Lightning Is the Only Way

The other participants watched Gravis first in surprise, but then in disdain. He was obviously afraid of the fight. Only the very few participants who had seen what had happened that day knew that he actually meant what he said.

"Why not?" asked the Guild Master of Earth. "Don't you want to prove yourself?"

"No," Gravis simply answered. The Guild Masters waited for him to say more, but apparently, Gravis was finished.

"Nothing? Really?" asked the Guild Master of Fire, confused. He was in tune with the element of fire, so he was naturally hotblooded. Who wouldn't want to prove themselves by suppressing someone else publicly? "Well, nothing we can do about it. Let's just get back to our guilds."

The Guild Master of Water didn't want to let the chance slip to give her future disciple a better reward. "You have to fight. We are still in the entrance exams. So, go out there and fight!"

Gravis narrowed his eyes. "You told me I am not allowed to fight in the tournament, and now you tell me I have to fight?" asked Gravis, annoyed. "So, you are just playing around with me as you like?"

The Guild Master of Water got angry again. "Listen here, you runt! We are still in the entrance exams, and if you want to join our guild, you have to follow what we say!" she snarled.

Gravis didn't relent. "And what's that got to do with you? I'm not joining your guild anyway. I have proven myself enough already!" Gravis also grew more annoyed.

She clenched her teeth. "You little-"

"Hey, come over here for a second," said the Guild Master of Lightning and politely pushed Gravis to the side, so they could talk where no one else could hear them. Gravis just looked at the Guild Master of Lightning neutrally.

"Put yourself in our shoes for a second," he started whispering to Gravis. "We need to uphold an image of fairness and justice. You might not care about what others think about you, but to us, it is important due to our position. If we don't quell the disciples' unrest, they might start looking down on us," he explained sincerely.

first you tell me not to fight, and then to fight. To me, it looks like I am just getting pushed

and you're right. Could you just do me this little favor? You don't even have to fight really. Just punch him once, and he won't be able to move

"Alright, but only because you're my future

Guild Master of Lightning gave him a thumbs up. "That's the spirit. Thank you! I won't forget this." Then they both turned around and walked back to the others. The Guild Master of Water was still

The Guild Master of Lightning just gave a thumbs-up, and the Guild Master of Earth

like he owned the place. "Alright, who's my opponent?" asked Gravis as he looked around, apparently not noticing the big guy in the middle with the

should be able to judge that he was the strongest of every participant here. Sigur took out his spear and pointed it at Gravis as a provocation. "I am your opponent!

BANG!

in the gut. Sigur immediately puked out the contents of his stomach and keeled over, seemingly

Gravis as he turned around to get back to the

his knees. He was still not able to breathe, and his whole body hurt immensely. He vomited a couple more times, and cold sweat was breaking out all over

They had not seen the attack coming, at all. One second, Gravis just stood there,

looked at the spectacle with slight disgust. Gravis didn't even let the guy posture before he punched him. This was rude and a little dickish. Why did nothing go its

win with

a fight to the death," Gravis

to the death," the Guild Master of Lightning said back, with another

a spar when a spar is not dangerous to your life?" Gravis

collectively. They knew where Gravis was coming from, but why did he have to be so serious in something so insignificant?

a shout from Gravis' back, as a spear shot towards him. Sigur had gotten control over his body back and was furious. He had shouted and stabbed his