Subdued South

Akiol landed on the shoulders of a Second Stage. With a frown he examined how the group was responding. They were panicked and fumbling, ruining any chance for them to properly exchange blows.

Was this intentional by Merin? By making the fight into and "all versus two" had she created a scenario where both she and Akiol held an advantage? Or was this just the state of the members of the South Province?

The Second Stages during The Arena were significantly better than this! 

Leaping off the shoulders of the Second Stage Akiol took down another two of his opponents utilizing {Way of the Galaxy: Photon Cutting Slash}. Just as his foot touched the ground he flickered out of sight, dodging several incoming attacks and Skills.

Akiol was fighting this way to mostly practice his usage of Aura. {Photon Cutting Slash} was the technique he could closely mimic in the real world after all. Not only did it test the Second Stages' ability to adapt, but it also gave him an opportunity to practice his proficiency with the technique. His current goal was to reduce how much Aura the technique used! 

Morphing into a wave of slime Akiol bent and curved through more enemies. As he passed by Second Stages he even continued to cut them down with {Photon Cutting Slash}. As he reformed back into his bipedal self several Second Stages were kicked out of the arena. 

Merin whistled, "I'm actually being overshadowed!"

With a perfected simplicity Merin increased her pace and cut down even more Second Stages. With the two's proficiency the once huge group of Second Stages now dwindled to a mere 15 remaining. 

Three individuals used Berserk abilities, their bodies undergoing different changes. Merin seemed unbothered however so Akiol didn't utilize his own empowering techniques in response. Casually walking next to Merin he spun Stars and his scabbard within his palm. This show of indifference made the remaining Second Stages hesitate. Only those with Berserk abilities dared to take action.

The three charged forward, strength and speed greatly boosted. Merin took up a stance and suddenly said, "I call two!"

She ran forward before Akiol could glance her way. Chuckling Akiol ran forward as well. Gripping Stars he unleashed several slashes with {Photon Cutting Slash}. To his joy one individual had attempted to dodge, it was clear they could sense the sword moving. However they still lacked enough insight to properly avoid or counter the blade. Thus they were also removed from the Arena. To their credit they lasted significantly longer than their peers. 

Merin also dispatched another Berserk ability user. Leaving just one remaining. Both Akiol and Merin swung simultaneously and rapidly dispatched the final user. To this Merin clicked her tongue, "I called dibs though?"

"I think one and a half is a fair split.", Akiol joked.

The remaining Second Stages all hesitated to make another step. Not everyone had access to a Berserk Skill, considering how easily those with one were dispatched. . . how much of a chance did they have? 

Merin eyed the remaining ones and shook her head, "This is usually what happens. I'm much too busy to give a personalized dueling match per person. Whenever I duel I usually give it enough effort so they can fight back, but even then they end up like this. . ."

Akiol winced as a bellow of air burst across the arena. The remaining Second Stages all were immediately kicked out as if they forfeit. Yet Akiol could tell they all fell to an attack. Despite Merin not making a single move. . .

This was Sword Intent!

"I guess that explains why you had so much fun against Wrock.", Akiol felt a bit of pity for the last Second Stages.

This caused Merin to smile, "I've been looking forward to facing him when he becomes Third Stage. You guys are comrades right? Let him know I want a rematch. I don't consider ties as victories."

"Sure.", Akiol felt Wrock would be quite happy to challenge the Sword Saint again.

"Now. . .", Merin's gaze turned curious as she looked at Akiol, "What happened to you?"

"Could you be more specific?"

"I fought you. I've seen the techniques you've attempted to master. I watched as you limited yourself and your future. Yet I also watched as you destroyed it all, and have come back with a technique I cannot seem to see through."

As Merin's gaze reached Akiol's eyes she suddenly felt her surroundings shift. As if being thrown into space itself. The darkness accompanied only by the light of countless stars. She looked about and the illusion was shattered. Revealing Akiol spreading out a hand helplessly, "I don't remember."

"You. . . don't remember?"

"I faintly recall that I was attempting something. Dedicated decades within my inner reflection to master it. That's about it however. I don't recall what I used nor how I succeeded. When my consciousness came to I had an entirely new technique within my grasp."

"A technique that erases learned techniques and also memories? I wouldn't believe it if I weren't looking at the result."

Akiol slid Stars and his scabbard onto his back and apologized, "Sorry I don't have more information."

"No matter. Shall we handle the impatient Third Stages? I find they tend to put up a greater fight."

"Very well."

This time Akiol entirely unsheathed Stars. In his experience Third Stages were usually of higher skill. Additionally they were spectating the match of Second Stages. There was a large chance they've already seen through the technique of {Photon Cutting Slash}.

"I hadn't expected Xo's request to have me move this much.", Akiol commented.

"You haven't spent much time in The Gated Arena. This much is the norm!", Merin spoke with experience.

Recalling his first experience with Merin Akiol could believe her words. She wasn't a stranger to accepting duels regardless of her opponent's strength. A firm confidence in her own ability. Was this something a Sword Saint needed? 

Akiol had no desire to chase the pinnacle of sword technique. {Way of the Galaxy} was something a bit more than just a sword technique. He would be suffocating his options by focusing purely on sword. Rather his path followed that of Aura!

The four Third Stages entered the Arena and immediately two walked to the edge. Merin immediately caught on and asked, "Not going together?"

"We're here to improve, not to win!", one responded.

Metal fragments formed and fused together on their arms. A pugilist, and by their lack of weapon one of the fist variant. Akiol fully expected the Third Stages to want to challenge the Sword Saint. Yet one approached him, spear at the ready.

"I am flattered you chose me as an opponent.", Akiol truly did feel flattered.

"You're clearly someone who's capable. I'm more than willing to try my hand against you."

The fight didn't last too long. Although they were of Third Stage, they were against the wielders of two Upper Four swords. The respective number one and number two best swords. Naturally their wielders were not so simple either. The other two Third Stage opponents were defeated in relatively the same time.

As the fight finished Akiol sheathed his sword and exhaled, "Your tenacity is on another level if you do this several times a day."

Merin smiled, "It's easier when you're used to Fourth Stage fights."

"I'll take your word for that."

As the two exited the arena there was a silence. A sort of respect for the two skilled members. Merin's gaze barely lingered on anyone specifically, she simply glanced over everyone present. She then spoke, "You all clearly need to improve. Spend time helping each other grow. Enough with the infighting. Once you've improved I will be happy to accept a duel request. Until then. . . behave yourselves. You're not children."

Akiol did not add any words. Merin had laid it out simply. With this Xo's request was fulfilled. Although he didn't expect Merin to join herself. The Sword Saint trivialized the request, that was for sure.

Horrow approached the two and expressed his heartfelt thanks. Now that the tension was subdued Akiol was able to properly examine Horrow. His appearance was disheveled and tired. No doubt from the stress of handling the sudden growth of the South Province. Unable to provide any advice Akiol simply patted Horrow's shoulder to express his understanding. This made Horrow form a tired smile.

As the two left both Givale and Mira slipped through the crowd and followed. Merin watched the two with interest and pointed at Mira, "Your technique of attacking with no momentum was something of interest. I remember trying it against Wrock. It's a very tiring thing to pull off!"

Mira nodded, "I can handle it though!"

"No kidding eh?", Merin chuckled, "I've gotta say it feels like you're a bundle of boundless energy."

She shifted her focus towards Akiol, "You're keeping an eye on him aren't you?"

"There are some things he has to handle himself. I'm making sure he isn't losing himself in the process.", Akiol confirmed.

"That works. . . I'll have to duel him sometime. Along with the young dragon over there."

Givale pretended to not hear anything. 

"If they're up to it.", Akiol spoke loud enough for Givale and Mira to hear.

"I'd also like to duel you. I want to see what this new technique of yours is capable of.", Merin's eyes shone with interest.

"I will ask you to postpone such things.", Akiol turned down the offer.

"Oh? That's a shame.", Merin did not press for info. 

As the Sword Saint she was equally familiar with being challenged and her own challenges being turned down. Not everyone was willing to challenge the peak of sword technique.

"Then feel free to come to me whenever you feel ready. I'll happily fight no matter the time.", Merin smiled as she bade farewell.

"I can do that."

Akiol confirmed that there would indeed be another fight between him and the Sword Saint. He simply wished to improve his usage of Aura and deepen his understanding of A World's Legacy before attempting such things. 

Perhaps in the distant future he would request that duel.