Chapter 102: Déjà Vu (1/2)

Tyrin's legs were eating themselves alive, literally. He had no idea who this hooded person was, but he stuck to him like an annoying fly, refusing to let go of him. His legs, despite being able to erase the runes on the ground, were also being affected by the Ender's miasma.

And this damn ape, too. Everything was going so well until the competition started, now even a primitive monster hindered him. As soon as he was about to catch it, the ape started climbing the trees and jumping from one to the other.

”Leave me alone!” Pain stung his back, making him groan and roar at the evil spirit behind him. However, this person kept sending wind slashes his way, even though he had a box of his own.

It was a matter of fact that Tyrin thought about facing this person and snatching the box for himself, but the abnormality of his enemy steered him otherwise. If Tyrin didn't know better, he would have suspected this person to have contracted an Ender himself.

However, this person was someone none of their plans included. Tyrin had a strong suspicion that this person was affiliated with the spy from yesterday, but he was unsure if they were the same or simply belonged to the same organization.

It was a fearsome thing to think about, as he has placed every dream he had on this plan. He was never destined to be favored by the heavens, often called an empty doll by everyone for his looks. He lacked the talent, the connections, and even the brains to rise above others. That's when it whispered to him, promises of power and a glory-filled future. But now, everything was going to ruins because of a single person.

Anger rose in his heart as he thought of how much risk he has taken, how much pain he endured, and how dreams he had planned being ruined by this person.

He decided to stop running and the darkness within him obliged. He sent a spear as dark as the night's sky at the ape, killing it instantly. This was the reason abilities and skills weren't forbidden in the contest since monsters roamed the forest.

The ape was split in half and the box fell between the branches, landing between two twigs and getting stuck there. Tyrin jumped in the air and as he expected, the man was right behind him, persistent in taking him down. However, his haste would bring him down. A spear of darkness was launched from the ground toward him.

The close-proximity made it impossible to dodge, and this spear would eat away the skills, mana, and even abilities to a certain extent. Tyrin grinned as he reached his hand out in the air toward the box, expecting to hear the screams of this insolent fool.

Instead, he heard the hisses of the ender, felt its retreat, and started sweating as the temperature rose in the air. His shadow appeared so prominent as it stretched, revealing a horrifying truth. He glanced behind and his irises dilated as flames filled his view.

His body burned, his skin scorched, and his consciousness buzzed. The blackness tried to help him, but it was only able to extinguish the fire. He fell, helpless, to the ground and the fire burned the tree as well, making the box land a few feet away from him. He opened his eyes in slits as he watched the box with regret, trying to crawl his way there.

His ring buzzed twice; he had already activated two traps. However, there were just a few more steps. However, a foot landed on his back, pushing him to the ground like celestial justice.

”It's over,”

A voice, familiar yet so unfamiliar, spoke behind him.

***

Arthur's fire engulfed the spear, tore it away, and burned Tyrin until his back was charcoal black. He started breathing heavily, the back of his hood burning. Arthur would've felt bad for him if not for the fact Tyrin tried to rob him, endangered his life and was selfish enough to betray his kingdom.

This was the fate of those who sold their souls and morals. Tyrin tried to grab the box, to crawl over to it, but Arthur pushed him to the ground with his foot. He didn't plan on killing him, but to eliminate him.

”It's over,” Arthur glanced at the rune next to them, shining ever so brightly in his eyes yet so hidden for the masses. As he was about to kick Tyrin's body to the side, a whistling came from his right. His perception allowed him to sense the change in air pressure and Arthur had to duck instantly. An arrow passed over his head by a few inches.