They cleaned off by running in and out of the ‘fog wash’.

  It was time to visit the market.

  The market was a designated area where magical items of all descriptions were laid out.

  There were only about a dozen vendors though, all clearly adventurers. James wondered if one day this would be him.

  “You sir, you look like you could use these wands. Ice, fire, earth… storm? Only two thousand gold each.”

  James checked his gold balance, one thousand five hundred and forty seven. However, he did some calculations and found he really only had a little over a thousand gold from dungeon rewards.

  Edward was at a weapons stall. So James excused himself and went over.

  “Anything in particular you wanted?”

  “Yes. See that spear? Once thrown it will return to the wielder's hand after five seconds.” Edward said excitedly. “The long way. That means it might actually skewer your target on the way back!”

  “Edward, focus. How would that help against Brody?”

  “I have my warhammer for that fight. This… we don’t know when we will have a chance like this again.”

  “That’s right," came the voice of the vendor. “Has a name too. Needle.”

  “How much?”

  “For discerning folk like yourselves, twenty two hundred gold”

  “Can I use some of your dungeon gold? I’ll give you back the normal gold in return? He won’t accept anything else.” Edward asked with an almost pleading look on his face.

  James didn’t really see the harm so he swapped over the gold.

  Ken had to do so in part as well.

  Edward found some room, then went through a spear dance he knew. James was impressed. Edward really was good with any weapon. Maybe that would make the difference.

  They made the exchange and then headed back to the main Arena viewing areas.

  There, they found an arena area that catered only to two swords or greater Arena patrons.

  At least they would be free from Brody’s ears there.

  “I’m going to have to quit the competition,” Edward started. “I can’t compete with a Commander, fully geared and equipped by another world.”

  “Maybe, but you have years of training and he’s had one week. I doubt he trained with swords and armour back home. That’s your edge. That, and I can give you one buff.”

  “Really, what kind of buff?”

  “It’s called Command Self, seventy-two hour cooldown, and I can use any one of the Enhancement buffs I have. I was thinking plus eighteen Might for an hour.”

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  “Wow! That sounds really good. However, if you can, then what’s stopping a courtier of his doing something similar as well?”

  “Yeah, good point. By the way, it doesn't have to be Might. It can be any of the primary stats. If you prefer it can be plus three to all stats instead?”

  “With that armour, my best bet will be using my warhammer with my Sonic Infusion

  Okay. He quickly took Balanced Boost off the Tiny Spider and pulled Command Self out.

  Play Card – Command Self

  Target:Self Effect:Apply one of your active card enhancements to yourself for one hour.

  Two options floated in front of him.

  Apply Enhancement Craft Card

  Above both: a ring of glowing enhancements.

  Balanced Boost.

  Imprint.

  Cleanse.

  He took Balanced Boost and applied it to the Craft Card

  Cool down: 72 hours.

  He noticed that Balanced Boost was down to (1) now in the corner.

  He handed the Card over to Edward.

  “Don’t play it until just before the fight. There may be some sort of cleansing effect on entering the Arena we don’t know about for exactly the reason you mentioned — external influences. For that matter, if Ken's nearby will his aura reach you? Is that allowed?”

  “We should ask Marrick,” Edward said. “The last thing I need is a penalty going in.”

  “Here, take this.” Ken said, handing over a card that read Cure Wounds.

  “Thanks Ken, James. This means a lot to me. I wish my brother or father were here, but I couldn't ask for better friends.”

  They headed back down to the staging area and found that only three of the courtiers were with him now. Marrick was shouting.

  “I don’t care that you're a Commander. I’ve seen plenty in my days. No spectators in the staging area! Shoo”

  Everyone noticed their arrival.

  “Are you going to let them stay?” Brody pointed at James and Ken.

  “No! Now send them away. They’ve had plenty of time to wish you well.”

  Marrick walked over. “You heard, you can’t stay and watch from here.”

  “We will leave,” James said. “Quick question first.?”

  “Aye, better be quick.”

  “Is the Arena protected from auras or undue external influences and buffs?”

  “Aye, all is cleansed on entry and there’s a ward against the like.” He turned to Edward. “Why? Are you having cold feet?”

  “Frankly, yes. He’s a Commander. Is he allowed to summon allies?” Edward said.

  “No, it violates the one on one combat conditions. Do you want to pull out?”

  “As long as it’s a fair fight then I’m in.”

  “Great! Now you two had best be off. Rules are rules,” Marrick said, far more amenably than before.

  Before he left, James passed Edward a minor rejuvenation potion.

  Edward drank the potion immediately.

  They grasped arms in a clasp of respect, gave a nod, then stepped back.

  Ken gave Edward a hug instead, then also stepped away.

  James noticed Brody drinking some potions. Hopefully he did not know about the cleansing.

  Lord Darion appeared then on the teleporter.

  “Lord Prax has requested your presence at his viewing box for the upcoming fight.”

  James and Ken looked at each other, then nodded. They really had no choice.

  The balcony had a remarkable view, with additional system looking screens that showed close ups.

  James completely ignored the luxuries as his friend's fight was announced.

  “It’s time for what you have all been waiting for! Round One of the Tier 1 ranked Martial combat rounds! Our first combatant has already shown prowess in the Party Monster rounds with team Rock, Paper, Squirrel. Glutton for punishment that he is, let’s hear it for Edward Grant!”

  Edward walked in with a roar of cheers from the crowd. He was quickly becoming a crowd favourite. James and Ken roared down their encouragement too.

  Edward pointed his hammer at them in appreciation. He then got out two swords from his duffle back, planting them into the ground behind a boulder on the way. The crowd murmured appreciation of the tactic.

  “Not against the rules,” James observed with a smile.

  Prax laughed. “I’ll allow it.”

  “Our second combatant is a Commander! This is Brody the Knight, champion of Queen Gweneviere Leonisis. This is his first appearance in the Arena. I hope he knows what he’s signed up for. Members of the Arena, spectators and guests, let's welcome Brody the Knight!”

  There was a second lesser roar, largely led by Brody’s courtiers. James was too nervous to boo. This wasn’t a footy game. This was his friend, fighting for honour, progress, and perhaps… his life.