Sheev POV

Icebrande… no matter how many times I look at the blade it remains as pretty as ever. Unlike Swan’s Death Lance, which was like a weapon from a horror movie, Icebrande was like a sword from a light fantasy.

“Tch…” grumbled Hawk as he stood his ground at half-health.

“Why bother. You can’t defeat me as you are now.” Said Swan frankly with full Health.

Hawk ignored Swan’s warning and continued attacking Swan. Whenever Hawk fought Swan, he only fought with one sword. I had asked Swan why, but she had yet to answer.

Swan blocked Hawk’s downward slash with the tip of her spear and immediately pivoted it around, hitting Hawk’s face with the other end, dazing him. Swan thrusts at Hawk, who barely redirected the strike with Icebrande, but Swan’s Earth Spike came immediately after, followed by two more consecutive strike, defeating Hawk.

Hawk sat there obviously sad about his defeat. He asked, “How long before I can defeat you?”

Swan’s and my eyes lit up with surprise. Who on earth asks a question like that?

“What are you talking about? You have never once come close to defeating me.”

Hawk smirked and replied, “Swan, I’m sure you know this, but you’re stagnating. Since the beginning of Reality to now, the only change I felt was your stats. Your skills haven’t improved at all…”

“I win the duel yet I was the one criticized… You really are a unique person.” Swan answered in a sarcastic tone. “You are right. My skills haven’t improved, not only starting in Reality, but ever since I had my debut. It is both a blessing and a curse. I am already the best that I can be. I will never underperform. However, I have also reached my limit. I cannot overperform.”

“Thanks for the duel. I’ll be going then.” Said Hawk.

“Do you think you’ll win the tournament?” asked Swan.

“No. Kin and even Dove are more likely to win than me.” Said Hawk as he departed.

“Keep my stagnation a secret from the others.” Said Swan to me.

“Yes. I will…” I replied, clearly saddened by the revelation.

“Don’t worry. I will hold the title of strongest Player in Naut City for quite some time before any of the others surpass me.

“How long?” I asked.

“Kin should equal me once Reality becomes a year old. As for Hawk and Dove, I cannot tell. They are too heavily influenced by their emotions for me to predict their growth.”

“You mean their love for each other?”

“No. Well not only that. All their emotions. Unlike the hardened soldiers like most of the top Players or the political princess Zoe who have great control over their emotions, those two were normal students. Intelligent students sure, but normal ones nonetheless.”

Zoe POV

“I confessed to Dove.” Said Hawk. He invited me for lunch in his favorite restaurant. We had just finished eating when he finally said that.

I almost fell down in my chair in surprise as I smiled and replied, “What did she say?”

“Well, I am very thankful for your feelings for me. Hawk, I can confidently say that I like you; however, I am still unsure whether I love you. What I feel about you is all jumbled thanks to being in Reality, and I am unsure of what this feeling is myself. So… I am going to be selfish and ask you to wait for me… wait for me to sort out these feelings. It will probably take a while, but I promise I will give you an answer in time. Is that… alright with you?” answered Hawk in a monotonous voice.

“What’s with the monotone?” I pointed out.

“I was too excited so I memorized it. Besides, I realized that giving the actual exact conversation is better, since summarizing it will clearly leave biases.

“So you want my advice and opinion?”

“Yes.”

I closed my eyes and answered, “It’s good. If you choke this away, you would be the greatest idiot in the universe. But her words made me realize something as well. If Dove wants to ensure her feelings for you, are you sure of your feelings for her?”

“Of course, I am!” said Hawk in an irritated tone.

“Shut up and listen first.” I stated calmly, “I know you like her, very much since before Reality. But you only liked her and never loved her. Both of you realized immediately that due to Reality, you would likely end up together. That’s why you were hesitant in pursuing her immediately. But what can disprove that you only started loving her in Reality as well. Haven’t you considered that the love that you feel could be a result as well?”

“No… I haven’t…” replied Hawk in a timid tone.

“Dove is trying to answer the question of whether she really loves you or not and whether to accept that Reality was a major factor in that love. You will have to answer the same question as well.”

With a smile, but still clearly sad Hawk replied, “Thanks Zoe.”

“That will be 10,000 Fitts for love consultation.” I said.

“I’m already paying for the bill. Also, I’ll treat you a lot once we have both found our answers. For better or for worse.”