Chapter 17

As expected, most of the participants teamed up on the second half of the contest, considering it is a free for all. And for those like Clifford, who are alone, this was a total disadvantage.

He tried to converse and create a connection, hoping to at least find some allies, but most of the people there had remained aloof.

This did not surprise him, since many of the contenders have become wary of him after his little show during the first part of the match.

Of course, that came with a price, nearly depleting his hp.

As of the moment, he remains with about only half of his life points. And even with his healing, it was taking sometime for him to recover fully.

"And now. For our second event."

The announcer's voice echoed through the coliseum, jolting all of them to their senses, as everyone's attention shifted to the middle of the place.

The earth shook, parts of it rising, forming into a giant stage. The walls followed, creating a maze like structure within the wide platform.

"A free-for-all battle between our remaining contenders!"

The crowd went wild hearing the statements, garnering so much noise that they hardly can hear anything else.

Clifford frowned, seeing how crazed the audience was there. And from where he was, he distinguished that most of the watchers weren't even from there. As many of them had varying clothing, color, and language.

The king was in a special area, together with some people dressed in shiny, eloquent garbs, with chains of gold, shimmering stones, and a lot of guards. Probably envoys from another kingdom of farther.

He can't help but think that the entire thing was not just a means for selection, but also a way for commerce and some other stuff.

"Now, if our contestants please choose an entrance. And we will consider those who reach the center stage for the finals!"

Once the announcer said that, the others began scurrying to enter a specific doorway, having created several so that all of them has a choice.

It seems they're making it look like a fair fight, but he was certain it was to increase the entertainment factor of the battle.

For now, he follows along, taking the closest path he can find. If this was indeed a maze from the get go, there was no telling who they were going to encounter.

He'd rather avoid facing them and riling up their companions.

Once inside, one wouldn't think that it was not made from dirt, as each wall was intricately crafted and quite spacey.

Torches and runes scattered all over the walls, as if eyes in every corner.

Thankfully, parts of his system still worked, allowing him to get informations on what those are, along with copying them. This was the only thing he considered worthwhile, and the why he participated in the first place.

By receiving all those attacks, damages, and magic, he garnered quite a handful of them into his system. Only problem is, he can't use that option because he keeps getting that restricted pop-up.

For the past few hours, he'd been trying to see if an area where he'll have access to it existed, searching for a sort of dead zone or a signal. But sadly, there is no such place there.

Turns out there was a reason his map now showed some kind of golden shading color. And here he thought it's just a glitch.

Once more, he notes it, putting it aside since he could hear footsteps closing in on his location.

Clifford was keen to check his hp. It was still at around eighty-five percent. With his current condition, he was confident he can take any person within a level of forty, but not anyone higher.

But then his blinking screen showed someone of fifty, causing him to groan. He really wanted to avoid conflict as much as possible, yet fate was not on his side.

Three pathways converged into a single entrance and he ended up with two robe individuals, whom he was certain were together, as they were quick to greet each other.

For a moment, they got stuck into a staring competition, until one of them drew a sword. That was when Clifford took a defensive stance.

If it was not for the intervention of the other, raising a hand to stop his companion, the fellow would have already pounced.

"Wait! We are not here to fight you, otherworlder."

The man had a firm voice, but did not show any signs of hostility. And his friend backed away, after receiving a menacing glare.

"Then why join this tournament?"

Clifford's brow rose. Wary and confused why the said group was there. Also, he'd seen their strength and versatility, so he was certain their vitality was near his, making it almost equal if ever they get into a fight.

"We just want the gold they're giving."

The other fellow blurted out because of the long silence which came between them.

That broke the awkward and foreboding pressure to all three, as Clifford was quick to react to hearing that.

"There's a prize?"

His face twisted, unaware of such a thing. Even if he'd consider it, understanding the entire setup of fame and glory. He did not think they'd provide it there, considering the number of participants.

"We still need to pass up to the third test. Else, we won't get anything."

Again the younger guy says, his eyes brimming with enthusiasm and fire.

"So please, sir, otherworlder. Let us have this. We do not wish any harm. It will also greatly help our village."

The older one was keen to follow, noticing how Clifford now poised and relax stance.

"And if we win this, we swear to you that we shall give our lives to assist the heroes in any way."

The youngster adds.

With how the lad's gaze had that glimmer in his eyes, and the way he said those words, he can't say they were lying or anything. But then again, he wasn't putting his guard down, since they were still in a contest, after all.

"That's good to know. So, shall we continue?"

He motions a hand to the entrance, wanting the two to go on ahead.

Both individuals looked at each other with relief. A smile in their eyes, even beneath their mouth coverings.

And so, the robed men were quick to take the lead, rushing to move, searching for the way to the center stage.

Clifford uses this to get around without getting bored. It seems they were good at navigating the place, as they would leave small marks on the wall where they had passed, and would mark it if they repeated the path.

Things remained peaceful between them, and they ended conversing the rest of the way, until they reach a crossing. Wherein several doorways converge through a large hall.

"This is not good."

The older robe man grumbled upon seeing another group ahead of them.

There were a lot of warriors there, blocking on what was supposedly the path to the next area.

When Clifford saw all the blood and pieces of armor on the floor bothered him.

It looks like there was a hard fought battle there, and all the contenders were in a standstill. As no one dared bother to move from their place.

"They won't let us pass."

The youth clenched his fist, glaring at the group.

They remained unseen, as everyone was too busy guarding themselves against each other.

Again, something within Clifford push him step in.

His urge to discover more about his ability took over. As he wanted to see how he'd fare against a mob of individuals with levels above thirty.

"Sir otherworlder. We need to make up a plan if we wish to take all of them on."

The older fellow grabbed hold of Clifford's shoulders, stopping him from taking another step.

Of course, he was keen to brush it off, putting on a smile as he turned to face them.

"I'm not really interested in winning this competition, since it doesn't have any benefit for me. If you wish, you may move ahead once I get their attention."

He says.

He wanted to test how far his alpha dire wolf settings can go against high-level opponents.

From what he remembers, it took all of them to take down the beast, so it piqued his interest if leveled people of that world were a match for such strength.

But it seems the two robe fellows were having a different belief about it. As they ended up frowning at the thought, ashamed at the idea of abandoning the otherworlder.

"But we can't just leave you. These men are dangerous."

It was the grumbling, his brow furrowing and already taking a battle stance as the other group faced them.

"I will be fine. I'm sure I'll get transported to the healing tent once they knock me out. So better not waste the chance while I distract them."

This truth gave him confidence, knowing he won't die. Besides that, he had no interest in going adventuring within that world, as he was determined to find a way out of there.

It's already been more than a week since they arrive there. He worried about his parents and siblings, and what they might think about his sudden disappearance.

The robed individuals got conflicted about what to do. They were adamant to leave, but on the other they did not want to forsake the otherworlder to such an unfair disadvantage.

In the end, they stayed to watch to see if they can at least assist in a way.

They weren't really in a hurry, and they did not wish to let the Clifford fight alone.

"You are quite brave, man from the other world. Do not think we will go easy on you just because you don't have the title of hero."

A contender spoke with a hard accent. As if having a problem talking.

This prompted the others to follow, causing everybody's focus to shift to one person.

"Not to worry, I'm well aware of that."

Clifford did not consider he'd get any mercy from them, seeing the large amount of remains there.

He was certain the group was bound to attack him, considering how they all looked at him a while ago.

With eighty percent in his life, and a few skills in his arsenal. He was ready to test the group's mettle.

First of he was going to see how they'd fare against the meteor strike. Surely enough, several fighters were keen to raise their shields to block him. But he directed his punch to the ground.

A thunderous roar echoed through the place upon the impact, sending stone, smoke, and bodies everywhere.

The few warriors who were far away gasp, eyes widening in surprise, seeing the crater it left once the smog subsided.

That was when all of them decided it was best to surround their opponent and take him on at once.

Clifford was still clenching his fist, checking for any damage to him. Thankfully, there seems to be none, and the amount of destructive power it had was nearly the same as Jack's.

Next he was going to test was alpha's wind attack. He wanted to try a different approach, focusing the skill only on the tip of his fingers. Of course, he restricted the full strength of it, not wanting to cause unsurmountable damage to anyone.

Out of a whim, he posed with both arms crossing on his chest, palms open.

"Forbidden slash!"

He shouts, remembering an attack from one of those characters he loved to read. He then began chopping his hands into the air, sending waves of slicing winds all over the place.

Everybody that remained was in panic, scurrying to find a hiding place, not knowing how to dodge the onslaught of slashes.

The two robe companions ended up gaping in awe, eyed widening as they watch how Clifford took down an entire group on his own.

"That wasn't what I expected."

Clifford's face scrunching, when he saw there was not a single person in sight after his bombardment of strikes.

He turns around, brows raising a brow in surprise upon seeing the two robed men still there.

Both of them remained standing there, jaws nearly dropping if not for the covering in their mouths. Their eyes were almost popping out of their head, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.

"You guys okay?"

He let out a chuckle to liven the atmosphere, especially since his companions seemed stupefied.

The two men quickly snapped out of it, shaking their heads to wake themselves from the grim of shock and amazement.

"Yes, apologies, sir otherworlder."

Both of them were keen to lower themselves, sweating as they trembled in fear of acting like they were of equal to the man a while ago.

They were thankful they did not fight him, else he'd have eliminated them from the beginning.

"I thought you two would have gone by now."

Clifford frowns, remembering he told them to run off once the fighting starts. So it came as a surprise to him to still see them there.

"You did not really give us a chance, sire."

The older states, forcing a laugh as he bobbed his head.

That caught Clifford off guard.

"Oh, it seems I wasn't just imagining things. I didn't think it will be over that fast."

He did not consider he'd have fun acting all super like, that he did not realize he had beaten everyone in a short span of time.

"Are you certain you are not a hero, sire?"

Once again the man asks, his eyes now had this glint of curiosity and doubt.

"Definitely no. If I was, I wouldn't be here, right?"

Clifford's hand was quick to wave it off, letting out an awkward laugh.

Of course, he could have set up his setting to be like that. But then, if that were to happen, he was certain he will end up being bothered by the kingdom in doing some task, ruining his chance of investigating in finding a way home.

"That is quite true."

The youngster nod in agreement.

"Besides, I heard my age is not appropriate for the title."

Clifford adds, remembering that detail he'd gotten from the priest in Barsted.

"Yes, as per history, summoned heroes are always youngsters."

The old one brushed his chin, all the while pondering from digging up that information within his head.

"Anyway, I didn't get your names?"

Clifford, not wanting to address the case, immediately change the topic. Now focusing on making a good impression.

"Galford Frodric, sir."

The elder threw a curtsy at him, with their hands on the side.

"The name's Hallor Steimsgeil, sire."

The younger one followed, doing the same thing.

"Clifford Ortis, please to meet you."

He gives them his hand, wanting to make a shake. But both men were quick to lower their gaze to stare at it, not knowing what to do.

"Oh no, the pleasure is all ours, sir."

The eldest robe warrior gave a full bow, their hands to their chest. The youngster followed his companion's lead, doing the same thing.

It was then Clifford remembered. They have a different custom and manner of greeting there. So all he could do was copy what they did.

"So what pushed you to join this tournament?"

He asks.

It piqued his interest, why the two, whom acted like pacifist, would participate in such a contest.

He understood the part about the gold prize, but he can sense there was more to it than just that.

Both men looked at each other, giving each other an affirming nod.

"It is for our village, sire. We are one of the few settlements found within the borders of the kingdom. So we don't receive much funds from the royals, since we do not produce any resources. Thus, we search for any work from nearby towns or bounties."

It was the elder who spoke. Though he remained energetic and stoic, his head stayed low, not looking straight at him.

"Are you saying you are from Barsted?"

Clifford frowned, remembering the place he came from.

The two men's faces grew wide eyes from surprise. They tried to open their mouths but then ended up turning silent upon hearing footsteps approaching their way. Along with a few voices, causing them to pause and turn to where the sound was coming from.

All of them swallowed hard, when within the shadows emerge ten individuals. It was the black and colored knights together.

They seem oblivious to them, chatting without a worry, until one of them glimpse at their group.

"So they were allies."

Clifford pursed his lips from the sudden dread engulfing them. A heavy atmosphere took over the entire place when there was a standstill.

"It seems like our lucky day."

A knight in the dark states, his voice reverberating underneath the helmet he had.

Though they could not see their expression, it was clear they were all smirking at them, seeing as there were only three of them.

And from the looks of it, they did not seem friendly. With each of them unsheathing their weapons, letting out a chuckle as they began taking steps forward.

Clifford squints, bearing in mind the level of each, as they were within the range of sixty and seventy.

And their items weren't ordinary at all. Both their armor and weaponry differed from before, as they now dawned the word special.

He can't help but think, when did they change and how did they do it, since he had been checking them all this time?