Chapter 182: Making Frenemies
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Chapter 182: Making Frenemies
Jacks eyes traveled from the tip of the long sword, down its length, to its handle, and up to the sharp brown eyes that hid under dark hair. A tattered cloak drifted behind this man, its edge almost touching the floor, and his brows were raised in amusement.
Human (Earth-74), Level 122
Faction: Wide Swirls (B-Grade)
Title: Wide Swirls Prodigy
Minotaur, Level 115
Faction: Animal Kingdom (B-Grade)
Title: Resilient
Jack Rust, he said. What a coincidence.
Jack jumped back and clenched his fists. He instantly entered battle mode. His eyes narrowed as they took in Longswords form, as well as Bocor, the minotaur, whose gaze burned with hatred.
Longsword, he said, ignoring Bocor. Fuck.
Looks like fate wants you dead, Jack Rust, Long replied, laughing. Bocor took this as a sign of aggression and drew his tower shield, approaching Jack with the intent to battle. His position was expertly chosen; he could easily intercept any of Jacks attacks without inhibiting those of Longsword.
Not that the Lord needed any help.
Jacks brain worked quickly. Bocor hated his guts, and he had offended Longsword last time they met. Then, the Lord had declared they would be enemies starting from Space Ring.
What kind of shitty luck is this!?
He gritted his teeth, calculating his odds. He had very little confidence in beating Longsword, even though his strength had increased significantly since the last time they fought. Plus, Bocor was here.
On the other hand, if he ran, he still couldnt escape. Longsword had demonstrated his speed when he hunted Jacks group through the desert of Village Ring. But Bocor was slow. If Jack ran, he could split up his enemies, forcing Longsword to fight alone. Then, if things went Jacks way, perhaps he could
Thinking time was over. Bocor was upon him, his horns almost scraping the ceiling and his tower shield blocking most of the corridor. He moved from side to side, revealing openings through which Longsword could thrust his sword.
Jack crouched and prepared to leap back. Ghost Step was only a thought away.
Wait a moment, Longsword said. Bocor froze. Unwillingness flickered in his eyes before he stepped aside like a good grunt, making room for Longsword to approach Jack, who could run away at any moment.
Dont run, Longsword continued. It would change nothing, and lose us all precious time.
Jacks eyes narrowed further. Arent you going to attack me? he asked.
I am considering it.
There was haughtiness in that voice. It was deep and masculine, carrying a sort of brutal tone. At the same time, it hid great intelligence, along with an almost playful edge.
Longsword was strong, imposing, charming, and intelligent. Coupling that with high-end training since childhood and a natural talent for the Dao, he really did seem to have everything.
On the other side, Jack was good at punching stuff. Consider it faster, he replied.
Why the rush?
Because your witch could be flanking me as we speak.
The ends of Longswords lips rose a bit. She was split up from us. A shame, really, but not even Bone Generals can catch her. Shell be fine.
Jack waited in silence.
How about we relax and have a little chat? Longsword asked, raising his hands. We are all lost in here. Fighting each other would be a waste.
I thought we were enemies.
We can be, if you want. But our enmity will last very little, and it will end with your head far away from your shoulders.
Jack crouched deeper, ready to escape at a moments notice. What do you want?
You.
Explain.
Longsword turned to his follower. I know this is difficult for you, Bocor, but bear with it. At the end of the day, you and Jack have no personal enmityand, if you do, you were the one who started it. Perhaps this is doing your faction a favor.
Bocor growled. The Animal Kingdom doesnt take losses.
So it says, but youd be surprised. Now, how about you accept my judgment and rein in your emotions?
Longswords words were spoken calmly and with a smile, but they contained unshakable confidence. Bocor had no choice but to relent.
Longsword gave Jack a side glance. He probably expected him to walk forward and extend a handshake to Bocor. Jack didnt do that. Neither did Bocor. In the end, Longsword simply shrugged.
Do you know the way? Jack asked.
We have a compass, the Lord replied, revealing an intricately carved piece with three needles in three concentric circles.
Jack rose his brows. Huh. I never considered that.
You couldnt find one, anyway. Trial Planet is too messed up. Thankfully, being part of a B-Grade faction comes with a lot of perks. He winked, then smiled brightly.
Jack chuckled. Too bad Ill never find out.
You certainly will, one way or another. Now, lets go. With any luck, well find a Treasure Trial on the way.
A Treasure Trial?
Isnt that why you entered the labyrinth early?
I did that to avoid you.
Longsword laughed again. Well, this ring does contain Trials, like Space Ring, but not all of them are Dao Trials. Some are Treasure Trials, which means they will simply give you treasures that can be useful to anyone. Unlike Dao Trials, you can enter as many of them as you like. Theyre one of the main allures of Labyrinth Ring.
So, you want to get as many as possible?
They arent that common. Finding even one is considered lucky.
I see. Because Trial Planet has existed for so long that most of them are taken already?
Oh, not at all. Labyrinth Ring changes every few months; the paths move around, and new Trials appear in the place of old ones. They contain highly valuable rewards and are hard to conquer, but they are also very few.
Jack tilted his head. Then, shouldnt everyone be rushing to get them? I heard that the Garden Assault waits a few days in Space Ring.
Thats the agreement, yes. But there was a super horde, and many teams rushed to the labyrinth, so I just came along. Let the other Lords take their time. What are they going to do? Tell me off? I will have the rewards of at least one Treasure Trial, and they will have the moral high ground. Guess what wins in a fight.
Jack couldnt prevent the ends of his lips from rising. I guess thats one way to look at it.
Of course. As I saidhe pointed at himself and laughednot an idiot.
Do you also have a way to locate other people, not-an-idiot? Jack hadnt forgotten about Brock. Finding his brorilla remained his number one priority in Labyrinth Ring. Everything else could come after.
Longsword shook his head. Sadly not. If I did, Eralda would be here, too. Shes my ice witch, by the way.
Jack looked down, then up again. I understand, he said.
He never expected things to go this way. That he would be split up from Brock, then travel and make deals with his enemies. That Longsword would turn out to be terrifyingly enterprising.
The moment the Lord turned away, Bocor gave Jack a dirty look. Clearly, the grudge between them was nowhere near settled, but Jack didnt care too much right now.
Hey, Bocor, he said, making the minotaurs dirty look intensify, I know we dont like each other, but it looks like well be traveling together for some time. Keep it in your pants or youll just be annoying to everyone. And, by the way, I beat you when I was Level 84 and you were Level 115. Now, I am at 94, but you are still at 115. Do the math.
Bocors face split into a predatory grin. But guess who got a Trial in Space Ring, dipshit. If you want me to tear you a new asshole, Im ready anytime.
Jack frowned and turned to face Bocor squarely.
No fighting. Longsword raised his arms. The Trials of Labyrinth Ring are no laughing matter. We will need to be at full power. If you want to settle your differences, do it in Garden Ring.
Jack held Bocors stare for another moment. He wasnt going to look away first.
The minotaur turned his eyes after a moment of inner struggle. Yes, sir, he said darkly. Garden Ring, Jack Rust.
Jack snorted. Sure. Garden Ring. He didnt know what that ring was, but it sounded almost nice.
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Chapter 182: Making Frenemies
Jacks eyes traveled from the tip of the long sword, down its length, to its handle, and up to the sharp brown eyes that hid under dark hair. A tattered cloak drifted behind this man, its edge almost touching the floor, and his brows were raised in amusement.
Human (Earth-74), Level 122
Faction: Wide Swirls (B-Grade)
Title: Wide Swirls Prodigy
Minotaur, Level 115
Faction: Animal Kingdom (B-Grade)
Title: Resilient
Jack Rust, he said. What a coincidence.
Jack jumped back and clenched his fists. He instantly entered battle mode. His eyes narrowed as they took in Longswords form, as well as Bocor, the minotaur, whose gaze burned with hatred.
Longsword, he said, ignoring Bocor. Fuck.
Looks like fate wants you dead, Jack Rust, Long replied, laughing. Bocor took this as a sign of aggression and drew his tower shield, approaching Jack with the intent to battle. His position was expertly chosen; he could easily intercept any of Jacks attacks without inhibiting those of Longsword.
Not that the Lord needed any help.
Jacks brain worked quickly. Bocor hated his guts, and he had offended Longsword last time they met. Then, the Lord had declared they would be enemies starting from Space Ring.
What kind of shitty luck is this!?
He gritted his teeth, calculating his odds. He had very little confidence in beating Longsword, even though his strength had increased significantly since the last time they fought. Plus, Bocor was here.
On the other hand, if he ran, he still couldnt escape. Longsword had demonstrated his speed when he hunted Jacks group through the desert of Village Ring. But Bocor was slow. If Jack ran, he could split up his enemies, forcing Longsword to fight alone. Then, if things went Jacks way, perhaps he could
Thinking time was over. Bocor was upon him, his horns almost scraping the ceiling and his tower shield blocking most of the corridor. He moved from side to side, revealing openings through which Longsword could thrust his sword.
Jack crouched and prepared to leap back. Ghost Step was only a thought away.
Wait a moment, Longsword said. Bocor froze. Unwillingness flickered in his eyes before he stepped aside like a good grunt, making room for Longsword to approach Jack, who could run away at any moment.
Dont run, Longsword continued. It would change nothing, and lose us all precious time.
Jacks eyes narrowed further. Arent you going to attack me? he asked.
I am considering it.
There was haughtiness in that voice. It was deep and masculine, carrying a sort of brutal tone. At the same time, it hid great intelligence, along with an almost playful edge.
Longsword was strong, imposing, charming, and intelligent. Coupling that with high-end training since childhood and a natural talent for the Dao, he really did seem to have everything.
On the other side, Jack was good at punching stuff. Consider it faster, he replied.
Why the rush?
Because your witch could be flanking me as we speak.
The ends of Longswords lips rose a bit. She was split up from us. A shame, really, but not even Bone Generals can catch her. Shell be fine.
Jack waited in silence.
How about we relax and have a little chat? Longsword asked, raising his hands. We are all lost in here. Fighting each other would be a waste.
I thought we were enemies.
We can be, if you want. But our enmity will last very little, and it will end with your head far away from your shoulders.
Jack crouched deeper, ready to escape at a moments notice. What do you want?
You.
Explain.
Longsword turned to his follower. I know this is difficult for you, Bocor, but bear with it. At the end of the day, you and Jack have no personal enmityand, if you do, you were the one who started it. Perhaps this is doing your faction a favor.
Bocor growled. The Animal Kingdom doesnt take losses.
So it says, but youd be surprised. Now, how about you accept my judgment and rein in your emotions?
Longswords words were spoken calmly and with a smile, but they contained unshakable confidence. Bocor had no choice but to relent.
Longsword gave Jack a side glance. He probably expected him to walk forward and extend a handshake to Bocor. Jack didnt do that. Neither did Bocor. In the end, Longsword simply shrugged.
Do you know the way? Jack asked.
We have a compass, the Lord replied, revealing an intricately carved piece with three needles in three concentric circles.
Jack rose his brows. Huh. I never considered that.
You couldnt find one, anyway. Trial Planet is too messed up. Thankfully, being part of a B-Grade faction comes with a lot of perks. He winked, then smiled brightly.
Jack chuckled. Too bad Ill never find out.
You certainly will, one way or another. Now, lets go. With any luck, well find a Treasure Trial on the way.
A Treasure Trial?
Isnt that why you entered the labyrinth early?
I did that to avoid you.
Longsword laughed again. Well, this ring does contain Trials, like Space Ring, but not all of them are Dao Trials. Some are Treasure Trials, which means they will simply give you treasures that can be useful to anyone. Unlike Dao Trials, you can enter as many of them as you like. Theyre one of the main allures of Labyrinth Ring.
So, you want to get as many as possible?
They arent that common. Finding even one is considered lucky.
I see. Because Trial Planet has existed for so long that most of them are taken already?
Oh, not at all. Labyrinth Ring changes every few months; the paths move around, and new Trials appear in the place of old ones. They contain highly valuable rewards and are hard to conquer, but they are also very few.
Jack tilted his head. Then, shouldnt everyone be rushing to get them? I heard that the Garden Assault waits a few days in Space Ring.
Thats the agreement, yes. But there was a super horde, and many teams rushed to the labyrinth, so I just came along. Let the other Lords take their time. What are they going to do? Tell me off? I will have the rewards of at least one Treasure Trial, and they will have the moral high ground. Guess what wins in a fight.
Jack couldnt prevent the ends of his lips from rising. I guess thats one way to look at it.
Of course. As I saidhe pointed at himself and laughednot an idiot.
Do you also have a way to locate other people, not-an-idiot? Jack hadnt forgotten about Brock. Finding his brorilla remained his number one priority in Labyrinth Ring. Everything else could come after.
Longsword shook his head. Sadly not. If I did, Eralda would be here, too. Shes my ice witch, by the way.
Jack looked down, then up again. I understand, he said.
He never expected things to go this way. That he would be split up from Brock, then travel and make deals with his enemies. That Longsword would turn out to be terrifyingly enterprising.
The moment the Lord turned away, Bocor gave Jack a dirty look. Clearly, the grudge between them was nowhere near settled, but Jack didnt care too much right now.
Hey, Bocor, he said, making the minotaurs dirty look intensify, I know we dont like each other, but it looks like well be traveling together for some time. Keep it in your pants or youll just be annoying to everyone. And, by the way, I beat you when I was Level 84 and you were Level 115. Now, I am at 94, but you are still at 115. Do the math.
Bocors face split into a predatory grin. But guess who got a Trial in Space Ring, dipshit. If you want me to tear you a new asshole, Im ready anytime.
Jack frowned and turned to face Bocor squarely.
No fighting. Longsword raised his arms. The Trials of Labyrinth Ring are no laughing matter. We will need to be at full power. If you want to settle your differences, do it in Garden Ring.
Jack held Bocors stare for another moment. He wasnt going to look away first.
The minotaur turned his eyes after a moment of inner struggle. Yes, sir, he said darkly. Garden Ring, Jack Rust.
Jack snorted. Sure. Garden Ring. He didnt know what that ring was, but it sounded almost nice.
Chapter 182: Making FrenemiesJacks eyes traveled from the tip of the long sword, down its length, to its handle, and up to the sharp brown eyes that hid under dark hair. A tattered cloak drifted behind this man, its edge almost touching the floor, and his brows were raised in amusement.Human Earth-74, Level 122Faction: Wide Swirls B-GradeTitle: Wide Swirls ProdigyMinotaur, Level 115Faction: Animal Kingdom B-GradeTitle: ResilientJack Rust, he said. What a coincidence.Jack jumped back and clenched his fists. He instantly entered battle mode. His eyes narrowed as they took in Longswords form, as well as Bocor, the minotaur, whose gaze burned with hatred.Longsword, he said, ignoring Bocor. Fuck.Looks like fate wants you dead, Jack Rust, Long replied, laughing. Bocor took this as a sign of aggression and drew his tower shield, approaching Jack with the intent to battle. His position was expertly chosen; he could easily intercept any of Jacks attacks without inhibiting those of Longsword.Not that the Lord needed any help.Jacks brain worked quickly. Bocor hated his guts, and he had offended Longsword last time they met. Then, the Lord had declared they would be enemies starting from Space Ring.What kind of shitty luck is this!?He gritted his teeth, calculating his odds. He had very little confidence in beating Longsword, even though his strength had increased significantly since the last time they fought. Plus, Bocor was here.On the other hand, if he ran, he still couldnt escape. Longsword had demonstrated his speed when he hunted Jacks group through the desert of Village Ring. But Bocor was slow. If Jack ran, he could split up his enemies, forcing Longsword to fight alone. Then, if things went Jacks way, perhaps he couldThinking time was over. Bocor was upon him, his horns almost scraping the ceiling and his tower shield blocking most of the corridor. He moved from side to side, revealing openings through which Longsword could thrust his sword.Jack crouched and prepared to leap back. Ghost Step was only a thought away.Wait a moment, Longsword said. Bocor froze. Unwillingness flickered in his eyes before he stepped aside like a good grunt, making room for Longsword to approach Jack, who could run away at any moment.Dont run, Longsword continued. It would change nothing, and lose us all precious time.Jacks eyes narrowed further. Arent you going to attack me? he asked.I am considering it.There was haughtiness in that voice. It was deep and masculine, carrying a sort of brutal tone. At the same time, it hid great intelligence, along with an almost playful edge.Longsword was strong, imposing, charming, and intelligent. Coupling that with high-end training since childhood and a natural talent for the Dao, he really did seem to have everything.On the other side, Jack was good at punching stuff. Consider it faster, he replied.Why the rush?Because your witch could be flanking me as we speak.The ends of Longswords lips rose a bit. She was split up from us. A shame, really, but not even Bone Generals can catch her. Shell be fine.Jack waited in silence.How about we relax and have a little chat? Longsword asked, raising his hands. We are all lost in here. Fighting each other would be a waste.I thought we were enemies.We can be, if you want. But our enmity will last very little, and it will end with your head far away from your shoulders.Jack crouched deeper, ready to escape at a moments notice. What do you want?You.Explain.Longsword turned to his follower. I know this is difficult for you, Bocor, but bear with it. At the end of the day, you and Jack have no personal enmityand, if you do, you were the one who started it. Perhaps this is doing your faction a favor.Bocor growled. The Animal Kingdom doesnt take losses.So it says, but youd be surprised. Now, how about you accept my judgment and rein in your emotions?Longswords words were spoken calmly and with a smile, but they contained unshakable confidence. Bocor had no choice but to relent.Longsword gave Jack a side glance. He probably expected him to walk forward and extend a handshake to Bocor. Jack didnt do that. Neither did Bocor. In the end, Longsword simply shrugged.Do you know the way? Jack asked.We have a compass, the Lord replied, revealing an intricately carved piece with three needles in three concentric circles.Jack rose his brows. Huh. I never considered that.You couldnt find one, anyway. Trial Planet is too messed up. Thankfully, being part of a B-Grade faction comes with a lot of perks. He winked, then smiled brightly.Jack chuckled. Too bad Ill never find out.You certainly will, one way or another. Now, lets go. With any luck, well find a Treasure Trial on the way.A Treasure Trial?Isnt that why you entered the labyrinth early?I did that to avoid you.Longsword laughed again. Well, this ring does contain Trials, like Space Ring, but not all of them are Dao Trials. Some are Treasure Trials, which means they will simply give you treasures that can be useful to anyone. Unlike Dao Trials, you can enter as many of them as you like. Theyre one of the main allures of Labyrinth Ring.So, you want to get as many as possible?They arent that common. Finding even one is considered lucky.I see. Because Trial Planet has existed for so long that most of them are taken already?Oh, not at all. Labyrinth Ring changes every few months; the paths move around, and new Trials appear in the place of old ones. They contain highly valuable rewards and are hard to conquer, but they are also very few.Jack tilted his head. Then, shouldnt everyone be rushing to get them? I heard that the Garden Assault waits a few days in Space Ring.Thats the agreement, yes. But there was a super horde, and many teams rushed to the labyrinth, so I just came along. Let the other Lords take their time. What are they going to do? Tell me off? I will have the rewards of at least one Treasure Trial, and they will have the moral high ground. Guess what wins in a fight.Jack couldnt prevent the ends of his lips from rising. I guess thats one way to look at it.Of course. As I saidhe pointed at himself and laughednot an idiot.Do you also have a way to locate other people, not-an-idiot? Jack hadnt forgotten about Brock. Finding his brorilla remained his number one priority in Labyrinth Ring. Everything else could come after.Longsword shook his head. Sadly not. If I did, Eralda would be here, too. Shes my ice witch, by the way. Jack looked down, then up again. I understand, he said.He never expected things to go this way. That he would be split up from Brock, then travel and make deals with his enemies. That Longsword would turn out to be terrifyingly enterprising.The moment the Lord turned away, Bocor gave Jack a dirty look. Clearly, the grudge between them was nowhere near settled, but Jack didnt care too much right now.Hey, Bocor, he said, making the minotaurs dirty look intensify, I know we dont like each other, but it looks like well be traveling together for some time. Keep it in your pants or youll just be annoying to everyone. And, by the way, I beat you when I was Level 84 and you were Level 115. Now, I am at 94, but you are still at 115. Do the math.Bocors face split into a predatory grin. But guess who got a Trial in Space Ring, dipshit. If you want me to tear you a new asshole, Im ready anytime.Jack frowned and turned to face Bocor squarely. No fighting. Longsword raised his arms. The Trials of Labyrinth Ring are no laughing matter. We will need to be at full power. If you want to settle your differences, do it in Garden Ring.Jack held Bocors stare for another moment. He wasnt going to look away first.The minotaur turned his eyes after a moment of inner struggle. Yes, sir, he said darkly. Garden Ring, Jack Rust.Jack snorted. Sure. Garden Ring. He didnt know what that ring was, but it sounded almost nice.
