away this feeling and take a peek toward Linda direction. The battle between two Partners is still continued and in an intense situation.

''Is that really what you can do? If it's right, I will not give my 'Fiance' to someone like you.''

''What!?''

Arya focused in looking for his two Partners, the fighting Linda, and the collapsed Airi. He has to find a way from this situation but forcefully pulled back to his sense after hearing the word of 'Fiance' from Lin Chen.

''As I said, you are one of Fiance candidate, right? I will not lose to a weakling like you.''

''Wait wait wait, Fiance? I don't know what are you talking about!?''

Lin Chen didn't give the answer and dashed forward again, Arya gritting his teeth and throw away his worry. If he didn't want to say anything, Arya just has to make him speak. It's time to be serious.

''Orraaahh..!!!''

Receiving Lin Chen Charge, Arya uses his 'Shout' and stopped Lin Chen in place while he is the one charging.

Yes, Arya immediately unleashes his 'Power Rush' straight at Lin Chen. Its collided with the Lin Chen shield and drag him away. After receiving impact, the shield can't hold it and the force sends Lin Chen flying in mid-air over Arya's head. Arya still in his 'Power Rush' state use his right leg to change direction and rushed again, not letting his opponent to take a safe landing.

Each time Arya approaching Lin Chen, he still able to put his shield in time and blocked Arya rush but send flying again. Arya just has to turn his body and he always comes to Lin Chen. That repeated a few time and Lin Chen become a Volley Ball!!!

[Wha..what was that!? Everyone look at that! The Champione Arya clearly not letting the Champione Lin Chen take a breath!!]

''''Wooaaahh..!!!''''

Arya charge finally stopped, a cloud of dust filled the area in front of him. He lost his breath but using 'Breath Control' Arya condition slowly become better.

-Whoosh

Following the loud wind cutting, from the cloud of dust, a bladed shield find its way toward Arya's heart. Hurriedly put his shield, Arya block the incoming attack and shocked.

The blade stopped by his shield but an unknown force, like ignoring Arya shield come straight to his chest and a sharp pain make him spit a blood and send him flying. Arya rolled on the ground and try to stand with difficulties. After the smoke cleared, the figure of Lin Chen appeared. A small trail of blood in his mouth, but with a swipe of his hand it was gone.

''Not bad, you have a good strength and even can standing after receiving my attack.''

Arya didn't give an answer and try to endure the pain, using the 'Breath Control' stance again the pain began to slowly fade and shifted to fighting stance. Lin Chen observed Arya condition and also preparing his stance. Arya thinks that Lin Chen attack able to ignore defense, the piercing type is the one that able to penetrate a shield. But he remembered certain hero that able to use some force to absorb, gather, and attack while ignoring the protection.

With his current power, he can't counter that and a shield is useless. Arya releases his grip on the shield and unsheathes his short sword with his left hand.

''Lin Chen, right? I don't know about this 'Fiance' thing, but this time I will come at full power.''

''Come!!''

They dashed each other. The first thing that Arya did is unleashed 'Shout' and 'Rapid Thrust' the usual flinched opponent isn't happening this time because Lin Chen body glowed in a bluish aura. Surprisingly, Lin Chen unleashed an attack speed that rivaled Arya 'Rapid Thrust' they keep exchanging blow for 10 minutes. They finished the move with a whirlwind attack at the same time.

Standing still, Arya short sword clashed with Lin Chen Bladed shield. Jumped 1 meter away and rushed again.

''Hey, by any chance is your Fiance is Yuki-''

''Heh, don't play dumb.''

They clashed and a spark flying from Arya sword and Lin Chen blade, Arya take this chance to ask. Actually, Arya wants to say 'Yukiha' but the second bladed shield flying straight at him so Arya jumped backward.

Meanwhile, Lin Chen glare at him with an expression as if saying 'Isn't that really clear, what are you talking about.'

''So if you know her childhood nickname, It just burns my fire will!!''

Lin Chen shouted and charged once again. Arya already tired of this misunderstanding, just charged too. They keep exchanging another blow.

Seeing a chance, Arya thrust his spear forward but blocked by the right shield. Arya didn't finish like that, he jumped and slam his short sword in downward heavy swing, blocked by the left shield. Receiving impact, Lin Chen bent his knees but a sudden attack from Arya kick make him lost his balance for a moment. And Arya jumped straight.

While Arya in range, Lin Chen use the blunt tip from his shield to hit Arya in the stomach followed with shield downward slam. Taking a chance when Arya falls to the hard ground, Lin Chen connected his shield and swing his shield upward, aiming at Arya neck for finishing blow. The blade shield which he swings upward scratched the hard ground and make a spark, Lin Chen clearly gathering all his power in this last attack.

Suddenly, A Halberd flying straight at him. Because Lin Chen still focused his strength on his shield, he can't react in time and a huge slash appeared in his back. Canceling his attack and he rolled on the ground.

Airi takes this chance to help Arya standing, but because of the injuries in her body Airi flinched in pain.

''A-Airi!! Your injuries are too heavy, please rest for now!''

''No, you are too injured to-''

As Airi said when Arya turns his attention, there is Masked Samurai that struggled hard to escape from Linda guard, even when they really in bad shape. Arya shakes his head and turns toward Airi, her armor is full of dents and some of them even broken. A big opening can be seen in her breastplate. No, he isn't thinking something lewd, but the damage this girl have.

Even Airi leg are trembling, she can't even fight but Airi still persistence. He throws a sigh, 'Isn't that what their program is?' Arya suddenly remembers the chat with Andini, that they in here, in this human-made island, are researching and improving the Anchore technology. Including the AI system.

Andini once said,

>Listen Arya, I don't know what you are thinking. Even if 'They' have a human appearance, they are a data. They are just computer program. Even when they have a human behavior, they have one program that they must follow no matter what. Naturally, all of them would say...

Seeing Airi with her serious expression despite having a trembled leg and heavy injuries, Arya replied with a warm smile. With her will power, Airi will try to get up till her body disappear. It's no use to stop Airi now. They then turn their attention at Lin Chen.

''Haah... to think I forgot about my surrounding.''

Lin Chen wipe the blood in his mouth, even as the blood running down from his forehead, he still preparing his stance once again. Not long they rushing each other. Arya lead the charge and clashed with Lin Chen head on while Airi followed a few minute later. A fast swing from Lin Chen bladed shield came to Airi weakened body.

Seeing this, Arya force his body forward and do a body crash at Lin Chen and broke his balance. Arya rushed forward again and throw his spear. When Lin Chen blocked the spear, he lost sight of Arya and become confused. Before he can find Arya, Airi rushed forward and swing her Halberd.

''Tsk.''

Lin Chen clicked his tongue in annoyed and he changes his posture try to counter Airi attack. He places one shield forward and the other behind.

Suddenly but a sharp pain can he felt on his feet, staring behind his shoulder, he saw...

Arya stands with a carefree smile while spinning the short sword, seeing that the tip of the sword have a blood Lin Chen scowled. He turns around to hit Arya, but Airi acted first and hit Lin Chen hand, throwing one of his shields.

Surprised from seeing one his shield disarmed, Lin Chen try to evade but Arya tackled Lin Chen and use his short sword to stab Lin Chen. Sensing danger, Lin Chen also thrust his blade shield forward in desperate.

Silence.

For a while, no sound and no comment.

The Host, the Spectator, and even the Partner in his side didn't even say anything.

-Thing ~

[Winner, group A: Iroha] [Winner, group B: Arya]

A short message appeared in the sky at the same time, broke the loud cheers from the Spectator once again.

'''' Whhaaaaa...!!! ''''

[Wonderful!! The fight has ended at same time!!]

The host started her comment about the battle, but Arya once again didn't listen to her and just staring a the figure in front of him. Arya currently sitting on the ground, his helmet was broken and a trail of blood running down from his cheeks. In front of him, lay Lin Chen body that pierced by his sword in the heart and slowly getting disappear.

In the last hit, Arya managed to evade in time but his helmet gets damaged. He sure has good luck, before long his vision blurred for a second and he appeared in the unfamiliar room. This room is quite wide, the ground is tiled ground and looks beautiful, the wall look sturdy and full of a picture, there are even table and sofa!

Arya blinked for a moment before looking his surrounding, then his eyes locked at Airi that being supported by Linda and approaching him.

[You look so messed up, Ary]

''Hah, I didn't want to hear that from you...''

When they arrived, Linda throws her comment but Arya shakes his head while staring at her. Linda armor is getting damaged too, her battle sure was hard. Before Arya can say something, a shadow flying near pushed Arya aside.

[Whaa, A-Airi are you alright!? Did this *beep* make you work really hard again? I know this *beep* will do something troublesome again right!?]

''Oi, I can hear you!?''

The shadow was surprisingly is the Iroha Partners, Leon. This black knight suddenly grabs Airi arm and said a rude remark about Arya. Leon ignores him and keeps asking Airi while checking her injuries.

Linda who originally stand beside Airi, retreated slowly with a smirk appeared on her face while ignoring the pitiful gaze from Airi.

''Oi oi, you trouble her!!''

[Heh, look at you. Your pitiful state that cannot even stand are the one trouble her!!]

''I didn't want to hear that from you!!''

Arya shouted once again while pointing his finger at Leon which body also in tattered. His armor really damaged and his left hand hanging down and shaking.

[Its fine Leon, it's my fault that cannot react faster. My master isn't wrong.]

Airi gives Leon a reassured smile and Leon nodded his head. Linda suddenly appear beside Airi just having a wry smile. Wait! Arya shouted in his head. 'Since when did both of them become this close? And where is his master?' Arya becomes confused and looking around and his eyes found it.

Iroha sitting in the ground 2m away from him, she staring at him and turn her head away. Iroha body really full of injuries, her leg that rested in the cold tiled ground are shaking. She can't even stand like him. 'So she also has a hard fight too?'

Arya tries to stand up and opened his mouth, but before Arya can say something another voice can be heard at behind him.

''Yo, Congratulation for winning through to the final.''

When all of them turn their attention, a handsome and gentle-like-man standing and leaning at the door and flick his front hair and mysteriously a light or star blinked around him when he does that. His long hair he braided and resting on his shoulder. Wearing expensive and stylish clothes and in his waist, a beautiful long sword rested. He giving a mocked smile and approaching slowly.

''Hm, isn't it Lindys? You look so bad, are you getting weak? No no, that's fine, its just this one are stronger than you. Hm, you changing your hairstyle? Hm hm, the beautiful level are rising, but not much like me.''

This man turns his head toward Linda and said a word that packed with confident while posing with his hand. Arya just turns his head toward Linda and to this man, back at Linda and to this man.

''Oh, so you are that the rumored red knight? You didn't look that good for me.''

The man says that at Arya while taking an exaggerated pose again, 'This man, He really narcissist beyond help!!' All the people inside was screamed inside their mind. But suddenly, the man in front of Arya disappeared with a flash and a sudden pain hit his body.

Arya vision slowly becomes dark, and the darkness completely covering him. With big thud, Arya dropped to the ground.

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Note: Do you think that this chapter was too long ? please leave your comment and opinion.