Fighting Fancy hadn’t been chosen to defend Lazhen. When all was said and done, the Guild wanted more experienced adventurers that had proven their reliability. Fighting Fancy was too new, too untested to be allowed to go first. Though they weren’t the only ones. Plenty of teams like theirs blitzed through the lower realms and they had to wait in line.

  And when Fighting Fancy finally did get to the front of the line?

  Valee and Zedart bowled them over and demanded their place. Both of them had dismantled every other team and made their point while humiliating everyone else.

  Even Enzo had to admit those two were a cut above the rest. Still, he believed that their team was better than most of the others that had stayed in Lazhen. They would have stuck it through until the end, it was just a shame that they hadn’t been able to prove themselves.

  The footage shared by the Guild did make him rethink about their placing in the tourney however. Despite their crazy showing, older adventurers said that Valee and Zedart would only hit top five at best in the pre-class tourney, and that was only if they had enough time to prepare.

  It was said that the next pre-class tournament would come before the timer on the highest Trial ran out.

  The fourth realm held the highest number of adventurers. It was the most important tournament of an adventurer’s career. All the geniuses that believed they could win would stop climbing the Trials to compete.

  And the last tournament was three years ago. Three years of fourthers practicing and honing their skills.

  Not even Artigan would be able to compete with the best there.

  Fred, their specialist [Rogue] nudged him in the shoulder.

  “Uh, Enzo? One of the drones picked up something.”

  “Is that… that’s , and he hasn’t noticed the drone.”

  Enzo’s heartbeat quickened. Finally a chance to prove themselves.

  “Everyone sortie!”

  –

  Ryan sat down by a fallen beast the size of a semitruck. He was wearing his classic [Rogue] fitment with the Artigan mask on. He idly wondered if they had a skill to search for him. The chances of their team crossing paths in the great Emerald Hills was too small.

  Though this time Ryan wasn’t limping like an idiot. He still looked to be in rough shape, his right arm dangled, his [Rogue]’s fitment was tattered and broken. Exposed skin showed bright red welts from where the sharp grass had slapped against him while he ran.

  This time his injuries were all real, all down to his broken soulsword. It was the worst shape his body had ever been in.

  Even slaying this little monster had taken far more out of him than he’d have liked.

  No bag, no gear, no knives. Just one broken sword.

  Ryan didn’t like believing in coincidences. He wanted to believe Fighting Fancy was actually hunting for him. If they backed down despite all of his very real injuries?

  Then he’d agree with Gamielle’s assessment that they were mediocre.

  But of course, he was the one that was right. Here the adventurer came. Enzo the leader [Warrior] bounded at him, closing the gap between them with a look of pure determination.

  Ryan sighed loudly as he stood up.

  There was no declaration, no posing and no recording. Enzo only focused on the monster in front of him, his team likely not far behind.

  Enzo spun a war axe as he dragged it across the ground.

  [Earthen Throw]

  A huge wall of dirt and grass flung towards Ryan as Enzo readied to strike at whichever side Ryan would try to dodge to. Unfortunately for him, Ryan knew their basic tactics, and didn’t really fear clumps of dirt.

  [Dangersense]

  Ryan ignored his skill as he kept his soulsword outstretched, ready to block a [Cleave] as he smashed straight through the wall of dirt. Enzo’s surprise barely registered as he witnessed Ryan’s top speed. His right hand went up and grabbed the [Warrior] by the throat.

  Ryan was about to start monologuing when he saw the smile on Enzo’s face. The [Warrior] started glowing brighter–?

  The [Warrior] pulled something from behind his back. Four grenades dropped to the ground, all their pins having already been pulled.

  Then Enzo disappeared from Ryan’s hand in a flash of light.

  Ryan immediately turned around and used [Instant Dodge].

  He knew it was already too late, if he had been in Enzo’s shoes…

  [Aura Condensat-

  The grenades blew up.

  –

  Enzo coughed as he grabbed at his throat. He appeared near his team, the anchoring scroll to the teleport being with them. A large explosion heard in the valley from where he’d just teleported.

  “Is that fucker dead?”

  His [Rogue], Lars with the visor let out a breath.

  “Fuck me that was close, Enzo. If he’d just stabbed you, you’d be dead.”

  “Worth it, showboating idiot. I managed to wipe the smile off that cunt’s face.”

  Fighting Fancy always carried emergency grenades. One for each member. They had tied four pre-pulled grenades with a wire and put it in a special strap that would release it when he pulled the wire. The trick was to hide the pull with a wall of dirt, saving precious seconds for the delayed explosion.

  Oh and to have a really expensive teleportation scroll that would work in leveled zones.

  They hadn’t shown this trick in any of their socials. It was something they’d come up with, especially for Artigan. Valee’s information had been good. Artigan paid attention to everyone’s socials and loved the sound of his own voice.

  Lars sucked in a breath.

  “Oh fuck me, we’re going to have to retreat.”

  “What? He’s not even injured?”

  “Some of the shrapnels hit his back but a lot of them got stopped by… his aura? He’s bleeding but glaring at the drone. Uh, I think the fear skill is going through the drone. I’m pissing my pants here.”

  They knew Artigan’s aura had slowed Kenheart’s knives but to stop hundreds of shrapnels just like that? Enzo made the sensible decision.

  “Alright, we got new intel and made Artigan bleed, Fighting Fancy? Tactical retreat! We’re getting out of the leveled zone!”

  They stuck to formation, Enzo carrying Lars who was using an AR helmet to track the movements of the injured Artigan.

  Lars started panicking.

  “Fuck! He’s too fast. We’re going to have to fight. The aura skill that stopped the shrapnels is still active, holy hell.”

  Lars started fumbling for his gun.

  Enzo knocked it away. Maybe if they’d brought an assault rifle it would be a different story. But a single pistol when Artigan already proved he could tank grenade shrapnels wasn’t going to be useful.

  That plus Artigan had used guns before. Enzo had a feeling that if they started using guns Artigan would do the same. Then they’d be stuck in a firefight with a much faster [Rogue].

  “Save the bullets for when he’s closer. He didn’t have any throwing knives I could see but keep an eye out for them.”

  Enzo looked behind him and saw the very angry, shrapnel-embedded elf in the distance. His heart started beating wildly. Their entire team had been blessed with [Heroic Challenge] as part of Lazarro’s promise to help the people hunting Artigan.

  It didn’t seem to help, Enzo just looked at the enormous aura and wanted to cry.

  “Reya!”

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  “On it!”

  Two fireballs flew in arcs to land slightly in front of the elf. He saw Artigan’s hands blur as two rocks hit the magical orbs in the air and made them to explode well before they could land.

  Artigan sprinted through the aftermath of the explosions, dragging the smoke behind him. The silvered elf looked like a mad demon from hell.

  Enzo made the only decision available.

  “Split up, scatter, I’m the bait!”

  “Fuck that!” Lars shouted over his shoulder, “we’re not leaving you behind.”

  “That’s a Manager’s damned order! Lars, you’re the next bait if I don’t make it!”

  Enzo grabbed Lars by the legs and chucked him forward, he looked at his other two teammates, nodding at Fred in particular. Fred was to get Lars and Reya out of there. Lars was the one with the exceptional scouting skill. Reya was the promising [Mage] that could almost go toe to toe with Mahjit.

  Enzo? He was just a regular damned [Warrior]. It was a miracle they all followed him at all.

  “Make sure to take Lars out of the leveled zone alright?”

  “Enzo… damnit!”

  Fred didn’t waste time. He grabbed Lars and started sprinting away at top speed. Reya looked at him.

  “Go! I’ll see you in my next life!”

  Enzo laughed as he took out his war axe and turned around to face death in the eyes.

  “Come on you piece of shit!”

  He drew on his most recent skill as he faced a true monster by himself, he felt something drag onto him as he felt that this was the moment. His moment to truly prove himself. His new skill, offered after experiencing [Heroic Challenge] in the second realm.

  [Warrior’s Challenge]

  It was a taunt skill, it worked less on intelligent beasts but it should still slow the elf enough to–

  Enzo felt something snap as he fell to his knees.

  It was like an egg being thrown at a rock. The Rare skill shattered against the Epic. Artigan just scoffed and ran past the fallen [Warrior]. Enzo could only see red, blood pooling in his eyes.

  “Stop!” Enzo gasped, “I challenge you!”

  He was still facing the ground, , his skill was still active. Just because the skill snapped didn’t mean anything. The [Warrior] part of the challenge still ran in his mind.

  Artigan stopped, then he turned back to look at the [Warrior] on his knees. The monster tilted his head at Enzo.

  “I guess I can respect that. I’ll tell you what, I won’t kill your teammates if you can stand in the next five seconds.”

  Enzo stomped his foot on the ground then–

  Then the pressure the thickening aura was like a mountain on Enzo’s back as he realized Artigan hadn’t been using his active at all. It rattled his already broken mental state. Enzo was kneeling with both his hands on the ground.

  It was hopeless, how were they even in the same realm?

  “Five.”

  Enzo felt nothing but fear as Artigan’s aura condensed around him. It was what he imagined a dragonslayer did to silence a room.

  There was nothing he could do.

  “Four, . Valee stood up pretty quickly when this happened to her.”

  Artigan stepped closer, and the pressure . Was this what the people in Lazhen felt? It was hopeless. What an impossible gulf between the two of them.

  “Three, .”

  And suddenly the primal fear was gone, Enzo stopped and lifted his head. He glared hatefully at the monster in elven skin. The leader of Fighting Fancy roared against the pressure, his body and soul screaming against both the aura and the skill backlash.

  “.”

  “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”

  Enzo stomped the ground as the skill’s backlash receded from his mind. He was still dizzy but he refused to back down now. Enzo charged Artigan.

  The monster was smiling like the whole thing was amusing. Making a mockery of his efforts.

  [Earthen Throw]

  The skill was larger and stronger than it had ever been. A last stand with all of a [Warrior]’s desperation behind it. Enzo took another step and threw a [Cleave] through the dirt. It might have worked–had Artigan attempted to smash through the dirt again.

  Enzo paused as the tidal wave of dirt fell. Artigan stood two steps out of his [Cleave] range and just watched him. Enzo almost fell back to his knees, losing the last vestiges of [Warrior’s Roar].

  , he stomped on the ground and gritted his teeth, refusing to fall. Enzo slammed his war axe into his armguard.

  A [Warrior’s Challenge], just without the skill.

  “Come on Artigan! Are you afraid?”

  The psycho elf just tilted his head, “Why even keep this up? I already said I’d let your friends go if you stood up.”

  “Hah! A psycho like you wouldn’t get it. Come on! a real man doesn’t back down from a monster.”

  Artigan gave a bloodthirsty grin. His cruelest smile yet.

  “.”

  The unnaturally handsome silver-haired elf now looked like a true monster, scarred, tired yet eyes still burning. Clearly eager to play with his food. It made Enzo sick. The bastard took one step forward, then immediately tilted back as a gunshot rang out.

  Enzo paused as Artigan stared past him. Lars stood on the hill with a gun.

  –

  Ryan hadn’t ever forgotten that one. It had been honed in his various encounters, whether it was from ambushes or in the most recent Trial. Even when he was challenging Enzo to rise he hadn’t let his guard down.

  He spotted the [Rogue] before his [Dangersense] even had an opportunity to alert him. A simple step back and a tilt of the head let him dodge the bullet.

  Then he sped up while condensing his [Aura of Self Momentum]. He grabbed Enzo before another shot could be fired and grabbed Enzo by the axe arm and twisted it back. The weakened [Warrior] was far too tired to resist. Ryan lifted the large body to cover himself as Enzo desperately tried to fight his grip.

  “Stop fighting me, I already said I won’t kill your teammates, I’ll keep my word.”

  Enzo struggled less as Ryan spoke louder, his aura carrying his voice out.

  “Alright, drop the gun or I will kill your leader.”

  Of course it wouldn’t be that easy, the [Rogue] in the distance didn’t lower his gun, “How do I know you won’t kill him anyway?”

  Naturally Ryan hadn’t been planning on killing Enzo considering how much effort they both had put in. But he also wasn’t going to step away and look like a coward running away. The [Rogue] coming back had messed up everything.

  Still, when life gave you two lemons…

  “I’ll tell you what. I’ll let your leader live if you drop all your equipment. This is a robbery now.”

  “You can’t believe that I’m going to trust you.”

  “I’ve always kept my word! Every time! I gave me word to your leader that I won’t kill you all. Now I’m giving you my word that he won’t die as long as you. Drop. Everything.”

  You could see the hesitation on Lars’ face.

  It was nice being a villain with a code of ethics in a world where they studied you thoroughly. Ryan had almost always kept his word, publicly at least. The only promise he hadn’t kept was the one where he’d kill everyone that came after him, and Lars would be stupid to bring that up now.

  did let people live.

  Of course his hostage had other ideas. The hot-headed Enzo struggled and was about to say something.

  Unfortunately for Enzo, this wasn’t Ryan’s first attempt to take a hostage. He snatched Enzo’s axe out of his hand and smacked him in the back of the neck with the handle. The impact, combined with the dizziness from his skill snapping was enough to make the [Warrior] fall unconscious.

  Ryan looked back at the flinching [Rogue].

  “Hurry up! Drop your gear and you can pick up your leader.”

  Lars really didn’t want to fire, at their distance Ryan could easily dodge small arms fire and he’d shown he could tank grenade shrapnel from up close. While he wasn’t sure he could stop a 44 magnum with his aura, Ryan was already at the point where pistols were becoming less threatening than they had once been.

  “Drop your gun and all your other gear. Last chance.”

  The opposing [Rogue] lifted his hands and dropped his gun. Ryan put away his own broken sword. A gesture more than anything, the [Rogue] continued to disarm, a sword, crossbow, quiver and even two healing potions.

  Unfortunately no throwing knives. What kind of third realm [Rogue] didn’t carry around throwing knives?

  He stepped around Fighting Fancy’s unconscious leader as the disarmed [Rogue] took a very wide arc around Ryan.

  Both had their eyes glued on each other as they passed each other.

  Ryan gave Lars a smirk and a wink.

  –

  “You’re a complete moron!”

  A incensed Gamielle was yelling in his ear about what had just happened. He was far from Fighting Fancy and had picked up his pack and sorted out the equipment he’d just stolen from the [Rogue]. Gamielle continued her tirade.

  “If you died to because of , I would have you. That death would have been so pointless I almost stepped in. ”

  Ryan was picking out bits of shrapnel from his back. Most of the shrapnel from the four grenades had been stopped by his aura. Most unfortunately wasn’t enough. A crapton had penetrated his actual body and his back was a mess. Ryan started sweeping his fingers through the back of his head. He’d been facing away from the explosion at the time, each shrapnel causing a sharp pain as he removed it.

  Still, he didn’t stop grinning.

  “Realm three and I’m almost bulletproof. How’s that?”

  Tanking shrapnel from a grenade meant he could pretty much stop most small calibre fire. That was supposed to be [Warrior] territory, they had classed up.

  Gamielle huffed.

  “Oh stay still, I’ll get them all out. And stop smiling. You’re not bulletproof, how long can you even condense your aura for? How much weaker is it when you haven’t had the time to build up your Epic?”

  Gamielle started indelicately plucking out the offending shards of metal.

  “I don’t know, probably depends on how much I let - OW”

  The [Mage] snapped at his answer. She telekinetically pulled out every single shrapnel from his body at the same time.

  “? No, of course you don’t know?! Why not keep testing out skills in a combat scenario, oh I’m sure that’s going to keep being fine!”

  Blood poured from Ryan’s back and head. He’d never felt better. He took out a healing potion and started pouring it over his back. Two left after he’d robbed the [Rogue].

  “Worth it.”

  “”

  Now she really sounded angry. The [Mage] kept twitching in anger. Her barely unconstrained fury made him really, really want to needle her.

  He coughed.

  “Would you still consider Enzo to be a below average adventurer?”

  She took that question seriously, not realizing that Ryan was making fun of her.

  “Yes! Him learning one new skill changes nothing, you exchanged that and revealed your [Aura Condensation] to the entire world. I kept that a secret in the video on purpose!”

  Ryan shook his head, now he was the one getting annoyed. They didn’t see eye to eye.

  “I’m not talking about his new skill, didn’t you see how he stood, how he was disgusted at me? When the time comes, Enzo will do the same thing. Lars came back despite knowing it was suicidal. Both of them will rise to the challenge when called.”

  Ryan started getting excited, now were adventurers. Even Valee hadn’t managed to stand so quickly after having her skill snapped by his Epic.

  “Who knows, maybe he’s the one the Manager was talking about.”

  Gamielle looked conflicted between wanting to strangle him and trying to convince him with her words, she kicked the air and sighed instead.

  “Listen to me Ryan, that wasn’t worth it. You’re already at the stage where we can start preparing for your Legend. Dragging along a few people to get them Epics isn’t worth it. I know how I talk about the Manager but he’s good at pointing those out with potential. You have to balance your life for the greater…”

  The [Mage] trailed off, Gamielle smacked her lips. As if trying to taste the words that were coming out of her mouth. She frowned for a moment then her eyes widened in horror.

  It blew up his [Dangersense].

  Ryan had seen Gamielle make a lot of expressions. From wondrous, to melancholic and impish. He’d never seen such a look of abject horror from her. The hair on his neck rose. Ryan's eyes darted around.

  Gamielle was catatonic, screaming soundlessly in the air. Ryan’s brain worked overtime as he realized that if Gamielle was this afraid of something it had to be something apocalyptic.

  “What’s wrong? Gamielle talk to me!”

  “Nonono…”

  She started drifting away, her eyes bulging in fear and horror.

  “Gamielle!”

  He managed to grab the panicking girl, she didn’t dodge. He actually managed to touch her and she felt so real. Not like an illusion at all. Her eyes focused as they met his. Her lips trembling.

  “I’m–I’m turning into my mom.”

  Ryan blinked at her for a moment, then two. Then he started chuckling, then he started laughing and full on guffawing. He clutched at his sides as he started tearing up.

  “It’s not funny!”

  The telekinetic outburst from the very incensed Gamielle pushed Ryan down the hill. The poor [Rogue] rolled down the incline like a ball.

  He didn’t stop laughing the entire time.