Chapter 120 - Preliminary Battles (2/2)

”You found a good one,” he continued looking at Merlin.

”Of course. That's natural,” replied Merlin acting like he was never wrong.

The second opponent was an elementalist player and got stunned by Shadow in the first minute of their fight. At such close range, Shadow Tyrant didn't bother to get out after the stun ended but used a few more attacks to kill his opponent. The opponent was a cloth armor class who had low defence and wasn't even a good challenge.

The next one was another swordsman who seemed to especially careful. He kept turning around to check if Shadow had crept behind him. He seemed to be very vigilant. Shadow had already decided to attack them in a frontal assault. He was also bored of sneaking around. He got up the roof of a house and was looking for his opponent.

”Is he selecting only members of Foedus Rex or something. These three are all from the same guild. This one didn't even care to remove his guild tag,” said Jinx.

”Yeah. I told him to do that,” said Merlin who was seated behind him. ”You know. To make things more interesting.”

”You just recommended him out of boredom, didn't you?” asked Nix. ”You must have if you are leading him on such a risky path. They will learn of his moves if he does this.”

”Ok. First. I didn't recommend him out of boredom. I wanted to let him understand that there are many players as skilled as him. For a strong newbee, it is good if he realizes that as soon as possible, I am looking out for him,” said Merlin.

”You are looking out for a newbee?” asked Jinx skeptically. ”Did he refuse to join your team or something?”

”No. Nothing of that sort. I just found him a bit headstrong.”

”What happened? Did he want to lead some dungeon or quest and fail to do properly?” asked Nix.

”No.”

”Fine keep it to yourself. We will know it sooner or later,” said Jinx Mix.

”Ya. No way, you did this out of the goodness of your heart. You didn't even recommend your own team.”

”We both know that Mob isn't yet ready if that is what you mean,” said Merlin angrily. He had been training Mob for quite some time in other games, but he always felt the guy to be lacking good instincts and couldn't guess the opponents tricks well which is necessary for PvP.

”I would suggest you to give him a chance. You are too protective. It is best that you let him try,” said Jinx Mix.

”Dude. You were one of the rare ones who got a second chance to join the club. That is because Oceanis vouched for you,” said Merlin.

”You can let him try a few friendly matches with us,” said both Jinx and Nix together.

”You will chew him out.”

”Perhaps, that is what he needs,” said Oceanis. ”We can honestly help him out, if you want to?”

Merlin immediately felt something odd with the scenario. It was fine for Nix and Jinx to talk nonsense and irritate him, but Oceanis was never one who did either.

”Why are you being so helpful? Are you trying to steal my guy?” asked Merlin doubtfully. It was odd to see them trying to help someone who would be their competitor. Suddenly, all the three of them looked fl.u.s.tered and looked towards the screens as they heard him. It was like they were trying to avoid his gaze.

”You are trying to recruit me?” asked Merlin as he realized their intentions. ”You already have a warlock player don't you? What are you not telling me?”

They looked at each other for a moment before Oceanis finally decided to speak out.

”It is something that we were asked to do by the boss. He is sure that the format for competitions including the Magic cup is going to change this year and would require more players. So, he wanted us to ask you. Frankly, speaking I don't want you. You are a wild card,” messaged Oceanis.

”Oh! Well glad that you have now opened up about it. i won't be a good fit. I would try to replace you. Are you sure about this new format? If that was real, Sultan wouldn't have been left by Rex,” replied Merlin.

”Only two guilds know right now. Our's and Celestials. It is still under discussion. I only told you because you are not in any guild right now and you are the kind who would never let someone else take advantage of this knowledge,” said Oceanis.

”Ya. That is true, but I am trying to compete. Just you know as an adventurer team,” said Merlin.

”I don't understand that. We all know that adventurer teams wont have as much resources as a guild. What are you really playing at?” asked Nix Maester.

”Let it be, Nix. I guess I am a bit tired of the politics that come within the guilds,” said Merlin. ”You, the Celestials are a bit different. You have good and headstrong leaders who chose the best path to win. Not all the other guilds are the same.”

It was clear that Merlin was a bit disappointed in the guild, Magus Shrine that he founded with his friends and that this was a sore topic for him. The others also went silent and decided to stop discussing it.

”He just killed the fourth one. How long is Boris going to make us wait?” said Jinx looking at the screen as it showed a paladdin being taken down. ”I am going to make some noise in the club.”

(Fight club chat group)

Jinx Mix: Boris is taking a lot of time and seems to be busy. Why don't we send someone else for the test fight?