17 Mischievous Deeds

*grunt* *ugh*

Cassie and the others all groaned as they struggled to uplift themselves.

[fighting noises]

The group all looked up as the battle between James and Aimer drew their scrutiny. With wide-open eyes, they stared at the marvelous confrontation before them.

Sparks flew from each blow traded between Aimer and James.

*grunts*

'Th, this man. He's worthy of going toe to toe with our infamous Guild-master! Ridiculous...just who the heck is he??'

Cassie fully lifted his head before straining to open his bloody covered eyes to glimpse the action before him.

Though he wasn't the only who shared the same thought of the battle that currently transpired.

*boom* *swoosh* *grunts* *huffs*

'Wh, what is this? This masked man? Even though I'm persistently striking at him with precision...slowly during this prolonged battle he's able to keep up with my attacks. To the point where he's starting to even to the block then more proficiently.

This is some other level shit! My items grants me a massive boost in both speed and strength...but yet I still can't deliver a perfect blow to deal damage to him. In addition, it's as if he's adjusting to each of my strikes that manage to barely graze him. Impressive indeed...but who am I to praise such a lowly peasant'

James has been closely observed the match that at first was one sided after he quipped his items. Unexpectedly, that only lasted a few seconds before the battle slowly transitioned to being an equal match.

"Let's try this again,"

After having his back facing Aimer for a few seconds James turned around to resume another barrage of attacks.

*dash*

James quickly closed the space between him and Aimer.

*boom*

James violently swung his hammer at aimer from left to right; up and down. But Aimer easily and effectively dodged or repelled James attack.

'Hm? Has he gotten faster?'

Aimer was slightly surprised to both James speed the impact he felt from his attacks.

'No. I can't dwell on insignificant matters...I need to finish this'

With a deepened frown, Aimer thought it was time to get serious.

So far, Aimer and James battle had prolonged for just over a minute. During this period Aimer had been using his [Perception] skill to keep a keen eye to his surroundings and James movements.

Not only that, but midway thought he battle Aimer had began predicting James next attack by picking up in the slightest movements from James before each of his attacks.

At the same time, he used his [GRIT] skill to hand him a power boost to defend against James more powerful blows.

That was when...

*DING*

"Skill [Perception] has evolved to [Insight]"

This notification startled Aimer but sparked a light within him at the same time.

[Insight] - from understanding specific cause and effect within a particular context to grasping a few seconds to witness the future.

'Hm? Evolve? A skill evolving!? What is the meaning of this...'

*doom* *cough*

Between fighting James and reading the notification Aimer became so what side track causing James to deliver a blow he always wanted.

*whooosh*

Aimer was flown back a few steps. He grabbed his torso which received the attack before slighting grunting.

'I can't focus of that as of currently. Right now, I need to use the fullest of my stats and the skill [GRIT] to defeat this opponent. For I cannot use any items for the remaining seconds I have'

Determined to overcome his adversary Aimer made his next move.

Skill [Adapt] has been activated!

'It's a been awhile'

Aimer flashed a hidden smirked behind his mask.

'Hm? What's up with this mood? This pressure? Is it because he changed his stance? No...it's something else...I have to be prepared'

Though they couldn't be seen James have Aimer a daggering glare while gritting his teeth fiercely.

And for a moment, the two stood facing each other only a few steps apart. The entire mood within the minuscule, damaged room.

'This is it'

A thought that surfaced within Nobara and his teams' minds.

*swoosh*

The two shadowed figures launched at each other, crumbling the canvas that stood before their feet.

'I will defeat you.'

James struck first, he swung his right hammer from above with full force.

'I'll show you the difference between heaven and earth'

James had a satisfied expression behind his mask as he felt that both his speed and power in his recent strike was at perfection.

'Submit to me, masked man Remia'

*shweesh* *boom*

'Huh? I missed him'

James became immediately confused when he realized his hammer landed in the empty spot which Aimer once stood.

'Where? Where is he? WAIT...from above!!'

'...!!!!'

James instinctive glanced up when he felt a fear slowly creeping from within him.

When James completely extended his head upwards he was shocked to the sight which he was behold.

'When! When did he..'

*KABOOOM!* *KUUUK!*

A fist that screamed the named 'DEATH' smacked James directly in his face.

*shinggg*

James armored helmet shattered, ultimately causing Aimer's fist to make contact with his bare face.

A gush of blood including a single tooth escaped James mouth as Aimer forcefully plummeted him head first into the platform below.

Crumbles of debris flew upright after James countenance made contact with the floor.

'How!? How did he get me this good'

"I'm not done yet."

Aimer landed on James before continuously pummeling him in his temporarily shook state.

*boom* *bam* *doom* *wam*

One to his spine, the second to his right rib cage, the third to his neck and the fourth to the center of his upper back.

Aimer repeated this process of strikes to James for the next few seconds.

*heuk!* *ARGH* *kuuk* *grunts*

"STOP!! Stop...ST, STOPPP!!"

'Dammit...how did I end up like this. Was I deceived? I was apparently faster and stronger than him with my last strike! My attack was less than an inch before him! Where did I go wrong!'

James searched through the recent events in hope of finding the mistake that would bring him this ridiculous defeat. All while screaming in against from Aime'rs repetitive attacks.

Unbeknownst to him, Aimer used a variety of skills to create an opportunity to pull of such a feat.

To put into conclusion, Aimer savagely bashed in not only the armor but James body itself, leaving him in an unconscious state.

Aimer suddenly stood up after giving James a beating he seemed fit for. By now, James eyes had rolled all the way back while his saliva fizzed from either side of his jaw.

*sigh*

'I pulled it off. I defeated my opponent. I'm not sure if it was luck or my power but I did it'

Aimer became relaxed as he gazed at James body from behind his unscathed mask.

'Firstly, I had to use the skill [Adapt] so I could fully utilize my stats and adjust myself to the situation more appropriately.

Secondly, I had used the skill [Insight] when I managed to witness 5 seconds into the future. Which was how I also managed to effectively evade James' attack making it seem as if I disappeared.

Lastly, I secretly used the skill [Fade] to quickly get out of harms way then immediately used the skill [GRIT] to amplify my power by leaps and bounds in my surprise attack. But to think it would be this easy...'

Though Aimer was satisfied with the outcome of the battle, something was still bothering him.

'A skill that evolves? I've never heard of it...I'll have to investigate that very soon'

"Huh! I, it's over! He deafeted the Guild-master! AMAZING!"

*grunt*

"Idiot! That's what you get! You're not even healed yet your moving so carelessly,"

"Ah, I wasn't aware,"

*tch!*

"Whatever..."

'I too can't believe he actually defeats our Guild master. Impressive...truly impressive indeed. We have to pay our respects..'

"Hey, everyone! Follow me,"

Still laying in the floor, Nobara slightly turned around before whispering to his half battered allies who also did the same.

At first they were all confused until they saw Nobara quickly turning back to face Aimer's direction with a lowered head.

Soon Cassie and the team behind Nobara realized why he did what he did. Nobara was paying his respects while showing the utmost gratitude towards figure before him; Aimer.

Coming to an understanding without uttering a word the entire group now bowed their heads in a crouching position towards Aimer's direction.

The scene looked as if they were praising their new king.

'Hm? What's this'

Aimer noticed Nobara and his groups action when he glanced to the event that transpired within his peripheral vision.

'

"What's the meaning of this?"

Aimer suddenly spoke. It took a couple of seconds before Nobara reacted. And with his head lowered...

"This, this is the best we can do right now. I mean, we could be considered strangers to you but yet you still came all the way here to save our lives. That was something I of all people didn't expect, well all of us didn't.

We thought this would be the end of us but thanks to you masked man...no Remia...we will live to see another day. THANK YOU!"

"THANK YOU!"

"THANK YOU!"

Nobara respectfully explained the situation to Aimer. But Aimer still seemed as if he wasn't delighted.

'I too don't know why I did what I did...but I can't turn back now'

"Your gratitude is not needed as of now. What's needed is why? Why are you guys so badly beaten to the point of near death?"

Yes, this was what confused Aimer.

"Why would a Guild master treat his Guild like this? Answer that."

'Dammit! I guess it's inevitable to keep it a secret'

Nobara and his fellow team felt pressured to answer Aimer's question but one person decided it was the right option to let him know.

"Uh, thats...that's because our Guild master was a psychopath clouded by greed and power. It all started the moment he took control over this Guild. Neither of us know how he did it or where he came from but....

By now the entire group uplifted their heads to turn back to the one speaking.

A girl with dazzling blonde hair that perfectly harmonized with her bright blue eyes that settled on her mesmerizing countenance.

'Aurora Bellamy'

'In the end she decided to reveal it even before me...she must really trust this guy. Which means that her skill [Sensory] his telling her to trust him'

The group and Nobara closely speculated Aurora's actions as she continued her speech to Aimer.

...if there's one thing we do know is that he has a powerful backing. Based on everyone's observation and research here we came to a conclusion that James Nectar backing is linked to the government'

"...!!"

'What!? The government? What could this possibly mean? Who in the government society would back a Guild master?

This is rare...very rare because the government and the Dwellers Association doesn't get along very well. Every since humans awaken the 'Window' the society began to change. Maybe that's it...the government fear to lose their powers that they held for so long to the Dwellers Association and the Guilds.

Which leads me to believe that someone was controlling or manipulating James to act the way he did. Who could it be?"

Aimer had his handheld at his chin, succumbing to his thoughts. Midway through that...

"That's not all. To completely answer your question of why we were beaten is because we don't retrieve the items at the last Entrance we entered.

In addition, every time we do clear an Entrance he's the one who harbors all the rewards leaving a minimum space for anyone in the Guild to grow stronger. As for the reason, we've yet to come to a conclusion

With that, Aurora ended her speech. Aimer stood for a few seconds in confusion.

'It seems their condition is somewhat my fault. But now that I know that the Government Societfy could be involved in some shady business everything I do from now in will have to be precise and carefully calculative decisions'

Aimer turned his head to the group.

"Thank you."

Aimer bowed before them.

"Before we get deeper into this unexpected conversation I have something to deal woth,"

Aimer quickly turned away from the group to approach James body.

He knelt before him when he heard..

*grunts* *huffs* *grunt*

"W, who...would've thought I'd be seen in such a situation. If...if only...I knew you were this powerful...far above my level.

*cough*

"Seems you've somewhat regained consciousness,"

James struggled to speak and even struggled more to look up at Aimer.

"Y, you...will regret this...when he finds out...he will come for you,"

"Hm? He? Who are you talking about?"

"Just finish me now for I will not speak his name. No one speak his name...but I will let you know he is the 'Head Huncho' of the leaders within the Government Society"

"I take it you were listening to my previous conversation. Well it doesn't matter now,"

"Good. Now get on with it. End me,"

"You must be hiding something very important to be so eager to witness death. But I won't be the judge if that,"

James countenance tensed up in frustration even though he was aching all over.

"Do it...you have the power,"

"No, to you it seems I do but to the world I do not. As fo right now, no matter how powerful, nor matter my strength, no matter my skills nor my items I don't consider myself powerful. Because I for one know that there are many others out there stronger than me. And I'm yet to reach their level...the difference between us is simple.

You were arrogant, I was not."

The red blood glare stared deep within the eyes of James.

'This guy...I know he won't let me off easy...but now I know for sure that he will be a big problem to the world'

Everyone watched as Aimer spoke to the half dead Guild master.

"I'll let you rest now. It's time for you to watch from the sidelines,"

Skill [Erase] has been activated.

Aimer reached out his arms towards James head.

*cough* "What! What are you going to do! No, stay away from me!!"

"Sorry,"

Aimer placed his hand on James head before a radiant light formed between James forehead and Aimer's hand.

"Say goodbye to your memories,"

In an instant, James manner became severely pale. He wasn't in pain but he felt that something was happening to him.

"Th, this can't be happening. What am I seeing!? Are these my memories!? They're fading!! They're fading away..."

James struggled while Aimer reached deep within his mind, slowly erasing his memories.

'I see, so this is where it started. Let's stop there,"

Aimer saw a memory of James before he became the Loudo Guild's Guild master and decided that was enough memory wiping.

After removing his hands from Jame's forehead Aimer stood upright to face the outside of the shattered glass that enclosed the room.

'What do I do now?'

Aimer thought before he was interrupted.

"So...uh...what are you doing to do now? Will you become our new Guild master?"

Aimer's ears perked up after hearing Nobara's preposition.

'Hmm...Guild master huh? It's not a bad idea for the plans I have ahead of me..but this is all fitting in too well. I suppose...'

Aimer turned back to face the group.

"Right now I don't have anything that can help with all of you conditions so you'll all have to use whatever resources that remains in this Guild.

And Nobara, you're in charge of taking care of them and James here."

Aimer walked towards Nobara when he placed one hand on his shoulders.

"It's time to get to work."

As Aimer continued to walk by the group they all lowered their heads once again.

"Yes, Guild master,"

Deep within their hearts, they all felt that this person will be the one to reform their Guild back to what it once was in its prime.