Chptr 32 Gem vs the Experts

Meanwhile, Unknown was telling Gem to do her best during the duel. He then prohibited her to avoid using the skill she used during the Naga Invasion no matter what, "I don't care if you lose. I just want you to show them your capability and give them a battle they could always imprint in their minds."

Nodding her head, Gem went straight to the duel platform and waited for her enemy to appear.

Peerless entered the dueling platform and was looking forward to Gem's performance especially the way Unknown treated her. As she gazed at Gem, she saw a fully prepared stance of her so she also did a fighting stance.

The battle commenced and Gem instantly dashed towards her enemy unbefitting the role of an assassin. Her first attack was a very wide slash towards her opponent. It was easily blocked and Peerless aimed a powerful blow towards Gem's stomach but was evaded as Gem did a somersault.

Whilst in the air, Gem gave a stab at the back of Peerless reducing a chunk of health. Being a genuine expert, Peerless didn't mind the health she has just lost as she activated the skill [Berserk State] and gave Gem a powerful punch in the stomach. One-fourth health was instantly gone from Gem sending her a meter away.

Peerless didn't give Gem a time as she dashed again and launched [One Ton Punch]. Before it could hit her opponent, Gem, who was in mid air maneuvered and used Peerless's arm as a platform to do a quick backflip. She safely evaded the skill attack of Peerless.

Back on the ground, Gem was side stepping while getting nearer towards her enemy. She was casually slashing her daggers while moving. When she arrived in front of Peerless, she attacked furiously without holding back. Peerless also went all out with her attacks, she was even using every skill she has on her arsenal.

Clanking of weapons and the hurried footsteps can only be heard during the entire battle. Both attacked without holding back, they also defended like hell and sometimes, parried like their life depended on it. It was a very spectacle battle, it was as if they were watching a never ending action movie.

Ten minutes of intense battle and Peerless prevailed with three quarters of her health remaining.

Both of them exited the duel platform and Gem was wearing a sullen face. Unknown acted like he didn't notice it and instead looked at Dark Skull, "Guild Leader Skull, your turn?"

Dark Skull stood up and entered the ring waiting for his opponent. Unknown coldly urged Gem, "Go Gem! Give that Guild Leader a good fight."

Though having a sullen face, Gem still followed the order. She gripped her weapon and composed herself as she readied herself from the upcoming duel.

Once again, Gem showed the might of her talent as she attacked the guild leader of the Soaring Phoenix with preciseness and decisiveness. A pity, that her talent was nothing compared to the experiences and expertise of her opponent.

The battle was raging on and Dark Skull was only using his sword to defend and parry. But once in a while, he would also attack. He was thoroughly observing his opponent. And as he was intentionally prolonging the battle, he witnessed how insanely talented Gem was as a newbie.

Being content with her performance, Dark Skull aggressively attacked Gem with three basic combos ending the battle after twenty minutes of playing with her.

"It's my turn now," Thorn Lily smiled full of grace as she looked at Unknown.

"Don't bother, even if you want to impress the Vamp, you won't be as astounding as the kid on stage," Dark Skull reprimanded his sister.

"But..." Thorn Lily wore a sullen face after her brother showed his threatening gaze.

Gem was on the verge of crying but the Unknown didn't even console nor pitied her. The members of his guild glared at him. Unloved Woman wanted to comfort her child and reprimand the Unknown. Even the others were urging her to stop the maltreatment of her child but she just looked at the man who had saved her and her daughter from the dept of despair, "I trust him!"

"Vamp, is she okay?" Wild Flavor asked pointing at Gem who was still on stage.

Unknown just nodded and gave Flavor the signal to go up the stage.

"See how your guild leader treats you? Why not just join us instead?" Flavor was still trying to recruit Gem but the kid didn't reply as she readied her stance. Once the battle started, Gem threw her dagger towards Flavor. As a long time veteran on the battlefield, Flavor didn't even bulge as she aimed her bow towards the flying dagger and hit it marvelously. As she was about to send her second arrow, Gem gave her a kick on her belly.

Not stopping for even a second, Gem followed her enemy and unleashed a series of attacks. Flavor received everything not even defending herself. The battle raged on as if Gem was bullying Flavor and this made Gem so ecstatic thinking that she has already won.

Only a quarter of Flavor's health remained when she just stretched her bow without an arrow despite the continuous barrage of attacks she was receiving. And in the next instant, the members of the Forgotten guild except their leader was flabbergasted when they saw the match ended. Flavor was the only one standing on top of the dueling platform.

"What happened? How did I lose?" Gem didn't know how she ended up losing. All she knew was her enemy was on the verge of collapsing.

"It was a skill called 'Peerless Arrow,' one of the most treasured skills of an archer at the early stages of the game." Unknown replied to her as he added, "You still have a lot to learn but those are impressive matches you've shown."

Matches continued as Once Jewel and Blood fought courageously and decisively towards their opponent. Though they lost, they were still praised by their valiant battles.

"Ladies and gentlemen, since it was my loss, I will settle all the matters with you anytime you want," Unknown looked at the big shots who participated in the little competition.

"Good! I'll be needing your presence in a while then," Dark Skull smiled at him as his sister and Drac followed him out. Of course, Thorn Lily gave him a wink before leaving.

"Now, I can have my own little house in this game," Peerless Saintess said as she also walked out.

"I'll be messaging you in game soon regarding the meet up," Wild Flavor smiled and bid goodbye followed by Berry and Flower.

"Gem, Blood and Jewel, follow me to our guild meeting room. You should also follow us, Iron Bash," Unknown ordered as he kept walking away with a lot of things in his mind. The whole guild followed him despite hearing the order that only those who were mentioned should follow him. Even Silent followed suit.

Inside the meeting room, an assassin, berserker, a paladin, a knight and a mage were seated at a round table, "Honestly, the battles you showed were unsatisfactory. Not because you dealt damages to your opponent during your battles meant you are already capable then you think so highly of yourselves!"

"You guys are pathetic! Keep those heads of yours low. They only gave you good comments out of their respect towards me! But truthfully, you three are nothing! Weak!" Unknown dissed the three as they felt wronged. Gem, the youngest was even starting to sob. It was hard for her as a kid to swallow the insult she was hearing. But Unknown was Unknown, he would never go easy on those people who think that they are capable when they aren't. Also, he wouldn't care if they hated him for doing that but at least he's showing them about the cruelty of the world especially to a kid like Gem.

Once Jewel was fidgeting her fingers with her head low while Blood was afraid of even lifting his head. Iron Bash on the other hand was sweating too much and was very scared. Although he didn't join the battles a while back, he felt like he was also being scolded because he was incompetent. Unknown looked at them again and told them that they needed to live in the same area so he could train them and give them an opportunity to have a foothold in the game. He gave his address to them and it was both their choice to either stay with him or give up the opportunity.