Small Note: I fucked up the math in the last chapter, Onyx ended with 45 spare stat points not 70.
For slaying an enemy almost twice your levels, foolhardy has upgraded into daredevil: deals 15% extra true damage against enemies at least 10 levels higher than user or when outnumbered 5 to 1 during combat.
Onyx
Title: Daredevil, Onii chan
Level 37
Race: Grimm – Dread Knight
Exp: 7042/10000
Hp: 3400/3400(3/min)
AP: 1300/1300 (2/min)
Atk - 84 (+150) = 234
Def - 155 (+57) = 212
Str - 92
End - 85
Vit - 70
Dex - 75
Int - 20
Wis – 20
Luck - 30
Points – 0
Lien – 32067
Essence points – 378
Ringed Knight Paired Greatswords: (+322 DMG) 2 hulking mass of molten metals forged in the Abyss, its massive weight requires tremendous Strength as well as Endurance to wield.
Hmm, it's definitely a magnificent weapon but the speed might be a problem making it predictable in combat. Then again I doubt that Barry or Lionel would even come close to lifting it let alone swinging. I've allocated my stats mostly into Endurance as it's quite lacking compared to the others and save up just a little for Luck. Intelligence and Wisdom are extremely low but at the moment I only have 1 skill that scale with them so maybe I'll look into that in the future.
*knock* *knock* "Onyx? Are you in here?" That's Maria's voice, that's quite odd, how did she find her way here.
"Come in Maria, how did you find us by the way?" Letting herself into the Xiao Long-Rose's living room Maria just shrugs and crouch next to me watching the commotion in the yard.
"My senses are better than most and it doesn't take much to track Barry and his unique scent, the others already split up to Gods know where on their own journeys. What the heck did I miss and why is that Lionel guy on Death's door?" She asks gesturing exasperatedly outside.
"Eh, long story." I chuckle awkwardly unsure how to explain that a supposedly hero of another world got his ass beaten by little girl. An angry semblance wielding little girl but it's still embarrassing nonetheless.
"CLEAR! *zchunk* CLEAR! *zchunk* WE'RE LOSING HIM!" A Panicked paramedic screams to his partner who is currently trying to revive Lionel via defibrillator. Ah right he's not fully undead anymore, I should probably heal him before he actually dies for good. Waiting for the 2 paramedics to turn their attention away from Lionel, I reach out with my hands, glowing as I cast 2 gentle prayers to get him back on his feet.
"*gasp* I'M ALIVE!" Lionel's sudden scream of course freaks everybody out and Maria smiles in mild amusement seeing them running around like headless chickens. Off to the sides, Tai and Summer seems unfazed, no doubt used to our crazy antics. Ruby cheers cutely and Yang looks disappointed that Lionel didn't die, I would laugh if not for how serious she seems.
"Where's the absentminded hunter amidst all this?" Maria asks me. That's a good question, I haven't seen Barry after dinner, he looked pretty shaken about some-My question was answered as the man in question stumbles through the door clearly tired. His clothes were a mess and I could see bags under his eyes, did he even sleep at all last night?
"Are you…alright?" I carefully ask.
"The axe, she keeps swinging and swinging, the blood keeps flowing and flowing." Right I'm no psychologist but that's definitely NOT normal.
"Don't worry I'll fix him." Casually walking over, Maria delivers a devastating blow to Barry's liver causing the man to keel over hissing in pain. Although crude and maybe unnecessary, it did the trick and Barry snaps out of the drunken stupor he was in.
"Oof, oh what happened?" He mutters dazedly on the floor.
"I was hoping you could tell me that, nevermind looks like we're needed outside." I cut the conversation short seeing Summer beckoning us and help Barry out the door with Maria following close behind.
"I'm sorry that things turned out this way." She apologizes.
"I think we're even considering that your yard is completely wrecked." I wave off.
"Can you help me unlock my semblance too?" Ruby asks eagerly.
"Maybe when you're older, don't you have schools or something?" And why are Summer and Tai cringing at the mention of schools.
"Qrow thought it was a good idea to introduce the children to Grimm. Of course Signal is a combat academy so it's ok but he uh…lured an entire pack of beowolfs and a herd of boarbatusks to them." Summer sighs.
"Luckily nobody got hurt, the other teachers arrived in time to fend them off though it doesn't make sense how the Grimms didn't go for the kids, powerful as Qrow may be their numbers were still large and one could've easily slipped pass him. What's even more peculiar is one of the children claimed they see some really big beowolfs, likely alpha ones, hiding in the trees during that time which raises a lot of security concerns so school's been shut down for the moment." Tai hums thoughtfully. Three large beowolfs huh, looks like they're doing well then.
"So what's Qrow going to do now?" Barry asks.
"He'll resume teaching once the lockdown is over." Summer answers.
"Eh? He endangered multiple children and they continue to let him teach there?" Maria asks in shock and I'm certain it's got something to do with a certain wizard.
"Not many huntsmen really want to teach at Signal so finding a replacement would be tricky. Believe it or not this not the worst thing he has done so far." Somehow I'm sure that story would involve blackjack and hookers.
"Anyway, I've told the paramedics to take you guys back to Mistral, Patch only has clinics and Vale is busy this time of the year. The hospitals in Mistral should be able to fix any internal wounds your friend may have sustained." Summer offers.
"Oh Lionel's tougher than you think, he'll sleep it off but we'll still take the ride, I've always wondered what the city there is like, we've only visited the villages so far." I muse.
'We're leaving in 5, hurry up!" The pilot calls.
"Maria you go on ahead, I've got something to discuss with Barry and Lionel privately." Finding a tree out of sight Barry and I nod to each other and drag Lionel over.
"Lionel it's time we make you an official Crimson Crusader." I declare sending him an invitation to the party. Giddily snickering he presses accept without hesitation. Barry and I were about to congratulate him until we notice his stats.
"Lionel what the fuck is that?" Barry voices my thoughts exactly as I pull up his stats.
Lionel Lazuli
Title: Unyielding Undead (Immune to any and all mental damage)
Level 32
Race: Undead
Exp: 1654/10000
Hp: 3000/3000
AP: 300/300
Atk – 29 (+30) = 59
Def – 90 (+100) = 190
Str – 30
End – 90
Vit – 90
Dex – 28
Int – 25
Wis – 25
Luck – 20
"What's wrong?" He asks us.
"What do you mean what's wrong why did you spent everything on Vit and End? You have 3000 Hp and 190 Def, that's almost as much as me and not only am I a Grimm I'm also 5 levels ahead of you." No matter how you look at it this was just plain ridiculous and Barry agrees as well.
"The game lied man, the stats in dark souls are a fucking lie. You see this small broadsword in my hand? I had to get Strength to 23 before I can swing it around without fearing of dislocating my wrist. And that was just swinging it, cutting through thick armored enemy is an entirely different story, I couldn't even dent a black knight armor with a full swing let alone try to backstab it. The armor does me more harm than good and I had to freeze my ass off in Irithyll until I kill Pontiff to have enough Vit to wear the fallen knight armor and I was still running at the speed of molasses…" He rambles on and we feel bad for the man who has died more than he could keep count. At least now he would be able to take it easy, Remnant isn't as extreme as Lordran and his stats definitely multiplied while transferring over so there's that I suppose.
"Cheer up man, it's going to be well not easy per say but less straining here on Remnant, we have technology and your stats are still impressive even if you hit like a wet noodle. Try focus on training Strength and maybe with a few more levels you could hold Lionheart well enough to fight with it. That toothpick of a broadsword isn't going to harm anything but non-aura people let alone Grimms." I console the depressed knight.
"Your greatsword? But what would you use then? Not that I'm refusing or anything but…" With my expressionless mask I stare at him in the most deadpan way possible and stretch my large claws that could easily rend flesh.
"Lionel look at me, do I look defenseless to you? I still have the paired greatswords we took from that ringed knight and boss materials to forge another weapon. Just focus on your training." I pat Lionel on the shoulder reassuringly.
"Hey guys I think we should go, the bullhead's about to leave." Barry chimes in and we decide to end our chat and save the welcoming celebration for later. Maria was already seated there reading a book that I assume to be Remnant's equivalent of Little Red Riding Hood…why is Barry cowering away from it? Deciding that some shut eye would be nice to wait out the trip, I lay down on a bench and drift off to sleep while Barry seems to chat with Lionel about the respective world they get sent to before I came along. Come to think of it I didn't explain much about Remnant to Lionel, I suppose that could wait for after the nap…Except said nap only lasted around 3 hours and I was rudely awakened to the blaring alarm of the bullhead. *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*.
"Can someone shut that infernal thing up, I'm trying to sleep!" I grumble.
"Uh Onyx I don't think that's turbulence *BANG* *rumble*. I think we're being attacked." Barry points out. Excuse me what?
"So you're telling me that somehow for some god forsaken reasons, bandits decide to shoot at the equivalent of a fucking ambulance in the middle of the sky with what, dinky assault rifles that's way out of range?" Honestly what the hell is wrong with some of these people? Staring out the window I fight back the urge to facepalm at the absolute horse shit luck that has befallen us, one of the engines are flaming, on the verge of blowing up but not from the bullets mind you but from a small nevermore that has flown through it judging by the black feathers stuck on the side.
"Attention passengers, BRACE FOR IMPACT!" Sighing I grab onto the straps within the bullhead with Barry and Lionel following. Maria strangely enough decides to plunge her Rakuyo into the floor instead to stabilize herself. Normally a plummet down to the ground would heavily disorientate someone and fling them around like a ragdoll for a concussion but to the four of us who's anything but normal it just felt like we hit a large pothole. Waiting for the crash to fully stop, I kick open the door and start seeking the blood of the idiots that disrupted my sleep while my companions being the calmer ones decided to check on the pilots.
Soon enough some jeeps roll up and your everyday typical Far Cry bandits jump out with mostly pistols or small swords but I could spot one or two automatic weapons not that it would matter. So far to my knowledge it would take a skilled huntsman with a powerful weapon to hurt me or a high caliber sniper rifle to pierce my armor. The cockiest of them all thought that it was a wise idea to walk up to me and start his demands.
"yer money or yer-HURGH!" Not letting the little prick finish his sentence, I grab his throat and choke slam him out of commission judging by the lack of resistance or aura as he hits the ground, this is going to be even more underwhelming.
"Oh shit! FIRE!" Feeling the bullets bounce off my armor harmlessly like snowballs I just stood there menacingly and wait until they run out of ammo. Breaking into a calm stroll, I pick up a small rock and yeet it at one of the drivers hard enough to break the window and give him whiplash. Now reasonably shitting themselves, the bandits try to make off until *FWOOSH* Oh what now?
A black and red portal cuts itself open from thin air only slightly ahead of the bandits and out step one of the most dangerous woman on Remnant, Raven Branwen…Ok that might have been more than she deserves considering Salem, Summer, Maria Calavera hell even Neo in canon but still, she's up there alright.
Raven Branwen
Title: The chief of the Branwen tribe
Hp – 700/700
Ap – 10000/10000
Atk – 700
Def – 60
Str – 70
End -50
Vit – 30
Dex – 90
Int – 42
Wis – 42
Being one hell of a threat by herself and no doubt even more so when she becomes a maiden later on, it's definitely not a good idea to not take her seriously. It would be an even worse idea to straight up mock and antagonize her. Unfortunately, grumpy me is not one to think of consequences so I definitely regretted what comes out of my mouth next. But hey, if I'm already digging my grave I'm going to make it a deep one.
"Well if it isn't the great the great bandit chief, Chicken Branwen." Being unable to see her face behind the Grimm mask, it still doesn't take much to know that I have fucked up, the bandits behind her all recoiled in horror and I could even see one making a quick prayer. Raven herself just said nothing but her massive leaking killing intent speaks for itself and I could barely blink when she dashes to me and plunge her katana right through my chest.
Suffered a critical hit (700 X 3) – 212 = 1888 DMG
Remaining Hp: 1512/3400
Ohhh blyat that hurts more than getting hit by Manus. Racking my brain for any ways possible for me not to die a premature death, I decide to use the power of bullshitting to exploit Raven's fear of immortal beings, Grimm ones to be specific.
"My oh my, the little worm finally decides to fight back?" Another gust of air passes me and the next thing I know the sword is now through my neck. Although it wasn't a critical hit this time it still hurts all the same. Luckily I don't rely on my throat to speak so I can't show her that she's actually destroying me.
Suffered a hit 700 – 212 = 488 DMG
Remaining Hp: 1400/3400
Her mask may hide her expression but I can read her body language all the same, her breathing has increased in both pace and volume, my bluff is finally getting to her.
"Is that all you got?" I spread my arms mockingly not even bothering to hold Lionheart having left the greatsword on the ground. Now audibly snarling, she strikes at my head, twice in fact. Makes me wonder how thick skulled I really am, only bending sideways slightly though the damage is still severe.
Suffered hits (700 – 212) X 2 = 976 DMG
Remaining Hp: 424/3400
Now it's all or nothing, laying my hands back onto Lionheart in a non-threatening manner like leaning on a table instead of a sword so that Raven wouldn't think to disarm me, everything from here now depends on it. Hoping for the best of luck, I prepare to activate Lionheart's ability as I drive the final nail in.
"Why don't you run away like you did from your friends…from your daughter." That was the final straw for the swordswoman to unleash her full fury upon me. Fun fact, the record for martial arts cutting is around 2 cuts per seconds, Raven being an aura enhanced huntress and master herself is twice as fast. 5 Seconds amounting to 20 cuts that should have turned me into minced meat, I endure the sheer agony stopping myself from flinching by a combination of stubbornness and endurance.
Suffered hits (700 – 212) X 20 = 9760 DMG
Lionheart's perseverance activated
Remaining Hp: 1/3400
Insufficient Ap to continue perseverance
Critical Hp level, withdrawal highly recommended
Thank you RnJesus, I couldn't have done this without you, now to claim my hard earned victory. Grasping her sword that is still plunged deep into me, I rip it free from an unprepared Raven who stumbles back in shock from the sudden action. I proceed to nonchalantly turn away from her while calling Misha from his amulet to intimidate the others.
"You're not worthy of my blade weakling." Closing my eyes and hoping for the best. I wait until the panicked screaming of the bandits as well as their jeeps died down, I breathe out in relief when all I caught after turning back is a faint glimpse of a small black bird frantically flying away. My vision blurred and my breath all gone, I collapse from exhaustion with Barry and Lionel hurriedly rushing to me before I fully black out…
YOU WAKE UP FEELING RESTED, HP AND AP RESTORED BY 30%
Groaning awake, I turn my head to a worried Lionel pacing back and forth along a downtrodden Misha who immediately tackles and licks me immediately.
"Argh, alright enough of that you oversized fluff ball, I still need to heal." I push the large Ursa off and turns to Lionel who seems a mix between astounded and disbelief that I woke up that soon. How much time has passed anyway?
"How the hell are you alive?" he half shouts.
"Dude, we literally killed a dark lord, do you think some stab wounds would be enough to take me down?" I shrug.
"24 stab wounds isn't little Onyx, you looked like cheese when we ran over." Lionel shakes his head disapprovingly.
"Temporary immortality makes it insignificant, still hurts like hell though. But considering the alternative was all of us getting in a life and death battle against one of the strongest huntress in all of Remnant, I'd say it's reasonable what I did." I'm really trying to convince myself that I'm not suicidal here.
"Speaking of, where's Barry and Maria?" I ask not seeing the 2 Yharnans in sight.
"They went ahead to escort the paramedics to Mistral, we crashed quite near it and they'll come back for us after getting a new vehicle." Lionel answers.
"Look on the bright side, I managed to snatch this beauty." I laugh mildly holding up Raven's katana.
"How could you be thinking about that instead of I don't know nearly DYING!" Lionel smacks me up the head.
"Coping mechanism, do you really think I should be dwelling on the fact that I was on death doors, the point of no return and how fragile my entire existence truly is in this world beyond Earth?" That renders the knight speechless and he resorts to sitting on a nearby stump, waiting for our transport. I take my time to calm Misha before returning him to the amulet then examines the fine blade that I "borrowed".
Omen: (+250 DMG) A masterfully forged Odachi, infused with the aura of Raven Branwen, the blade can be significantly more deadly when in Raven's hands and can be infused with dust to increase its length to twice its size.
Oh so that's why she made my armor look like cardboard, the thing uses both aura and dust. An aura would be extremely useful but can I even have one. According to the lore, Aura and dust are the gifts of the God of Light while Grimms are from the God of Darkness. They say Grimms can't have aura due to not having souls and although I have one, would my body physically clash against my aura due to their origin. Then again those 2 pompous douches are obsessed with balance so it'll be fine, I think. Pushing away the concept of turning myself into a magic/science guinea pig, I turn my attention back to the sword.
I'm not proficient with a katana not to mention this was clearly meant to be in Raven's hands. Maria could probably use it well but I think it's better if she sticks to what's she's comfortable with. Barry and Lionel are definitely out of the question as it's also not their style. Maybe I should just mail it back to Summer and Tai, I trust them to keep it safe and away from Raven so she can't continue her banditry career.
*honk* *honk* "Back on your feet yet Onyx?" Barry asks arriving in a small minivan with Maria riding shotgun.
"Nothing I can't recover from, Raven may be tough but we faced tougher." I reply, getting in the back seats.
"RAVEN! That's where you got that sword from?" He exclaims in shock.
"I'm surprised you didn't recognize it but yeah. Barry, everybody in this car is in another world not their own having fought beings whose powers are beyond normal humans' comprehension. I don't see how me surviving Raven is that big of a deal." I deadpan.
"Touché, what now?" Barry asks as we depart for the mountain city after Lionel settles down next to me.
"Well now we need cash." I state after giving it some thought.
"Cash? Not better weapons or training?" Lionel asks with Maria nodding in agreement.
"No actually I can see your point Onyx. This is a lent van to us and with what we currently have in our party it's barely enough to settle down in an apartment let alone building a base, maintaining and developing said base. We're extremely underequipped for a war with Salem." Barry shares his thoughts.
"That is correct but if this Salem individual as strong as you make them out to be that we need a war to vanquish them, training is also essential." Maria argues.
"What's there to say that we can't do both? There are plenty of jobs we can take as bounty hunters or unofficial huntsmen to kill criminals or Grimms that will both help us get stronger and get paid. First of all however, we need a starting base, a name for ourselves so people recognize our strengths and entrust us with high paying job." I conclude.
"Do you have a place in mind? I can't imagine random vigilante justice being accepted that easily by the government." Lionel catches on.
"That's why we're seeking THEIR approval to begin with, why do I think I chose Mistral as our next destination?" I let Barry finish the discussion.
"The Mistral tournament, that's why we're here at the city isn't it." Barry asks.
"Bingo, thankfully from the looks of it we're not required an ID to enter, only need to be of age and have your own weapon, aura is optional." I list off.
"Is it a free for all or can we register as a team?" Maria questions.
"I'm actually not clear on that front, but we'll see when we get there." Pyrrha didn't really talk about the tournament during the show, but if Mistral is any place to go by I'd bet that it's going to be a literal colosseum.
{15 minutes later, tournament registry}
"Look girly, this place is where real warriors fight. Why don't you frail thing skedaddle and AIEE!" And that's the third idiot. I get that this tournament may not be so formal like something Atlas would do, but why does every guy in here keep looking down on Maria? There's plenty examples of buffed huntresses out there and I'm sure even Glynda would be feared.
"Ugh, why are these sad excuses of warriors here in the first place?" Maria stomps her way over to us angrily after giving a random participant a heart attack by threatening to chop his dick off with her massive sword.
"To be fair, the requirements for entry are extremely low so practically anyone mature could join, physically mature that is." I correct after witnessing the antics of the people here.
"What group are you assigned to Maria?" Barry asks.
"Group 5, is it me or does these fights seem rather…unorganized?" I guess comparing how they fight here to most places it can be rather odd.
The tournament has three parts in total. The first part involves a 5 separate groups free for all and the last 10 remaining in each groups move on. The second part is where teams of 4 are formed either by personal preferences or randomized if some prefer to not choose. Afterwards the teams are assigned 40 points, 10 for each member. Defeating a member of the other team will transfer all the points of the defeated to the victor, after 20 minutes of combat, 2 teams with the most points will proceed. Finally, the 1v1 matchups which speaks for itself. However, the third part hasn't been held for 2 years now due to all 8 of the finals straight up forfeiting for their consolation prizes instead of fighting the champion because they're that terrifying. As such, the organizer has arranged for a bonus granted to whoever brave enough to face the champion and another extra reward if they somehow defeat the champion.
"So…The champion, any ideas on who they might be?" Barry asks.
"Does it matter? All we need to know is their fighting style and work our way from there although I'm not sure if I should take that fight, I'm still pretty sore after earlier." Hearing the horn signaling the start I make my way to group 2 whereas Maria joins group 5, Barry and Lionel landing in group 3.
{3rd person, first round}
"Hello ladies and gentlemen I'm Jim Moss and this is the annual Mistral tournament! As you can see folks we have quite a promising batch this year. A knight in shining armor in group 2, we don't see many of those nowadays, he must have a death wish to sacrifice mobility in this arena but it'll make it all the more interesting. Oh hello *whistle* That's one beautiful and deadly maiden in group 5 folks, let's see if our fellow fighters can outshine her beauty. Without further ado, FIGHT!".
"Starting things off I got to say it's an absolute one sided beatdown in group 1 as a brunette seems to be swinging what's got to be the most massive flail I've ever seen just knocking contestants left and right. I mean seriously is that thing even according to weapons regulation? What's that? *side commentator whispers* Oh wait holy shit that's not a flail! That's another contestant being manhandled, now that's one terrifying woman.
"Well we know for sure who's coming out on top in that group let's move on to the second and check on our knight shall we, oh my…it seems I underestimated the medieval menace, he remains stalwart as more than 2 dozens of fighters attempt and miserably fail to even leave a scratch on that pristine armor. Such inhuman strength I could've mistaken him for a Grimm even!"
"What's this, actions are stirring up all over the place in group3 as 2 contestants have teamed up in the midst of combat fighting back to back forming this whirlwind of death. Such prowess, such skills, such BLOODSHED!...*ahem* The pair of cloaked hunter and rustic knight don't seem to be stopping anytime soon, at this rate we won't have enough survivors for the next event but I'm sure the organizers will have something planned out."
"Huh, group 4 is rather dull in comparison, nobody stands out of those generic gladiators so let's move on to the 5th. The ashen maiden from before is dodging all attacks aimed at her without breaking a sweat, her speed and reflexes are incredible, they're on another whole level! Oh wait there's a shady fuck going for a sneaky attack from above but she blocked it without even looking and he's now *gasp* NO! You did not just do that you sneaky rat, going for a feint attack to sneak in a grope of that rack! You my friend have the respect of me and the rest of the men here you bra- Hey where is she pointing…CUT TO COMMERCIAL! CUT TO COMMERCIAL!"
Please standby, we're having technical difficulties, the match will resume shortly. Beeeeeep.
Today sponsor is brought to you by Pep Schnee, the drink of champions.
After 10 minutes the broadcast resume where it's left off only this time the groper is missing and in his place is a massive pool of blood with Maria standing there expressionlessly wiping blood off her blade.
"Well miss due to your extreme violent behaviors and serious maiming of another contestant you're d-*death stare from Maria* destined to top the champion haha Please don't neuter me. *Ding* *Ding* Oh would you look at that the time's up and as expected there's only 24 contestants left. Since the numbers are unfit for the usual fights being significantly lower, we will hold another event to decide on who gets to challenge the champion right after this break."
{Back to Onyx, breakroom}
"You know normally I would've said that you went too far but the dickhead deserved that." Against my comment Maria remains fuming like she's about to stab the nearest person to her.
"Maybe you should drop out Maria, we're doing this mostly for training and partly for money but at this rate you might actually kill someone." Barry chimes in.
"Yeah, the only person that actually stands a chance against any of us is that crazy girl in group 1 beating people with people or the champion." Lionel agrees.
"And Lionel is already fighting the champion so I think it's best you stop before being charged with manslaughter." I finish as Maria takes a deep breath and agrees to do so after this next event.
"Exactly…WAIT WHAT! Me? Against the champion?" Lionel shouts in disbelief.
"As it stands you're the weakest out of us Lionel, sure you're a higher level than Barry but he can still hold his own in a fight, you can't considering your non-existent damage. This fight will be a good exercise for you. Besides, killing is prohibited and you're sort of undead so it's unlikely that you will die." The knight looks like he wants to argue but can't find any flaw in my argument and just lets it go.
"Attention all fighters, the next event is about to commence, please make your way to the arena."
{The arena}
The scenery upon our return is pretty much the same save for 2 notable difference. One, the messes from before have been cleaned up pretty neatly bearing no signs that any fighting have taken place at all. Two, the more prominent one, is a massive cage in the center of the arena.
"Damn son, what do you think is in there?" Barry whistles.
"No clue to be honest, whatever that is it's oddly quiet." No matter how hard I strain my senses I can't pick up scent nor noise coming from the cage.
"For the next event it shall be a joint effort to take down the alpha beringel!"
From the announcement alone over a dozen of people have already fled from the field and the rest shortly joins them as the cage suddenly explodes and true to the announcer's words, an alpha beringel crawls out and beats its chest angrily. Looking around I notice that only the four of us and that one girl from earlier still standing but that doesn't matter.
Before the whole tournament commenced I read up a little upon the rules both for the participants and organizer. I know for a fact that it's illegal for them to have something that big and dangerous in here and it only further add to my conclusion when I see what actually caused the explosion. Faint traces of scorch marks can be seen on the edge of the thing indicating quite a large amount of volatile fire Dust.
"Hey guys, stand down, it's an illusion." The rest briefly gives me dubious looks but seeing the rather awkward way it was charging they quickly realize it too. The image comes inches away before our face and promptly fades away with some grains of sand left on the ground, a semblance construct most likely as I doubt illusions similar to Emerald's can actually affect any of us.
"Well hot diggity dog our star players have seen straight through our local specialist's illusion! Well then I suppose now comes the end of the tournament. Although it's rather obvious rules still state that I'm obligated to ask. Does any of you want to take on the Champion?
"Nah I'm just here to have some fun not get my ass handed to me." The other girl answers.
"We three have decided to grant that honor to our friend over there." Barry's answer sends the crowd and announcer into dead silence before erupting in deafening cheers. 3 Minutes of ear rape level of chanting the security have managed to calm everyone down enough to continue.
"Son you're either the bravest son of a bitch out there or the dumbest but who am I to judge. After all, we've all been craving for a good show for so long, gentleman ring the gong!"
Maria, Barry and I step to the side out of the combat circle and try to find the champion. The only door leading into the field is the one we took and I highly doubt that the champion doesn't have one made for themselves. Would the center open up and raises a platform or…
*BOOOOM*
Or they could just drop from the sky, that works too. I turn around to see for myself the supposedly toughest bastard here and gape like a fish out of water which I'm pretty sure is the same for Barry and Lionel. It's no exaggeration to say that we're staring down an honest to god Spartan and not the bare chested skirt wearing Spartan, the champion wears full plate armor covering every inch head to toe. The iconic helmet and red plume along the crimson cape with the spear shield combo is already terrifying enough but adding thick as hell armor in? Lionel's chance to win no scratch that, survive, has gone from slim to in another ball park.
?
Title: Gladiator Champion
Hp – 800/800
Ap – 7700/7700
Atk – 545
Def – 170
Str – 80
End -65
Vit – 50
Dex – 45
Int – 30
Wis – 27
The moment the countdown to start finishes Lionel was already being pushed back by a good 10 feet. The lunge though simple from the champion carry far more force than it looks using aura and the speed at which the impact hits is like a car by the least. I'm surprised it didn't straight up puncture the grass crest shield Lionel is holding onto like a lifeline.
Blow after blow he loses his footing letting the champ gets in quick jabs from the sides, it's all narrow as not much blood is trickling out but I can tell it's wearing down on his stamina and soon the shield would be nothing but dead weight. Sensing his opponent's intentions Lionel quickly tosses the shield away to briefly distract them and starts wielding his sword dual handed, yet that accomplishes nothing as the attacks still bounce off the hoplon harmlessly.
With no means to defend himself, Lionel is effectively reduced to a punching bag, he tries to fend off the spear's flurry of assault with his own blade yet that only leaves himself wide open to kicks. One particularly powerful one to the gut knock him down coughing violently yet the beatdown continues regardless. Arena or not this is still excessive how is the announcer not interfering?
Oh right, he's too busy hyping up the crowd which is now chanting for even more violence.
Eventually rolling away, Lionel gains some breathing room to recuperate and gets up into a proper stance yet fate has it extra cruel for him as it seems for the champion backs off and charges up a finisher looking straight out of something like Mortal Kombat. Leaping up into the air, the spear set ablaze with their eyes growing equally fierce diving directly towards Lionel.
"O-oh my god it's the Cobalt Comet! Looks like this is it folks, our knight here is going to have to tap out, one simply can't dodge nor block that finisher."
Yeah no shit people can't block the equivalent of a human fireball. Lionel why are you still standing there, it's over. He just have to surrender and they'll hopefully stop the power move. To everyone's shock Lionel stands strong and enters his own stance and pulls out a small buckler. Can't dodge and can't block…No!
"Lionel you fool! Stop!" I yell out in alarm.
"ALL OR NOTHING!" He shouts back stubbornly and I cover my eyes in fear of what's to come. From what I hear the sound came off resembles the perfect parry in dark souls. Sadly however, this is NOT dark souls…*CRACK* *SQWELP* The first sound should be his arm dislocating entirely and the second is probably the spear piercing his chest.
Looking up again confirms my prediction the crowd's mortified gasps ring out at the sight of up to half of the spear impaling clean through Lionel's abdomen. Hell even the champ lets go in shock clearly not expecting him to just stand there. With the last of his strength he tackles the champion caught off guard by the action entirely and raises his hand in triumph. The combat circle, they were on the edge of it and he just managed to push them out, you crazy son of a gun you actually planned this.
"Yes! *cough* I w- *thud*"
"Holy shit get the medics! He's bleeding everything out!"
Hopefully we won't have to spend all of our earnings on Lionel's hospital bills.
Author's note:
Summer break is here and I've finished taking my break. With all the free time I should be able to crank out one or two chapters every week. By the way, the unknown girl mentioned throughout the tournament is actually someone important, you're all free to guess who she is and no it's not a maiden because that's too simple and predictable. Next chapter will feature the gang doing odd jobs through Mistral for cash as well as tackling some faunus centered issues.
