Chase

Adam watched as the boxes contents with various items from potions, to blades, to rings, shifted.

Slowly but surely the boxes froze.

Halting, the boxes displayed a list with three items.

[1. Piercing Whetstone: Weapons sharpened on this return to peak condition, however, each time the whetstones condition decreases. Uses remaining: 10/10.]

[2: Comforting Pillow: When sleeping upon it, you are able to recover your wounds and fatigue quicker. The growth of proficiencies that were improved during the day, are slightly higher.]

[3: Protective Bracelet: While worn, an invisible defensive field wraps around you, once a day, allowing you to resist a single attack, at which point, the field recovers 24 hours later.]

Brows furrowed, Adam thought about the best choice.

The piercing Whetstone could help him a lot, if he used it to repair peoples heirloom weapons and such for money. If there was a particularly great one he could use the duplication ticket on it.

The pillow was good but it was not something he would lose much sleep over.

It did appeal to his desire to grow.

Then, there was the protective bracelet.

It would help him in situations where he was suddenly ambushed, or battles where the enemy was quick to go all out.

Finger brushing his lips as he pondered, he decided upon the protective bracelet.

Though the piercing whetstone was beneficial, and likely help him get extra coin, and the comforting pillow helped him grow, the bracelet would keep him alive long enough to grow.

His selection finalized, the bracelet appeared in his inventory.

Manifesting in his hand, a simple bracelet that was black and green appeared.

Throwing a gauntlet off, he placed it on one of his wrists, the bracelet slowly vanished.

Placing his hand over his wrist he could feel it's smooth texture.

Smirking, he turned his attention to his status.

He was one match it seemed, away from leveling up.

Taking the rest of the day to rest up, the next day arrived.

When Adam entered the arena, he saw Miltivan appear before him in the reception room.

Curious as to why he was there, Adam walked up to him, who beamed a smile, Miltivan's hands in their pockets.

Greeting Adam, Miltivan said: "Hey Adam, yesterday's fight was great."

Surprised, Adam asked: "You were there?"

Responding, Miltivan said: "Just heard the outcome."

Stepping closer, Adam asked: "Was that one of your tests?"

Militivan responded: "No, but, it was someone who you having defeated, gives me a bit more faith in your capabilities."

Adam thought: 'That wasn't a test?' conflicted.

If it wasn't a test, and it was that close, his tests must be quite something.

Miltivan placed his hand on Adam's shoulder, "Well," his face relaxing, "Keep up the good work, star."

It did not take long for Adam to sign up for matches.

Without much difficulty, five matches were held.

After his match against Himrusus, his challengers were more cautious.

But, cautiousness meant little, as Adam dealt with them with ease.

None of the challengers exceeded level 15.

With these matches, Adam reached level 28.

Two levels remained before level 30, and what Adam guessed to be the upcoming title level.

The following few days went swiftly.

Adam having just returned from his matches for the day, the dark sky hanging above, he was visited by Yerlarain.

She informed him that their debt was finally cleared.

Joyful, she reached towards Adam to hug him.

However, Adam knew better than to let this go on any longer, and stepped back before her arms could reach around him.

Adam sighed.

He supposed it was a fine a time as any to reject her.

Taking a deep breath, he said: "Hey, Yerlarain." A slight frown forming.

Her eyes darted to him, as she smiled, her pupils shining.

Yerlarain asked: "Yeah, what's up?"

Adam's words soft, "I know, you are grateful for being saved..."

Her eyes narrowed.

"Yeah, I am, but, what about it?" She asked, her lips upturned.

Adam muttered: "I am almost... no, I am certain..."

Organizing his words, he paused.

His words gradually cutting through the air: "That you have feelings for me."

As if a rabbit caught by a fox, she took a step back, blushing.

Her hands waving hurriedly, she replied: "No... I am just..."

His frown deepening, he said: "Yerlarain, I don't want to give you the wrong idea."

Turning directly to her, he declared: "I do not reciprocate your feelings."

Adam stated: "I do not like you romantically."

Her face pale, she refuted: "No... But... If..."

"If this is about me being a noble..."

Adam clarified: "You are great, and don't think the issue is something about you or your family."

His voice piercing, he said: "Rather I have a goal."

Her shoulders slumped, she said: "I... I could help..."

Adam flatly refuted: "No."

His voice slightly trembling, he remarked: "I am sorry you had to fall in love with me."

Her eyes moist, her voice straining, she replied: "But, even if its not in the cards..."

"I still don't think I could just let you loose without letting you know."

"...I want to say it clearly."

Yerlarain's eyes locked with Adam's. "Adam, I love you."

Their gaze's connected, he nodded.

Stepping forward, he placed a hand on her shoulder.

He whispered: "I understand your feelings."

Pulling his hand back, passing through the doorway, he called back:

"Take care, Yerlarain."

"I hope you will find someone who can feel the same about you."

As he walked away, he heard a thud and a muffled cry.

His arm slamming against the wall, Adam clenched his amulet with his other hand, as he walked down the steps.

Adams head pulsed, thinking: 'Rejecting someone's heartfelt love...'

Gnashing his teeth, Adam muttered: "Its not easy."

Stepping out into the street, the moonlight fell upon his face as he looked up.

Pain running through his skull, his face bathed in the light, tears fell.

Taking a slow breath, Adam wiped his eyes.

Adam knew he had to do it.

His fists tightening, he whispered: "You will be fine, Yerlarain."

His figure shrinking in the distance, illuminated in the light, he heard a door slam open behind him.

A familiar soft voice piercing his ears: "Since you rejected me for it, you better chase your goal with all your heart."

Squeezing his fist, drawing blood, he raised his arm in the air.

His voice echoing: "Damn right I will."