"In game"
It should be more than 15 minutes since the third part of the tournament started, this new part of the tournament was more exciting than ever. We are all divided into several groups of 10 in different maps. We are 1000 players as I said before, so in order not to make all these clashes last forever, the game system had been changed in advance.
The goal is to be the only survivor in each game and then join another game already in progress, there is no resuscitation and even less second chance, it was eliminatory. As a result, the hp bar doesn't regenerate anymore and the mana bar fills up slowly. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. I just finished my 4th game with more than 80% hp and 23 kills.
I land swords in hand in a game already in progress among the few remaining games, where there are only five players left: a mage, two lancers and a knight. To say that the new one is affordable, for me at least. Without warning, the mage at the other end of the map takes advantage of the surprise effect created by my entrance on the scene to cast a spell.
— Mage invokes: forth sequences → Fireball Rain !!!
The extent of his attack is huge, very huge, given the amount and power of his spell I'm afraid he's used up all his mana for it. While the two throws were jumping all over the map to avoid receiving fireballs in the face, the knight opa on the defensive by protecting himself with his shield. The multitude of trees reduced to ashes gives now this apocalyptic panorama which is very pleasant for me. He has no more mana, I have some, I must honour my image.
I then decide to use an attack that only works in this kind of battle:
— Assassin invokes: special sequences→ Frenesi!
Swords in hand I cross the entire field katana in hand in a rush of energy, I logically appear in front of this mage with the super classy cape, I have only one regret as I throw him a combo of 26 hits - this poor cape didn't deserve that. He explodes in several pieces under a last blow of blade, I am then propelled towards the knight who does not even have time to react that I mow him down in a calm way. And 2 more kills! Suddenly my frenzy stops as one of the throws is set ablaze by the fireballs left by the dead mage.
While the rain had stopped, it was just me and this Lancer in a green jumpsuit with a golden mane.
— So this is what the darling of the tournament is capable of? Kik'x is it?
— I'm Rykuo, Kik'x is the one who can do it.
— Ha ha ha... You haven't changed a bit, kid. Still putting on a show I see. What do you mean, he pauses and poses. But then, I think we didn't destroy you properly the first time.
I knew he was talking about Kik'x when he takes off into the air.
— But let me tell you, we'll put you back where you deserve to be, you geeky little wanker! The hint of pride could be felt in his deep voice.
— Lancer invokes: first sequence→ Thunder Of Zeus! Eat this! he said with a sour smile on his face.
I didn't set out to fight with punch, when I came here, but I'm sick of them always bringing up Kik'x when he's been dead for years now.
Avoiding his attack? What's next? I get his lightning-laden spear right on me, it doesn't go through me without surprise. I barely lose two hit points. I was right. He is weak. Very weak. Still standing, hands in his pockets, I see him call for his spear while shaking, yet he doesn't look surprised.
— But... who are you... exactly?!
— Me? Hi hi, I'm the one who's going to take you down pirate by myself.
— Wait... wait, what are your stats again?
I show my stats to him alone, the disappointed spectators start shouting, but I can't risk showing too much. It might hurt me.
— So that dinner jacket you're wearing isn't just for looks? If it diminishes your abilities so much, why put it on?
— To make the fight fairer. I answer serenely.
— If my memory serves me right, this game was released only five months ago at the most, your playing time must be immense.
— I admit, but don't worry about my social life or my health, even though it's very nice of you. Try this instead:
— Assassin invokes: first sequence → Repulsion!!!
He immediately reacts by trying to counter this with his spear, but without success. I chase him back to where he fell to follow up with a gigantic sword combo into his mouth.
He dies, I am sent to another part. But to my surprise there are only three of them and I feel like I know them all, Astre's avatar and Yama's avatar. On the other hand, the mage I don't know who knows.
— Rykuo, did you get there all right? The girl whispers as she gets up from the roof.
— See you later, man. Says Hama.
— See you. Says my best friend before disappearing.
Suddenly the three of them disconnect, I realise that this was the last game and that I am the last survivor.
"You're winner"
"End of the game"
I pull the headphones out of my ears as I see the other players shaking hands and congratulating each other all in good cheer. Even Shun who makes me laugh. I decide to do the same for a while. The big man I saw earlier comes on the stage, smiling, he launches into a little speech:
— Thank you all for coming and participating in this new stage of the tournament. You can congratulate yourselves. The whole room is quiet for a moment. For the next stage, the last sixteen will be selected. Congratulations to you, you will receive a detailed email of how it will work, the others you will receive VHCoins and other surprises according to your rank. So enjoy your afternoon and see you tomorrow.
****
We are in a McDonald's next to the hangar where we were earlier with Shun having a snack. As we eat I see Yuki walk through the doorway with her slicked back hair, nose cover, jogging suit, she looks so unkempt I can hardly recognize her, I even notice dark circles under her eyes when she looks at me. Shocked by our eye contact, she is surprised when I approach her gently.
— Have you come to accompany your brother? I say, taking her in my arms.
She nods without letting go.
— I'm also playing Versus Hunter like you, and I'm going to fuck you up tomorrow, but I have to rest first because I can't accept being so ugly in front of you. She says as she falls asleep on top of me.
So the mage earlier. That was her. I can't wait for tomorrow Yuki, I can't wait for you to screw me up.