Second Match

"Who's ready for round two?!"

The crowd cheered in response. Many fans waving flags of their favorite Guilds.

The holographic man lifted his hands to his side, "Now who's fighting during the next match?!"

As before two holographic boxes appeared and names began to move at incredible speed. They then stopped, the names as follows:

Raven Thread:

Steelish

Red Marionette:

Setting Star

The crowd cheered at the names. Ever since Infinity Base's Guild Leader came back and took control, their position rapidly declined back down to the lower numbers. Thus Raven Thread quickly took back the position as the number one Guild in their continent.

Their fans were in no way small. The majority of the crowd were fans of Raven Thread. So the response of their favorite Guild being chosen was quite positive.

In actuality the act of the teams being chosen was scripted. The matches were predetermined, except for the victor. However keeping the spectators in the dark lead to more excitement. Especially when their favorite teams were 'chosen'.

There was one exception to this however. That was the arena chosen, this was truly randomized.

The man snapped, "Brilliant! Now what is the arena?"

A giant wheel spun until it stopped on a name:

Arena:

Tree Forever Weary

A small smile appeared on the man's face, "Then without further ado! Let the match. . . Begin!"

The hologram rapidly changed to the new map. A giant field, save for a massive tree in the middle. It was impossible to see the top from the ground. It's leaves covering the landscape in shade.

Two players spawned on the opposite sides of the tree, both unable to see the other.

Henry quickly began, "And it begins, to start off the map provides ample time for both sides to begin their preparations."

John continued, "Setting Star is a Variant of the Sorcerer class: Magus. Built specifically for battles like these a Magus specializes in short casting times and multiple spells. Far more suited than the other common magic classes for combat."

"Meanwhile Steelish is a Variant of the Thief class: Rogue. Which specializes in speed and agility. Designed for more frontal combat than its other Variants."

"I believe Variants definitely provide a lot more diversity in battle ever since it was discovered. Besides that only rare and unique class changes exist, meaning everything was around that or rare skills."

"And we get to see two of such Variants fighting. Now that they aren't fighting right off the bat we can make a few predictions. Why don't you start things off John?"

John cleared his throat, "It truly depends who can lead the flow of the battle. If Setting Star can maintain proper distance then Steelish wouldn't be able to win. However if Steelish can take the lead. . .", John trailed off to allow Henry to add.

"Indeed, with two classes built around light armor whoever takes the lead in the beginning has essentially won half the battle! Meaning this battle isn't going to be an intense fight, it's going to be a short conflict!"

"However don't be dejected! For getting the first hit in and leading the combat is no small feat! We are talking game experts here, they won't just stand around! I have a feeling that the most intense part of the fight will be the beginning!"

Steelish took a step back and admired the towering tree, "Tree Forever Weary. Towering above all with none to match. Facing the tribulations of the wind alone. Worried at any moment it may fail and fall. Stand strong, for many relish your protection."

John chuckled slightly, "It seems Steelish is the poetic type. Praising the tree with words instead of focusing on the match."

Steelish suddenly was startled. For a system notification appeared in front of him.

- Defense +10%>

The commentator's attention was drawn to a monitor screen next to them. In order to provide quality commentary they were given a monitor that informs them of the Skills used by the players, along with other tidbits of information. So they were made aware of the sudden buff.

Henry was quick to react, "And it seems that those words had triggered something we weren't expecting this early! An Arena effect! Hidden conditions will provide with small buffs that could potentially change the battle's flow!"

John continued, "With such words towards the tree Steelish had triggered such an event. Now gaining an additional ten percent in defense!"

Some murmurs spread across the crowd. Questions appearing throughout the chat.

Those responsible for managing such a large event grew panicked at the overall negative view on their hidden effects.

-Really.? So someone could accidentally get some random effect that wins the battle? Isn't that unfair?

-Boooo, what is this?!

-Disappointing really, are they trying to replicate some nonsense buff many novels use?

Just as they were rushing to figure out how to change their outlook, Steelish spoke a few words, "This blessing, I do not deserve it. However I'll take it gladly, if my words can provide a bit of comfort then that is reward plenty. This blessing, I'll be sure not to let it go to waste."

It is worth noting that Steelish had no small amount of popularity. Before the rise of the newly created VR, he was already popular in other games. With his sweet. . . words the negative opinion on the hidden effects were drowned out by support.

-It's technically earned is it not? How is it any different from a Title that gives effects? Just because they earned it now doesn't make much of a difference.

-As long as it isn't my pure chance, but rather actions that deserve it. I can accept it.

-Steelish~ Marry me please!

-Oh god the fanatics!

Steelish closed his eyes and breathed in the sweet air. He was always amazed at the level of reality such a game could provide. Even with the ability to change the level of pain one felt, it still was incredibly immersive.

Steelish was an exotic individual. Someone who loved to say words that sounded nice, though sometimes he makes no sense. With a world so brilliant and different Steelish wanted to be fully immersed.

So he made the level of pain max.

This was hardly done by anyone, save for the party. With the full immersion he naturally was afraid of getting hit. Because of it his talent blossomed and he grew exceptionally skilled at combat. He opted to go for speed to maximize his ability to dodge, avoiding pain whenever possible. At anytime he could reduce this, but that would ruin his immersion.

Currently hardly anyone knew this, for he kept it to himself. So it seemed like he merely was incredibly talented in combat. As he grew he made an incredible realization. If he killed his opponent quickly enough the danger of getting harmed was eliminated. Thus Steelish rose even higher, becoming one of Raven Thread's top combatants. Making him eventually earn his place in the Official Competition.

He placed his hand around the grip of the sheath of his dagger. He slowly drew it out, a deadly gleam forming in his eyes. Setting Star nodded to himself, he had completed his preparations. Various magic shields and emergency spells ready to activate at a moment's notice.

Taking a quick breath to steel himself he prepared for battle.

Henry spoke, "And it seems like Steelish is making the first move. Currently circling around the tree."

"Even though the Rogue class isn't designed specifically for stealth, they still have some Thief moves in their arsenal!"

"With some proper movements Steelish could surprise Setting Star!"

Steelish slowly crept towards where he assumed his opponent would be. From the information given to him his opponent was a Magic Class, meaning they would have little defense and HP.

He planned to use his speed to quickly eliminate them, winning the match.

He stealthily moved forward, senses alert to any changes.

Setting Star suddenly looked towards his position. Raising a hand a handful of runes appeared at his palm and a lightning bolt shot forward. Steelish leaned back and the bolt missed him, his hairs tingling from the electricity. He wasn't sure how, but he was spotted. Immediately throwing away all sorts of stealth he used his high speed to charge forward.

"And Steelish was spotted! Throwing any attempt of stealth out of the window. Now leading towards a direct confrontation!"

Setting Star quickly prepared several spells, he had expected this much. He already deduced a plan to lead Steelish into a trap.

John leaned forward in his seat, "Amazing! Setting Star is actually multi-casting!"

"Making it look so effortless at that as well! Casting multiple spells requires your attention to be split. Thus increasing the difficulty of properly casting the spell."

"Yet Setting Star is actually simultaneously casting four Skills! Truly the level of professionals!"

"How will Steelish handle this?!"