SAO:PoA - Chapter Twenty Six

Floor 45th, October 29th, 2024

The 40 Gladiators of the house of Ducard step into the sands of Aincrad’s Arena in a line, as the guards accompany them. They are with chains in hands, silent, and at certain distance from each other. They end the walk, and end in a semicircle, facing the Pulvinus. Ducard, Yuriel, and many other members of the army stand there. Galant looks up and looks at Ducard who does the same

Trumpets sound.

Ducard: “The noble House of Ducard stands Humbled. Humbled by the blessing that I have upon me, and for the presence of the most important citizens in all of The Army in this very day, for coming to celebrate the acquiring of commander for myself. My biggest honor yet earned. The man himself would wish to be here, but for duties of the Guild, he does not. Still he would see us properly attended, by words of loving girlfriend”

Galant glares at Craxus who returns the favor by doing the same himself.

Yuriel: “good members of Aicnrad, it is with great pleasure that I, Thinker, entrust Ducard, with the position of Aincrad’s Liberation Army, the position of Commander.”

Argon stares at a guard, who briefly stares him back, but them he moves his sight towards the rest of the gladiators.

Galant: “still yourself.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“There is no player that should be more trusted than him and he holds all my absolute confidence, and unconditional support.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “my heart to the Leader, and with the hope you share it, I present, a gift of blood. Two legends in the arena, to face each other <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">sinne missone, no quarter given no mercy shown, to decide who shall become the champion of Aincrad, and who will die, forced to the crimes that he has committed on previous life. Behold, Craxus, The Savage Lion.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A guard appeared in front of Craxus, removed the shackles and gave him his sword and shield.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“To tame him, there can be but one man. Galant! Champion of Aicnrad!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A guard appeared, and unchained Galant, giving him both Balmung Blade and Guren. They step into the middle of the semicircle. Facing the Pulvinus and the crowd roared.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I have given you my answer. Let us finish this.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant turns to Craxus and readies both blades, as Craxus placed his shield in front of him, with his yes just above it and tabbed his sword.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He rams at Galant they clash Guren and his own blade. But then he tries to hit him with his shield, what Galant blocked with Balmung. They Struggle from some brief second but they finally separate, Craxus tries to slash him, but Galant eludes it to his left, but then his has to block the shield for the second time, then the sword, then the shield for the third, and Craxus kicks him back

<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 45th, October 27th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Solcius is sitting in chains inside the cells of the arena, waiting for his turn for an execution. Just a loincloth left, as the rest of his clothes had been removed, alongside his items.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The door of his cell opens, to the last person he wished to see in his final moments: Ducard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I hurts my sould to see a man, once so elevated, plummet to such depths.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“your dog, Hikami, you had him always on your leash, even when he was licking my as this last months?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“His loyalty never wavered.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The man has well skilled deceit.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“…or perhaps you were to jealous and blind by envy to see the bitter truth.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do not congratulate yourself that much.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Did not you have eyes towards my ludus? my position? And Yuriel…?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Solcius looks up, to a grinning Ducard, who noticed it, what he felt.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I noticed. I have a wife of my own outside this world. I would notice a man’s eye, specially for love. Still you wished to steal glory from my house. An here you stand. With nothing but blood and sand to praise your efforts.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Aincrad will see you for what you are.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hahahahaha. The man who broth a base criminal to justice after capturing Thinker, THE HERO OF THE PEOPLE! May God protect me form their wrath.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sound of the cheer of the arena after a kill had been made, as polygons of date fell to Solcius arm, and banish seconds later.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Craxus finish his opponent sooner than expected. I shall return to the Pulvinus, to announce your execution.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He walks to go to the upper level when Solcius stops him.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are not the first to die, for that error.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard rapidly walks back to the Pulvinus.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thinker: “Craxus has become a great gladiator.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thinker: “Ducard, you will have the honor of announcing the execution. For what you have done.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He steps to the front of the arena, with his arms widely open, as trumpets ended their sound he begins speaking.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Good citizens of Aincrad. I stand humbled before you, for an undeserved honor of announcing the final execution, to redress one of the most vile crimes committed in this wordl. The kidnapping of the leader of my guild Thinker! He was attempted to be killed, in lust of profit and advancement. Yet fortunately, this did not come to pass, AND TODAY WE SHALL WITNESS JUSTICE, THE BASE CRIMILA THAT HAS SO WONDED US, SHALL BE EXECUTED AD GLADIUM!”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Both doors open, and Solcius enters with sword and shield. Lots of things, like rock are thewn as the crowd threw things to him. He arrives to the middle and widened his arms as the crowd continued to mock him while he turn 360º and finally points his sword to Ducard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And who shall balance the scale! Who shall restorn honor to our guild!?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“There is but one man! The slayer of cerdic! Galant Champion of Aincrad!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The two doors open and Galant stands back to the sands as a gladiator. He reamin neutral to the roar of the crowd as he finally stands face to face to Solcius.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You survived you execution Champion, upon this very sands. Perhaps good Solcius would have the same luck.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Solcus placed his shield close and tabbed his weapon as the champion also assumed a fighting stare position.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Solcus begins a rage frenzy of attacks as Galant is forced to fall back. He eludes his first diagonal attack and parries the second one as he bade a simple attack to the shield, just to be parried by Solcius.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He continues a savage barrage of attacks, yet Galant does not counter, relying much more in parrying and eluding, than countering his moves.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yuriel: “Why does not Galant strike and return?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “he cut waits for opportunity to the joy of the crowd. His blood shall flow soon enough.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant cuts his right cheek. Yet this not stops Solcius, who makes a horizontal slash, but Galant parries it, and accompanies the blade with his own, deflecting it. Solcius tries to strike him with his shield, what el eludes with ease, and then for the second time to diagonal slashes, when the champion manages to slash his left cheek with Guren.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“you are not absent skill.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“nor desire to live.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant attacks with Guren to his shield, the attacks with Balmung but Solies parries the moved, still this was not the end of the champion’s rush, who parries the low attack of Solcius, spin to clash Guren with the shield and manages to strike the leg of Solcius with his other sword. Solcius leaves himself by the pain open, and Galant seizes opportunity to slash his belly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “see. Solcius comes to his end.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thinker: “True. Besides, there is ammater I would discuss with you, Kibaou. After the defeat of his troops in the 74th floor boss battle he fled. Do you know where he is?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “you well know me due to him was my patronage. I will see if I can get to him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thinker: “my gratitude once again. Tell him I want to brake words in peace.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant slashes the chest with Balmung, then cuts of his left leg by a powerful strike, and finishes his attack with a double Stardust Slasher, cutting both the chest and belly, as nothing but red data could be seen in his body. Solcius drops both weapons, and falls to his knees. he bends back his head as the crowd roars in joy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Roar of the crowd. There is no sound more glorious.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“the last thing you shall hear.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“you take the wrong life Galant. Your master, Ducard is the one that captured Thinker and accused my with this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I guessed well. Thank you for telling me. And do not worry…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He places Blamung blade to his  shoulder near the neck.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Solcius looks Galant to the face and notices. He begins to laugh in joy, and widens his arms in join waiting for the end.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant bends his arm and strikes Solcius in the neck, beheading him in a single strike. The head flies and ends in the earth. While the multitude cheers and joys for the end of Solciu,s Galant stabs his face and raises up in the sky looking towards the Pulvinus. The head fades in polygons, as he stares towards Ducard.

<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 45th, October 29th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus clashes swords with Galant, who parries the blade. Craxus spans and hits him with the edge of the shield, spins and tries to slash him with his sword. Galant parried for the second time, but them the shield was ram to hit him, which he eluded, but for the second time Craxus used the edge of it, to ties to hit the champion, who placed both sword in and X position, blocking his attack. After some seconds of power struggle, Galant leads millimeters backwards and spins thought the back of Craxus ending his assault.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I did not believe Craxus would be such challenge for him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“do not underestimate the man Aelus, he stood in battle Galant did not.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “the match is yet new to this world; much can happen as it matures.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant was sent to the ground and briefly stares to Antinomy, and shakes his head to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant is thrown to the sands, he avoids the downwards sword attack, and then the shiedl edge by rolling on the ground. He tries to slash Craxus, but his move is parried by the shield. Craxus makes a second downward slash, blocked by both blades of Galant.

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He rolls in the sad, eluding the momentum of Craxus move, then rolls in back kicking him, and saving enough time to get up.

<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 1th, October 28th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant is fighting one of the gladiators while training. He blocks with sword with an X position and kicks him back.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant thrust his sword to his shield, the parries his sword, span while double hitting his shield, span for the second time, and hit the gladiator’s leg, sending him to the ground. He  palced his sword to his chest.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He places the sword in his underarm, and helps him up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Many now consider Craxus our champion now. Count me among them.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Doctore! I would work in the Paulus.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The guard of Kibaou nodded, as Doctore did. Galant walks and was in the Paulus alongside Antinomy and the two brothers.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He clashes several times his sword.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Have you traded words with Auctus?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “he is with us.” He strikes two times the palus. “But Lyscus and others, refuse to grab dick, with Craxus holding their balls. What does Raknos stand?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “the same. Our numbers are yet few. We must Gain Craxus support, and see them rise.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “the man is very Honorable. Do you believe he will hear us?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “he will, trust me. A way shall present itself”

<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: “I save Thinker’s life, and men of influence inside the army great me as brother!”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They both notice Doctore accompanied by a guard.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore: “I would have words, Master. In private.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard:”Doctore! I am all ears.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They enter the room of the statues.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Kiabou’s mercenaries are taking the bit of freedom left to our men. They suffer that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is a thing that must be endured. I have no time for such concerns.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“With respect, every Ludus deserves the attention of it’s Lanista.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I seek higher title, far removed from the Ludus and the Prison. I am tired of this, and would see other person attend this. Some one that has forever proven loyal.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I had thought of make the announcement in the celebration, but you force my hand. The person I meant, was you. Never more you shall be my Doctore, you will assume the mantle of Lanista.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A great honor, my gratitude. I understand, and shall work here as your right hand men. I will accept the men of Kibaou and ran the Ludus properly, following your command as always.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Know something, when you are lanista, you will face lots of solutions, with consequences. And know you measure, by how your blade falls. Besides I have a proble, I would have your aid on this.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“All what we have done, has grasped way to the Elite, but they are of voracious appetite. What mean what you suggest to see them well satisfied?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A battle in the Arena, a thing only this house holds: Galant, Champion of Aincrad, in a contest to the death, against the new rising star of this Ludus, Craxus.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“With respect, yet the man has proven himself. Craxus has beaten warrior Galant did not. And is the only gladiator that truly represents danger for him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Your words carry true; he is the only Gladiator capable of representing challenge to Galant. And there would be political advantage, to present the Champion of Aincrad, to a campaign office.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I shall see it announced then…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“do not care, send Galant to my chambers when the training has ended. I shall say it to him personally.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore walked back to the Ludus, unnoticing Hikami right to the entrance of the balcony. He smiled after having overheard conversation and   placed his glasses to his ace with his middle finger and smiled.

<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 is accompanied by two guards to Ducard’s office with shackles in hands.

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “A fact I am well aware of” Galant tries to separate his hands, but the chain block him of doing so.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I still recall when we first had words a life time ago. An you savage, in chains. An now you stand as death made meat and bone…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It was your hand, what forged my purpose.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But is upon your shoulder this ludus elevates, and continues to do so! In two days, in the area, a fight shall take place, in celebration of well obtained favors. Althouhgt a sight to the Slayer of Cerdic will be the first and principal attraction, In a death match!”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Both Gladiators face each other, sinne missone, no quarter given no mercy shown, and the fight to decide, if you remain as champion, or be replaced by him. They shall behold everything from the Pulvinus. No eye will be denied the Champion of Aincrad, as he faces his Archrival, in a match to the death.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Let me guess, I am to fight Craxus.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. I would see him training well, so he may, better thrill the crowd before his end.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You truly have fucking mind for this! It shall be a grand speactacle, and if you win, as I steem, that shall grow you closer to freedom. Remove yourself to slumber and dreams.”

<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">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 45th, October 29th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus jumps and clashes sword with Galant, he parries one of his slashes, then spins blocking other and clashing for the second time. They continue several slashes and it ended when Glant nearly sliced his throat.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He is a much better showing than many other Gladiators.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He even threatens to strip the champion of life, and title.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant slashes with both swords closing a semicircle forcing Craxus back, and then tries to slash his leg using the same move in the opposite, but Craxus raised his leg, avoiding the move. Galant thrusts Balmung to him, but is blocked by the shield and bends his legs to elude Craxus slash to his neck. Craxus spins to hit Galant with his shield, yet he did the same and managed to elbow him right on the back, yet this did not stop the player who continued to fight against him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus slashes with his sword, but Galant blocks it with Balmung, yet the player tried to hit him with his shield, but was blocked by Guren. They briefly struggled while being locked also in each other eyes, rage and determination. Craxus knees Galant in the side of his belly, and forces him back ending it. They continue to clash swords in vicious ways, trying to exploit each other’s weakness.

<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 29th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant and Antinomy train duels, while the two brothers od the same next to them.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “with the elite of the Army. Their death shall leave the guild in chaos. It will be days for them to assume pursuit of us.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “We cannot same the same about the reapers, and other player killing guilds.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “still, we should be good out of the largest guild in the castle. The rest is up to you.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Opportunity shall be presented. Trust me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant sees Craxus training against Auctus. He rolls in the sands gets up and as the Lancer tries to attack him with it, he jumps on the weapon and breaks it. He seems to have understood what Galant told him months ago.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore: “rest. Eat. We reassume after midday sun has passed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus walks to the shade, and sits down, as Galant follows him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You seem to have learned, what I taught you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“True. And learned other few things that I may teach you tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“So the news came to your ear.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Along with other things. The gladiators speak of your desires. What fiber did you catch, that Galant thinks that I would ban with him. To risk the lives of my men, my life and my place here?”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Freedom. As do we all. As I wish.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“true. The you know I will survive. And see it returned to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The same that Ducard said to me month ago yet here I stand. And he is not a man to be trusted.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Why do you say such a thing?”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“From tongue of his man Aulux, a member from Laughing Coffin, the guild that killed my friends. Before I silenced him forever. I will see Ducard dead, after he gives me proper explanation.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I as would do in your position, but I am far removed. My escape would only send me down plummeting. And I would lose all my honor for this, and being haunted like a dog by anti-player killers.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Join me. And we shall see the end of this cursed world, whatever the cost.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You know that in another life…you and I may have been as brothers. Yet not in this one…I must gain my freedom in the arena.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then we stand against of each other’s cause…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And both are just. But if I fall, I would have you sworn to end this game, whatever the cost.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And I would have word, that if you are victorious, one day, you will have Ducard’s and PoH’s lives.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They shared a hand shake.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Tomorrow then, one of us dies.” Galant said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I fear it was always fated to be so.” added Craxus

<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 is sited on his chair, attending personal business, when Hikami entered thought the door.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes. There is one thing I would have of you.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I think you heard what has happened to the men Kibaou sent to the frontlines.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I did. Corbatz and two more of them were killed in the boss battle of the 74th floor, the gleam eyes. They were saved by someone called the Black swordsman I think… ”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A minor detail which is not the purpose of this chat.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Since what happened to them, that automatically made Kiabou’s image, do fall from the heavens. As result, he is searched by the guild, to eradicate him from it.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thought, I have been so, elevated, I still need more. Kibaou is still at the prison, in one of the lower floors. He is to see Thinker in a reunion tomorrow, yet it is a trap, to capture him. I would have you go there, instead of attending to the arena.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He walks the room and tabs his finger while he presses the glasses in his face with his right hands middle finger and smiles. He takes out from one of his pockets a potion, while a vicious malicious smile draws in his face.

<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 29th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The gladiators are eating in a round while being watched by the guards and Doctore standing guard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “Stay by my side, and I will see us both of us from this place.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “I do not need you to hold hand.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “I but wish your life protected you dick!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “speak louder and see us all to ruin.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “I would have doctore’s whip removed. Along the arms that wields it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Doctore is an honorable men. I would not have him dead, nor Juriel and Thinker, they is innocent.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “you worry about piss and shit. The other gladiators will not join us without Craxus.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “they will seize the moment, with Craxus dead there is left but one champion.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “and what of the invisible shield of the place?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy: “It’s corrupted, by Skieth, a powerful glitch. Since Galant’s battle with Ishi the virus has been there. I managed to corrupt the data of the stadium’s shield when Galant fought Solcius. The only thing left to destroy it, is a powerful hit to it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “then we owe our good fortune to the man.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant grabs his glass of water and drives it to his mouth, but suddenly, he felt a scent of the glass, and he not drank from it.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A red haired player with glasses passing by got near Galant and took a scent of his drink. Galant noticed that he was the one next to Ducard from some days ago.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My apologies champion, this was for Craxus.”

<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">The player grabs the glass of water walks round the round and gives it to Craxus, exchanging it for the one of Galant. He goes back and gives Galant his glass of water. The red haired player leaves the Ludus.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “That glass, contained paralysis potion from Laughing Coffin, in a lower quantity. I would but make him weaker, allowing my advantage for the battle. That player would have Craxus dead, but why?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikami walks to the entrance of the Prison and gets out. He takes outs from his clothes a paper of gambling. He had bet his money for Galant, and now, he had seized his opportunity. Craxus would not be capable of fighting with a small quantity of Potion in his blood. He would die, and, as result, he would receive more col.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Now, he would see himself to what his master had command, trapping thinker would be easy.

<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 45th, October 29th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant and Craxus clash sword and shield. The Lion made a slow vertical slash what Galant eluded with ease, then he makes the same moved in the opposite but Galant parries it and finally a forwards diagonal strike, what Galant blocks with Both sword in an X position. Galant looks and Antinomy who nods him back. He kicks back Craxus sending him to the ground.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus gets un pad blocks both of Galant’s downward sword strike. He spins and tries to get the champion though the back, yet he misses, clashing his sword to the ground. Craxus makes the same move again, and well this time, yet Galant parries, and hits his shield with both swords diagonally, sending him to the ground for the second time. He points his Guren to him and talked to him in a low voice so the guard did not hear.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“you are weak because they have poisoned you. They wish you dead!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus spins hitting Galant’s dagger and sending it near Antinomy, he gets back up and Galant uses Shimmer Spike to times, what ease parried by Craxus shield and sword. They clash blades again, and Craxus tries to hit him with the shield but Galant eludes easily, hitting his back with the back of Balmung, and throwing the shield away, ear the Pulvinus. He sends Craxus to the ground for the third time.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant slashes downwards, and Craxus manages to parry the first trike. Galant makes a second one which is also parried, yet still very near. Galant grabs his right arm and hits him with the back of his sword. Craxus hits him with his left, but Galant wraps his arm with his own placing the blade near his chest.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Join my brother! And we shall see this game cleared!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus looks at him notably tired and hurt. He does not respond.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant throws him near the front of the Pulvinus, rolling and end near his shield. He gets up helped by his shield, looks up towards Ducard who is directly looking towards him, they share a brief moment stare. Craxus turns around.

<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">He placed his shield front towards Galant and tabs it. Galant run realizing a fearsome battle cry, jumping in the shield jumping towards the pulvinus.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> The invisible wall bakes in front of his eyes as he prepared to stab Ducard, yet he grabbed a nearby player, which was the one that was stabbed in the head by Galant. Galant forces the sword out, and the player shatters in to polygons. He makes a second try to kill Ducard, but is stopped by a whip in his right hand, Doctore.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant continues to look to Ducard, who screams in anger to him, while being bulled backwards by the terrorized spectacle in the pulvinus, who headed back to the inner side of the arena, as the rest of the crowd began to leave the place.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The whip is cut by Craxus. Doctore falls to the ground and seems to have lost conscious. Galant gets inside the pulvinus, and looks back to the arena and the gladiators.

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The gladiators rush towards, Antinomy grabs Guren and the slaughtering battle between the two groups begins.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Inside the principal room of the Pulvinus, just screams and shouts can be heard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “DO NOT BE ALARMED PEOPLE, EVERYTHNIG IS UNDER CONTROL! PLEASE!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yuriel: “He tried to kill you, he is again and animal!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “we must calm ourselves, where are the guards!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant parries the sword of a soldier and slashes his neck with Stardust Slasher, the next one is slashed in the chest, and then in the back of the head. He parries a second sword and slashes the neck of a third one, as a forth one tries to strike him with a spear, but Galant eludes, grabs the weapon, and s thrusts his sword to the player body several times before  throwing him of the pulvinus, to the sands.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The two bands clash, beginning the slaughter. Some gladiators manage to disarm their opponents, as other fall to the soldiers. The battle is fast but a bloody and gore still. A gladiator briefly exchanges blows with a Soldier only to be stabbed though the chest and killed.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron advances and clashes swords with the soldier who had just killed his friend.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy slashes and stabs a guard thought the chest, before other comes, he kicks the soldier back from Guren exchanges some brief blows but finally slashing though the body and then slices the throat killing him. He robs from the dead guard the keys, and tosses them to Argon next to him, who rapidly manages to remove his own. Craxus kicks back an opponent.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus: “I would see this done! Before getting the hell out of this nightmare game!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He advances and slashes and upcoming soldier, as Duron grab the arm of the soldier and grabs the key for his chains, and opens them. He tosses the keys to others.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus: “Advance! We should go towards the Pulvinus by the entrance inside the arena!!

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus looks back, and notices Doctore left on the ground, left without conscious.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant runs and impales a player with the spear he had just grabbed, then locks a player arm, avoiding the slash, and slices  opens his stomach before kicking him back to the ground. A third one makes a downward slash, yet he efforts parries it, and gets to the player back, after slicing the belly kicks him out with the back of his sword. He continues to advance in the inner part of the pulvinus.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron fist a guard with his right hand and the slashing the throat. Argon clashes sword with a guard, and slashed his body, and stabs him though the neck, then kicks his legs, sending him to the sand, and pierces the body with the sword bending him body. Duron get to his back, and blocks the sword of a guard sent to kill his brother then slashes the body and cuts his throat. Thy share a handshake, but a guard comes to Argon’s back, Argon moves him aside, and is stabbed thought the heart, but his brother manages to behead the guard just after it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron falls to his brother’s arms, while the latter removed the sword from his body.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “I saved you this time brother…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron’s body begins to glow, and shatters into polygons.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">His brother looks up on the sky with grief, and shouts in anger and pain. He follows his brothers seconds later.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “my friends, we are perfectly save inside the pulvinus. The situation is being attended, still your hearts, at this very moment my guards…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The gladiators remaining appear in a salvage frenzy of blood and death, rush towards the leaders of the army, beginning a second slaughter as the control held by Ducard was totally lost, and the remaining guards inside of the pulvinus were few against the horde of salve orange players.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard runs with Yuriel and other three players. A gladiator appears out of nowhere, and kills one of the player, yet Ducard grabs the hand of the Gladiator, and after a brief power struggle, he takes his sword slashing the chest and then  tabs  though the stomach, killing him.

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They ran back the corridor, as Ducard left them with the sword of the player clutched in hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“they will have us all dead!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“no, we shall see them imprisoned or dead.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant clashes swords with a guard and slashing the body.

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looks up, and notices Yuriel, he begins to run to her as she did the same from him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus advances and clashes sword with a guard slices the leg, then the body and stabs though the chest, kicking him of the sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I ONCE BELIVED YOU A CHAMPION CRAXUS!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looks back, with Doctore just behind of them, with a large one/two handed sword and an axe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Now I see I am but a coward!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I was poisoned by Ducard! What would you have me do?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Serve your master and die, with honor!”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon rushes towards Doctore, but he parries the sword, making it slip from the gladiator’s fingers, spins and stabs him thought the chest and smashes his head with his axe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus: “ARGON! I will kill you!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy: “he is too strong for you, I shall fight with you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore: “let us see if you recall what I thought you, when you two were still men.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yuriel: “where is the way out…?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She draws her blade and points Galant.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You will have no need of that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You have just slaughtered all in you path, you and your animals…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Ducard and the army are without honor. Ducard had to do with your boyfriends kidnapping, and since he was allied with  Kibaou I suppose he has done the same right now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Give me a reason to believe you!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because it is the truth. Stay close to heel, I will see you from this place.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You do not have many choices, do you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant walks back to the Pulvinus.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looks back at her, staring for a brief moment.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No, I did not”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore knocks both of Antinomy and Craxus to the ground.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Both of them got up.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy attacks him, but with his small dagger is no match for a large sword, and is strike down rapidly by a powerful hit to the chest by the sword, as Craxus uses the advantage to try to strike Doctore, yet, the player parries the sword kicks Craxus and slashes him. in the chest then strikes a hard trike to his shield with his axe, almost destroying his shield and sending him back to the ground. He moves to kill Craxus but Antinomy appears again spinning and grabbing Craxus sword in the ground and parries his attack, and kick Doctore back. Craxus gets up and grabs Guren, and places himself, and his shield, and at his back Antinomy ready with his sword. They stare to each other for brief moment, and suddenly Craxus thrusts wish his shield yet Doctore jumps, and using the shield momentum, strikes Antimony downwards with his axe slashing hardly and sent to the ground by it with his HP in red.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus attacks him spinning with the edge of his shield, and throwing Doctore to the ground but he rolled on it and got up. Craxus attack him and they briefly exchanged attacks, Yet Craxus was rapidly suppressed by Doctore’s more powerful and experienced moves. He strikes his shield with the sword and then clashed sword and axe. Craxus is left opened by the side in this move, and Doctore rapidly notices it, he thrusts his sword, but Craxus eludes, and places his sword between his opponent and his shield. Doctore notices his move, and gets ready his axe in the air, as Craxus spins and attacks him, he is axed directly in the chest, and part of the blade had come out from his back. The lion falls to the ground, but at the same did Doctore in front of him. Craxus looks down, and notices that Guren had pierced though the chest of Doctore. He places his hand on Craxus neck.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He smiles and falls to his left, and shattering into polygons. Galant arrived second later accompanied by Yuriel

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will be alright, but I do not think so of him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant gets next to Craxus laying on the ground and mortally wounded.

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Craxus come on! We would clear this game here!”

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

<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">“My guild…was also killed by Laughing Coffin…. I ended in this place for the same as you. …Yet to gave them back what I owed them… I had to be better than you…”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Let us honor the dead… with blood... Complete my vengeance for me, champion …Finish this cursed fucking world.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant grabs his hand in mid-air.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus smiled as his body begins to glow.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You know I said that we may have been brother, in another life…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“yet not in this one…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Know that I was wrong, I did always hold you as such…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The second best Gladiator of Aicnrad shattered into polygons and his dust became one with all those that felt for Galant. The champion nodded and got up without sharing a single tear. He looks towards Antinomy, now on his feet and next to him, Yuriel.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“is this not enough?! How many more must die?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will see 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">Ducard fight with three gladiators, yet he had been surrounded and is the last member of the army on the pulvinus.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I AM YOUR MASTER! AND I WILL HAVE YOU FUCKNGI HEARTS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looks round and notices that he was surrounded and that there was no way f getting out of there, when an energy slash cuts his glove on his right hand. The skill makes hit to pone of the columns and disappears, leaving just a mark on it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The hand of Ducard head been shown to everyone, revealing the symbol of a brown coffin, with a skull and bones.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant steps in front of him out of nowhere.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Laughing Coffin. That is why you did not whant me to get out with freedom, and forced me to do not fight Xaxa and the others.”

<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">“Now Ducard, remember this words. Tell me: What would  you do to hold your wife in the real wordl again? To feel the warm of her skin? The taste of her lips? How many men would you kill? A hundred? A thousand? There stands but one between you and her!"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard falls a bit back, but finally attacks Galant, he parries the sword with ease, getting near him and elbowing the back of his neck while grabbing his right arm, and getting near his ear.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Tell her god nor Fate cannot keep her from your arms.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He walked in front of him again.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant fist him sending him to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“AS YOU LIED TO ME OF MY WIFE!”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yet Yuriel remains unfix looking to the battle. Ducard angers to her response. He tossed the  sword angrily to the ground and began to walk with Balmung blade in front of his neck, as Galant walked to the opposite side.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You where fucking nothing before me. I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING! I GAVE YOU THE MEANS TO ACCEPT YOUR FATE!!!"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They both stare to one another for a brief moment, when Galant finally speaks…

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He spins and slashes Ducards' throat, the dying player collapses to his knees where he crawls on the ground. The piece of meat left rapidly ceased uniting his body and head, the head  rolls on the ground, and shatters into multicolor polygons.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looks up to all the reaming 24 gladiators, and enters his menu for the fist

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">"I have done this thing because it is just. Blood demands blood.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant changes his outfit, using his former clothes before he became a gladiator, and his fight with the blade master.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We have lived and lost in this cursed world too long. I would not have it so. I would not see the passing of a brother, for the purpose of a game. I would not see another heart ripped from chest, or breath forfeit for no cause. I know not all of you wish this, yet it is done. It is done. Our lives are back ours. Forge your own path, or join the frontlines, and WE SHALL SEE THIS GAME CLEARED!"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">All the gladiators roar in agreement to Galant’s  proposal. They wide open the doors of the entrance of the arena, and as all the Gladiators escaped to the frontlines. Galant stops as all of them get out he take a breath looks towards the purple ribbon in his right wrist. He looks up, and closes both fists, ready to next step…