home

search

Volume 1 – Chapter 8: Down Time

  “Yikes, that looks like it hurts…” says Noelle to the side of me.

  Mars wins. I kind of expected that with how the battle was panning out.

  Still though, diamond magic. You don’t see an affinity like that very often.

  While observing their fight, I realized that Rio and Mars both seemed to have combat experience outside of this battle. The swift reactions to one another's attacks and split-second decisions in battle highlights the amount of time spent in their own lives training.

  The only reason why Rio lost is because he underestimated his opponent. Rio got too ahead of himself in this battle.

  BZZZT!

  “The battle has finished! We have a winner, Mars!” Announces the Arena Master.

  Cheering and cpping ensues as the dust clouds disperses, revealing Mars standing in front of Rio with the tip of his sword pointing at him.

  Rio begins glowing a bright blue hue, shattering away. Leaving Mars alone on the battlefield.

  A massive holographic screen appears with a countdown from 60 seconds.

  “Combatant, you have 60 seconds to leave the battlefield and return to the preparation room before the reset of the battlefield occurs,” announces the Arena Master.

  “That was a fast round,” says Xavier.

  “Fights don’t normally st as long as you think they do. It’s not like a movie or show,” I reply.

  “Yeah… I experienced it first hand myself…” says Noelle.

  I feel a sudden stare, almost like needles trying to pierce through me. I’m just going to ignore that…

  “Also, you don’t need to worry too much about it, Xavier. This battle was one-sided to begin with,” I say.

  After all, Mars didn’t look like he had any interest in Rio throughout the whole fight.

  Looked like he was focused on his own thing.

  BZZZT!

  The second dual finishes in a fsh.

  “That was kind of depressing to watch,” comments a student behind me.

  “Yeah, it felt more like an execution than an actual duel,” follows another student.

  In the middle of the battlefield - this time a barren wastend - stands a tall skinny student with long messy hair. Their opponent lies on the ground unconscious and shatters away.

  “We have a winner, Reaper!” Announces the Arena Master.

  No cpping? I guess this battle was a bit too much of a beat down for people to enjoy, huh.

  “Wow, who knew that one could be that nimble with a magical weapon that is unconventional,” says Noelle.

  “Yeah, just having to move around with mine is already hard enough as is. I just can’t imagine how long it must’ve taken him to learn how to move with a weapon that long and pointy,” Xavier adds.

  The winner - standing - looks towards our direction. Looking at him, we both make eye contact with each other.

  His face unamused, he walks off the battlefield with his scythe resting on his shoulder.

  “Xavier, don’t forget that you’re up next,” I say.

  “Oh, don’t worry. I’m fully prepared. Actually… I’m kind of excited. It’s going to be the first time I’ll be fighting anyone my age,” replies Xavier.

  “Are you contestant number 3: Xavier?” Says a feminine voice.

  I look past Xavier to see an older dy. She must be one of the test assistants judging from her outfit.

  Xavier stands up, “Yes, that’s me.”

  “Oh, looks like you’re already going. Break a leg!” Says Noelle, popping out from her seat.

  “Alrighty, follow me to the preparation room,” says the test assistant.

  Xavier waves bye, leaving Noelle and I.

  “And he’s gone,” says Noelle.

  “Yep,” I reply.

  “Y’know, I don’t think I’ve seen Xavier’s magical weapon yet. What even is it?” Asks Noelle.

  “It’s a sword and shield.”

  “A, what now?”

  “A sword and shield.”

  “Huh.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Well, a sword and shield doesn’t really sound that cool. Y’know?”

  “Says the one with gauntlets,” I poke at her. “Anyways, don’t judge a book by its cover. It’s a lot cooler than you think it is.”

  “If you say so…” says Noelle as she looks back to the empty battlefield.

  If I can remember, Xavier’s opponent is Sebastian Birch, a noble. Haven’t heard of that name before, but it did look like Luna was familiar with it when I asked her that one time. Well, no use in thinking about it now. I’ll just enjoy this match as much as I can. I kind of hyped myself up, now I’m looking forward to this more than I should be.

Recommended Popular Novels