The World of Emns 2: Arena

Chapter 12: Hidden technique

Chatter filled the arena. As the staff downstairs was preparing the arena for the next fight, people became restless. Were they that excited for the upcoming rounds?

Olivia was nervous. She was against Alexander next, and he seemed to be a rough opponent to go against. At least she had already seen a bunch of his tricks, so she would make sure those wouldn't work a second time.

Wynn Vs Reyna was an interesting battle. On one hand, Olivia hasn't seen Wynn in a serious fight yet, but she didn't know what Reyna was capable of either. For all she knew the Fynlone mage couldn't even have tried while she destroyed an opponent in the blink of an eye.

Ruhnim and Ariana also didn't seem like a straightforward fight. A man with perfect mastery over his own element against a jack of all trades.

As if he showed up like a thought bubble, Kyzer, the giant purple tiefling, suddenly approached the group and sat down next to Steven. He crossed his arms and looked down towards the arena, much like Steven had been doing.

"Can I ask you about your sword," Kyzer said. "It looks like a sword from the dragon wars."

"It is," Steven replied bluntly.

"How did you get it?"

"An old friend gifted it to me, though I was reluctant to accept it. Soon after he passed away, so I couldn't give it back."

Kyzer let out a soft breath.

"Why would you wanna give it back? It's like the best quality sword you could get."

Steven nodded. "It is. And I feel like I don't deserve to have something like that. It should go to a warrior, which I am not. I made a deal with our local blacksmith that if I lose he gets the sword."

"What?"

Kyzer's face didn't change much. He only raised an eyebrow. But to Olivia he looked and sounded really upset.

"You'd give your friend's master crafted, ancient sword away because you don't feel like you deserve it?! Even though you kicked that Arty guy's ass?! I'm sorry but you're a fucking idiot if you'd actually go through with that."

"Uh, I-"

"Let me give you one word of advice, kid. Keep the sword or give it to someone who truly knows how strong and valuable a sword like that is. But giving it to the nearest person who'll say yes because you're scared of it pisses me off."

Steven nodded again. Or at least Olivia thought he did. It was hard to tell since he barely raised his head.

"You, Olivia, right?"

"Uh, yes," the ice mage stammered out, not expecting to be talked to.

"Nice job on your match," he said calmly.

"Oh, thank you.... You too," she added quickly.

Steven seemed frustrated. Olivia wanted to say something to him, but she did mostly think Kyzer was right. He should keep Siedrain's sword. But she would have used gentler words.

"You don't have to be afraid of me, you know," Kyzer added after a long silence. "Wynn's told me that I shouldn't always speak my mind because I can come over harsh."

Wynn giggled. "You do come over harsh."

Olivia and Steven jumped, not expecting the tiefling prince to be sitting behind them.

"Oh, sorry," he laughed. "Just wanted to keep an eye on Kyzer. And honestly check out potential opponents. If I survive Reyna, anyways. Doubt I'll beat her."