"Seya!", Lass dashed forwards.

"Holy shit...this kid's actually good.", Magi panted as she barely evaded.

"Hah.", Lass scoffed. "You are precisely the reason why people are hurting aren't you? Over the past few days in the capital I've seen more bodies than in my life and more blood than it takes to paint a god damn house. And don't you dare bullshit me and pin this on Risa. Had it not been for the sorry ass of the likes of you nothing would've happened in the first place!"

"Are you sure about that? I be...", Magi took her stance. "I really thought you had more brains than muscles kid."

"Come again?"

"Was to be expected to be honest.", Magi let out a sigh. "Whatever...ok here's the deal. You hear what I have to say and-"

"And you kneel for me to take your head. I'm looking to end this clinically...and swiftly.", Lass said as he pointed his sword at Magi.

"Well shit, I thought giving you a cookie would suffice, but I didn't know kids these days are into this. And here I thought you weren't much into killing people. Oh well..."

"Will you just cut it out already? I am not a kid!"

"Yea 'not a kid', my ass. Just shut the hell up and listen to what I have to say already."

"Make it fast.", Lass said, lowering his weapon.

"You see we Sentinels run by what's known as the gods gift which is more of a mean to control us if anything. We gain unique powers and abilities but sacrifice our free will in the process. Sorta like the powers of gods and goddesses. But...all of us sentinels have been stationed in Riza way too long. Hikari's Balance has taken an interesting effect on us all. It would appear as every time we die we gain part of that free will back. Among the powers we had to complete our mission, rebirth was always one of them. I am a warrior at heart and my goal is to best everyone...tho that has probably been the most dangerous role as I died several times trying to live up to it. Like a lot of times. But nevertheless every time I died I had the gods gift of being reborn into a different body keeping my abilities skills memories and all that intact. However what Makaro and Kikaro didn't know, was that every time I died I gained free will back up till now where I can think straight and decide for my own without anything blurring my judgement."

"Exactly why the hell you think I'd believe you?", Lass replied.

"I have witnessed several disgraceful and horrible acts of the gods by time. The war atrocities and horrible curses on others was just too much for what you could say was my warriors pride .And that's why I completely detached myself from the Sentinels duties while I still could and hid myself from Makaro and Kikaro till the next champion and the goddess returned. Because I just want to kick their pitiful asses to the ground.

"How can that be true? No...you're trying to delay the inevitable. Besides all you Sentinels are the same...throughout the books you're always bloodthirsty trouble looking creatures.", he said, all while holding Magi at sword-point.

"And exactly how do you know that we're all the same if you've only just met me? Or are you throwing out baseless accusations and make them sound like you've experienced them before?"

"I...", he couldn't help but stutter.

"Shit, that might've been too far.", she thought to herself. "Here goes a desperate save. Ok, that's kinda smack talking against Sentinels but I won't dwell on it much, so you're welcomed on that part. And yes while the books describe us like that they also described Ikarisa as the goddess who's in front of everyone to protect them all the time. And we both know that the goddess has been hiding for a long time now don't we? How long has it been since she showed back up a week or two? Showed up as in, actively using her powers. And as far as the whole 'Sentinels are the same' thing goes, it's really not the case. The only thing we have in common is probably the ability to control monsters, rather the things that bring destruction everywhere but as far as other abilities and personalities go we're re anything but the same."

"So you where really behind the attacks that took place in the arena?"

"Yes and no."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I was definitely not behind the first attack I'll tell ya that for a fact. I told you, we can control monsters and send them to attack anything and anyone but how they do it is a whole other story. In short, these monsters where way too organized and well prepared for such and attack. Strange, that's for sure. I did order some medium size attacks on you specifically because I wanted to test you. But...shit, that was not what I expected, nor what I wanted in the first place."

"So you're the reason they both died?!", he screamed as he slammed his sword next to her, emitting red lighting in the process.

"Dammit...quite strong.", she get's pushed back and calms down. "No not really. I wasn't behind that weird stone thing he had on his armors waist. Nor was I behind Kalimo's transformation. Tho I can tell you this. The stone emitted the same energy and aura like you do in your batshit crazy demon mode. Or rather, your typical power signature."

"Thou, traitor, dare to address the arts in such a disgraceful way? Hmph. Brutes like her deserve a killing fit for pigs. Swift and filthy, to match the ways of their species and move on to the next.", the voice inside Lass's head said.

"You can't be serious...", Lass replied at Magi.

"And to further clarify, as far as the drake attack goes I had told Kalimo to challenge you and you alone again. That's all. Our eyes met in the middle of the attack anyway...you did see how surprised I was, like you, didn't you? Besides no one died cause of the drake did they? Thanks to you that is...I only did the first part because I needed some way to test you before I had to 1v1 you here!"

"Enough talking. Draw your steel or drop it and make my job easier."

"My what an eager little brat...sure I'll draw my steel. But before we start just so that I'm sure I didn't miss a thing your name is Lass Reiden?

"Yes it is...and that name will be carved on your gravestone."

"Big words from the guy that fights not knowing how to fight...and by the way does that name have to do anything with the coward of a legendary warrior Glade Reiden? The guy who backed off the field and lived as a coward making swords as a blacksmith?", Magi scoffed.

"My father wasn't a coward...he left the field to protect me! It's thanks to him that I grew up like this! If it wasn't for me he could've been here today too..."

"No way...he's dead?", she said in surprise.

"He died by a random monster attack near Reinga-", Lass stopped his own words.

Awkward silence filled the arena at the moment of realization. Lass had for once realized that his father could rest at ease. For he could now avenge his death.

"This imbecile is the one to blame?", the voice inside his head echoed.

"It was you wasn't it...you where the reason behind that monster attack."

"Like hell I wasn't! How old are you even 18-22? 10 years ago I wasn't even in Reingard, I was wandering and finding more opponents!"

"Hah. How meek. Let me at 'em.", the voice inside his head eagerly said"

"Shut it, you bastard. This one's mine." Lass replied to the voice. "If it wasn't you then I'm sure it was a Sentinel...you'll pay for that. I'll show you...the side I've been hiding away.", he said as he snapped the amulet off his neck.

"You can't be serious.", Magi paused completely as she knew what was about to happen. "You old crazy bastard. You really did it, didn't you? Man I should've never taken a bet I knew I'd lose. Let's see what you've taught the kid." she whispered.

"Prepare to die.", Lass said with no remorse or feeling on his face.

"Finally got some confidence for your fighting skills?"

"Hmph.", Lass didn't say a word, as he made a clean cut on her arm.

" God...ah!", she yelped. "Alrighty, fine. Since you're so eager draw it, let's do this."

And so it began. Magi was fast and agile which was surprising due to the heavy armor she was wearing...nonetheless Lass never stopped swinging his sword at her, both while attacking at unnatural speeds and constantly emitting lighting off his entire body...this time he knew his other side. He had felt it taking over once, but that one time was enough for him to know. That really was not 'his' work. A part true. A part of him he never desired. A part he couldn't take away when he had to live hating himself for it. A part he never wished to show...anyone.

"Jeez kid swinging like that won't get you anywhere. Listen why don't you take a step back and try to find an opening. Lift your butt a bit upwards your stance is a bit off! Right foot first, since you're swinging with your left arm! God, come on! You've got more to give!", she kept saying as she easily evaded.

"Shut up, you bitch.", Lass punched her in the face.

"Gah! Why you cheap ass motherf-", the punch forced her back as she started to bleed, before her words where cut by Lass's actions.

Lass threw his blade straight at her without giving her a moment to catch her breath but she blocked it sending the sword flying upwards. He had succeeded in his plan since she also got off her stance. He then approached her fast punching her in the stomach, making her stutter and grabbed back his blade slashing her brutally throughout her body. Breaking some of her armor he found an opening to kick her away with force that shattered the ground around them.

"Your life ends here.", he approached her menacingly.

"Not bad...not bad at all. But still kinda weak. Mind if I demonstrate a better, more proper way to do this?", she said through her panting.

With that she approached Lass insanely fast. Before she could land a hit Ikarisa jumped in front creating a barrier and protecting Lass while hurting herself from the force of the slash...

"Lass watch out! Kyaah!", she got smacked down from Magi's sword.

"Risa?! You ok? Please talk to me!

"Relax, you overprotective kiddo. She's fine. Probably fainted due to shock. Also how the hell did she get in here? I'm sure I blocked every entrance with guards..."

Magi's transmitter then beeped a bit.

"M-Ma'am we had a break in! We caught a Wolven girl of some short that seemed to be escorted by another-", the guards words where overshadowed by Anya using extremely offensive language I will not be showing to protect your eyes. "Gah! She's biting my arm! Get her off me! Get her off me! Oh god!", the call ended abruptly.

"Welp...shit.", Magi facepalmed. "Why did I ever decide to get this job? Live rightfully he said. Make a living he said. God bless..."

Lass was then done covering up Ikarisa with what little he could and then looked straight at Magi.

"Ah finally. An opening!", the voice inside Lass said.

"You...you'll suffer!", 'Lass' screamed.

"Oh no, not this guy. Ah shit, here we go again..."

"I'll end your pitiful existence!", 'Lass' said as he unleashed a cross slash full force.

Lass, this time using all his strength blasted a giant slash full of immeasurable power, destroying Magi's armor, claymore and over half of the arena in a flash.

"Die!"

"You little brat...No thanks.", Magi grunted and gashed blood. "I'm gonna have to pass on death, just for today.", she said as she dashed towards Lass.

She put her hand directly on to Lass's heart and pulled a dark Obsulyte looking aura out of him. Lass was dazed by whatever she did but from what he saw she absorbed the thing she pulled out of him...and she was looking fine despite all the blows I had on her.

"Don't question it kiddo, I'm the ‘Sentinel of Hate’ so your hate basically feeds me. Trace back to the special ability talk back when we started. Also it powers me up if I want to use it that way, and I'm capable of sharing that power up with others if I feel like it. Pretty handy at times! You'll be dazed for the next 3 seconds or so then you'll be fine, so don't worry.”

"Huh? He's gone? God...", he whispered as he snapped out of it. "How is it that you...where did your blade go? How-"

"About my blade it wasn't even mine. That lance I got before selling to the black marker helped me make that. That being said I wish I just went for either a full automatic or a semi automatic at that point, just to keep you at a safe distance. You actually had me piss scared for a moment there! Though I don't think if Sentinel infused magic didn't take you down, a stream of lead bullets would do anything...so we're done here I believe.”

"Wait what the hell are you talking about?! We're not even close to done! Come on!", he provoked he as he took his stance.

"No, not really. I mean if I didn't use my sweet ass Sentinel abilities considering the fact that you where about to cut my head off...you won. And yes the prices are still a thing so don't worry about that either. Expect it delivered to your room with the invitation by tomorrow morning. And just shut the hell up about the goddess, because for one, the hit wasn't meant to kill so she's fine and for two, for crying out loud she's the Goddess Of Life. She heals people. Herself included. Now that I've calmed your ass down I've got a club to catch. I'll be abusing my power as Paladin to clear a table and drink with Anya if she joins me.

"Most anticlimactic evil being in existence...", Lass let out a sigh.

"Might wanna put your ass where your mouth is kid, cause with all the crap that's coming out from there you'll clog the toilet that is your brain!", she smacked Lass on the neck. "I said we're done for now, more on that tomorrow. Now take yourself and Risa out of here and get some rest. I'll deal with Anya's situation too since she's probably on a leash by now. You did really well kiddo! Proud of ya!", she laughed.

"Gah! What the hell?! Why the neck? That hurt like hell! And what do you mean deal with Anya?"

"She went full wolf on them, probably bit someone's hand off so...yea, I'll go grab her and have a drink if there are no further legal issues. Arena costs are covered and my men were prepared for such an event, given the fact that either you where gonna destroy the arena with your powers, or I would using my powers. So cheer up!"

"Hmph. I'll have my eye on you..."

"Yea-yea whatever, get a good view of my glorious butt while you're using that eye of yours, see if I care. Tomorrow 8AM at the Royal training grounds by the way. Don't forget it or I'll have to drag you there. Running late seems to be your thing anyway. How much fun do you guys even have every night to run that late all the time?

"Piss off...", he blushed.

With that Lass lifted Ikarisa and they went back to their room. He treated her with what little she could before her powers started to take over. When she woke up Lass explained to her what happened and what the case with all the Sentinels was and oddly enough, she didn't seem to surprised by it.

"I see...I never knew that my spells could be so strong, even if for a course! I'm so cool!"

"For a spell that basically curses anyone who walks on this world, it's pretty good since it gives free will to those that lack it. Also can you tell me how the hell you got in the arena and Anya didn't?"

"Oh she wanted to enter from the vents, but I was a bit too short to jump up and do it, so she gave me a lift there and before she could get up too they grabbed her. They send some guards after me, but they weren't exactly too knowledgeable about the vent system, and they couldn't get in, so I found you and Magi thanks to hearing the clash of steel! Is Anya alright by the way?"

"Uh...define 'alright'.", Lass scratched his head.

"Is she hurt?!"

"Depends on how much she downs for one night. But don't you ever try to do something so dangerous again you dumbass!”

"But Lass...haven't I done even more dangerous stuff by now?"

"Why me...", he let out a sigh.

"Alrighty I get where you're coming from...thanks for treating my wounds.", Ikarisa chuckled.

"Heh. No problem...I honestly...I dunno where I'd be without you."

"Probably bleeding on the ground, were it not for the unbeatable goddess Ikarisa!", she flexed her muscles.

"Now try to get some sleep 'unbeatable goddess'.", he scoffed. "You and I will both need it..."

And with that Lass fell back into his dreams. The next morning he woke up and found what he was expecting. Both the money and the invitation as promised.

"Congratulations on winning in the KoK tournament! You and a friend of your choice may now participate in the ultra luxurious party that'll take place in the royal Reingard palace and receive the million Merit price from King Hateros himself!", the invitation wrote.

"Huh...more than promised? Not bad Sentinel."

And of course there was something written in the back of the invitation.

"Yo kid don't forget to meet me at the Royal training grounds tomorrow and don't you dare address me as Magi while at it. Stick with Heista, for obvious reasons that even you can understand! However, that too will disappear very soon, given how things will probably go. And as for the money, ask Anya about it, she'll help you out, because of course, we can't physically hand out such amounts."

"But of course...", he said to himself. "At least we're getting somewhere now."

With that Lass calmly prepared his gear and ate his breakfast. Who would've thought that he'd be getting taught about fighting from the one that he was trying to destroy. Truly this story was getting weirder by the minute...