The Grand Duelist

Kayn and his brothers sat across each other in front of a table.

"Sigh... I'm deeply sorry about this, y'all..."

Kayn handed over several pitches of beers towards his brothers.

"Brother, you do not have to apologize to us. You do know that we have nothing to do, right? And if what that bastard Jeric had said was true, we will indeed strike it rich if we succeeded."

A man who sat directly across from Kayn replied with a light smile on his face.

The man looked thin as if he was malnourished, but no one within this group of friends, including Kayn, dared to underestimate this man. The reason was that he was the second strongest man in this group, second only to Kayn who was a player.

Everyone respected his opinion so when he spoke, all of them nodded their heads in agreement.

But their reaction made Kayn shook his head helplessly as he said, "That is not what I am talking about, Alpha. I am apologizing since I made all of you put up with Jeric's farce of being a member of a bandit group once again. Didn't we say that we won't be bandits ever again?"

The men paused for a moment before another man spoke up. This time, it was a man wearing thin glasses.

Just a single look at him would make anyone think that he was a man of intellect and culture.

And you were right...

Out of everyone in this group, he was the strategist.

He could make quick decisions on the fly, though his weakness was that he was a scaredy-cat.

"What you said is right, Kayn. But we will only be going to be bandits in-name. We won't really become one, so there really is no problem."

"You do not have to apologize. So long as Jeric doesn't do any banditry work while we are in his group, there will be no problems at all." He adjusted his glasses with his middle and index finger, looking quite dignified.

Kayn glanced at Charlie, the man who just spoke and a smile lifted on his lips. 

Afterwards, he glanced at the remaining men who were already chugging their drinks.

"What do you think? Roger, Foxtrot, Oscar, Bravo?"

The men downed their drinks in one go.

Roger was the first one to respond as he said with a smile, "I agree with them."

Then, Foxtrot replied, "Me too..."

Also, Oscar: "As long as the bottom-line is not crossed."

Then lastly, Bravo: "I don't really care, as long as we won't be harmed."

Kayn revealed a smile and determination flashed across his eyes. Since they had decided that they wouldn't bother about this issue anymore. Why would Kayn ask more questions that could possibly ruin the mood?

The fact that they were here right now, in this room, together, was enough for them to be happy as they laughed out loud and simultaneously chugged their drinks.

The group basked in such a celebratory air until Jeric returned with the map of the Royal Palace and its vicinity.

"Interesting... This is such a detailed map, how did you get this?" Kayn praised Jeric with a smile.

Jeric shook his head and replied, "You're wasting your praise to me, brother. I didn't do anything significant with the production of this map. If anything, your praise should go to one of my brothers instead of me."

He then made a sidelong glance at the man standing behind him who had his head slightly bowed down as a sign of respect.

Kayn was astonished that Jeric didn't accept his praise but he was happy since Jeric redirected the praise towards one of his subordinates. In other words, it meant that he treated his men like he would treat his friends. He would admonish mistakes, while praised those that deserved praise.

This was a man that anyone could appreciate. Kayn wasn't an exception to this as he nodded his head and turned to look at the man standing behind Jeric.

"To be able to make such a map of a tightly-secured place..."

"It seems like you are quite talented in the realm of reconnaissance."

"You're overly praising me, sir." The man bowed his head as thanks. He was genuinely happy that he received praise from the man whom they would be depending on in this operation.

He glanced at his leader, Jeric and he couldn't help but pray for Jeric's well-being to the Divine Goddess Rhinna, the Goddess whom he worshipped.

"Reprimanding those who must be reprimanded and rewarding those who deserve rewards. It seems like you have really become such a good man, Jeric." Kayn also gave his praises to Jeric.

Jeric laughed it off and swiftly changed the topic: "That's how every organization should work... Uh, by the way. Where is that Charlie? We need his smarts so we can draft up a plan." 

"I'm right here..."

Right after Jeric completed his sentence, a voice rang from behind Kayn, and Charlie, who was in the middle of adjusting his thin-framed glasses appeared in the midst.

"Oh, there you are..." Jeric handed over the map that he was holding to Charlier, but when Charlie received it. He couldn't help but ask, "Charlie... Are you using those glasses because you are farsighted or nearsighted?"

Charlie turned to look at him and smiled, "No..."

"Then, why are you wearing glasses?"

Charlie's smile deepened.

He titled his head to the skies and held his glasses in the middle using his index and middle finger as he coolly said, "That is such a foolish question."

"Of course, it is because..."

"It looks cool."

The air thickened and everyone froze in place.

A few seconds later, Charlie exclaimed in a shrill voice: "Fuck yes! I finally managed to say one of the phrases within my one hundred phrases to say before I die list!" He then leaped into the air and punched upwards with his fists.

Kayn and his brothers facepalmed.

Jeric's lips repeatedly twitched.

He made a sidelong glance at Kayn and found that the latter's entire body was cringing for Kayn was reminded of his dark and embarrassing past as an otaku and chuuni due to Charlie's mannerisms.

Of course, he knew what kind of a person Charlie was.

But he still couldn't stop himself from cringing.

He covered his face with his palm in order to hide his rapidly twitching face.

Jeric hurriedly changed the topic: "Now that I think about it, Kayn. You told me earlier that you and your brother are serving someone else?" His voice was filled with an ambiguous yet berating tone.

Kayn looked at him and gave a languid smile, "You don't have to worry about it, Jeric. Knowing our history with those goddamned nobles, do you really think that we can ally ourselves with them? We would rather die than be a dog of some noble!" He fiercely declared.

"It's good that something like that is your mindset, I don't really want any conflict of interest. But do you mind if I ask, Kayn?"

Jeric raised his head and stared directly into Kayn's eyes.

Kayn was astonished for a moment but he quickly replied, "What is it that you want to know?"

Jeric revealed a smile, "Will your master be interested in the riches that we are about to obtain?"

Kayn's pupils constricted when he heard the question. He wanted to lie to him at first, but since they had a pretty good and long relationship with each other back then. He found it difficult for him to lie to his good friend as he revealed a bitter smile and replied.

"Honestly, I don't really know the answer to that question."

"Just tell me what you think." Jeric insisted.

Kayn made a sidelong glance at his brothers and when he saw them nodding their heads.

Kayn turned his gaze back to Jeric and replied, "I don't think that he will be interested in it."

Jeric's eyebrow lifted, at first. He thought that Kayn must be lying. How could anyone not be interested in those riches that they were about to acquire? Only those that were richer than the Kingdom of Nether itself could possibly avoid such a temptation! 

Kayn saw the change in Jeric's expression and he hurriedly explained, "I am telling you the truth. My master is with that disciple of the Legendary Blacksmith Krid, I don't think that someone like him with such an extravagant asset would feel the need to partake on such riches."

He shook his head at the end of his sentence.

But his explanation didn't have the effect that he expected.

Why?

Well, it was because it further deepened Jeric's astonishment as his eyes widened in shock before he said, "Your master is connected to that Legendary Blacksmith, Krid? If you are not lying then he would really not be interested in those treasures!"

"I reckon that the Legend Krid alone could make them as if he was making instant noodles..."

Jeric made an analogy that elicited a response from Kayn, "Instant noodles? You know about instant noodles?"

Jeric chuckled, "Yeah, it's something that's recently popular among the commoners at the Kingdom of Burning Heaven, a meal can be made with only boiling water and it also has a really long shelf life..."

"Furthermore, it's cheap and delicious so, right now. It's really popular."

"It's now even one of my favorite dishes."

Kayn couldn't help but shook his head with a smile.

Of course, he knew what Instant Noodles are!

He was just astonished that an Artificial Intelligence within the world of Victory knew about it.

Kayn was completely sure that the arrival of instant noodles in the world of Victory was instigated by a fellow player.

But does this mean that one could invent things from the outside world and sell it here in Victory to become rich?

How did I not think of this idea before?

Kayn fell into deep contemplation. But when he realized that he had derailed from his train of thought earlier. He awakened from his reverie and placed the matter about the instant noodles into the deep recesses of his brain.

For now...

What's more, important was to discuss their plans on taking those treasures away.

But before Kayn could ask any questions. A man, clearly belonging from the bandit group that Jeric made, barged in into the room and exclaimed.

"Boss! There's a problem!"

...

"Surrender our valuables or die? What a bold declaration, are you sure that you want us to do that?"

Alice raised her head and stared coldly at the bandit whose body was riddled with all sorts of tattoos. That bandit looked to be the leader of them all due to his strong stature.

Yes, he looked strong, but Joseph was confident that Alice could easily kill him with a slice of a dried tree branch.

Joseph felt incomparably relax and a languid smile could be seen on his face.

He turned to look at the coachman who laid lifelessly on the ground.

He swept his gaze in the surroundings and proceeded to open up his Main Menu and selected the icon with the name of [Map].

He opened it up and when he saw where he was right now, Joseph's languid smile became even more relaxed as he turned to look at the bandit that screamed at them and said.

"You want us to surrender our valuables? What will happen if we don't?" 

Alice made a sidelong glance at Joseph and found an incredibly familiar look on his face.

Such a look only appeared whenever he was teasing her!

In other words, Joseph was in a playful mood as he addressed the bandit.

But just what was the reason?

Alice couldn't understand what was going on inside Joseph's mind right now.

But seeing that he wasn't panicking at all. How could she panic?

The prideful Alice would never let herself panic in such a trivial thing!

Alice assumed a facade and straightened her back. Looking more imposing than before.

Joseph almost chuckled out loud when he saw her acting like him. If they weren't in a strange situation right now then he would've probably taken his time and teased her out of her wits.

But since they had to face this so-called unscrupulous bandit, Joseph set that matter aside and stared at the man.

The bandit frowned.

This was the first time that his intimidation tactic didn't work.

He felt anxious. 

Particularly when he saw the relaxed smiles on the faces of Joseph and Alice. H

e couldn't help but feel that there was something going on behind the scenes that would undoubtedly slap him down if he dared to continue.

But as a bandit with at least a decade of experience in this field, he knew about the vicissitudes of this job, and he knew that without risk, nothing could be gained.

He gritted his teeth and roared once again, "Surrender your valuables or die!"

This time, he even lifted his sword and pointed at the two.

Alice couldn't finally maintain her smile. It turned into a frown as she took a stance and assumed a cold facade. But before she could even strike first. Joseph stretched his hand out and stopped her from attacking. He faced the bandit and said.

"Can we now end this farce?" 

The bandit was taken aback, "Farce? What are you talking about?"

Joseph didn't reply to him.

Instead, he turned at the coachman who was lying on the ground and said, "I said that to you, coachman. Stand up now, I know that you are cooperating with that bandit right there..."

Silence ensued when Joseph completed his sentence.

Alice turned to look at the coachman with a frown and seeing that the coachman never moved.

She took a step forward and sent an attack towards the coachman.

Swish!

A swishing sound reverberated out and the coachman who was supposed to be dead suddenly sprung back to life and avoided Alice's attack by a hair's breadth.

Judging from the speed of his movements, it was clear that he wasn't even injured nor in the brink of death.

Everything was just a farce like what Joseph had deduced.

"Brat... How did you know that I was faking it." The coachman stared fiercely at Joseph.

Joseph lightly chuckled and explained: "It was simple and nothing really out of the ordinary. When we first went out of our way towards Reinhardt..."

"You guided the carriage towards the direction of Reinhardt but after an hour, you slowly diverted from the original route until we arrived in this lonely and silent place..."

"Once we arrived, it was easy for you to signal to your comrades since we couldn't see you from the inside of the carriage..."

"After that, everything was just simply you, acting that you have been killed, and afterwards, your job was to pretend that you were dead until your victims had left the vicinity after they were released by your friend right there."

"And then..."

"Wait!"

Alice interjected.

"Released by his friend? Do you really think that bandits would release their victims?"

Joseph turned to Alice and said, "Did you feel any killing intent from him when he stopped us?"

Alice was astonished by what she heard and enlightenment dawned upon her for she recalled that she didn't really feel any ounce of killing intent from the bandit.

It felt more like he was intimidating them instead of trying to force them into submission...

Joseph lightly smiled, actually. He couldn't feel killing intent. But he knew whenever someone was using such a concept against him. It was because of his passive skills that would always activate whenever he was under a certain amount of pressure such as killing intent.

But realizing that his passive kills were never triggered even after the bandit screamed at them.

It became clear to Joseph that the bandit only wanted to intimidate them.

Alice turned to look at the bandits with a fierce look on her face.

Joseph also stared at the two with a serious expression.

"Are the two of you really bandits? And if not, why are you doing all of these?"

He questioned the two.

The coachman and the burly bandit who held a sword in his hand turned to look at each other. They didn't know what to say. Actually, they were true bandits but since their boss wanted them to please a certain someone when that person visited them.

Their boss made them use intimidation tactics instead of outright killing their victims.

This made him feel conflicted. Conflicted because he knew how easy it was to gain what he wanted if he aimed to kill his victims, but on the other hand, he felt happy because he didn't have to kill anyone anymore just to survive.

It was a kind of catharsis that he had just discovered recently.

If possible, he didn't really want to be a bandit anymore.

If not for the fact that the Capital was in turmoil and he had no other choice but to steal just so he could eat, he would've already started looking for a decent job in the Capital so he could sustain himself without resorting to stealing.

But alas, everything that could go wrong, went wrong...

And here he was again, collaborating with his friend to steal from others, just so he could survive.

The bandit sighed in resignation. Grief flashed on his face as he stared at Alice and said.

"What he said was right, but seeing that look on your face..."

"It seems like I won't be able to avoid death this time."

The coachman was astonished by what he heard from his friend as he said, "What the hell are you saying, brother? Are you giving up now? We've got to run!" He turned around and was about to run, but then his friend replied with a sigh.

"You don't understand it since you are still quite weak in the Way of the Sword, brother. Running against that woman right there is pretty much impossible. I'd rather save my energy so I can jog instead of walk through my journey in the Yellow Springs." The bandit heaved a deep sigh.

Alice raised an eyebrow and stared at this tearjerker of a scene.

Why does she feel like she was the villain in this story? 

She was a victim!

She should be the one that's making such a tearjerker of a scene!

Joseph inwardly chuckled when he saw the dramatic scene in front of him.

He stepped forward and was about to say something when several shadows suddenly descended from above and quickly surrounded them.

Joseph's expression changed, Alice swiftly reacted as she took a stance and cried out.

"Bastard! You actually lied to us?! You were just buying time?"

Joseph also prepared a stance, but when the shadowy figures thoroughly materialized and their outlines transformed into figures that he could recognize.

He was astonished to see a familiar figure within the crowd.

But before he could even say anything towards that figure.

A sword came flying his way and Joseph had to block that incoming attack.

Peng!

A clear sound of metal clashing against each other rang out.

"You bastard, how dare you to corner my brothers like this?"

An unfamiliar man stood in front of Joseph.

A fierce look could be seen on his face as he attacked Joseph once again.

But right as he raised his sword in order to attack. A loud scream resounded behind him.

"Jeric, what the fuck are you doing?!"

It came from Kayn.

Jeric's movements came to a halt and when he turned around to look at Kayn. 

A dull thud rang out and he saw Kayn falling onto his knees along with his brothers as they simultaneously cried out.

"Greetings, benefactor!"

The words that they said thoroughly astonished Jeric.

nuff saidEight-Grade Syndrome.Murphy's Law toujoo!!