The new arrival was not an average enemy. Akiol could feel their eyes, their killing intent, the air of murder on his skin. Yet despite all of this, he could not pinpoint where it was coming from. Even with his improved senses and increase in strength.
Growing concerned Akiol found himself shifting into the stance of {Absolute Territory}, further enhancing his senses.
Suddenly Candy exclaimed, "It's my bodyguard! Hank! It's okay this man saved me!"
Every feeling of danger vanished without a trace. Akiol held a slightly complicated look as he let down his guard. The stories told by Candy seemed all the more believable now. A figure dressed in white approached. Their outfit looked like a modified Victorian suit, a cloak fluttered behind them. Yet despite the menacing appearance, their actions had quite the contrast.
Hank embarrassedly waved his hand, "My bad, I had thought you captured the young Miss. I am sorry for all of that."
Akiol smiled faintly, "No harm done, I must say you are quite somebody though."
"You as well, it has been a very long time since someone was able to notice my presence. That's why I hesitated to approach you!"
"I couldn't pinpoint you sadly. You got quite the bodyguard Candy, no wonder you are safe."
Candy nodded happily, "Mhm! Only the best!"
Hank failed to hide his embarrassment at the praise, "I'm nothing much."
Changing the subject he thanked, "You have my thanks for saving the young Miss. I'm afraid I owe you a favor for this."
"I was merely passing by and wanted to lend a hand, no need to repay me."
Candy extended her hand, "Thank you Akiol for saving me. My bodyguard will continue from here. Might I ask for a friend request?"
"I have a quest preventing me from friending people. I can use the Forums though!"
"Father said I'm not to use the Forums. . . Hank can you do that for me?"
Hank nodded, "That's not a problem as long as Akiol is okay with it."
Akiol set up a quick private chat with Hank. After saying their farewells they split paths.
Once a distance split between then Hank asked, "So who exactly is he? I don't have the confidence in taking him out immediately."
Candy swiped her hand across the air and sent Hank a message, "The Sword Saint, at least that's what he's referred to by the player base. His combat data was analyzed, but it seems like he keeps improving."
Candy's previous air of innocence was long gone. Clearly a facade she put up. Hank scanned the documents and held a profound look, "To think there's people of that caliber still existing. I feel I am lacking."
"Don't sell yourself short Hank, you are our most valuable card."
"Yes Young Miss. If I may ask, why Candy?"
She looked away, "I had to think of something quickly."
"Sometimes I forget you're still a child."
"I am not!"
"Yes Young Miss."
She scoffed, "How was your objective?"
"Completed without a hitch."
"Excellent, let's report to Father and get this over with."
~ ~ ~
'Where are we going?' -Mira
"I have an idea on how to start with your training. I find that once you have a good foundation, the best learning experience is through actual combat. So I'm going to contact an old friend and see if I can ask a favor."
Pulling up the group chat he sent a message.
Akiol: Torch! It's been awhile, are you busy?
Torch: Ah the man I wanted to see, I am not.
Akiol: You wanted to see me?
Torch: I have a request, I've been putting it off for sometime but since you contacted me I figured now is better than never. If you could, can you stop by my workshop? We can discuss things there.
Akiol: I'll be there shortly.
Closing out the interface he paused for a moment, "I also have to report to the King. Hmm, I'll speak with Torch first. I have to be with the others to do the report."
'Who is this friend you speak of?' -Givale
"It's better to show than to explain. I think I still have a spare teleport scroll somewhere."
Akiol pictured the scroll and his hand morphed. A scroll appeared in it and he smiled, "Sweet, this makes matters easier."
Using the scroll Akiol rapidly entered Torch's workshop. Once again it underwent incredible changes, the entrance was no longer the strange conglomeration of robots it once was. Instead it looked like a luxurious entrance to a five star hotel.
Torch's voice spread across the room, "You did come quite quickly. What do you think?"
"Fancy!"
"I built it to have proper negotiations with various Guilds. My improved construction robots are quite a popular product."
"Clearly you are not lacking in funds."
"I am always lacking, buying materials in bulk is not cheap."
"I stand corrected."
"I am glad you are here, an elevator will appear on your right. Please enter that."
A faint buzzing noise could be heard and the right wall opened. A cylinder tube compartment was revealed. Entering the tube the doors shut and he felt the compartment shoot downwards.
After a few seconds the elevator opened up again, revealing a large room full of robots. Akiol exited and whistled, "Here I thought this was a fantasy game!"
"Without mana these wouldn't work."
The sounds of metal hitting stone could be heard. A robot walked up to Akiol and offered their hand, "It's good to see you again."
"Likewise, sorry I didn't visit earlier."
"We're all busy. Now onto the reason why I asked you to be here. I want some combat data."
"The others aren't enough?"
"I don't want to diss their skills, but they aren't quite exactly your level just yet."
"So you want me to battle something?"
"Yep! I'm willing to pay you, or if you want to commission something I can also consider that."
"A request actually."
"Perfect, what is it?"
"I have two—let's say disciples—that I want to have some combat training with. I had hoped they could train against your robots occasionally. Or perhaps you had some sort of room to assist with that."
"You want them to face against my robots?"
"If you're willing, they are pretty strong."
"It'll be a good use of my stockpile. They're just sitting around right now. I don't mind fulfilling that request for some valuable combat data."
"Awesome, what do you want me to fight?"
"Remember that robot you first fought?"
"Oh? It's repaired?"
"And improved, none of my current robots can face against it. So naturally I considered you, the one who beat it."
"I should point out I'm far stronger than I was back then. There's a chance the robot may not stand a chance."
"You might be surprised. But that's why I want data regardless. After all you're the Sword Saint right?"
Akiol cringed, "I dislike that title very much."
"Heheh, my bad."
"I hope to rectify it soon. But let's see this robot."
"Jump on that carrier above."
Looking up Akiol saw a metallic structure stopping above them. It was like a boxcars, except suspended on the ceiling.
Light jumping on it Akiol pointed out, "The changes are far more drastic than I anticipated."
Torch also jumped onto the boxcar, "I needed a better transport system to deliver my various items. Thus I made a train system, but on the roof."
"Any accidents?"
"During the prototype phase, otherwise it's been working smoothly. Periodic repairs make sure it stays that way."
The boxcar lurched forward and moved across the ceiling. Akiol watched the machinery below, "Did anyone actually pick a fight yet? I pity those that did."
"I had a small time Guild get angry at my prices. That Guild disbanded a while ago."
"Harsh."
"I only defended myself. Besides didn't you fight hundreds of people in the beginning of this game?"
"Have they identified me as that person?"
"You have quite a fan base, nothing large. It certainly shrank somewhat during that brief period of inactivity.", Torch joked while stressing the word brief.
"Things happened. I don't understand why people would want to be fans of me anyway. It's not like I'm saving the world or anything."
"You fought hundreds of people during a time where numbers was the most effective tactic. You essentially toyed with your opponents during the Professional Competition. How could people not be a fan of Six Lights?"
"When you put it like that. . . also we didn't toy with our enemies. It was more like a test to see what people were capable of."
"Clearly they weren't capable of beating you."
'Sensei is the best even here!' -Mira
'He is Linked with a Dragon after all!' -Givale
'Alright enough praises you two. Akiol is in the middle of trying to set up your training. Let's not disturb him.' -Stars
Torch tapped the boxcar and it halted to a stop, "We are here. Need any preparation?"
"Not many battles allow you to prepare beforehand."
"That's why you're a cut above the rest. I'll watch up here and be analyzing the fight. Best of luck!"
"Thank you."
Akiol dropped to the ground and landed lightly. Several lights lit across the ceiling, revealing just how large the room truly was.
A gigantic robot stood menacingly at the end of the room. A giant sword implanted in the ground next to it.
'That is so cool!'
Akiol looked it up head to toe, "Uh Torch? This looks a lot. . . larger than I remember it being."
Torch laughed, "I told you I improved it!"
"This isn't along the lines of improvement anymore!"
"Brace yourself! Behold my ultimate weapon! Mecha: Version Lancelot!"