I slash again. The raw power causes the air around me to violently ripple. I use my sword to block an imaginary strike and ensue with a thrust forward.

The autumn leaves get sucked into the coalition of wind formed by my strike.

Ray Tanaka has acquired skill [Swordsmanship Lv1]>

Recently, I have grown accustomed to my power.

However, I deeply fear the full extent of my powers. A single misdirected slash could literally rip apart many houses.

In fact, I do not wish to fight. But I must. For the goodness of the human race. It seems that amongst my fellow [Heroes], I am the only one who voices such concerns.

Raph is overly enthusiastic about the impending battle. It seems that he too, had been a big fan of Sykl Online. I was aware of the company's immense global presence and popularity, but it still came as a shock that even Mat had somewhat played it.

Allegedly, Raph claimed that this world, Travia, reminded him of a certain kingdom in Skyl Online.

It may just be his wishful thinking. That game never had a system governing the world. And the only humanoid race was, humans.

Yet, even Mat has revealed his own enthusiasm. Melony, not so much.

It feels good to have someone seeing things the same way I do. This way, I do not have to pretend to be content with an overall group decision.

However, although we are both sceptical about this immanent war, it seems our reasons deeply vary.

From the few sentences Melony uttered, it seems she is worried about the effect of this war on the demi-human races.

However, I personally believe the underlying issue to be different. I wish to minimize the number of casualties to as low as possible. Henceforth, I am worried about the major races; humans and demons.

Out on a battlefield, the only way to achieve this is to show an unwavering and indomitable level of power.

I am already the strongest of the strong [Heroes]. I will exasperate myself to get to reach those goals.

I certainly am no idealist.

I am not naïve enough to believe I, myself, can stop this war. There are plenty people out there marginally more prominent than me.

For example, Keqak, and the other court mages.

As well as a handful of the top adventurers.

Despite all that, I still have a burden I am obliged to carry.

Except, this time, my hurdle is one I wish to overcome, not one I am forced to jump over.

I keep on training. With every swing, my abilities become far more polished. Skills are merely the gun. It is the user themselves who must learn to wield it.

The user loads the gun, aims it, and shoots it.

And I will transform that tiny pistol to a magnifying bazooka.

---

Sweat pours down my body. My vision begins to get fuzzy. It seems my stamina is failing me.

I push bast the grim pain and keep on slashing. The trees near me have already slightly uprooted just from the sheer pressure of the gusts formed by my slashes.

I use [Second Chance]. It feels as if someone had splashed a wonderful elixir on me. My energy levels burst open. Power surges through my arms.

Skill [Swordsmanship Lv2] has become [Swordsmanship Lv3]>

Proficiency has reached required level.

Skill [Endurance Lv2] has become [Endurance Lv3]>

Countless hours of repetition and diligent training has prompted my growth. Although my system stats have not changed, I myself have.

The system merely adds additional power. The muscles in my body which have been toned and trained through exasperating trials are an example.

I have visibly gained muscle.

Yet that development is not reflected in my stats.

Out of all the reincarnations, I am the only one who has not levelled up yet. Levelling up means taking the life of another.

A cruel, blatant harvest.

I will not take any lives if not necessary.

My only way on growing stronger is through tireless exercise. I am already strong enough. There is no need for me too exhort that power.

I am content with what the system has given me.

I shall achieve the rest with my own power.

Eventually, I collapse from exhaustion.

When I wake up in the training court given to me by king Briaher, the first thing I notice is a small, glowing red dot hovering above the party chat.

This must me urgent. Even Raph would not jest about such things.

<[Raphy]: Who wants to go sparring? :D!>

...Perhaps I misjudged Raph. However, the thought of sparring certainly do not create shortcomings.

This would be a good way to gauge each other's strength.

<[Raphy]: Who wants to go sparring? :D!

[Mat]: Why not. I could do with a change. Exterminating local monsters sure is tiring

[Ray]: It is then decided? Where shall we meet up?

[Raphy]: Whoa you guys really agreed?! How 'bout we use @[Rays] training court? It's really big, and won't get that badly damaged even if we go all out?

[Mat]: Good Idea. Ray, what do you say?

[Ray]: I approve.

[Raphy]: @[Melony] Wbu?

[Mat]: I don't think Melony will agree. She is rather antisocial.

[Raphy]: Yikes.

[Melony]: I will come as well.

[Raphy]: I-impossible :0

[Ray]: Today at noon would be my preferred time.

[Mat]: Can do

[Raphy]: Alrighty! @[Rays] place it is, then!>

I glance at the clock. It truly is amazing how magic can create unfathomable miracles - even a simple clock. Because this world revolves around magic, science and is highly disregarded. However, it certainly does not mean magitech - the crystallisation of magic with technology -will falter. Magitech plays a crucial role in this world.

An hour till they arrive. I take a quick shower - another example of magitech.

A fire conjuring is carved onto the wall. By supplying it with mana, I can control the heating element to suit my desires.

This water too. It is all being managed by mana.

If this were not fabulous, I would question what is.

I dry myself using a conjured dryer - one that connects to a wind conjuring.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Within towns, these magical items are rare and valuable, just because of the sheer rarity of conjured items.

Even this bathroom must have cost a small fortune to create.

It shows the painful gap between nobility and the working class. I still wish to change it, but…

...It is part of the society that I mingle amongst.

If it is accepted as a whole, I feel I should too, accept it. I will join the masses. Gladly.

But that is an issue for later.

Atop my balcony, I see three figures slowly marching closer. It appears they have arrived slightly earlier than I anticipated - Not that it would be an issue.

I take the flight of stairs downstairs and greet my fellow [Heroes].

"King Braiher really treats you differently, huh?" Raph questions in awe. He points behind me, "That mansion is CRAZY big! All I got was an apartment near the residential area. I though I had it good… but look at that!"

I admit, the house King Braiher gifted me truly is magnificent. The architecture, the designs, the location. Everything is marvellous. It is almost exasperating. However, it is a bit too grand for just one lone person.

"It's fine if you stay here. This mansion has more than enough room to accommodate the four of us," I offer, giving a light smile.

Raph's jaw smashes onto the ground. His grip loosens, and his bow drops down alongside him.

Even Mat seems surprised by my offer. Naturally, his reaction was far less exaggerated than Raphs.

The only one who seems unfazed is Melony. The only sign of reaction from her is a raised eyebrow.

Raph is the first one to start, "A-are you s-sure we can s-share that-" he stutters, arrowing at the mansion "-with you?"

"I see no drawbacks from such an action," I respond.

Raph unfreezes, and moments later, goes rushing into the mansion "FIRST TO GET TO A ROOM CALLS DIBS ON IT!"

Mat, perhaps revealing a childish side, chases after Raph, chuckling.

I hear noise erupt upstairs.

Melony stands there, unmoving.

Unlike Raph, I certainly am not confident about my ability to ease tension.

"So… Are you coming?" I inquire.

Melony seems to contemplate about something. I wait for a few awkward moments, before I finally get a soft, quiet response. And an anticlimactic one to the boot.

"Okay." She says, before slowly walking towards the upper floor.

I walk alongside her and see Raph lying on a large bed adjacent to mine, unmoving.

"I feel like I'm floating on a big, puffy cloud. I could live and die in this thing. Thanks, Ray!"

So, Raph is enjoying his room. I search around the other rooms and find Mat residing in a room far off in the corner.

Melony simply sits on a chair in the room closest to the stairs.

"You guys can take your belongings here later," I begin, "but remember the initial intent of this meet-up?"

I see Raph bolt up. "SPARRRING!"

From his pack, Raph pulls out a small box.

As he pulls it out, I notice a furious grin sprawling across his face.

"I bought just the right thing for this!" he says with enthusiasm, before telling us to place our hands in the box and grab sheets of paper. We each grab out small slips.

Raph says that the pointed side will direct us to who will be versing. The paper pulls me towards something - someone. I look up.

Mat

"So!" Raph announces, "first round, we have Ray vs Mat! Second round is me vs Melony! Winners fight each other!"

If I were to say I felt unexcited, it would be nothing but a bold lie. A chuckle escapes my lips.

I suppose I should take a break and relax every once in a while.

As we head to the large, open area, Raph whispers something to Melony. I see Melony nod. Suddenly, small chairs erupt from the earth.

Markings also form an oval, which Raph labels the arena.

I suppose this is [Earth Manipulation], a humble sight indeed. For most attributes of magic, magical creation is superior to magical manipulation.

However, for earth and wind magic, manipulation takes the podium. The simple fact that their corresponding attributes are both abundant almost everywhere makes a straightforward yet deadly weapon.

Both Mat and I walk onto the stadium. Mat cracks his shoulder and knuckles.

"Scaaary," comments Raph.

Melony shoots a fireball into the sky, marking the beginning of our sparring contest.

Mat is equipped with his sturdy armour and two brass knuckles. Except, they aren't made of brass. The knuckles were forged using I'onit, the strongest material in this world.

Mat lunges at me, raising both fists.

He tries to smash me in the face, but I parry his attack with my blade, before sidestepping and slashing at him.

He blocks with his knuckledusters. I slice at him again, but Mat blocks my attack.

In close quarters like this, the person with the highest stats should win.

I continue my onslaught, trying to get a hit in Mats blind spots.

As I go for a blow to his waist, Mat grabs onto my sword with his gloves, leaving me unable to retreat, before landing a punch on my face.

Blood pours out of my nostrils. However, I use this to my advantage.

Still in an offensive pose, Mat has no way to defend against a sudden incision. My sword cuts into his armour but fails to dig any deeper.

"Done testing the waters?" asks Mat.

I simply nod. If Mat wants me to fight all out, I will fight all out. I won't hold back as a sign of respect.

"Activate [Acceptance]"

A sudden rush of adrenaline and raw power bursts through my body.

Right now, I could be considered a Mithril-badge by just pure stats alone. After all, they graze the 5,000 mark.

I vanish - or so it would seem. In reality, I simply moved faster than Mat could follow.

Every time I slash, a torrent of wind follows seconds later.

I keep on slashing. Mat grimaces.

I slash, and slash, and slash. Even Mat's I'onit knuckle-dusters start to chip away.

The trees around us begin to violently sway.

Every time Mat deflects a shot, my sword gets parried downwards. The ground itself is covered in gaping ribbons.

I increase my speed. Mat is forced to stay on the defensive. I can simply beat him by waving my sword around.

I said I would give my all, but...

... after seeing the difference in strength, I fear what would happen if I made even one serious attack.

I should end this before Mat gets hurt too much.

I kick Mat. A simple kick.

Yet, he goes flying. Blood pours out of his mouth, and a thundering THUD occurs as he collides with the barriers Melony made.

The stone walls crumble atop him, covering Mat like a needle in a haystack.

"Mat!" I hear Raph scream.

Melony acts quickly, removing the boulders from Mat's body.

Oh no. No. nonono.

I tried to hold back, but I still hurt him. I hurt a friend. What sort of Hero am I?

I run towards Mat and pour a healing elixir onto him. His wounds begin to close up before entirely dissipating.

Lost for words, I all can to is bumble hopelessly. Mat gives me a kind-hearted smile.

"Ahaha! The power gap between me and a true Hero is painfully obvious!" Mat laughs it off.

"Yeah, Ray. That really was out of the world!" comments Raph.

I slump down, releasing the air I subconsciously withheld in my lungs. Thank the gods. I thought I had gone too far.

"Well, that was quite a fast match (sorry Mat)! Next up, is me vs Melony."

Rap and Melony both walk towards the arena.

"This will be interesting. Unlike us, their strength levels are pretty close. This is also a sniper battle, unlike our melee fight," comments Mat.

To be honest, I'm not comfortable replying. I still feel copious amounts of guilt. Instead, I focus on the match in front of me.

Melony begins the match with a fireball.

Instantly, Raph nocks an arrow. He starts to take aim, but Melony surrounds Raph with massive stone pillars.

Without anywhere left to go, Raph mutters something before aiming his arrow right beneath his feet.

"What is he doing?" asks Mat

Raph releases the arrow, and he gets sent flying into the air. On his descent, he slowly floats downwards. Perhaps Raph has [Wind Manipulation]?

He starts to nock another arrow. This time, the arrow seems to suck wind towards it, as if hyper charging itself.

Raph releases the sling, sending the arrow bolting towards Melony, gaining immense velocity while midair.

Melony summons a fireball to burn the arrow. However, instead, the arrow sucks the flame in, creating a blazing dart that zooms towards Melony.

She lunges sideways and summons three earthen pillars from the ground to block the shot.

The arrow melts through the first pillar like paper, sucking in sharp rocks and enhancing its destructive power.

It pierces the second pillar, slowly losing velocity, before finally stopping on the third.

Melony chants some words, and an extensive array of magic circles surround her. From each one bursts out a blazing inferno.

Even from here, the sheer heat blurs my vision. Every one of them comes zooming towards Raph, who nocks more arrows with wind magic imbedded inside them.

As both attacks make contact, Melony's fireballs melt Raph's arrows. They don't even make contact - the arrows burn as they get close.

Still midair, Raph has no way of dodging.

Or so I thought. He nocks another arrow, aiming it high in the sky.

Right before the flames engulf him, Raph releases the arrow, and he gets sent flying onto the ground.

But then...

"H-how?" I stammer. Beside me, Mat is equally shocked.

The flaming balls twist around, and chase Raph downwards.

How much accuracy and precision, how much training did Melony go through to attain homing attacks?

As Raph tries to run away, more stone walls burst from the ground, pinning him in a corner.

Raph pulls out three arrows and nocks them all at once. The blazing infernos close in. Raph releases his shot.

Instead of pulling wind in, these arrows seem to push. The force is so strong that the arrows themselves split apart.

Three becomes six. Twelve. Twenty-four. Fouty eight.

Without wasting time, Raph sends out two more waves.

Even as each arrow splits, the amount of expulsive wind magic imbued does not decrease.

Soon, hundreds of tiny splinter-sized pricks loom over the inferno.

The splinters pierce through and dissipate the fire.

They keep on flying, heading towards Melony, who raises an earthen castle.

The splinters still shred past, crumbling the walls, one by one.

Giving up on blocking such an unconquerable attack, Melony tries to dodge.

However, she can't block all of them.

One tiny glint passes through her arm. Seconds later, it bursts through the other side, ripping through her flesh and bones and leaving a bloody mess on the floor.

"STOP!" I shout. "RAPH, STOP!"

"Ray, they can't hear you. Besides, let them battle their pride out."

I keep on screaming, but they don't react. Giving up, I slump down on my chair.

I guess I'll watch this battle to the end.

Melony grimaces. She quickly stops the bleeding my forcing the wound to close with fire magic.

Melony utters something. From the pure extensive mana building up in her staff, I can tell this next attack will be one of her aces.

The ground elevation starts sinking at a rapid pace.

To use [Earth Manipulation], you need to get that material from somewhere.

I look up at the looming beast, forming from ground, arising like an awakened monster.

A humongous bird.

But she isn't finished yet. Whirls of crimson flames start covering the bird, igniting it up. The bird - no, Pheonix, blazing in a hellfire, lifts to the skies.

It's so large that its body blotches out the suns.

Yet the Pheonix blazes even brighter, substituting for the suns themselves.

Balls of smouldering boulders spew from its mouth, dropping down like bombs. Every time one of them hits the ground, rumbling ensues.

Raph stares up in disbelief, but only for a short, dire seconds. Acting quickly, he opens a zip and pulls out the arrow.

Not just any ordinary arrow, but his arrow. The one forged from I'onit.

One that could survive the hellfire of a Pheonix.

The air around me gets sucked towards the arrowhead. Trees start uprooting. Any excess debris get vacuumed in instantly.

The mana imbued inside this arrow I-is overwhelming.

Raph takes steady aim, and releases the arrow, his sling recoiling forwards.

The arrow whizzes even faster than my eye can follow. It pierces a small hole in the Pheonix.

Seconds later, a sonic boom ripples past the air, and the Pheonix crumbles. Not into large chunks of stone, but it crumbles. Into dust.

Even after disintegrating the bird, the arrow continues its onslaught, cutting past the clouds and causing them to dissipate.

Raph grins.

Melony grins even harder. She summons another Pheonix. Smaller than the first, but nonetheless, a Pheonix.

"Wait, stop! I forfeit!"

Melony's smirk spreads across her lips.

"Well, would you look at that," Mat whispers to me, "Melony acting like a normal human and showing emotion"

The Pheonix collapses onto the floor, marking Melony the winner of the second match.

Melony quickly fixes up the arena with her magic, and both fighters walk back.

"I could have won!" complains Raph. "But I ran out of mana! In fact, how the heck do you have so much mana, Melony?"

"Mage perks"

"Aw, you seemed more human when you were smiling! Now you're like some quiet, creepy stalker again."

Melony furrows her brows.

I clap my hands.

"I suggest we leave the second round for tomorrow. Tonight, we should have a nice rest."

"You got it, boss!"

"I do suppose you're right."

"Hey, Ray?"

"Yes, Raph?"

"Sorry for ruining your trees."

"You plant new ones"

"Huuh? Mat, I wasn't talking to you!"

"By the way, didn't you just lose your [Hero] weapon?"

"Hey, don't change the topic, Mat!"

"..."

"Well, the arrow comes back. Into my pouch."

"Interesting"

The eccentric chatter goes on all night. Excluding Melony, of course. She excused herself to go to sleep early.