June 28, XX17; 7:00 A.M.

Kiwi POV

“Good morning…” greeted Dove as slowly descended the stairs with one arm stretched.

“Morning…” I replied.

“Good Morning. Breakfast’s ready.” followed Sylvie.

I learned last night that ARF had an Elven maid named Sylvie. Well, maid in terms of appearance, I highly doubt ARF would treat Sylvie different from a Party Member. An elven maid did sound like some weaboo’s perverted fetish though.

After Dove began eating, I asked “Why do you guys have an Elven maid? Isn’t she from the Elven Camp?”

“Political stuff regarding Elves, you should ask Hawk from the details. Simply, Sylvie is safer hear than returning home with the other Elves.”

“I see…” as I replied, loud footsteps descended the stairs. It was Canary, the youngest Player in the raid who leapt down the stair.

“Good Morning!” she greeted energetically. “Hawk said he’s skipping breakfast since he’s too tired.”

Once Canary started eating, I asked again, “Is there anything I should know now that I joined ARF?”

“Not really. Just don’t betray us.” replied Dove nonchalantly.

“And no stealing Hawk from Dove.” added Canary. Sylvie chuckled and Dove poked Canary’s forehead. I laughed along as well.

“Are you two dating?”

“No!” Dove immediately and strongly answered.

I went with the flow and asked, “So can I steal him from you?”

Dove thought a bit before replying, “Well, I guess you can try?”

“What are you planning on doing today?” asked Sylvie.

“We’re free today. I want to go visit the orphanage!” said Canary.

“Sylvie and I have something to do, so you’ll have to go by yourself.” replied Dove.

“I don’t mind going with her. But why are we free today, didn’t a new part of the world map just unlock?” I volunteered.

“ARF lacks the manpower to explore the world map. Besides, the Crimsons Swords alone is enough people to find the new area to be cleared. The discoveries would be reported by tonight anyway.” explained Dove.

We conversed about various topics until around eight when we left the house. Hawk was still asleep.

Canary and I arrived at the orphanage. As soon as a child saw Canary’s face, he exclaimed, “Canary is here.”

The children excitedly flocked around Canary. They looked curiously at me as well. Noticing this, Canary explained, “She is Kiwi, a new Party member of ARF.”

As soon as ARF was mentioned, some of the children flocked to me as well, asking various questions. After a few minutes of non-stop answering, the children finally calmed and led us into the orphanage to sit.

A boy named Luke, apparently the “leader” of these children, sat besides Canary who said with the most adorable smile, “Good job taking care of the children.”

Luke blushed before replying, “Awesome, aren’t I. I told you that you leaving would be no problem.”

Canary and Luke went to play with the other children, leaving me to keep an eye on them. The occasional child would come to me and talk to me, but they never stayed with me too long before continuing to play.

I observed that Canary noticed and interacted with every child here. Even when many people were talking to her a once, she would reply accurately to all of them one by one.

At around eleven in the morning, Razor arrived. I learned from Canary that he was the one who created this “orphanage”. He noticed me but spent around twenty minutes playing with the children first.

He said after approaching me, “So you are part of ARF now? Weird.”

“How is it weird?” I replied. If he wasn’t a well-known Player I probably would have been insulted, but I was sure he had his reasons.

“Hawk only wants to Party with people who have a certain quirk. Zoe, Dove, Canary, and Crow all fit this criterion; however, you, while skilled, aren’t unique in any way. Any tank under Hawk’s supervision would surpass you in a few days. So why would Hawk take an interest in you?”

“I don’t know.” I answered truthfully. I’d probably ask Hawk once we return home though.

“I don’t know as well and that bothers me. Hawk can always see something others may not see. So Duel me and show me what he sees in you!” A Duel challenge from Razor appeared before my eyes. “Same rules as your Duel with Dove. Survive for one minute and you win, but unlike Dove, I won’t lose on purpose.”

I already knew Dove lost to me on purpose. She could’ve activated Fade Walk anytime to finish me off, but she didn’t. I still didn’t know why. Sigh… I still had a lot of questions to ask those two.

The children gathered around us as I accepted the Duel.

As the countdown started, I brought out both my shields. Razor drew out his Iron Sword as well as his Iron Shield, which were both Uncommon Rarity items. I recalled that Razor was a Electric Templar.

Templars were very similar to Spell Blades both in Abilities, Stats, and Equipment Options. The biggest difference was that Spell Blades were more weapon-focused. Spell Blades abilities created additional effects on their weapons. On the other hand, Templar abilities were independent from their weapons.

Razor’s Ability and its properties were well known to everyone. Lightning Cloud summoned a cloud above the user. The cloud would strike lightning immediately after activation and in an interval of every six seconds.

The very second the countdown ended, Razor activated Lightning Cloud. I jumped backwards the very second the countdown ended. The bolt hit the ground where I was standing. While the bolt travelled at the speed of lightning, it was possible to dodge since the timings of the Ability were fixed. There was known delay between Lightning Cloud’s location targeting and the bolt itself. Many Players estimated the delay to be a quarter of a second.

During this time, Razor dashed towards me with his shield up. Mirrored World was useless for Duels, so I had to win with pure skill. Our shields clang with one another. Razor timed this intentionally at the same time as the second bolt struck. Since I knew this, I used my other shield to block it. At the same time, Razor used his superior force to push away my shield with his own and landed the first hit on me with his sword. I lost 21% from the attack. Razor shoved his shield at me, and I blocked with my shield, but before our shields crashed, he went down to sweep kick me, which fell me down on the ground.

Razor swung both his sword and shield down as I blocked one with each shield. I struggled to defend, but Razor managed to push my shields away, allowing for another lightning to strike, which opened me up for another sword strike, leaning me at 45% Health

During the short interval of Razor’s attack, I managed to stand up only to be greeted by another a shield to the face, which threw me back. Thankfully, I held my balance to block the subsequent sword strike, but I failed to avoid the fourth bolt, leaving me at 30% Health.

Razor gave no opening as he continued to strike me. Once again, he timed one of his attacks to connect at the same time as the bolt struck; however, I predicted it this time. I offensively clashed my shield with his sword. Since the clash happened earlier than he wanted, I had a window to dodge the lightning bolt. I reached half-time.

Razor circled around me and swung his sword, but I somehow knew this was a faint. His primary purpose was to sweep kick me after I blocked his attack. The moment our weapons made contact, I front-flipped over his crouched body. I battered my shield into his back and threw him off balance, allowing to easily dodge the next bolt.

Realizing I was gaining the upperhand, Razor unexpectedly unsummoned his shield. I did not know what advantage this created since Razor can’t dual-wield nor can he use two hands on his sword. My confusion was answered by a higher level of aggression from Razor as his attacks doubled in intensity. While I managed to barely block and avoid his attacks, I failed to avoid the bolt that came. Now at critical HP, Razor gave no opening and went for the finish.

I counted in my mind the timing of the next bolt as I faced Razor’s relentless assault. It was futile; I couldn’t create an opportunity to dodge the next bolt. Milliseconds before the bolt struck, I activated Mirrored World in desperation and panic and immediately deactivated it.

I thought I lost but somehow I still had Health left, but I couldn’t react in time to Razor final sword strike than lost me the Duel.

“Interesting…” mumbled Razor as I got on my feet.

Canary immediately rushed to my side. Despite expecting her disappointment, only excitement could be seen her face. She exclaimed, “Kiwi! You were awesome.”

“Not bad indeed… I’ll be going now. Hoping to see you improve.” Added Razor.

“Thanks. Hope to duel you again.” I replied.

“Tell Hawk I’ll be waiting at the tournament.” Said Razor as he walked away.

After another hour, Canary and I bid our farewell to the children as we went to shop around. She asked me, “How strong did you feel Razor was?”

“Hmm… If I were to say, probably slightly stronger than Dove. Although Dove can probably beat him in a good day.”

We spent the rest of the day hanging out. As I expected, Canary was quite mature for her age. She happily spoke about relatively mature topics without a hint of immaturity.

I guess I finally found my place here in Reality. It only took less than a month: shorter than I expected.

[Templar]

A job specializing on both weapons and magic.

Stats: Health: *** Mana: **** Attack: **** Defense: **

Magic: **** Resistance: ** Speed: ** Dexterity: ***

Usable Weapons: One-handed Swords, Spears, Shields

Usable Armor: Light Equipment, Medium Equipment

[Lightning Cloud]

Creates a cloud ten meters above the User. The cloud follows the user’s movements and consumes every second Mana when active. On activation and every six seconds, a bolt of lightning will attack from the cloud, targeting the closest enemy within range. Cannot be cast indoors. User may deactivate Lightning Cloud at any time.

Range: Single-target, Near the User

Cooldown: 30 Seconds