Destiny Unchain Online ~I became a vampire girl and eventually became known as the “Demon King of Blood”~ - Chapter 19

The Duel

“There are so many people…!”

Coming from the post town, traversing through several areas at full speed… that was the first thing Crim thought at the moment she stepped onto the lush green hills she arrived at.

The scene of everyone running around the field, with similar equipment… is exactly what MMORPGs were like in the early days, when there weren’t many options for equipment.

“You’re finally here.”

“Then this is…!”

“Ah… [Hills of Beginning: Evergreen], the original starting point, at Windham’s base.”

In this way… after a long detour, Crim set foot at the original starting point.

“Somehow, the number of enemies is too large, isn’t it?”

As she walks, she asks questions.

In [Schwarzwald] where Crim started, the enemies were so sparsely placed, that you would almost never encounter them, if you walked carefully, unless you wandered into the depths.

However, there are a large number of enemies walking around the plains everywhere, and wherever you look, they are fighting with players.

“Yeah. It seems that the more enemies are defeated per hour in the surrounding area, the more enemies pop up.”

“Heh…”

Crim was curiously looking around the area, while trying to resist the urge to take out the scythe and go on a rampage against the large number of enemies…

“Well, if you’ve come this far, there’s a little bit more to Windham…”

Ryunosuke, who was walking next to her, came right up to her, as he fell into silence. Crim, who had an idea for the reason, speaks in a low voice so that the surroundings can’t hear it.

“We’re being followed… from the previous area.”

“Did you notice? There is a bridge over the river ahead.”

“What do you think is their purpose?”

“Of course, it’s you. You’re wearing such conspicuous equipment.”

“Ell…”

Crim looked down at her appearance, while sighing deeply.

(The crimson cloak I’m wearing right now… well, no matter how you look at it, it looks just like a rare item.)

And then, as expected, in front of the bridge, which was the only way, there was a group of guild members, holding up the same emblem.

Furthermore, several people, who were following them, appeared from behind, and thus they were completely surrounded.

However, this is the starting area. PK is also prohibited area for beginners, so they aren’t immediately attacked.

“Well, what do you think?”

That’s what Crim asked Ryunosuke, but… the moment she saw the people in the group, she had already lost interest in them.

“… All the top guilds have already gone on an expedition by now. Even among the quasi-abandoned people, who are active in empty places, they are ones at the lower ranks.”

“…As expected, even from Ryunosuke’s point of view, it’s the same.”

Players who are basically cripple, don’t get involved with other players and don’t cause trouble.

This is because they form a community of people who get along well with each other and they are matched in their abilities, and they don’t leave the field.

—Although there are quite a few crocks, who willingly engage in such annoying acts. And those guys are often be the biggest threat to players.

But fortunately, at least the people in front of me, didn’t seem to have that much to worry about.

Therefore… the problem is not that they are called upon by such a group, but that they have confidence in their own skills… the conflict caused by those in such a half-baked position.

And… they were stepping on the people who were blocking the way.

“Halt!”

“If you want to pass through here, bet that oversized cloak and have them fight us one-on-one!”

“You wouldn’t say no to a fair and square duel!?”

As expected, the group of people, who seemed to be guild members shouted “that’s right” from around the men who shouted at Crim and the others who were trying to cross the bridge.

For them, they may have intended to be duellists who challenged the game fair and square, but their exaggerated remarks made them seem all bark, but no bite.

“… That’s what they say, even though it’s almost like a threat.”

In this kind of situation, a weak-willed person wouldn’t be able to refuse.

What’s more, when it comes to battle, you won’t be able to move normally unless you have a lot of courage. Because everyone that surrounds you and makes a fuss is an enemy.

(It’s really dumb), Crim thought.

And it’s easy for Crim to jump over their player-wall.

However, in that case, there is a possibility, that she will be followed, and Ryunosuke, who was with her, may also be followed. Besides… if you join like this, Hijiri and Subaru…

–It’s troublesome, let’s blow them all away.

Make a quick decision.

“Okay, let’s do it.”

“Hey, Crim!?”

“It’s not like I can’t run away, but it seems like it’s going to be troublesome to have them chase after me again.”

I was aware of the eyes fixed on me, but I didn’t mind.

For Crim, this is something that cannot be overlooked.

“It would be troublesome if Hijiri and Subaru who followed me, got caught in this mess. I’ll beat them to an extent so they won’t feel like it.”

“Crim, you…”

Ryunosuke swallowed his saliva and took a few steps back when he saw Crim’s face, which was completely ready for battle.

“Then, is it okay to make a bet?”

“I don’t mind. But only one person. After that, I’ll have you swear that you won’t get involved with me.”

“…I understand, that’s fine.”

“You heard that? The people watching the match here are the witnesses, okay?”

A sound rises from the surroundings, saying that they certainly heard it.

It seems that the other people were also quite annoyed by their actions. For the time being, I feel relieved, that the feelings of those, other than the ones blocking the road, seem to be on our side.

“So… it’s fine to bet, but can you give me a price that matches this cloak?”

Saying that, I drag the [Young Red Lion Emperor’s Overcoat] to the bet item column of the PvP application screen.

In the act of betting items in this PvP, the value of the item is displayed on both sides, with a rate amount, that takes various factors into account.

Naturally, the item’s performance, quality, and rarity will also have an impact.

And, just as they had hoped, Crim bet on only one unique piece of equipment, the [Young Red Lion Emperor’s Overcoat].

The rate displayed there is [12000], converted into the in-game currency [FOL]… it was 12 million.

Seeing that, Crim herself was a little surprised. It’s certainly a unique piece of equipment, but in terms of performance, it’s not that outstanding, and in that case the [Strider Boots] would be more valuable.

(I wonder if there is another factor)

“You’re lying, unique equipment…!?”

The man who saw the rate amount let out a voice of astonishment.

As soon as he said that, a roar rose from the surroundings. At that sound, Crim pulled herself out of her thoughts and hurried to regain her composure.

“In exchange, if I win, I’ll ask you to leave all the money and belongings you have. Well, it’s probably not enough, though? If you’re okay with that condition, then you can accept this match, right?”

Somewhat provocative. Immediately, there was a sign of turmoil from the man.

“A-all…!? What a stupid request…!”

“Then your request is pointless. Someone betting their precious thing, without the other side being prepared to lose everything… Why, are you planning to lose the game?”

“Goo, ku…”

Even so, it probably still isn’t balanced.

However, the man who heard that, had a shine in his eyes and began to bet everything he had one after another.

[500] was the amount they were presented with. It’s not a bad amount at this point, as the game’s service has barely begun, but it’s definitely not as high as Crim’s bet.

At this point, it should be out of the question. The right to decline the match is on the side of the person who received the invitation, so even if Crim declined the match, no one would complain… but.

“… well, okay. I’ll accept this match.”

In terms of rate, it is disadvantageous, but she still pressed the accept button.

[Player: Crim has accepted the PvP request]

It was announced to those around them, that PvP was established by mutual agreement.

Then, a message saying 60 seconds left until the start of the match began.

A field composed of hexagonal lines of light enveloped Crim and her opponent… a battlefield for PvP battles, that makes it impossible for others to interfere, unfolds and surrounds them with computer generated sounds. People inside it are transported to its perimeter.

In the midst of the preparation of the battle stage.

“I will defeat you and become the owner of that unique equipment…!”

As the countdown progressed, the opponent was enthusiastic, but…

――Because you’re too overbearing, too tense, your body is stiff, your vision is narrow, and you’re going to lose every penny if you lose, you’re betting big money, that you haven’t done before, so that’s what happens.

She coolly commented on the appearance of the man in front of him.

(With that, no matter how strong you usually are, you won’t be able to demonstrate your full ability.)

–Well, I did it on purpose.

She said to herself while sticking her tongue out in her heart.

Having a psychological advantage is very important, when competing in a VR environment like this.

Even so, his fighting spirit was high, probably driven by desire, and her opponent turned to glare at Crim, but the next moment, when the countdown reached zero, he froze in shock.

Crim, who jumped at him at the same time as the battle start buzzer went off, was already right in front of the man.

“–Unfortunately, you’re full of gaps.”

I told him in a bewitching whisper in his ear, at that moment.

I twisted my legs around the neck of the man, who couldn’t even react, fixed the man’s head between my thighs, and twisted my body with the momentum of the jump…

—-Gokiri, a hideous, disgusting sound echoed through the surroundings.

Crim, who had twisted her body in a 180° turn, jumped down from there the neck of the man, whose face was in an unnatural angle, facing directly behind him, collapsed on his knees, and the shard of lights appeared and the man disappeared.

—K.O.! Crim WINS!!

Leaving the spectators behind, a message like that of a fighting game flowed. At the same time, the man’s belongings appeared in Crim’s inventory.

The surroundings became dead quiet.

Besides being astonished at Crim’s ability to settle the matter with such brilliant skill… more than that, it was probably due to the appearance of Crim peeking through the hood that had come off.

“This, this, and this… yeah, I’ll forgive you, it’s a pity to let you go home naked.”

While everyone around her was fascinated by her appearance, Crim handed back the outfit the man had been wearing until a while ago.

“Thank you, I’ll take the remaining rewards.”

“Ah, wait, you don’t even know where to go!?”

Yes, Crim turns around with her hood off and starts crossing the bridge with a carefree smile. Seeing that, Ryunosuke rushed after her.

“But Crim, you didn’t even use a weapon, you’re cutting too much.”

“Because I don’t want to pointlessly expose my hand in a game, that is mainly about fighting.”

As she walked away while chatting like that, she showed an arrogant indifference that she only fought because it was necessary.

“… Headhunting Red Knight”

“Someone whispered.”

There was no one to stand in the way of Crim walking away and Ryunosuke chasing after her.

[Postscipt]

–By the way, his opponent said, “I got a good look at the end,” and with a radiant expression, he washed his hands from such an act.

(Bersleid: That’s all for today’s round.)