Hey guys, 801tman (the writer) here. I’m sad to say that someone has copied and pasted this story and is trying to sell it online for money. (although just a dollar) At first, I decided to discontinue the story until the situation is resolved, but there’s very little I can do about it as of now, since it’s not copyrighted, and I really enjoy this story. So I came up with a new decision, to continue with the story and not let one person ruin a good story. Now, if the person who did steal my work is reading this, I request that you take it down and stop it. Come up with a storyline on your own instead of trying to steal the work of others. Thank you guys for listening to the rant/announcement, and I hope you enjoy the story. Your support means a lot to me.8964 copyright protection335PENANAqsbUDVsnOF 維尼
Phillip collapsed on a bench in the dining area. A large plate filled with various foods was presented to Phillip. Quickly taking a fork, Phillip began gobbling down the meal. “That was some fight.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAWnurMBJI74 維尼
Phillip quickly swallowed the food in his mouth and turned to the direction of the voice. “Maurice!”8964 copyright protection335PENANAZZ1z52NiaB 維尼
“So how did it feel? To be in the ring, fighting for survival?”8964 copyright protection335PENANA3N3OiU0gLq 維尼
“Different than training I can tell you that. I got so caught up in trying to find an opening that I forgot how much offensive power I had. Once I realized what was going on, I was able to turn the match around.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAvUv9Hp9UKj 維尼
“Good, that’s an important thing to realize. Dual wielding can provide some defensive techniques, but primarily, it’s to overwhelm your opponent. That was clearly shown at the end.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAo8byx7afuv 維尼
Phillip took a few more quick bites of food. “So, I’ve been meaning to ask, how do you get out of group one?”8964 copyright protection335PENANA1v7awlbLpo 維尼
Maurice sat down next to him. “Well, there’s two ways. First method, the top eight fighters of the group, at the end of the year, participate in a tournament. Those who get past the first round move on to the next group. However, the winner gets what is called a ‘luxurious item from the outside world.’ Barring internet and cellular access, you are basically granted one item that you want within reason. You can’t be asking for a top of the line TV, but maybe a portable gaming system.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAhgETGaE7cg 維尼
“I…see…how do they determine the top fighters?”8964 copyright protection335PENANAdvm6sXkRSG 維尼
“First, by record and winning percentage. If you fought say forty fights and won ninety percent of them, you’d probably be one of the top eight. However, if you fought eight fights and won all of them, you won’t be selected. After all, even though you may have a perfect record, you haven’t had enough fights to deem you worthy of entering. Lucky for you, the tournament for this group is just far away enough for you to participate if you do well.”8964 copyright protection335PENANA2SKMuSrYjZ 維尼
Phillip nodded as he finished the last of the food. “Well, I plan on participating. I don’t plan on losing.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAGeAfpcBSdP 維尼
“And you never planned on being here to begin with. Confidence is great, but don’t become cocky either. I’ve seen many great fighters who would have probably saved everyone get cocky and get killed by an angry rival in a fight they had no business losing. The second method is a member of the group ahead of you dying, and the tip ranked fighter at the time is automatically promoted. They then kidnap another poor soul and place them at group one. That way, they never run low on fighters.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAgIMUgrSzPE 維尼
The entrance to the dining hall opened, revealing an older teenage girl entering the room. Maurice cleared his throat and got up. “I’m gonna get going. Need to watch the rest of the fights for tonight. See you bright and early tomorrow.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAmRGitvPqDR 維尼
Maruice waved and walked out of the dining room. Phillip picked up his plate and put in in the wash bin. As he left the dining room, he noticed Martha leaning against the wall opposite the doors. Looking up, she looked at Phillip and walked towards him. “How were you able to do it?”8964 copyright protection335PENANAKcxa6dTqjB 維尼
“Do what?”8964 copyright protection335PENANAbzkyskbaOA 維尼
“Turn that fight around. I was winning that fight until you went wild with the swords.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAyQ5AMxuAgM 維尼
“When I first chose the dual wielding swords, I was told that they provide a tremendous offensive boost, but at the expense of defensive abilities. During the beginning of the fight, I was timid, wanting to find an opening. However, when I remembered what dual wielding was about, I played to its strength instead of its weakness. That’s how I turned the match around.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAK19ZNP5Z3X 維尼
Martha sighed. “I…I see…I guess I’m just no good then…”8964 copyright protection335PENANAmTpwwBIVgd 維尼
“Hm?”8964 copyright protection335PENANATgC3QjjKdn 維尼
“You were my third fight. I was told by the announcer that I’ve improved…by my trainer told me that my improvement has been minimal at best. I just can’t seem to get the balance between using a sword and shield. You can’t change either. I’ve checked.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAfRN1voekwy 維尼
“It was only your third fight. I know you know a lot more about battling than I do, after just one fight. You’ll get the hang of it. Just keep trying…and as a word of advice, your footwork needs improvement.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAsPDMZ8YSgI 維尼
“Footwork?”8964 copyright protection335PENANAAGYkYq5ZZw 維尼
“My master stressed the importance of the basics, especially footwork and basic attacks. If your footwork is off, your entire fighting style is off balanced. I was thinking about that as I ate.”8964 copyright protection335PENANA6XKeyuWHWd 維尼
“I see…w-would you help me then?”8964 copyright protection335PENANAVURt8isHQs 維尼
“Help you with what?”8964 copyright protection335PENANALXz4cd1EoB 維尼
“With my footwork. My master has stressed trying to get the balance between sword and shield, but if what you said about my footwork is true…that’s the root of the problem. Can you teach me what you know about footwork?”8964 copyright protection335PENANAARL1t5WZfP 維尼
Phillip nodded. “I’d be glad to. It gives you a better chance of surviving hell on earth.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAvTL20F2kdp 維尼
Marth grinned. “Thank you! I’m usually done with mandatory training right before lunch. What time would be good for you?”8964 copyright protection335PENANANIGvksZ84h 維尼
“About an hour afterwards. Gives the food a bit to settle before more training.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAiR4PruQ3t8 維尼
Martha nodded. “Alright, I’ll be waiting in the dining hall. Just don’t forget.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAoejO2p0EmX 維尼
Phillip chuckled. “No guarantees.”8964 copyright protection335PENANAqF5GMqsfHe 維尼
ns3.238.104.143da2