"System of Dueling, First Part" (021)

- Enrokonai City, Monday, 2:01 pm -

There appear to be significant changes in the Enrokonai City Duelist leaderboard and their current scores.

"He rose to the top 50 Duelists in just two weeks? That's a significant step forward." Our heroes were in the main Dueling City's resort, where significant duels were still taking place, as well as leaderboards and scores from various diversities.

"Yeah, but many Duelists have given up trying to keep their ranks since this trend of frequent leaderboard fluctuation began two weeks ago." As Ayuka stated, the situation became a little alarming.

"It almost sounds like you're attempting to deceive us by giving us the impression that it was Tim's fault."

"I wish I could say no to it, but Codey, it's insane, and he hasn't been to the consortium in two weeks."

"Don't tell me you think that because Tim has lost a few Duels, he has fallen to the dark side of Dueling. We all know that if he had dueled, he did it for the sake of having fun. Not only that, but that individual arrived two weeks earlier, supported by civilians."

"I know, and I wish I could simply forget about it," Ayuka said. "Though he appeared to be only trying to guide the civilians, Tim had fought every Duelist from the thousands down to the top 50."

"If he'd tried something like that, I'm sure several newscasts would have been put onto televisions across the city's network. And none of it occurred, implying that everything has been proceeding according to plan."

"M-Maybe you're right..."

"Ayuka, Codey! Quick!" Iva dashed through the sliding door, stressing out both Ayuka and Codey.

- Enrokonai City, Monday, 2:05 pm -

Elliot was surrounded by individuals who were constantly crowding around him, and soon Elliot stood opposite of Tim, who was holding a body, and without hesitation threw the body on the ground, perplexing Elliot.

"There, I've made it into the main ranking system; now it's Elliot's turn." Elliot felt extremely uneasy after exchanging their gaze with the body on the floor.

"Can you tell me what's going on out here?" Iva, Codey, and Ayuka dashed in from behind, witnessing the crowd around and supporting Tim's Dueling status. Ayuka and Codey are both under duress.

"What exactly are you attempting to persuade us of? Don't you see how you beat that guy down like a toy? You have no mercy on the Dueling! You reaffirmed that dueling was for fun in your perspective, whether you won or lost!" Kylin spoke up, taking a step closer to Elliot.

"Kylin, don't be impatient, I know you're eager to fight me, but it's not your turn. It'll be your turn as soon as I beat Elliot down, and you guessed it, it'll be you, as well as all of you." When he looked at his buddies, their eyes widened in surprise, and various concerns arose.

"What the hell are you talking about? There's no point in attempting to demonstrate to us that you're a superior Duelist. We haven't gone into Dueling at all, and our scores haven't even risen to the top 100." Codey inquired, perplexed by the situation they had found themselves in.

"No? Yes, you are correct. But if I can beat all of you, I'll know for sure that I'm permitted to stay in the top 50. Because everyone I've dueled thus far has been as weak as I expected, I can't claim to be in the top 50 without a challenge. Plus, I could do some warm-up work for the high-ranking Duelists before I take care of everyone else."

"Are you so fixated on a few setbacks? Our goal wasn't to get a high rank in Dueling, but to find some sort of antidote that would allow the World to return to its former state." Tim continued to deny it even after the declaration.

"Who said I couldn't have a little fun beating up on the weak ones, excluding you, of course? However, if I do win and defeat all of you, you can be classed among the weaklings."

"Tim, I was surprised to see such a dark side of you. Aren't you supposed to be defending the world and dealing with the bad guys? So, what's the deal? Unless you're doing it for the fortune, you're boosting your rankings when it won't have any effect on the future."

"Trying to persuade me to change my viewpoint, eh? I see what you're saying, Codey, but you can hold off a little longer. I'm going to beat up Elliot first, then decide who to fight next."

"Are you actually attempting to defeat all five of us?"

"Yes, considering the tournament rules, let's make this a five-round Duel. If one of us disarms, knocks unconscious, or is pushed out of the line, the person who gets closest to the marks wins."

"What happens if we say no?" Kylin pondered, his gaze fixed on him. "Then I'll strike without warning, and it'll be worth it. You can do whatever you want if one of you wins. Death is also factored into the equation."

"Kylin... Because he appears to be quite decisive in this case, there is no benefit in declining." Iva exclaimed, concerned as well.

"Oh, and pressuring you to do something doesn't work." Tim reached out and called his sword, whirling it and putting it on the boy's neck. "I'm going to slice his throat. So it's either you want to fight me or this one is over."

"Okay, stop! We'll do it, as long as you don't make any further moves! That guy should be left alone!" Ayuka gave the order, surprising her companions. " A-Ayuka?! You're going through with this?! Are you crazy?" Codey inquired, his gaze falling on her.

"All she feels is sympathy for such insignificant people, oh, the royalty herself... I had a feeling you'd go ahead and do it." Tim burst out laughing.

"What was the point of becoming Spiritual Duelists if we just let that guy die? We cannot simply toss away one life, especially if we have a choice."

Finally, everyone understood the problem because of her remarks. "All well, but there's one thing." Tim grinned back as Codey gazed at him. "How are we going to instill the rule of being pushed out of line if there isn't one here?"

"We're not going to fight here. Not far from here is a Dueling Stadium that is free to anyone. There are lines and enough area to Duel, as well as enough space to avoid injuring innocent people unless you want them to be wounded."

"So, I see, this 'one on five' event will be held there. That's OK, but as you mentioned, if we win, we'll get a prize."

"Sure, state it before I change my mind."

"If we win, you'll make sure to delete your top 50 rankings and put an end to this farce right away, got it?" And Tim agreed, with a smile.

"However, if I win." Everyone was waiting for Tim's reaction with bated breath.

"I'm going to kill her, and you're not going to stop me." Tim pointed to Ayuka, giving the others one of the most shocking moments of their lives.

Ayuka felt beshadowed and fixed on the place as soon as she heard this and realized that everyone was looking at her.

"You're completely mad! I'm not going to agree to that!" Codey screamed, but Ayuka interrupted him before he could finish. "Fine, if you win, you can do that; I have no objections." Finally, her pals appeared to be much more terrified.

"Good, then go to the Dueling Stadium in the afternoon tomorrow. That is all there is to it." Tim eventually made his blade vanish before taking a step to the side, picking up the thrown body, just for the chance they changed their mind.

"Also, by the way. In my version of the tournament, the last rule states that we are free to kill anybody we wish. Of course, it's just the one we're fighting."

- Enrokonai City, Monday, 2:07 pm -

Genpaku was laughing as he looked through the holographic screen at the situation he witnessed.

"A Duelist's heart is always changed when he or she loses. And he was no exception. Now, with that said, I'll plan my assault, relying solely on him." He walked in a different direction after swiping his palm over the screen and making it disappear.

- Enrokonai City, Monday, 2:08 pm -

"What were you thinking, Ayuka, in terms of the actual World's rules?! Tim isn't in the least bit frail! If we all lose, including you, you're dead, and there's nothing we can do about it because we committed to it!" Codey was yelling at her.

"We can lose a random like that guy, but we can't lose a high-ranking official like you!" Elliot continued, enraged.

"That is not a Duelist's manner of doing things. Even if we agreed to let him kill that guy and let him walk free, he'd continue to kill until we eventually agreed to his request. In this state, there's no telling what he would've done. I'm not sure what happened, but it doesn't feel right."

"What is it that doesn't feel right?"

"I'm sure it wasn't his Dueling losses that caused him to change his mind, but something considerably more harmful. And, as you may recall, he seemed unconcerned with the majority of the losses."

"However, even if we lose..." Codey was interrupted.

"If you lose, I'll have to bear the whole of the blame. Let's just hope I'll be the last person in line to Duel with him. Because if I am, we will be in a better position."

"It might be a lot more expensive! He clearly stated that killing someone with whom he duels is permissible. Apart from the victory rules, there are no further rules."

"From the start, we have the upper hand. We're a family of five, yet he's only one. So if we can wear him down during the combat, we'll be sure to win."

"But even if that's the case, What if he refuses to comply with the final plea to end the farce?"

"When he accepts a request, I'm confident he'll be willing to understand. His new skill is the one thing we may not have in our favor. We don't know how it works." Everyone began to pay attention since Ayuka's heart was thumping heavily and could be heard by others.

"Can you tell me why we're hoping you'll be the last in line?" Codey was perplexed, and her left eye shone silver as she glanced at them.

- Enrokonai City (Dueling Stadium), Tuesday, 3:00 pm -

Our Heroes were already waiting when Tim emerged from the opposite entrance a few minutes later, carrying a backpack over his right shoulder and wearing his old trench coat.

"Oh, you didn't forget, did you? So you're willing to put your friend's life on the line? Is it possible that I'm significant or something else?" Tim grinned as he looked at them sideways.

"Isn't she also meant to be your pal? In any case, where is the guy?" Tim swept his right arm past his chest and pointed to the seats where a man was tied up, leaving Elliot speechless.

"He's over there, but I don't advise you to run over and grab him. You don't want to step on any invisible traps! Anyway, what a fantastic day for organizing this 'competition.' Nobody is around, and there is nothing to be concerned about but being killed."

"Enough with the chit-chat; tell us more about this Dueling System you've chosen?" Codey gave the order, threateningly.

"Sure. As I previously stated, the rules are identical to those of a tournament. But bear with me as I explain them once more. A victory is guaranteed if the opponent is knocked out, disarmed, or pushed out of the lines. If necessary, killing is permitted, but I'm confident this will not be an issue. But what about the lines? Let's start with the most common option."

"I'll start with Elliot, then move on to Iva, Kylin, you, and finally Ayuka." They were fortunate that Ayuka finished last.

"Now that you know, let's get down to business; the first one up, take a step forward!"

"But not before that. Other rules have been implanted. If a Duel lasts more than 10 minutes, the lineup will change, and there will be five of you in total, with only five duels. As a result, if the lineup changes, one person may be able to battle twice, while others may not have a chance at all."

Others were not pleased with the new rules.

"All we have to do now is hope we don't fight for more than 10 minutes, so we can continue with our strategy..." While waiting for others to confirm, Codey spoke quietly.

"Let's get to it."

To be continued...