SAO:PoA - Chapter Twenty Two

Floor 45th, March 27th, 2024

Galant ran at high speed towards a gladiator with spear and shield. Hi opponent remained still, as he slid on the ground, avoiding the thrust of the spear to the ground, and passed between the legs of his rival, slashing the inner part of his right left making him loose his balance.

Galant got up and thrust his sword through the back of the neck, coming out from its mouth. His GHP was over.

Galant VICTOR!

---

Floor 45th, May 1st, 2024

Galant slashed several times the body of a gladiator with Stardust Slasher and Crescent Stardust Slasher, taking out all his GHP.

Galant VICTOR!

<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, May 17th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant jumped on the shoulder of a gladiator, slashing the throat of other right to his back. he felt to the sands of the arena, span on the ground and threw Guren to the gladiator he had just jumped with his sword skill clustering wishes, killing him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard smiled and lighted as Kibaou was certainly disappointed.

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

<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, May 28th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant exchanged some blows with a gladiator. He managed to kick him back after his assault ad n came right to attack him, but Galant span on the shield getting to the player back, and slashed his throat backward killing the player.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard continues to enjoy what his champion; the new Champion of Aincrad is capable of.

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

<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, June 10th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant made an upwards strike with Balmung, severing a players right arm, along with his sword. He stabbed with both swords the body of the player leaving him to his knees. Galant drew back his sword and beheaded the player with a circular swing of his both blades.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant opened his arms wide opened with his blades pointing upwards.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant turned to the crowd and shouted a long battle cry.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“it is a marvel good Solcius has any man left.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kibaou: “must he appear in every Primus? You do not possess any other gladiator worth of spectacle?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Solcius: “they have no one else of note?”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Solcius, one of the competitors of Ducard while being other of the trainers of Gladiators in the prison. Since Galant’s appearance versus four of his Gladiators, his men have fallen in disgrace, and so himself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He got up and left the Pulvinus.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kibaou: “I grow tired of this prisoner and his victories.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “Perhaps something of note to erase this. I will receive some other new recruits from the executions and new ones of the prison itself. If you so wish to see them.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kiabou: “Thank you. Yet. I would see the ones in the arena. As a true Gladiator.”

<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, June 11th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“YOU ARE GOING TO DIE”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“YOU ARE GOING TO DIE”

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The gladiators shouted to the upcoming recruits. Galant remained silent with Antinomy next6 to him, as the new ones formed a line of five players, while being accompanied by the guards. Ducard accompanied by Kibaou sat on the upper floor, in the balcony watching them as the Doctore entered the sands.

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">This caused the laughter of all the gladiators, but the annoyance of other named Argon next to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fucking idiot.” He said in low voice trying to not gather the attention.

<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: “sacred ground.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">This caused the amusement of the five new recruits, the Champion of Aincrad himself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “Yes. Your lives, forged into something of worth. Listen, learn, and perhaps you join the brotherhood of Gladiators. NOW, ATTEND YOUR NEW MASTER.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “You have been blessed. All of you. For being here, in the Ludus of the Prison, MY LUDUS. Ducard’s, provider of the finest gladiators of the arena in all of Aincrad. Prove yourselves in the hard days to follow. Prove yourselves more than a common player. More than a man. Fail, and be sent back to the cells or even worse. Succeed, and stand proud among my titans!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The gladiators cheered in single voice.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore lashed his whip as the training of the new players began.

<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, June 13th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The players were walking in circle with a large block of wood on their backs, which easily 20 kilos it weighted. They had been like that since last day’s night. A long time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Now it was morning and the Gladiators took morning meal.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“They are really shit, baking as the sun rises. It seems yesterday when I stood in same position.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well I think since you defeated four gladiators at the same time, that makes you of the brotherhood according to the tradition. You just have to beat Arkadios to become the champion. And now look at you.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You became the first Champion of Aincrad. A legend that will echo for years. But I…”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Antinomy, the beating calls for your name.”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will wager 500 col on the fool who spoke about the “sand”.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The gladiators used to gamble with the recruits, betting for the ones that shall join the brotherhood, or shall leave back to the lower floors of the prison.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The recruits left the sand and got to the dining room where all the gladiators where eating. When one got near to the kitchen, Arkadios grabbed him and threw him to the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “you have to wait, until gladiators have filled their bellies!”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “they must embrace pain and suffering to become gladiators, this is how it is done!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “not by you. Let them eat.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “Galant, the Champion of Aincrad, the kind and gentle one.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">This commentary caused laughs among the gladiators. But Galant got up from his chair began walking towards Arkadios.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Do not mistake me Arkadios. I give no SHIT towards these men. Yet, as I had said before, you are no longer the Champion of the Ludus. YOU DO NOT TAKE LEAD HERE. YOU FOLLOW.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">This comment ended the discussion and a dead silence appeared for several seconds, as Galant and Arkadios shared death stares to each other. Finally the later surrendered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “the man following you is forever at your back. Something to consider, Champion.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">One of the recruit which was named Craxus, wo apparently was one of the most promising man among the players got near the player on the ground and helped him up and got near to Galant.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “You should fight without hunger to give their full potential. That’s all, new boy.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus then sat among the recruits and began eating while speaking to each other.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “The crowd has filled his legend much more that it truly is. We can easily beast the man Argon. ”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus: “Galant defeated Cerdic, four gladiators at the same time and then seven prisoners. The two of you would present challenge equal to piss and shit.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Both of them laughed as they were watching a riduculis clown or mage, trying to perform a ridiculous trick to amuse the audience.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do you find my words amusing?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Argon: “The stupid guy that speaks them very fucking amusing.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “what makes you think that you are better from us, friend?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus: “I dream of the arena, the sands, blood and the glories within it.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron: “You haven even passed the test.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus: “Well then I shall prove otherwise.”

<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">Antinomy sucks a hard blow to Craxus face with his shield, sending him to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore: “Craxus, you lower your shield when you thurst. See it op, or rather have your brains upon ground!”

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus: “Well struck. I will not make the same mistake.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus attacked Antinomy once again and exchange a few blow with him, he manages to cover with shield an attack directly to the face, but Antinomy parried it and attacked back, getting to his back and smashing a hard hit to the back of his neck.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He got up once again and attacked, but the blacksmith blocked both attacks easily,, then placed his sword between the shield and Craxus sword, spinning and removing the sword from his grasp, and finally smashing his head with the shield.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy: “you charge like a crazed goat without thoughts. When you face a stronger opponent, drive him to you, and then counter.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He gave him back his wooden sword and reassumed training.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Craxus attacked once again to the shield and then clashed blades, yet antinomy did not fall back and countered, yet the recruit defense was much better. Antinomy then tried to stab but Craxus let hip place his sword and eluded, blocked the sword between his shield and his own weapon, span, removing the sword from Antinomy’s grasp and casting a strong blow from his shield to his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy felt back, and even Doctore was impressed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Finally, my words pass thought you skull.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore: “Craxus, change your partner and reassume training.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy walked a bit back to his friend Galant, drinking a bit of water after the heating of the day.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “That player has shown promise. What is his name”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy: “Craxus. He lacks discipline. But can be taught and done not lack at all of skill.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “I noticed. Yet, the man for which you betted for, is not shown much promise.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios rammed the player to the wall. The player managed to block other blow, yet Arkadios managed to make him out of the blow and rammed his sword to his back. The player turned and attacked Arkadios, but the former champion managed to remove the sword from his hand and then kicked the player back, then made a horizontal slash, hit him with the edge of his shield and repeated the first move.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“this is not the arena!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “the word is my arena, pup!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The player the rushed at him, but Arkadios grabbed him and threw him to the sands.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duron appeared to defend his friend but he was easily hit back and threw to the floor and his friend. His brother Argon appeared and fisted Arkadios directly on the face, but he countered with two of his own. Yet the recruit did not stand idle, and punched the beginning of the stomach, and the chest, and tried to fist his face with his right again, but Aradios grabbed it with his left and began fisting him right left right left right. Not even Argon defense was enough to defend against the former champion and fell to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore: “STAND DOWN! Argon, Duro, half rations for the rest of the week. Press further and I will see you both to the lower floors.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy: “and it seems that the man who I betted for is useless. Shit.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant nodded, when suddenly an idea crossed his mind.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “now that I am done with my opponent perhaps someone more worthy shall fight me!”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “are you so eager to reclaim your position, or to return to the medic?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “You seem to underestimate me. I would show you otherwise.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Doctore! Arkadios offers a demonstration to the benefit of the recruits. Shall I accept?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctore looked up for approbation from Ducard who nodded to him, in sign of accepting.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">All the gladiators and trainees left the sands of the Ludus, leaving Galant, Doctore and Arkadios

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Show who is champion, Arkadios” a gladiator shot from behind.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios rushed to Galant and tried to push him with his shield; Galant parried it and then continued to block the continuous frenzy barrage of multiple attacks. Yet he managed to elude or parried every single one of them. Galant began to walk to Arkadiso right, and as he continued this attack Galant eluded other move and slipped the former champions right left, sending him to the ground, and then hitting his belly while in the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “attack boldly if a frenzy, to hasten victory. “

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios manages to get half of his body up.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The former champion got up and rushed to Galant, but he blocked the slash of his sword, then te push of his shield, raised his leg to avoid the lower attack, then eluded other slash diagonally got to Arkadios back and elbow his face, sanding him back to the ground. He locked back to the gathering of players.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Allow advantage to your back and you are dead. Defeat is delivered not only by the sword, but also the crowd. Fall from their grace…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He turned back to his adversary ho was getting up still.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“…and you may never rise to further glories.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios got up once again and attacked Galant, but he rapidly managed to span on Arkadios back, getting to his back, and then hitting his back with both swords, sending him tow the ground for the third time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A TRUE GLADIATOR IS TAUGHT TO EMBRACE PAIN AND SUFFERING!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios began to get up for the third time

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“TO FIGHT UNTILL THE LIVE LEAVES HIS WORTHLESS BODY!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Once again, the former champion got up and attacked Galant with his only weapon left: his shield, but the Slayer of Cerdic blocked it. Got near him and began hitting Arkadios. Galant then placed his left sword in front of his chest, and then continued hitting Arkadios several times in the face with the back of his sword. Then cast a blow to the belly and another with his left sword to Arkadios legs, making him span on the air and finally fall to the ground, helped by pother powerful hit to the chest delivered by Galant.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant placed his left sword in front of Arkadios face and looked to the audience.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“learn from this man, or share his fate.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant raised his right sword ready to kill Arkadios even if is weapon was made of wood.

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant walked back to the water was, as the other Gladiators went back to the sand, as Arkadios was helped back to the medic, after the serious injuries Galant had made to him. Whatever happened to him, Galant had to die in his hands, so he can reclaim his title of Champion.