''This man has a strange skill. It's not a big deal, just a little annoying. '' The man with the iron staff said this while pointing his staff at Gary, who was running towards him once more.
''Lighting Ball. ''
The lightning ball struck Gary in the chest, causing his movements to stutter for a moment. Lightning caused a small burn on the chest area of the armor he was wearing, but he collected himself and continued running as if unaffected by the pain.
''I guess, whatever skill you're using has turned you into a bloodthirsty, mindless animal.'' The wingman quickly discovered Gary's flaw.
He was entirely correct in what he said. In addition to being faster, stronger, and more pain-tolerant than before, Gary's ability to think has also appeared to have deteriorated. Despite the fact that it seemed like all of his combat was done out of reflex and instinct, he was unable to evade an attack that was aimed at him.
The man with the iron staff said with disdain, ''I don't know what that skill is, but it looks like pure madness. ''
He continued to respond with the fireball and the lighting ball as he dodged Gary's sword waves through the air.
''Light Recovery. ''
Meanwhile, Leas desperately tried to heal Gary's wounds as her mana replenished, but it wasn't enough to heal Gary, though it was effective enough to annoy the winged man.
''Can't you just sit quietly and wait your turn? '' The wingman glared angrily at Leas and pointed his staff at her.
''Fire Ba…''
''Roaring Slash.''
He was interrupted by Gary's sword wave before he could activate his skill. He realized Gary wasn't going to leave him alone after a few more attempts to attack Leas, so he focused on him again.
Seraher let out a small sigh of relief as Gary was now the focus of the man with the iron staff's attention. However, it appeared that she had already expended all of her energy, leaving her with no choice but to defend herself.
Seraher yelled at Leas as she stared helplessly at the black fumes coming from Gary's body. ''How much longer can he last? ''
Leas used her regenerated mana for the least mana-consuming healing skill she has and replied. ''Not much, we still have over 50 minutes until the match is over. ''
Seraher clenched her teeth as she parried another sword strike and called out again. ''How many more points did that guy earn? ''
After temporary silence, Leas replied in a grave tone. '' Zero. ''
Seraher became depressed upon hearing this. She felt as if their only hope had been shattered.
''Hahahaha, do you still believe you can win? '' After firing one final ball of fire at Gary, the wingman watched him slowly fall to his knees, and he cackled.
''I don't understand why your friend isn't dead yet, but it's only a matter of time since the Silent Death is after him. ''
When he saw that Gary wasn't standing up again, he turned his attention to Leas.
''It's your turn now. '' He raised his staff and was about to strike when another sword wave stopped him.
''I-I'm not d-done yet. '' Gary had stood up again, holding his sword in both hands. His body was shaking, and he looked like even a soft wind could make him fall.
''It looks like you're starting to come to your senses. You can barely even stand; just give up and die peacefully.'' Gary's face, which was wracked with pain and had burn scars, caught the attention of the wingman. He was certain that this was his final struggle before death.
Gary gathered the last bit of strength in his body and roared with all his might, ready to swing his sword once more, when an arrow pierced into his shoulder, causing him to drop his sword to the ground.
''You as*hole, my whole body still hurts because of you. '' The woman with the crossbow yelled angrily at Gary and shot a second arrow at his feet.
*Aghh*
With a pain-filled cry, Gary fell again.
''Oh, I thought you died. So you were just slacking, huh? '' With an ugly laugh, the man with the iron staff said.
''Shut up. I'm going to kill him for sneaking up on me. ''
He shrugged helplessly. ''Do whatever you want, but don't take too long.''
''Don't worry, I'm not that lame. I will finish him in one shot.'' She fumed in anger as she spoke. ''It's the end of the game for you, you bastard. ''
''Power Shot. ''
The crossbow's tip started to fill with an orange beam of light as soon as the skill was used.
'I don't want to lose. ' Gary mumbled as he racked his worn-out body for the willpower to get back to his feet.
With the return of the winged woman, Seraher's unresponsive face changed to one of dissatisfaction.
'I needed to win only one more match to rank up. I don't have time to start over again. ' With these thoughts racing through her mind, she fought the wingman with the large sword in front of her with all her might. Even though she knew the outcome would be disappointing, she hoped that with one last force, she could save Gary and earn more time.
Leas stood helpless, watching her teammates struggle.
This was no ordinary game; everyone had a purpose in winning this match, and it was painful to lose here like this.
''We lost. '' Leas wept bitterly. She couldn't take it anymore and closed her eyes to avoid seeing her comrades' desperate search for a last-chance opportunity.
''Go die.'' The winged woman shouted one last time before firing the arrow.
But at that moment…
''Aghh. ''
The winged woman screamed in pain and fell to the ground.
*Boom*
The sound of an explosion then followed.
As Gary writhed on the ground, thinking these were his last moments, he stared in surprise at the arrow that fell a little ahead of him.
Then Seraher's tired voice came to him as he pondered why the arrow had missed him and why the woman had screamed and fallen to the ground in agony.
''Why did you come here? ''