Casual Heroing

Chapter 174: To Death

Chapter 174: To Death

Death is anticlimactic.

Its not always fireworks and heroism. No, sorry, its rarely that. Its just a gruesome process that burdens everyone.

So, when my spell moves under Atticuss armpit and doesnt go out, contained by the same armor supposed to protect him I just sigh. The heroic Elf falls amid all the [Flashes] that are still going off and probably blocked almost everyones sight. Lifes unfair, isnt it?

My spell is still active and explodes inside the whatchamacallit armor. The staff doesnt fall it just stands over Atticuss dead body. Its a scene that doesnt fit his previous heroic stance but that he does deserve. Whatever malicious thought they planted in his head, he could have chosen to be reasonable. And he didnt.

The spoils are yours by the rules. You can also claim the corpse.

Lord Juler explains another piece of information that I didnt know. It seems that [Archmage] Titus and whoever lent him the armor made a big mistake, didnt they?

So, I can take both the armor and the staff?

Following the rules, yes. Its customary that it should be returned if the equipment was borrowed. But its just a custom, not a rule. You should keep everything.

Once again, death is death, even when it comes with loot. I dont feel much among the huge looming columns surrounding the arena. No, as I turn off the [Flashes], it just feels silly.

Not even the audible gasps of the audience help me get in touch with reality while I walk toward Atticus.

I put away both the corpse and the staff in my bag of holding. Ill probably have to wash everything I hold inside there; or not. Im not sure how it works. Ill return Atticuss body to his family as soon as I have the occasion too.

Now, theres silence.

Thank God you dont really have to touch much of a body to put it in a bag of holding. The strange process kind of looks like teleportation. Or sucking in a piece of spaghetti.

Oh, right, I almost forgot.

I take out the belt, trying hard not to touch the body while rummaging in the bag.

I raise said belt above my head, but this time with no music, no laughter. I just stare while slowly turning to take in all the people in the crowd. I look at them with a serious expression, somber. I hope they can see the whites of my eyes. Because now I dont look like a buffoon anymore. No, the ridiculous costume Im wearing makes my point even scarier. It fills them with dread to know that such an idiot has just killed a mighty Elf armed with a goddamn Relic.

Oh, I dont think so. Ill keep the stuff and bring his body back to his family later. But first, I say you all killed him by being massive assholes. What about that? And the ancient

Fuck, Lord Juler, are we sure these rules are still the same?

the ancient rules still stand. The spoils go to the victor. And the body if he claims it.

Silence.

The [Archmage] hesitates for a second.

Then she nods, slightly unconvinced.

Oof.

I was sweating bullets there, woman.

I put down my belt and walk back to where I was standing before.

So, next one, I guess?

The second opponent shall enter! the announcer seems to have regained her composure.

Also, isnt the use of shall a bit too much?

When I see my next opponent, though, the hilarity dies in my throat.

Lucinda is slowly walking to the center of the arena.

As she closes on me, she enunciates the words very clearly.

I challenge you to the death, Joey.