246 Meeting.
Hmm, have we ever delved into discussions about the weaponry and martial arts prevalent in this world?
In my experience, I've mastered about twenty or so types of martial arts from my realm, but I'm curious about the unique offerings of this world.
Each weapon or martial arts technique here seems to fall under three distinct categories: Standard Style, Knight Style, and Paladin Style.
The concept is rather straightforward, with each style comprising approximately twelve forms, some of which necessitate a lifetime for complete mastery.
Let me elucidate: Standard Style focuses on the fundamental weapon arts, aiming to minimize injury while maximizing proficiency. It's a dedicated practice where one hones their skills, learns intricate forms, and delves into the utilization of mana or elemental infusions.
Knight Style, however, embraces a more assertive and aggressive approach. Here, the emphasis is less on personal safety and more on a relentless forward momentum, a grounded approach brimming with offensive maneuvers.
Then there's Paladin Style, an exclusive teaching found solely within church confines, reserved for their elite Paladins. This style is intriguing—it revolves around overcoming opponents while minimizing harm and, in some cases, even imparting the knowledge of healing through weapon arts.
"Which of these can you do?" Blaze's query interrupted my musings.
"None," I responded, acknowledging that I've never been acquainted with any of these techniques.
If it boils down to sword skills alone, I must admit my inferiority compared to the two girls currently standing on the stage, locked in confrontation.
Observing them, Mary's command over the Knight Style was apparent in the assertive stance she adopted, while Raven's proficiency in the Standard Style was reflected in her poised demeanor.
Mary gracefully maneuvered her sword, infusing it with mana, while Raven stood with a solemn posture, channeling mana through herself, her sword held vertically.
"Remind me, what's Raven's elemental affinity?" Blaze inquired.
Mary seemed to wield water with an icy touch, while Raven's affinity lay with the earth element, sans any advancements.
[THIRD PERSON VIEW]
The arena buzzed with excitement as Mary and Raven faced each other. Their swords clashed, creating a resounding symphony of metallic echoes that reverberated through the vast amphitheater. The crowd's roars intensified, blending with the tense atmosphere, while the bright arena lights illuminated every movement.
Raven's movements were swift and calculated, her eyes focused intensely on Mary, analyzing every strike and maneuver. She wielded her blade with practiced precision, a subtle earthy aura enveloping her, enhancing her stance and adding weight to her strikes. Her feet moved gracefully, shifting along the sandy terrain of the arena.
Opposite her, Mary was a vision of fluidity and grace. Her icy water-infused sword shimmered under the spotlight as she moved with a dancer's elegance. Each of her strikes was a calculated step in a meticulous dance, her lithe form evading Raven's attempts to ground her.
The intensity of their clash increased with each strike. Raven, determined to defend, parried and countered Mary's relentless assaults. Yet, for every defensive move, Mary's agile and strategic attacks forced Raven to adapt her defensive strategy continually.
The audience watched in rapt attention, their cheers echoing through the arena. The duel's pace fluctuated, moments of lightning-fast exchanges between the fighters interspersed with brief pauses, each fighter trying to anticipate the other's next move.
Amidst the flurry of strikes, Mary landed a series of calculated blows that began to wear down Raven's defenses,her sword fell. The crowd's anticipation heightened as Mary breached Raven's guard, staggering her. But Raven, far from yielding, summoned a trail of sand, twirling it in her hand—a move that caught everyone by surprise.
The exchange intensified, the combatants launching into a blur of motion. Then, in a swift and unexpected turn, Raven conjured a massive shard of earth. Tension crackled in the air as she infused it with an incredible surge of mana before hurling it towards Mary.
A deafening thud shook the arena as the earth shard collided with Mary's defenses, triggering a sudden explosion that shrouded the stage in a cloud of dust. Through the haze, two silhouettes emerged, their positions momentarily obscured.
The audience gasped in disbelief, their cheers now replaced by hushed murmurs. Mary's posture faltered, taken aback by Raven's unexpected and fierce retaliation. The abrupt shift in the duel's rhythm left everyone stunned, the pacing of the fight having taken an unforeseen turn.
[Ren Hilton's POV]
"Mary Kleine! Won!"
The resounding announcement filled the arena, declaring Mary's victory after an intense battle. Despite Raven's valiant effort, she couldn't match Mary's prowess.
Observing Raven afterward, I noticed her gaze fixated on her feet, a telltale sign of distress. Half of her face appeared slightly swollen, a blue-black bruise visible beneath her eye.
In a desperate move, Raven abandoned her weapon, resorting to hand-to-hand combat. However, Mary effortlessly countered, delivering a powerful blow to Raven's gut. The force behind Mary's kick was unmistakably strong, leaving no doubt about its impact.
Mary, now standing victorious on the stage, sported a small, satisfied smile at the corner of her mouth.
"Ooo... that looked... painful," Blaze remarked, his tone carrying a hint of concern as he observed the aftermath of the intense duel.
As the matches concluded, Raven seemed on the verge of tears, her expression a mix of disappointment and frustration. The toll of the intense duel was evident, not just physically with the visible bruises, but also emotionally.
Amidst the subsequent rounds, the tension in the arena persisted, each duel more gripping than the last. The day's selection process continued, drawing nearer to its conclusion.
After several more riveting rounds, the second day of selections eventually came to an end. The dust settled, leaving twelve students standing as the chosen few for the ultimate round—the last day of selections.
As the crowd dispersed, murmurs echoed through the arena, conversations buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the climactic final day. The twelve students who had made it through showcased a mix of emotions—pride, nervousness, determination
—all etched onto their faces.
With the conclusion of the day's events, the focus now shifted to the impending final round—the ultimate test that would determine the select few who would advance further in their pursuit at the academy.
The arena cleared, leaving a palpable sense of anticipation lingering in the air. Tomorrow would bring the last day of selections—a decisive moment that held the destiny of these twelve aspiring students.
Leaving the bustling Arena, I caught the sunset's warm glow. The sky painted beautiful colors—pink, orange, and purple—as the day wound down.
Thoughts of the day's intense duels filled my mind. But stepping away, I found peace in the calm evening. Shadows grew long as daylight faded, creating a serene atmosphere.
Taking a deep breath, I soaked in the tranquil moment. Amidst the day's excitement, this quiet sunset offered a chance to relax and reflect before the final selections tomorrow.
"You're not going to see the girl?" Blaze inquired.
"No, not this time," I responded. "She seemed too upset, like she'd break down if someone spoke to her."
"She looked really sad, man. You're sure?" Blaze prodded.
And then...
"Yeah, I guess," he chuckled knowingly.
Letting out a sigh, I gently tapped on the window panel. It was late, and everyone was asleep. It had been quite some time since I last visited her—back when she was helping me prepare for the exams.
The night lay shrouded in an icy hush, the chill wrapping itself around the surroundings. Each breath exhaled turned into mist, dissipating into the frosty air. The stillness was broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves, the world cloaked in a serene, wintry silence.
Moments stretched into eternity before the window creaked open, breaking the eerie quietude.
As I gently tapped on Raven's window, the silence of the medieval night enveloped us. Startled, Raven flung open the window, a look of surprise etched on her face.
"Who goes there?" she asked, her tone cautious.
"Just your friendly neighborhood Ren, seeking asylum from the cold," I quipped, flashing a playful grin.
"Seeking asylum?" Raven raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching with the ghost of a smile.
"Yes, I promise I'm not here to kidnap you for ransom or transform into a mythical creature," I reassured her with a mock-serious expression.
"You better not be a shape-shifting sorcerer," Raven joked dryly.
"Ah, but if I were, I'd definitely have chosen a more dramatic entrance," I replied, feigning grandeur.
With a resigned sigh, Raven relented, "Fine, come in."
I hoisted myself through the window, my tone still lighthearted. "Thank you, milady, for sparing this weary traveler. Fear not, no funny business, only a knack for terrible jokes."
Raven let out a soft chuckle, despite her somber mood. "Please, spare me the terrible jests."
"Alas, my friend, my jests are as sharp as Excalibur!" I proclaimed dramatically, earning an eye-roll from Raven.
"Well, if Excalibur's humor is anything like yours, it'd remain stuck in a stone forever," Raven quipped, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
By the way for some reason the game developers added this Excalibur story in the mythology section of the Games storyline.
Her eyes, swollen and tired, glistened under the faint moonlight filtering through the window as she clutched a book, her spectacles perched upon her nose. Wrapped in a simple white nightgown, she stood amidst the night's frosty embrace, a solitary silhouette against the frozen backdrop.
"How are you then?" I sighed an asked.
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