=Battles are always unpredictable— that's what everyone realized during this game.
Some winners from the duel earlier lost, while some losers won. In this battle, only perseverance really rules.
"I couldn't believe I lost."
"It's really a pity."
"I was so close!"
Comments from nobles who lost have echoed through the whole retreat site. Everyone was tasked to remain in their own tents while the game was still going on.
They were also not allowed to talk to one another about what they fought against, except to their aides, who should be loyal enough not to disclose anything.
The game has been going on for hours already. And out of 24 nobles who partook in this game, only 2 remain now in the enclosed arena.
It was Lionel and Rufus.
"Hahh…"
"Hah…"
Two ragged breathings could be heard inside the arena. Lionel and Rufus looked at each other as they faced each other. Their duel hadn't started yet, but they could already feel their bodies getting worn and tired.
They have already fought 4 times in a row, with just a small rest in between. So it was inevitable for them to feel tired, however strong they were.
That was most especially true for Lionel, since it was just weeks ago that he started training his body seriously. He may have the best knowledge in swordsmanship, but if his body couldn't even keep up with it, it would just be a waste.
Lionel slowly lifted his gaze. When he saw Rufus in front of him, he smiled and commended the man genuinely.
"It's good to see you here."
Rufus gave a small nod. "Yeah. It looks like it's just the two of us now."
"I know," Lionel managed to let out a short laugh even if he was still a little out of breath.
From the side, one of the professors stepped forward after seeing the two boys talking to one another.
"Are both of you ready?" the professor asked.
Lionel and Rufus glanced at each other before answering.
"Yes, Sir." They agreed in unison before their eyes briefly looked around.
All the professors were there now. They stood around the mini arena, forming a small circle with Lionel and Rufus in the middle of it.
Everyone was expecting a good battle since this was the final one. Aside from that, they were also surprised that it was the two who met at the end.
"You may begin." The professor looked at them one last time and nodded.
The moment that the signal was given, both of them fixed their stance and controlled their breathing.
Clack!
Immediately, their swords met at the center after both sides went on the attack.
Rufus… is strong. Lionel's eyes sharpened slightly at that thought of his. He already knew that, but it still felt different than actually seeing it. Rufus stance and his grip on his wooden sword were firm and nice even in his tired state.
They quickly broke apart before attacking each other once again..
Clack!
Clack!
Clack!
Their swords clashed repeatedly. Unlike Lionel's earlier fights, this one felt more even. It was also nice that there was no battle of words between the two of them.
Rufus stepped forward and swung from the side, and Lionel was able to block it.
Clack!
He tried to counter immediately, but Rufus had already pulled back. Rufus wasn't reckless. He actually had the brains and skill, so he knew what and what not to do.
Clack!
Lionel was the first one to step in this time. He attacked first. Then, it was followed by another strike.
Clack!
Clack!
But Rufus was able to block both. After blocking, he stepped forward and tried to change the flow in his way. He twisted his arm and struck,
Clack!
Clack!
Lionel's arms trembled slightly as he absorbed the force of Rufus attack's. He kept on stepping back to divert its weight, but Rufus noticed it. Because of it, he pushed even further.
Clack!
He swung his sword one after another.
Clack!
Clack!
Clack!
Lionel was able to block anything at ease, but his movements were starting to slow down a little.
Rufus's eyes narrowed slightly at that. He noticed it too. Lionel's breathing was growing heavier, and his arms were shaking a little.
Lionel knew it too. Because deep inside, he actually knew that his body was reaching its limits.
Damn…
Lionel muttered a curse. His arms were getting heavier with each swing he took. His legs are also starting to get sore from the movements. But maybe he can still push it.
Let's see… =
Clack!
Their swords met once more. Lionel forced himself to move faster. He attacked from the side.
Clack!
Rufus was able to block it. Then Lionel changed angle and struck again.
Clack!
Clack!
For a brief moment, he was able to push Rufus back. Rufus, however, remained calm. He just took that moment to regroup himself before exerting all his strength to defeat Lionel.
They may be friends, but there was no friend in battle. It was only an ally and an opponent. And right now, they were the latter.
Clack!
Lionel's eyes widened slightly when Rufus suddenly jumped on him. He barely blocked the strike when another one came!
Clack!
Clack!
Clack!
Lionel was taken by surprise, and he staggered for a moment. His stance began to break, and his arms trembled more now.
It's too heavy…
His body was starting to fail him. It was clear how the tw of them were pushing each other's limits.
"I'm going in, Lionel," Rufus said in a quiet voice that only the two of them could hear.
Lionel's eyes flew to him. He nodded and let out a soft breath.
"Go on." He understood well the meaning behind it.
After that warning, Rufus took one big step forward.
Clack!
Their swords collided again. But this time Rufus pushed harder.
Lionel tried to hold it. But his strength…
It wasn't enough anymore.
His arms gave out slightly, and Rufus took that small opportunity. He twisted his wrist and pushed Lionel's sword sideways.
Thud!
Lionel's sword was pushed off balance.
"…"
"…"
The two looked at each other after that sound. Lionel's hands were now empty while Rufus still had his wooden sword in them.
"I lost, huh…" Lionel muttered under his breath before a short smile appeared on his face.
Rufus lowered his sword too and nodded.
"Yeah." There was no hint of any mockery in his voice
The professor stepped forward seconds after.
"The match is over."
"The winner… is Rufus Vernell.."
The result echoed clearly inside the arena.
Lionel exhaled slowly before a small smile appeared on his lips. Maybe losing was actually not that bad when you already proved yourself enough.
"That was a good fight."
"It was," Rufus nodded. "You have so much potential in you, Lionel."
"Thank you, Rufus." Lionel looked back at Rufus one last time.
"Till next time," he said lightly.
Rufus gave a small smile and chuckled.
"Next time."
= = =
A/N:
Would like to shout out NovaEdge again. Thank you for giving this novel a Golden Ticket. Really appreciate it man!