The Competition for Duke!

Travis breathed in the fresh air.

The past several months have gone by at an odd pace. The days seemed slow, but his remaining time was already up.

He had improved drastically, his skills reached another realm. He believed that his current skill was equal, if not surpassed, the top professional players.

It was time for the competition, with his new level of strength and skill. . . he was excited to truly test it out.

More importantly he was excited to finally leave the Abyss, he had been in here for far longer than planned. Although it was still worth the spent time.

He planned to end this quickly, once Flinnder became a Duke he would ask for freedom. Returning to the world and seeing personally how far everyone has progressed.

A portal opened next to him and Flinnder stepped out, "Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

"Good, now let us go."

~ ~ ~

Akiol rubbed his eyes, as he awoke to a new ceiling he sighed. Now that the situation with Yielya had been handled, there was talk about where to live. There was some debate before Wrock offered to get a large house with rooms for them all. Kan'na of course was the first to decline, but eventually gave in.

Everyone agreed that the bills would be split evenly, and they went to their various homes to gather their stuff.

A week later everyone was in a new home, the house was large and had two floors. The walls were mostly white, as many are. The floor was carpet, except for the dining room, various bathrooms, and kitchen.

They eventually moved in and adjusted to the new home.

After doing so, they went back to A World's Legacy. They had spent quite some time away from the game, they were now under the average level. Upon joining and reading up on latest news, the group found that several new dungeons were found.

While most dungeons were mindless, new ones always provided something different. This would provide a fresh experience for them joining while also providing much needed Exp.

The group also needed funds, their backup was almost depleted from the plot charges. Akiol almost had a heart attack upon seeing a pitiful amount of gold in his account.

"Which one first?", Kan'na asked.

Yielya piped up, "Let's do Roaming Titans, it sounds like I might be useful here."

The group agreed and headed out.

~ ~ ~

Travis emerged from the portal. Immediately he was assaulted by a wave of hostility. The amount was a little suffocating, but he payed it no mind.

Flinnder stepped through next and observed his surroundings. He cursed under his breath, "We're unlucky this time."

Travis nearly tripped, "What?"

"This set up, I did some research and this particular set up isn't great."

"I don't understand."

Flinnder pointed to an area, "Through that hallway is a large arena, much larger than the one I used for my Champion selection. This whole place is an ancient treasure, it switches rooms randomly through time. You can usually tell which rooms are selected by the pattern around the hallway. If it's the largest arena. . . then it's going to be a battle royale."

Travis now understood, "I haven't tested my strength against multiple opponents."

Flinnder nodded, "Exactly, in fact I am sure you haven't fully tested your strength in general. Meaning that there will be no duels, meaning no rounds to warm up. The start and finish will be together."

Travis held up a hand, "Then. . . I am going to need this."

Flinnder looked over and noticed Travis' ring. It still held the seal over it by Dimitrin, "Ah yes, this will be beneficial."

Flinnder pointed a finger and the seal shattered into pieces. Travis examined the ring briefly before a touch of relief escaped him. This ring was essentially a full Berserk skill, without any backlash. This alone would do more than triple his strength.

Flinnder then continued, "Since we have no time I shall quickly brief you upon your opponents. I have zero clue on their champions, after all they kept the secrets on them extremely well. Out of all the Royals you have three to watch out for specifically. The Champions of Lord Giften, Lady Rinieva, and Lady Ceral. These are extremely powerful and influential Royals, so if they have expended their resources on a single Champion. . . they will not be weak."

Travis made a mental note and asked, "What about the others?"

"Unless someone pulls a dark horse, you shouldn't have to worry about the others."

"How many total champions?"

"Normally fifteen, but we eliminated my sister early. So you have to face thirteen opponents."

Travis' eyes narrowed, "That might be rough. . ."

"Focus Champion, my success rides on your shoulders. Do not fail me."

"I shall not Lord."

"Good, now let us go."

As they walked through the hallway they were brought into a stand. The view was spectacular, the walls and seats stretched for miles. Various luxurious stands similar to theirs were in different places across the seats. At the very end of the place was a much more luxurious and larger stand.

On four large chairs sat four individuals. They held an air of authority. Flinnder saw Travis watching these four and spoke, "Those are the current four Dukes. There should always be five, so one must have retired or failed."

"Failed what?"

"Even I am unaware."

One of the Duke's held up a hand and all the Royals immediately kneeled. Travis followed suit not wanted to be disrespectful.

The Duke spoke, "We have gathered you all here today to choose the next Duke. You all have used your wealth, luck, and resources in strengthening a single Champion. Today we shall test these strengths. The winner shall naturally become a Duke. Now, upon your name announce your selected Champion's title."

Another Duke spoke up, "Marquees Uvors."

Uvors stood up and spoke, "By the order of Marquees, I select my Champion: Blissful Death!"

A blue screen appeared above Uvors' stand, their Champion's name written on it.

"Marchioness Ceral."

"I select my Champion: Thunder Beckoner."

Travis whispered, "What are these titles?"

Flinnder replied, "These titles are given to keep our Champions' identity hidden. They follow a strange set of rules to uphold tradition."

"Marchioness Intia."

"My Champion: Bringer of Disaster, I choose thee!"

"Marchioness Rinieva."

"My Champion: Flowing Petals. . ."

The names continued on, all holding names of similar tastes. In Travis' mind the status of the Royals dropped slightly. Only one thought was in his head, 'What were these names?'

"Marquees Flinnder."

Travis listened intently, he begged in his heart for the name not to be so bad!

Flinnder spoke, "I choose my Champion: Holder of Trinity."

Holder of Trinity? Was this because of his Eyes of Trinity? Did Flinnder essentially take the name?

There was a murmur among the crowd about the word Trinity, but this died down upon the Duke continuing.

The naming finished and the third Duke spoke, "The Champions will now enter battle. The rules are as following: The last standing wins. Upon your death you shall automatically be sent out of the arena. You may also forfeit, although it isn't recommended. Upon the explosion the battle begins."

Travis pulled out something from his inventory. It was a white mask with a single black dot in the middle. He had a flash of nostalgia before putting it on. It was good to be back.

The Champions were all sent to the arena. Everyone was tense, ready to begin. A Duke raised a hand a shot a small energy looking ball into the air. Upon reaching the middle of the large arena, it exploded into a firework explosion.

Boom-!

Several Champions took off, each aiming for the closest Champion. Travis was one of the targets. A humanoid creature charged at him with a large axe. Travis remembered this title, it was Tyrannical Axe. The Champion of Lord Theen.

Tyrannical Axe swung down while shouting a war cry, "Oriya!"

Travis' sword flashed and a large impact shockwave was made. Travis blocked the axe with his sword, the strength from the axe made the ground under Travis break slightly. Tyrannical Axe was confused, "You just blocked-?"

Travis wasted no time chatting, turning his wrist he moved the axe away. The moment the opening he made was available he kick the stomach of Tyrannical Axe.

Tyrannical Axe grunted and pulled back their axe. Twirling it effortlessly they shouted, "You aren't bad, I shall take you down!"

Tyrannical Axe swung again, Travis again blocked the blow. This time Tyrannical Axe wasn't stunned and immediately made another move.

Using their heels they twisted their body strangely. The axe immediately turned around a full 360 degrees and slammed into Travis.

Travis caught the axe with his hand, his HP dropping a bit. This race. . . he was familiar with it. This wasn't an Abyssal race!

This was the Gyro race, their body was built with the idea of a Gyroscope. Any joint in their body was capable of rotating effortlessly and quickly. This explained how Tyrannical Axe was able to turn to quickly. This race specialized in combat regarding momentum.

Travis grinned, he wasn't the only one who wasn't from the Abyss.