Now I know who their target is even though I don't understand why they targeting Melissa. I understand this is a quest but I still don't know what caused this quest to happen.
One thing is for sure, I won't let them do anything to Melissa even if it means dying. Even though the pain in this game is so real, at least death can't stop us from coming back to life.
Apart from that, there is no level system and it only depends on skills or magic and status, which is also very beneficial because there is no level reduction which is usually a punishment if you die in a game.
Now standing in front of a mysterious figure dressed all in black, I drew my sword and said in a provocative tone.
"Your threat doesn't apply to me. The evidence that I was able to beat you a while ago shows that the difference in ability between us is not that big."
"That's what you think? Such bad decision, then next year on the same date as today will be your death anniversary."
That was the last of our pleasantries because one second later our bodies sped up and sparks came out as my sword and his sword clashed under the rain that began to pour down from the sky that turning black.
Several times our swords clashed and at the same time I realized his ice sword was as hard as metal.
Without hesitation the enemy in front of me made a stabbing movement aimed at vital points in my body such as the heart, liver, stomach and neck.
Not losing in speed to his vicious attacks, I repelled all his attacks with high focus and looked for gaps to counterattack.
Even though his face was covered by a mask, for some reason I could imagine his smiling face full of provocation because he had cornered me in the first few attacks.
My fighting spirit starts to burn at the thought of that and I explode the mana around my sword to increase the damage my sword can produce.
Again, our sword clashed and I could see the cracks in his ice sword and I'm sure he also realized that my sudden increase in attack power was the main cause of the cracks in his sword.
When he flinched even if only for a few seconds, without wasting the opportunity I lunged forward towards him and slashing my sword to sever his neck.
But my attempt failed because my enemy had very good reflexes by moving his sword to deflect my attack so that my attack missed its intended target.
At least I managed to corner him and even the mask that had been covering his face was split in two, showing his face that had been hidden behind the mask for a long time.
I could see the expression of surprise clearly visible on his face, but what made me even more surprised was the fact that the mysterious enemy I had been fighting all this time was not a man but a woman.
Taking off the hoodie that covered her long hair, the woman looked at me with a sharp gaze. Her ice sword that had been destroyed by my attack was restored as good as new. On the contrary, the heavy rain actually weakening the fire element that covering the tip of my sword.
Neither of us moved and we just stared at each other in silence.
It was the girl in front of me who break the silence between us with her haughty words.
"I acknowledge your abilities. But even though you succeeded in cornering me like that, you should realize under the rain, you can't use all your abilities."
"Now, as you have seen. I am a dual element magic user. I can control wind and water to create a new element called ice. Under the heavy rain like this, you won't be able to beat me."
Without her explanation, I also know that fire is weak against water. This is basic knowledge.
But never forget that in the presence of fire, ice cannot survive.
Of course I wouldn't say something clearly like that to her. I will let her get carried away with the advantages she currently has and make her careless because she doesn't realize the small weaknesses she might forget.
Instead I just asked a simple question.
"I don't care about what you just said. I will stop you here, just that. But I'm still curious, why are you targeting Melissa and have such strong killing intent? Who are you?"
Looking at me with cold eyes, she answered, "You think you can get information from me? You're very naïve."
Holding my head and sighing, I replied to what she just said, "I'm naïve? It seems you still don't understand what I mean, Miss."
Pointing my sword at her face, I said with serious expression, "We fight by risking our own lives. I don't want to die without knowing the reason why I died and I'm sure you are the same. If you can't say your objective then it doesn't matter, at least let's introduce ourselves as a form of respect."
"My name is Crimson Clover. I may be a newcomer but I am a man who will never break my promise. In front of you I promise that I will not let you do anything to Melissa as long as I am alive and breathing."
Perhaps the girl recognized my determination or perhaps she just showed a little respect towards me. What is certain is that she also started to introduce herself in front of me.
"My name is Lissana. I am the one who will take your life today, Crimson Clover."
"Then let's start the fourth round of the fight between us."
The fight between us continued and this time Lissana's movements were much faster and more aggressive compared to before. When I managed to dodge her sword attack, her other hand started to move with another ice sword that she had just created thanks to the cold temperature.
Because I was careless for a second she managed to hit my cheek until blood gushed out and it felt quite painful.
"I didn't expect that you are skilled at using two swords at the same time. I have to admit the level of difficulty in attacking you is increasing."
Looking at the sword in my hand, the magic flame covering it was almost extinguished completely and this was not a good sign.
"I guess there's no other way. I will do that technique."
My body was already taking stances and Lissana who saw me preparing to do something also started to get ready with her stance.
When Lissana was ready to attack because she thought I would charge towards her like before, Lissana become silent when she saw me running to the opposite directions.
With all the strength I still had, I ran towards the magic knight dormitory hoping to get help and a more strategic location to fight.
I really like dueling but I'm not stupid enough to fight where my opponent clearly has the advantage over me.
Rule number one for survival.
Fleeing to survive is not an act of cowardice but a smart strategy for survival.
I didn't even reply to Lissana's screams saying that I was just a cowards with the nonsense and promises I just said in front of her.
I'm willing to bet that right now Lissana is chanting magic to attack me or chase me. But the distance between myself and the magic knight dormitory was already quite close. I won't stop until I get into the dorm even if my life is at stake.
Unfortunately my hopes of getting protection disappeared after seeing Jonathan flying out of the dormitory along with the other magic knights. They looked seriously injured and I immediately realized Lissana's partner were in the dormitory looking for Melissa.
Running to Jonathan I asked if he was seriously injured?
Unfortunately, Jonathan was already unconscious with other magic knights and the players. This meant leaving myself in front of two strong enemies when the weather was not in my favor.
From the front I saw a masked figure just come out from inside the magic knight dormitory while from behind Lissana had appeared with two ice swords in her hands and also several pointed icicles ready to be released at me.
Circumstances made me change my plan from running away to save myself to fighting to the last drop of blood.
Lissana seemed happy to see me trapped like a mouse among a pack of hungry cats.
"Ha ha ha ha! It seems fate really wants you to die today. Even though you've tried hard to escape and seek help, it's all in vain."
Keeping my distance, I replied to her, "At least I will take one of you to die with me."
"Heh, if you can." Said Melissa as she launched a series of icicles to finish me off.
"Damn it!" I cursed.
Just when I thought I would die from being showered with icicles, a wall of wind protected my body in time. This very familiar magic unmistakably came from her, the girl who was helping me escape from the encirclement of two enemies.
The girl named Melissa.