SAO:PoA - Chapter Twenty Five

Floor 1st, October 14th, 2024

Galant sat on his bed after a horrible night. Another nightmare. Sakura once again appeared there, and died just before his eyes. He could still do nothing. She had often appeared on his dreams in the last months. He placed his hands together and placed his forehead on it, looking to the ground thinking of Eve, her blood still staining his hands.

The door opened, it was Antinomy.

“Days training will begin shortly. Join us before the guards see you here doing nothing.”

“Whatever. What can they do?”

“The guards have been stricter since the Patronage and their number has greatly increased.”

He sat down in front of him

“Still bad for her? Eve?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“She was a mirror reflection of Sakura. When we met a life time ago.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“it is not an easy thing to see someone who we cared, robbed of life.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“She should yet walk. With that sweet smile. And dreams beyond this world.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Every night must end. We must all wake.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant moved his right hand, and noticed the wound she had made on him, had yet not healed for some reason. A strange thing. His Battle healing skill should have activated in the moment he stepped out of the sands. Antinomy did not notice, and he decided to leave him out of that concern.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I hope I had been set in her place.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I know. But there is nothing we can do to change our past brother. We must look to the future, and advance try to overcome the pain and guilty in our souls.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He walked towards the door.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Come on. Let us put our past behind.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant grabbed his armor and equipped it, as he went outside ready for training. He grabbed his two wooden blades and started.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard looked at him as he began to spar with Antinomy. He noticed that he would not take that girl’s death slightly. He entered the last floor, and continued thinking. Though he knew That Galant was not yet well, he would have words later with him. At that moment, he had more pressing concerns to tend about: Thinker.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A grey hooded player appeared before him, and he approached.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What news do you bring? Speak. Carres my ears with words, Aulux.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You find them soft and pleasing. We set upon Thinker on the road leaving the city.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The guards and carriage?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Attended, as commanded.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What of your partner?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hikami stands guard. I would see him relive him, by cover of the night.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will accompany you. Gaze into his eyes and see the bow of the reflection in them. In the mea time, see yourself to my hospitality.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My gratitude. It is much needed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And so deserved.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The hooded player left the place to downstairs.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard smiled and sat dawn on his chair and served himself a cup of wine. This had not ended yet. No. It had but begun.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant drank a bit of water after training out of his mood and reluctantly. He layer down with his hands in the giant jar on water and rested from some brief seconds, before a guard tell him to continue training. He could not train well, not with that thought on his mind, and it could not leave it, not matter what he did. The wound still did not heal.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Galant!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A guard appeared before Galant.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are summoned.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He left his weapons and accompanied the guard. He placed him chains on his wrists before he entered the last floor. Upstairs, he was sent to Ducard’s office. Ducard turned back to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You do not seem well.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am not. I was forced to kill a girl.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I understand. Kibaou forced me to do it, so that we could finish our agreement of patronage. I wished you be free, not to be forced to kill a girl.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“She was but a girl. No matter what she had done Why she was sentenced to execution and Laughing Coffin member not?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I know not. Yet, there is a thing that shall be answered, I promise you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I would serve for that end.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Know your thought are appreciated, yet I would have you concentrate to the games of the Month against the Gladiators of The floor 13th Prison.The perfumed shit of Solcius always securing this fight by inserting tongue in ass, only to be crushed by other level’s ludus. But this time is different. THIS TIME WE HAVE THAT HONOR. Galant, The champion of Aincrad, to face Adonexus, the demonical titan.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Understood. ”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“this sad event have obviously taken part of us. Rest, and know that those responsible for this, will drink of their own.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant nodded to him, as Ducard did the same. Galant went back to the lower floor accompanied by a guard, while they walked, on one of the room at his left, he noticed in one of the cells a player that was not a gladiator dreaming. He looked toward his glove and noticed a symbol of a guild he had not seen before. A skull, drawn in a brown square. He did not recognize the symbol and was pushed inside before he could see the player more.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “Shit! I knew it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon grabbed the list of battles in his hand and looked at it, he smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “oh why are you so pissed brother? You are fighting with me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “Like a sucking baby, I would prove myself alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus grabbed the list.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus: “And die the same.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He left the list to one of the Gladiators and left the baths.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant remained sitting while looking to the ground. Still. He did not even care about the list or nothing. He also felt weaker and weaker by the moment as if he was sick, a strange thing, considering he could not get sick inside a game. The wound on his side still did not healed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “Our champion does not seem in form.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “he is being punished.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “by what offence?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “are you a jest? That girl’s blood still wet on his hands?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “He was removed from choice…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “I would die before I killed a girl.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “AND WHO WOULD SEE HER DEATH AVENGED?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant got up and faced him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“what answer do you give Duron?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He head-butted him slightly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“with both of y6ou dead, who would see it?! Eh?!?!?!?!?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “I WOULD NOY KILL HER EITHER”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant did not speak, he briefly tuned to the door, and saw Eve, walking thought the Ludus, with a white dress. The wound on her shoulder still opened and bleeding.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “WAIT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant began to run searching for the girl. The girl turned to the side, and they briefly gazed into each other. She went towards the training place in the sands, as he did the same, but he did not find anything. He turned 360º but still he did not saw her, asking himself for a moment where she was and looked up to the sky. He felt a hand on his shoudler and turn rapidly, it was Antinomy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sorry. I called you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I did not hear.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You do not appear yourself….your wound…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is a scratch, Eve suffered worse.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do you need help to go to your cell?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“NO I CAN.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard placed a clock over his head, covering his identity.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Remove the bag from his face.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Aulux removed the bag from the face of the prisoner tied to a chair, it was Thinker.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Who are you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My apologies for the accommodation leader, but I assure you, you will not have to be here for long.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“who are you? what is this mandness?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Madness? No. It is only reason, born of a clear mind, and a wounded heart.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“wounded? If you would revel who you are, I would knew if I have done you an injury!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What does that matter now? I am here to take revenge; from all those you have done an injury…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“RELESE ME!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Oh I Intent to… from this fucking world”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “Whatever your disagreement, let us discuss it as civilized men.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No, I am rather a base animal, a BEAST!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You give command. And all soldiers follow and do as commanded, and then you spin on their face! The run to the 25th level recall that moment?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I did not man to offend anyone.I SOUGHT ONLY TO SPARE MORE LIFES!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“SPARE?! YOU DON ’<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">T HAVE THE POWER TO SPIN ANYTHNIG YOU PATHETIC!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He kicked him back, from the chair he was tied to the ground, and placed his foot to his neck.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“NOW SPEACK THE WORDS! TELL ME MY HERITAGE NAME HAS NOTHNGING WITH YOU, AND YOUR FRIENDS FROM THE UPPER COMMAND! EH? SPEAK!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikami, one of the accompanies of Ducard spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Apologies, Master. Perhaps if you move your foot…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard removed his foot and got near Hikami looking directly to his eyes…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Lift him up.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They lifted him up. Thinker caught a bit, and once he ended, he spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You wish words from me. Well then listen well. YOU ARE A JEST! A simple idiot mad with me a cowards. Without that cape, you know you would die soon.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Tied to a fucking chair, with mud and beaten, and yet, the man provokes!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You do not see it, do you? Whoever you are you are beneath me! And you always will be. Do what you must for blaming you wounded pride, I will not beg.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. Time for begging has long passed. Plans have been already set upon, for you, and Julier…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What has my girlfriend to do with this!?!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No woman is unstained by the crimes of her lover. She will take part in our little drama…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard made a sign to Aulux with his eyes, and he placed the bag on Thinkers head once again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You, you…!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Aulux punched him, leaving him without conscious.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Try to leave him unconscious till the moment; I would see him ready for the appointed time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Is this wise Master? If we fell back…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard grabbed Hikami from the clothes and forced him to the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“TAKE HOLD OF YOUR BALLS, AND FOLLOW THE PLAN! We are committed. We are committed…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard left the sewers of the first floor, going back to his prison by a secret via between them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 1st, October 15th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant  blocked Argos blow with his sword, then his second, he eluded the third and  stopped. He still could not fight well. He shacked his head and placed himself ready. He attacked, and exchanged some other blows with him, but rapidly, he dropped his sword and went for some water.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus looked at him and Doctore got near him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“behold, the Glorious Champion of Aincrad.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A heavy thought weights in his sword.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The execution of a player is hardly felt by any player and Gladiator. Yet, this is something we accepted here when we swore the Oath. We honor it, not with tears, but with blood staining the sands of the Arena.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Spoken, like a true champion.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Spoken like a true champion.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The games against the floor 13th. Who  is awarded the primus: Galant, The player that grieves.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus turned to Antinomy and continued training as Doctore looked back to Galant, who had grabbed his swords once again and faced Argon. And began clashing wood.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My brother did not mean his remarks.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Spoke his mind. Thoughts sheared by many.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant lean on his right leg.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You wish to rest?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“If I did, I would tell you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He thrust his left sword, then span  with his right,  Argon eluded it by lowering his legs, but then Galant did the same move with his left sword, yet this time Argon managed to strike his right leg, and he was forced to his knees.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Did I hurt you, Champion?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looked up. Yet he did not see Argon face, it was Lance’s, looking at him. Galant did not understand what was happening, he just shacked his head and closed his eyes. But when he re-opened them, his best friend was still there looking at him. Galant got up and began attacking him. He clashed sword with shield, then slashed once again, but he eluded it. He double thrust his weapons but it was blocked by the shield, and then forced out of it.Argon countered with a diagonal upwards slash, but Galant blocked it, and then also blocked his shield hit, and managed to get near Lance, placing both swords in his neck.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “Tend to the wound.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore: “GALANT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant turned to Doctore, and then back to Lance, who had just become Argon once again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “Galant…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant turned to his wound, and noticed that it had got bigger. He dropped his swords and touched it, his body began to lose control as he tried to stand up, yet, he finnaly succumbed and felt to the ground, unconscious.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “the man is half dead with less than Half of his HP gone, did not notice he needed attention!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore: “I thought he was just distracted by that girl’s death.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “will be able to fight against Adonexus?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctor: “His HP is leaves his body for unknown reason slowly and piece by piece. A miracle if he lives to the Games.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “provide a list of all that is needed, I shall see you provided. Do not let a moment pass with him unattended, bring Antinomy if you need something. Our champion cannot fall!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctor: “Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard left the place with Doctore following him towards the upper floor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“the primus against the 13th floor is finally mine AND FATE SLIPS DICK IN ASS! The crowd will turn from me when they notice that Galant will not fight.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Perhaps they shall be pleased with proper replacement.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Who either than Galant could best their champion?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“With Antinomy here,  with Galant, there is but one…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikami walks though the city, and encounter Solcius, Ducard’s Lanista rival. They stop if front of each other and Solcius gave him some Col.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“your hand is weighted, now free your tongue…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“you are safe now. My master is moved by other concerns.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What moves him to such thoughts?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“matter beyond your worries.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yet they clearly worry you. Tell it to me, leave your burden.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He has became…reckless. His thirst for coin, power and vengeance clouds his mind.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“how so?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I have great risk coming with you this night. I must go back to the prison now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He began to leave when Solcius grabbed his arm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You have served me well, as informant for months, so know this: One day, soon, his ludus will come crushing down. Do not see yourself buried in the remains.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant shacked on his bed, he could not stop moving thought he was dreaming and unconscious about what was happening round him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The doctor got near him, and made him drink water, yet, while he drank it, he also started coughing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hold him tight!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy forced his friend down, and thought he still cough, the liquid when down his thought.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That is right…easy.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant stopped moving and had a moment of quietness.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant woke up on the baths, and noticed other Gladiator near him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus: “well lick my hole…The pig-fucker is still alive!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">All the gladiators began laughing, as Galant remained still and noticed the voice and how everything round him looked. He noticed it…it was other of his dreams, and still, it felt much more realistic than the other ones. He could actually smell, fell, such as if he was in other virtual reality.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He moved his right arm, but he noticed the wound on his belly still gave pain. Yet still, he noticed something strange something like…metal inside of him. He opened the wound with both hands, and suddenly a rain of coin felt down of his insides. It did not stop falling for seconds as the sound of the metal hitting the floor. It finally stopped.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Eve voice appeared in his mind, repeating a single phrase several times:

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This is what you are to him. Gold, mined from the blood and meat.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant shook his and closed his eyes trying to get rid of that thought. He opened them up, and it was gone, alongside the other Gladiator, he was left alone in the baths. He turned up, and saw a girl nearly as tall as him, with long blonde hair and a white mask covering her face. She carried a white outfit that nearly covered her waist and breasts. She began to slowly walk to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“All hair Galant…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant blinked for less than a second and the girl was gone.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A hand touched his right shoulder and she appeared once again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Slayer of Cerdic.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She moved round Galant’s back and next to his left shoulder

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The Champion of Aincrad, Champion of Ducard.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She began to raise her sight directly to Galant as he did the same. A few drops of blood came out of the mouth of the mask, as she felt to Galant’s Arms. He doubted by a moment, but he finally removed the mask from her face. It was a blooded Sakura badly hurt smiling at him. Her eyes widened as she opened her month and it was full of blood, like if she had been stabbed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant body began to shake as he could not stop moving and he could not stop trembling by the horrible dream. The Doctor and Antinomy had to grab him and force him quiet for the second time. The grabbed a belt on the bed he was laid upon, and secured it tight, leaving Galant unable to move as he continued to dream.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 1st, October 18th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron and Argon are victor in the primus, yet Argon had to kill both player by himself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “HA!Is that all the Ludus of the 13th floor has to offer.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lazar: “This minor battles do not count. It is the Primus, who decides the victor. Absent your men Galant, the floor 1stfloor shall once again find himself in the 13th’s shadow.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “perhaps Craxus shall bring light to the matter.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lazar: “I would be impressed, if he would have the favor of the crowd..”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Julier: “do not underestimate the man. He is one of the best Gladiators of the 1st floor ludus.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “She speaks the truth.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lazar: “A talent learned from her boyfriend. Will Thinker grace us with his presence.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Julier: “important  matter in other city.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “I am sure, he will join us recently.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikami walked by the sewers and rapidly find Thinker, and near to him, Alux…sleeping.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Aulux!” he kicked him “get up you goat! Master does not pay you for dreaming of tits and ass.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Lay had on me and you will find yourself a cripple.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You know what we deal with. If Thinker would be to escape…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shut up! The man does not move.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Check if he is alive then. See his HP.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will, just that you shut up, you woman!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He got near him, and removed the bag on his head as he did not noticed movement.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Did you see idiot!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I must cheek, if not Master would have us both to the afterlife.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will not happen the man is tied.” He looked down, and noticed a ring on his hand. “this may worth something for us…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He bend down and placed his placed his neck near Thinker’s face, but suddenly, he was bitten by him near the keck strongly. Hikami got near him, and help him not snap out of his jaws.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will have you both executed, and your master!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Aulux in a birth of rage got near Thinker and hit him several times in the head, knocking him out for the second time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Aulux! Enough!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikami forced him out of the hostage.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Let me see, let me see!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looked to the wound of his neck and a part of it was missing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Ugly as shit, but you will survive. Unluckily I am out of healing crysltas. See yourself to the medic in the Ludus.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“do you have the balls to take care of him?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Two of them, very large. Go!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Aulux went the way back to the Prison by the sewers. As Hikami looked towards the rings on Thinker’s hand and thought…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The crowd discomfort grew, shouting and cursing for the primus beginning. Yet, since Thinker was not still on the arena, they should have to wait. The without the editor to start they could not.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lazar: “the crowd threatens with rampage. We cannot wait him any longer.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Julier: “Ducard, can you announce it? In my boyfriend’s word.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “a great honor, my gratitude.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard walked towards the front of the Pulvinus rising his hands and the crowed paced.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“players of Aincrad! In honor of Thinker, the Editor, who is on present business towards the guild of the Army, I present to you, the primus.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">GALANT! GALANT!GALANT! GALANT!GALANT! GALANT!GALANT!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes. Yes we all wish to see him on the sands. Yet, our champion shall not step to the sands. But there is chance of reajoice! Today a unique player shall step into the sands! Enter Craxus! Saber!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus entered the arena while half of them cheered his name, and others mocked and demanded to see Galant.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“he faces the most Vile opponent, forged in the darks parts of the 13th floor’s ludus! I give you Adonexus! Curved Saber!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A dark skin player armored with a curved sword, a medium shield, long graves and a single manica entered the arena. He had long dreadlocks coming from the sides of his face and a serious face with demon vicious look and a coming out chin.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The two opponents were meters from each other. Craxus placed his helmet on, and tabbed his sword, as Adonexus showed his weapon to lazar, which he answered by rising his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lazar: “I pray the match is overly brief!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “Then let it be done! BEGIN!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Both of them face each other, and after a few seconds, Craxus attacked, they clash swords between them two.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The medicus warped Aulux neck with bandages.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What was the cause of your wound?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A Wolf, It came out of the shadows at the outsides of the city.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He gave a glass with liquid on it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What is this? Smells like piss.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It’s a version of the paralisis liquid used by Laughing Coffin. It will help you sleep.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He drank and laid on the bed next to Galant’s, who remained dreaming.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I need food and a few hours’ sleep Antinomy. Call me if his condition gets worse.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus is kicked back to the wall of the arena. He is manages to elude Adonexus first strike and then nearly parries the second one. Adonexus hits the shield on his left, but Craxus then moves it to cover his front, yet the Curved saber quickly moved it aside with his own, and hit him several times. Craxus is visually wounded, with less than half of his GHP. Adonexus then kicks him on the faces, clashing with the wall and then to the floor. Adonexus turned to the crowd and opened his arms.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lazar: “another month, another favored son of the 1st floor down the ground!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “The match is not yet finished!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lazar: “Formalities of blood. Your man is finished.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “let us see it then.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus got up for once again. Yet Adonexus rushed to him ready to finish him. He span and thrust his sword several times yet the Saber covered with ease thanks to his large shield. They clash sword and shield at the sides of both of them, forcing Craxus to the wall, yet he used the side of it to kick his opponent in the face, and make his roll backwards. Craxus moved to the middle as Adonexus got up; he looked at his rival, and clashed his own sword with shield, intimidating. They rush at each other and clash sword and shields. Craxus slashed and this hit his shied with his own. Adonexus slashed, yet the champion eluded it. He later tried to pass to his back eluding a hit from his shield. They clash sword and shield, and Craxus slashes his shield, moving it, and then parries the sword making it slip from his hands, and hit him with the shield, slipping the defense weapon also from his grasp.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He felt back, and placed his shield covering his left flank, looking towards Adonexus in his knees, staring to each other for some seconds. Adonexus roll on the ground and grasped his sword, and ran toward his opponent, but Craxus moved and slashed him, before falling to the ground, at the same tame as his opponent. Adonexus go up and noticed a huge slash on his belly that had taken great part of his GHP. Craxus got near him, kicking him to the floor, he turned back to his opponent standing, and his face was smashed by his boot killing him and wining the match.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He shouted in joy for the victory.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Craxus, VICTOR! As promised!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lazar: “good fortune to the Ludus of the 1st floor, and all this deserved citizens.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “oh, come on, linger a moment, let us relive this glorious day!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A guard appeared out of the door, with not in hand.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard grabbed it and opened.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What is this news that stops the joy of good Ducard?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The man sent by Kibaou to the 74 boss battle were defeated. Corbatz and other two are dead. And…the wagon of Thinker was discovered at the edge of the city. No sight of the guards.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yuriel: “Thinker???”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “was not among them. But tracks lends back to the city. Probably ransom.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lazar: “If I can be of aid…?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yuriel: “Do not worry, we shall manage.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “I shall also send my men to the task, you are most welcome to join us Yuriel.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yuriel: “alright.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikami waked thought the city, and encountered Solcius.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You made me wait long.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am sorry. I was difficult to move without notice.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The alarm has sound across the city, speak quickly. I join the search for Thinker.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am aware of his absence. The very matter, I came to discuss with you.” Hikami gave him a small lather bag, inside of it, a ring.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thinker’s ring?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“SH. Not loud.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How did you come by this?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“With mean based on your desires. Ducard helds him captive, in attempt of murder.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thinker has insulted him, and obstructs his ambitions. I would end bods, before I find myself in the sands, next to him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thinker, where is he held?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“If so, he has seen my face. I must leave the city, and would have proper mean to do so.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Solcius gave him more col.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“come then, we must go, let us gather men.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No he would be dead before we do, we must proceed before now. Are you armed?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“a simple dagger.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“it is enough to cut ropes! Quickly or see opportunity fade.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He walked towards direction he pointed, followed by solcius.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant wakes up and breathed strongly. He looked round and notice no one near him, and the place looked like…abandoned. He sat on the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“medicus? Antinomy?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He got up with pain and walked a few steps forward. Yet he stopped, and looked back. his bed was no longer there, instead other bed with a small human being on it, and above him, a white sheet, as if it was dead. Galant approached to the side of him, and noticed that he stop breathing. And somehow, blood came out of his blood by some wounds on the body. Galant swallowed saliva, approached the body and removed the cloth, from the face. He felt back a few steps, the one on the bed…was him, as he was as a kid body, from many years past. He recalled that moment in the arena, his fist fight, the Last member of the Titan’s Hand, had his face. He killed him by slashing his thought, and his body hand a cut directly there. Glant continued to stare to him, as he heard a voice.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Why did you kill him?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A white dressed player came from the door and it’s shadows with blonde golden hair, it was Sakura, looking to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I had no choice! A man must accept his fate!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looked back to the body, and this time saw Eve, dead where he stood. Galant looked back to Sakura, but she was not there.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“…Or be destroyed by it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She appeared next to Galant.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Is this my path? Blood and death?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“you have always been destined for unfortunate things.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They placed their forehead clashing with each other and closed their eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant opened then, and he was on the last cave of the Maximus quest, with Guinevere dying on his arms. A tear felt from his eye.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Please. Do not leave me again.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This…is to help you…Tend to the glove.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looked up, and saw PoH. He got up and walked by him, and saw the glove, the amrk on it. A brown coffin, with a grinning skill with bones, he noticed that all the Laughing Coffin members had the same somewhere. Either tattooed, or on a glove. He was pushed by Lance dressed as a guard, and walked by the ludus, and he looks to the side, where that player slept days ago.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Tend to the glove, brother.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looked at the glove, and saw the same marking that was in PoH, was in this player. The symbol of Laughing Coffin.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant woke up and breath. Antinomy appeared.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are alright! We did not know what had happened to you. your wound has healed. Be still. You have been blessed to still live.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looked to his side, he noticed the player form days before, dreaming next to him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes, I have been.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will fetch the medic.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“wait!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Release the straps. I would have words with this player alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“to what purpose?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Wait in the corridor, sound warning if anyone approaches, specially the guards of Kibaou.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy kept looking at him, but did not say anything.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do this for me brother; I will be in your debt.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard and Yulier walked thought the city, accompanied by a dozen of guards.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“there is no sign of him. He could be anywhere!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“he is a man of steem, easily recognizable, There must be a way to move him without notice?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The cisterns! They move beneath the entire city, and beyond!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Advance, get ready torches. You shall see your boyfriend soon, Yuriel. You have my word.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“your part on this shall not be forgotten.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She entered the cisterns.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“no it shall not.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikami and Solcius arrived to the place where Thinker was.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thinker!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“wait… THEY APROACH.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“WE MUST HURRY!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No, it is too late!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Still your nerve!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will not end murdered by you nor any man. Consider me a spirit, and this city, a world I leave behind!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The read haired player ran far from the place.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hikami….”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Solcius got near Thinker and cut of the ropes from the legs and arms of the chair and thinker’s. He removed the bag on his head, and he was still good.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“SOLCIUS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Solcius got up, and was still with knife in hand, Yuriel got to thinker, yet he woke up few seconds later, and was helped up by the guards. While the two rivals stared to one another.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yuriel:“you did this!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thinker: “you trapped me here?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No, Thinker, listen to me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “sieze him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Two guards grabbed Solcius, and He was hit by the back of a sword, dropping his weapon, and leaving him at mercy of the Guards.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This shall not reamin like this Thinker, this shall be judged. Solcius shall pay and suffer for what he has done.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikami appeared next to Dcard with grin on his face, while Solcius struggled in anger to the guards when he saw him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“All of Aincrad shall know you for the shit you are!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant grabs the hand of Aulux, and notices the symbol of Laughing Coffin.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“what are you doing?!?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galnt palced his forearm to the player neck, to make his voice less loud and began the questions.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“TELL ME WHAT IS THIS MARK!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“take your hands of me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE WITH THE MARK THAT POH AND LAUGHING COFFIN MEMBERS WERE!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The eye of Aulux widened, as he noticed who he was talking to, and that he noticed who he was.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Guard!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Aulux almost slips from his forearm, but Galant managed to grabb his neck and press it with his arm to his chest.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“TELL ME!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I only do as commanded…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Who give such commands, eh?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Saliva began to come out of the player’s mouth, as they continue to force with each other, but Galant was in a raging state, and was much more powerful.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“WHO?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Du…card.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant forced his arm more, and in a couple of seconds, the player shattered into polygons.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy entered the place

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What have you done?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He died and you do not know why. Secure my straps. Never speak of this. I will tell you later.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 1st, October 19th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard and Hikami spoke from the prison Ludus beneath the fall of the sun, after perfect plan had been performed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The wound did not appear fatal. The medicus said that he died for reasons he cannot explain.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The damage was deeper than the eye can perceive.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Uh, a loose end, no longer needed to be tighten.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard nodded, and he laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You played your part well Hikami.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It was a greater mind that mine the one that conceived it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Solcius thought you would betray me as I knew he would.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He never suspected my loyalty, always with you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A man without honor cannot imagine that in anyone else, and you, you have that quality above all other, and shall be rewarded in kind.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“your will, Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“uh,  Fate truly favor this ludus and me. Behold! Galant training on the Paulus, rising form the dead. GALANT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant finished striking the Paulus, a little wooden-man like,  and  mid turned to Ducard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“you are well?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looked him making a bit of a smile.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“yes master. I am myself again.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A guard approached the Ludus.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“DAY ’<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">S TRAINING ENDS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore sound his whip, and all ceased training and gave the swords to the guards. They place chains on all the Gladiators’ wrist and force them to the cells. One of them pushes Duron

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Stop, you Soldier asshole.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He was hit on the face and forced to sit down, as other gladiators entered the cell.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “I would caution softer words…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It was Galant to his back, in the cells with chains just like them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “what are you doing here? You have your own cell?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “After Kiabou’s patronage, they became stricter, and most severe in punishments. I spent some days in the shade after the tenth, without training, and that’s why I am here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy: “I told you it was a bad idea to remain there.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “Softer words you say…The shit keeps raising in this fucking hole.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “perhaps best to not be present, when it fills the mouth.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “what do you speak of?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “I speak of nothing.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “nothing…sounds much like escape. And how would nothing find way pass Ducard and all his fucking soldiers and members of the Army?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “There is but one path…We kill them all.”