Today, just like the multiple days that had preceded it, Linedwell was once again rushing his way through the jungles of Star Island at a high rate of speed. His training regimen for today had once again consisted of attempting to increase his speed while also focusing on a bit of strength training in the form of combat against the multiple forms of wildlife that would spring up every now and then during his speed training. Though today the amount of wildlife had significantly dropped, the animals had been noticeably stronger than usual. Linedwell could only attribute this to the cavern he'd accidentally opened the day before. Ever since that hole in the ground opened, stronger creatures had been popping up a lot more frequently. Linedwell wondered if those caverns served as some sort of prison for these creatures, and he'd let them out...but so far it had been a blessing in disguise. With increased difficulty of the foes he'd been facing, his strength had also been increasing at a faster rate.

Today, however, Linedwell's training had been completed and as of this current moment he was heading back towards him camp in order to make sense of something he'd found during his training. While out, he'd managed to find what most people would call a "pirate chest", and after impatiently breaking this chest open in order to get a look at the contents of it, Linedwell managed to find what appeared to be a letter. Linedwell had yet to read it though.

After about thirty minutes or so of running, Linedwell finally made it back to his camp and after a brief rest and some lunch; Linedwell finally felt he was comfortable enough to begin reading the parchment. Linedwell found himself having to be careful with the parchment, as the slightest touches seemed to be wearing away at it, and even the ink used to write on the parchment seemed to be fading away.

The parchment itself stated, "To anyone that finds this: My name is Nathaniel Bernstein. I was a man with a hobby. This hobby was the collection of various magical relics left behind from days long since passed. The reason I've left this letter behind is simple; I have received information from a reliable contact pertaining to the last known location of a certain artifact. A mirror. This mirror, as you may have guessed, is a magical mirror. One of many, and a dangerous one, at that. This mirror, and the rest that are like it, can create a copy of anyone who peers into it. Now, whether you decide to move forward on the information I've enclosed is your own choice, but if you do decide to look for this mirror I must warn you of the danger you will face. The copy is often a dark reflection (pardon the pun) of the original person, and mimics both the original's strength and skills perfectly. The copy should be considered an immediate threat and eliminated with prejudice. Even though I will not be around to be there when the mirror is found, I'm glad that a worthy adventurer will someday claim it."

Linedwell then turned the parchment over and on the back there appeared to be a map that lead towards what seemed to be a cave. With all of this information in mind, Linedwell had to think hard about whether he'd move forward on all of this information, or if he'd simply leave this for someone else to find and continue on with his training. Though it would have been easier to simply act as though he'd never found this, he had to admit that the thought of facing himself in combat was a bit exciting. His entire purpose for making his way to this island was so that he'd be able to take this time out for himself and train, since he'd been recently feeling his urge to do so had been extremely lacking. Facing his mirror image in combat would be the ultimate training experience in that it would allow him to see his own flaws in combat first hand and give him the tools he needed in order to correct these flaws. There were many proverbs out there that spoke on the fact that man’s greatest foe is ultimately themselves - and to be able to physically and mentally overcome yourself is something that many will never have the opportunity to accomplish. Because of this, in some ways Linedwell knew that he couldn’t exactly leave this for anyone else to accomplish except for himself. Since making a profit was something he was concerned about he knew he couldn’t allow someone else to take this.

He made his way through the woods at a comfortable pace, making sure that he followed the map explicitly in order to not waste any time finding his way back through these woods because he got lost. Not only would that be embarrassing as hell, but it would also reflect badly on himself. One thing Linedwell prided himself on not being was incompetent. Though he knew he could possibly rely on the map to get him there, he also felt that as someone who had spent so much time in this jungle already that he should know this place like the back of his hand. A few minutes later, Linedwell finally arrived at the mouth of the cave. He took in a large breath as he prepared himself for what would come inside of this cave. He still wasn't completely sure he should go through with this task, but it was beginning to feel as if it were too late to go back on it now.

Within the cave it was pitch black, up until he got to a point where small spherical lights floated within the air, lighting the way until a few minutes later he finally came to the far side of the cave in an antechamber. Across the chamber Linedwell could see a mirror hanging on the far wall. As Linedwell continued walking forward, a bright light began to emanate from the mirror, before it flashed through the entire cave, briefly blinding Linedwell and causing him to put his hand up in order to shield his eyes.

Soon, the light subsided and before Linedwell stood a mirror copy of him. The two Linedwell's stood each other down intently, but no words were exchanged. Just like they had informed Linedwell, this copy knew everything about Linedwell...and as such, it knew that no words needed to be exchanged in order to know what buttons this copy would try to push. Most of the cliches that copies would use were trying to play mind games and etc in order to question the original. If this copy knew everything that Linedwell knew, then it was likely that it also knew that this would be a fruitless tactic.

With the "clone" reaching for the hilt of its blade, it was obvious that it had come to the same conclusion that Linedwell had reached in where this battle would likely end up. Linedwell reacted in kind and reached for the hilt of his blade as well.  Linedwell could tell exactly what his clone would do, and it seemed that his clone knew exactly how Linedwell would react in this battle as well. As they both drew their blades from their scabbards with the use of their right hand and continued to face one another, their left land then rested on their blades before moving upwards and slicing into their flesh. The blood that was drawn from the wound soon began to coat both of their blades as they both made use of the Zantō Gari technique. Then, almost on cue, both of their swords ignited in green flames as they continued to face one another.

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With their abilities in use, the only thing required now was one clash. Given that these two foes knew each other inside and out, there was no need for a long drawn out battle when both of them knew that their skill sets weren't meant for that type of combat anyway. Their abilities were built on speed, precision, and lethality - none of which would be seen in a dramatic battle. Little by little, the two foes inched closer and closer to one another - yet, the distance between the two was still a large one that measured about twenty meters. Right now, the name of the game was figuring out who would act first. The first person that moved in a duel most times ended up being the loser, but in a duel such as this one where speed was the name of the game, it could likely spell the winner - yet, moving too soon could be just as dangerous if a mistake ended up being made.

Though this duel seemed simple, in actuality it was actually the hardest thing that Linedwell found himself being a part of. As Linedwell eyed his opponent though he couldn't find a hint of intimidation in its eyes. He wondered if this was because this reflection knew that it would come out on top, what he'd do, or if as such a reflection it had no concept of fear. Whatever the reason, Linedwell knew he couldn't afford to make any slip ups, and because of this, he allowed himself to slip into a deep but brief instant of momentary meditation. In this moment, his reflection had seen its chance and dashed towards Linedwell as fast as it could muster, yet, once both of these two opponents finally clashed the reflection found itself face first on the ground with blood gushing from a diagonal wound across its chest. Linedwell took a knee soon after this exchange while holding onto his left side and clutching the wound he'd sustained as a result of his clash. He could feel the numbness associated with the Treachery's cut. He struggled to get back onto his feet after this, and he knew what other injuries he'd sustain as a result of being sliced by Treachery, and thus he couldn't afford to stay too long in order to celebrate his victory.

"Time to head back to camp..."

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