The tension in the Adventurer's Guild was thick enough to cut with a sword. Yami and Garrus stood face to face, the air between them crackling with anticipation.
The adventurers gathered around, some betting on the fight, others simply eager to witness a newbie go up against a Grade 3 veteran.
Lina sighed. "This is a waste of time."
Rei grinned. "Are you kidding? This is gonna be fun."
The receptionist nervously cleared her throat. "Um… If you two are really going to fight, take it to the training hall. No killing allowed."
Garrus cracked his neck. "Fine by me." He turned, heading towards the guild's training arena. "Come on, brat. Let's see if you're as good as people say."
Yami smirked. "Hope you're ready to lose."
Guild Training Arena – The Duel Begins
The arena was a large, open space behind the guild, reinforced with magic barriers to prevent injuries from getting too severe.
Garrus drew his massive greatsword, resting it on his shoulder. "I won't go easy."
Yami summoned his scythe, spinning it effortlessly in his grip. "Neither will I."
The moment the guild official gave the signal—
BOOM!
Garrus exploded forward, closing the distance in an instant. His greatsword swung with immense force, aiming to end the fight in one blow.
CLANG!
Yami blocked with his scythe, skidding backward from the sheer impact. His arms numbed for a second.
He's strong.
Garrus didn't stop. He brought his sword down again, aiming for Yami's head.
Yami dodged, rolling to the side just in time. The ground where he stood shattered from the impact.
WHOOSH!
Without hesitation, Yami countered—
[Reaper's Step!]
He vanished and reappeared behind Garrus, swinging his scythe at his exposed back.
CLANG!
Garrus turned at the last second, blocking with the flat of his blade.
Yami grinned. "Nice reflexes."
Garrus smirked. "You're fast. But—"
BOOM!
He punched Yami in the gut with the force of a cannon.
CRACK!
Yami flew backward, slamming into the barrier.
The guild members winced.
"Damn! That had to hurt!"
"No way the newbie's getting up from that…"
Lina sighed. "This is why I said not to fight."
Rei chuckled. "Nah, he's fine."
Yami's Counterattack
Yami stood up, wiping blood from his mouth. "Not bad. You got me good."
Garrus raised an eyebrow. "Still standing? You're tougher than you look."
Yami stretched. "Now it's my turn."
He activated Soul Devour—and his body surged with new strength.
[Brute Strength (Lesser) Activated!]
His muscles tensed, his grip on the scythe tightening.
WHOOSH!
This time, Yami was the one rushing forward.
Garrus swung—
But Yami was faster.
CLANG!
The scythe and greatsword clashed again—but this time, Garrus was the one skidding backward.
The guild members gasped.
"No way!"
"He's matching Garrus in strength?!"
Garrus frowned. "You were holding back?"
Yami smirked. "Nah, just got a little stronger."
Garrus's eyes narrowed. "I see… Your class isn't normal, is it?"
Yami twirled his scythe. "What gave it away?"
Garrus grinned. "Now I'm interested."
The two warriors charged at each other again—
The real fight was just getting started.