The Arena of Monsters, a grand stage made in reminiscent of the colosseum of Rome, sported an arena made out of a pit of magma. Hardened rocks, solidified through cooling of the slumbering volcano that lied dormant right beneath it. A volcano waiting for a reason for it to wake.
And despite the spattering rain pouring right above them, that did not stop the spectators from cheering trough the clouds. Feet stomps of various Heteromorphic Players and humanoids shook the arena. Making noise that reached far and wide.
And in matter of seconds, the spattering of noise soon reached rhythm. And in unison, the audience themselves begun the beats of drums, splashing water and shaking earths. As if challenging the crack of thunder and lightning that adorned the dark sky.
As if in response to the peak of their excitement, two opposite portcullis at two ends of the arena rose. And from it walked out two of the four remaining contestants.
Artix, a brown haired youth with blue eyes. Walked with a confident smile on his face. He wore a thick iron full plate trimmed in gold, with a red cape adorning his back, and an intricate golden axe at hand.
He smiled and waved as he walked. Seemingly certain of victory and no one could blame him. He after all is a Paladin fighting an Undead, even if it is of the highest order. Even against an Overlord.
But for all of Artix' advantages, players couldn't help but doubt, specially with what his opponent had done so far.
Momonga strode forward, his shoulders slightly crouched, arms bereft of any weapons, with his sword floating just beside him trailing slightly behind.
All looked at him in curiosity, and whispered at the recognition of his panoply. A level 95 set, of Legendary Grade. The fact that it is was a whole set already made people water at the mouth just thinking at the amount of money spent on it. After all, most of the players at level 100 are still wearing a clown suits with very few having Divine Grade items.
But none beat the curiosity of 'how'. How would he, an under level player, an undead whos spells and resistance is naturally weakened when in the light's presence, fight against what is directly their greatest bane.
Amidst the whispers, the screen suddenly shifted, no countdown, no warning, just-
[Battle: Start!]
Artix reacted immediately. [Dimensional Lock] and [Commandments]. After a flash of purple, Artix' axe glowed gold and in an instant, Artix suddenly wields another axe on his other hand, made of white light shaped in the exact image of his original weapon. And threw it at Momonga.
Momonga side steps the attack and continued casting his buffs, [Necrotic Presence], [Greater Resistance: Holy], [Greater Strength]. All of which gave his armor a darker aura with his fists wrapped in tendrils of darkness.
'Behind You!!', Eliza warns,
Momonga immediately jumps back, elbowing the the flat end of the ethereal axe trained at his spine. He retaliates against Artix' who had somehow teleported behind him, and throws a hook. But Artix' ducks, and swings his real axe at his exposed neck.
'Shit!'
Momonga felt Eliza's warm presence filing him. Slowing down everything that he could perceive as if time itself stopped, where even the crowd slowed to a near halt and he rain and lightning looked as if frozen in place.
He immediately took notice of the lack of smile in Artix' face, left only with a serious expression with a piercing gaze that bore through the darkness and the rain. His axe headed for him but his other hand -the one he had just parried- had already let go of the previous ethereal axe and had started to conjure another.
Momonga immediately shifted his stance, slightly elevated, with his forward toe firm upon the ground. He twists his body, feeling the flex of his muscles to continue to his leg and with a twist of his muscles, adjusted that strength down his thighs to his feet that exploded out of his toes...
And with the return of the flow of time, in an unnatural motion that belied human cognition. Momonga launches himself backwards, as if sliding away. He arcs his back slightly and avoids the swing by mere inches, as the blade passed close to his nose.
He rights himself taking a sideways stance with one fist extended and the other close to his chin.
He leans his head to the side, dodging another ethereal axe and side steps as several [Light Beacon] fell where he stood. Following him like rays of light piercing from the heavens, falling after him just a step behind.
'You have to fight back!' Eliza cautions, and he agreed. He can't dally against a Paladin of such caliber.
His back foot planted into the dirt, cracking it with great strength and with a massive explosion of dirt, he launched himself forward. Covering the distance of a five meters in barely half a second, and delivered several punches.
Artix uses a warrior skill, and blocked most of them with [Holy Aegis]. Creating a skin tight, translucent barrier that hugged his armor. A mistake he realized as several debuffs appeared on his promt.
[Slowed], [Crippled: Resisted], [Disarmed], [Death's Touch I], [Touch of Undeath: Resisted]
With a small frown, Artix' casted [Haste] to combat the 'Slow' and retaliated with [Prismatic Strike] meant to weaken resistance to Light Based attacks, but this time he attacked with his pommel instead of the blades part of his weapons. Bypassing the Game System that would have rendered his skill ineffective due to his 'Disarmed' status.
The closeness forced Momonga to meet the attack while facing the paladin's de-buff with [Penetrate Up]. Essentially putting his resistance in the jeopardy, while increasing his output potential. But within Momonga's mind, warning signs exploded in his head at the Paladin's skill.
A close quarter exchange ensued and for all of Momonga's blocks and parries, Artix showcased a strong paladin build that he struggled against and a sense of combat that radiated familiarity to him.
But no matter what debuff he applied, not only would Artix' innate resistance go against him and lessen their effects, Artix could also undo them completely with attacks that applied buffs when facing a creature of darkness, mainly him.
Needing to even the odds, Momonga continues his attacks applying [Corruption] and [Malefic Binding]. Both spells meant to reduce Artix' resistance to darkness while turning his resistance for his own.
But Artix' refused the exchange. Seeing the dark shadows of Momonga's fists that sparked embers of purple and orange, he jumped back while casting [Swords of Eternity], raining down golden blades of light charged with [Radiant Armaments] that increases Artix' parry, dodges and block probability for every hit, and [Eyes of Judgement] that greatly hinders movement with each strike.
'A debuff-storm! Brace yourself!' Eliza's warning made his heart nearly leap at his throat fearing the crippling effects should he be hit.
In desperation, Momonga used [Garb of Undeath], where his cloak erupted around him as if it had a life of its own, guarding against the attacks.
Slowly, his HP took a good several hits from the attack but the outcome was acceptable for Momonga. The skill actually counters the Debuffs and prevents critical attacks but did nothing against the normal damage of the golden swords while grinding him to a halt.
After Momonga endured the rain of swords, he retaliates and attacked with [Hold of Rib].
The attack came from all direction, forcing Artix to jump above the reach of the bones closing in around him.
Artix seeing how far from the range of the spell he was and the bones clasping down on nothing, raised his weapon while creating another ethereal replica. Only to to yell in pain as -[Doom Spikes]- twisted spikes of darkness erupted from within the enclosed ribs, tearing through the capture spell and into Artix.
Artix landed on his back and immediately rolled away as a ball of darkness exploded through the ground he had been on and again throwing him further back.
With a snarl, Artix raised his axe and recasting [Commandments], [Dawn's Light] and [Crushing Light]. The latter two are capable of rendering Undead susceptible to even the lowest tier Light Based Spells of any kind and amplifying the high tiers. The effects made apparent as the both of Artix' weapons glowed one of white light the other of gold.
'You can't retreat, you have to press on!'
Knowing what the spells entailed, Momonga decided to matched him with his own spells. [Shape Darkness], a spell that applied weakness to the opponent depending on the weapon's element... the same weapon that flew to his open palms like a lightning bolt.
The crowd awed at the battle, more so once Momonga finally grips his weapon. The oversized sword-staff glowed a heavy color of darkness, contrasting heavily against the sapphire crystalized blade that is held by pure silver crossguards.
And with [Life Carve], a life steal effect takes hold on his now darkening weapon.
'Come on! You got this!!' hearing her shout of encouragement, he rushed in a burst of explosive speed. Meeting Artix in the middle, with the two exchanging blow after blow in relentless fashion.
The two exchanged in close quarters, making it so that their movements became even harder to emulate through sheer observation. But the power was undeniable. With every clash, flashes of light and darkness scattered across the arena. The very ground itself began to crack against the light and darkness, showcasing their piercing and cutting prowess.
And in their exchange, the rain itself failed to touch them and red lava slowly bled out from beneath them. Yet neither of the two cared, and seemed aware. Cause despite their ferocious duel, their foot work remained careful, showing spacial awareness of their firm footing and stances.
Time crawled on by and to the spectators, it seemed to be a draw between the two. Their exchange getting more fiercer as more and more of their HP dropped with every clash. Triggering class and race based skills and spells.
Artix began to glow with a heavy aura of silver and gold. With his hair tossed about by a soft wind that surrounds him. Momonga on the other hand is shrouded with tendrils of darkness erupting from the gaps between his armor and his feet began to smoke as purple flames slowly took hold of his footing.
And suddenly, without warning, the two struck each other at the same time. Both weapons landing square at each other's torso, creating an explosion of darkness and light. Sending them apart by several meters, sliding against the darkened and bleeding ground.
And with the audience's collective gasp, the screen showed how both players instantly lost a massive 30% of their HP. And with the damage both had accumulated so far, both are left with only 5% percent of their HP.
And while many were waiting for Artix to heal himself, he -to the crowds confusion- did not.
[Death's Touch V]. While he had ignored the initial debuff, seeing it as nothing more than small DOT, the fact that its fifth stack has a surprising effect grinded at his self esteem. The spell had been a boon for him initially, with his passive skill [The Light Protects], he received a small MP recovery for every hit he takes regardless of damage.
But now, reaching the peak of its effect, the spell essentially made healing have adverse effects and for a Paladin, it was a crippling blow.
It was a stack of debuffs that had completely blindsided him during their exchange and his over-confidence in his class and race, hubris had bitten him in the ass.
Resigning to accepting one last clash, he refocused his attention to his enemy.
The two stood at the ready, weapons drawn at each other. Both knowing that the next attack, marks the end of their duel.
Momonga stood calmly, sword held at his side. While Artix secures his footing, and with great determination shining through his eyes, he ran forward. Each step cracking with explosive power.
Reaching his range, Artix unleashed another [Swords of Eternity]. Swords of light appearing behind him and flashing forward.
Momonga inturn formed a hand sign with his fingers and held it as the first blade impaled him. Only for the impaled Momonga to shimmer into nothing while reappearing a foot to the left. Another sword fell at him, only for the effects to repeat itself making Momonga reappear at the far right. Again and again, sword after sword after sword, each falling through him yet hitting nothing as Momonga appeared and reappeared at one position to another.
At the stands, Nishiki Enrai, clenched his fists in excitement. Seeing his friend utilize his skill.
Artix threw his ethereal axe like a frisbee, Momonga inturn pointed at the still rushing Artix, sending his sword flying like it was launched from a ballista. It met the ethereal axe shattering through it with great force and then, *CLANG! bounced off of Artix' cheek. Triggering a skill.
Reaching his foe, Artix raised his axe and bought it down. But Momonga was prepared, and shifted his stance, leaning back and letting the attack miss him by centimeters.
For five seconds, Momonga focused on defense and on the sixth, he retaliates. And with a flex of his muscles, he aimed a punch at Artix' head, landing in an explosive hit that sent the paladin reeling.
But to Momonga's confusion, Artix' did not die. With [Life Essence] Momonga saw how Artix is left with an HP of 1% due to his survival skill.
With [Iron Will] and [Solemn Vow], Artix felt a surge of confidence.
Panic gripped Momonga's heart and with glint of joy in Artix' eyes, he watched as another ethereal axe swing true towards his opponents neck.
Only to break like glass.
Artix felt his breath leave him as Momonga's visors spilled with great golden flames and blood red embers.
He walked through the dark corridor, ignoring the loud cheers and the shaking arena.
And in its shadows, he looked at his shaking hands and teared slightly at the one holding them.
He thought he had lost, he believed he did. His punch was meant to end it... a punch imbued with [Necrotic Strike], and Yamaiko's [Iron Fist]... and he had lost.
'Suzuki felt the world itself still, time stopped for a moment. As if demanding he sees his own failure.
His mind went to the beginning of the duel, how he probed far too many times. How he took some risks and spent too much mana without yet knowing which would would even work. That instead of playing safe and poking at his enemy at a safer distance, he decided to match him, an Arc Paladin of all people.
Yet... a stray thought of him knew that such risks were necessary... as if trying to reason his defeat. To lose in wondering how everything else could have gotten wrong.
He didn't want that.
He sent his sword and watch it sail straight through his opponents sub weapon. Tearing through it like and glass. And in his joy, he saw it. His enemy had been hit in the cheek. Now all he needed was four more seconds.
So he dug deep, held his breath, and ensured his own survival till the moment comes. And when the sixth second struck, he attacked...only it did not go the way he had planned.
And with a shine of gold in his peripheral, an ethereal axe sailed towards his neck, and he knew then that he was in no position to win.
The days prior flashed through his eyes, how his friends offered him their own skills through Dark Wisdom. How even Ulbert offered him the class of World Disaster.
And with tears fogging his vision, he couldn't help but apologize...
'...I'm sorry, everyone...'
'Don't be' she whispers, and with his own eyes, he saw her there, gently running her thumb through his cheek and with a smile she said...'You are not alone in this fight.'
His eyes shifted to her ring finger, and there it was... a gift born of him. The only ring to bear his mark.
His heart beat slowly, reminding him of the days passed in training. In studies. In lecture. And in comfortable silence that slowly ebbed into a lingering desire.
only...she continues to reject him. Not for her, but for himself.
As if rejecting the very idea of defeat itself, strength returns to his eyes.Time slowly rewound itself, and immediately he planned. While the damage was nullified, the effects of his attacks still held, allowing him to recover some MP and HP.
And so with gritted teeth and a grunt of exertion, he shoved his body through time, forcing it to act even if just a millisecond faster than he should have.
And with great courage, he met the axe head on and watched as it shattered like glass against his neck. His slightly recovered HP dropped back down to 1%.
In the small opening, Momonga instantly clamped his hand around Artix' now empty one and struck a quick three hits. One on his chin that Artix dodged, another on his torso that he endured and one kick on his shin that brought Artix on one knee.
But Artix' wasn't done. With a flex of his other arm, he swung back his golden double headed axe, rising towards his chest.
*Clang! it went, as Artix' eyes widened seeing his axe bounce off of Momonga's gauntlet with the glow of [Body of Effulgent Heliodor] fading with it.
And with nimble movements, Momonga clamped his hands around Artix' other hand. Holding the axe in place and his other hand unable to summon another.
Both were at their last HP but Momonga had spent his last MP.
Artix snarls at the attempt to draw out the fight, and as he opens his mouth to cast a spell, he lurches forward. His vision dimms with the notification in front of him written in bold letters.
[Dead]
His arms and hands dissolved, followed by his feet as he fell forward, his chest slowly dissipated. Leaving the sword-staff sticking out his chest from his back, the only thing to remain as Artix' death animations finishes.
And with 1% HP left, the game announces.
[Winner: Momonga]
He staggered a step back as he removed his helmet and with a sigh of relief, he allowed his tears to streak down his face. He felt her hands squeeze his, and he smiled in response to her own. And with another deep sigh of relief, he leaned his head against hers as she leaned hers against his.
In their comfortable silence, Suzuki, with a small blush on his face, kissed her.
It was chaste, soft, gentle and most of all, rewarded as he felt her press softly back at him.
With the flash of camera, they separated with a smack of their lips. Where he turned to see his friends, standing but a few steps from them. Sending smug emojis at what they did.
"Never alone." he whispers.
"Never."