It seemed silly and probably was but he went for it: "Do you know the werewolves game, Min-Su?"

Min-Su looked at him strangely asking back: "What's a werewolf?"

Jin paused. He did not expect that. Were there no werewolves in this world? Ah, they might be called wolf-type sentient beasts instead... Whatever. He decided to change it up: "How about the good/bad factions game?"

Min-Su shook his head sideways. He did not know. It was to be expected since Jin invented it on the spot. He began to explain his updated version of the werewolf game to Min-Su: "There's an evil cultivator within a group of good cultivators disguised as one of them. The evil one's goal is to kill them all while the good ones need to find and execute him. Simple, right? We're in a similar situation here. You, me and Hae-Hyuk"

Min-Su snorted and said: "You're saying Hae-Hyuk is an evil cultivator?"

Jin waved his hand away and continued: "I'm saying he's been hiding his true self from us. He's just like that evil cultivator in the game. You have to trust me, Min-Su, you will only end up dead if you continue with this"

Min-Su disdainfully retorted: "Then, you're the one stating the truth? Jin, you taught me yourself how words could be used against another. Do you think you could fool me? I trust Master"

Min-Su pointed his sword back at Jin and said: "But right now, I don't trust you"

Jin frowned. His analogy did not work. He was running out of ideas. Especially since Min-Su clearly stated that he did not believe him... What could he even do now? Was there even something that could convince this stubborn mule?

He moved the gourd forward under the piercing gaze of his friend and said: "I plan to seal myself with this as I jump down into the void. I'm escaping this trial. Come with me, Min-Su"

Min-Su laughed loudly, clearly ridiculing Jin. He said: "One, you will be consumed by the void. And two, are you trying to trick me into jumping into the void? Is that how you want me to die? Is that how you plan to defeat me?!"

He went into a stance and added: "I am very disappointed, my friend"

Jin sighed and took a stance as well. He said with a sad smile: "So am I, my friend. So am I"

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

The two of them were ready to start when a loud explosion resounded not far from them. They both looked over and saw a giant ice mountain being sent out of the arena, propelled by a tornado of flames. They could see that on top of the mountain was the knight. It was already very far away. That thing would crash down into the void.

The sentient dragon was grinning while slightly panting. From the very start, this had been his goal. He could only defeat the knight by sending him out of bounds. Even death would be destroyed and torn by the void.

It was a good plan. His patriarch was cheering for him loudly within the grand hall, believing so as well.

Even the dead knight had to admit, it was quite smart. Then again, it was not enough. He hurried his stead forward and jumped from the top of the icy mountain. Then, under the despairing eyes of the dragon sentient, wings materialized on both sides of the death elemental horse. He became a pegasus. The knight directed the pegasus to fly back to the arena.

As he approached at a steady and unhurried pace, he stated: "Your idea was not bad. I applaud your genius and bravery. However, it is not enough. For lady Sharonna, please give up your life"

The sentient dragon trembled. His patriarch within the grand hall reacted the same way as he was being teased by others, especially Saint Sharonna who was roaring amidst laughter.

The sentient dragon had no other ideas. He did not know what he could do next. He turned around towards the other two champions and hurriedly asked for their help: "Neither of us will be able to defeat this thing alone! Let us ally first!"

Jin had no reasons to agree. He planned to escape alive.

Min-Su did not care either. The knight was dangerous but not to him. He had ways to take care of it. Just like the void, he could tear off the existence of this being.

It was only this sentient dragon that was a bad match with the death knight. And the fact was that Min-Su would have a hard time facing the dragon. It was better for him to face the dead knight. So, would they ally with him and help? Of course not!

The sentient dragon realized that they had no interests in teaming up and decided to turn towards the death knight. He asked him: "Friend, I respect your might. How about teaming up to finish those two first?"

The knight's raucous laughter resounded as he answered: "The three of you will die by my sword! For my Lady!"

The sentient dragon took it as a refusal and decided to retreat. Since he couldn't force them to fight alongside him, he would take the fight to them. Never would he let those two having a sweet time watching him fight to the death. He would take the fight to them.

As he saw him approach, Jin asked Min-Su: "One last time, Min-Su, please, believe in me"

Min-Su did not answer and instead began to channel his spiritual energy. The answer was clear. Jin sighed and began to retreat towards the arena's border. He spoke: "My friend, don't blame me later on for I did my best to save your life"

Min-Su snorted and said: "Your tricks are not working so now what? Are you going to jump? Well, then, go ahead and jump"

Jin smiled sadly. He looked at his best friend in this lifetime. This guy was truly... He would miss him. He spoke one last time: "Goodbye, my friend"

And then, Jin jumped.