Mark felt the weight of the world settle on his shoulders, crushing what remaining strength he had inside. He had expected the monsters to come in waves, with the first wave being the one that had already passed.

Damn it! Too many unknowns—just what is going on, how many places are under attack right now? Even a small force like this one that I got rid of, as weak as it is, could cause a lot of chaos in a short amount of time.

His thoughts were a mess, flowing in random directions, forcing his mind to twist despite its wish, despite its reason trying to fight back. It was only due to his nature that he was able to calm down his raging mind.

There's no time to think that much about it. Right now, I have this guy I need to take care of. I’m weak, weaker than I thought. A great start with the small fry is nothing compared to the giants leading them. Just what other trick should I use?

As he stood there in silence, the knight made his appearance, watching over Mark in silence. Yet as cold as ice, a fire ready to turn the battlefield to ashes raged within him. Such a fire put even Mark’s HellBlaze to shame.

Oi, system, tell me, are there any buffs I could use?

"Let’s see. For you, it’s augmenting your body with mana and... How surprising, to think that you could get such a burst of strength from this."

A heavy step got Mark’s attention. The ground beneath the knight’s feet was turned to rubble, striking fear in Mark’s heart.

No, I have no time to be afraid. System, you said I could do that. Just how long can I go for?

"Half an hour at most, and even that’s a stretch. Yet, I feel like the battle will end even faster than that."

The air whirled around Mark, all from the movement of his enemy’s arm. In the blink of an eye, a sword the size of Mark’s mountain find materialized with a bright flash of light -a warning.

"Heh, using heavy weapons, are we? Well, then I should match your style."

Mark opened his inventory, staring at the tear in space for a brief moment before pulling out that hulking weapon. No one knows just how stupid he was to use that in his state.

"It seems that the orc failed. No wonder. Another job I have to clean up for him. To think that he lost to such a frail being. Human, state your name!"

A thick voice, heavy enough to make mountains shriek away, ordered Mark to do a mundane task—mundane yet unexpected all the same.

A smirk popped on the madman’s face, giving him enough power to point his weapon at his enemy. The sword’s total length was similar to that of its user, the blade thicker than his hand. The curved edges went inward only to rejoin the outside before forming the tip. Mark stared in silence at his opponent, both of them unbudged.

"The name’s Mark; make sure to remember it."

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"Mark, I see. I shall remember it long enough."

Mark’s twisted smile took hold of him again.

"Better remember it forever. How about a bet?"

He lowered his weapon, using it as a way to support himself.

"A bet, you say? Quite the unusual human being you are."

The knight placed his hand under his helmet, considering his opponent’s offer.

"Let’s see, what bet?"

"It’s simple. We fight with our swords. I win, I take your sword, and you join my side. You win; you do whatever you want with me."

Barely done with his words, a system pop-up grabbed his eyes.

"Quest created"

"Clear Conditions: Win"

Mark needed not look at it any longer, since he knew his job remained the same: win and live.

"Hm, quite an interesting offer, I see. No wonder you could take down that orc at your level. You sure are a peculiar being... and a dangerous one at the same time."

Without wasting any time, the knight raised his sword.

"Shall we have a go then?"

"Wait a second, please; I’m tired and almost dying; at least allow me to use a buff or something. Jeez."

Despite keeping his face hidden, confusion was the only emotion the knight could muster.

"I see... You’ve got guts; I like that. Perhaps I might think about sparing you, perhaps."

Mark closed his eyes, feeling mana flow through his body. Like putting on a costume, that’s how Mark went about visualizing the process. Soon, his body was covered in a thin layer of mana.

"That should do it for now. You’ve yet to learn about aura."

The mere mention of aura was enough to get his blood boiling.

"Ok, almost ready. Now, for the cherry on top, play some music."

Out of thin air, Phonk started playing—much to the knight’s surprise.

"That's a... unusual choice, to be honest. Are you finally ready?"

Mark, filled with energy, picked up his sword and began toying with it. It felt light.

"Yes, I’m ready."

A simple motion, a straight lunge at Mark, which he could barely block. His legs didn’t give way, yet the force was enough to send him back a few meters, despite him holding his position. Before he could react, another hit went for him. A strike from the side, which managed to graze him.

My speed is not enough, again.

"I must commend you, human, for being able to evade these strikes. I guess I should finish my warm-up and go for the real deal."

Mark’s whole body yelled at him to move, to run away, yet at the same time it was frozen in fear. The sheer power contained by the knight was devastating.

Like the raging storm, a fury of blows plundered Mark’s weak spots, aiming for a quick finish. His body could hold up, but not for long.

In the midst of the storm, he found a hold of an opening, aiming for it. His sword connected, yet it lacked constitution. His strike was too weak, and the time it took him to rebound was enough for him to get struck by the blade in a few different spots.

Blood flowed out, yet thanks to the buffs, his wounds were healing faster than expected.

"Shit, I’m weaker than expected, and you didn’t even go all out. Screw this, I’m pouring my soul into this battle from now on."

The knight switched his stance, his blade held firmly.

"Go on, I’m enjoying myself."