Chapter  8 - Because i like you 

[ Royal capital Arena ]

The announcer Shouts impressed by Variys's Power Demonstration , just few Moments Ago The Arena Was Filled with Warriors , now most of them are knocked out after he blasted them with is New Black Lightning Spell .

" Waaaaaaaaaah ..what a show ... That man … What a power .. Look closely ladies & gentleman, this is what the Magic tournament is all about . Almost everyone are down and only four people are left .

Wait... Wait a minutes ... There is another one who isn't down yet . I don't believe it . That Sword woman is getting up . It seems That we are going to have a 5 people standoff . So who gonna claim the 1 million coin prize .Who's gonna be this Year winner i Wonder !!! "

The crowd Shouts & Cheers as only 5 fighters are left in the arena .

" oi Sword woman ... What's your name " said William As he addresses her . it seems that he doesn't remember their encounter , although it happened just few months back .

She hesitate to answer at first , after all , it pissed her that he didn't remember her name , could he be this narcissistic or did he do that kind of act so much so that it's almost normal for him , either way this doesn't change anything . she still hold a grudge against him for taking partwith the attack .

" My Name is uraka shizone . Daughter of uraka Haizar !! "

" uraka shizone huh ... where have I heard this name before ??? , p lus you seem quite familiar , well at any case … Are interested in making a deal ? " he asked

" A deal You Say "

" Yeah. We don't Care about the Price , we are here for this Demon . So how about You help us take him down and you Can have all the prize for yourself . Sounds Good Doesn't it ? "

Shizone is speechless as she didn't see that one coming .

" You bastard ... Don't you have any honor .. " Said variys as he is having a hard Time standing After he used up almost all his Magic power

" Huh honor you Say . What does a Demon like you know about honor . This is going to be your grave , filthy trash ... "

They both stares at each other for a while . But just as William is looking down on variys …

" i refuse . " Said shizone while stepping forward

" Huh . ?? "

" you Heard me . I don't know what's your problem with this men but there is no honor in such a fight . Everyone here are on their own and i will not pick a side . "

" you bitch ... Do you even know who you talking to "

" Yeah . I know exactly who you are & what you did , You used to be the people's chosen one , yet you have turned your back & sacrificed your honor for the mountain witch . I have no intention what so ever to make a deal with someone like you !! "

" woman ,careful what you say next . It might be your last words ! " said William as a scary look began to shape on his face .

' I don't know what's going on , or why they are after the demon but i have to be careful , those two black knights , I haven't seen them the other time , but they seem to be on the same side as him , meaning i have to make a plan to defeat them all " she thinks to herself

She takes a step back and grips her sword ready to fight . she strike the same pose as her father did , and that somehow was just enough to refresh William's memory as he just remembered

" Forget about it , i was ready to give you the prize but now you pissed me off …. Huh… that pose …. Could it …. Aaaaaah hahahahah, I think I have just remembered who you are , aren't that little girl who couldn't protect her father. I totally forgot that you were there the other day ," Said William laughing Wickedly & shizone grinds her teeth in anger & decide to charge at him only to reconsider after The black armored Knights steped forward volunteering for the fight but William stops them stating ." No . I will take Care of her . You guys go and make sure That The trash over there doesn't move "

Soon After That , William charged back at her with all his force , both their swords start clashing against each other , she managed to Block every attack he make but it's clear That he have the upper ground as she keeps Moving back, After all William sword is the Excalibur ,so it's a lot bigger and more Powerful than her Katana .

" What's wrong woman . Where did your spirit go . All That talk about honor and taking sides . All you Can Do is talk .huh , I'm gonna enjoy breaking you ." He Shouts while swinging his sword Sideways .

" Uuuh what a power . he really is going for the kill …. and his Sword is way bigger than mine but somehow it is also faster , at this rate …. I'm gonna lose in no time so i can't just keep blocking his strikes , i have to be faster , Breath …. Breath ....Sacred Sword Breathing Technique …Third Formation : MIRAGE !!! "

Suddenly William Saw Her Jumping in the sky trying to cut him down , but that wasn't the real shizone , that was her first special trump card , using her breathing technique while moving so fast enough to create an after image . but he doesn't know that yet .

'' what a stupid thing to do , leaving yourself unguarded '' he said as he waved his sword slashing her , but the moment his sword came in contact with her , she unexpectedly disappeared ,leaving him wondering where did she go , but he quickly caught on as he felt a swing coming from a side , it was way too sudden for him to see her attack yet he managed to avoid that slash by jumping back few feet away all while smirking

" That was close hahahaha . but you are not fast enough"

She smirks back and he swiftly feels a sting on his cheeks , followed by drops of his blood falling down

' what …. What is the meaning of this …. I'm sure I dodged her attack …. How did she managed to scar me ??? " he thinks to himself not sure what just happend . he then looks back at her confused , and she said with a smile

"What's wrong . Where did your spirit go ?? "

" You..... Damn you .... Damn you woman .. die .... HOLY SHAFT !! " He shouts as he swings his sword releasing a Huge white blast going straight at shizone Yet she stays calm . slowly lifting her Sword up

" Sacred Sword Breathing Technique : Seventh Formation : White Tiger cut ! " she said while swinging back her sword down , cutting through his attack like it Was a Piece of Paper Thus Deflecting it to nothingness

" That's Impossible ... How did you ? " William is Almost speechless , That was One Of His Strongest Attacks . & now he can't underestimate shizone anymore & decide to go full power on her.

The whole crowd Cheers from excitement

" Woah That woman , she is not so Bad ... "

" Way to go swordswoman . "

" Hurry UP and Finish her . "

" Fight … Fight … Fight …. "

" Naomi onee sama that woman is definitely strong "

" Yeah she is going toe to toe with William , she is not so Bad at all . but I'm worried about variys kun .he doesn't have much Magic power left in him . If he doesn't find a way now . He might lose more than the Tournament "

" Can't you Help him with enchant . Naomi san " asked her cana

" I'm afraid i can't . There is a Magic barrier between us and the fighters to protect the crowd from the impact and also to not let any interferences from outside . No magic spell would be able to go through this magic barrier "

" So you mean , variys sama is .... "

" Yeah ... He is on his own "

Meanwhile

Variys just saw what shizone Could do and he was impressed by her power and the way she is fighting William

" not Bad at all . I was worried about her For a second , but it seems That she Can handle herself pretty well . Huh what disgrace . Me . A Demon lord , I'm almost on knees while a young beautiful girl is fighting for her life next to me, What the hell is wrong with me … Well at any case . i guess i should take Care of my share too " variys then looks at the knights While they stand before him .

" so i guess you two are not the talking type huh . "

They both start approaching him without saying a word . one of them pulled out his Sword while advancing slowly & in an instant lightning went through his whole body , the other one did the same thing , only he is some sort of a shadow magic user since there is pure darkness forming around his body covering him from head to toe . variys is caught by surprised but not impressed .

" Lightning and shadow magic huh , . fine by me . let's go !! " he said while pulling out his Sword and rushing towards them at immense speed .

He started Throwing blows with them as hard as he could . But the lightning Knight is too strong , his hits were way Too rough for variys to handle and every Time he tried to step back to leave some space , The shadow knight was there to strike him Down . He kept taking the beat from both of them at the same time as he didn't know which one he should take care of first .

" Variys sama ... "

" This is Bad . At this rate he won't last long ."

" So what Can we do "

" We can't do nothing even if we tried . He has to come with a plan right now & surpass his limit " said Naomi .

they kept bashing him up left and right and all he could do was block as many hits as he could , but the more time passed the weaker he got , & the harder it became to dodge .

' Urggg . I can't even block their movement . Shit, i have to figure out a way To flip the tables .If this keeps up … I might really die in here . No i can't let That happen . There have to be a way , There has to be some spell That let me Regain my power & win The match . but I can't do enchant , What Can i do ... What should i do . I can't die here not by the hand of these… just when I got a second chance , this is not fair , unjust ….Huh !!!! Unjust !!!! '

And as he getting beat to a corner , he suddenly remembered …. A spell . a second incantation that he gained After he got out of the dungeon . A spell so Powerful and dangerous he had to think twice before using it . a one so risky He prohibited himself from using it unless there is no other way since using it might have a dangerous outcome not only to him , but overall to anyone around him

' it seems That i have no choice but to use That .... I never wanted to use it Because it's basically a technique That put other people in danger . But i was never the good Guy in this world so …. No wait . ever since the fighting began , the crowd haven't been effected by the spells used by the magicians , could it be that there is a magical barrier that separate the fighters from the crowd , if so then this makes my job a lot easier , so if i use this spell carefully then maybe .. just maybe .... '

right then he jumps back to put some distance between him and the Knights .

" Hahahahahahaha well done for putting such a fight . However . Playtime is over weaklings . I will now show you a portion of my true power " he said with pride as he lifted his hand up

" Dark Magic : Reverse Lustitia !! "

all of a sudden a Smokey shadow appears behind variys taking the shape of a tall woman. That Woman Is Lustitia , also known as Lady Justice . She emerged behind him wearing a long White dress & a golden blindfold while holding long scales & but just as she appeared with her white aura giving a holy presence silver scales , however that atmosphere soon changes as her dress ignited in black flames thus turning it black and the blindfold disappeared showing her red eyes , soon after Dark aura start floating in the arena so much so that some people in the crowd shivered in fear .

" wha... What is that " said cana

" I See ... So That was his plan all along ."

" What do you mean Naomi san "

" I Heard of That spell before . A dark incantation That allow it's user to collect Magical power from every living thing around them . "

" So your saying that .... He is taking mana from around the Arena . "

" Yeah ... from there at least since we are protected , But this technique Comes with a prize ! "

" What do you mean ??"

" There is a limit to how much Magic power Can the person takes . It will give him as much power as he need . But … If he takes too much he Could not only hurt the people around him by absorbing all their life force , but also Himself as he can over-use his body . " said Naomi

" So if variys sama took too much he Could .... . " " Yeah . If he uses this technique for too long . He will definitely …Die !! " " but there isn't much mana in his section ?? will it not work , Am I right ?? " " That's incorrect , just look at all the knocked out magicians aside , even though they are blacked out , their magic mana still exist , which mean it's still available for variys to take …" " Wait , this means !! …. " Naomi Stares at him With a Smile drawn on her face saying

" Yeah , he's gonna have one hell of a Power Up !! "

Back Down , Variys is now taking Magic power from all the knocked out magicians & hunters, he looks at unease since he clearly started to reach his limit , it happened way faster than he thought .

" Damn . i forgot That i was in the middle of Arena full of magicians . This is better , or worse than i thought hahhaha . However now I should have more than enough mana to take them both out "

As He Collected all the mana he needed , his Physical Form Suddenly increased & vains came out from his arms & neck , Red aura start going through his whole body and his eyes lighted up from too much life force , he feels such immense power that he can't help but to put an evil smile at the knights standing at high alert ready to have another round …

On The other side . William is fighting shizone , He keeps Throwing blows with his Sword in fury while she blocks almost every hit thinking to herself .

' This is Bad , i have to figure out a way To take him down , but i can't create any distance . he have seen both of my best technique so far , yet a scratch is all I could do , but I still have that !!! If i Can have enough space between us i Can take him with my Special Sword Technique '

" How dare you . You worthless bitch !!. You fucked up my face & now I'm gonna make you pay . " Said William in anger as he kept bashing his Sword against hers until she grew weaker and Fragile . Each Hit Put her closer to the ground . she need to find an opening or else …

…

" Naomi onee sama it looks like the Woman that was behind variys sama moments ago have disappeared , his Magic power also seem to have returned ! but what now ? "

" Well , Let's wait and see . He probably has one other card under his sleeves . " she said as she stared at variys from the crowd .

' alright i have enough Magic power for That attack ! , i should probably be able to take them down . But After That i have to take Care of William . Or else that woman is dead meat . ' thought variys to Himself while His body was letting out huge magic power .

the black armored Knights Gets ready to attack him both at the same Time but not before he makes another incantation . Creating A huge Black Magical Circle where he stand , so Catchy & prominent That turned Everyone from the crowd to variys's side of the arena

" hey ! look Over there … " " What's that …. Magic spell !! " " Are we going to see something amazing right now ?? " " I don't think so … that man looks so beaten up . After all he took down all the Magicians …. There is no way he have more mana left in him " "" didn't he just summon a ghost lady just seconds before…. Maybe that is linked to what's' happening right now !!!

variys , now radiating black & red Aura from excessive mana , so much so that his muscles tightened & his veins became visible through him , Stares at the knights with an evil look on his face , " Let's Do This ….

Meteor Jamming !!! "

suddenly he disappeared leaving nothing but traces of demolished rocks After him . It's like he's Moving so fast the ground can't keep UP with his foot steeps pace which led it being destroyed after him ,

The shadow knight turn to the lightning knight and stares awkwardly . Like he's wondering Where did the demon go and as soon as he turns left he's hit with punch from the other side sending him crashing.

The crowd goes crazy shootings and screaming , William turns to see variys just punched a knight through the wall..

" This is .... Impossible .... How .... "

" You should pay attention To your opponent " shouted shizone as she attacked him but he blocks her attack with an irritated expression not saying word

" Sister , why is variys sama glowing and why did he turn red ? " asked Celestine .

" It's Because of the spells he did moments ago . Reverse Lustitia . he's consuming so much energy . His body turned into a vessel for Magic power . He is now 10 times faster and stronger . But the more time passes the more people will get hurt . Including him . "

" So this spell is like a timer . "

" Exactly . He has to finish his opponent before his body lose control . "

Variys looks at the lightning knight with a devilish grin " so . i guess your next huh ?! "

The second knight doesn't reply , instead spark of electricity goes through his Armor & Variys smiled . " Alright Then . Let's fly . " he said as both of them disappeared leaving no trace, soon after shreds of lightning stroked down in the arena they start clashing in the Sky . Left and right . " Woaah they are Moving so fast i can't even catch them with my eyes . " Said Celestine shocked by their extensive speed alongside the rest of the crowd .

They start Throwing blows at each other . each one striking the other to try & knock him to the ground , but at this point they are almost equal , almost that is until variys manages to make a clean hit on the knight sending him down to the ground . As he is descending from the top to finish him off the shadow knight suddenly appears out of nowhere hitting him from aside redirecting him away .

" Tsssk .. so your still standing huh " he said with a vexed tone before he lunches back at them , and this Time he goes for them both simultaneously , they all start Throwing blows UP and down . Almost destroying the magic barrier that was protecting the crowd . Variys seemed to start to get the hang of it …. but then variys felt an immense pain clutching his heart followed a shock " Urghhh . My body , i can't take any longer " thought variys to himself , & in that exact moment of pain , he let his guard down , leaving enough time for both knights attacking him with a long range spells . He briskly gets back to his stand and managed to block both their attacks using his enchant " wall of protection '' thinking that it was over he lets off a deep breath but they charge again leaving him no time to rest

" Variys sama watch out !!! "

" They cornered him ! Damn it " said cana

As they both attack him from each side using their full force , a huge black Smokey shadow and a lightning storm is seen in the Arena . Few moments later , the smoke started fading away , and people thought That variys was done for . only to see him standing with his head looking down to the ground and his arms crossed grabbing them both as he managed to block their attacks with his bare fist at once using the last bit of meteor jamming he had left.

" This is ... He is not down ... The demon is still standing . He blocked both their attacks . What a man ... What a fight ... " Shouted the announcer .

" Variys sama "

" Don't worry Cele he won't go down That easily . On the opposite . He already won the fight "

" what … how ? ! "

" hahahaha , now i got you both " said variys laughing wickedly .

Both Knights try to move back but he already grabbed them both with his grip & he's not planning on letting go ,

" it's useless Fire Magic …..

Great Fire Of Destruction !!! "

suddenly a huge explosion burst out in the middle if the arena blasting both the knights away knocking them out unconscious.

..

" Woaaaah , i can't believe it he took down another 2 opponent in a single attack !! at the same time !! This man is unstoppable . he is one a whole other level ." Said the announcer

" Woaaaah another New spell. Variys sama is so awesome . "

" So true. He is full of surprises . "

" Ara ara . He never fails to amaze me .... But ....." said Naomi

As variys stands and tries to show off , his whole body trembles and falls to the ground on his knees .

" Shit . I'm already at my limits "

" variys sama "

" That man . He made many Powerful spell & it led him to this situation . He might be Stupid but he is no coward . " Said shizone

" What did you tell me about focusing on your opponent huuuuuh " Shouts William as he jumps to attack her .

" Shit. I wasn't paying attention ... "

She takes a step back all ready to get hit by William

Suddenly his Sword is blocked by another Sword . And he looks up to see variys smiling but clearly beaten up.

" Yoo Blondie . did you miss me " said variys arrogantly

" You bastard ... Why don't you stay down "

" I was planning on taking a nap over there . But i saw That you were about to kill this young beautiful lady so i couldn't just stay down "

" So you're playing the hero now huh "

" Hero you Say ... That was never my attention . But man cannot stay quit while a lady is in danger"

Shizone looks at him speechless .

" Don't try to play cool . Your Magic power is almost at zero . You can't take me down " said William still trying to force his sword on him .

" Yeah …. your probably right …. "

William smirks

" But then again . I don't need Magic power to take you down . "

" what ? "

Variys makes William steps back by swinging his Sword as hard as he can .

" Ooiy Sword woman . "

" My name is shizone "

" Whatever ... I can't take him by Myself at his state and it seems That you're having the same problem ..."

" yeah that seems the case . so what are suggesting ? "

" A truce . We Can fight each other as much as we want After we take him down "

She stood silent for a moment . Think about it then steps forward

" Very well . I shizone Uraka . Promise you i will not fight you until we take him down "

" Hahahahahahahahah so two cockroaches decided to team UP and fight me . Big deal ! " said William as He lift his Sword stating " I'm gonna Finish you both with one hit .'' followed by scream so loud that the whole Arena shuddered

" Holly Magic ….. : ''

" Shizone "

" Yes "

" You still have some cards under your sleeves "

" I got enough for one more attack "

" Good . On my signal . Hit him with it as hard as you Can . "

" But how are we supposed to dodge this ?? … "

" Leave it to me !! " he said as he goes straight for the light coming at him which caught shizone of guard ..

'' Final Flash !!! " , '' Shouted William While heaving his Excalibur with all his might , blasting them with a Holly Beam so big it shattered the ground as it went towards them . but variys & shizone doesn't stand back , instead variys takes a step forward , he is on something , but what could it be ….

" Wait variys dono "

" Variys samaaaa "

" Why is he heading toward the Ray . It Could kill him " said cana & Naomi realized what was on his mind

" Don't tell me ... He's planning on making another .... Don't do it variys kun you will die " she shouts but it was too late as variys already jumped head on to the attack made by William .

" Hahahahahahah ... Idiot . You will die . Nobody Can manage to block this attack or survive it . Die you filthy demon " said Williams laughing but he quickly stopped as Suddenly Darkness Began to eat up That light .

" What .... What the Hell is going on ... My attack is being absorbed ... No it's not ... It's being transported ... But to Where .... " He said only to see variys's face emerging from the darkness smirking .

" You bastard …. Don't Tell Me You … "

" BLACK HOLE !! "

" No no no no no , this can't be happening " Shouts William " Now shizone !! signaled variys as suddenly She jumps over him swinging her sword Chanting

" Lightning Magic : Dance of a Thousand Lightning Bolt "

Before disappearing leaving lightning traces behind her shattering the ground …

" No wait .. this ... I'm ... Please wait ….." said William as he knew That he can't possibly escape this attack . And he was right . she went right through him striking him down with that artillery stroke blitz.

" Graaaaaaaaaaaaaah " he Shouts in pain as lightning went through his Armor right before dropping him to the ground passed out . all while shizone is standing behind him giving her back to variys .

" As we agreed variys Dono . With him down there is no need for a truce . We Can now fight to the fullest. Prepare yourself " she said while turning around.

Only to find variys also knocked out on the ground unconscious from being worn out and going over the limit like he always do . .

quietness is drawn in the Arena until The announcer Breaks That Silence with a loud shout

" It's ..... over . It's OVEEEEEEEEER !!!! "

the crowds also shouts After him applauding the victorious , shizone.

" We have a winner . We have a winner … the last standing warrior. everyone are on the ground passed out , expet for the swordswoman. What a Final ,what a show . What a fight !!!!! The Sword Woman Takes The Price !!!!!! "

Shizone is speechless and displeased to say the least since this is not how she wanted the fight to end . The Win was given to her by variys and she wasn't even able to claim it back. yet The crowd is all happy and excited as they char for the winner except for 3 girls .

Celestine and cana shreds small tears and Naomi holds them to ease them up saying that this was a fight variys got in for fun and experience , she is sure That he learned a lot from it . There is no need to be sad Because if he won all the Time then he would never reach his limits . ''Only by falling we learn how to stand UP Again . '' with that the tournament was over , the king headed after the fight without having an end speech for some reason , followed by one of his high ranking knights asking him . '' your majesty , what about the speech ?? '' '' that won't be necessary this time , I got what I came here for ?? '' he stated while leaving the arena heavily guarded . whispering '' Soon Enough , it's Only a Matter Of Time …''