Sol Anchor 2: A LitRPG Adventure by Benjamin Darr

Author:Benjamin Darr [Darr, Benjamin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-09-25T00:00:00+00:00

Eighteen: At The Knees

The overhead light dimmed, focusing on the arena below like a spotlight. Shadow fell over the crowd, and the chatter stilled, all eyes on the empty arena. I squinted, trying to see the contraption controlling the lights. I thought I could see mirrors and gears behind the glass, but I couldn’t be sure.

"Flash Step!" a voice boomed.

Lightning flashed in a crack of sparks. Sand exploded in the middle of the arena as a tall, dark-haired man in paladin armor appeared on a broken pillar. He held his sword aloft, lightning arcing between it and the dome above. The crowd leaped to their feet, cheering and partially obscuring my view.

The paladin waved at the crowd, his helm under his arm. He radiated power, a slight glow emanating from his armor. I could smell his sol use, the pungent, porkish overtones making my mouth salivate.

What's happening? Ae asked excitedly. I hear cheering.

It's some paladin. I think he's about to make an announcement.

"Greetings, faithful!" the paladin yelled, his voice booming over the stadium like he had a microphone.

The crowd quieted, taking a seat. I remained standing on the bench so I could see.

"I'm Inquisitor Gregor DeStephano, and I'm here to officiate a sanctioned contest for the Goddess's favor," the paladin said. "Are you ready to see the might of the Fringe?"

The crowd roared.

Will this guy shut up so the fighting can start? Ae complained.

Probably not. Seems like he likes the sound of his own voice, I said.

"What began as a search for a lecherous halfkin," Gregor said.

The crowd hissed.

"Oh boy, here we fucking go," I mumbled.

Hey! That's you, Ae teased in a sing-song voice.

Yes, shut up, I said. I want to hear about my crimes.

Gregor waited for the crowd to stop booing. "Has turned into a joyous event as we raise funds for the war with the orcish invaders."

The crowd booed even harder.

"Speaking of gold, the bounty of a hundred gold coins to whoever can lead us to the capture of the rogue halfkin has been funded by my purse—my showing of dedication to the cause."

I choked on my own spit, coughing and drawing attention from some of the people sitting near me. One guy offered me a cup of something to drink. I waved it off.

If you turn yourself in, do you still get the money? Ae asked.

No, I said flatly. I imagine not.

Gregor pulled out a gold coin, flipping it in the air. It gleamed in the light from up above as he pulled out his sword, balancing the coin on the tip of it in a feat of control that had me impressed.

Ae was less enthused as I relayed what was happening.

I can do that, too, she pouted.

"The tournament is simple." Gregor caught the coin out of the air. "There are two rounds—a free-for-all and an exhibition match. The last eight standing in round one will move on to the exhibition with a purse of twenty gold. The winner of the exhibition will be decided by a panel of judges from your community, with the crowd being the tiebreaker.

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