After that horrible day in the arena, Lass has passed out on the hospital bed. He couldn't do a thing but just stay there to recover, when suddenly, he felt warmth and pleasure, unlike any other. But as the pain was starting to fade away from him, he, out of pure instinct, got up and grabbed onto it and to his surprise, it was a familiar face.

"Risa? What in the hell?! Using your healing powers in the night is one thing but using them in the middle of the day, during an active hospital shift is another level of danger!", Lass worryingly yelled at Ikarisa.

"It's ok. Word is spreading enough as is anyway. I don't think it's even worth trying to hide it anymore, people are giving me those specific, weirded out and awkward looks in the street anyway. And besides, no one comes into your room often, because you're in much better condition than others. I did see that Drake attacks but...I didn't know it was that serious."

Just then, through the busy hallway, Anya came in the room, holding a giant bouquet of flowers and happily greeted a surviving Lass laying on the bed.

"Heya, big guy! I came to see my favourite survivor! I also brought these flowers just in case!", she showcased the flowers

"Just in case what?"

"Well I didn't know if I'd need a 'get well soon' gift or a 'so sorry for your loss gift'!", Anya said with a shrug.

"Why did I ever save you?", Lass whispered with a facepalm, regretting some decisions more than others, "Anyway, enough about me. Where were you two yesterday? Please tell me you were anywhere else but the arena when this all went down."

"Unfortunately we were there, even when everyone evacuated. We weren't about to leave you there, but we had to help evacuate everyone, of course. I saw what happened to Rafgo...even stayed until the drake attack.", Ikarisa said with a frown.

Anya relaxed, getting a little more serious, "Yeah...truly, a bad sight. But I couldn't believe what happened to Rafgo. He didn't deserve it. And despite how big of an ass he was, I honestly don't think Kalimo did either. At least he did survive, returning to normal as we speak. He will probably be checked into Gardard's hospitals instead though after he's stabilized.", Anya rubbed her head.

"However, the event with Rafgo made me certain this time. That was clearly Sentinel activity. Maybe even greater than that, I have no doubt about it. However, I remember every one of those Sentinels but, that didn't feel like Kako at all. Or anyone for that matter. He did go around Insinia a lot, but even then, I have never seen someone being able to give away Obsulyte's power so easily. Maybe I was wrong about the Sentinel that was here or something. But either way, it's got to be something way deeper than what it looked like, that's for sure.", Ikarisa said.

"Heh, I see. But at least we now know for certain that we came close to one of them. Now we need to find out who that one is and take them out.", Lass replied.

"Risa explained to me the whole Sentinel situation thingy, and I think I got a decent chance to-", Anya's words were cut from the hospital room's TV.

The news started on the TV, laying a bird's eye view on the still red-soaked arena, with a massive cleaning crew scattered all around its grounds.

"It seems that the days we're living are dire. Yet another attack was performed at the Reingard arena yesterday, where this time there was a casualty of Vardard's Rafgo, from a giant white drake. Furthermore, the tournament has been completely cancelled and we now await further notice from the annual KoK administration office as to what will follow. In addition, many more were harmed and they're being treated in the Reindgard 1st Hospital as we speak. Now as we...", the reporter kept on going with the news.

"'Great White Drake', the one that killed him. Hmm...guess that's why nobody watches morons who do everything for views, without prior research.", Lass said.

"Hmm? Hey, big guy, you ok? Aside from your broken ribs.", Anya tried to humour him a bit.

Lass sighed, "Rafgo's death wasn't from Kalimo. It was on me. I'm not gonna try and hide it from you guys...I'm the one who finished him off."

"Lass I...I'm sorry you had to.", Ikarisa apologized.

"I'm trying to take it in but...it's fine. Had I not killed him where he was standing, he would've done much worse."

"Thankfully he was stopped there. Don't beat yourself over it, big guy. Imagine he rampaged across the city. Who could imagine who that guy would start killing first.", Anya looked at the TV.

"You two...", Lass whispered as he looked at Anya and Ikarisa.

Ikarisa softly chuckled, being the only one to hear him, "That's why, no matter what they say...you will always care.", she whispered.

Lass closed the TV before he inhaled deeply, getting ready to leave his bed.

"Thanks for healing my wounds. Man...I guess that's it for this year's Knight Of Knights.", Lass stretched out.

"I wouldn't say that. Before I was allowed in the hospital I was told to give you this from the administrator, so here ya go!", Anya said.

"Oh joy. Another message. Bet this one is gonna be the cost for my funeral's coffin, the way this is boiling down. This trip is getting more and more complicated by the day.", Lass said with a tired expression on his face.

Lass slowly opened the letter but as he did, he could see that the two little gossipers in front of him were leaning to read it as well. With their long hair getting in the way, Lass used his pointer finger to softly push their heads one by one away from his field of vision.

"Ehem.", he cleaned his throat, "Personal space. Both of you."

They then backed off and allowed Lass to start reading the message. However, in order to keep some sort of privacy, he didn't proceed to read the message out loud. Not that it mattered much, as they both leaned in behind him to take a peek.

"Brave ones, it looks as if horrible events have taken place in the arena and that the KoK tournament has been cancelled. However, I've heard of your valiant efforts to fend off both of those attacks and I'm glad to announce to you that the administration as well as the King of Reingard has agreed on an unofficial One On One final match between the two of us. Of course, the prices stay the same, one million in cash, and an additional invitation to a luxurious party in the king's palace. However, the only merit to all this, is that in case of a misplay or a wrong move, it's worth mentioning that the final match in the tournament is allowed to be one to the death. But I hope we don't have to resort to that. If you wish to have the final battle with me, meet me in the arena at 6:00 PM sharp. The arena will be guarded at the entrance, however. This message will be your ticket in. May we have a fine and honourable battle? The Previous Champion of the Knight Of Knights tournament."

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

The first thing he pointed his eyes at was Anya, being almost certain of what her cunning plan was. Regardless, without any thinking, Lass glared at the clock as saw the time. Exactly 5:24 PM. He then got up and started gearing up at a fast pace. He didn't know why, but he was now, more than ever, motivated to fight this battle to its bitter-or-sweet end. He wanted this, to prove to both others more than himself, that he was worth it. That there was more than what it appeared outside. And no matter how many injuries he may have suffered, he would still rush at that chance.

"What's all the hurry all about? Another date? Mister famous seems to be up and running.", Anya curiously said.

"Very funny Anya. I'm dying of laughter."

"Hey, at least it's that which is killing you and not some fat-ass dragon."

"Your pranks are what's going to kill me."

"Eh? What prank?", Anya cluelessly said.

"We will resolve this in another way."

"Lass, would you like some help gearing up because you seem to be having some trouble there-", Ikarisa's words were cut by Lass.

"No thanks, I got it. Gotta go. You two try to see if there's anything you can do to help around with the wounded. I'm sure they will at least let Risa help them somehow. I'm off", Lass said in a hurry.

Lass left with an angry look on his face, knowing about the upcoming match and the opponent he had to face. Nonetheless, he couldn't reveal the match to Ikarisa. Based on what happened the past few days during their last match and attacks. It was very safe for him to assume that something else would probably go wrong during the match. So he did what he did best and started running to an event he was late to. But he of course should've expected these two to do their own thing.

"Uh...Anya? We're not gonna leave Lass with that short notice are we?"

"Nope. Also, that's a duplicate message, I was completely lying to him. I opened the original one before giving it to him since a letter with the official seal is both interesting and weird. Hell, it's an official message that wasn't emailed, that alone makes it interesting. Especially considering he is still a nobody besides the tournament, making it even weirder to receive such a message from a direct line to the king's secretary. C'mon! We will follow him and sneak our way into the arena!", Anya said with her tail wagging.

"Umm...disrespecting any form of privacy aside. I saw guards taking a stand in there when I was passing by in the morning today."

"Not to worry! I know the arena inside out! We will surely find our way around. Now come on let's go!"

"But are you really sure Lass is going in the arena? What for..."

"I do have an idea for it. You'll see!", Anya said with a chuckle.

Lass didn't even realize they were right behind him, being in a complete state of hurry. He managed to reach the arena at precisely 5:58 PM and got in showing the two guards his message. The arena was dark. Too dark. Then out of both sides of the arena torches began to light up. And there they were. The previous Knight Of Knights champion stood tall and proud in their big shiny black armour. But little did he know that he was about to discover something unusual as unusual can get.

"Wow. Bet you paid for all of these too huh? Anyway, mutt, the score will be settled now. I'm not gonna sit and dwell on yesterday's event either. This shit is starting to become daily life anyway. And I'm sick and tired of all these messages questioning me on paper instead of in action.", Lass said towards the armoured figure.

"Heheh. Stop with the long-ass introductions kid. Just pull that little twig out and show me what you've got. And by the by, calling me "mutt" isn't exactly a nice way to start a battle with me.", the armoured figure said.

"Wait a minute...that voice. And that language...Heista?”

"Well, you sure as hell do have a nice sense of hearing, I'll give you that! But I don't think the hearing will help you swing that little blade around.", Heista said as she took off her helmet.

"You're the previous KoK champion? What the hell? What about Anya?", he said in surprise.

"Well, to be honest, officially, I'm not. Anya and I faced off in the last KoK finals, but she was different back then. She was wearing some wonky ass battle dress and used some shitty weapon she was clearly forced to use. I wasn't about to claim a title where my final opponent didn't give it 100%. So I surrendered. She got the title and we both got a drinking buddy. Besides, I'm happy that Anya finally showed her true colours on the arena grounds and in the world. You really did change her kid. Fast too, she finally looks happy, which makes me even happier!", Heista smiled.

"Wait what? That's so bizarre. But you're also the-", Lass got interrupted by Magi.

"Yeah, I'm the Reingards Royal Paladin. 'Woohoo' is it nice to be one. It's not that the job pays badly, but just doing chores and chores without battling gets boring after a while. Hence why I decided to join the KoK tournament last year in the first place."

"I have so many questions...how even-"

"Well, ask what you wanna ask now, because lore wise you're supposed to kill me, Mr Goddess Protector."

"Kill you...what? And wait a minute...how do you know that Risa is-!"

"Buddy, when I see some weird ass dude holding a mini-Excelsior next to someone I clearly know, it doesn't take me too much to put one and one together!"

"What?! But how did you know about Risa?!"

"Oh. Swapped to Ikarisa, eh? I see...we'll go with that then.", she whispered. "Well it's not that hard, I mean she was spreading her power everywhere, not trying to hide or whatever. Strange... the first time I've ever seen Risa not running away or trying to hide. Maybe you are kinda special like he said. Gotta say, he indeed made the right choice. Though I've gotta give it to him, his sword training was pretty good and he told me to be on standby. But we will see.", Heista shrugged.

"Wait. That lady that used to visit my dad...that's you, isn't it?"

"Bingo. Couldn't even recognize you if I tried. Look at the little quiet kid being all strong and grown up. Good with the ladies too, I suppose?"

"Please. Don't."

"Hah! It was always so nice to tease you. You actually look cute when I do so. Sure Anya will agree."

"So why exactly did you visit dad? And where did you disappear after a while? It's been...years."

"Had my duties. Like let's say...keeping gods at bay.", she menacingly said.

"Hmm. Alright. I see what's going on now.", Lass said as he slowly reached for his weapon.

"Hehe. It's not that hard to point out things you're used to. Besides, I was hoping she would've figured it out a bit earlier. But better late than never I guess.", Heista chuckled.

"Believe me, she had a hunch. But still, this can't be. Such a powerful position to be given to someone like you, instead of completely taking over. It doesn't make any sense.", Lass said as he began to draw his sword.

"Unbelievable...even now you don't get it? Very well. Let me tell you this. Do you remember when you first got to the administration office at the Blood Moon hotel? Hell of a name, wonder how they get any customers to begin with."

"'Name and warrior nickname please.' Lass repeated.", Lass remembered the words of the administrator, now realizing exactly who 'Heista' was.

"I think you've gotten a breakthrough here. Heista is nothing but my warrior nickname...or rather, what I go by these days."

"Say it before we begin. Who really are you? Which one of them?", Lass said as he took his fighting stance.

"Let me properly introduce myself then. Sentinel of Hate, Magi, at your service.", Magi said as she bowed.

"Hmph...so all this time..."

"Bingo kid. By the way, before you go all, 'stab, stab I'm gonna murder you' mode on me, can I get one second to explain to you a couple of things? Or do you want me to go all out?"

"Let's just get this over with already. Once I'm done beating your sorry ass, I can finally get a moment of rest in this crazy city.", Lass said with a cold look.

"Watch it, kid! Remember what they say to respect your elders! Turns out I'm gonna have to beat your little ass to the ground first before any words can be spoken...now come at me!

Her stance is impeccable, and her will is robust. She was the Sentinel of Hate. But at that moment, she was Lass's opponent...