Chapter 109: Hugo
Ackster's—to the others—seemingly well-founded confidence and the anticipation for the answer he would give to the martial artist's question retained the adventurers who were still deliberating whether to sit this one out or not.
"Hugo."
The leaves on the ground and branches on the trees caught the gust of wind that decided to swing by right then and added a much-needed dramatic effect to Ackster's name, which not everyone had heard when he said it the first time.
However, even with the leaves blowing across the ground in the silent stillness between the two sides, no one was awed by Ackster's fake name since no one had heard of him before this.
The martial artist chuckled awkwardly.
"Is that short for something?"
"No."
"Are you maybe not from around here, then?"
"I guess. But will my answering these questions help you gain courage, something any martial artist worth their salt should have, regardless of the circumstances? Or are you seeking justification to add another scar to your back as you flee while burying your shame?"
Ackster's judgemental words damned the martial artist.
Not all martial artists were honorable and full of justice. But many believed in straightforward attitudes when fighting and interacting with others—that they should let their fists talk if honesty doesn't do the trick.
"...I guess you got me there. Ah, my name's Tenrick, by the way."
Tenrick slumped his head in a mix of shame and general awkwardness before introducing himself.
"I'm Willow. Nice to meet you, Hugo, Tenrick."
The knight took the opportunity to introduce herself with a nod of her helmeted head. Ackster saw a couple of eyes gleam through the horizontal slit on the upper half of the helmet, but he couldn't even tell what the color of her eyes was, much less the color of her skin or hair. She was entirely hidden by a polished suit of armor the color of silver without any adornments or details.
Ackster didn't answer with more than a nod before looking at the Crimson Edge and the adventurers on their side. If what Tenrick had said was true, and all four members were strong and skilled enough to fight against people with a majority of their skills and stats at A-rank, despite not being the same, he might be in a little trouble. As someone who had just reached C-rank and could fight against what he was sure was B-rank beasts and monsters, or at least close to it, Ackster didn't feel very confident fighting the Crimson Edge upfront.
Things had also turned into a clear distinction between two sides instead of the chaotic one-for-all that he had tried to set up. He reflected on his choice of words and realized they had been too polarized. Ackster had framed it as either fighting against the Crimson Edge or with them. He had also taken a leading position by stepping forth and standing out.
'It is what it is.'
Ackster couldn't do anything about it now, and as long as he was careful when the fighting began, the end result wouldn't matter. No matter what, as soon as he had stood up to Hansel, he had guaranteed their duel. Now, it remained to be seen if it would be a fair duel between two men or if either side would get help from their surroundings.
"Let's get this over with then. Tenrick, Willow, do you want to help me fight those four?"
"No."
"I would prefer not to, Hugo."
"Good. I'll deal with Hansel. Tenrick, you can juggle the axe guy and that sword twink, right?"
"No."
"Tough shit. Do it."
"And I'll deal with Moira, then?"
"If that's her name, yes. And help Tenrick as soon as you're done."
Tenrick sighed at Ackster, who didn't even think about letting them pick their own fights. He gave them their orders as naturally as breathing.
"You seem awfully confident in us despite meeting us for the first time."
Ackster shrugged.
"More like you give those crimson clowns more credit than they're due."
Although Ackster could sense that the Crimson Edge guys were pretty strong, noticeably so when compared to Tenrick and Willow, there was no reason to tell the two who could potentially help him turn the tables that they were doomed before even fighting. As long as they believed they could do it, they would try their best.
Even if they didn't succeed, they would hopefully give Ackster enough time to defeat Hansel, who should be the strongest of the four.
Ackster glanced from side to side across the stretch of no man's land that had opened up between the two sides like a road he was going to cross. Crimson Edge and the adventurers on their side blocked his access to Karandiel, and if they wouldn't let him pass, he would have to make them.
He also looked behind to see all the adventurers, who agreed with him that they should settle this before the dome disappeared and that the strongest and most worthy should get their hands on the treasure—all of it—as they readied their weapons or magic. Since they seemed intent to fight for themselves and were confident enough to fight the Crimson Edge and the other adventures for a chance at the heavenly treasure, it was more than likely that their individual strength was greater than those who threw themselves at a chance to get money for fighting on Crimson Edge's side.
Despite the Crimson Edge's rumored superior strength, there was still hope that Ackster's side could emerge victorious. Or, at least, not get squashed like bugs.
Ackster nodded at Tenrick and Willow before starting to walk forward while staring down Hansel.
"Since you seem content with sitting around on your ass and licking each others' toes, I guess we'll make the first move. Hansel, was it? You and me, buddy. I'll show you what the strength of a real A-rank is like, not some phony you bought to inflate your ego."
Some lies and insults were enough to get Hansel's nostrils flaring.
"You, an A-rank? Spare me this bullshit. The only thing you could possibly be better than me is at eating shit."
Ackster held a hand to his mouth in disgust.
"I'm sorry. I have no intentions to compete with you at that, you disgusting freak."
Ackster was pretty sure he could hear Hansel grit his teeth at the implication he ate shit on the regular.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone