Villain Ch 247. Fishy
Allen took a deep breath. With a sheepish smile, he made his way toward the group, his eyes fixed on the imposter standing before him.
"Hey there," Allen greeted, his voice laced with a mix of apprehension and determination.
The imposter's eyes darted toward Allen, his gaze filled with a subtle hint of superiority. He scanned Allen from head to toe, sizing him up with a critical eye. Allen's simple yet practical armor and weapons failed to impress the imposter, who was undoubtedly expecting more extravagant gear. It was clear that the imposter had already formed a dismissive judgment, deeming Allen as nothing more than an insignificant player.
Allen maintained his friendly smile. "You guys seem to be having a great time here," Allen said, gesturing to the lively atmosphere.
"Do I know you?" the fake Godlike retorted with a tone dripping with condescension. He narrowed his eyes, studying Allen intently. From his perspective, the fake Godlike believed that the real Godlike only associated himself with the elite, pro players, and formidable individuals. The fake Godlike saw himself as a cut above the rest, and he assumed that anyone who approached him must possess exceptional skills or status. The fact that Allen didn't fit that mold only served to reinforce the impostor's dismissive attitude.
Allen maintained his friendly demeanor, undeterred by the fake Godlike's condescending tone. He had anticipated this reaction and was prepared to use it to his advantage. With a casual shrug, he responded, "Oh, we haven't officially met. But I've been following your journey for quite some time. I watched your tournament two years ago, and I've been a fan ever since."
The fake Godlike's expression softened slightly, his curiosity piqued by Allen's claim. His desire for recognition and adulation was a weakness that Allen intended to exploit. In an effort to draw the impostor further into his trap, he continued, "Your fighting style was truly impressive. The way you moved with such grace and precision, it was like watching a master at work. I've tried to emulate your techniques in my own battles."
Due to the scene, Red_King, unable to contain his amusement, slapped his hand on the table, his laughter booming. "Haha! Looks like Godlike has quite the fan club! Who would've thought?"
Mastercraft chimed in, his laughter a melodic tune. "Oh, I see how it is. Godlike is a celebrity now! Are you going to start signing autographs?"
Father^Alex joined in the teasing, his laughter tinged with camaraderie. "Well, it seems like you've won over quite a few hearts with your remarkable skills. Guess you can't blame them for being captivated by your victories."
Godlike, true to his confident nature, merely smirked, his smug smile shining through. "Hey, when you achieve greatness, fans come naturally. It's all part of the package, my friends. I can't help it if my victories inspire admiration."
The group erupted into another bout of laughter due to Godlike's comment, their playful banter filling the tavern with contagious energy.
Allen, seizing the opportunity amidst the laughter and camaraderie, leaned in closer to the impostor. His eyes shimmered with a mix of admiration and determination. "I've been watching videos of your battles, trying to study your fighting style. It's truly mesmerizing. I've been attempting to incorporate some of your techniques into my own gameplay, but I know I still have a long way to go. Would you be willing to teach me more about your style?"
Godlike's expression softened, and he regarded Allen with a hint of respect. He paused for a moment, considering Allen's request. "Look, my style is not an easy one to learn. It relies heavily on speed, instinct, and quick thinking. It's not something that can be taught in a day or two. It takes practice, dedication, and getting accustomed to razor-sharp decision-making in the heat of battle. Not everyone is cut out for it."
Allen took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with the impostor. "I know I have a long way to go, but I want to put myself to the test. I want to see how far I can follow your fighting style. Would you be willing to duel me?"
Godlike's laughter echoed through the tavern, drawing the attention of nearby players. His amusement danced in his eyes as he shook his head. "Oh, you're quite the ambitious one, aren't you? But I'm afraid you're still too weak for that. My style demands strength, precision, and reflexes that few possess. It's not something to be taken lightly."
Allen's smile remained firmly planted on his lips, despite the expected rejection. He had anticipated this response from the impostor.
The impostor's words hung in the air, causing a collective frown to spread across the foreheads of the others in the group. Red_King, Mastercraft, and Father^Alex exchanged puzzled glances.
Red_King crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "Hold on a second. Didn't Godlike always say that he would never turn down a duel invitation? Whether it was just a friendly spar or a real challenge, he was always up for it. This doesn't sound like the Godlike we know."
Father^Alex nodded in agreement. "You're right. It's completely out of character for him to refuse a duel. He thrives on the thrill of testing his skills against others. Something doesn't add up here."
The suspicion in the air grew palpable as the group began to voice their concerns. They had spent countless hours watching Godlike's battles, admiring his prowess, and learning from his strategies. The thought of him suddenly backing down from a challenge was baffling.
Mastercraft chimed in. "I've watched how Godlike fights numerous times, and he has always been eager to push his limits. It's hard to believe that he would turn down a chance to spar, especially with someone who admires his fighting style. There's definitely something fishy going on."
The fake Godlike's confident facade began to crack under the pressure of the group's suspicions. Panic flashed in his eyes as he realized that his attempts to deflect the challenge had only raised more suspicion. With a forced smile, he finally relented, "Alright, fine. I'll accept your challenge, Al. But remember, this will be a friendly duel. I won't go all out."
Allen's expression remained unchanged, his eyes steady and determined. He knew that the impostor was trying to downplay the upcoming duel, likely underestimating his skills. He simply nodded and replied, "Sure, I understand. Let's just have a good match."
Visit freewe𝑏nov(e)l.𝗰𝐨𝐦 for the 𝑏est n𝘰vel reading experience