Quickly dodging an attack from Garmr, I slash at him with my Sword causing him to let out a whining sound as he falls to the ground. I felt rather guilty after I did that but Moritaka gave me a thumbs up as he put away the katana he always carries once the App battle finally ended.
“Well done! Though I should have expected as much after how Shuichi spoke of you. I was not given any details, so I was quite nervous to find out who would show up. . . However, I am sure that you will be just fine, Masato!” I rubbed the back of my neck with an embarrassed look on my face as Moritaka gave me a bright smile as he praised me sincerely.
Garmr got off the ground and stomped his feet onto the ground as he growled at me. “Urrrrgh! Garmr lost! Damn! Rematch now!!” I couldn’t help but gush in my heart at how cute Garmr was currently acting. ‘He is acting like a child throwing a fit! That's so cute! I wanna pet him all over!’
“There, there. Calm down, Garmr. Fights don’t always go the way you want. The match has been settled. Now, do you agree that Masato passed?” Moritaka was petting Garmr on the head and the angry expression on his face turned to a sulking expression as his ears and tail dropped to the ground sad. “Grrrrr. . . Garmr follow orders. Garmr guard dog.”
As soon as Garmr admitted defeat, Moritaka's smile got brighter. “That is right. We Canis Therians are loyal, honest, and sincere. It’s not easy to be all three.” Moritaka crossed his arms around his chest as he nodded his head satisfied with the way Garmr was acting and I could see his tail was wagging getting excited.
“Hehehe. Praise Garmr? Praise Garmr?!” Garmr's tail started to wag too as he started to jump in place. Before he could fully give into his emotions he stopped himself and looked at me. “You strong. I know. Strong may pass. That is rule. . . Name! Tell Garmr name!”
“My name is Masato. It is nice to meet you, Garmr.” I bow slightly towards Garmr who was looking at me intently and I just gave him a smile not minding that he was just staring at me. ‘I wonder if it is okay to just go for it and pet him on his head?’
“Masato! Garmr remember! You very strong. But. . . Garmr no know how to say. Anyway, Garmr like! Hey! Garmr. . . meet Masato before?” Garmr tilted his head curiously at me with his tongue sticking out of his mouth but I froze as I looked at him confused.
“I honestly don’t remember. . . Why? Do you know me?” I was looking at Garmr with a stronger interest now, curious to know if he met me before and knows who I am. ‘It’s a low chance but a clue is a clue to figuring out who I am!’
“Sniff. . . Sniff. . . This smell!” Garmr was sniffing me all over and I was trying not to laugh as his nose brush against my skin while smelling me all over. “Garmr know this smell! This smell from where Garmr born. You born in Helheim? Or. . . you go to Helheim?”
“I. . . might’ve visited? I don’t really know. . .” My head was spinning wondering if I was from the world that Garmr was from. I was getting annoyed due to the lack of information regarding where I am from. ‘If I could find out that then I could probably get my memories back. I mean. . .probably? I don’t know how memories work.’
“Sniff. . . sniff. . . Calming scent! Calming smell! Garmr remember first master. No face, no name. Just scent.” Garmr was rubbing his head into my stomach and I was trying not to fall onto the ground due to how strong he was rubbing his head into me. ‘I smell like his first master? Have I met his master before?’
Moritaka looked at Garmr with a sad expression on his face and I felt sad for him too. Not being able to remember what his master looked like or their name. Just the way they smell. I guess he was kind of like me in some way. . .
“You must’ve been through a lot, Garmr.” I put a hand on Garmr's head as he continued to rub into my stomach and I pet him. I don’t know if that could help him out but I know all dogs love pets even if they are humanoid.
“Hehehehe! Garmr love pets!” Garmr took his head from my stomach and looked at me smiling with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. “You worry about Garmr? Garmr very, very happy! But Garmr okay. Garmr not lonely. First master gave chain! Looking at chain reminds Garmr! Yes! Garmr’s world had big war. Garmr’s friends charge enemy. Friends die. Enemies die.” Garmr's ear dropped down and he got a sad look on his face and I could see Moritaka with a sad expression on his face as he listen to Garmr talk.
“When Garmr’s, turn, big door open. Light door. Garmr come to this world. Alone! Garmr alone. But Garmr meet many masters! Next master add this to chain! Next add this! Garmr remember all masters! Forever and ever, together! So happy! Right now, Garmr not so happy. Garmr has no master. . .” I was amused by how Garmr expressions can change so quickly in under a minute. He never stays long with one emotion always going to a new one rather quickly.
“Hey! You be new master, yes?” Garmr looked at me with an excited look and his tail was wagging excitedly behind him. “That is a great idea! We Canis Therians often yearn for a master to serve!” Moritaka put a hand on my shoulder as he smiled at me happily and I could also see his tail was wagging happily behind him too. ‘I am just surrounded by such cute Canis Therians right now and I am really pleased with this.’
“Garmr like your scent! Garmr want new master!” Garmr was hopping in place and I could hear his chains hit each other as he hopped around excitedly looking at me expectedly and I could only laugh nervously at where this conversation went so quickly.
“Aw. . . Good boy! Good boy! Who’s a good boy?!” I couldn’t help myself as I pet Garmr more, whose tongue was hanging out of his mouth letting out an occasional bark of happiness which urged me on to pet him even more.
“Garmr like! Pet more! More!” I don’t know when it happened but I was on my knees rubbing Garmr on his stomach. I was so into rubbing him on the stomach I didn’t notice someone new arrived until I heard someone cleared their throat politely. I stop what I was doing and look toward the new person.
When I saw it was Snow, I quickly got up from my knees and got into a defense position which he just chuckled at. I didn’t let my guard down at all as I look at Snow who eyes still had that sharp look in it from before as he looked me over.
“Apologies for the interruption, but I wish to welcome you to the Ikebukuro Colosseum. Oh, and Garmr, your next guest has arrived.” At what Snow said Garmr got up from the ground quickly. He had a focused look on his face as he went back to where he was when I first arrived but stopped as he looked at me.
“Woof? Grr. . . Garmr go to work! You come again! Garmr sniff more! Bye-bye!” Before Garmr left he licked me on my cheek then waved good-bye happily. I wiped my cheek that was wet but didn’t feel annoyed with what he did to me.
“Welcome, Mr. Inuzuka. Are you here to battle today?” Snow looked over to Moritaka as he spoke to him politely and I couldn’t help but wonder how this was the same person who beat the shit out of me a few hours ago. ‘So people do become weird when the fight? Do I act weird as I fight too?’
“Oh, manager. Thank you for the kind reception. However, today I have come as an escort for my friend. Thus, I will take my leave once I am done. Please accept my apologies.” Moritaka bowed towards Snow who just waved off his apologies with a polite smile on his face.
“Is that so? No apology necessary, naturally. In that case, allow me to take over the role of escort from here.” I froze as Snow suggested that and I looked at him suspiciously and flinched when we made eye contact and he smiled at me politely. ‘Should I be worried about my safety? Is he going to fight me again? Am I safe?!’
“I cannot. It would be improper for a warrior to abandon his mission before it has been fulfilled. I shall accompany you, Master Snow.” I relaxed once I learned that Moritaka wouldn’t leave me alone with Snow right now. I wasn’t ready to fight him again after I lost to him before. That would be a dangerous situation for me.
“I see. Very well, then. In that case, right this way.” Snow gestured for us and I was looking at him, not fully trusting him not to attack me. ‘It not this easy right? I couldn’t get in right away last time so why would it be easy to get in this time?’
“Now, let us proceed.” I flinched when Snow said that and got into a fighting position as I looked at Snow who was smiling. Moritaka called out my name confused but I was too focused on keeping Snow in my line of sight.
“Is this round two? I won’t lose this time! I’m gonna stroke your mane till you cry uncle!” I was glaring at Snow waiting for him to make a move against me. If a fight happens then I would have to give it my all and at least take him down with me.
“I sense your fierce fighting spirit, lying in wait to pounce at any moment. But please, be patient. Your skill may just be at a level to quench my thirst for battle, but. . .” I was looking at Snow confused and Moritaka put his hand on my shoulder, shaking his head at me.
“Masato, you must understand that Snow has no reason to fight you.” When Moritaka said that I realized I probably overreacted to what Snow said and just assumed we were going to fight again. I felt my face grow warm as I awkwardly got out of my defensive position.
“Please excuse my insolence earlier. At this point, there is no reason for us to pit our abilities against one other. Now, you are our respected guest. You have obtained the necessary qualifications.” I tilted my head confused at what Snow was saying. ‘So I am a guest now? I can go inside of the building and find Kengo? Is it because of Moritaka?’
“I have? Is it because I got an introduction from a gladiator?” I feel like this is the most logical reason as to why I am allowed to go into the building now. I didn’t have an introduction from a gladiator before but since Moritaka was here I guess I can go in no problem now.
“Our Colosseum requires an invitation from a recognized gladiator. If Mr. Inuzuka vouches for you, then you have the right of entry. Furthermore, you proved your worth to Garmr. Although he may not be what one might call intelligent. . . he is quite powerful.” Moritaka and me looked at Snow with an unhappy expression when he mentioned that Garmr wasn’t that smart. ‘Garmr is smart in his own way! He just is a really emotional Cantis and that fine.’
“Moreover, you have survived the jaws of death! To challenge the same opponent twice requires a strong will. My Chakram tears through all aspects of the three worlds. You must have experienced the pain of death threefold. Yet you come out of such a terrible experience unfazed. Your future is so promising, it is almost terrifying. You are exactly the kind of berserker fitting to be called a guest of this guild. You will be welcomed wholeheartedly.” Snow was looking at me intensely like I was something interesting and I could only awkwardly look away from him not wanting to remember the pain I was in when his Sacred Artifact cut me up.
“The jaws of death. . .? What an exaggeration. The App is just a game. It’s not like I can actually die.” I know everything that happens during the App will disappear once it is closed. So even if I were to “die” I would come back once the App closes. I mean that what Salomon said to me and it worked with those groups of students who got attacked by Shiro familiars before.
“Heh. . . Hahaha. Ah, excuse me. However, it is unseemly for those with good fortune to brag of it as such.” I don’t know why but it felt like Snow was kind of insulting me. His words were polite and formal but I couldn’t help but feel he was insulting me. ‘Wow, so this is the polite way of insulting people. . .’
“Snow, please refrain from any more insults. Is not Masato your guest?” Moritaka stood in front of me frowning at Snow and I couldn’t help but see him as a dog who was standing up for his owner which gave me a huge urge to pet Moritaka for being such a good person.
“How rude of me. Forgive me, Masato. As you say, the powers gained from the App erase all wounds, and even revert death. However, the revision is purely physical. Memory remains. The utmost pain one can experience is carved into the soul. Most would emerge with a broken spirit. Without the heart of a warrior, one could no longer set foot on the battlefield.” What Snow was saying did match up with how I felt even though the App was closed. Also with what Shuichi told me when I was between being awake and asleep.
“We are the exceptions. Berserkers. We, who experience death itself and rise to stand on the front lines once again. Yet, you. . . You seem to have overcome the experience as if it were nothing. No wonder Garmr has taken a shine to you. Oh, please pay his little request no mind.” I felt confused at what request Snow was talking about before I remembered what Garmr asked me a few minutes ago.
“You mean, about becoming his master? Why?” I didn’t see the problem of becoming his master. I think it would be rather nice having such a cute follower like Garmr by my side. I would be able to pet him whenever I want if that happens.
“That is correct. Despite his appearance, he is a weapon forged to kill gods. No human could restrain him.” Even though Snow had a polite smile on his face his eyes were sharp as they looked at me which caused me to nervously look away from him again.
“Snow, choose your words wisely. Garmr despises such talk.” Moritaka gave Snow a hard look which Snow just shrugged off and continued to speech, not caring that Moritaka was upset with him.
“And yet it is fact. To take him as a familiar, one must be prepared to relinquish half of one’s lifespan.” I could feel my eyebrow raised at what Snow said not really wanted to believe that being Garmr master would cause that. ‘I guess that being his master is a risky business. But something is more confusing at the moment concerning Snow and his master.’
“Isn’t your master Garmr’s master? I mean that's the reason why he is here right?” Snow chuckled at what I said like I was saying something funny and I could only puff out my cheek a little bit annoyed at how he treated me like a child.
“Hm? It seems you do not quite understand that which we call Transient Users. One bonded to a Transient, the master in a pact, is required to continuously supply power to sustain that pact. Magic, mana, divine power. . . It has many names in many cultures, but the underlying concept is the same: the power to sustain life, the power to bind fate. Simply put, it is like a parent taking responsibility for a child. Even a small child is a large burden. Thus, a weapon that can kill even gods. . . Must I go on?” I could only nod in silence at what Snow was saying and I couldn’t feel a bit concerned about the person who summoned me. They have to keep giving me power to sustain my life. I wonder if that is causing problems for them. I would feel bad if that is true.
“My master has already made a pact with me. No matter how gifted my master may be. . . Well, I believe taking on Garmr would be rather a reckless pursuit.” I know what Snow was saying was right but I couldn’t help but wonder why it should matter if I want more than one familiar.
“I want more, you know, er, uh. . .” I was stumbling with saying what was currently on my mind but stopped when Snow looked over towards me and asked me what I just said. I could only mumble out nothing toward Snow who just nodded at my answer. ‘I have a feeling I would be looked at strangely if I said that out loud. . .’
“Oh, my. Look at the time.” Snow took out a pocket watch from his jacket and looked at it with a raised eyebrow. “Now then, I must make arrangements for the next match. You must excuse me. Please make yourself at home.” Snow went further into the building leaving to go off to do what he had to do leaving me alone with Moritaka.
Moritaka started to walk toward the building and I followed him since I had no idea where I had to go. After a few minutes of walking we arrived in an area that had decorations that made it look like it was some old fashion battle waiting area but there was a flat screen tv with speakers under it in the center of the area. I was looking around interest in the new place I was in.
“A lot has happened, but we have finally reached our destination. This is the public changing room of the Colosseum. I am afraid I am not too familiar with it. I have only visited a few times accompanying Kengo. My knowledge of this place is not far removed from your own. By the looks of it, Kengo isn’t here right now. It may be best to ask someone who might be in the know.” I was looking around the area still with interest while listening to what Moritaka was saying in the background. I was really interested in the many people I saw walking in the area. They all looked so unique in the way they dress and hold themselves in front of everyone.
“By the way, Masato. . . I mean no disrespect, but there is something I would like to ask.” I look over to Moritaka whose voice grew serious. “Your fight with Garmr earlier was quite something. I found myself instinctively growling aloud at the spectacle. Could it be that you have learned a form of swordsmanship somewhere?”
“. . . I picked up a sword for the first time the other day.” I cough awkwardly to myself as I explain to Moritaka that I am just guessing when using my Sword. I have no idea how I am able to fight with a sword in the first place. I am pretty sure I never picked up a sword before. . .
“The first time?! You must have natural talent! Hmm. . . I see. Furthermore, the gleam of that sword. . . suggests that it is no ordinary sword! It must be a famous. . . no, a divine blade! I would be honored to spar with you someday!” Moritaka's tail was wagging behind him rather excitedly and I could only nod my head at him not wanting to disappoint him by saying no.
“. . . Apologies. Please forgive my insolence. We have not yet formalized our friendship, and here I am acting so arrogant. If my parents were to witness me sniffing around for information like this, they would certainly give me a good nip.” I couldn’t help but smile at how Moritaka's tail and ears drop down once he realized he was probably too forward with me.
“Then let’s make it official. Friends, Moritaka?” I held my hand out to Moritaka who looked at it in surprise. I just gave him a smile as I waited for him to react. I could see Moritaka's tail starting to wag again as he just stared at my hand.
“Friends. . . Friends, you say! Yes. Then. . . Starting today, we shall be friends!” Moritaka put his hand in mine and held it tightly while looking at me with bright eyes. “Masato, you have reassured me greatly. With someone like you around, even Kengo. . . Oh, pay me no mind. It is simply that Kengo has not seemed very happy recently. I have asked him about it, but he refuses to speak of it. However, your efforts may provide different results.”
Moritaka let go of my hand and I felt disappointed in the warm hand leaving mine. “Now then, I have prior arrangements to attend to, so I will excuse myself. There are some here that I am not quite compatible with. I would like to leave before running into them. . .” I chuckle at the uncomfortable look on his face as he thought of the person he didn’t want to meet with.
“You may laugh all you want. It is shameful of me, a warrior, to admit as much. Please excuse me, my dear friend, Masato! Let us meet again at school. Farewell.” Moritaka bow towards me before quickly leaving the area leaving me by myself in a new place.
“Hmm. He said to look for someone in the know. . . But everyone looks kind of scary. Where the heck is Kengo. . . I will totally kick his ass for making me go through so much just to figure out what his deal is.” I was mumbling to myself as I tried to find someone I could ask for information regarding Kengo and where he was at.
As I was looking around I ended up locking eyes with someone. I couldn tell they weren’t exactly human due to the fact they looked like a humanoid wolf with horns on their head. I felt my eyes looking over their rather exposed body. I didn’t know what to do when I felt an upcoming nosebleed.
“Wow, look at that outfit! It fits so well on the body of that demon. . .” As soon as I said that they started to walk over to me. I was panicking, wondering how I should act as they got closer to me. ‘Okay Masato! Act natural with the super sexy demon gladiator!’
“Well I’ll be! Hey, you new here?!” He spoke in a very attractive voice that just lured me into them even more. I could see them looking at me waiting for me to answer them and I quickly tried to say something to him.
“No! I mean yes! I mean! How do you know?!” I ended up stumbling with my words which caused him to laugh at me. I felt my face grow warm as I totally just embarrassed myself in front of such an attractive person.
“Of course I can tell! You set off all the alarm bells! Especially glancing around like that. There are some pretty famous people lurking around this room. I guess if you’re from the boonies, you can’t help it, you know? Of course you’d stare! Still, there isn’t anyone that can match even the tip of my tail in terms of greatness! Well? Got anything to say to me? You want an autograph? A handshake? I give hugs, too!” He got close to me as he questioned me about what I wanted from him and I could feel my head spinning as I breathed in how nice he smelled.
“I’ll take a hug! Please and thank you!” I bow toward him deeply which he chuckles at. He put his hand under my chin as he lifted me up from my bowing. I felt my face grow even warmer as he smiled at me.
“All right! Here it comes! Are you ready for my soft and tender embrace. . .?” He whispered that in my ear as he got closer to me and put his really warm arms around me. He felt so warm and soft that I felt like I was losing myself in his arms. ‘I just want to stay here forever in his warm arms. He is so soft. . .’
I could feel something about to come out my nose and I quickly got out of his arms and tried to figure out who this attractive person was. “U-Um! May I ask who you are?” As soon as I asked who he was he looked at me shocked like he wasn’t expecting that.
“Huh? You don’t know who I am? You’ve never heard of me? Aww, man! You don’t know me? I’m the great star of the Colosseum! What rock have you been living under?! I’m the star of the Ikebukuro Guild, Bathym! FYI, I’m on the hunt for a totally awesome master for my totally awesome self! Us meeting has gotta be the work of fate! Let’s be buddies. . . Uh, what’s your name?” I felt myself grow excited as he asked me for my name. ‘Okay, be totally cool Masato. No stumbling this time!’
“It's nice to meat you! I mean it nice to meet you! Why would it be meat? Hahaha. . .” Even though I was laughing I wanted to throw myself into a deep hole to die for being so embarrassing in front of Bathym. ‘Ugh. . . He is even laughing at how embarrassing I am too. . . Way to go Masato. . .’
“Got it! Wee little Masato! Nice to meet ya!” Bathym pinched my cheek like one would do to a child which made me feel upset. ‘Great, this attractive demon looking person probably sees me as a child. I don’t blame him at all with me stumbling over my words like I am an idiot. . .’
“Um, nice. . . outfit you’ve got there” I couldn’t take my eyes off his outfit even though I should have gotten used to it already. I mean his outfit is basically just belts all over his body that is barely covering anything! It's hard for my thoughts not to drift into a dirty area.
“I knew I’d stand out! Go on, get an eyeful of my awesome fashion sense! This outfit is edy, even for the avant-garde! The whole place’s eyes will be on me! I don’t care if I bare it all! That’s my style! That’s what makes it unique, you know? By the way, you looking for someone, Masato?” Bathym had a hand under his chin as he tilted his head curious towards me which caused my face to grow warm again once I realized that just made him look even more attractive in my eyes.
“I’m looking for a guild member who I saw coming into this building. I don’t really know where I can find him. It’s rather important if I find him.” I was rubbing my neck as Bathym stared at me as I spoke. I would be okay with this usually with other people but it feels like Bathym could see everything as he looked at me.
“Huh? A guild member? You saw him come in here? Well. . . This is where Participants gather. So if he’s not here, then. . . Maybe he’s a Ranker? In that case, he wouldn’t be here. This area’s for the Unranked.” I was brought out of my lovey dovey daze after I heard what Bathym said not understanding what a Ranker or Unranked was.
“What’s a Ranker and Unranked? Is it something I should know about?” It felt like I came into this place totally unprepared. Maybe I should have at least asked if there was important stuff I needed to know before coming in here.
“Rankers are the top 10 of the Ikebukuro Guild. In short, the 10 strongest members. Of course, I, the great Bathym, am also a Ranker! People outside of those 10 are all called Unranked. Everyone starts off as Unranked and keeps fighting and fighting until they become Rankers. There’s a special section in this building just for Rankers. We get some pretty luxurious rooms. Oh, but be careful. Only Rankers are allowed in. If you wanna get in there, you gotta become a Ranker yourself. You came here to become a Ranker too, didn’t you, Masato?” Bathym looked at me expectedly and I could only nod my head silently not knowing how coming here to find Kengo turned into me becoming a Ranker so I could find Kengo. This is just adding onto the things I have to do.
“Anyway, if the one you’re looking for is a Ranker, then you gotta work up the ranks to find him.” After he said that I heard a jingle coming for the speakers which caused Bathym to stop talking to me so I could hear what was going to be said.
‘We will now begin the entry procedures for Unranked battles. Those who wish to participate must register at the desk outside the changing room and then move to the arena. I repeat. . .’ After the announcement from the speaker many people who were probably unranked started to go toward the area that was mentioned.
“It’s time. Well? Do you want to go for it, Masato? It’s the call to join the Unranked battles. Taking part in those battles is how you earn your rank. Highly placed Rankers won’t be in the mix, but there’s still some strong ones here and there.” I was thinking deeply about what Bathym said and decided if I wanted to find Kengo I had to raise my rank up. ‘Hopefully I won’t have too much trouble rising my rank up in the battle. I don’t want to spend too much time fighting people. I have a mission I have to complete!’
“I guess I gotta go now. . .! I’ll do my best! Wish me luck, Bathym!” I clenched my fist in front of me with a determined look on my face which Bathym smiled at. I hope that I won’t embarrass myself in front of Bathym when I fight. I have to show them my cool side too!
“Oh? You’re gonna go for it? Nice! I love this wild side you’re rockin’! Let’s see what you’re made of, Masato!” After saying my goodbyes to a smiling Bathym I went to the desk that was mentioned outside of the changing rooms. There were other people who were there registering at the desk so I had to wait a while.
After waiting for a few moments I finally go to the front of the desk and register for the unranked battles. After confirming I was sure about this they pointed me toward an arena and told me that my battle was going to happen there.
After going to the arena where my fight was going to happen I felt a bunch of butterflies in my stomach as I heard countless voices in the arena that were waiting for the fight to begin already. ‘Okay Masato. You are doing this for Kengo and Shiro. Don’t be nervous! This is just like the other battles you did in the App but you just have people watching you fight now. Just do your usual fighting thing.’
After I pumped myself up I went onto the stage that was in the arena and saw that a male high school student was already there waiting for me. I heard an announcer say my name and the student name as we got ready to fight each other. After a few tense moments of waiting the announcer finally told us to start the fight.
