SAO:PoA - Chapter Twenty

Galant peacefully slept on a bed. He was still on chains tied to the bed. He could not move much yet he was tired, and he had passed through the worst days of his entire life. He was now finally comfortable as he dreamt and thought of better moments.

Suddenly he felt the touch of a hand, first on his chest, moving towards his left cheek. He woke rapidly up, grabbed he hand, dominated by frighten besides of unpleased. A well-known face appeared in front of him, the owner of the hand.

“Sakura.”

She was right in front of his face, body against body. They shared a passionate kiss.

“when Laughing Coffin appeared. You had died…”

“Sh!” she ended his sentence. “I will always be with you. Neither PoH nor his guild. No one can see you from my side.”

“I would kill anyone who tried it.”

Sakura once again kissed Galant, as he moved his hands all what he could, on all her long golden hair and her back. They separated as she began to move her waist, as Galant grabbed her legs and began to coordinates his waist moves with hers, and she softly moaned. They continued doing the same for a brief moment, as Galant closed his eyes, then he opened and saw Sakura as she pulled back, exploding in crimson blood at the same time. Her blood washed his entire body as he was terrified by the shock.

<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 1, January 19, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant woke up in an instant, he touched his body for signs of blood but there was no were to be found on his body. Unfortunately, neither sight of Sakura alive. He laid back to the bed, while some tears fell from his eyes, as his cellmate spoke to him.

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Worse even than this prison?

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant had been sent to the Black Iron Palace, a prison controlled and ruled by the army. Galant was among assassins, thieves, and criminals. Orange players. Thought he was one of them, he did not belong to that place. He looked round his cells near his. Tetsu, the player that had almost caused the death of his guild and latter Silica, was some cells away from him, yet he was near, as they could see each other. Galant was the cause that he was there, and he was probably happy to see his also in the prison, shearing his same fate.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The signal sounded and all the cells opened.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The breakfast. Be quick so we can have the better one.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant followed his cellmate and formed a long line to the dining room. The prison made honor to its name indeed. All was black and iron. The ground was also black and covered in circular stones; there were some circular columns that resembled the ones of a church, which ended in a semicircle in the ceiling where some aqua-green crystals gave light to the place of the same color. The only good thing the Prison, was the air <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">within, that was significantly cooler than the outside

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Everybody in the prison was looking at him even the guards, in a way of welcoming “the new one”, or either, he was known among the players due to the defeat of Cerdic, his “crimes” or/and his recent victory in the arena against four gladiators.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Approaching the kitchen, the player rapidly got off the line with their food. Yet coming for the opposite side and not making the line was Tetsu approaching him, accompanied by who probable be were ex-members of the army, banished to the prison because of Galant. As the Slayer of Cerdic and his cellmate got near the place where the plates and the food was served Galant grabbed one of the plates.

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant gave his plate to the cook, who filled it with a horrible looking soup, which was actually not a soup, just middle heated water, with other things which could nearly be branded an actual name.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Can he kill me BEFORE lunch?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tetsu got near Galant and hi the plate shattering into polygons along with the food.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Welcome to hell little boy knight!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He fisted Galant sending his face towards the kitchen table. Tetsu the grabbed his hair and forced him up.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He once again fisted Galant, but this time in the right cheek, sending him to the floor.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are not the devil. Just a piece of shit.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tetsu tried to fist Galant, but he easily eluded and fisted him with his own right hand and then head-butted him on the nose, leaving hit with pain and out of battle. His accompanies responded for him, the first one tried to fist Galant but he eluded the technique once more, grabbed the player by the neck and forced him to the table with the head, knocking him of. Other appeared and grabbed Galant from his arms, but he managed to place his feet in the table and forced the players to the floor where he got up, and began pulling one from the leg in the floor. But other came, and punched Galant two times, he then tried a left kick, but this time the Slayer of Cerdic grabbed the leg elbowed with his left arm and finally a circular punch to the face. Galant was attacked by the back, but he managed to grab the arm and force the player to the ground. Two players came from the sides and Galant used both Garuru and Grey fist at the same time knocking them off to the ground. Other kicked Galant several times, but he, just kicked once directly to the feet planted on the ground, darming the knee and sending him to the ground. Other that grabbed his back, and he forced himself and the player also to the ground. Once on there, he turned and began to fist the face of the player.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The guards appeared and grabbed Galant from both arms. He opposed no force.

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Not for you, for them!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looked towards the players crawling for the pain he had just caused. He noticed there left the purple ribbon of Guinevere had fallen from his wrist. He looked back and there it was. He tried to reach it, but the guards still forced him back to the dungeon.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant was dragged through the prison’s basement, and forced inside but a powerful push, and the door was locked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“So much you like fighting you what to face every single of the prisoners, one by one?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looked to his back and saw a middle aged man; who o was similar to Heathcliff. Same color of the hair and face, yet this carried its gray hair totally to his back, and a suit with the colors of the army instead of armor. He answered to his words.

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant was surprised to see that this man know his name.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How do you know who I am?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Aincrad is too small for you to hide Galant, even if you are imprisoned here.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My name is Ducard. I am the warden of the prison; you are now one of my prisoners.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fancy meeting you then. Know if you excuse me, I would be alone with my thoughts.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I would remain here. And brake words with you, if you are of a mind.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then just listen. I was in the arena, when you fought. I see how you become the Slayer of Cerdic. Do you know why you are here?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because I trusted in the honor of Kibaou.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are here, because I convinced him that you would be of use, or that is what he thinks.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am not just the warden of this prison. I am also a trainer of the Gods of the Arena. I see thing in men that they themselves have lost. A small spark, an ember, gives it breath, tender, until it ignites in the arena.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That is what you saw in me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No gladiator has faced four opponents at the same time, and defeated each one of them.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“So that’s what you saw in me? my capability of killing? ”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. what I saw in you was: will, hope, and now that I see you at close, grief. You were condemned to die. Yet, you defied your fate.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because I still have a reason to live.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And which may that be. Money?...No. not something so basic. Position? Power?...Love?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant turned his sight to him, as the warden smiled.

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And do you love her? Of course you do I can see it on your eyes, the tensing of your jaw. Which was the name of this delicate flower.”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Laughing Coffin appeared, my entire guild was killed. I tried to fight them, yet, I failed. I was almost killed, but The Army arrived and saved me, but Kibaou took revenge of me for what I did when I was yet one of the players at his command.”

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The same as he, vengeance. But not from Kibaou at the moment, from Laughing Coffin.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then our minds share like task.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do not seek to say here as a warden. I was commended here after I caused the deaths of many players of the army in the rush of the 25 first floors. Because of this I was sent here. Yet I seek to climb up on the steps of my guild. So do you in a way, inside the gladiators of the arena. What would you do to avenge your wife? For every time since her death, that you cannot fell the warm of her skin, the taste of her lips? Would you kill them?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Whoever was the cause of her death.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How many players? A hundred? A thousand?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then do it in the arena! Fight for me! We will both see endless rewards from it. Prove yourself. Climb to the top, become Champion, become Legend GAIN YOUR FREEDOM! And take vengeance for the woman you lost!”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A man must accept his fate or be destroyed by it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Why would I place my fate in the hands of another player of the army.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because of what they hold. Your wife’s?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard took out from one of his pockets the purple ribbon and gave it Galant.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“If you need other weapons go with Antinomy he will help you. Pass the test with honor at todays’s nightfall with honor and servitude. Defeat Arkadios, the current favorite of the crowd and my current champion. Become champion yourself of my house. Call me Master. And I will help you in your vengeance. ”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are free to go. The choice is yours!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard walked out of the dungeon and Galant was also allowed to go free. He noticed the guard next to him and asked.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“In the second floor, near the Ludus, the place where the gladiators train.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant ran to the stairs of the first floor and continued towards the second floor. The stairs were pretty long, due the ceiling of the first floor being height, but he ended them quickly. There he was on the second floor which was not as tall as the first one. Galant looked around, and saw a whole place where at least 30 gladiators trained upon the sands of the so called Ludus. To his right were the cells, which were much better than the ones of the floor below, with proper beds, besides these ones did have proper space for two people on them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant continued walking, and noticed at distance, a small  place where fire seemed to be burning. He went there. One he entered, he saw a player forging.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The player turned around. He had blue hair which was longer by the back of his neck and grey eyes. His clothes seemed a bit old probably for the time spent on the prison; yet, he was to only prisoner inside of it that held a jacket and a shirt. He looked like, of 16 years.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am. How do you know…?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The warden told me that you would come here. And besides, I know you from several boss battle raid teams. I was there when you defeated Belphegor, and while fightingTheokeler, and then your duel against Cerdic.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A small matter of debt, growing large. Iacceded into turning into a gladiator, and be the personal smith, of all the gladiators here.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then I am in good company. Well, besides of our mutual presentation, what do you seek?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I may am to face Arkadios, at the next context at today’s nightfall.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes. Ducard said you may give me aid with weapons.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah. You got guts, for facing him. What do you need?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My shield was destroyed. I need a new one.”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. A shield is not for you…”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are very fist for being a player that fights with a shield. Tell me, does not it affect you move movements a bit.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No more. You have a skill in knife and daggers for what I heard. Am I right?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy tuned to the fire and from near of it took out a crimson blood blade knife. It handle was colored golden and silver. The knife was approximately 40 centimeters long.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He threw the dagger to Galant, who Grab it from the handle, and noticed its weight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Not heavy, nor light. What is this metal?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hellkarium. The strongest and lightest metal at the same time. It is very unique; there are few shards of it in Aincrad. Less still, smiths who are capable of working with it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And I guess you can work with it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Not still, a sword. Yet, my master, Hephaestus, taught me, to make a dagger. I will one day manage to make a sword of it.”

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Besides of it, you will need a manica, and some greaves probably. Can I see your equipment?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sure but, why are you doing this.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. That is not the only reason, for this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Okay. The truth is…is Ducard messaged me your entire story. I was reading it when you arrived. I am sorry for her. I can see your hart consumed with Greif. I will help you on this.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well enough grieving, you cannot fight with a heavy heart. I will gate you a manica, an arm guard, and if I can make some Greaves too protect the legs…”

<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">10:00

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios placed himself in position. The sands of the Ludus where completely cleared, and the battle was about the start. The Doctore, the trainer of gladiators, walked in circles by the sides of the sand, with his brown whip, clutched upon hand waiting for the command. Ducard sat at the balcony with a cup of wine o his hand, watching to the ground at the gladiators waiting for the battle. Still. Someone was missing, Galant.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios was losing patience, even when the duel was programmed for that hour.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “This if what you have for me master? The one to face me is a coward.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Some minutes passed, when suddenly the steps of someone else where herd. A warrior with brown boots, a pair of greaves, an orange manica on his hand, and a pair forearm protectors. On his right hand, Blamung Blade, on his left, Guren. Tied to his right waist, a purple ribbon.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The gladiators began to speak between themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He is the one, Galant, the one everyone has been pissing about.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “Silence! This is the best you bring be Ducard, a boy, just one who had the luck to survive his own execution?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “then couple words with actions, and prove belief.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios:  “as you command.” he tuned to Galant: “one more battle before you are sent to the afterlife.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios placed himself on the fiend for battle while Galant did the same.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Remember, this duel for Galant is for life and death. Instead, Arkadios will have GHP. Doctore, at your signal.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios placed himself in battle position, yet Galant remained firm to ground as if something stopped him. Antinomy did not understood what happened to him and Ducard remained fixed looking at the battle about to begin. Doctore thought but he was expense and worthless, al in a measure. Akadios looked more into Galant’s face, and noticed tears flowing from his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “tears?!?!? The rabbit is about to piss himself.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant grabbed the ribbon and placed it into his right hand, grabbing it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sudenyl he was clashed by the square shield of Arkadios, he regained composure rapidly, d managed to jump above it, ending to the back of Arkadios, he continued to attack Galant in a salvage frenzy of attacks. Yet, Galant continued to elude his moves, and parried all what he could. Slowly, Galant approached the corner of the place.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“So this is all you can do? Parry and run.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">An angry Arkadios rushed and tried to stab him, yet Galant parried the move and continued to run towards the wall fast, as Arkadios followed him. When he was about to crash to, Galant  jumped to one of the walls and then into the other, confusing a rather slow Arkadios. He span on the air and slashed the back of the gladiator.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios was forced to remove his helmet, and face Galant by rushing at him Galant waited until the last moment and span no the ground, making Arkadios to fall to the ground., but the span on the ground and got up just when Galant approached him and managed to slash his arm and bush him with the shield also, making Galant fall to the ground and spin backwards to finally get up.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant noticed the cut, and smiled to Arkadios. Galant turned his sword to back hand, and stuck them on the sand. He then approached Arkadios. Unarmed.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant got nearer, and Arkadios slashed horizontally, but the Slayer of Cerdic bended his legs passing the sword above his head and one he got up he fisted with the right and then with the left to the champion. He countered with other horizontal slash to the opposite side, Galant eluded by going backwards, then he tried to his with the side of his shield but Galant also eluded it by bending his knees, and the fisted the rib zone, the one left to the face with Grey fist and other with Garuru. Sending him to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">An even more raging arkadios got up, cursing Galant he tried to slash him but Galant twirled on the ground, grabbing Balmung blade, and blocking a diagonal slash of the player. He twirled once again and grabbed Guren with it he blocked the downwards slash of Arkadios, and while on his knees, stabbed him thought the belly. Galant got up while still his sword on the body of the player.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Attacks with rage and boldness, to hasten victory, a counter to proper training.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He removed Balmung from his body. Arkadios tried to slash once again Galant, this time on his leg, but he parried with Guren and stabbed him on the back with his sword.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant placed both blades on Arkadios’ neck, while hi placed himself on his knees. Galant opened his arms and then slashed Arkadios throat. A huge quantity of red data came out of his neck, and his GHP was gone Galant had won. The gladiators cheered the crowning of their new champion of the Ludus. While antinomy nodded to his new friend and Ducard smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “your life now has meaning. Get ready to swear the Oath The Gladiators to me.”

<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 grabbed the purple ribbon and kissed it.

<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">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Heavaltica,serif;">“I commit my flesh, my mind and my will to the glory of this Ludus and the commands of my master, Ducard. Until the achieving of freedom, I swear to be burned, chained, beaten, or die by the sword, in pursuit of honor in the arena.”

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