Settling a score

Upon hearing Arren's words, The First Sword merely shrugged. In truth he wanted no one to remain within this battlefield before the two finally clashed. That was the reason he instigated the elimination of the three lesser ranks. 

They were but a nuisance within this field meant for thirsty beasts. Seeing that The First Sword showed no signs of intervening, Arren's lips curled into a radiant smile which he directed at the injured Walker 247. Walker 247 meanwhile felt his entire body tremble upon witnessing such a terrifying thing. 

His arm was under immense pain, a blade still firmly stuck between his bones. Furthermore, splinters of the half broken shield had dug into his skin like the quills of a porcupine. With a racing heart he attempted to stand, yet Arren dashed towards him at that very moment. 

"No!"

He yelled in horror, however he was powerless to stop him. 

Bang!

Arren did not hold back upon reaching his prey, he unleashed a feral punch forth, directly impacting Walker 247's rust colored chest plate. The steel groaned under the force of the impact then quickly faltered and collapsed inward.

"Ark!"

Walker 247 wailed as his expression turned wrinkled. He fell onto the orange sand once more, yet with no one to distract Arren this time, Arren did not halt there. He calmly walked to where Walker 247 laid, then ignored his pained groans, choosing to dislodge his weapon first. 

He took hold of his weapon's handle, then twisted the blade a few times to ensure the process would not be painless before finally pulling it out with some effort. 

"Heh-heh, that was stuck quite firmly wasn't it? Walker 247, if nothing else, no one can ever say that you lack sturdy bones." 

Arren said mockingly.

Arren did not proceed to utilize his sword despite going out of his way to retrieve it. He calmly thrust its tip into the sandy ground, then once more turned his focus upon Walker 247. He smiled. 

By now, Walker 247 was cursing ever being born. In his desperation he attempted to roll away, choosing to exit the designated area and face the Record Keeper's punishment than be left to Arren's whims. However before he could, Arren's feet stamped him down, rooting him in place. 

Left without options, Walker 247 fell into despair. 

Meanwhile, Arren was reveling within every passing moment. Having done enough taunting, he pressed his knees upon Walker 247's arms. His prey attempted to resist, yet Arren quickly overpowered him. He then used both arms to remove Walker 247's helmet, revealing the terrified figure beneath. 

Arren beamed. 

"Ready? This is in the name of our friendship!" 

He said, his tone amicable. 

And for all the crap you've said this entire stage!

Discarding the helmet, Arren proceeded to unleash punch after punch. Walker 247 was unable to even resist. His legs wailed about and his arms tensed as he strained every muscle in hopes of escaping Arren's onslaught. Alas Arren's hold on him was absolute, making all his efforts meaningless. 

Soon Arren's hands turned bloody while Walker 247 had his face painted crimson. 

So savage was the onslaught that the Record Keeper had to step forth and command Arren to halt. Arren was not surprised or angered by this, after all, he had already done as promised. Most of Walker 247's teeth were gone, yet his jaw remained firmly attached. 

Seeing his bloody visage still etched with utter horror warmed Arren's heart. 

Ah what a wonderful sight that is!

He thought to himself, satisfied with having succeeded in settling the score. That said, his glee did not remain firm for long, as he felt a sharp gaze aimed directly his way. He turned to face that gaze. 

"Are you done with your fun?" 

The First Sword asked. 

Arren shrugged. 

"I suppose…" 

Arren's eyes glinted with murderous intent as he continued. 

"Now then, shall we settle this as well? It seems today I'm gifted with the chance to pay those which are owed my fury." 

The First Sword did not falter any longer. For the first time, he took a step forward while brandishing his two war hammers. His sinister smile gained a further dosage of vigor as he finally readied to take action. 

Swoosh!

The sand beneath his foot was shot up, then before Arren truly expected it, his eyes widened as The First Sword's figure rapidly approached. When he arrived just moments after, he raised the first of his war hammers high before unleashing it forth within a deadly, ferocious, and perfect vertical arc. 

Faster…

Arren calmly observed. The brash and feisty Second Sword which Arren knew so well had never been this fast on his feet before. Feeling a strange sense of exhilaration, one drenched with nostalgia, Arren's lips turned into a toothy smile as he retaliated with a one handed all-in swing forth. 

Bang!

His sword immediately clashed with the war hammer's descending head, creating sparks of steel which flew forth in all directions. Surprisingly, despite its purpose dictating otherwise, the sword was able to push back the incoming war hammer. 

This was a result of Arren's monstrous strength and not the sword's natural functionality. Yet that small reprieve did not mean the attack was fully countered, after all, The First Sword was a practitioner of the Binary Sword-Style, a master of dual wielding. 

Just as the war hammer and sword clashed, a different war hammer shot forth horizontally, aimed at Arren's abdomen. With his weapon occupied, Arren had no choice but to bring down his arm and use its vambrace to take most of the force which the deadly blow carried. 

The sound of clashing steel reverberated once more, and Arren's figure was forced back slightly. 

Around them, the areas which had already finished their battle's watched on with anticipation. Naturally, they had seen these two clash countless times within the second stage, however so much had changed since then and getting to witness a magicless fight between these two mighty figures filled their hearts with a nostalgic sense of reverie towards the skill of both fighters. 

Meanwhile, within the designated area, Arren's expression hosted a slight frown as he looked down upon the wrecked vambrace. It had done its job well, blocking most of the attack, however in the process a hole was shattered open, allowing for its now jagged edges to bite into his flesh like fangs made of steel. 

Binary Sword-Style users are really troublesome… 

He thought bitterly before wiping away his trickling blood with the padded cloth underneath his armor. He then gripped the hilt of his sword with both hands and entered a battle ready stance. 

Seeing Arren bleed made The First Sword gleeful smile even more radiant. 

"Heh-heh, Already huh? Were you always this susceptible to war hammers?"

He mocked before preparing his two weapons for the second strike. Just like so, nothing could stop these two tigers from baring their fangs at the other, not even if heaven were to fall all over again.