The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 56: Fake? (Part 3)

**

Veranvanter and Endithalia:

"What the hell!?" Vanter almost jumped out of his seat, spilling much of the drink he was holding. Endi's reaction was the same as the two of them stared at the large screen. They were in the lounge reserved for invited guests, resting after looking around the convention space and tuning in to Erin and Aria's panel.

"That can't be can it?" Endi looked to her brother.

"I-I don't know. It definitely looks like him," Vanter frowned. "Shit, what the hell is going on."

The screen shifted to the panel as Aria who had made the same reaction as Vanter stood. Erin pulled against her sleeve, bringing her back to reality.

"S-sorry, I'm just really surprised," Aria said as she sat down.

"Why's that?" Doctor Retch asked.

"My brother should be sick at home," Aria tried to laugh. "From what we knew, he wasn't participating."

VV let out a bark of laughter, "Well looks like he pulled a fast one on you."

"Yeah...," Aria faced the screen again and the view changed back to the where the two players were squaring off.

Endi frowned and gripped her brother's arm, "Vanter, is it a fake?"

Vanter grit his teeth, "The account... it can't be fake. Player accounts are DNA matched and the management team wouldn't make a mistake by having a fake A.Friend join."

"Then who's controlling it?" Endi began to think hopefully. "Is Ardent actually here somewhere?"

"He could be connecting from anywhere...." Vanter eyed the screen. "Let's see how he fights. If it's really Ardent then we'll know."

The screen lit up. Both players chose not to change the tournament stage, leaving it as the simple stone surface. They moved to their positions. With the mask, it was hard to tell what A.Friend was thinking. Ready? 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Battle Start! Bon-Hwa smiled and pointed his sword at A.Friend.

"I've always wanted to fight you," the Korean champion made a show of spinning his blade around him. "They say you're the best of the best. Let's prove it."

A.Friend simple looked at him, a ghost of a smile echoing in his eyes, "People say what they want to. Actions speak louder than words. I'm also looking forward to what you can do."

"Well, the clocks ticking," Bon-Hwa leapt forward in a sudden move that would have caught many players off guard. His sword struck straight towards A.Friend's neck. The blade however was deflected at the last moment as a dagger suddenly appeared in its path.

The fight erupted from there. Bon-Hwa took the lead, using the longer reach of his sword to push A.Friend back and force him to stay where his dagger wouldn't be able to strike. It was a tactical choice but one that didn't seem to faze A.Friend. Each time the blade appeared to strike, with the simplest move he deflected it and though some scratches began to appear against his armour, his health bar had barely moved at all.

"Let's see you handle this!" Bon-Hwa changed his stance, his sword lit up and green energy expanded its width and length. Not only had the blade suddenly become harder to dodge but each of his strikes swept energy towards his target.

A glint of challenge entered A.Friend's eyes and instead of dodging away he leapt forwards. The sharp wave of energy cut into his side but he ignored it as his dagger lunged towards Bon-Hwa. The Korean Champion grit his teeth as he was pushed to defend despite using his skill. His movements were limited as the dagger continued to strike, the increased size of his sword only proving to hamper his ability to move it in time. The dagger cut into his armour time and time again, and though it did minimal damage, his health bar began to fall.