[Max's POV]
I had long sensed someone watching me from a distance, but I was focused on merging the new element and dodging the boss attacks, so I didn't give it much thought. So I wasn't surprised by the voice behind me, but I was intrigued for sure.
"Are you the famous Max who has been the talk of us newcomers here?" He asked.
"What do you want?" I asked in return. I neither wanted to deny nor confirm and create unnecessary situations.
"Relax, brother, I am not here to fight. Forgive my manners, I am Arden Kallus, son of the new growing guild, Eclipse Night." He tried to show courtesy, but his body language didn't get past my eye. OGS also warned me about a lie, so I guess fight it is then.
"You didn't answer my question. What do you want?" I reiterated.
"So, you don't like to talk much, huh? Well, I respect someone who talks straight," he said, trying to look smug.
'Yet, you are doing just that,' I thought.
"I saw that you are alone, and your fight was, well, dominating to say the least. I thought, I should say 'hi' and introduce myself. Say, if you are not Max, then perhaps the 2nd, the other one, Rheya Dawnbringer?" He continued.
"I still didn't hear the answer to the question. So stop narrating your point and get to the point instead," I coldly said. I wanted to further test my new creation, and he was being a nuisance.
I saw a vein on his forehead rise in response, but he still kept the eerie smile on his face and said, "You are very impatient, brother. Such behavior is not the sign of intelligence; well, whatever, it's your choice."
"I came here on behalf of Celestial-level player and my father, Felix Kallus, to give you a chance to join us in our rising glory and be part of something bigger."
I was about to reply to his idiotic invitation to join him, but he continued.
"Before you say anything, I know you are strong and can look after yourself. However, when you go to higher floors and cross the 50th floor, you will have to face powerful foes. I am not counting Forbidden Zone monsters but a powerful group of individuals. So take your time and answer after this tournament." He finally finished his long sales pitch.
"Hmm...okay. I will think about it," I said. He became slightly surprised with my answer but gave a triumphant smile, but that changed when in a second I further added, "I thought long enough; I am going to deny your offer. First your guild can't afford me, and next you are too weak."
The vein that was popping on his forehead finally burst, and he shouted, "Who do you think you are? Here I was gracefully giving you such an amazing offer, and you not only refuse it but also mock me..."
I cut him off midway before he started another long pitch and flew off, leaving with my last words, "Try better next time."
Post-killing the boss monster there wasn't much challenge, so after making a round of the whole battlefield, which was significantly smaller compared to previous ones, probably because of fewer players, I left.
After spending some time roaming, I came back to the same spot where I killed the boss and made myself a floating sofa to sit on to pass the remaining 20 or so minutes.
However, when around 15 minutes were left, I noticed a few players hurrying to my position.
"Yes, we see him, Boss Arden. You were right; he is back." I heard one player with daggers in his hands shouting.
"I knew there would be cocktails to come back here," Arden boasted.
He stepped forward from the group as about 20-30 people gathered behind him. He had a smug smile on his face as he said, "Well, you didn't tell me your name, Mr. But I don't think this would matter now. We will know your name when you sign a slave seal after I and these friends subdue you."
"But, I am still a gentleman. So I want to give you a chance. Would like to rethink your words?" He finished speaking and kept his smug smile.
"Is this you trying better? I am really disappointed." I said, then looked at the gathered players, and added, "You have one chance; this man is using you for his goal to pass this round. Leave, and you won't have to die and spawn randomly on the floor you guys were on."
Arden was seething with rage, but one Mage attire player stepped forward and said, "Look at you being cocky; we have a higher number. Shouldn't you come down from your high horse and bow in front of us?" he finished speaking, portraying himself as some noble.
"Eclipse Night can give us money and access; you simpleton won't know when to let go of your ego." Another one chimed in, feeling confident.
I had a few minutes; I wanted to pass them in peace, so while they are hyping themselves. I made 18 inverted funnels as before, only small, and readied them.
"Fools," I muttered and let the mini funnels made of Aethercut Plasma rain.
Only Arden was left behind, standing traumatized because in front of his eyes. He saw everyone split in two by something silent and then strong lighting at all.
He staggered back, the color on his face faded, and his earlier cockiness seemed to be nowhere to be found.
I simply appeared beside him, which spooked him even more; he started his ramblings about who his father or guild or whatnot was, but I didn't focus on his words.
I leaned forward and said, "This time, you will die and respawn somewhere, but if I feel you coming at me again, I might kill you for real."
The same funnel passed through his head as he died and exploded.
I got back to my sofa and quietly passed the last 10 minutes.
Finally, the system panel appeared.
[Round 1 of Phase 5 has ended]
[All top 10 players from every battlefield will be transferred to the area of Round 2]
[Initiating transportation....]