I Don't Need To Log Out

June and Arlon stood facing each other in the arena, the final match set to begin.

"Mr. Arlon, I want to apologize for everything Zack caused," June said unexpectedly.

Arlon tilted his head slightly. He already knew Zack's personality well, though June had no idea he did.

"I don't care; it's fine," he replied casually.

"I do care. We're in the same team, so his mistakes reflect on all of us," June insisted.

"As I said, it's fine," Arlon said.

"Thank you!" June smiled, seemingly relieved. "If it's alright, I'd like to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"How did you use Fire Pillar without chanting? Do you have a skill that removes cast time?" Her curiosity had been simmering ever since Arlon's match with Zack.

Arlon smirked, amused by her question. He'd been debating whether to tell the Gamers about non-skill abilities.

They were particularly useful for priests and mages, but even warriors like Zack, Lei, or Pierre could benefit significantly.

He decided to make it interesting. "You seem to enjoy bets. Let's make one."

June blinked in surprise. Arlon didn't seem like the betting type, making his proposition even more unexpected.

In the audience, Zack's face turned red. He immediately recalled the kinds of things he'd planned to request from June if he'd won his own bet earlier in the tournament.

Arlon continued, "I'll limit myself to using no more mana than a level 40 player. If I can't defeat you within one minute, I'll tell you my secret. Trust me, it'll be worth it for your whole group."

June hesitated. Arlon's tone suggested confidence, and she suspected he wasn't someone to take lightly.

"And if I lose?" she asked cautiously.

"Then your party must accept Lady Rael's offer she will give as a reward."

June frowned. "Are you sure about that? It's not guaranteed I'll even get an offer, and even if I do, not all of us would. Carole didn't even fight in the tournament."

"Don't worry," Arlon replied smoothly. "You'll get one. And I'll handle the rest."

June glanced at her teammates in the audience. Their encouraging nods showed their agreement. She turned back to Arlon and nodded. "Alright. I accept."

The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"

Before June could even react, Arlon blinked, disappearing from sight. A split second later, he reappeared behind her, his sword resting lightly on her shoulder, near her throat.

"I think I won," he said calmly.

The crowd erupted in gasps and murmurs. Everyone had expected Arlon to win, but they hadn't anticipated it would happen so quickly.

Many had hoped he'd draw out the match as he had with others, offering some kind of guidance or lesson, giving them some mage vs. mage spectacle.

June stood frozen, unable to process what had just happened. "What… How did you do that?" she stammered, bewildered.

She had been certain she could at least defend herself once, but she hadn't even had time to move.

If this had been a real fight, she would have been dead in an instant.

The announcer's voice boomed over the arena. "The winner of the final match and this tournament is Arlon!"

Cheers erupted from the spectators, their voices rising in a wave of excitement and awe.

Arlon lowered his sword and turned to June. "I'll have some things to discuss later, probably in Kelta."

Without waiting for a reply, he sheathed his sword and strode out of the arena, the cheers still echoing behind him.

---

As the cheers subsided, the announcer stepped forward again. "Everyone, please listen! Tomorrow, we will host another exciting event. While the details will be revealed before it starts, you can expect another enticing reward!"

The crowd murmured in excitement. With most of the spectators being players, the promise of a reward heightened their anticipation.

However, the announcer offered no further details and promptly left the arena.

The players had no choice but to return the next day if they wanted to participate in the event and claim the mystery prize.

---

Arlon left the arena early, his mind focused on a different matter. He needed to speak with Lady Rael, so instead of heading back to the Moonlight Potion Store, he made his way to the administrators' seating area.

Upon reaching the restricted zone, two soldiers immediately barred his path.

"This area is for administrators only. Do you have business with someone?" one of them asked.

While firm, they maintained a respectful tone—they recognized him as the tournament champion.

Everyone was actually waiting for him to show himself in the arena as the winner, but he had already left.

"I need to speak with Lady Rael. It's important," Arlon said.

"Please wait here," one soldier responded, sending a subordinate to deliver the message.

In a few minutes, the soldier returned and whispered something to his superior. The first soldier then turned to Arlon. "Lady Rael is expecting you, Sir Arlon. Please follow me."

Arlon followed the soldier to Lady Rael's seating area. Unlike the standard accommodations for administrators, her section was slightly elevated, with a clear view of the arena.

The area around her was cordoned off, ensuring no one approached uninvited.

It didn't have a difference like the royal families and others had, but no one was allowed in the close proximity of Lady Rael.

Even though Lady Rael was an important figure who couldn't defend herself, Arlon thought this was more than needed. Maybe someone was behind this.

Lady Rael greeted him with a calm smile. "Mr. Arlon, I didn't expect to see you before tomorrow. Have you perhaps decided on your answer already?"

Arlon offered a polite nod. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Lady Rael. What if I said I came here just to see you once more?" he teased, recalling her playful demeanor during their last meeting.

Lady Rael chuckled lightly. "Then, by all means, stay and join me. What a pity the tournament is over—we could have watched it together."

"I admire your courage, Lady Rael, inviting someone wearing a mask to your side," Arlon said with a smirk. Then, his tone shifted. "I've considered your offer, and I have my answer."

Lady Rael leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Ah, I'm glad to hear that. And what is your decision?"

"I would like to join the training in Kelta," Arlon began, "but I have a few conditions."

Her expression remained composed. "How intriguing. Please, go on."

"First, I need to travel to Kelta alone, a few days after you depart."

Lady Rael raised an eyebrow. "Alone? May I ask why?"

"It won't disrupt your schedule, I assure you. But I have my reasons," Arlon said carefully.

This was the idea he had to prevent others from discovering he didn't need to log out.

If he went together with the other players and Lady Rael, they would probably stop every day when the players needed to log out.

But when everyone logged out, Arlon wouldn't. So, he needed to go alone. As an extra twist, he wouldn't be going alone.

Since Arlon the guide would also go to Kelta, he would be going together with them.

So, Arlon the player would also be there all along.

"Very well. That should pose no issue. What else?"

"I'd like to recommend a few people for the training program. While most saviors may not take the offer seriously, I believe these individuals have great potential."

Lady Rael nodded, her interest growing. "And who might these candidates be?"

"June, Pierre, Lei, Maria, and Evan are obvious choices," Arlon began. "But there are three more. Carole, a priest in their group, and Carmen, a summoner."

"A priest? That's interesting. Evaluating priests has been a challenge," Lady Rael mused.

"Carole is part of the same group as the others, which makes her an excellent candidate. And the last one…" Arlon hesitated for a moment. "Zack."

"Zack?" Lady Rael's tone sharpened. "The same Zack who displayed such… indignity during the tournament?"

"Yes," Arlon replied firmly. "Despite his behavior, he has potential. If given the right environment, I believe he can grow."

Lady Rael considered his words carefully. "Sir Arlon, I trust your judgment to an extent, but this training will require significant investment. Are you prepared to take responsibility if your recommendations prove unworthy?"

Arlon met her gaze. "I am. If my suggestion causes any harm, I will personally compensate you."

Zack was one of the legendary gamers, so he was sure he would be a good addition. Also, since they lost the bet, they didn't have any options.

After a long pause, Lady Rael smiled faintly. "You are confident, Mr. Arlon. Very well. We will extend the offer to them."

"Thank you so much. These were my requirements. I think I will see you in Kelta next, Lady Rael."

"I certainly hope so, Sir Arlon."

Arlon left with that.

---

In the meantime, Ben was also talking to Arlon the guide who received the offer to go to Kelta.

Of course, since this was his plan all along, he accepted. He would get rewarded there, so there was no reason to reject.

In the end, his plan was ready. But when he got back to the potion store, he was met with an angry Charon.