"Next Duel in 00:00:10."
-Wind_Wind_Wind: 10 seconds left!
In the Earth chat room, several challengers started to countdown together with the timer.
-William: 9!
-Full Eyes: 8!
Is this a New Year's Eve?
Yoon Seok was dumbfounded.
'Is this real?
They were counting as if they're about to play some game.
-Shorty: 5!
-Black Dragon: 4!
-JWH904: Let's all see each other alive!
Yoon Seok thought he must be the odd one out, the weird guy out there but…
It seems like that isn't the case.
Yoon Seok couldn't help but think about the people talking in this current situation, who were nothing but weirdos.
[Online: 3598/10000]
It was one-third of all the challengers that were participating in the chat. And that big number included lurkers like Yoon Seok.
The majority of the first-floor challengers didn't participate with these weirdos.
What do you think they were all waiting for?
Without another thought, there was just one answer.
Just like Yoon Seok, most of them were waiting.
Waiting if they would survive or not.
Most of them were using pen names, harder to guess who was who.
There is nothing like unity in this world, just conflicts.
Survival of the fittest!
If one fails to adapt, they are guaranteed to be left behind.
"Next Duel in 00:00:00"
「Get ready for your duel.」
The long 24 hours were over.
Soon after the virtual message, Yoon Seok's surroundings started to change.
Now the stone-dark chamber was nowhere to be found, and again the sun above was shining brightly.
Looking around his surroundings, Yoon Seok started to frown.
"It didn't change."
He stood in the same colosseum, where about 24-hours prior he had to fight a fierce battle of life.
The arena had no sign of the previous battle, nor did it have the body of that green-monster. Neither did his next challenger appear, it was empty.
「Let the countdown begin.」
Seeing the message, Yoon Seok let out a laugh.
Though he knew it had only been a day, it felt like his last duel was a long time ago. And soon after, just like his previous battle, when the countdown began his whole body froze.
「3.」
When he saw his opponent, Yoon Seok was left in shock.
In bitterness, he gritted his teeth.
Though in this 24-hour period he prepared himself to be determined, unfortunately, his opponent was human.
Even if his first duel ended with murder, now all he had to do was get the first kill, just like in games.
In other words, as long as his opponent has the coin, they could revive.
So, technically, it wouldn't be a murder.
「2.」
'Yoon Seok get a hold of yourself'
He looked at his opponent in front, he was a man.
Dressed in a grey top and pants, just like the outfit Yoon Seok was wearing and a longsword in his hand.
His hair all ruffled and his chin was covered in beard, emitting an unusual aura.
'He seems to be a person profound in martial arts.'
Thinking about it, Yoon Seok couldn't help but be surprised.
So, it wasn't a joke.
The chat room did have the filter of four dimensions, and if he remembers correctly, there was a filter named Moorim.
「1.」
Yoon Seok had a feeling.
In the pits of his stomach, he knew, his previous match would be in no way comparable with this upcoming one.
「START!」
As soon as the signal was heard, their body restrictions were lifted.
Hurriedly, Yoon Seok fixed his position. He was on guard, holding his sword and his shield up in front.
But out of nowhere, the man greeted.
"Nice to meet you. I am known as Romantic Cheonho."
The man had an accent, though it seems to be Chinese, he could tell it wasn't.
Yoon Seok couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
He never thought, the person who he was bound to kill or be killed, will greet him. It was out of his expectation.
"Haha. Honestly, we are not enemies. All we are doing is a bit of courtesy but greeting each other. Just acknowledging one another by asking the names. For that, do you really need to be on guard?"
Listening to such logic, he wasn't wrong.
To be honest, they were all victims like him, dragged into someone's play.
Well, not everyone can stick to that nonchalant attitude, but…
The other side seemed familiar with such a situation.
"M-My name is Choi Yoon Seok."
Looking at such an awkward and discomforted reply, the man couldn't help but let out a hoarse laugh.
"Ahahaha! So, you are really from another world. By the way, are you from the military?"
"I used to."
Yoon Seok reluctantly replied.
As a young Korean healthy man, Yoon Seok has given his service to the military. But of course, it was completely different from what his opponent was thinking of.
Only in exceptional cases; such as police raids, were they given shields or other weapons. The other times they had no use of such weaponry.
"Ah, most of the soldiers in the army are supposed to be great and I'm wondering what you will show me. I'm looking forward to it."
Is it about time to start?
The man raised his sword and got in his formation.
And calmly said.
"This is my own sword, Blue Dragon Sword. I have trained and improved myself. Being confident in my swordsmanship, so for that, I can't go easy on you."
Yoon Seok had no way to confirm if what the man said was true.
But soon after those words, the atmosphere in the arena changed.
Compared to the good-natured man a few moments ago, his whole personality did a 180. He looked determined to overthrow the obstacle in front of him.
The man's aura was as sharp as a sword and could cut through one's skin.
Because of the pressure, Yoon Seok bit his tongue.
Otherwise, he would have been overwhelmed that would make him unable to move.
"Then, here I come."
Whoosh!
He didn't hear any shuffling sound.
And suddenly, the man narrowed the distance in one go, with his sword pointing towards Yoon Seok. And the tip looked like a lightning bolt.
Looking at the swing, Yoon Seok didn't dare to dodge nor did he want to take a direct hit.
But Yoon Seok did have a shield.
Kang!
He blocked his opponent's attack with his shield.
And now, he didn't stay still either.
One block results in one attack.
Yoon Seok remembered that he practised it thousands of times in the waiting room. So he no longer hesitated and wielded his sword.
Do or die!
Hesitation is a luxury when one's life is one the line.
Nevertheless, Yoon Seok's attack didn't have any result.
Making him realise, no matter how strong his will was, all it mattered was the skills and experience.
Chaeng!
As if the man saw the incoming attack, gracefully he used his own sword to refelt back the incoming sword. Inexperience Yoon Seok was disturbed by such a force used in a single attack.
Their physical traits were the same as per the rule. But one wielded the sword with both hands while the other with one. So, it was natural who had the most balance.
Not satisfied with this, his opponent thrust the sword like a snake moving towards him, causing Yoon Seok to use his shield to block the attack.
"…"
Nervously, Yoon Seok swallowed his saliva.
Although he dodged the incoming attack, his neck was stiff cold.
He did save himself from the attack but this time it was really close.
He cannot remain still any longer.
After the successful block using the shield, Yoon Seok swung his sword reflexively. However, his sword was met with nothing, it was as if his opponent vanished.
That man was already two steps away.
'I need to stop charging at him. Right now, holding this shield is getting more and more annoying.'
Yoon Seok felt his shoulders were getting heavier with every breath.
But his strong opponent changed his mind and fiercely charged towards him.
'No, I don't think you should…'
Yoon Seok, who was on the edge; collecting himself, saw the man swinging his sword aggressively at him.
Just like the first time, nothing has changed. Both stood on their ground, him below while his opponent standing above.
Blocking the attack with his shield, Yoon Seok swung his sword forward at the man.
At the same time, the man repelled the attack using his sword.
And soon after, there came a difference in their tedious routine.
Aakk!
The burly man instead of charging with his sword used his foot.
Yoon Seok, being his first battle with weapons, was primarily focused on the movement of the sword, met with a great physical force.
The foot met in his stomach, the only blindspot that couldn't be covered by the shield, it was defenceless.
"Umph!"
The impact was out of his imagination, Yoon Seok was shocked to his core, to the point he almost let go his sword and shield.
He could feel his organs being displaced in a way they shouldn't, screaming in protest.
It was hard to breathe properly, but there was no time to be absent-minded.
Yoon Seok desperately raised his shield.
Without missing any moment, this time the man charged forward with his sword.
Kang!
Once again, his shield was met with a strong force.
The impact completely crushed Yoon Seok as he tried to use all his strength to hold the shield, collapsing his posture.
But, the man didn't give a chance to get a hold of himself.
The man charged at him with his sword, missing no beat.
Yoon Seok had no choice but to lift his sword for protection and thought.
Doesn't matter how many times he stops these attacks, he can't guarantee what will happen the next time. He knew if he let go of his posture or collapsed due to impact, he wouldn't be able to stop the man.
'This is the only chance I have!'
Yoon Seok made a quick yet accurate decision.
He threw his shield towards his opponent. With such action, the man was perplexed as he didn't expect the shield to be used as a disposable.
Not missing the chancet, Yoon Seok charged forward and thrust his sword.
Then…
Kacha!
His shape blade made a cut on the man's flesh.
For the first time did Yoon Seok succeed.
However, due to having no opening, he couldn't give the man any fatal injury.
He could only stab the side of his abdomen.
Soon, Yoon Seok continued to display attacks one after the other, but the man swiftly stepped back and widened the distance between them.
And now there was a pause from both parties.
'The shield! I'll need to pick it up!'
This was the only chance he had to pick up his shield.
He must get hold of his shield before the man narrows the distance between them again.
Just as Yoon Seok bent over to pick up the shield.
His sixth sense heightened and warned him.
"…?"
His instinct took over his body even before his mind could register.
Yoon Seok suddenly stepped back, almost in a streak he was meters away, getting away from the slash. The blade was so fast and all happened in a flash cutting through his shadows.
'I was dead there. If not for my quick judgement, my head would be rolling on the ground.'
The man in front was genuinely surprised by his quick movement.
Though dodging the blade didn't make Yoon Seok happy at all.
If he was a little late, the dual would have ended.
He only tried to retrieve his shield but was met with a violent death.
Yoon Seok gave up on it.
'Let's give up the shield.'
In this duel, they both are observing one another for an opening; for a fatal strike.
He had no chance to pick up the shield that he once discarded.
"Throwing the shield was a good tactic. Use about anything that's in the hand… It reminds me of when I first entered this world."
The man seemed to be quite relaxed even though blood was profusely dripping from his side.
Does he even feel pain?
Thinking about it, Yoon Seok couldn't help but shake his head.
It wasn't that.
Of course, he was in pain.
The difference between them was the man had experienced pain before.
Suddenly, the difference between them started to increase.
Mentally intimidated; Yoon Seok unconsciously stepped back.
'There's no way I can win…'
Their physical level might be equal, but that doesn't take away that man's superiority in skills.
Nevertheless, Yoon Seok was able to withstand it until now, only because he was levelheaded enough to use his shield.
But now it was gone.
And all he had left was the sword.
Looking at the blade, it seems to be much sharper than before.
'Sh**, I'm gonna die…'
Perhaps death is unavoidable.
Even if the coin resurrects him, the pain was inevitable.
And that fact was enough to scare Yoon Seok.
"Boy, did you forget about me?"
The man asked him. Yet knowing that's not likely.
His opponent's eyes were filled with disappointment.
Seeing the familiar look, Yoon Seok couldn't help but recall a terrible memory.
—Hey, loser.
Kang Hyung-woo's voice could be heard from somewhere far away.
Like a trained dog, Yoon Seok suddenly was frozen stiff.
—You've had several chances to fight back.
He's right.
If Yoon Seok wanted to confront, he could have, he had several chances in his hand.
But he didn't.
It was because he thought he could never win.
"Y-you're taller than me and you've learned boxing. Argh, you had the talent!"
—Don't you get it? You have the talent too.
"…."
After he was thrown here, Yoon Seok vaguely felt it too.
Maybe his talent is superior to Kang Hyung-woo.
Previously, he didn't know because he never tried it out.
But him being timid, he still had another excuse.
"B-but if I did, my parents would…"
—A**hole, do you remember when I was struck by my father, when I was a student?
"…."
If he remembered correctly, it must have happened when he was young.
—Though when I got to know about it was late, I never expected it.
When they were freshmen in high school.
—Do you know how surprised I was? I never thought you'd rebel, I thought, I perfectly tamed you.
Harassment against Yoon Seok was getting out of hand, so he told everyone about it. Making Kang Hyung-woo step down for a while.
He thought that their ill-fated relationship was over.
But around that time, his father's factory had a massive fire accident.
Fortunately, thanks to the JC Group, Yoon Seok's family was spared from debt…
And again he was chained to the leash.
—You know, what?
Kang Hyung-woo said.
Yoon Seok knew that face wasn't there, but the familiar face of ridicule was stuck in his head.
—By the way, I was the one who turned that factory into ash.
Something stirred in the pits of his stomach.
Something bleak and dark.