The ant pulled back his arm and threw the arrow, causing a shockwave as it flew through the air towards the swordsman, who was slowly approaching him.

Flowing like water, the sword cut through the arrow, sending it splintering to either side of the swordsman as he closed the distance.

At the same time, the rogue continued to pester the duo, and the archer readied another arrow. The swordsman’s approach acting as a signal for them to gang up on the duo. The gunner continued to keep the rogue at bay, seemingly never having to stop to reload his guns no matter how many bullets he fired.

Taking one final step closer, the swordsman swung his sword at one of the ant’s limbs. At the same time, the archer’s shot almost smashed into the ant’s chest.

Forced to dodge awkwardly, the ant managed to avoid both attacks, but was caught off-guard when the rogue appeared from under him and sliced off one of his legs. Falling to the side, he was unable to react as the swordsman sliced his head in two. His body crashed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust and sand.

The gunner rolled out of the way, leaving his partner behind as he fled to the nearest wall and distanced himself from the other fighters.

With the main threat gone, the archer began to rain down arrows on the swordsman, who masterfully deflected each one while blocking attacks from the rogue.

The archer soared through the sky, avoiding the gunner’s rain of bullets as she nocked another arrow. Suddenly, she felt something heavy land on her back, knocking her off balance. She screamed in pain as both of her wings were sliced off by the surprise attack from the rogue.

With the archer gone, the gunner turned his fire on the swordsman, his head on a constant swivel as he searched for the rogue.

The swordsman easily deflected the onslaught of attacks from both of them, like he wasn’t struggling at all. It all looked too easy for him. He was surrounded by a hail of bullets and blades, but nothing came close to touching him. No matter what angle the rogue attacked him from, he could always deflect it.

Frustrated, the rogue launched another strike at the swordsman before appearing next to the gunner.

Dodging to the side, he turned his guns on the rogue and fired.

Click. Click, click click click.

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Looking down in confusion, he squeezed the triggers, but his guns refused to fire. He heard the sound of static and hurriedly looked down at his hip, where he found a small incision in his trench coat. “Shit.”

Sparks ignited his trench coat from a small machine hidden at his hip. He dropped to the ground as his hair caught on fire and he was roasted alive after his machine malfunctioned. Using the sand to put the fire out, he slumped against the wall and raised his hands in defeat as a dagger appeared under his chin.

The arena was filled with quiet anticipation as everyone stared at the final two fighters. Could the rogue finally break through the swordsman’s defence? Or would they be shut down yet again.

Disappearing once more, they threw a dagger from one side while attacking from the other at the same time. The thrown dagger was deflected into the sand, while the other dagger closed in on his unprotected side.

One swift strike and it was all over.

The rogue froze in place, their brain failing to comprehend what was going on as their vision split and they fell either side of the swordsman. With the cloak now split in half, the rogues face was revealed.

Sickly pale skin, with thin wispy strands of blonde hair, she looked like she was at death’s door. Her sickening appearance contrasted to much with her high-octane fighting style.

Standing alone in the pit, the swordsman casually sheathed his sword and exited under the excited cheering of the crowd. Not a single drop of blood had touched him throughout the entire fight.

“Wow! That was awesome!” Zara shot up out of her chair and cheered with the rest of the crowd, her exhaustion all but forgotten in the moment.

That was good, but I really need to get my hands on that healing potion. This is starting to piss me off.

Getting out of their seats, the two left the arena as the announcer tried to settle everyone down.

Walking slowly along the near-deserted streets, Ed found the store Wilfred mentioned just outside of the arena. Ducking in, he found the drink Mr Milani had given him, paid for it, and opened it then and there. Guzzling it down, he felt it work its magic as the remaining injuries healed up and he was brought back to fighting form.

“I could’ve healed you; you know.” Zara said, prodding his waist as they walked aimlessly through the streets, unsure of where to go.

“I didn’t want to bother you. Besides, you should rest a bit.” Ed looked around, trying to find something else for them to do while they were here. It seems like the arenas are the main reason to come here. “What do you want to do now?”

“I don’t know... Didn’t that store owner tell you to find someone to make an instrument for you? Why don’t we do that while we’re here.” She said.

“I don’t even know where to start looking.” Maybe Wilfred would be able to help again? “Give me a moment.” Taking out his phone, he told Wilfred about his situation and asked him if he could recommend anyone to do that for him.

“I know someone who might be willing to help. I’ll see if he’s up to it then I’ll send a car your way. Just stay where you are. It shouldn’t be long.” Wilfred texted.

It’s really good to have the princess’ butler to help out, isn’t it? Finding a place to sit down, they waited to hear back from Wilfred