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| − | ==R7==
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| − | Fight.
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| − | If nothing goes your way.
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| − | Don't complain about it.
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| − | Don't bitch about it.
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| − | Do something about it.
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| − | Fight.
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| − | And let my fists solve the problem.
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| − | "Let's go, Hiiro." I shouted, as I flipped into the air, as everything went into slow motion, Hiiro's Oni senses flooding my mind as everything seemed to move at snail's pace. I saw my body suspended in mid air, my fist reeled back as I faced the four minotaurs in front of me.
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| − | ''Hai, Shun-dono!''
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| − | "Rain hell! Demon Chain Punch!"
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| − | Time flowed forward, as I unloaded hundreds of punches, the armour and muscle of the bull men buckling, hundreds of craters forming on their bodies as they roared, spit and saliva flying out of their mouths as I hit the ground and swept my leg, sending them into the air.
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| − | I spun and brought my leg up.
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| − | "Chained Shadowless Kick"
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| − | My leg moved on its own, as I sent four kicks for each Minotaur instantly, the sheer force creating shockwaves as their bodies smashed into dozens of trees.
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| − | I breathed heavily, as I stumbled.
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| − | "I'm reaching my limit." I huffed.
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| − | ''Let me take over, Shun-dono. Your body can't keep going. I can help you-''
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| − | "Hell no." I grimaced, as blood leaked from my mouth.
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| − | My body had suffered tremendous damage. My sides were full of bruises and cuts and the white bandages that were lining my hands and forearms were almost entirely crimson. Near the palms, they were a dark red. My vision was getting blurry, as my movements became sluggish.
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| − | In other words, I was having the time of my life.
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| − | I brought my hands up and assumed my stance, as a new horde of monsters roared at me.
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| − | ''This is unwise, Shun-dono. It's one against one hundred. You cannot win! We need to fall back, or at least use Wicked Oni Mode. I can take them all down with Tomone.''
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| − | "And how many times do I have to tell you. I will win with my own strength. I know that I've only gotten this far because you've been supplying me with your Oni powers. Even so. I want to win. I want to do this with my own guts and glory. That's what it means to be a fighter!"
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| − | I roared, as I rushed forward.
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| − | That's what it means.
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| − |
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| − | To fight.
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| − | Backed in a corner.
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| − | That's when I can truly show what I'm made of, to know if I truly have what it takes to forge ahead.
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| − | Baba always said I was a useless son. Wen always looked down on me, calling me a disappointment for an older twin.
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| − | Ma's last wish on her deathbed.
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| − |
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| − | Was for me to be strong.
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| − | As long as I was strong, I would keep making her proud.
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| − | I launched a kick at one monster then spun around, delivering another cascade of kicks. Rolled and delivered a flurry of strikes.
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| − | My mind went on autopilot, as all of Hiiro's memories and techniques of Hung Gar flooded my mind.
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| − | "You know the drill, Hiiro. You handle the technique. I handle the raw strength. With your skill and my striking power, we're unstoppable. A bulwark in the face of overwhelming odds."
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| − | ''For the glory. The very essence of a fighter.''
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| − | "GRAAAR!" I yelled, as two monsters pinned me down, but I flipped midair, my legs spinning a 360 and knocking monsters away like an out of control lawnmower blade.
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| − | I stomped on the ground and swept my leg, throwing monsters in the air as I launched a cartwheel kick, the force of my strike sending a shockwave blast that disintegrated the monsters in front of me.
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| − | I brought my leg back as I winded up another punch as I ran up to a golem, but a nearby club from an orc managed to catch me in the side of the head, my face warping from the impact. I flew into the other side of the Dungeon floor and smashed into a boulder, blasting it to bits.
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| − | Blood poured down the side of my head as I was disoriented.
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| − | "RAAAR!" Another orc roared as it launched a swipe with its club, launching me into the air. My body was pumped with endorphins, but it wasn't enough for me. I began to vomit blood.
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| − | I smashed headfirst into the ground as the monsters closed in.
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| − | "Not dead yet." I muttered, as I tried to get to my feet.
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| − | "Not... dead..." My vision began to darken.
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| − | ''Shun-dono! Shun-dono! I told you this was a stupid idea! What were you thinking you stupid boy! Aho! Get up! You can't fall asleep!''
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| − | Who said I could fall asleep?
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| − | This world ain't nice.
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| − | This world ain't sunshine and rainbows.
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| − | If you want something...
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| − | You gotta work.
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| − | And even when you put in the work.
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| − | You don't always get rewarded.
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| − | But that's the very beauty of it.
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| − | My body welled up in power as I yelled, and slammed my fist into the ground, generating a shockwave that sent the monsters back. I spun my arms as I flipped sideways, launching two flying kicks at the horde of monsters, the force of my kicks generating individual shockwave blasts at them and sending them back.
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| − | I landed on the ground and rushed forward, yelling my battlecry as I buried my fists into the bodies of monster flesh.
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| − | The reality of the world. Even if you put in that work, you won't always succeed.
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| − | But if you don't put in that work, you won't succeed at all.
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| − | "We're doing this, Hiiro."
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| − | ''I'm ready when you are, Shun-dono. The culmination of all the martial arts both you and I have learned together. Together in one fist. Flowing and converging like a river.''
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| − | "Converging River Fist - Infinite Shadowless Chain Punch"
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| − | I unloaded my volley of punches as the monsters dissipated left and right, my body caked in monster dust and the ground littered with gems of their souls, as nothing was relevant anymore. I continued punching, as monster after monster fell before Hiiro and my might.
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| − | ''All enemies down. We should fall back, Shun-dono.''
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| − | I said nothing as I limped back up the steps to the higher levels. The safe spots where no monsters could see me. Some of my ribs were broken, and blood was seeping from all of my clothes, which were all ripped up.
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| − | Why was I going so far?
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| − | Why do I keep fighting?
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| − | I put my hand against the wall, leaving behind a trail of blood as I huffed and puffed.
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| − | Cuz it's simple.
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| − | Fighting is all I can do.
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| − | That was what I thought for the longest time.
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| − | "Wen is amazing. Look at him. Already a warrior monk. That has to be a new record."
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| − | "Nobody can stand up to Wen. The kid is special. I've never seen someone quite like him before. Apparently, the elders want to train him in the ways of the Awakened Fist."
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| − | "Seriously?! Awakened Fist? Isn't that the wushu style that is thought to be impossible to learn?"
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| − | I was sitting with the other Shaolin Disciples in the corner of our busted up room. I was covered in bruises from training that day. Because I again, failed to master the forms. While Wen moved up the ranks of the Shaolin Temple, I was getting hit by a stick because I sucked.
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| − | "You're never going to get anywhere like this, ''dai goh'' Shun." Wen said.
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| − | "I ain't done yet." I grumbled, as I limped forward to try to challenge my younger brother again. Wen had downed me for the eighteenth time in a row during our spar.
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| − | "This fight is over. I'm honestly pretty disappointed in you. You're the bigger brother. Baba said that you can't even do school or even chores. Your body was all you had, and now I see that even in wushu you can't even hold a candle to me."
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| − | The other disciples noticed our duel and ran up to us to see.
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| − | "Hey look. ''Gwai Jai'' Shun is fighting Steel Palm again. Hasn't he suffered enough humiliation? This guy's an idiot!"
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| − | Wen's eye twitched in annoyance.
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| − | "Do you see now, why I refuse to admit to these disciples of our connection? Imagine the embarrassment I'll have to put up with once word gets out that the temple's worst disciple is related to the temple's best."
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| − | I got up and rushed forward, but Wen kicked me to the ground with blinding speed.
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| − | "It's over. I now have the fame to open up my own school once I become older. The Way of the Steel Palm. I will have my own disciples. I don't need to put up with you or this family ever again."
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| − | I slowly began to lose consciousness.
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| − | "Wen..."
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| − | "Don't ever challenge me again.
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| − | "I can't stand the sight of you."
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| − | I will become stronger. I will keep fighting. No matter what. Because even if the path in front of me looks bleak. I know for a fact that the path behind me will inevitably be worse. I need to keep forging ahead. For the chance of a better tomorrow.
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| − | Keep fighting, Shun. It'll get better.
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| − | ''Shun-dono? Shun-dono!''
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| − | I gasped, as I caught myself. I nearly tripped and fell off the side of a rock formation.
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| − | "My bad." I muttered, as I reoriented myself.
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| − | It was time to return to the surface. I collected enough gems to pay this month's rent for Lady Vala. I trudged up the steps. I had to keep getting stronger.
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| − | After all this time, I finally had a means to catch up to Wen.
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| − | I couldn't let the gift Hiiro had given to me go to waste.
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| − | "Tch." A voice appeared from the upper levels. More voices appeared, as I slowed my pace.
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| − | "Why are you here? Are you going to interfere with us again? You know if you challenge Rosewald now, you're going to disrespect Lord Poseidon."
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| − | "I will make you acknowledge me, Calypso! I've been working hard ever since you saved me. Please."
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| − | I peered from below the surface as I made out a group of adventurers. Judging from the aura and power they were emitting from their very presence. They were at least Level 7.
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| − | A beautiful young woman was standing in the centre, her silky silver hair falling to her back as she gave off pure grace and serenity. Along her hips were two knives and one sword.
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| − | The Queen of Knives.
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| − | The strongest blade warrior in all of Folia. Level 9, Calypso Rosewald.
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| − | The kid in front of her, was a young girl, who had her fists up, pleading to Calypso.
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| − | "Please. One more duel. I beg you! I beg you!"
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| − | Calypso looked stunned, as the other members of her party looked annoyed.
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| − | "Get out of the way, you brat. You're wasting our time. The Queen of Knives has no time for mere Level 4's like you. Go back to the surface! Get!" One party member snarled.
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| − | What the hell was this kid doing, challenging the Queen of Knives?
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| − | I slowly got to the edge and sneaked past the group. This didn't concern me. I was too injured to do anything. I had to get to the surface and cash in. Rent wasn't gonna pay itself, especially when Lady Vala probably blew her paycheque on Cider again. The only people making any income was me and Flock, and as hardworking Flock was, he was only Level 3, with no party members.
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| − | "Why... why do you go this far?" Calypso asked.
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| − | Everybody went silent, as the girl sniffled.
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| − |
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| − | "Because... because you saved me!" The girl shouted. I continued walking away.
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| − | "I don't want to be useless anymore."
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| − | I stopped, slowly turning around.
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| − | "I don't want to be useless. Every single day, since you saved me from that orc. I've been practicing the sword. Along with my magic. I want to be someone strong enough to stand alongside the Poseidon Legion!"
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| − | Another party member stepped forward. "Kid, you don't even have a party or a Legion. You're not gonna stand alongside nothing. Enough with your weird delusions."
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| − | Delusions.
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| − | "You can't fight alongside the Queen of Knives. You're weak."
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| − | Weak.
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| − | "You're a disappointment to adventurers."
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| − | Disappointment.
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| − | "Don't challenge her again."
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| − | I spun around, as the girl fell to her knees and sobbed.
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| − | "Get out of our way, please." Another adventurer said, gently, as she knelt in front of the girl.
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| − | "You're delaying our expedition."
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| − | "This is... the only chance I have!" The girl screamed. "I'm not strong enough to descend the levels this deep! Please! Please, let me talk to Calypso. Please train me! Please!"
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| − | Calypso hesitated, as another adventurer stood in front of her.
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| − | "That's enough! If you're not gonna leave us alone, I'm gonna knock you out-"
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| − | "If you want to be strong." I said, as I cut them all off. Everybody turned to me in shock.
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| − | "Who the hell is that?" One party member muttered from the back, as I took out my bloody hand bandages and wrapped it around my hand, so tight that blood leaked out and dripped onto the ground.
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| − | I continued walking to the group as the girl stared at me in surprise.
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| − | "You'd want to fight the best. And Calypso Rosewald isn't the best."
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| − | The party member who threatened to knock out the girl shot to his feet.
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| − | "HUH?! Who the hell are you to say these things?!"
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| − | I lifted my bloody finger to a tall muscular man in the party, who had a giant broadsword strapped to his back. He was silent the entire time, watching the exchange of words with no emotion on his face.
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| − | "Are you General Oxar Uxas, Level 10, the strongest adventurer in all of Folia?" I asked.
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| − | Oxar regarded me.
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| − | "What?! Are you stupid? How dare you address Lord Uxas that way?" The adventurer yelled.
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| − | I continued pointing at Oxar, a devilish smile on my face.
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| − | The girl's lower lip trembled.
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| − | "Kid, you're going to get your ass kicked. Challenging the King of Adventurers is beyond stupid. This has to be a joke, and it isn't funny. Now piss off. You're completely covered in injuries. Go back home, bum."
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| − | I continued eyeing Oxar, who turned to me, towering over all of the adventurers, me included. His lips moved.
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| − | "Yes, I am." Oxar responded, as my eyes widened everything elongating within the split second of reaction time.
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| − | I had already closed the distance, launching a powerful punch at Oxar, who deflected it with his sword in the same time. He regarded me with an empty expression as the shock of my fist hitting the flat of his blade shook the entire room. Everybody gasped in shock.
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| − | My mouth twisted into a grin, as I flipped in the air, launching an axe kick, that was deflected by Oxar once more, generating a shockwave that sent everybody back.
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| − | I landed on the ground and spun around, delivering kick after kick, punch after punch at Oxar who stood still, deflecting and blocking all of my attacks easily.
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| − | I leapt backwards and assumed the Hung Gar stance.
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| − | I glanced at the girl, who's eyes were frozen.
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| − | "Look at me well, girlie. This is what it means to be a fighter. I've broken three of my ribs. I have multiple bone fractions. I've lost so much blood that everything is blurry. But even so, I stand and face the top. That's what it means to be a warrior, and a fighter."
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| − | I readjusted my stance, as Oxar raised an eyebrow.
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| − | The other adventurers in the Poseidon Legion were silent, as Calypso watched our duel curiously.
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| − | "My name is Shun Zhang. I am a follower of the Goddess Vala. Level 2 Folian Adventurer. And I challenge you, King of the Adventurers, to a duel."
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| − | ==R7==
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| − | "Level 2? Is he being serious right now?"
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| − | "This is a waste of time. Let us go, Lord Ux-"
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| − | "No." Oxar's deep voice boomed in the room as he beckoned me up to the higher levels of the Dungeon.
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| − | "We will continue to the expedition. I will deal with this adventurer. Nothing annoys me more than one who does not know his place."
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| − | The adventurers shifted uneasily.
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| − | "A- As you wish." The adventurer said, as she gestured the others to follow.
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| − | "Come, Calypso."
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| − | Calypso followed her. "Yes, Haraka."
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| − | The party descended down as one of the adventurers grabbed the girl who was begging not too long ago.
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| − | "I'm taking you to the surface."
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| − | The crowd dispersed, as all that was left was Oxar and me.
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| − | "Shun Zhang. You belong to Lady Vala's Legion."
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| − | I tightened my fists, bringing my foot back as my boot scraped the ground.
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| − | Oxar readjusted his sword.
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| − | "Not many know of my presence. For it is Calypso Rosewald's fame that attract the newer adventurers. Jack Flock, your fellow legionnaire, is an example. He sees Calypso as his inspiration, and strives to improve himself to stand by her side. Yet you, for some reason, do not even consider the Queen of Knives. You went straight for me."
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| − | "Tch." I spat.
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| − | "Are you gonna keep talking or are we going to fight?"
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| − | Oxar's eyes narrowed.
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| − | "The boy does not realize it, but he is special too, just like Rosewald. Special, to the point where Lord Poseidon is not the only deity who has taken an interest in him. Lady Aphrodite has also taken a liking to the young adventurer. And once the goddess of love has gotten her hands on her prey, she is not one to let go."
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| − | "Since when was this about Flock? I came here for ''you'', Oxar. You're not the only one with knowledge. I for one, know about your allegiance to Aphrodite."
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| − | Oxar's grip on his sword tightened, but I continued.
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| − | "You're not really part of the Poseidon Legion, are ya?" I said.
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| − | Oxar lowered his sword and reached behind his back, pulling out an axe.
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| − |
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| − | "Do not delve into things you do not understand. My relationship with Lady Aphrodite is more than what you think. But now that I know there exists an adventurer with this knowledge, I must take action."
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