Oliver's pov, third fight

[Oliver's POV]

After the conclusion of William's second fight, I'm sure he saw my reaction. Truth to be told, I was eager to see how he would face his opponents. Never have I expected such spectacles. I wanted him to see my face, as I wanted him to explain himself in the future. Although, I highly doubt that an explanation is needed. He put up a facade, the same as me. The question is, why did he drop it now? Isn't he aware that I was going to see it? Does he trust me that much? If that's the case, then it's even better. I can mimic understanding, and tell him that it's completely normal. That way, he will trust me even more, becoming an ideal pawn. I have this guy read like an open book. He is smart, but not so smart to figure out my plans or my personality. I am looking forward to what he will say to me when we get to talk.

[Michael's POV]

After seeing the next fixture and taking a break, I have yet again been guided to my next match. Immediately upon reaching the fighting area, I noticed that my opponent had a gun. A modern gun, just like in my previous world. I didn't recognize the model, maybe a P250 if I had to guess.

Unfortunately for me, this was the moment I was thinking about. Even if unfounded, the irrational fear of guns was instilled in me because of my previous world. I had to choose between obtaining another art or simply fighting in the most efficient way possible. Again, most likely because of the fear, I decided that I should end this match as fast as possible.

In front of me didn't stand a young man with a serious attitude, but an opponent I had to defeat. I had to win as fast as possible. Unlike the arrows, bullets can't be dodged and travel almost instantly. If I had to win, I had to do it fast and by not letting him get a clear sight of me.

Determined, I waited for the start and immediately started running toward my enemy, in a zig-zag-like pattern. Careful to keep my trail chaotic and intricate, I changed directions, accelerated, and decelerated as I deemed fit. I was extremely lucky that my opponent was a beginner who didn't seem to have prior experience.

In little time, I was relatively close to him. This worked both ways, as it was much easier for him to aim the gu if I was closer to him. Hence, when the distance between us was roughly 5 meters, I had to tank a bullet with my palm. The pain was very sharp, but my stats were above what was considered supernatural, so there should be no lasting damage. And because I had done that, I managed to take control of the gun and successfully end the fight.

I have two matches remaining. Things could only get harder from now on. I was almost in the top 10%. Now, I could no longer encounter an easy opponent, and my cheap tricks will no longer work. I was already injured, for the first time in this tournament. And I'm sure it won't be the last. Considering the circumstances, chances of winning this tournament are slim, indeed. I thought that maybe I was at the peak of my respective rank, and with my stats, I could easily force my way through, at least until the first 8, but it looks like that was not the case.

Because of the fact that I focused on finishing this duel as fast as possible and didn't spend excessive amounts of time taunting my opponents, I had quite a bit of time left until my next match. I thought about meeting Oliver, to whom I had a few things to explain, but I decided against it. I didn't need any distractions, and I had to rest.

In the large room, I received a healing potion from one of the medics.

It looked and smelled quite good, similar to tropical fruit juice if I had to give an example. After drinking it, the pain in my palm went away quite easily, and I felt energized. These potions were quite effective. I wonder if there would be a skill to create them. If there was, I needed to get my hands on it as soon as possible.

I spent the rest of my break regaining my energy and, before I knew it, it was time for the next battle.