Chapter 319

Yioreg’s body fell to the metal floor, her swords clattering against the place she would never rise from.

A moment of silence had come after he had created four gaping holes in her back, sending a spray of blood, bones, and muscle out the front, even tearing through the plate armor on both sides.

It took the audience a second to realize the trap he had set. The trap Bob had set. Somehow it seemed so simple, and yet Max didn’t even consider it. Her greatest asset was speed and being able to track him. From a distance, he couldn’t move close without being bombarded, but when close and without those weapons, losing sight of him for a moment spelled doom.

He didn’t care, however. All that mattered was the cold rush he felt and the notifications waiting on him.

[ Bonus Stats Consumed ]

[ 35 Dexterity Consumed ]

[ 35 Wisdom Consumed ]

[ Consume has successfully Consumed a skill ]

[ Consume has Consumed a Higher Rank Skill ]

[ Archery - Epic has been upgraded to Archery - Legendary ]

[ Ranged Mastery - Epic has been upgraded to Ranged Mastery - Legendary ]

[ Consume has successfully Consumed a skill ]

[ Consume has Consumed a Higher Rank Skill ]

[ Swordsmanship - Epic has been upgraded to Swordsmanship - Legendary ]

[ Melee Mastery - Epic has been upgraded to Melee Mastery - Legendary ]

[ Consume has successfully Consumed a skill ]

[ Would you like to learn [Arrow Volley]? ]

[ Yes / No ]

Two legendary skills… from one person… How strong was she?

Strong enough she was going to destroy you if we played around with her. You handled that well, and I think we can practice what we did a little more. You read the change of the weapon, sensed what my plan was.

How did the weapon change faster than usual?

You didn’t notice that the moment you attacked your sword was changing, did you?

Looking back through his mind, Max saw that it had started changing, which was one of the reasons the strike hadn’t done anything.

The blade shrank! That’s why I missed her so badly!

From the first moment I saw her swinging those swords, I knew she was far more skilled than we were. Only one thing would win that fight, and it was a strike from behind. I wasn’t certain what other skills she might have, but it appears not many. Her true talent lay in her ability to keep people at bay and then slice them to pieces if they got close.

The usual white tube of light surrounded Max, and he found himself back in his box, Jazzjak hopping up and down, his outfit looking a little wrinkled in some places.

“That was… closer than I expected. Great job using that wall and killing her from behind!”

Nodding at his companion, Max gave a shrug.

“I’d like to say it worked out exactly as I had planned, but the truth was, I got lucky. Someone picked that floor and opponent specifically for me.”

“That is a dangerous thing to say out loud,” Quilazmore said as he stood a few yards away. “To imply such a thing is to disgrace those who are responsible for these fights, and you should never forget who stands at the top of everything.”

“I understand what you’re saying,” Max stated as he turned to face the tiny dark elf. “I’m simply pointing out the coincidences of such an opponent and a battlefield like that. The only thing that would have been completely out of place would have been an empty space with nothing but metal.”

Purple teeth showed just a bit from under the dark lips, but Quilazmore said nothing, his eyes narrowed just a tad more than his usual I’m an arse gaze.

“But you’re probably right. I’m a little tired, and it’s one of those things where one's mind always thinks the worst possible ways. Now tell me, my next fight. How much harder is it going to be?”

Only his Sonar skill allowed Max to hear the grinding of the teeth from the servant tasked with assisting him.

“There will be a drastic increase in strength. You would be wise to take a few days and make sure you are recovered. Your movement skill was a wildcard, and all others will now know about it.”

Shrugging, Max cracked his neck.

“Someone always finds a way to make things work against you. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to return home. As always please have all my rewards brought to the house and given to Jazzjak. And if possible, I would prefer to see some actual good skills this time. I mean Molting? Come on… that thing was utter garbage.”

A low growl wasn’t hard to hear as Quilazmore glared at him.

“That skill stone was stronger than you realize. Did you bother to do any research about what it provides to an insect-based person?”

“I did not.”

“Of course you didn’t!” exclaimed the obviously pissed-off elf. “Had you, you would have known it granted them a chunk of physical improvements! Sure the process takes a while, and yes it hurts like hell as they grow a new body under their current skin, but improvements like that aren’t easy to come by!”

Tsking his teeth, Max wanted to laugh, knowing it thankfully hadn’t worked for him as the idea of growing a new body inside his old one and springing forth from his skin felt gross in so many ways.

“I apologize then. Perhaps I could get something that might be beneficial to my companion then. He could use a little help in assisting me, and sometimes I fear for his safety.”

Both purple eyes rolled at Max’s statement, but the elf nodded once as he understood the request without specifically asking for it.

“I shall see what I can do about acquiring a shard in the coming victories that will help with that little problem of yours,” Quilazmore replied as he glanced at Jazzjak and emphasized the one word. “Is there anything else?”

“Nope! You’re the greatest!” Max replied with a smile and turned, leaving the dark elf physically shaking behind him.

***

“Must you goad him like that?”

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“No, but let’s be honest, you and I both know that fight was designed to kill me. Tell me I’m wrong.”

Jazzjak glanced around the living room where they were sitting and then nodded his head.

“I couldn’t say that… perhaps you’re still upset about the fight and getting hit a few times. Regardless, you should rest and recover. Something tells me the less time you take between fights, the better your chances of more favorable moments.”

Max knew his companion was right, and so he stood up and moved toward the stairs.

“Ifrit… thank you.”

“For?”

Jazzjak coughed, and Max sensed him moving to where he was and so turned slightly, watching the vorpal bunny move closer to him.

“Giving me some dignity by how you asked. Making it seem like it’s for your own need and not mine. Even being willing to do that.”

Great effort was required to not reach down and scratch the small spot of fur between both ears, but Max overcame it, simply shrugging instead.

“That’s what friends do.”

With that Max turned and moved up the stairs, not slowing down as he heard the rabbit quietly say friends under its breath.

***

“CAN NOTHING STOP IFRIT FROM BLAZING UP THE RANKINGS?! NINE VICTORIES IN A ROW!”

Max let out a deep breath, pulling off the dangling pieces of metal armor that was slashed to bits on his arms and chest.

At his feet stood a puddle of burning black ooze.

That was a little harder than I had expected.

Chuckling, Max continued pulling off pieces as his body knit itself together.

You and I both know no one bet on us… or at least no one who doesn’t like an underdog. That thing wasn’t sentient, was it?

No… it was a mindless ball of death. How it was contained, or controlled, I have no idea.

Max grimaced as the portal appeared, and he found himself once more in his box.

This time, however, there was only one presence, and he tried to not flinch as he recognized it.

“You never cease to amaze me.”

“I’m hope that is a good thing, Igarra. Did the fight at least entertain?”

She chuckled, and Max watched as her teeth showed, a smile or a smirk he was never certain, but the few times she graced him with her presence, it was often displayed.

“Oh, I would say you and I both made out well today. Many had not expected that outcome, but then again, I think you already knew that. I can see it from how you are moving with each fight. It’s different. Along this journey you have managed to become much stronger than any might have guessed.”

“Which makes me wonder why you are here.”

Do not provoke her. I can reset everything, but the cost would be one we don’t want to pay. I am close… I can feel it.

Her left eyelid twitched, and Max knew he had struck a nerve.

“Sorry… after a battle I sometimes get a little… obnoxious, amped up, not appreciative.”

She slowly nodded her head twice. Those golden eyes never left him for a moment.

“Your next fight isn’t like what you’ve faced so far. This rabble has been an appetizer. It wets the palate of many who think themselves worthy to face what lies next, and if you ask around the city, very few survive more than a minute. Those who do still fall within the next. Tell me, do you still desire to venture into the tower?”

“I dooooo… but I’m curious. Why offer it now?”

Igarra began to move, walking toward one of the chairs, and sat down as graceful as Max had ever seen someone do. Her golden scales glistened, and her eyes seemed to shimmer.

“You may not believe me, but your rise has brought me much in the way of power and wealth. As I know you have already heard, many in our system and beyond are not lovers of your race. They often cheer for anyone who stands against you and bet the same way. Your path through this arena has seen vast quantities of power flood into my home, and as such, I feel I owe you a chance I don’t offer to most.”

“To enter the tower?”

She nodded.

“You can sit, you know. How you're standing now still looks like you’re poised for a fight, and trust me, Ifrit, I’m not here to fight.”

Max moved to the couch and sat down, doing his best to look less like he expected the room to be destroyed.

“So what would the tower involve?”

“I’ll take you there, give you some supplies, and let you go in. On this world, there are no parties. Everything you gain comes from you alone, and from what I have witnessed, you are able to accomplish just that.”

“Would I be allowed to defeat the tower?” Max asked, trying to read anything he could off the dragonkin across from him.

“Perhaps one day if you’re still here and haven’t found a way home. For now, you could enter the tower, grow stronger, and return. When you feel you are ready, leave it, come to me, and I’ll let you spar with one of my elite guards. Depending on how that goes, we can determine if you are ready.”

She’s lying…

It’s a trap… isn’t it?

Yes. However, I’m not certain you have a choice. Turn it down, and there is no telling what she might do or what you could face next in this arena.

“When would you suggest I head out?”

Igarra leaned forward, both elbows on her knees as she rested her head on her hands.

“Get a good night’s sleep. I’ll stop by tomorrow, and we’ll go from there. Anything else?”

Shaking his head, Max yawned, and stood up.

“I guess I’ll return home then and get ready. Thanks for helping me.”

She chuckled and shook her head.

“Thank you for all the wealth you’ve brought me.”

Stepping through the portal, Max found himself near his living room again, a ball of energy coming toward him as soon as he appeared.

“Ifrit! Are you alright?!”

“Maybe, Jazzjak, but we need to talk. Follow me.”

Each step hurt more than he wanted to admit as he walked up the stairs and moved into the special chamber. Dropping to the bench, Max sighed.

Any luck yet with that chemical?

No… it’s not poison, and it’s not a disease… it’s something else and every time I try to grab the thing within the system it slips out like a fish in water. You have the hit points, and your regeneration is still holding strong. Now that we are in this place, you’ll be fine, and we should be able to purge the effects soon.

Jazzjak stood outside the small room, waiting to hear what Max had to say, shifting from foot to foot on the stone floor.

“Tomorrow I’ll be leaving for the tower.”

His friend froze. Not even the pink nose on the vorpal bunny moved.

“Igarra told me I need to enter to tower to get stronger before I face the next opponent in the arena. Tomorrow, she will take me, and I am not certain what to expect.”

Those red eyes studied him, and the rabbit let out a string of curses.

“ That lionkin humping bitch… she can suck— ”

“Don’t call her that, just in case someone is listening,” Max stated, causing the rabbit’s eyes to go wider than ever before.

“You can understand me?”

“I can. Now listen. I need to tell you what I want you to do while I’m gone.”

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