(A/N): Nice one huh? Nyahaha! GG!


Act XII: Audition

"Wanted a closer view?

Crove spoke when he got in front of him. Rumors about him were true. He was nicknamed 'Knight in Shining Armor', as women tend to call him that. He is an icon to the ladies. Even back in his swordsman days, he was already known to have many women in his grasp… yet more girls flocked at him when he became a war hero, and even more when he was addressed as 'legendary' due to his incredible fighting ability and glorious exploits, even in such a young age. He was so far the best knight in the whole of Midgard's history. It is rumored that Relkan was the only one stronger than him, but they have never fought each other before. People concluded that the only reason Crove chose not to challenge Relkan when he won the previous tournaments flawlessly was that he was a loyal knight of honor and has so much respect for his guild master.

Kraveck stayed silent. He was glad that the Great Sir Crove was more courteous and open minded than the ones he had already met. It would seem like Cove was in fact welcoming him.

"So you did not come here to talk? You came to assassinate me then?" Crove said while smirking.

"No… why would I… "

"That was a joke, stranger! I'm a bit busy right now, so if you could please tell me what you want…"

Kraveck grumped.

"Besides Relkan, you are the only one who has the authority to recruit."

Crove blurted out a genuine laugh.

"So you wish to join Ultima then? It's true, unlike other guilds, we don't send out recruiters anymore. We are already at our peak and Relkan limited the guild's recruiting management to me."

"I'm still waiting for an answer…"

Crove was amused again.

"Stranger, I don't know anything about you. How do I know you're not a spy?"

"Last time I checked, the war is over. Nobody sends spies anymore…"

"I beg to differ. It's a few days until the tournament and our sly adversary Zerran usually wants to know our line-up and there's always Vional who uses spies to put weakening drugs on our fighters just before the tournaments."

"Well that's nice… but do I look like the type who would submit to a woman nor poison my opponent?"

Crove studied Kraveck, he was a great analyst of emotions. He was indeed telling the truth, but he knew he was also hiding something.

"Hmmm… you do look like a man of integrity… But you want something else, if I may say so, you're hiding something."

This time it was Kraveck who laughed.

"I've already auditioned my skills… I wish to become of your representatives in the tourney."

"Why? Your eyes actually show you're after someone."

Kraveck didn't expect this. Crove was smart; he was catching on to him real fast. But he still kept his words calm.

"That's none of your business…"

Crove laughed again.

"So I take it you want revenge from a fighter that's going to enter the tournament? And among the guilds, you want to use Ultima's name? should I be honored?"

"It's up to you…"

Crove took a moment to think.

"Fine! I'll let you in the tournament. But only on one condition…"

"I'm listening..."

"You tell me who you're after…"


Valacn was sitting under a tree; waiting for his master patiently. It was late afternoon and Kraveck still hasn't come out of the castle yet. Sitting there for a while made him think about a lot of things. He was thinking about the match. He was wondering about his master. Sefryenion was a well known crusader; feared in the battlefield. He is what the people nicknamed him, 'The Demonslayer!'. The demons of Glastheim never saw so much destruction from a human before. Yet… his master rendered Sefryenion to the ground. Where could his master come from? How did he become so strong? Where did he learn that skill? And what could his master be plotting?

Questions were still ringing in Valcan ears when he suddenly heard a creak from the gate.

The gate was opening. Valcan's hope went up. It has gotta be my mast'r!

Indeed it was Kraveck who stepped forth; wind was gushing through his hair and robe. The old man was dashing towards his master.

"Mast'r!"

But as he was nearing Kraveck, he seemed to notice that he was wearing a new silk robe. There was no rip and there was a picture on his right chest… no… more like an emblem on the robe.

To his surprise - The astonishment on Valcan's couldn't be described.

"By da' savage's mane… Dat's a…"

"Yes, I am an Ultima now, Valcan..."