Chapter 98: Clink (1/2)

After the conclusion of the match, Jake waited for the announcement of the next match.

The referee called the names for the next round, ”Fourth Round.”

”First match, Joshua Vargas vs. Cheyenne Aztec!”

”Second Match, Jake vs. Jaya!”

”Dean Forst, freeroll!”

Jake tried swinging his healed arm. He was lucky that his name wasn't in the first match.

This would give him time for his arm to ”air” off and his health status would become more stable.

Still, he was quite thoughtful about his next match.

It was him against Jaya. This eventual battle wouldn't be anything similar to that of the group playing in the Dark Forest or the zombie mine.

It would be more intense and due to the amount of elemental power Jaya displayed, Jake was sure that he would have to put in his best.

He knew, most of the time, he didn't excel at destructive capabilities, but now that he was unhindered by his sword, he could let loose.

Jake was very proficient in hand-to-hand combat and melee fights. He would once again have to awaken that part of himself to prove to be up to the task ahead of him.

He closed and pictured the rewards of the competition, thinking if they were worth his full strength.

Ultimately, he decided to go along. He would know when to stop, but for now, he just had to play the part of an honest participant.

”Match, Start!”

The match going on on the stage was another match that was already pre-determined.

It was between Joshua Vargas and Cheyenne Aztec.

One of them was the hottest participant in the competition, while the other was among the ones unlikely to win due to their injuries.

Based on this description, it was easier to understand who would win.

Jake's money was on Cheyenne. Although he had an instinctive repulsion for her, he knew strength when he saw it.

While proving to be Jaya's equal, Cheyenne was also proficient in many strange techniques, especially the one she used to nudge a win for herself against Jaya.

That one was certainly interesting!

Jake had some thoughts about it, but it would only be proven when he squares off against her.

Sometimes, he wondered why he always felt a high repulsion towards her. He could have sworn that the first time he met her, he wanted to cut off her head.

Don't get him mistaken, he still wanted to cut off her head…..but still...it just seemed unlike him to let his emotions get the better of him.

He wondered what would happen if he gives in to that emotion. It would certainly be interesting, but not worth it as he would be sent to prison or just be killed for trying to murder a princess of Aztec.

'Rules are boring,' mused Jake.

He looked at the sky and murmured, ”It is a free world.”

It was true. It is a free world. The world is free!

...…

The moment the match started, Joshua went on the defensive.

He knew his current capabilities and opted to defend while looking for a chance.

Cheyenne noticed this and followed his wish.

She pressed on him diligently and gave no chance for any counter-attack.

She had learned to not do that after fighting with some of the most dangerous participants in the competition.

Plus, she would rather take it easy as her opponent was not in his best shape, instead, he was far from that.

So, after about a thousand exchanges of attacks, he slipped up and Cheyenne punched him out of the stage.

It was then she remembered that she wanted to take it easy on her opponent, ”Oops.”

Now, he was sure to never be in the best shape.

The referee sighed as he announced, ”Joshua Vargas - Zero Points(0). Cheyenne Aztec - Twelve Points(12).”

Cheyenne grinned at the announcement of her points.

Everything was finally in sight.

Normally, she wouldn't participate in the competition and even if she did, she wouldn't try this hard, but this year, it was different.

It seemed that some nobles wanted to display their superiority to the royal family and, in doing so, get recognition and back-up from the masses.

They wanted to rebel!