= The First Winner=
* NO POV *
"Something wrong, Asher?" Christer asked, looking at his friend in worry.
"Nope, just thinking.." Asher replied. He was spacing out after rearranging the materials and platform they've made from the last round.
"Is it about the Little girl being the first winner? You know, you can say that to everyone if you want to." The Old man Zed commented but Asher's head shook down.
"Not that. I was just wondering about the Real first winner." He looked away but in his mind, he was bothered about that time.
Asher had a feeling that guy was something else. He remembered during their lunch break that a mysterious person wanted to play their challenging game in private.
In the first game, the mysterious contestant select the masked host to be the Baiter and much to his surprise, Asher accept his challenge. He was called "Hanzer", making a gentle and polite bow in return. He was ready to play their game. As for the next move, that's where his entertainment goes around.
Ever since the day those merchant set off to this kingdom and placed their silly games, Hanzer was already aware of the rules, their play and how their customers are always losing. It's all thanks to being part of the audience.
The one who watch the show, will try the same play but in a unique way. He observed how Christer moves and dodged those water balloons, how the contestant fails and how they used the wind to control the game. All it takes is to watch and plan for a counterattack.
But if he followed his route of fighting against the Baiter Christer, that would be boring. So he choose the Masked merchant host play their game.
At first, Hanzer tests the Masked merchant by hitting those silly balls called Water balloons. But what he makes it secret is that he put a marking spell on the Water balloons and use their thread to stick them to his hand.
When Hanzer threw those water balloons, he controlled their direction and moved either left or right. If the Baiter turned and missed his attack, Hanzer will simply moved the balloons and follows his directions.
The Masked merchant proceed to whisper something where nobody could hear him and the same time he dodged those water balloons, he called the wind's direction to guide where the next attack will hit. The Baiter heard the call as he crawled down and avoid the surprising attack, which leaves the contestant surprised.
In fact, the stranger let out his smirk as he throw more water balloons, showing he's having fun with this game. The masked merchant kept avoiding them and noticed that some water bullets are aiming at his back that made him wonder how did they move there. He also noticed the water balloons he throw has some Mysterious symbol markings that he can't recognise.
Asher doesn't believe that Old man Zed would marked those strange signs in the Water balloons but he got a feeling this stranger did something to turn their side to their back and hit him. Despite that, the Masked merchant did not falter, nor caring if they cheat as long as he concentrate his dodging skills, that's ll that matters.
The moment the time ended, the game finally stops as Christer ordered the contestant to stop throwing Water balloons. Hanzer lost the game but, he wasn't sad.
Christer was still cautious as he wiped his sweat and let out his breath, still looking at the stranger. He was expecting Hanzer to leave their property but the contestant wanted a second round and he picked something from his bag.
Seeing the price money in Hanzer's hand made them excited. Unlike Christer, Asher and Old man Zed are merchants who love money as long as they receive it fairly.
The eager Masked merchant sparkled his eyes and ready for the next round. He followed Hanzer's condition, show everything you got and never take an easy on them. Though, Asher felt he wasn't actually taking it easy since he felt this guy has some secret skills that hasn't revealed it yet.
On the second round, Asher could have swear he saw the strange contestant used his hands to cast a hidden marking to the water balloons before he throw them. While the game continues, Asher takes his time to use his Wind powers and dodge them at the same time, making Hanzer felt joyful to play more.
He thought it was normal for Asher to dodge them but he also noticed those water balloons continued to move faster than before. Not only that but the way he avoids them in directjon, he realized they were following him until they went straight to the wall. The Masked Merchant finally learned what he's up against, the mysterious and optimistic contestant wants to win at all cost.
One minute later, the Masked merchant let his guard down when one of the balloons reached his back even though it only moves forward. Though the Baiter didn't know, he predicted how he lose.
Those symbols that marked in Water balloons, Asher believes that Hanzer used his magic spells or other shenanigans and force them to change their direction and hit him. Though he tend to avoid them, sometimes Asher lets his guard down and lose.
This considered that Hanzer's way of throwing those balls that can allow him to manipulate any direction unlike the other contestants. It may be the fact he's the first winner in second round in a hidden contest break.
After winning, Asher admit in his mind that his stranger has used his secret tricks up his sleeve and came up with a way to defeat him. Even if he used Christer to be the Baiter and challenge him, that stranger would use the same tricks and find an opening to hit him.
Hr thought what the stranger did was cheating but there was no rule about using magic spells or hidden abilities on the Water balloons so he didn't mind. Christer was on his way to give the first prize, Rainbow Necklace to the winner.
However, the stranger grabbed Asher's wrist and dragged him out of the store. Old man Zed and Christer were confused as they were watching their friend taking away by the stranger.
For some reason, this stranger Hanzer was invited him for this so called Unbeatable game in the Vera Kingdom. When Asher observed that merchant booth, he saw the Gamemaker and his merchant assistants, who taunt their customers and mock them for losing. They seemed cocky and wanted their audience to know their place. When they notice us, the Gamemakers offers us to try their game while telling us the reward is one hundred gold, which is not bad.
It's a game called "Energy Equality". The rules are simple. Two contestants have to stand and touch the Energy orb. When the ten seconds are out, both contestants with the same energy level is the winner. If one of them has high and low energy level, they'll lose. Of course, the Gamemakers informed us that Adventurers and Nadventurers are not allowed.
"Since I'm the merchant, I can participate whatever I want." Asher thought.
This stranger, on the other hand, has revealed himself to be an outsider who want to play all the festival games. Funny, he seems to be the greedy and most determined to win everything.
"No wonder he wanted to try ours and not planning to be show off in public. He wasn't interested in rewards."
Speaking of that, Asher heard that Energy is part of the soul's power that allows them to control and change their levels. Some guy he barely communicate with but acts like a mentor used to taught him about the four energies: Physical energy, Mental energy, Magical energy and Spiritual energy. Out of all, they must be judging the Spiritual Energy called Pneuma.
Back to the festive games, Hanzer and Asher participate and stood near the Energy orb. The Gamemakers gave us a signal to touch the orb when the game starts. As the audience watch how we held the Energy orbs and conserve our energy at the same time, the Gamemaker expressed us with a smirk, thinking that we'll lose his game.
Asher was thinking the same thing since he has no interests in winning the game but seeing their expression wanted him to backfire them. As he used his energy and hoping it's a normal and balance one, Hanzer was observing him as if he's trying to think some ways to find Asher's mistake instead of controlling his energy. Five seconds of staring at his partner and then he went back to his energy orb and flow his energy directly.
After ten seconds was finished. The Gamemakers checked the result as they showed the numbers inside the Energy orb.
Hanzer [62] And Masked Merchant [62]
The Gamemakers, audience and Asher are surprised about this energy result.
"To think that this stranger who I met five minutes ago, has able to control his energy and release the same level as mine." Asher thought his energy level may not be perfect but to think Hanzer was able to analyse, predict and share the same result as him.
"Who is this guy? How peculiar but somehow, proud to experience new suprises. I have a feeling he's clever at reading someone's energy. I bet that time when he observed me five seconds was all part of his plan to check my energy level and copy it." Asher connected the pieces.
Things are getting interesting when everyone looked amazed, distorted and unaware that we broke the record. It was as if, we're the first contestant who win this game.
The Gamemaker was frustrated by Hanzer's sarcasm comments. They told us to step on their front stage and gave us a pair of golden medal with an energy level mark. The audience congratulate and gave us a round of applause, claiming that we're the first winner in their "Energy Equality".
Now I get the final piece This guy doesn't care about rewards. He just wanted to be the First Winner in any Festivity games in Vera Kingdom. To think this childish dream would get me involve. No wonder this guy is so enthusiastic. A childish dream it is.
"To make a straight point, you want to be the First winner in all Festivity games at Vera Kingdom." Asher said, folding his arms.
"That's right friend, it's nice to see someone figured out my plan. I admit you are the first mortal to discover." Hanzer chuckled.
"Appreciate that.. but I wonder, what is your trick anyways?"
"I wonder but feel free to uncover that, my friend."
He thinks he can still try his game and win on next first try tomorrow. How funny it is, because Asher happened to be so cruel to add more game challenges an difficult to captivate his audience. It doesn't matter what Hanzer's gonna do to claim his price.
Asher wonders if he met this guy again but even still, he doesn't mind if he could play his game again as long as he entertains his business, that'll be good enough.
*********************
= The Nadventurer's Help =
* WINGS POV *
Outside the Vera Kingdom,
The battle event took place for five days and adventurers, Nadventurers and other warriors are gathering to defend the Vera Kingdom. The rules are simple, eliminate any Hallow monsters. Do not let them invade and step foot in the Vera Kingdom.
The guild can give rewards on the number of Hallows they killed.If they let one Hallow trespass, the Quest will be postponed for half an hour while the Guild won't give them rewards unless they finished them for one day.
The new Adventurer, or the Nadventurer Wings, read the rules of this quest event and he learned a few things. One, Adventurers are free to cooperate and kill as many Hallow as possible to share their rewards. Two, they should not kill each other or else, they'll immediately self destruct and respawn far away from Vera Kingdom. Three, they must defend the Vera Kingdom and eliminate those monsters to prevent from tresspassed.
Wings picked his small dagger and jumped on the battlefield, slashing one small Hallow after another. He used his assassination skills to eliminate small Hallows nearby. As he's doing his Solo quest, Wings slowly learn those monsters and how they behave.
When the Hallow Monsters saw their comrades getting slaughter, their size will became stronger. Wings tried to fight them on and learn that their speed and attacks are getting stronger.
He also discovered this battle quest has sixteen waves of incoming Hallow monsters coming to this kingdom and right now, they're in the thirteenth wave, which means the fight is almost over unless they defeat more and defend this territory.
The Violet haired guy honestly felt this was a bad timing since those weak looking Hallows are becoming stronger than before. Anyone like Beginning Adventurers who would find and underestimates them, would get into trouble in the end.
Supposedly, leaving them would be a good idea but, thinking about Rayleigh's advice made him decide the hard choice.
"Listen Wings, no matter how strong you are, the enemy will always get your back. Instead of fighting them, try to protect those Newbie Adventurers without Red eyes. Unlike those higher class, Nadventurers don't have those features and those monsters will get that chance. Don't let them take that chance."
The last line gives him a shiver down his spine. His master was serious of the advice giving to him. So, Wings has to follow that order at the same time as dealing this battle quest. During his fight, he came up to watch how the other adventurers are doing.
He saw a girl with her bow and arrows, who wears blue clothes and she also observed the fight and joined up to kill the final blow. Many adventurers were upset at her actions, causing her to smile with a smirk on her face and leave them behind.
Honestly, he doesn't know how humans act like this. Even if they're the same species, aren't they supposed to work together and survive?
Wings can also tell the difference between two respective warrior clubs of the guild, Adventurer and Nadventurer.
His Master Rayleigh and the Villagers used to talk about The Adventurer being the outsider, the visitor from another world that are stronger than any ordinary soldiers. They have the blessings and good resource materials gifted by the current Divine and for some reason, his master Rayleigh hates them a lot.
On the other hand, Nadventurers are just warriors born in this world with no blessings but highly used their weapons to fight. In terms of costumes, Nadventurers wears a Red Violet scarf on their arm as a sign to show their difference while Adventurers can wear anything.
Wings observed how Adventurers can easily change their equipment, weapons and gears without bringing their Inventory bag. He figured they have a blessing to store anything while Nadventurers like him can't. Master Rayleigh would've explained more details but he prefers to let him experience how they move in their own eyes, which is a bit fair to use his observation skills.
His Assassin class have good level status records that he chooses speed to increase his ways to fight and avoid at the same time. Master Rayleigh might have let him take his battle quest to test his strength once again. Speaking of that, Wings remembered his master's advice to protect Nadventurers and support them. He can easily tell based on how they're acting weak as a beginner and the fact they don't have red eyes when engaging in battle.
Seeing the event battle between Adventurers and Hallow monsters taking place, Wings held his "Blue Tues" weapon and watch his surroundings. He finds a helpless Adventurer getting cornered by Hallow Slimes.
Wings slashed the Halow Slimes and they became smaller but multiply. This doesn't scare him enough as he used the weapon's ability to slash multiple times until the opponent is finally defeated. The Nadventurer watched how the assassin adventurer, Wings fought the multiplied slimes and killed them alone. They thanked him for saving their lives and Wings told them to be careful and proceed to find more Adventurers who provide support.
The battle event has big areas that most Adventurers used the ground to fend Hallow monsters away from the Kingdom. Wings's plan was not about killing all Hallow monsters the most, he was out there to find other Nadventurers and defend them. While following that goal, he checks left and right, seeing how other Adventurers fought monsters using their unique skills.
Eventually, he finds another helpless Nadventurer and fights with them, facing those monsters head on, taking their place while defending at the same time.
Whenever he encountered a Nadventurer struggling against the Hallow monsters, Wings will do everything and used his Blue Tues weapon to save them all and support as much as possible. Sometimes, he succeeded while other times he failed, which he arrives in late and couldn't stop the monsters from hurting them. Nadventurers cannot regain their will nor reviving unless a support in their team has a good healing resources. Wings would've helped more if he have arrived in time and kill those strongest but even so, he will not stop as he continues his battle.
It's been four hours to participate this event and Wings managed to support Nadventurers while learning new moves and special abilities by his dagger weapon. Of course, he gets thirty minute breaks and spends time with those Stranger Nadventurers to get some hot foods in nearby shops. The Nadventurers could've save their money but they decided to spend it and treat Wings to some snacks as a way to thank him for the support in battle. They even want to give their supplies but Wings refused, thinking it would be necessary to let them use it and make them stronger on their own.
Speaking of supplies, Wings completely forgot he also got a bunch of farming materials from the Hallow Monsters he slayed. To think that saving beginners and Nadventurers would get a bonus reward treat in the end. He wrote his experience and the Hallow monsters in his diary note as part of Rayleigh's request. One of the items he looted was a small blade that resembles a royal guard's spear. He finds it peculiar how a blade doesn't connect with the Hallow monster wolf he slaughtered.
Wings kept more notes and questioned more about the loot material's origin, hoping that his Master Rayleigh and Lady Lilia answers them. Another fact is the secret skill he got after level up by slaying Hallow slimes. His skill, "Dual Fury blades" can actually change the Blue Tues dagger and multiplied by two, using both hands to slash all surrounded enemies.
To think this ability will finish any multiplying enemies with six slashes. He could try to use this ability and practice more. If Wings could keep this up, he will eventually mastered the Blue Tues weapon.
As he turns back to the battle event and resumes his quest, Wings noticed a lonely Adventurer with a red violet scarf who stands behind other teams and giving them magic buff. He observed how this young lonely boy uses the great sword and casting magic spells, allowing those strange party members to finish the Hallow monsters. Being heroic or not, this lonely Adventurer was able to support a group of Nadventurers who doesn't aware they got buff by him. The next part about this lonely Adventurer was going to other Nadventurers and giving more powers to them secretly.
Wings appreciate his secret heroic doings for not standing in front of the Adventurers. When things were going well, he noticed a strange Hallow monster who was hiding under the bush. It looks like they were waiting for that lonely kid to step on it and ambush them. Knowing the monster's ambush attempt, Wings let out his Blue Tues weapon and charged behind that Adventurer.
The lonely Kid flinched when he discovered a Hallow monster appearing out of the bush while Wings managed to stop the attempt and blocked their claws by the Blue Tues. The Assassin realised how strong this enemy is.
Wings moved back before the Hallow monster glared at him. Suddenly, the black monster shapeshifts into a giant humanoid warrior, taking their fighting pose while holding a sword. As they're fighting, Wings noticed this Hallow monsters can swing their sword and fight like human royal guards. He really thought he was fighting against a human but in the end, with the black ouminous aura covering their body, a monster is still a monster.
That Hallow Guard swung his sword and caused a next ambush attack, Wings managed to block it with the Blue Tues. He was struggling to use his abilities and find his weak points while trying to defend himself. Suddenly, there was an orange glowing fog surrounding him. The way the orange wind spreads his body from bottom to top, it was like a warm feeling that increases his strength and speed. Like a Magic buff.
Soon, he realised someone cast a Magic spell while at the same time of fighting against the Hallow monster, Wings immediately looked behind before facing the battle again and realised that this lonely Adventurer boy was using the Great Sword and cast his Magic skill.
The assassin felt that his speed got raised, he can feel how strong the way he's slashing that Hallow monster. This time, he got the upperhand, he jumps and backs away, ready for his next and final attack and then, call out his ability.
"Silent Slash!"
As Wings slashed the Hallow Guard's neck, the monster stopped moving until they slowly disappeared like a black wind blowing away. He figured the monster's weakness would be their neck but he didn't expect he could end the fight in one slash. Maybe it was because of the Magic Buff that Lonely Adventurer gave him.
Speaking of him, Wings turns his back and saw he was still standing around with his great sword. Wings thought he would flee like the way he helped those party members before but this time, he wasn't expected he was actually waiting for him.
"What a surprise, Mortals are kinda intriguing." Wings thought. He was going to say something until the young Nadventurer smiled him back.
"Thank you for the final blow, fellow Adventurer. I would've get slaughtered by that monster if it weren't for you. I won't forget this debt" The boy's clenching hand on the chest and he bowed down formally.
"Uumm... Your welcome and please, stop bowing, you don't have to thank me, seriously." Wings said, trying to make this conversation simple as possible. "And I also have to thank you for helping me. I noticed you gave me skills to increase my speed. You helped me a lot!"
"...." The boy was speechless for five seconds until he coughed and turned his eyes away. "So you noticed?"
"Uh oh! You were amazing back there, helping Nadventurers like that in secret! How cool is that?" Wings nod back in reply.
"As much as you want to get this quest done, I better get going now. I have to be alone and help those in need"
"Wait! if you don't mind, maybe we could help each other out?" Wings saw the young boy's questioned face, wondering if he has the right to ally with. "I also want to protect those Nadventurer fellows too. That's my second reason to take this quest."
"Helping Nadventurers huh?" The Boy with the Great Sword muttered.
He took a moment to think of his answer while Wings remembered this guy helped a lot of beginners and helpless Nadventurers. Maybe supporting together will save more people like Two birds in one stone. After thinking, the boy nods back and offer his hand,
"I'm Joxley, the Warrior Class Nadventurer. I'm in your service to ally with you."
"I'm Wings, the Assassin Class Nadventurer. Nice to meet you, Joxley" Wings accept his hand and they shake each other in respect of their newly alliance.