Surprised? TBH most of this was written when I uploaded the last chapter and I just made some changes to make it a standalone chapter, so it is a little short but Anyway, enjoy.

The cheers from the crowd were constantly being drowned by the clash of metals. In an impressive arena, many warriors fought with dull weapons, and the one catching everybody's eyes were a skull wearing warrior. Everyone had poor clothes to make it fair, but that was in the name only. Truth to be told everyone knew who the last few standing would be. Namely, the ones using magic, who were most likely ex-knights, or mercenaries.

This cluster fuck of a battle royal was to let the last one standing complete in the holy tournament. This battle royal was created to allow peasants a chance to be in the holy tournament, however, the use of magic was completely legal even tho everyone knew peasants were magicless. Yet it didn't deter the common folk, for many of them would it be worth to risk one's life to win.

If you won then you would have a future and a certain future was priceless in a zealous empire, for some the honor of being part of the holy tournament was worth dying for. That was the reason a qualifying test was needed to even be able to participate. The creation of the test was because many young men would be wounded or killed.

Among the crowd, a large special balcony for VIPs was occupied by various noble houses. They exchanged pleasantries and mingled but the main reason they were there was to scout. It wasn't interesting at first because it would typically start with a bunch of people giving up at the start. And the reason was simple, one would get a diploma that they passed the test which would come in quite handy in the world of the commonfolk.

Once the leavers left they would fight at the signal of a big bell and when about half fell the bell would ring again and a break would occur for the fighters as personnel got the heavily injured and killed fighters out. The common crowd loved the skull wearing warrior because he hasn't used any magic and still dominated. Normally the ones dominating would be ganged upon but this time it was different. He was just like them, he can't use magic, if he could he would have long ago when he was surrounded after establishing his dominance. The common fighter would try to stir out of his way and not because of fear, but because he was a hero to the commonfolk, he was a living testament that they weren't worthless compared to the gifted.

However, the upper-class weren't too keen on that warrior. The nobles knew why this tournament was created. It wasn't to allow the commonfolk a chance to participate in the holy tournament. It was to reduce the number of strong people and to remind them of their place. Ever since the establishment of the royal battle, demands and rioting of the commonfolk have decreased significantly. Even if it hurt the harvest and labor ability of the country it was worth it. In the break, they would mingle again and talk about the mediocre magic users and the few impressive.

Among the fighters taking a break, a certain earthling was helping to bind a shallow wound on another fighter. "This might sting a bit, but it'll stop the bleeding." Marco applied a makeshift bandage from the clothes, more like rags he was forced to wear.

"Thank you, even tho we are enemies, you still helped me."

"We might be competing, but we are all civilians." He stood up from his squatting position and extended a hand to the injured participant. "You wouldn't happen to know why people stir clear of me?" He wasn't complaining about fighting less, but if he could figure out why they steered clear of him, he would know how to exploit it even more.

It could be that they were scared of him, but then why were they so enthusiastic to attack the magic users. It would be commonsense to fear magic and not his swinging weapons, granted a swing could easily kill a fighter, but he made sure not to kill anyone. A few he did kill, but it was pretty much out of his control, if you surprised him in battle he would reflexively attack and since it was a reflex it wouldn't be done with regulated strength.

"For me, it's because you are our hero and I'm sure almost everyone feels the same." He said that so earnestly and Marco was grateful for the training that allowed him to control his blush. "Don't get me wrong, I will fight you if it comes to that, but since there's still magic users would I rather fight them and not decrease the chances for one of us. Us the commonfolk gotta stick together, but you took it to another level by helping me. Again, thanks."

"Don't mention it. I wish you luck and hope you don't die." Leaving while the fighter was returning the pleasantries, he would simply sit down. Given the new information, it all made much more sense. It started as a battle royal but soon turned into the magic users against everyone else. It was weird and he chose to ignore it and kept attacking anyone near him. But now the best thing would be to join these gangs against the magic users, of course, he was a magic user as well, but nobody knew that.

His strategy was now to gang the most sparing magic users. The ones that constantly used magic would be more exhausted and therefore easier to defeat later. There was one exception, if there was an exceptional magic user then he or she would be a priority.

A loud bell rang and everybody that was sitting jumped on their feet. And the fighting resumed once again. He took the initiative to observe while keeping his guard up. It would seem that the magic users used the break to create temporary groups.

Most groups consisted of 2-4, having too many would only be a hindrance since they don't know each other. It was now virtually impossible for the commonfolk to get the drop on them. When they were alone they would be vulnerable from a blind spot, but now that they were grouped up, made the only viable option to overwhelm and exhaust them. And he was impressed by their bravery, none of them were deterred and to be honest it was kinda frightening if it wasn't for the fact that they got obliterated.

He would have to discard his plan and fight any nearby users, it was only a matter of time until all the commonfolk were incapable of fighting and it was likely that they would gang upon him. Then again that did sound pretty exciting and he would have waited if it wasn't for his partner that reprimanded him. It wasn't hard to change his mind because he knew it was stupid especially after he told Clem to bet on his victory.

The first one of each group would be easy, none paid any mind to projectiles. Because there were given no ranged weaponry to choose from. But that didn't matter to Marco, he kind of specializes in throwing, all from small weaponry to large ones.

A group consisting of 2 fought diligently and worked well together, they most likely knew each other. It seems to go well until one of them catches a blunt sword to the back of his head. The user now had to survive on his own and it was survival because the commonfolk made sure to properly end them. You could call what Marco did, a mercy kill but truth to be told he felt it was fair. They intentionally tried to kill with magic and in return, everyone else would kill them.

He did not doubt that it was intentionally designed that way. One simple rule could make it less fatal and make it a proper battle royal. If they banned the use of magic, then it would truly be fair and then the death rate would decrease. He saw it at the very start, nobody went overboard and that was most likely because no one knew who could use magic.

He had only been in the capital for 8 days and he very quickly learned the class-based society. The commonfolk were at the bottom then came the untitled magic users and those two were constantly at odds with one another, and he had no doubt it started with the creation of the battle royal.

The class above untitled magic users were knights. You could be a knight under noble houses granted you were strong enough. The class above knights were the nobles, and lastly at the top is the royal family.

Marco ending his train of thought hurried to the next group of users, right now they were outnumbered about 10 to 1. But the numerical advantage was already losing effect, however, it also made the users use magic more impulsively, and that created more openings for him to take them out.

The ground was littered with blunt weaponry and he could carry about 10 under his arm. He went on to the next group that consisted of 3. He would hit the first one with precision and then just rapid-fire, he only took out the first one, but he did bruise and possibly break some bones on the other two.

He didn't linger and went on to the next group while picking up weapons on the way. He also did the same to a group of 4 and he would continue until he had hit every group, but the common folk began to run and leave the arena. And soon Marco was left alone and surrounded by 14 users. He could create his dome and have an easier time taking them down, but no doubt everyone would think it was magic, even if it wasn't. He liked the idea of being a hero, but he would also like to absorb their souls. The only option then was to get close.

The crowd was silent with tension, their hero surrounded by dirty magic users. And when he let his weapon go, the disappointment was immense but it was also an understandable decision from the hero.

The hero was ecstatic he could feel the immense disappointment from them and the thought of defeating every last user against all odds or what they believed the odds were, fired him up. He ignored their threat and attacked the least exhausted-looking one. The others that were close to the target jumped away and the ones opposite of the attacked user sends a stream of fire, water, and cutting wind.

Marco grabbed the neck of the one he had just send in the ground and used him as a shield. The wind was the fastest and cut deep cuts into his meat shield then the fire hit and cauterize the bleeding shield and lastly, the water stopped the burning. It was a very bad combination. The only damage Marco suffered was his fingers around his shield's neck but a little heat could hardly be a concern of his, especially when he was absorbing his meat shield's soul.

The crowd cheered in surprise and awe. He was bombarded again, but this time everyone attacked with magic. It was only the four base element that was flying towards him, nothing tricky like lightning. It was easy to dodge, just like the common folk they weren't organized, but their teamwork was a lot better. They began to cover for each other after he took two more out when they all attacked at the same time.

Holding one by the skull using enough force to dig his finger in and having impaled the other through the hearth with his bare hand. He held them for a few seconds and he discarded them by using them as projectiles after his enemies. A few charged him while others would try to snipe him.

He dodged a volley of magic before it was close-quarter combat. Marco dodged the first attacker from the front and gave him a little push to redirect his attack to the one behind him and then followed up with a high kick that sends them both a few meters after their collision. They had planned to attack from all four directions, but they lacked timing and it was practically begging him to punish them.

Marco stepped back to get the last two attackers in front of him and as expected from seasoned fighters a volley of magic came flying at his back. The two who came for a melee backed understandably off, but it also gave him the freedom to loop two blunt swords he drooped earlier and kick them so they hit the recovering attackers he sent flying.

Ironically he received more damage from kicking the blunt swords than he has had received from the magic users. He didn't have much time before he was hit from behind, so as soon as his feet touch the ground after his kick, he jumped towards the now squirming pair. All but one had learned their lesson from when he last used a person as a meat shield and as a result, multiple bowling bowls sized rocks came flying at an impressive speed.

Marco just picked the one who was on top of the other by the back of their head. The one on top was a woman and a pretty one at that. His training under Lavabo screamed that it was wrong, he was supposed to be a gentleman and if he ever found a woman as an opponent he should give her a quick end.

He would listen to Lavabo's teachings, but he has changed and that is evident when all it takes to dismiss his training is; he has been told that women are more headstrong than men and he wanna test that to see if it's literally true.

He smashes her head in the first incoming rock, he then twists his arm and ends up back to back with her and hang her on his shoulder while still holding her like one would a blazer. He can slightly feel the impact from the rocks, but it's clear that the rocks are hitting hard because one can hear satisfying sounds of bones breaking.

It seems that only he finds it satisfying since the crowd isn't cheering and the magic users are hesitating. That's wrong they are contemplating if they should give up, they aren't holding their weapons as tight as before. It's clear that they are experienced because if you look at their faces one wouldn't think they have half a mind to flee.

As he absorbs her soul he takes a second or two and looks at her damages. Her face isn't pretty now with a heavily dented face and broken, well everything in and on her face is broken, her nose, teeth, jaw, and cheekbone. Her body isn't faring much better, a couple of her ribs have broken through her skin and are visible to everyone, while her many fractures in her arms and legs aren't visible her unnatural limbs bend are just as gory and unsettling.

He discards her and her horrible libs bend even more upon impact with the ground. He takes a step to the other injured fighter and promptly ends his life by crushing his head under his foot. "This isn't battle. H-he's here to slaughter us, not fight." It would seem this act is the straw that broke the horse's back as one user drops her weapon and runs. When one flees it easier for the next person to flee as well, this ended with all, but one fleeing and running.

He had a choice to pursue or not because as long as they are in the arena it's fair game, but the reaction after using the woman as a shield told him it would be unwise to pursue. It would dampen their view of him as a hero. Since being told he was a hero he thought up a new and ambitious plan.

First things first he had to deal with the one still in his way. It was the one who launched the rocks, he stood in his way, yet he wasn't in Marco's eyes. He didn't have a good grip on his weapon and when he tried to negotiate it was clear he knew he stood no chance. " How about a deal, I will get a fortune if you just surrender, we will split it 50-50."

Marco slowly advanced towards him. "We split 30-70, how about that," seeing no sign of stopping he grew even more desperate, "20-80, no, 10-90." Even if he couldn't see the eyes of the masked fiend in front of him, he could swear on the great sun god that he was slowly getting killed by that hidden glare.

Finally realizing that he wasn't moved by money, he perhaps grew mad. "I'm getting paid by killing all those damn common folk if you think a mere common bottom feeder is going to get in my way...You, YOU are going to die like a dog!"He launched rocks in different sizes and speeds, they were just aimed at Marco's general direction. It lasted for about 15 seconds, but it was enough to almost completely drain the earth user.

When the dust begins to settle he could only see dirt clouds and rocks, "hahahahaah, that's what you-" He can't finish his sentence or make a sound, a small hand was squeezing his windpipe.

"What's this about money?"He was shaken, this masked individual was indeed just a kid. But the most important part was his inquiry toward money. With hope as a dim light in complete darkness, he did all he could to reach it. He tried with all his might to speak and when Marco relented his grip, his words came like a giant tidal wave.

"Yes, the royal family would pay handsomely if I joined and made sure no common folk won, I would even get more money as a bonus for every person I killed!"

Marco nods in understanding and it gives hope to the user as he finds the courage to smile wryly. As thanks for his corporation, he gets his neck broken for a quick death, however, his soul is absorbed like all the others.

The bells ring and the crowd cheers and from out of nowhere a loud voice rings out, " We have a winner, the contestant 301 will be in the holy tournament."

The nobles could hardly believe their eyes. How did the common man win against 14 users, an average knight would have a hard time winning, yet this peasant fought them so one-sided they fleed.

A noble mumbled about giving him knighthood under his house.

Another noble shouted. "You can't be serious? A mere commoner being a knight is absurd and an offense to all knights."

"Congrats." Clem had prepared some tea for when Marco came to their rented room. He showed his gratitude when he took a sip of her tea.

"Any problem with our money?"

"No, Schlussen's escort was a great help transferring your newly won money."

He took his mask off to show how serious he is, " We split 50-50 then it's our. Btw how is the training going?"

"There could be more, I have time to myself."

He places his tea on a nearby table and places a hand on her head, "Listen, you don't have to work that hard. Didn't I promise I wouldn't sell or abandon you as long as you follow my rules?"

It wasn't hard rules to follow, 1. inform Marco if something is bothering you, 2. always be honest to Marco, 3. Always rest and eat enough. The third rule was added after she had fainted from overexertion.

He had learned after that incident how she ended up as a captive. She was sold off by her own family after it was discovered she couldn't have kids. She was sold off to be a prostitute, but the escort was attacked before it reached the whore house. He had saved her the very same day she was captured.

Marco forced her to tell him all the details by using the second rule and he got what he wanted. She told him how she fought but ultimately gave up after the third got his way with her, she was raped by 5 men in all. She broke down crying after retelling her experience, it was the first time he had seen her cry that earnestly. He had no doubt she would get through this, but now it wouldn't only be a complete recovery she would end up stronger because of this.

In a week's time, the holy tournament would be held and he had much prep to do, but first, he had to take his pack on a "walk".

The new Marco may seem chaotic and inconsistent but I promise that there is a consistency to his erratic action and mind. There's not really anything to say other than see you next time.