As Jake walked further down the canal, he noticed a sudden shift in the air. The hair on his skin felt like that of glass shards, ever so slightly digging into it, but never fully piercing through. Reaffirming his grip on the spear, he let out a small breath as scarring started to appear in the stonework.

'Cuts out most of the magic users,' he thought, looking over the blade marks. They weren't deep, so it also gets rid of the possibility of a Warchief or an Executioner. That leaves either the Champion or Berserker.

The first thing he was met with upon turning a corner was a massive wooden statue of a beast. Seemingly both canine and feline, numerous scars covered its body, as if it only knew conflict. Not only that, the air around it seemed to radiate pure, unadulterated malice. It was as if it despised everything in existence.

Taking his gaze away from the statue, his eyes landed on the being seemingly meditating underneath its gaze. Slowly stepping closer to get a better look, he tightened his grip on the spear, ignoring the feeling of knives digging deeper into his skin.

“Bare your fangs,” a sudden voice growled, causing him to pause. Just what exactly was that?

Why did it feel so…familiar?

Noticing the being slowly getting, he quickly pushed the thought out of his mind before looking over his opponent.

Covered head to toe in leather armor, it seemed more humanoid than its brethren, but not by much. A rusted broadsword in its hand, it had an air of focus around it.

‘A Champion,’ he thought, tensing himself up. At least it’ll be direct.

Shifting his hand, he threw the spear towards the Champion’s head. However, it was quickly deflected into the air.

Now, Advance.

Bringing out his sword, he rushed forward, launching a swing at its neck. Ducking under the swing, the Champion brought a swing to his side. Hopping back, Jack narrowly avoided the swing before quickly closing the distance. Each swing he brought down on the Champion was met with force, metal ringing out like that of a gunshot. As the blades clashed, Jake felt something gnaw at his mind. Words he had never heard, but just…knew. It was like he was raised on it since he was born.

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Focus your mind

Advance at each swing.

Purge out distractions.

Destroy your enemies.

Blocking a swing at his neck, he dashed forward, jamming the blade into its chest. Ripping out the blade, he slammed his shoulder into it, causing the champion to stumble back. Taking advantage of the gap, he swung at the Champion’s neck, cutting through like a knife would foam.

Letting out a heavy breath, his gaze couldn’t help but to turn towards the scarred eyes of the beast. Although completely still, he felt as if the being was…satisfied, the bloodshed being to its liking.

Suddenly, piercing through the quiet like a cackle through a serene forest, came the sound of clapping. Tightening his grip on his blade, Jake turned to meet the source. It was a woman, seemingly around his age, wearing a mad grin on her all-too-perfect face.

“What a show, Little Wolf! I could feel the bloodlust in the air,” the girl exclaimed, bringing her hands out, seemingly congratulating him. However, as green met pink and purple, he knew.

She wasn’t human.

Reaffirming his grip on his sword, he got into a stance, watching her. Every movement of her hands, every shift of her foot, he waited for her to strike.

“Aw, do you really have to be so eager for another fight?” she asked, putting her hands on her hips.

However, Jake gave no response, simply tensing up his body. It’d be pointless to start up a conversation anyways. He could tell she was craving a fight, with the murderous glint in her eyes.

“Alright, then. Just wanted to get to know you,” she said before bolting towards him. Seeing a glint of steel, he ducked under a swing, only to see another blade rushing towards him. Bringing up his shield, he felt a large force slam into him, knocking him back. Bringing his shield down, he suddenly twisted his body, narrowly dodging another attempt for his face. Hopping back, he gained some distance, only for it to be closed within seconds.

As steel rang against steel, he felt everything become sharper. The drum-like beat of his heart rang out in his ears, the feeling of cloth hugging his body. Everything was much more defined, like he was looking through a high-spec PC.

Ducking under another swing, he slammed his shoulder into her, knocking her back. Seemingly rolling with the momentum, she flipped back, landing into a pose.

“Well, ain’t you a feisty one? Just my style,” the woman said, suddenly pulling out a card before flicking it towards him. Catching it out of the air, he gave the card a quick once over.

‘Come to the Bleeding Blackout for a show you won’t forget!’

“Say you're looking for Jill Carver. They’ll show you around,” the woman said before turning on her heel and walking off, her soft humming ringing through the stone.

Catching his breath, Jake took another glance at the card, weighing the options. After a beat of silence, he silently slid the card into his back pocket.

He could think about it later. Right now, he just needs to get his reward and take a nap afterwards.