This is Just a Game...Right?

Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Last Dungeon

The days pass quickly. Each day, we spar with one another, go hunt for food, talk, and sleep. A monotonous routine, but we each get practice fighting. Somehow, even on a fruit and meat diet, my senses become sharper, like someone took a veil off. I can see things clearer, and I hear things from far away. Rei can control his shifting better now, and can call animals to him. Keiji started out strong, but improved at hand-to-hand combat. Now he doesn't just rely on his shooting skills, and is even on par with Rei.

Today is the last day before the hundredth dungeon raid. I sit down, watching as the two guys spar, which is mostly just them socking each other and rushing away. I yawn. It's sorta boring.

"Guys, could you not spar like wolves, just hitting and running? You need technique for battles, ya know? Tactics like that will get old." I tell them, and they turn.

"Well, it's not like you're the one in here, fighting!" They snap, and I stand up, stretching. I make my way over to them, a smirk spreading on my face. Oh, this'll be fun.

"Is that a challenge? What about a little two-on-one? I have to evade or block all of your attacks. Sound good?" I taunt, and they grin back at me.

"Okay."

"Don't cry if you lose!" They speak.

"Oh, I won't lose. Don't expect me to hold back. By the way, if I knock you two down, I win." I reply. Fists up, I prepare to defend. Keiji rushes me first, intending to trip me with a sweep of his leg. I hop over it, and dodge under his arm, then deliver a swift kick to his back, causing him to stumble away. But he's not down yet.

"Yoohoo! Over here, Lyrica!" I turn, and push Rei's hand away when he makes a grab for me. I brush each blow aside, but he doesn't quit. Until I rush past him, elbowing him in the ribs, causing him to collapse in pain.

"Sorry, Rei." I hurriedly apologize. "But now you're down and out for the count."

"Don't count me out yet, I'm still up." Keiji hisses, and I whirl around, ducking as he soars over me. Oh, so that's how it's gonna be. An aerial battle. I leap up, wings furiously flapping, until I reach his height.

"How's your aerial skills, Lyrica? I've had a lot of practice when I was inside that dragon's body. I'm pretty sure my aerial skills are better than yours." Keiji asks, and I smile.

"Oh, you don't know about half the practice I do for aerials." I grin, and he dives at me. I tumble sideways through the air, and rebound to fly behind him. I elbow his back, and he loses his ground for a second. Now's my chance. I tackle him, flying lower and lower to the ground. Then I drop him, hearing the soft thump that ensues.

"Winner, me. See, you do need some techniques!" I grin, and they both stare at me, stunned.

"Rule number one. You two might've had a chance is you came at me at the same time. Number two, never, and I mean never, underestimate your opponent. Last but not least, blocking. You two just rush head-on, and you never block attacks! That's how I was able to bring you both to the ground." I tell them, and they laugh sheepishly. They know their mistakes. They'll get better. But will we be good enough to face the final boss? I wonder. I shake my head. No, I can't let these thoughts break my spirit. We'll be fine. Of course we will...

This is it. Today is the final day. We'll finally be free from this torturous game and be back in the real world. And we'll live a normal life, just the three of us again. A normal life...can I really go back to one after this? I feel like I'll need more.

"Lyrica? We're ready to head out now." Keiji calls out to me, and I turn back to him, all thoughts cleared from my head.

"Of course! Let's go!" I reply cheerfully, smiling. This is the final battle. After this, we can go back. Be happy. Go back to daily lives, go back to school...that doesn't sound fun. But I can be with Rei and my brother. That's all that matters. Rei pulls out the teleportation device, and Keiji and I take to the skies, racing each other to the town where we're meeting up, Flora Town. I recognize Lily's house from last time, and land down gently. I see everyone already gathered inside, including Rei.