Chapter 20: Oppression by the System

Walking around Carmina Gadelica before their match was a refreshing experience for everyone. The town looked like an acutally city and not a small village like Mac Anu had. Jon had gone back to the blacksmith to retrieve his restored Tidal Sword, and it had felt lighter than when he had first gotten it. Taking a few practice swings, he liked the feel of his sword and went to tip the blacksmith when the tradesman grabbed his right wrist and had it a strong grip on it.

"What the hell are you doing," Jon struggled but couldn't get his wrist free.

"You're a fool to leave your screen name and voice with an NPC that's controlled by CCcorp.," a rough voice replaced the once scottish accent came from the portly blacksmith.

"So your with the Cobalt Knights I've been hearing about," no other player had come near the weapon shop and no one else was in listening range.

"Wrong, I'm the one who gives them orders, and the one who tracks down little 'bugs' like you," sounding irritated.

"So you must be Lios then, the administrator who has a bounty on my head, and sent Balmung after me," the heavy blade sounding arrogant.

Shocked that he was found out, "Who told you something like that?"

"Some good informants. You can't keep your subbordinates in check, and you can't even send good ones to take me out either. Are you good for anything?"

"Quiet you insignificant excuse for data. I could delete you here and now if I wanted to," the blacksmith's face turning a dark shade of red.

"But wouldn't that cause a scene and numerous complaints sent to your front desk? That and wouldn't players be worried that their character could be deleted at anytime by some unknown administrator," Jon asked knowing full well Lios couldn't do one thing to harm him without causing a commotion.

Angered at the possition he knew he was in, "I could handle the paperwork, and we could always say that you're a hacker," thinking he saw the giant arena that was set up on the other side of town, "Just a thought, are you entered in the tournament?"

"Yeah, why do you ask, pig?"

"I have another way to make sure you're deleted that will be easier to cover up," Lios chuckled as the blacksmith released his wrist, "Good luck surviving in the tournament."

"Attention," a calm voice came from speakers set up around the town, "all shops will be closing once the tournament is underway. Please stock up on items and weapons now while you still can. The tournament shall begin at 3PM. That is all."

"Damn," he saw that it was a little past 2 and he had to find DarkAngel and Sakura plus stock up on items.

The twin blade of his team came running to him as he was finishing buying Healing Drinks, "Bad news. The leader of the Cobalt Knights, Kamui, and Balmung have entered as a team, as a last minute entry."

"If it comes to it, can you fight him," Enigma's demeanor switched from friendly to serious, "plus when I have to, could you let me kill him?"

Tears started to run from her eyes and whispered, "Yes. If it comes to it, then I will fight him, and I won't stop you from doing what you have to do."

"I only hope you can back those words up. Any word from Sakura?"

"Only that she was buying items a while ago, and that she was going to talk to Lina and ChaosB1ade. You nervous about this tournament? A lot of good players are showing up, and some with the backing of the company," refering to Kamui and Balmung.

"Slightly, but I never let it show. We should find out some of the rules from the recorder so we now what kind of surprises there will be," as they reached the recorder they asked if there were any stipulations for the tournament.

"As of now, the will a handicap placed on every player for each match that lasts that match. It could range from: no weapon usage, no item usage, double SP cost, double damage, half speed," he listed many more handicaps that would be placed, "The handicap will be determined by random deciscion. Is there anything else that I can clarify?"

"Team of two or one won't recieve any kind of bonus for fighting against teams of three," Jasmine asked.

"Nope. If players decided to go solo, then they fight that way with no additional help against three or two. Anything else?"

They shook their heads and found Kelly along with their two other friends, "Didn't think you would enter Lina, but then entered with ChaosB1ade here," Jasmine asked.

"Hey, he useful sometimes," Lan laughed, "It gives us more of a chance at winning that expansion set and weapon creator. You know whoever wins can send it to the losers."

"Then maybe I won't help you Lina," David turned around on his heels.

"Hey Lina, I meant to ask you, what happended after I fell asleep," Jon asked.

"You just woke up? Jeez, you've been out for three days," Lan said. She told him about Kamui and then Cobalt Knight strike force.

"So that's why Kamui entered with Balmung as a last minute entry," Jon said. He told them about Lios's threat and how he probaly thought Balmung and Kamui were placed in to kill him. They made last minute preperations and then split into their respective teams until it was time for the tournament to begin.

Chapter 20 End

A/N: I'm almost done with chap 21 but my job and school will keep me from doing anything but those for this week and maybe next as well. It will A LOT longer than my normal chaps as this one was A LOT shorter. I plan to be done with it in another 3-4 chaps. LATES.