Dove POV

A child stood against a grown man. The scene before us could easily be mistaken for child abuse. Even so, Kotel fearlessly readied himself for his Duel with Blitz. Blitz, with Flametongue at hand, showed no signs of mercy to the boy before him as well.

While I had seen Flametongue before, it never ceased to amaze me how much it contrasted Icebrande. Its blade was like layers of solidified red flame that overlapped at disorganized patterns unlike Icebrande’s smooth and clear blade. Its guard was like once again solidified flame, but with higher layer frequency of layers and of orange. The hilt was once again solid red and the design of a western sword with a small torch of flame at the tip, unlike Icebrande’s more eastern design.

Blitz himself was a Gladiator. Gladiators were high-damage, low-defense, middle-speed fighters. Their Abilities were all strong but had detrimental effects. Hawk considered Gladiators to be the best Job Class for brainless man-fighting. To my surprise, Blitz also chose to be able to use all types of Equipment available to him. Prior to Flametongue, Blitz mostly used Axes and Two-handed Swords. Hawk analyzed that out of all the Players who had Artefacts, Blitz improved the least upon their acquisition.

Blitz’ Ability description was known to all. His ability was called Flare Blitz. An extremely high damage charge at a straight line that also inflict self-damage. To give an example of how much damage it dealt, Flare Blitz had the capability to at the very least two-shot any Player except for Kin, who required an additional normal strike to be felled. After acquiring Flametongue, Blitz’ Ability took 86% of Hawk’s Health in one strike.

The existence of Blitz’s second Ability was very likely. Unfortunately, like most Players who unlocked it, the Ability was yet to be revealed to the public.

Blitz famous loss versus Hawk affected him in more ways than reveal his weaknesses, Since the defeat, Blitz had been underestimated and mocked by other Players. To be honest, his seeding over Hawk was definitely incorrect from a one on one perspective; however, Hawk definitely had a small but notable matchup advantage against Blitz. Blitz biggest strength over Hawk was that in a consecutive series of Duels vs all Players in Naut City, Blitz would have a higher win-rate.

Unlike most of the previous battles, Kotel stayed put when the countdown ended. Only Blitz rushed at Kotel as soon as their swords connected, Kotel leapt to the side. Kotel dashed at Blitz but immediately sidestepped midway.

“Sigh… Blitz became so conservative with his usage of Flare Blitz ever since he lost to you.” Commented Zoe who was besides us along with her Party.

“Yeah. If that didn’t happen, Kotel would actually have a two-digit percent chance of winning.” Replied Hawk.

“So in your opinion Kotel only has a single-digit percent chance…”

“Well, I want Kotel to trouble Blitz as much possible. After all, forcing Blitz to use his second Ability would be beneficial to Dove.”

Kotel danced around the battlefield, faking his attacks multiple times but never getting through with it. Kotel continued circling around Blitz; however, he was slowly but surely being moved to one corner of the Duel area.

The instance Kotel’s back touched the Duel barrier, Blitz swung at Kotel. Making the best out of a terrible situation, Kotel squeeze in an Illuminated Blade hit on Blitz for 24%.

One side of the Duel circle was engulfed by fire. After the flame and smoke cleared, the silhouettes of the Players shaped once again. Kotel lost 78% of his Health from Flare Blitz and another 11% for ramming against the barrier.

Even so, everyone saw in Kotel’s eyes that he didn’t give up. Since he had approximately eight seconds before the next Flare Blitz, he immediately went aggressive on Blitz. Attempting strike after strike, the difference in skill showed itself to the audience. Everyone could see Kotel did his best. Even so, Blitz repelled his attacks easily.

“If this was the Blitz before losing to me, he would have immediately attacked Kotel ignoring Flare Blitz’ downtime. That would have increased the chance of Kotel winning around three-fold.

When Kotel realized Flare Blitz has cooled-down. He continued his encirclement tactics against Blitz, this time making sure to avoid getting cornered. Due to comparatively more limited movements to avoid getting cornered, Blitz was able to close distance to Kotel more easily.

“It’s over. Even Swan would lose in this scenario, the best way to fight Blitz was to willingly get attacked, prioritizing avoiding Flare Blitz; however, if you are one hit from defeat, you cannot attack him, as he would immediately Flare Blitz. You cannot take an attack either.” Said Zoe with a sad look.

“I am the only Player who won a Duel against Blitz while getting hit by Flare Blitz.” Added Hawk.

Kotel created an opening on the now aggressive Blitz. He activated Illuminated Blade and swung at him. Blitz willingly took the 24% damage attack and immediately used Flare Blitz upon contact.

Fire once again filled up the plaza, but no barrier was hit so the fire wasn’t as erratic as before.

Everyone’s attention was placed elsewhere. Kotel still stood there with the same Health as before. He immediately attacked the surprised Blitz. Blitz attempted to defend himself but was too rattled and took another strike for 25%.

“Before anyone asks, the 5% initial self-damage Flare Blitz makes occurs upon activation and before hitting. In other words, at 16% Health, Blitz can’t just take another strike, hope to live, and win with Flare Blitz. The 10% recoil happens after though.” Explained Hawk to everyone including the Cerulean Seas members.

A symbol of flame appeared behind Blitz. As their swords connected, Blitz effortlessly pushed through Kotel’s and ended the Duel. Blitz had 11% Health remaining.

“That was far closer than I wanted.” Stated Blitz.

Tears filled Kotel eyes as the agony of defeat sunk into his mind. If he had been stomped, he would feel far less painful than he does not; however, he was within realm of winning.

Zoe and the rest of Cerulean Seas rushed into the center of plaza to comfort the boy who tried his best yet barely failed to make it.

Applaud filled the crowd as an unexpected turn of events nearly unfolded. Once again, Blitz reputation went even lower. People would underestimate even more.

Soon after, ARF and the Golden Warriors approached as well. To everyone surprise even the Platina Knights approached, all of us in applause. Kotel, who was embraced by Zoe and crying on her bosom, cried even more as the applause grew stronger and stronger.

While still embracing Kotel, Zoe glanced at us and told Hawk, “Looks like things happened as you wanted. Your princess better secure victory.” Zoe’s words had a hint of saltiness but no hatred. Hawk did not reply.

As the applause came to an end, Alcor joined us in the center of the plaza.

“Congratulations to our final four: Kin, Hawk, Blitz, and Dove. I bid everyone farewell for the day. Tomorrow will be the day where the winner is decided. Will Kin continue his dominate route to victory? Will the Hawk outwit his more skilled opponents? Will Blitz overpower his opponents with brute force? Will Dove dance the flow on her way to the prize? Comeback tomorrow for the most exciting end of the tournament!”

[Gladiator]

A high-risk, high reward offensive Job class

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

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

Usable Weapons: One-handed Swords, Two-Handed Swords, Axes, Spears

Usable Armor: Light Equipment, Medium Equipment, Heavy Equipment

[Flare Blitz]

Charges at a straight line while covered with fire. Deals extreme Physical Fire Elemental Damage to the target. User loses 5% Health upon cast and 10% Health upon successfully hitting the opponent. This cannot be cancelled, defended, or negated.

Cooldown: 10 seconds

Target: Area, Straight Line