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?!"

right! Only a complete idiot would end up with that alias. Why would an idiot like that even try to fight someone as wise

***

I remember where I've seen that weird

first time. Back then, he had almost ended up with that exact name after accidentally saying the words out loud. Luckily, it had already been

that's the

called Mongrel

his essence through the coils of the Soul Serpent, aiming to

feeling that it wasn't going

***

his next three duels

second opponent he faced today was called Lowph. It was a young man with shoulder-length hair who wore a light armor, wielding

So fast, in fact, that Sunny could barely see some of his movements. The worst part was that this speed did not come from an

he chose to attack, at which point his weapons almost teleported from one place to another. Sunny

opponent as fast as possible, but Sunny was utterly fascinated by the way Lowph used his soul essence, so he lingered, trying to infer details of this technique from

being the

some point, his spear slid between the breastplate of the Mantle and one of the spaulders, sinking deep into Sunny's armpit. The

blade and then retreating to save himself from a retaliatory strike, Lowph glanced at the vibrant crimson liquid

human, after

pain and tilted

"Am I?"

end the fight as soon as possible — not because he was done learning Lowph's style, but because even with Blood Weave, he wasn't sure that he would last long, considering

his brutal battle with Caster, Sunny already knew how to deal with fast enemies. So, in the end, neither speed nor incredible mastery of essence managed to save the young man from

soon as Sunny returned

Very interesting! I have ways to go as far as controlling essence goes,

ended up being only slightly torturous. His enemy this time was named Everain and possessed a powerful sorcerous Aspect

move, while his enemy masterfully weaved the effects of Aspect

rich experience dealing with the Crushing. Even though

duel, however… made him rethink

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

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 turned into long, sharp

a frightening hybrid creature that resembled a predatory humanoid lizard. A split second

hybrid fought with a measured technique of an experienced, cunning, battle-hardened brawler. The effect