"Hello, it's me again, Aika of "What's New in New Life Online"! Are you ready for the Monthly Battle Tournament?! We are all very excited to see the most powerful players around the world of New Life Online fight to claim the title of the World's Strongest Player! Today, the registration will begin and we will see the players who will join the competition. From various Guilds to various parties and groups, they are all here to participate! Also, people with criminal records or other conflicts between guilds will be put on hold to give them chance to participate for the people of New Life Online to enjoy the tournament more! I will be one of the commentators and the whole competition will be televised and stream online! Isn't that great?! Also because even the Thirteen Gods will participate, the judges will be the people in the whole stadium. The competition will be held here in Oder of Light city, as always. Let's go to the registration area and check the players who will participate!"

-West Road to Order of Light-

"Ughh... My whole body hurts. I sometimes regret inviting you to our group you know. That training was not even for humans anymore," Elou, you complain a lot, you know.

"Yeah, you're right. I can't believe we've done that in just a couple of days. Those training and hunting felt like we trained for a year," Akko, that's kind of a bit exaggerated.

"Hmp!" Lili just pouted as usual.

"Guys, it's ok. We all became so strong so I guess, it's all worth it, you even defeated me from our last training" We are really exhausted. We didn't have the chance to take a break or rest in the game.

"Let's go sign up and win the tournament guys!"

-Order of Light City Gate-

We arrived at the entrance of the Order of Light City. City guards used their Defensive Stance as soon as they saw us. We are all wearing a hood and cloak to hide our identity because we are fugitives but for some reason, they managed to react to our presence.

(WARNING: Nearby players are afflicted by "Alert" status due to severely low Charisma.)

Alert status huh... would be better if it's fear.

"Relax guys. We are here to participate in the tournament. Put your guards down,"

"Some unidentified players came to sign up. Players around them can sense a tremendous amount of power and we are forced to defend because of our instincts! These kinds of people are the ones who will fight in the tournament!" Aika, the reporter, said. I think she's just overreacting.

"Ah! It's the wanted man! Scythus!" After I signed up my name, the guard who checks the participants panicked.

(WARNING: Nearby lower ranked players are afflicted by "Fear" status due to severely low Charisma.) Oh... there it is.

"He's the murderer?! Run! Run for your lives!" People near the registration area panicked. The hell is wrong with this guy, it's just a game for heaven's sake!

"Stop! Don't be afraid! We will defeat him in the tournament. Don't forget that the hero beats the villains so relax and enjoy the event," It's something to be expected from the well-known champion of the Tournament, Zeth.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

(ZETH / WARRIOR RANK: S)

"Defeat him! Make sure he pays for his crime!" People started cheering for the famous champion but sooner or later... you will bite the dust.

"Zeth who just ranked up from A to S, the champion and second rank of the Thirteen Gods, together with his co-guild officers are also here to register!" Aika reported.

(MARIE / BISHOP RANK: S)

(AZZIE / FIRE MAGE RANK: S)

Akko and Azzie are looking at each other like they're going to eat each other. They kinda hate each other, I guess.

"Siren, the guild leader of Ravens Guild and number ten, is also here with her trusted officers," Aika reported every guild and participants that come to the registration area.

(SIREN / ROGUE: S

EQUIPMENT: STEEL DAGGERS / RAVEN ARMOR

MASTERIES: LIGHT WEAPON / THROWING WEAPON)

-Light's Tavern-

After all that we decided to just go to the tavern that we always visit when we are still staying here. Damn, this place is still really beautiful. In just one mistake we were banished. I saw Deandre earlier but he seems to be calm that he didn't even look at me earlier.

"Are you ready guys? This time, we are not comrades but just participants who want to win the tournament. No hard feelings if you met me in the arena." I told them.

"We're not the same as before. You better get your guard up or you'll be dead if you are not prepared," I can say that they're a lot stronger than before.

"Yup, we did some secret training while you were late and when we took breaks you know. That fire magic user girl would be dead if I met her in the competition," Wow, Akko. They really have a grudge at each other.

"..." Lili, as usual, is just silent like she doesn't care but I can see that she is also excited.

After all that chitchat we decided to buy some new equipment. The equipment at the Vanguards Stronghold isn't that much great as the Order of Lights' so we decided to buy here.

We visited some shops and they've got a new set of equipment. I also got new Shield that is really light but the protection is really great. I even tested out with my spells but it didn't break. The price is really high but it's worth it I think. I bought new equipment that provides better protection and lighter for evasive maneuvers. I also bought a new sword to increase my overall damage. New accessories that boosted my mana regeneration and movement speed are always the best. I bought a new hood and cloak to conceal my identity better. I rather not show my face because Sis might see me and that would be a disaster.

-Slayer Leather Armor Set

(Mid Increase in Normal Armor Benefits. Increased in damage from critical attacks)

-Advance Theif's Cloak

(Better Stealth benefits. Muffles sound when walking.)

-Scaled Light Shield

(High Damage Reduction from Physical and Magical Attacks. Strong attacks have a low chance of knocking back the user when blocking.)

-Slayer Bone Dagger

(High Light Weapon Benefits.)

-Short Sword of Impaling

(Mid increase in Normal Weapon Benefits and penetrates low defense)

Ring of Advance Mana Regeneration x2

(Better Mana Recovery Speed)

(Weapons and Armor effects only work when equipped.)

*TOT TOTOTOT!* That's the signal. We should go to the stadium now, though I really hate the sound of the horn. I don't know why.

"Hey Scy, it's time to go. I hope one of us can really become the winner," I would really like that, Elou.

"Don't worry. We trained really hard for this so I'm pretty sure we can do this," Akko was enthusiastic as always.

"I don't want to get too much attention, so good luck to you guys," Lili said but I think she didn't mean that.

"Jeez, let's make our group be known to the world!" Akko suggested.

"Sure! We will become the top four!" I said. That's a really high dream for us yet we really are hoping.

-Order of Light's Stadium-

We arrived at the stadium... There are a lot of participants. The seats of the stadium are also full and some of them are standing. They can't miss this tournament because this time even the Thirteen Gods are here to join the fight.

"LET THE TOURNAMENT BEGIN!"