IT'S finally his turn – Lian Sen thought as he creaked his neck from left to right.  He stretched out his arms forward and black gauntlets appeared on them.  They weren't bulky like usual gauntlets.  The design was also quite simple.  They didn't have any gems or spikes or any kind of accessories.  Just simple gauntlets with black metallic sheen.

Despite that, it still looked heavy.  Probably because people had this readied idea that such things were particularly heavy.  But in truth, it almost weight like nothing.  In fact, it felt like he was just wearing sleeves or something. 

It was all thanks to the person who made it - Vulcan.  He bought it at Forge Etna.  The first moment that he saw it and tried it, he knew that that the gauntlets were the perfect weapon for him.  It was a bit pricey.  But it didn't matter.  The best things - whether it's a car or an in-game item – deserved to be priced high. 

And these gauntlets were worth every crystal coin that he used to but it.

Liang Sen stepped on the rink, facing his opponent in this match.  The guy standing opposite had medium length black hair.  His eyes were bent into crescents, as if he was in a perpetual smile.  It was to the point that Liang Sen couldn't even see the color of the other's eyes.

He was not sure if this Winged Tassel wanted to appear friendly and approachable.  But in his eyes, the other only looked, well, creepy to say the least.

He remembered that this opponent was in the same Autumn area as him during the prelims.  But the two of them did not meet until only four participants in their area remained.  So, he had no idea what the other was capable of.  Or even what his race was.

Just based on appearance, one could say that Winged Tassel was a human.  He didn't have any traits that would make him otherwise.  But then again, there were other Rare race in the game that had very close appearance to humans.

Well, whatever.  Not that that mattered anyway. 

The Duke of Hearts floated in the middle of the rink and then announced with a flourish, "The seventh match – Winged Tassel versus Black Cat!"

After he said that, he flew back to his chair that was floating up in the air.

Liang Sen really wanted to look up to see just how high up in the chair the duke's chair was.  But he stopped himself from doing so.  Or he might just be the perfect example for the saying 'curiosity killed the cat'.

He took a deep breath and then dashed forward.  He was a Berserker, so, all his offensive attacks were melee.  He wouldn't be able to give the other damage if he simply stood at the same place. 

Winged Tassel, on the other hand, did the exact opposite.  He just stood in place, waiting for his attack with that creepy smiley face.  But even if the other was not doing anything, that didn't mean that he would stop his attack.

When he was halfway through, he punched the floor.  With the force of the punch, the floor cracked and rubbles of stones scattered about.  It made for a good smokescreen, hiding his presence.

He had already calculated the distance between the two of them.  So, he knew where exactly he would attack to reach the other.  With the help of the smoke, he easily reached Winged Tassel.  Mana accumulated in his right knuckle.  When he was finally at an attacking distance, he raised his fist and threw a punch.

But the expected sound of fist hitting flesh did not happen.  Instead, a metallic clang echoed around the rink.  And then a strong gale of wind appeared out of nowhere – no, its origin was actually the guy standing before him – and cleared the smoke and rubbles around. 

Once everything was cleared, Liang Sen finally saw what his fist hit.  It was a sword – a katana, to be exact.  Very fitting of the other's costume. 

He wasn't too affected that his attack had been stopped.  Of course, it was better if it didn't.  But this was just the beginning.  It would be too boring of a fight if it ended so quickly.  But he was curious to know where that wind came from though.  And so, he asked.

"Was that wind a skill of yours?"

"Not quite," the other answered in a friendly tone, but that smile on his face turned that friendliness into something like a snide remark.

"No offence meant but has anyone told you your smile is kind of creepy?" Liang Sen couldn't help but asked.

Winged Tassel chuckled.  "How come whenever someone says that, they always meant to offend?"

"Really?  I'm not though.  I'm just curious," Liang Sen answered honestly.

"Then the answer is 'no'.  Maybe there's just something wrong with your eyes."

This time, it was Liang Sen's turn to chuckle.  "Now that's news to me."

Then, he swung his other hand, punching the other's side.  If Winged Tassel used his sword to defend then Liang Sen's other fist that was still in contact with the blade would go straight to the other's face.  But Winged Tassel didn't do that.  He simply moved the sword in a very ingenious manner. 

He twisted it down while the gauntlet was still on the blade's surface.  As he did so, he managed to guard his side from the incoming gauntlet.  After he did that, strong wind surrounded the katana.  Then, it pushed out towards Liang Sen.  And pushed back he was.

It was not only that, the wind was as sharp as a blade.  Liang Sen had to crossed his arms over himself to protect himself.  His gauntlets deflected the wind.  But his legs were still hit.

That was only for a moment though.  Because he quickly jumped up.  He was about to attack Winged Tassel.  But to his surprise, he couldn't find him anywhere on the stage.

That's when he felt a hand grabbing his neck from the back.

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