Tensions In The South Province

"Mira!", Givale happily waved towards him.

Looking about Mira watched the blacksmiths hammer metal into various weapons and armor. As he grew closer to Givale he asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I thought it was interesting, so I've been studying it."

The sounds of metal ringing and the red hot glow made Mira look away. Changing the subject he mentioned, "Akiol is back, he has plans to go to the west continent."

Givale's eyes started to sparkle, "The west continent! Another journey!"

Grabbing Mira's hand Givale pulled him away from the blacksmiths. Moving towards the entrance she looked about, "Where is he? He should be nearby! I want to go to the west continent!"

"He's arriving soon! I promise!", Mira allowed Givale to drag him about as she used the link to locate Akiol. 

It did not take long before the the three reunited. Immediately upon spotting Akiol she excited ran about, "Akiol! Is it true we're going to the west?"

"Mira told you?", Akiol was surprised at Givale's energy.

"He did! Is it true??"

"If things work out. Kan'na has to finish with her project first before we can see if it's possible.", Akiol did not make any promises.

Despite this, Givale's excitement could not be contained as she buzzed about. Even Mira could not help but be cheered up by her activity. Akiol caught her head and slowed her movement, "Okay okay, calm down. We have preparations to make first. I also have to make a stop by the South Province."

"Let's go let's go!", Givale freed herself from Akiol's grasp and started skipping towards the South Province.

Chuckling silently Akiol increased his walking speed to keep pace with Givale. With the increased speed it took only a few minutes to arrive at the South Province. The large building had gained a sizeable makeover. It looked shiny, had a fresh coat of paint, and a brand new board with the words "South Province" hung over its entrance.

Even Mira commented, "It's new!"

Akiol smiled and entered the building. Immediately he came into view with several individuals arguing about. The feeling of thick tension was apparent as they pointed fingers. That was until Horrow made his presence known. His commanding voice rang out, "Calm yourselves!"

The voices quieted but Akiol could still feel the rising tension. Looking about Akiol could sense displeasure and anger. Horrow's gaze subdued those who held anger in their eyes, but the flame never died out. 

Descending onto the ground Horrow spoke with a displeased tone, "You all are making fools out of yourself. Have you no respect? The Gated Arena is a place to improve yourself. Not to pick petty fights!"

One particular angry individual spat back, "So you say! But there's nobody here who's helping! I've been itching for a good fight against someone strong. Yet this place, despite being a Province, has nobody worth challenging!"

Immediately another member spat, "Nobody worth challenging?! You wanna go? I'll beat that idea out of your skull!"

"Yeah?! Then let's go!"

"Enough!", Horrow's voice grew increasingly frustrated.

Akiol found himself shaking his head. Indeed the South was dealing with some issues! To think they were actually fighting over something this inconsequential! Even if the South Province lacked skilled Seniors to challenge, that was no reason to be this angry. 

'Perhaps they're sent by someone to make a fuss?' -Stars

This point couldn't be refuted. It was no secret that some of the other Provinces despised the South Province. Yet this underhanded method wasn't like them. Maybe it was someone else? 

"This sort of spat fest you all are performing is shameful! It is your nature to want to improve by fighting more skilled opponents, but that does not give you reason to put down your fellow Province members!", Horrow's lectured continued.

"Says you! You had to rely on outside help to perform in the Arena!"

Akiol took a step forward and asked, "I may not be a member of the Province, but my efforts were for the South Province nonetheless."

Gazes turned towards Akiol and suddenly the one who spoke out quieted down. Akiol wasn't petty enough to call them out and instead continued, "If you truly wish to improve there's nothing holding you back from challenging other Province members. Picking fights amongst each other is a waste of your time."

Horrow made an apologetic expression and directed it towards Akiol. Standing next to Akiol Horrow continued, "He speaks truth. Even if you're stronger than your fellow members you should be happy to accept duels. While you might not improve, your fellow members might during the duel. We work together to raise everybody up. Selfishly improving only yourself by pushing everyone else down is not what The Gated Arena stands for!"

"As expected of a Province Head, Horrow's words ring true. To prove this I've come to visit as well.", another voice echoed.

It was like a cold bucket of water was just poured over the Province. Walking through the entrance was none other than Merin, the Sword Saint! She looked about and said, "The South Province has special circumstances. Right now you have an opportunity. To become a Senior and help your fellow members to improve. Considering that the South Province is currently lacking in this regard, I have decided to come by and offer my assistance."

Her gaze looked towards Akiol. Their eyes met and a bit of surprise flashed through Merin's gaze, "And it seems I'm not the only one."

A bit of an understanding passed between both Akiol and Merin. So Akiol continued, "Indeed! To continue this point, who are the ones wishing to fight someone stronger? I'll be happy to duel you."

Merin smiled, "As will I."

Several requests shot forward as a buzz of activity erupted in the Province. No longer was the tension evident, instead it was excitement. An opportunity to duel the Sword Saint! Akiol wryly smiled as he was entirely ignored as everyone rushed towards the Sword Saint.

Merin looked at the requested individuals and roughly gathered their strength, "Okay that's a lot. Let's make this quick then. . . it seems a majority of you are Second Stage. That works, all Second Stages are to fight me and Star Driven Sword over there."

Akiol rose an eyebrow and sent a message through The Framework towards Merin.

< Star Driven Sword asks what your intentions are >

< Sword Saint smiles! >

'How mysterious.', Akiol commented inwardly.

Relenting Akiol took up the offer, "Alright, I'll join."

Merin clasped her hands together, "Fantastic! South Head, is your Arena working?"

"It's been running ever since your fight with The Azure Phoenix.", Horrow answered.

"Excellent, I don't have to move very far. Third Stages are to watch! You're after the Second Stages."

There was about four individuals who sighed and left the group requesting fights. Merin easily slipped through the Second Stage group and lead them all to the South Province's Arena. Both her and Akiol entered the Arena before the Second Stages.

Akiol flexed his slime and asked, "Is there any plans on working together? Or am I to kick back and let you handle it?"

"Let me handle it? Are you joking?", Merin shook her head, "I think we'll be fine. At least I will be."

"I know you'll be.", Akiol laughed.

The flood of Second Stages all entered the Arena and surrounded the two. As Akiol felt his strength be limited to Second Stage he scrunched his nose, "So this is how it feels. I limited you like this and you still made a fool out of me?"

"I'm more used to it."

Akiol slipped Stars and his scabbard off. Holding it in his offhand he didn't unsheathe Stars. Instead he looked about and spotted the Second Stages numbering in the hundreds. Compared to the Undead they were lacking. . . although that's fine. They're all here to improve after all. Additionally he too was Second Stage again.

Surprisingly he felt his Aura wasn't limited. Silently he wondered if it was the same for Spirit users. This thought didn't linger long. The sound of Merin unsheathing Peerless Edge made him focus onto the battle. Standing back to back the two looked at the hesitant Second Stages. Even with their excitement none wanted to make the first move.

Suddenly both Akiol and Merin darted forward. Since they weren't making the first move, they will! The Second Stages blinked and suddenly found they couldn't spot either of their targets! Merin's footwork was unbelievable, yet incredibly simple. While Akiol's held a complexity not even the spectating Third Stages could understand. 

Akiol arrived at his first targets and immediately they fell to the ground. As they were removed from the Arena Akiol rose an eyebrow. He had used {Way of the Galaxy: Photon Cutting Slash} as a way to test their awareness. Despite the technique cutting through light itself, it could still be sensed via other means. Intuition and spatial awareness was two key weaknesses of the technique. Yet none of the Second Stages even reacted to his swings!

Snapping out of their daze the Second Stages rushed towards Akiol with their weapons. Flowing through them Akiol's body warped and twisted, utilizing his Slime advantage entirely. Launching upwards he then deflected several incoming arrows with a barrage of tiny stars. After the Slime King's death, Akiol was truly beginning to understand how a Slime fights!

Meanwhile Merin was casually cutting down one after the other. She hadn't even been paying attention to her targets. Instead she watched Akiol. Despite his constant movements Merin found she couldn't gain even the slightest bit of insight to how he was performing the techniques. 

All of this was just further increasing her curiosity!