"You're making too much noise, let's slow down."
Givale paused for a moment before nodding. She was currently stuffing her face with all sorts of food. Several empty plates were stacked on the table.
Givale consumed another plate before finally taking a break. Akiol asked slightly amused, "Satisfied?"
"This was great! It was far better than what the Tower gave me."
"What did the Tower feed you?"
"Cooked meat."
"Cooked meat? Just that everyday?"
"Twice a week. I don't need to eat as much as a human since I'm a dragon, but I guess since I am finally growing I need more energy."
"Just let me know when you are hungry then."
Givale smiled happily, she was already having a far better time than when she was in the Tower.
After a bit a waiter came along and took away the dishes. After paying for the food the two began walking through the city. Givale walked around excitedly as she explored the place. It was all new to her, a world she never had the chance to explore.
Akiol did not mind walking with her, it was a nice break from the issues that plagued him. Besides, something like this wouldn't hurt every now and then.
The two soon arrived at the gate. Givale pointed at it, "I want to explore outside!"
"You sure? It's pretty dangerous out there. Never know what you will come across."
"I'm a Dragon! I doubt anything would dare go against me!"
"I went against a Dragon before. So I'm sure there are other things that would too."
"My mother doesn't count, it was for the Tower."
"Then you can't count either, since your power isn't anything near any other Dragon."
Givale pouted, she couldn't help but feel like he wasn't too appreciative of her. She was a Dragon! Who wouldn't kill to have a Dragon on their side?!
"I want to go anyway."
"Alright."
The two walked out of the city, following the path for quite some time. Akiol was happily enjoying the sun and quite. Whilst Givale was examining anything that caught her interest.
Akiol then closed his eyes, "Now I have to deal with this. Givale come over here."
Givale was about to complain, but upon seeing the serious look he had she did as she was told.
"Stars take her back in, we will go exploring later."
'Right away!' -Stars
Givale disappeared without a trace. Akiol then looked around with only his eyes. Something was surrounding him, cutting off his paths for retreat. Akiol casually spoke, "You're terrible at stealth. Show yourselves, all of you."
The movement stopped as if hesitating. Yet no answer came to Akiol, as if they were testing him.
"No point in staying quiet, I already know where you all are."
Some people walked out from their hiding spots. Akiol quickly examined them, he had taken them for some random bandits. However upon seeing them all wearing the same object on their chests, he realized who he was dealing with.
It was Infinity Base, the pin was one he specifically remembered. He hadn't expected to see so little people after him however.
"So you're the one who caused Vice-Leader so much trouble. I honestly can't see it."
Akiol looked towards the person who spoke, a blue haired individual stood there. Their entire being oozed confidence. They seemed like the kind to boast about their skill, but when they lose they would come up with some excuse.
Akiol asked, "And you are?"
They scoffed, "Surely you have heard a little about me."
"You certainly aren't someone I remember."
"Very well, I suppose I do not mind introducing myself. My name is Aredue, a member of the core teams in Infinity Base. I have quite the reputation, a shame none of it has entered your ears."
"Infinity Base and I aren't on the friendliest terms, so I do not concern myself with them."
"How pitiful! To be enemies with the most powerful guild! Yet, I cannot see why he despises you so much."
"Zealous? A man who is always greedy for more. Now that he had obtained what he longed for, the sense of power fills him. Thinking that there is nothing that cannot stop him."
"Vice-Leader is not the person you think he is. He is very caring, looking after everyone in the Guild."
"I somehow doubt that, perhaps it is only a set of people who receive this treatment."
Aredue sighed, "It's such a shame, I really hoped to make amends."
"I always prefer the peaceful option. Yet I do believe that isn't why you are here?"
"Like I said, a shame."
Akiol shook his head in disappointment, "This is what I mean. I doubt Zealous would leave his underlings to do the work for him. Where is he?"
A large crimson swirl appeared above Akiol. Suddenly hundreds of players came descending from it, all landing safely.
A voice shouted, "I do believe I was called?"
Akiol focused on one player in particular, "Zealous. So is this really the outcome you want?"
"Why should I bother to reach out peacefully? I have finally obtained the power I have long since needed. Now I shall take down those who had stood in my way. You are the next on my list."
"You think a mere death is payback?"
"A fair point! That's why I brought this!"
Zealous pulled out a dark orb, "The Orb of Greed! The deaths that transpire with it active will have the punishments be far greater! Once you die you will lose so much you may even consider quitting the game!"
"What makes you think I can't kill you while it's active? You sure it won't be you who will be quitting?"
"Tsk tsk tsk! This will only effect one player, and that player is you!"
"Is that so?"
Akiol felt like the troubles he has been facing recently have been piling up. He knew that if he did not tackle it now, it would be too much to handle later. So it was about time for him to deal with this overconfident guild!
Akiol began to glow orange. Zealous mocked, "That trick? I am already aware of your abilities, we have prepared for everything!"
All the players suddenly erupted with power. Akiol was aware of the Berserk Skill that every member of Infinity Base had. In fact the majority of his country knew about the perks.
This was why Infinity Base remained popular. Those who wanted power quickly would try to join the guild, all so they could receive the Berserk Skill.
Akiol drew Stars, "Are you aware of the incident with the player named Dot?"
"Of course I have, why? You don't think you can easily defeat us like they did right? The situations are vastly different!"
"No, I just have to agree to what he said. In this world where one can obtain an advantage over everyone else, what makes you think a single player cannot overwhelm an army?"
"You have a reputation for that, fighting against an army. The difference is, you don't have your friends to assist you this time!"
"Yeah. I'm all alone this time."
Akiol then turned to the players, "I'll give you a chance, you may flee. I will not chase those who willingly leave the battlefield."
The players looked at each other. Was this guy serious?
"Don't say I didn't warn you then."
Akiol's glow suddenly changed to yellow, it's intensity skyrocketing. He suddenly vanished, several afterimages appearing across the battlefield.
{Expeditious Steps}!
{Origami Style: One Thousand Cranes}!
~ ~ ~
"It's no fair! Why must they attack him?!"
Stars shook his head, "It's the confidence of those who believe they are strong."
"What?"
"You see, Akiol is what you call abnormal. He can't die like ordinary people. However there are hundreds of people like this, if not thousands. When the people who believe in their immortality suddenly gain power, what is there to fear?"
Givale frowned, "If he can't technically die then what about me?"
"I'm not sure, though Akiol doesn't die much anyway. The times he did were completely out of his control. However something like this he has already done before."
Givale studied Stars, whilst he was speaking seriously there was a certain expression on his face. It was looked like one of admiration.
She asked, "You seem to admire him."
"You should too, this guy is something different. He's confident, but not to the point of ignorance. He's fully aware of his limits, and still tries to break past them. He doesn't allow anyone to look down on him, while not looking down on anyone else. He's also very skilled at combat. I have never seen anyone this skilled before!"
"I think this admiration is obsession."
"Hush, you are simply unaware of his capabilities. No, you should have an idea of it. He was able to successfully score three attacks on your mother, which is a feat in itself. Not many can actually harm a Dragon."
"While I agree with the last bit, surely he has something he cannot do?"
"That goes for everyone, there are things I cannot do. Same with you. Akiol is no exception."
"Still. . ."
Stars shook his head, it seemed like Givale would remain slightly ignorant for sometime. It didn't matter to him though.
Stars suddenly said, "Just don't think of yourself so highly. I haven't seen Akiol admire or look up to anything. Instead treat yourself as equals with him."
"But I'm a Dragon!"
"And I'm a sword personally forged by a God. Yet he treats you and me the same as he would anyone. Someone who treats me like this is rare. Having a connection like this with someone is infinitely more valuable than being showcased on a pedestal, too distant for anyone to come close too. Treasure this link Givale, for he is possibly one of the best people to do so with."
"I suppose I am stuck with him anyway. I'll try."
"That's all I ask."