Chapter 9

Duel.

The only way to engage players inside the Inner Area, most players use them to settle arguments or to show off their power. They are carried out in almost any place, although they are better if performed outside or in large areas. The most common being the first strike, because of its safety. However, this activity came into mind for some reason because of my new duties.

The problem was that I need money, and quick; and hunting would take too much time and effort. This was due to my "honorary membership" in the organization MMO Today. They took me in as an exception, mainly due to my current stay in the ALS, and granted me permission to aid in any donation. I was surprised to find out that they weren't a guild yet, but instead, a congregation of players that help other players. Their members group up and help out in any way possible. This means that they don't have a leader, but more like a representative. Yet, many of their members do call a man their leader, a man named [Thinker].

However, it wasn't him who granted me a place in their congregation. It was a serious, yet charismatic woman named [Yulier].

"You see, we aren't a guild yet, but more like a group of friends. There is no leader, but everyone insists that Thinker be the one, after all, he is the founder"

"I see; so are you like the second in command or something? After all, I was sent a message to come with you, so are you?"

"No, no, I'm just another member. But everyone seems to put their trust on me, so I guess…"

She was a serious woman, yet I could still see some happiness in her eyes, even if she didn't show it. It seemed she was kind and understanding, someone whom you could trust.

She does remind me of myself; so I will trust her, I mean, if she´s like me, why the hell not!?

"Well, putting that aside, I do wish to contribute with acts, but I'm currently on the front with the ALS and can't be seen abandoning my post, so I guess it´ll have to be monetarily. Here are some of my earnings, it's not much but it´ll help"

Extending my fingers to pull out my window, I materialized my Col and handed it over to Yulier. She was, as expected, quite shocked from my withdraw. Even I was impressed at how much I had, but didn't regret giving it away; after all, it was for a good cause.

"15.000 Col! Are you sure? It's just…"

"It's alright; I can always make more, so I expect it to be used properly, please"

"Of course, and again, thank you"

After a shot bow, I prepared to leave the small home´s living room. Grabbing my cape, I opened the small wooden door, but was stopped by a sudden exclamation.

"Wait! I forgot to tell you, the only reason we decided to let you join was because a certain group vouched for it; you must have left quite an impression on that group, and specially its representative"

"…."

"By the way, what´s your name? You didn't tell me and you didn't even take of the mask. I know I can trust you, but I at least need a name"

"It´s Christopher, and thanks again"

As I shut the door and trotted towards the teleport gate, a smirk ran thru my lips. It was quite late and I had to go back to my post.

Ha! So there is some hope!

The ninth floor didn't have that much, it was basically the same layout as former floors; however, what stood out was the small arena in its main city, [Galba]. The simple medieval-type buildings all centered around a main plaza and the great forests around the city were quickly forgotten by the clearing group. But it soon became the "gambling central" for all players, a spot to place bets on various activities and events.

There were the typical board games, card games, dice games, fixed-odds betting, and the most attractive: Duels. This was the place where most mid-level and low-leveled players lost their Col, yearning for a chance to get easy cash. But nothing stopped many others from trying. It was a pretty bustling city, and nothing pulled more people in than PvP duels; and all of this was happening inside the cramped [Celeste Arena].

The ninth floor was right in the middle of things, as the frontlines where on the seventeenth floor.

Two weeks have passed since my team and I mapped the twelfth floor dungeon and barely one week since I was appointed "honorary member". Simply fighting like always, in my spare time during that period, I managed to bribe the few guards that keep vigilant eyes on the Black Iron Castle to let me out during the nights. It was quite unethical, but it was necessary to gain Col for donations.

In just a few days, I was able to adjust to my new life, soldier by day, gladiator by night. Though it was fatally hard, I completed my every day duties without hassle. Besides, it did have plenty of rewards, especially the strong level-ups that come with winning duels.

And with recognition, names start to pop up, and the one I liked the most was: [Silver Eyes].

A burst of sparks flew across the dim space, revealing a dark horned helmet.

Clang!

Our two swords met with great power and rejected each other with each blow. We both retracted but soon lunged forward as our sword skills moved our weapons. Hit and run moves were adopted and we were soon locked in combat.

It was late at night, probably around 11:00 p.m. I was still in Galba, inside the infamous Celeste Arena. The place half full, with some spectators standing and yelling out. The dark sky covered the arena like a mantle, with only the moon and a few lamps illuminating the place. These events were called [Midnight Rumbles], taking place late at night, when the city itself became more alive. After all, gambling is a nocturnal thing, and it was what kept the town running. Despite the hour and the conditions, there appeared to be many players that were enjoying the spectacle.

It probably felt like being at an arena at night in a sports game but without the lights and with the players having glowing uniforms. However, in this case, it was our swords that were glowing, and with the help of the light that came from the lamps, it probably wasn't too hard see. Yet, what was hard to see form the gladiator´s perspective was the opponents face, and let alone the spectators. But using sword skills in these conditions must ensure a hell of a show. Shards of colorful lights illuminating the scene, like fireworks on New Year's.

Smash!

Parrying his two-handed longsword with just enough energy, I activated a sword skill, [Vertical], as I moved the sword upward, but was soon rejected thanks to his two-handed sword skill, [Tilt], (similar to [Slant] but two-handed) that met with mine.

Each move and trick I tried was quickly handled by his sword, taking a toll on my patience.

Damn! He´s strong!

[Wolf Pack] was his name. We were both introduced in the 60 second wait at the start of the duel. He was quite tall, yet he was skilled with the longsword. He sported gray armor and gear and wore a dark helmet, making impossible to see his face. But the most noticeable thing was the wolf fur on his back, almost like a cape; I supposed that was where he got his name.

Silver Eyes was the one they gave me, obviously coming from the special head gear I always wore. It was a rather small piece, a single, sliver-made visor with eye slits; narrow enough to be able to see, I used it to conceal my identity, as only the bottom half of my face was visible.

I had also upgraded my armor, and seeing the skills of my opponent, I could assume he too had high-quality gear. But everything aside, I was confident that I knew him from somewhere.

Where have I seen you?

Clank!

Trampled by his attack while I was ignorantly trying to answer the questions on my mind, he once again he took the offensive and rained blows with his two-handed sword. It was hard blocking his moves while trying to note any opening in this semi-dark arena. Blow after blow, I dodged them, trying to read my opponent's moves.

As I fought my way thru, I remembered a certain trick that I encountered. And as most of his moves seemed to centered around downward strikes, I hoped for it to work.

Time to change the game!

After our weapons repelled other, he activated a sword skill, [Overhand], (opposite to [Uppercut] but two-handed) and released it. Taking my chance and analyzing the trajectory, I lunged backwards with all the strength in my legs.

Ughh! Not today!

Readying my sword, I took it by the tip of the handle and hurled it forward.

Seeing it fly in the air towards my opponent, I put my hopes onto it.

Shluk!

Penetrating his right shoulder, it took the necessary damage to end the duel.

As I landed, I hurried to help the man and retrieve my sword.

I was lucky to hit him; otherwise he would've sliced me up in no time!

As the Congratulations sign appeared, a small window popped up in front of me, alerting me of my new level. I turned it away and offered my help to the man on the ground.

"Those were some pretty amazing skills sir"

"Can't say the same for you, that was a trick move you pulled out"

"Hey, it's a duel after all. Do everything you can to win!"

Smiling, I defended my moves.

"Guess you're right, I might even borrow that little trick of yours"

"Sure, anytime"

As the crowd became louder, we walked towards the exit, exchanging remarks. Meeting with one of the organizers, we greeted each other and went different paths. As a small man stood in front of me, he handed over a leather bag filled with coins, and as I accepted my earnings, he spoke.

"Looks like you´re quite famous now"

"Naa, I'm just another fighter in the arena"

"Well… here's you pay for today, make sure to check out before you go and rest"

Storing my night´s earnings and preparing to leave, the small man turned around and happily said:

"I was just wondering, if you want… there are another two that would like to take their money back; it's ok if you don't want to, I guess I'll just have to make something up"

Two more, huh?

Unsheathing my sword once more, I happily accepted.

"I guess this means I won't be resting today"