ocean-life Vo.2 Chapter 60
Vo.2 Chapter 60
Vo.2 Chapter 60
Tactical’s PoV
As I made my way back to the room reserved for special guests like myself, I mentally revisited the discussion with Gwendolyn. I was convinced that she was an ideal candidate for the team I was constructing. Her natural athletic abilities and rare talent of being born ambidextrous were exactly what I needed for the team I was creating.
An ambidextrous combatant like her possesses the ability to seamlessly transition between attacking with either hand, making it challenging for adversaries to anticipate her movements and respond effectively, especially in higher-level matches where pros are used to fighting opponents who only have one dominant hand. Additionally, her proficiency in effectively using both hands for defensive maneuvers such as blocking or parrying can enhance her overall defensive capabilities, even if she is an offensive-oriented player.
Coordinating offensive and defensive maneuvers with dual weapons present a higher level of complexity compared to using a single weapon. Even for ambidextrous individuals, mastering this skill demands rigorous training. However, she demonstrates a natural aptitude for it, which is evident in her fluidity despite the absence of formal training. I can only see potential growth in her, making her an extremely ideal recruit for the team I’m creating.
Although she didn't immediately accept my offer, that was understandable; a tactful individual like Gwendolyn will recognize the value of this opportunity and likely reconsider in due time. I sense in her a yearning for a sense of purpose, a quest to discover her strengths and potential, which I’m sure she knows I can provide to her. Hopefully, with the help of my background in unearthing talented monsters like Yuusha and Zetta, she would be more favorable to accept my offer.
After I arrived at my room, I put my thoughts of my recruitment attempt aside for some other time and entered. Inside, I was met with Caleb—I mean Calah's greeting.
She looked up with a curious expression. "Where have you been? The match is about to start."
As I made my way to my cozy chair, I eased into it and responded to her query.
"I was stuck in a bit of a long conversation. Kids these days do say some weird things every now and then," I replied, expressing my exhasperation.
Calah, perched on the plush armchair, eyebrow raised in amusement. "You sound like an old man. Who did you talk with?”
"You know the player, Gwyneth, right?” I queried.
“Oh, the dual wielder from the previous match?” she guessed.
I nodded at her response. “I offered her a spot on the team I am planning to build."
Calah's smile widened in amusement. "Ah, the one you said would be the one to surpass our legendary team. Well? How'd it go?"
"Not a yes yet," I said, sighing dramatically. "But I'm confident. She's smart, and she'll see the potential benefits of my offer."
Calah chuckled. "Always the optimist, aren't you? Though, knowing you, you probably made a compelling case. That is how you recruited us, after all."
"I did my best," I admitted, a grin tugging at the corner of my lips. "Though, maybe I should have laid out the details a bit more clearly. Back to the topic at hand, though – the match is about to start, right?"
“Yep, we have to show our support to our protégés. The best we could do for now is watch their match live and cheer for them.”
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Ariadne's PoV
A ghost of a smile flits across my lips as I replay the scene in my head—my time with Katherine.
A flutter erupts in my chest again, a sensation so new and unfamiliar it takes my breath away. Butterflies? Is that what they call this? My stomach does a nervous flip as I relive in my head what exactly happened earlier.
The hug.
I could feel my cheeks redden as I tried to relive the exact moment in my head. And I certainly remember it, oh so vividly, even up till now.
My heart raced against my ribs as she drew me into her embrace. Her touch was delicate, akin to a soft caress, igniting a blush that crept up my neck. Instinctively, my arms, which had been unconsciously extended, enfolded her, her warmth sending a pleasant shiver down my spine.
Every sensation felt intensified during that hug. Her hair lightly brushed against my cheek in a strangely delightful manner. Our bodies pressed together, her gentle touch creating a tingling sensation within me. The aroma of jasmine and rose enveloped me, adding to the allure of her sweet scent.
Above all, it was her tranquil and reassuring presence that resonated with me. I felt the calming comfort of her being by my side, of knowing I could depend on her. She is not just my mentor but also my friend. However, deep within me, a yearning starts to stir a desire for our relationship to evolve into something... more...
Wait! What am I thinking?!
Warning mental fluctuations detected. Heart rate is going above average standards. The player is advised to take a break.
Oh crap! I can't be forcibly logged out now! We are currently in the middle of an elimination match!
I steadied my breathing and tried to vanish all distractions. Calm down, Aria. Breathe in, breathe out.
Let's focus on the match. It would do no good if we got eliminated here because of me. I certainly wouldn't be able to face her if that happens.
"Aria, are you alright?" a sudden question from my best friend pulled me out of my headspace. It was a much-needed respite.
"H-huh?! O-of course I am! And what about you?" I reflexively turned the question back to her.
She stared at me curiously. "...I'm pretty sure I'm fine, but you... You appear preoccupied for some reason," she observed, peering at me with suspicion evident in her gleaming eyes.
I closed the distance in a blink, the spear transforming back into twin daggers of my own. The archer's dagger clattered to the ground as I disarmed it with a practiced ease. A single, precise slash across his arm sent him sprawling, his own weapon clattering beside him. Then, a stab at his now defenseless head.
Xanix
HP: 0%
His health bar winked out of existence, his form then turning into blue motes of light.
After defeating the only source of DPS in a matter of seconds, too fast for even his defender to react, I turned to the remaining survivor—the loudmouthed brute.
"This outcome should make it clear to you by now. You and your teammates are nothing but cannon fodders in this tournament," I stated with a hint of contempt.
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"W-what a commanding display by Team Paragons! They have clearly surpassed their rival guild in this match! Demonstrating that they are still very much in the competition!" exclaimed the caster as the bout concluded.
I smiled at the result. It was a dominating win, with Aria's team emerging victorious in every orb skirmish. Notably, none of their team members died at all, highlighting the formidable strength of their team.
Given the gap in skills, I already expected the outcome, but I'm still relieved that their performance was not greatly affected by their earlier loss from their fight. In fact, it seems their team bounced back, stronger than ever, after learning from their loss and moving forward as a team. Undoubtedly, Celeste played a significant role in this positive development.
Nevertheless, isn't Aria displaying a more brutal demeanor than usual? She can be rather intimidating at times, but she was completely merciless in this fight. I need to constantly remind myself that I better not get on her bad side at all.
Still, after that outstanding performance she showed on stage, it looks like it's my turn to keep my promise to her.
A sudden, courteous knock on our door drew my teammates' and my own attention, prompting us to pay attention to the room's entrance. Moments later, the door swung open, unveiling a familiar staff member.
“Excuse me, team Paradigm. Please prepare for the final match of the day,” the staff politely reminded us.
“Yes, we will be right there in a short while,” our captain, Liz, responded to the team.
After nodding amicably, the staff left us to our own devices.
As the door closed, a hush settled over the room, enveloping our team in quiet contemplation of the insurmountable challenge that lay ahead.
I empathize with my teammates' sentiments. It seems as though we are at a huge disadvantage. The situation appears dire, with us going up against the strongest opponent we have ever faced so far. Lua’s team is undoubtedly formidable and intimidating. Going up against them feels as though we are embroiled in a futile struggle, with victory seeming out of reach.
“I really don’t think we have a chance at winning this battle, guys...” Clarence broke the silence.
A moment later, a cheerful voice came from none other than our captain, Liz. "Yeah, but let's not lose hope just yet. Let us at least give our all and hope for a favorable outcome, alright guys?" she encouraged.
Another silence. The brief pause that followed was filled with the weight of anticipation and the echoes of conflicting emotions. The contrast between Clarence's initial doubt and Liz's unwavering belief created a juxtaposition of perspectives within the team.
This time, I was the one to break it.
“Guys, I have a suggestion to make,” I raised my voice.
That caught the undivided attention of my teammates.
“This might sound crazy, but please hear me out," I continued.
"Sure, go ahead! I completely support your idea," Liz encouraged.
"I'm open to it," Clarence chimed in.
Meanwhile, Chu acknowledged my words with a nod.
"You guys haven't heard the details of my plan yet..." I deadpanned.
"I believe that whatever you have in mind will benefit the team. I have complete trust in you, Kat," Liz said encouragingly, expressing her honest thoughts about me, which is actually quite sweet of her.
"Liz is right. Without doing something unexpected, we have little to no chance of winning against their ace, Lua," Clarence remarked.
"...So, what do you propose?" Chu inquired, curiosity evident in his tone.
Taking a moment to compose myself, I focused my thoughts on the strategy. “Regarding Lua... let me have a one-on-one duel with her,” I finally proposed.
Silence again... It stayed a lot shorter this time before Clarence broke it.
“I agree with what you said earlier. You do sound completely crazy.”