Shadow Slave

"An incredible win by Lord… uh, by Mongrel!"

Looking at the cloud of blood rising above the arena, Syclus couldn't contain his enthusiasm.

Today, there were no simultaneous duels, as there were only thirty-two contenders left. Each battle was intense and exciting, and received the full attention of the commentators.

Looking at the cheering audience, Dimi laughed.

"Indeed, indeed… Mongrel did very well against No Wait. That Aspect of his is a real menace, believe me. I've been on the receiving end of those explosions way too many times!"

Dimi had been one of the first renowned duelists of the Dreamscape, back when it had been just growing popular ten or so years ago, so he was talking from experience.

Syclus glanced at the chat, knowing that it was a good time to involve the viewers in the discussion. Coincidentally, he noticed a comment concerning something that he himself was curious about.

"Yeah, very devious! But, Dimi… don't you feel like Mongrel behaved a bit out of character today? I mean, he practically called a respected Dreamscape veteran an idiot. With how noble, dignified, and chivalrous Mongrel usually is…"

Dimi thought for a bit, then shook his head.

"You see, Syclus… I respected Mongrel before, but now I truly admire him. It takes a very talented fighter to quickly recognize a battle style, true. Mongrel is talented... but he is also wise."

He smiled.

"Because it takes a very wise man to quickly recoginze an idiot. And make no mistake, this guy is a complete buffoon! Believe me, I have the misfortune of knowing him pretty well. I mean… only an idiot would end up with an alias like "What? No, Wait!"... right?"

Instantly, a deluge of comments flooded the chat:

"True! Mongrel is so wise!"

"Wise, deadly, and handsome!"

"How do you know that he's handsome, fool? He never takes off that creepy mask!"

"You mean SHE is handsome? Wait, that doesn't sound right…"

"...Can someone ban that troll already?!"

with that alias. Why would an idiot like that even try to fight someone as wise as Lord

***

I've

next duel when he suddenly remembered how he had entered the Dreamscape for the first time. Back then, he had almost ended up with that exact name after accidentally saying the words out

the guy!

being called Mongrel

he sat down and circulated his essence through the coils of

had a feeling that it wasn't going

***

was right. None of his next three duels were easy, although

a light armor, wielding a round shield and a spear. His technique was impeccable, but the most dangerous

fast. Very fast. So fast, in fact, that Sunny could barely see some of his movements. The worst part

insane speed constantly, the young man seemed deceptively slow until he chose to attack, at which point his weapons almost teleported from one place

to do was to kill the deadly opponent as fast as possible, but Sunny was utterly fascinated by the way Lowph used his soul

ended up being the

the Mantle and one of the spaulders,

retreating to save himself from a retaliatory strike, Lowph glanced at the vibrant crimson liquid on his spear

human,

pain and

"Am I?"

— not because he was done learning Lowph's style, but because even with Blood Weave, he wasn't sure

Sunny already knew how to deal with fast enemies. So, in the end, neither speed

wound disappeared as soon as Sunny returned to the black

Very interesting! I have ways to go as

only slightly torturous. His enemy this time

soon as the fight started, it felt as though a mountain fell on his shoulders. Sunny was barely able to move, while his enemy masterfully weaved the effects of Aspect Abilities into an already swift and lethal combat technique, making for a truly deadly

[Feather of Truth], which diminished the burden a little. More importantly, he had a rich experience dealing with the Crushing. Even though

third duel, however… made him rethink

time, his enemy was a friendly-looking guy with a funny alias, Dynisor. Weirdly, he wore simple garments instead of an armor and wielded no weapons. At first, Sunny fought

as the voice of the Dreamscape announced the start of the duel, his opponent… changed. His muscles suddenly ballooned and shifted, ripping through the simple clothes. His skin glistened, becoming covered by metallic scales. His nails grew into terrifying talons, and his teeth

Sunny was not a human, but a frightening hybrid creature that resembled a predatory humanoid lizard. A split second later, the creature was already

a Nightmare Creature and was as strong and fearsome as one, the hybrid fought with a measured