Sitting in the waiting area, I began to sweat uncontrollably; it was as if I was suddenly poisoned or had come down with some sickness. I was starting to feel heavy sweat was pouring down my face, the constant sick feeling came, but this was unacceptable. I would not allow myself to show the ladies how injured I was; I had to play it off. So with my back against the wall and blood under my chair, I sat up, and I did my best to wipe the sour look on my face away, I tried my best to walk, but the pain was unbearable and forced me to reconsider once I stood up and walked over towards the ladies I asked them, " How are you two feeling?" Jacosta was sitting beside Seira, who was getting treated; as I patiently waited, I heard Seira say while standing beside Jacosta, "I've been better."

I acted as if everything was normal but only when I stood next to them. Then, every chance I had to sulk, I did alone in a corner before the round would begin. ' This hurts, augh.'

I even used the classic I am fine smile towards the two when they would look over at me. The round was about to begin now as we stood up and left the change rooms. Once we left our room, we could hear the crowd begin to chant, and once we were inside the arena's battle area again, I closed my eyes for a few seconds to try and cut out the noise to meditate and clear my head, but it was complex with all that dumb noise in the background. Once I opened my eyes after regaining some sanity, the pain still throbbing through my leg, I stood across from our opponents and drew my swords and prepared my buffs again. I was brushing my hair away from my eyes. The earth then kicked up rocks, and the magical red circle appeared. Symbols lifted off the floor again, and my eyes turned black, lifeless as following, I did my sword dance to boost my damage and defensive posture for my defence, and when I was ready, I scanned the group standing in front of us.

An Elf male was level 54 Combat mage, but everything became woozy, and I could barely read the stats. Picking myself to the next person, I saw I scanned them; they were standing beside them whispering into their ear. I realized from the clothing and weapon it was an archer. But when my vision cleared, I noticed they were gone. They were wearing some of the fancy traditional Elvish gear I had seen in some movies from my world, but where did they go? Next, I looked at the female Elf standing in the back behind the man I first saw. I could tell whoever this woman was; she had a timid look and did not look like she belonged in the arena—scanning the next person in front of me. My eyes lit up, and I saw her stats. She was a level 56 Combat mage. Lastly was the Ranger. I skipped as they reappeared out of the shadows. I noticed they wore a similar outfit to Seira's, but hers was more armoured, and she was a higher level at 52.

Everything began to get quiet around me; as I focused on our opponents, I could tell they were using some magic to intimidate the ladies before the round started. Then, when I stepped forward, I suddenly fell to my injured knee; everything went numb; I could not get up; I felt sleepy. Then the countdown disappeared, and the announcer yelled, “GO.”

But before this feeling would side and I could get up, a barrage of magical spells suddenly hit me. The first one hit my shoulder. The second spell hit the ground beside me as the bombardment continued. I then could feel my body rise and move on its own as the air swept up from under me and shot me high above the arena. I could see everyone in the stands laughing and screaming, the ladies below me running around while our opponents shot magic at them. Lightning bolts and arrows flew around below me as I was now still twirling high above. Looking down, I was in the air still, unable to move. Trying to overcome whatever was happening, I began moving frantically about, still numb still stuck mentally. It was as if I was chained.

I made eye contact with Jacosta, who paused briefly for a second before running and avoiding the magic and arrows fired. She looked at Seira, visibly worried, as the other Elven Ranger began to keep her allies safe while they performed their magic. Then, the Ranger started firing arrows non-stop at the girls causing Jacosta to bob and weave and Seira to pick up and run. Now I was separated from everyone. Seira could not stop the Ranger. I managed to move my neck and saw the two prepared a spell. I saw the magical circle growing one circle, then two, then three; I suspected the fight would be over soon. Closing my eyes, the bright light of the sun faded, and slowly I began to fall into a dream state, all my skills and memories of all the time I had spent as Azurith came flooding back to me. Then next was my former life. As Dale slowly, these memories consumed my mind and began to light a fire in my heart.

Seeing the blood dripping down pooling under Azurith’s body with each direct hit he took, I ducked behind some rubble created by the mage's explosion magic. Every time I poked my head up, Seira would grab it violently and shove it down, and not soon after she did that, an arrow would come flying by. "Seira, what should I do?" Finally, Seira panting and huffing, leaned over and looked in the direction of where the archer was and said while turning the corner, firing a skill shot back in the path, "I don't know Jacosta."

I then looked back to Azurith, who was still suspended in the air, blasted by magic. I paused when I noticed Azurith was still somehow in one piece after everything that continued to pelt him. 'What kind of armour does he use?' Shaking my fears aside, I was not going to allow him to take any more damage. "Seira, I am going to help Azurith," I said to her while looking over to where the combat mages were when we began the match. Without a thought, I made a mad dash for it, and as soon as I did, arrows came flying by just then. I heard out from behind me, "Jacosta, you make wonderful bait."

Responding while I ran, I cried out, "What!?! Seira!?!" Then I heard Seira yell out, "Grand flame shot, now Jacosta attack the mages." The Combat Mage temporarily stopped firing at Azurith and turned to me now as I charged them with my celestial blade active. 'Azurith was still under some hypnosis spell and could not really think or move, but perhaps this is his chance to break free.'

When I awoke, I was on a cloud sitting alone. I felt numb. I was high in the sky like a bystander looking in on everything happening floating above my body. It was not until I heard the cry of Jacosta as a spell blasted her by the Combat Mage I snapped out of it, the environment being pulled back to the cloud I was sitting on, and my eyes opened. I could hear the sound of broken glass as I snapped the mentalist binds, keeping me wrapped in the dream state, and once I regained control, I lashed out in anger. Red mana flooded my sword as I fell back down to the ground. "About time, Azurith nice of you to join us."

Getting up to my feet, I gripped my swords tightly and looked at the fight at hand. I noticed Jacosta then smile like she always did, which calmed me down briefly, but everything went black followed by red when I saw she then got hit by another spell which sent her flying. I quickly used my skill, 'Distance-Close' the field warped around me as I flew through it which incredible speeds, dodging spell after spell as the colours blended around me. Finally, I managed to reach her, batting away the next attack that would have finished her. I then zoomed around and reappeared to catch her as she was just about to make contact with the concrete. I could see an ice-bolt spell hit Jacosta, and it hit her in the upper chest; it was hard not to spot it sticking out of her. 'Should I remove it?'

Jacostas eyes were open as she stared into mine; a tear ran down her face as she started to cough up blood in my arms. I knew it wouldn’t be long till she was knocked out, and we'd lose. Putting her down gently, I placed her down behind some rocks, stood up, and started looking back at the mage who did this to her when suddenly, I was struck by the other mage's spirit magic, the force caused me to jerk a little on the spot. It felt like I was being hit by a truck.

I took the spells directly to the face. As the magic hit me, I continued to shield Jacosta when they would target her, even at times using my body after the 'nullifying-strike' would need to cool down, taking spell after spell, waiting for my chance to strike. Once they had their cool-downs, instinct kicked in, and I flew forward. Unfortunately, I was significantly injured now. I could see my vision in my right eye was red, but I needed to end this now. I slowly started picking up speed; however, then my leg gave out. While running, I started limping towards them. The Ranger fighting Seira took a moment to shoot an arrow into my good leg, causing me to trip and lose my footing.

Now on the ground, a new barrage of spells came flying towards me. 'Well, shit...' I did my best to roll out of the way, but I was hit several times, nearly causing a near blackout from the pain. If I had to guess, I was less than 1000 hp.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

It was like a bolder was being thrown over and over again onto my chest, each spell that would connect. I could feel ribs break, bones crack, then break under the force. It was like those x-rays from those fight games. Getting up, I slowly started to feel drunk, coughing up blood, unable to stop. Knowing what that meant, I did not have much time, and I was almost out of the blood and (HP). I could even hear the other team yelling at their Ranger to give them a hand with me, "Get over here, Roxxi."

But to my surprise, I heard the Ranger yelling back,” This one Elves bow’ is crazy.” In a dizzy haze, It almost looked like she took an arrow after saying that. Blood ran down my face, my vision in my right eye now went black. Looking over at Seira briefly, I could not help but smile. Even as injured as I was, I found it funny she was winning while I was losing. Even as damaged as I was, she was at least okay.

Then, looking at the Ranger who shot me, I threw my Betless sword towards her as hard as possible, catching her off guard while disarming me. I watched it fly through the air towards her with lightning speed. Connecting with the distracted Ranger, it passed right through her and landed on the floor, dropping behind her. The crowd screamed as the arena's magic summoned the magic circle, defeated I sent her away quickly. The sword was left on the floor where it landed. Now down to my only my Devil’s short-sword, I drew it in both of my hands, trying my best to avoid the onslaught of attacks. Then suddenly, I heard “Fairy’s wrath.” as I heard Seira scream for me too, “Jump right.”

I listened and did my best to jump, and I managed to escape the path of the Ice-shot that followed shortly after she yelled that. Unfortunately, the mage who was distracted by me was not so lucky and could not dodge it; as I blocked their view, a magic arrow met them with a wall of ice flying at them when I jumped. Likewise, the combat mage I noticed barely managed to escape the shot's spell radius. It was hard for me while I was injured to move, but when I looked back. I saw the entire area where the arrow hit encased in ice.

When I started getting up using my Devil-short-sword as a kickstand, this Arena fight was beginning to look like a war zone as there were many craters, holes, charred rock and blood littering the arena. That was when I spotted inside the ice case the mage, and they were frozen completely solid inside of it. Their ally was doing their best to unfreeze them, but it was not working. I laughed, and when they heard me, they quickly started running away from their ally to cast their magic, but before the mage could cast their spell, they were shot at by an arrow, causing them to jerk back on the spot. The last combat mage was then forced to run and fire back at Seira to defend herself as I continued my charge to the defenceless mage. Jacosta was still bleeding out, curled up in a ball, now holding her wound. While I ran past her, I saw her (HP) slowly fading.

I had to finish this now. I had to end this quickly, or Jacosta would not make it to the final round, and we would lose as per the rules. Punching through the ice and grabbing the mage, I smashed them onto the ground before curb-stomping them, ending their tournament run. The arena summoned the magical circle, and they left the stadium. Seira continued to press her assault on the last mage, who was doing all kinds of fancy dance moves to dodge her arrows. It was kind of amusing to watch, as Seira now gave me that look like 'End him.’ I slowly started running towards the lonely mage, picking up as much speed in the process as I could. The mage was too busy dancing to notice me; I waited for my opportunity. Once inside striking distance, I cut horizontally, then vertically, then I followed up with a spinning kick knocking him to the floor, restraining myself this time as he bled out, the crowd began to scream and cheer for us. Next, the announcer started to congratulate us on making it to the finals, saying, “Congratulations on making it to the finals.

We look forward to seeing you in half hour’s break fighting for the title of tournament winner’s!!!”

As I walked over to pick up my sword, people began to throw roses and flowers down at my feet and all around onto the arena floor next to where I was standing. I even heard some kids cheer my name, and their parents hush them. Picking up my sword and a few flowers, I proceeded to walk back alone to the change room. Seira ran off ahead of me with Jacosta in her arms. I assumed. to check on her condition. When I got inside the change room again, I fell on the bench, nearly collapsing it due to the force when I fell onto it. I heard the wood splint and crack then I saw Jacosta was up and about with Seira tending to her amour. Picking myself up, I limped over towards where they were sitting in a severe amount of pain.

I quickly sat down, and then I drank another four or five (HP) Potions. Coughing up some of the potion and blood in the process while swallowing them. Next, the Combat Mage came into the room again and asked, “So, which one of you was going to use their groups' final heal.” Everyone I noticed was pointing to me; however, I told them, "Jacosta," which caught everyone in the room by surprise. I needed it more, but seeing Jacosta in so much pain and still bleeding, I convinced myself I could manage for one more round. I kind of lost track of how many times today I had passed and how much pain I was truly feeling. Everything went numb about an hour ago. As the Combat-Mage finished healing her, I could hear them wish us all “Good luck.” as they left.

Then just like that, she left us alone in the room. Everyone now looked over at me while I was drinking non-stop potions as I started to mutter, hoping to god they were working, "Please work." I noticed the blood started flowing again in the wound, so I guessed they were doing something. Staring up at the ceiling of the room I could hear the noise of someone running over, looking I saw it was Jacosta who was coming running over and brushed up against me when she looked up I could see in her eyes tear’s as she started saying, “Azurith, why? You are so hurt. Why go through all this pain for me. I still don’t know why you do so much for me.”

Half dead, looking at her with a hollow look, I accidentally wiped some blood on her face when I ran my hand over her ear to brush aside her hair. I paused for a second and then said, “Because you guys saved my life, and without you and Reena beside me, I would be all alone in this world. So besides Jacosta, I’ll be fine.” Seira walked over, putting her hand down on my bad leg, perhaps on purpose. I then saw her lean over while she replied to me in a numb tone, “Well, how romantic. So what are we going to do for this last fight? Do you have a plan?”

Now leaning over, I told them to huddle up as I devised a plan. Then, in the make-shift circle, I began to say to everyone. “Well, with how things are... I think I will have to shield everyone, and if I have a chance to attack, I will. We did fantastic. If this is how we lose, it’s fine.”

Then Seira angrily screamed, “Unacceptable."

Next, I saw her move back, getting out from the huddle, as she said in anger towards me, “I refuse to lose. You better figure something out, Mr. Azurith.” Rubbing my head now, I did not answer her. I was seeing double at this time, and then I could hear the damn familiar noise of the announcer calling us to the arena heard, “Group 1E, are you still alive in there or did Azurith bleed out and die? Woo, just kidding. Report to the arena’s stage for the final event.”

I could barely get up from the bench now as both my legs were injured; if not for Jacosta and Seira’s help again, I think I would have fallen several times while we walked up to the stage. Now in their arms, we walked to the center of the arena for our final fight. Now the crowd was crazy loud as they went on cheering for both sides, unable to decide who to cheer for, raining flowers from above and other kinds of decorations down onto the arena floor. Both the teams walked forward, and we started making our way on opposite ends of the arena as the announcer began a final speech for the tournament, “What is up, Geroleo? How is everyone doing today? What a tournament we have had this year what a spectacle turn of events. Is everyone enjoying this fantastic event! Introducing group 1E on the right side!! They have fought their way to the top. Kicking aside all who opposed them, but will they be enough to beat the mighty guild The Knights of Geroleo! Everyone get ready!”

Looking at the three guild members who opposed us, I noticed Arthur was one of the three. He was standing there casually. I went on and gave him a little friendly wave. However, he ignored it. I already knew Arthur was a level 65 Ranger, but who were the other two he was with? One of them was in bronze-coloured armour with no face to see their armour hid them behind the armour. When I scanned them, it said their name was, Juke Kuji and they were a level 72 Slayer with the guild we were facing—looking next at the woman who was also in a full suit of armour. She was another high-level Slayer, and her name was Sara Bull. I could see in Sara's hands she was wielding an axe and shield and had on pink armour, and she was also with the guild. Now looking down at the low-level Jacosta, I started to get worried for her; she is outclassed in every aspect. The more I looked at our enemy, the more I gathered these three did not want the look to play nicely. The magical symbols and numbers began to float down from above. As both our sides got ready, I drew both my swords and got ready. The announcer started to start his famous countdown.“10..9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1....0...GO!”