One at a Time. (Part 2)

Sparks, stars, and falling tears. Trumpet echoes while the drums beats to their tune. A string of violins plays across the road as crowds rally behind the large open space and seats. An uplifting beat plays out around the opening at centre as I see idols performing for the huge crowds cheering them on as they dance upon a make-shift stage made of ice that fits the winter theme with nature providing the falling flakes.

"Woah! This... This is the place we're gonna play games?"

(Isn't this a bit too exsesiff?)

Soon enough stage lights turns shining upon everyone as they move quickly around before it soon comverge to follow two groups. The idols finishing their performance dances away and moves to the two where we stand. Moving by skating at a thin bridge of ice that they make above us I could only wonder how much did they train to perform all this.

Moriz or my group who's waiting at the edge of the stadium while the our opposing team does the same, when the huge stage at the centre is devoid of people, smoke appears as the idols moves away and exit the stadium through their custom exits. Two people appear at the stage wearing rain jackets and starts talking about this tournament and introduce themselves as,

"The anchors of this tournament, Wei and..."

"Sana! We'll also be the commentator alongside our special guest! The new Governor, the sponsor for this tournament, and one of the Heroes of the Coalition War 8 years ago! Give a big applause to...

Lord, Sangeo Hwang-So!!!"

"Gramps? He's here!?"

Cheo shouts in shock as I remember,

(Wait isn't that...)

With that announcement, the crowds cheered loudly as a huge shadow appear from the make-shift ice stage and emerge through with grandiose display of huge waves and powerful shaking while the audience seems safe from the water. Appearing before the two anchors that removes their rain jacket. Hwang-So adjust something from his ears before saying:

"Testing, one two, alright... Thank you all of you for coming here today even during such times of need. As lady Sana Ssi has introduce me, I am the new Governor of Meondosi. And the reason why I help held this tournament is..."

Ignoring his announcement I look back at my team, Cheo who wears a mask of some white seal with a big forehead seems to be in shock at his arrival. He scratches his head in panic when Moriz pats his back saying:

"Have no worries, Jin-Cheo nim. He's merely here to watch and as long as we keep our qi hidden like Sova there. He won't notice us much."

(Right, he doesn't know I don't have qi anymore...)

Moriz who is dressing up as Wang Xuyin wears a mask of one of those horned seals called, narwhal. Assuring him that it'll be okay when Daniel ever so weak with his legs leans on me, holding my arms shaking in fear and nervousness saying:

"Hooh! Huuh! Fuuuh! I can do this! Just imagine them all naked-"

Daniel wearing his walrus mask as I realize we're all definitely using a winter animal mask and wonder if they have those animals here if they have those masks. Standing closer to him, he slowly looks at me. Even through his mask, his face reddened till his ears as he looks away saying:

"No, no, no, no! I can't do that! It's shameful!"

I myself look at my side at the ice, seeing my own reflection, not only did I die my hair to black and blue highlights, kinda like Shifu. It makes me feel a bit weird seeing something change so suddenly.

(Moriz is pretty good with hair, well he does have a long hair in his female form. But I wonder when I can show this to them? Hair dying... I never knew you could do this without magic).

Wearing the mask of a normal seal, I adjust it back and hold Daniel's shoulder saying:

"Don't worry Daniel. We'll be fine."

I look back at the stage to see Hwang-So finally finish talking as the two anchors comment happily before they shouts:

"We'll keep it here folks and let's all start what you all have been waiting for! The two teams who have been waiting at the edge all this time are now eager to rumble! Contestants move forward as we call your team's name!"

The male anchor gestures to the opposite of us as the huge stadium opens to a huge ring below the anchors, shouting:

"Hailing from the southeastern kingdoms, they came a long way just to participate in the tournament and win the grand prize! A brother of 4 who's said to be one of the most promising candidates so far as they mastered the Helen Culture Roster, Team Ergante!"

As the 4 march forward, it seems they are pretty much look the same age as Cheo in their early twenties with the youngest being the same age as me. The crowds cheer at them as they wave back with confidence and smiles arriving at the huge ring we're going to face. The female anchor then gestures at our corner saying:

"And at the opposite corner are a new participants who seem to came from nowhere but the participants has sure caught the eyes of many. Will they be nothing but a ragtag of crazy people with masks or will they entertain us for the night with their corny name! Either way, they did made themselves here, please welcome, The Legendaries!"

Hearing our team name, we all march forward with Daniel holding my hand. Slowly we approach as we hear not the same excitement from the crowds while marching forth, arriving opposite the platform our foes stands far away. With one of us facing an opponent each, I wondering what the people see around as I see projection of soldiers and other things battling each other, the Anchors raise their arms in unison shouting:

"Now, you all know the rules! It'll be a team death match where the victory condition being the annihilation or the yielding of all your foe's commanders!"

I notice the boy the same age as me looking at me, I can't help but look at his platinum hair and dark brown eyes as I wonder where is he from. He then smiles back at me gives me a thumbs up and as I wonder what he's doing, his thumb slowly turns down and realize he's mocking me...

(Well, let's see where this will be going).

"Each teams, get in your V's!"

Hearing the anchors orders, I follow what Moriz and Cheo does, wearinh my goggles and get in the prepared capsule as I soon realize why. Before entering the huge ring beneath us soon becomes a huge battleground where a huge plains spread across our eyes but just inside the ring, seeing our characters spawning I get inside and my vision was brought to their level while our armies spawns soon after.

"From the signal of our special guest! If you would please do the honour of starting the first round, Lord Hwang-So."

Hwang-So raises is arms and swing it down shouting:

"Let the War for Terra Begins!"

*************************************

Poking my head out, I see above the stadium ships flew across the clouds and circle the place as it waves a huge flag with some ads on it written,

[Yearly 18th Southern International tournament for, The War for Terra]

(I suppose that's what we're going to be playing today. Gotta be honest, I'm nervous playing with so many people looking but never felt more alive at the same time! I mean this is not the first time I've been look by so many people).

And it seems there are some more words but the fluttering made it hard to read beside the title. I pull my back inside the room and look at my team who's resting at the luxurious lounge they provide us. While wearing our disguise, Moriz led us to one of the passageways the staff use and got here by foot. Having satisfied looking around, I approach Cheo and Moriz who's discussing something. Sitting around my team, I could hear Cheo asking:

"You know, I never really get to asked but how did you manage to get the invitation or rights to compete at such a huge stage?"

Moriz who's lounging about looks at Cheo with a smile replying:

"Ah, at our academy in Rucina City or Heaven what those outside calls, it is the virtual game the commanders and strategist students like to play. I participated for the pre world tournament and won alongside my friends and especially, Sova's precious elder sister helped me out at the planning phase."

"Hoh? So you two know each other huh?"

"And as for the participation rights, I just remembered I have the tickets and wondering what to do to pass time for me. I decided to do this. They told me that I could just invite whoever I wish to and gave the ticket to those who I knew will be great. In the end, sometimes just a single person could defeat an army with 4 commanders if you play it right."

"Oh! Though in the end I suppose it's just the two of us. Which is fine. As long as we have fun."

"Yup!"

"Yeah!"

Realizing that we've been talking in Owlian all this time, I wonder what will Daniel do outside where no one probably speaks his tongue?

"Alright, everyone since the tournament will start when the idols finished their performance. Let us review our strategies once more..."

We all gather close as Moriz grabs the stick and point at the large map spread on the wall.

"Currently there are many types of ways they will play out but knowing their faction it will inevitably end with the Hammer and Anvil. So, everything will always start with our usual line formation. The enemies I learned are people who loves using the Helen Culture roster which comprised of units similar to those of the Theocracy. They wield huge round shields that could easily block of any of our range attack head on and they rely heavily on their few elite heavy calvary that'll be their finishing hammer."

(Hmm? This seems too much hassle for a game...)

"Now the strategy is simple. And our victory blow will be depending on the two of you, Sova and Daniel."

"Us!?"

"Us, Da Shifu!?"

Both me and Daniel replied in unison when Moriz then smile saying:

"That's right, this'll be an easy battle. Trust me. Cause you see, while they have one of the highest armoured and most solid defense units that is hard to route. The Helen Culture roster have a chink in their might that we can exploit. Simply put, thanks to their equipments, training, and formations, their soldiers are all required or force to be right handed while carrying their shields and this include their calvary as well to carry their shields on their right hand.

Most players don't see this as much of a hassle since in melee it doesn't effect much since they can turn around and face them, but in this battle I who command the backbone infantry killer unit will be distracting them since they can't afford to look away from me, and as for their calvary, they will be too busy dealing with Cheo's own hit and run tactics. Just watch! Your heavy arrows will be their doom."

"By the way, what is our faction anyways?"

Cheo asks and Moriz smiled saying:

"The melee focus Garantina Culture set! They'll have their eyes on me with my Gara Slaughterers. So let me recap, Cheo Nim shall distract and hold of their forces on our left with our skirmisher calvary and Sova will rush ahead on our right with his ambush and sniping trait. Remember, the most important task for each of us here is Trust and Exploits! Believe that each will do their task and we'll all succeed no matter how ragtag and random our teams are!"

*************************************

Following Moriz' plan both Daniel's troops and mine are placed at the right wing with me at the front while Moriz commands the three layered light infantry dual wielding axes and swords at the centre and Cheo commands the ranged skirmisher calvary with horns on their head and horns at their butt at the left wing. Daniel and me controlled the light archer troops and the least in number but with heavy bows at our back and wears no armour at all. In total, I could count we have... Around 30000 or that's what Moriz said.

With Hwang-So's signal the enemies calvary controlled by two commander numbering half of Cheo's force charge forward to Cheo accompanied by a group of soldiers with spears behind them. The remaining 2 commander ignores us it seems as they send on their 4 layered infantry to spread and engulf Moriz's large force but he seems to hold them back with half the line they use by thinning his forces that makes me worried while still holding some few reserves beside him. That's when we knew time is short as the enemy numbers a bit more with 35000 as they splurge more on their infantry yet no range at all.

"Look at all 4 brothers commiting all their soldiers at once, charging at the calvary and the enemy's main line! Are they going to smash through The Legendaries' calvary- Oh! What's this!? Look at the how the Legend's calvary commander commands! It is phenomenal!"

Ignoring the commenters and with no one focusing on us, just like Moriz said we're kinda invisible to them went to the left opening of their heavy units and start drawing our bows... Well, my soldiers draw the bows. I help Daniel behind me and help him out as he do the same. He looks at me worried asking:

"Sova bro, I may be the one teaching you this game but can we really win? I'm really nervous right now that good thing I'm not holding the bows now. I'm worried his trust in me may be unfounded..."

I kneel and hold his shaking hands replying:

"Don't worry Daniel. To be honest, I myself do not trust that guy but he proves that his actions can always be trusted and always make results out of it. The fact he placed trust on someone like me who barely knew him, I thought that as weird... Even so, this is not my first doing given something like this. And from all of that, I learn that even if you fail or not, just keep trying your best!"

Daniel stops shaking for a while as I finally let him go. He gives me a firm nod replying:

"Huuh! Alright! I'll give it my all!"

As he awaits my signal it seems.

(Fuuuh! Quite brave for a kid his age... Really brave really seeing him do all this acts even in a game. Then there's me, after waking up I found myself getting kidnap, playing games and waging wars... I kinda feel bad myself for some reason. But either way, I guess I should have some fun! Weirdly enough I don't feel as nervous as him commanding this army).

"Fire!"

I shout as mine and Daniel's soldier release their quivers and rain down upon the enemies left side. Volley after volley, one rain after another, our heavy arrows may not took out much but it has soften and weaken them enough that our right side starts to push forward.

Moriz seeing our actions use his reserve elite soldiers where we spend our points on focus his effort on our right and starts pushing from there. I realize the enemy commanders is saying something but I can't hear them...

(I wonder if the machine decides how much we can hear? And it feels weird having your senses limited...)

Our attack soften their flank and from there, I could see the enemies backing and bending away as their line becomes a half circle from our barrage at our left.

(Just like Moriz said, since they're units that refuse to move back they decided to move to the side. Still, it's a bit weird that they didn't invest in range or focus on us... Did they underestimate us?)

The enemies main force that refuse to move back suddenly found themselves encircled by an enemy half their size. That's when I hear Moriz speak through the our gadget saying:

"Alright that's enough! They'll die soon! Now proceed with phase two! Cheo's distracted their forces more than enough!"

With half of our arrows left, we run behind the encircled enemies with all we have as I realize again my speed is very different than in real life...

(It really feels so restrictive when I'm not use to move like usual).

Into Cheo's battlefield as I saw him baiting and tricking enemies as they can't even catch up to a single of his forces. Especially the spear units who seems to turn away and run to where their 2 commanders are being encircled, probably trying to help.

(Yup... Just like he planned!)

Now already behind enemy lines, we hid ourselves from their attention and draw our bows again at the spearman's left...

(It's a bit weird bot being seen where in reality I should've been noticed).

"Fire!"

Our shots decimated the thin line of marching soldiers that couldn't make it to their encircled friends. And soon enough, the encircled units surrendered as they lay down their weapons except for the avatar of their commanders who seem to be in panic. Moriz spares no effort and cut down their heads in one swing as he then focus his attention to Cheo. Outnumbered, yet not outmatched as the two remaining commanders saw their soldiers flee in panic while I and Daniel keep firing upon their backs, they both surrendered soon after.

(We won! We actually won! And all I had to do was run and order around?)

*Bleep*

Disconnected from the goggles, I open mine as I hear the crowds roars in excitement as some jeers in anger. Exiting the capsules, I see the two anchors releasing their excitement stands up shouting:

"And just like that folks we have the victors! And all of it is done in a matter of 3 hours! One of the main finalists defeated by a sudden dark horse! A decisive victory made by... We-he-hell, the Legends themselves!"

(3 hours!? We played for that long? This game seems to suck the time out of me).

Sana the female anchor seems a bit taken aback as well as she comments:

"I am certainly impressed by how the biggest man on their team control his horseman individually, it's as if he had experienced in real battlefield. Well looking at his build, I think it is safe to say he definitely participated. And that move that huge lady did to encircle the larger army with her smaller force is just incredible! Here we thought the battle would rage for hours on end till the dawn of a new day. What will we ever do with such extra time!? Oh, Lord Hwang-So do you have something to say about our battles this evening?"

Hwang-So seems to drill holes at us with the way he stares. Folding his arms he nods replying:

"I am certainly impressed by their commanders keen sight, after all it is imperative we end a battle swiftly. And in the battlefield it is adamant you exploited your enemies weakness as soon as you find them, and that same tactics came to bite the Ergante. They made the right move, trying to end the fight quickly by holding the enemy's elite infantry and target their enemy's second main attack, their calvary while ignoring the enemies range units for last as their weapons does nothing much to their own thick armour even at the back in theory while if they chase them it will take too long and since the enemy archers can shoot while moving they are outmatched. But that might be their mistake.

Their biggest failure comes at underestimating the skill of the Legend's calvary commander as they fail to catch up and lose some of their calvary and most importantly time to their skirmisher fire. Thanks to the time the calvary bought, the range units manage to out manoeuver to the enemies and fire at their weak flanks with their heavy bolts and give opening to their main attack force to do their job. The Legend's won theirs fair and square, and I can't wait to see how they will fair against my grandson's team in this tournament."

"You sure are confident your grandson would win his battle?"

"Hmph! If he lose to a bunch that didn't study the arts of war, he's not qualified to be a commander in the first place!"

"Well, you heard it from the master himself! Will-"

Ignoring the announcer I suddenly feel exhausted and heavy headed. And it seems Daniel feels the same way as he soon lean over and I catch him saying:

"Careful now."

(If there's one thing I have to say it's hard to believe that's all simply fake... Or a game! I mean... It's just ridiculous! 3 hours we fought and so many fake soldiers die. There's no blood or nor do we see any horrors of war in reality... I guess this is fine. I don't wish to see any living breathing companion dies beside me again...)

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Too hard, Sova!"

"Ah! Sorry!"

It seems I accidentally grasp his shoulders a bit too hard when Moriz appear behind us, he drags us and pulls us close saying:

"We did it! Hurrah! See what did I tell you? We won didn't we?"

"Mhm! You're amazing, Da Shifu!"

"Yup! I'm surprised by how you encircle their huge army with that thin line! All those shows and displays you helped me with pales in comparison!"

"Oh, shush it, lil Daniel. I think the MVP of our team here is everyone. Since we all did our part. True, is it not Jin-Cheo nim?"

Moriz let's me go as Cheo who approach us grasping his shaking arms sighs a bit exhausted replying:

"Cringing as your answer can be, it is true. If one of us didn't do our parts, we would've failed. Good job everyone. Especially you two for doing that well despite just coming fresh out of the oven if what he... She said is true.

Still, doing that complex manoeuver leave me a bit exhausted after a long time not commanding at all. Reminds me of my time back at the military... And damn do I hate it but I just can't resist the coolness of the coat of arms."

"Oh! That sounds cool! Can I get my own coat of arms!?"

Daniel excitingly approach Cheo who messes his hair saying:

"Haha, sure thing! But I prefer if you took a profession that involves no bloodshed or at least bloodshed in just fake games like this."

"Weird, but sure! Besides, ever since seeing my Sis, I decided to be a doctor!"

*CLAP*

Moriz claps loudly once that grabs our attention. When we look at her, she smile saying:

"Hoho! Nice profession, Daniel. But leave that conversation in another time, now it is time we shake our hands with our foes."

The four bothers approach us as we both line up for one person each. I listen back to the anchors as I hear them saying:

"There our contenders gather for their respective handshake."

Seeing the guy infront being the same guy who mocked me raise his hand, I ignore his bad gesture before and take his hand. He smiled saying:

"Heh, sorry, it seems your teams much more of a real deal than I thought. I'm looking forward to see your performance on your battle against the next contender."

(There's a next contender? I wonder how many more battles do we need to do? Or more like how many times will I actually have to get involved in his shenanigans... But I suppose if all we do is play games like this I have no problem!)

"Thanks, it was a fun experience."

We both stop and make space as the anchor then says:

"It's a bit sad that the main show is over but what a show of tactical brilliance in display!"

Ignoring the anchor once more, I look around to see the others finish greeting our foes. Especially Moriz who seems to enjoy looking down at the shivering and tallest of the 4. He then turn around and walk away as we follow suit, I look at him asking:

"So... Are we done here?"

(To be honest, I was expecting like more than one battle cause one one round seems... Weird).

Moriz nods replying:

"Of course! Our next clash comes around 3 days forth. So, you know what to do?"

I nod saying:

"Yea, go visit you at the tower at that time."

"Wonderful, and I'll drag you there if need be."

"Even when I'm at a mission?"

"No doubt!"

(Right... Hmm...)

Hearing the crowds still roaring till the dead of night, stars align following the dark clouds above hailing snow beneath the twin moonlight. Looking back, when was the last time I participated in such a huge event? This is my first, and I felt quite surprised by joyful radiance this place produce. Cheo stretching his arms and legs as he then helps the drowsy Daniel, and here I see Moriz seems to talk with his black card.

"Wohoho! Listen here folks! We just got a message from the Tower! Thanks to the battle ending so quick, they have decided to hold a free huge performance for us! So stay along cause you'll be seeing one of the best idols the Tower can offer perform!"

" "WOOOAH!" "

The crowds cheer as they hear that and I notice the new Governor nods along as if he's anticipating...

(Is he perhaps a fan too?)

I wonder when Moriz looks back at us saying:

"Hey, guys, I told them to put on more shows for tonight since we ended up winning to quickly. Why don't we watch it while the night is till young?"

"You could actually do that?!"

Cheo exclaims with Moriz replying:

"Of course, it's one of the privilege the black medal provides. It can even give you a private performance with the idol you choose, albeit if there's mutual agreement."

Moriz pulls out the black medallion from between his breast and then walk away saying:

"Come, I reserve us some VIP seats."

"Alright! So who are we watching?"

"I think I'm just gonna lay down if I can."

Daniel who's carrying Cheo follows along while I rush beside Moriz realizing one thing...

"Say, will you bring me back to my place after... All this?"

Moriz feeling joyful nods saying:

"Sure~ But you still have follow us around."

"Then that's no problem! Come to think of it, this is actually my first time watching an idol perform... Well, not counting the ice skating one before."

"Hoh? Then rejoice! We'll be indulging on one of the finest beverage they provide as well."

"Neat!"

Knowing my road to my quarters is secured, I happily follow along to enjoy the silver lining among all the kidnapping he's done to me.

(Haaah! I suppose a little break now is not so bad... I'll just think of what I'll do tommorow. The entire situation and what I should do first. Cause tonight! I'll be enjoying the idol show!)

"Hol on..."

I slow down as we are about to return back inside when I realize,

(Hmm... Since Yoo-Ah is an idol fan I wonder if she's here? Then again since this is a game tournament I doubt it which is good since it's best she doesn't saw me at all... Or maybe she's actually waiting for me in her usual room since she's worried for me? And is waiting for my news to get better? Now I feel really bad).

"Arrgh! I'll think about that later!"

"Heh, I don't know what you're wondering about but don't worry about it."

Cheo encourage me as he push me forward and I nod saying:

"Yea... One at a time."