Death Frost | Deathsworn #2

Chapter 43 ❆ Acknowledgement

Maun was at a disadvantage for only a moment. After adjusting to the change of pace, the boy quickly matched up to the dance with equal aggression, unwilling to become the passive party in the fight. Though he did not overturn the battle in a snap, he gradually matched up in strides and confidently countered Black Flame's advances. His adaptability and resourcefulness was astounding—and I could tell he was even further improving in the fight against the other party.

Finding himself pushed back yet again, the frustration of Black Flame was palpable even with the mask on. I could tell he was struggling to maintain his calm and his pace. There was hesitation in his movements while Maun moved in on him, biting down on his defenses piece-by-piece. He was now a perfect echo of how I had been under him.

The rising schadenfreude inside me bade a smile to come to my lips. It felt good to see the one who made me suffer to suffer. If I had a bucket of popcorn right now, I would be chewing nonstop. Unfortunately, I could not bring snacks into the arena—even if I could, it wasn't like I could eat with the mask on. I brought drinks a while ago, and it was hard to drink them while fumbling with the obstacle on my face. Thankfully, the straw allowed me to sip through the little hole on the mouth.

Sighing, I leaned back a little, feeling some of the worries leave me. It seemed Maun was not in any disadvantage despite Black Flame's prestigious roots. I was very amazed, even a little irked, at how capable the boy was. It made me wonder just what his limits were—if he had any at all.

"It seems I was worried for nothing," I muttered.

When a roar of flames lit the stage, I clamped my mouth shut and instantly took back what I said.

Maun narrowly avoided the fire. He stepped to the side, the end of his clothes which fluttered after him was singed. He immediately snuffed out the flames to prevent it from catching onto him, then rushed at Black Flame for a counter.

Black Flame thought that he'd caught his opponent off-guarded. Ironically enough, the flames he used at Maun blocked his line of sight. Maun used this opportunity to close the distance between them and planted a kick at Black Flame's abdomen.

"What a reversal of a reversal! Silent Dragon countered so decisively!"

Had that been me, I would be too stunned to plan a response. Maun recovered so smoothly it felt as if he'd been there before.

Or he might've.

"Ha!" I put my hand on my chin. "Seems he didn't expect the tides to go against him so quickly, especially after he finally summoned his element to level the playing field further."

It must be humiliating.

I zoned out some thirty minutes into the battle. At this time, both boys were already very tired. Maun had trained his endurance and had only recently healed from his injuries. I was worried he would not be able to handle it, but then I remembered his recovery ability was very high. Even so, I could tell this high-intensity exchange was starting to take toll on him. Black Flame, who was in no better condition, was obviously not willing to go down without making Maun bleed. Even when his steps forward were blocked and he was shoved back each time, he did not relent at all.

The tenacity of the other kid was impressive. If he exerted that much effort towards me in the fight we had the other day, I wondered if I would have lasted so long. Recalling how I couldn't use my element against him, I started to doubt about my arrogant promise upon leaving the stage during our fight.

I sighed, feeling embarrassed. "I shouldn't have said that," I whispered.

But then...it didn't necessarily mean this tournament, right? I would have plenty of chances to do that!