---(Around the time Miller's match is about to start) ---

Crunch-

"It..*chew*really doesn't*chew* tastes like anything."

I spoke while finishing an Iota-rank Aether core.

In the novel, it was said that cores taste different depending on where they came from.

Guess I couldn't taste them due to the skill. Maybe it was directly absorbing the core before I could taste anything?

While I was trying to taste the core there was a nail-sized reddish-black orb hovering above my finger.

I focused on the orb. Its size increased, becoming as large as my head.

I nodded my head.

Since I couldn't change the density of fused orb to control its output, as changing density needed different ratios of combinations and it was dangerous to try without prior training, I was trying to control the size of the orb to control the output.

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It was easy to do.

I only had to supply more Ether and Nether, or restrict them, and I could freely manipulate the size.

It worked this way: Smaller Size=Less powerful orb; Larger size=More powerful orb.

The only downside of this method was that it took more time.

"I want to breakthrough to the next rank soon."

I had finally found a way to solve the no-range problem of the fused orbs.

The answer was surprisingly simple.

"If I explode the orb it will become an area attack."

I only need to make sure the explosion happens because the orb was over saturated with energy and not because the ratio of combination went wrong.

"I can't believe it. The answer was always beside me."

Why didn't I understand? Everything can be solved with a little explosion.

Do you need a diversion? Use an Explosion!

Do you need an area attack? Make the normal attack explode!

Does your boyfriend doesn't give you enough attention? Explode!

'Explosion is an art.'

The only downside was that I need to reach Enma rank to create those kinds of orbs. My body didn't have enough Ether to create them at the moment. Nor do I think my reserves will grow large to that extent in Iota-rank.

"Cough..I got distracted."

I coughed a little when I noticed that I was getting sidetracked.

While practicing the size control I began thinking about what I have to do from here.

"Surrender my match and win money by betting on Mother Mash. Then wait for the attack to start."

Fighting Mother Mash was pointless when I can earn more by rigging the match.

Besides, I only had 3 vials of Elixir left on me. With the attack commencing later today it was for the best to avoid injuries that I would get if I fight.

"I need to talk to Tristan too. I'll do that after my match."

"I should also check on that battle slave."

Half-beast human and terrifying magic ability.

This reminded me of a certain character in the novel.

"Is that slave Merlin? But was Merlin a slave before joining Round Table?"

I shook my head. Even if she wasn't Merlin I should try to buy her.

Though with many people bidding for I can only hope that she is going to be sold at a later date. It had only been a few days since I made the deal regarding Elixir and I have yet to start making money from it.

"In the end money is the problem. Though, I should earn a sizable amount after my match."

The money from Eth's sister had been all used up.

My saving now amounted to 10,000B that I borrowed from the Black t-shirt gang.

*

---(Present)---

"Will you give up?"

'No'

Miller tried to answer but his throat only produced strange noises

Pow-!

The punch broke his jaw.

"Will you give up?"

'No. I can't give up.'

Pow-!

The teeth in his mouth flew away.

"Will you give up?"

'No. He will stop giving support to my family.'

Pow-!

The nose became crooked as he bled.

"Will you give up?"

'No. If I do they will die at the hands of other gangs.'

Pow-!

His cheekbone was shattered.

"Will you give up…"

'No..'

"Will you….."

'N..'

Vile Reaper kept asking the same question and punching him in the face.

He could no longer feel his mouth, nose, or anything for that matter in his face.

Vile Reaper's continuous punches had broken his bones to the point they had more pieces than the total bones in his body.

The only reason he was alive was that Vile Reaper was purposely avoiding killing him.

This was also the reason why his eyes were still working, showing the twisted smile on Vile Reaper's face.

Finally, when there was no area of Miller's face intact, Vile Reaper kicked his body and threw him far away.

Miller felt his body jerk as it crudely crashed against the ground.

Slowly his vision started darkening, signifying his coming death.

Miller was waiting for the end when Vile Reaper suddenly asked a different question.

"Why aren't you fighting back?"

'Because I'm weak.'

Strangely Miller's hearing and thoughts were working properly. He wasn't seeing his life flash before his eyes like what people said.

'Is everyone a liar?'

His thoughts started going on a tangent when realized that he wouldn't see his past flash before him.

"Even if you can't win why are you not trying to fight? Did you come here to die?"

'Maybe'

Miller didn't blame Nathan for his situation. It was because he understood that Nathan never cared for him.

He knew that Nathan was only giving them a deal because he had his own motives.

Wasn't it always like this?

There was no kindness in this world. People only help others because of their selfish motives.

People helping others because of their kindness? No, it is never kindness. Only pity, sympathy, or empathy.

People will help others only when they have plenty for themselves. No one takes losses to help others.

He understood this and Nathan was simply no different than others.

"What are you trying to even achieve?"

'I wonder that too.'

He already knew that he couldn't win. If he wanted to live the answer was obvious too, to surrender.

'Block his attack three times and you can surrender.'

Nathan's words came to his mind. Suddenly he started giggling.

'If only it was that easy.'

Miller's mind drifted to the 'lessons' the cloaked figure used to give him back in his childhood.

He didn't know why he was so adamant about following those lessons.

What he did know was the clocked figure had taught him how to fight, fed him, and was also the one who suggested joining Black t-shirt gang to Miller.

Thinking of the cloaked figure Miller began giggling louder.

'Damn you Aniki, how did you always managed to sneak out to come and look after me? I bet dad must've tried to stop you many times.'

Jonathon was the cloaked figure.

Miller could bet all his money that his older brother was the cloaked figure, who used to come to meet him on weekends, always bringing him new things to eat and teach.

"…are you laughing?"

Miller's giggles sounded like strange noises because of his crushed throat. But it wasn't hard to understand that he was laughing from his body movements.

"What is funny?"

Was it because of the cloaked figure's lessons that he wasn't using his stigma? Did he respect the cloaked figure to the extent that we would give up his life to follow his words?

'Maybe?'

Was it because throughout his childhood he wanted to become like the cloaked figure? Kind, compassionate, and benevolent?

He giggled harder.

That benevolent figure was also selfish. He was no different from everyone who only helped because they wanted something from others.

The cloaked figure also wanted something from him.

To protect his little brother.

Miller felt something warm flowing down his cheeks. But the feeling vanished as suddenly as it came.

"You aren't fighting back and now you are laughing?"

Vile Reaper was no longer smiling in glee and dissatisfaction was evident in his voice.

'Serves you right, pervert.' Miller felt the name Nathan gave Vile Reaper was perfect.

He giggled louder knowing that Vile Reaper was finding it unpleasant.

"Even if you cry it's no fun if you don't struggle against the 'insurmountable despair'."

'I'm crying?' It seemed he was crying. Not that he could feel anything on his face for that matter.

Still, he didn't stop giggling. If he was going to die he would at least make sure that Vile reaper didn't find it enjoyable.

"Guess I'll finish it now."

Whip-

'Why didn't I use my stigma? Not that it matters anymore'

Even if he know the answer it wouldn't change anything. Miller only closed his eyes and waited for the end.

Clang-!

"I don't think I gave dying as an option."

Miller's eyes snapped open when he heard the familiar voice.

"Ug..grh.."

Why was he here? How did he enter the arena? No, what about the enemy?

Whatever it was, seeing the blood-red eyes staring at him from above, he strangely also felt relief among all the emotions he was feeling.

"I guess there is no lack of stupid people in the world."

The person fed him a potion that made him feel sleepy.

After that, the last thing Miller remembered was hearing a bone-chilling voice that sent shivers down the spines of all who heard it.

"Sleep. I'll take over from here."

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