Tipping the Scales

19

Unlike the first bout, the duel between Anaya Alhorn and Sadie Farrow was more of a performance than a fight.

The two noble girls faced off a small distance from each other, throwing different types of fiery projectiles at one another. Sadie's attacks were larger and slower, much like her older brother's, whilst Anaya threw dagger like missiles that cut through the air like butter. Many attacks were thrown but none seemed to hit their targets. They would jump and flip acrobatically to evade attacks but neither closed the distance to the other and each attack was easily avoided.

The crowd were far more animated than before however, they were lapping up the light show before them. The flashes and explosions drew cheers and gasps despite the lack of actual fighting intent behind them.

After minutes of dancing around each other, Anaya finally approached Sadie in a melee of close quarter combat. Though, to those who looked carefully enough, it remained a performance, like a well-choreographed show. Anaya almost appeared to move in slow motion to compensate for Sadie's sluggish reactions. A keen eye would know that the Alhorn was barely putting in any effort, it was impossible to tell her true capabilities. Lukas reckoned this fight could've been over in seconds had she gone all out.

After a couple more minutes, the fight was finally over. Anaya swept Sadie's feet from under her and pressed a flaming dagger to her throat, forcing her to yield.

The crowd showed their appreciation for the fight, hollering and shouting their support.

"I don't understand, it's like they weren't even trying," Lukas said. "Leo's fight was far more intense. Surely they found that more entertaining."

"Welcome to the Ascension Exams," Kian chuckled, "you have to comprehend, the people don't fully grasp the intricacies of magic. They don't understand the level of control it takes to deflect a ball of fire with a shield or infusing your feet with magic to enhance one's speed. To them, bigger is better and flashier is more."

"Is that why they were so unimpressed before?"

"Exactly," Kian nodded, "and like I said before, the Winthrope name comes with the impression that there is going to be an awesome display of power, that's what the people have learnt to come to expect."

Lukas shook his head. Half a year ago, he would've probably been taken in and humbled by their displays of magic. But now he was beginning to understand more how it worked and he was thankful to be able to see past the illusion.

Before long Anaya and Sadie re-joined the rest of the contestants, being that neither had been injured in the fight. This prompted a question from Lukas, as neither Leo nor Ellis had returned to the Fighter's room.

"I imagine Leo wants to stay focused on the tournament, without any outside distractions," Kian answered, glancing over at Erik who was in high spirits, congratulating the two on their performance. Even Sadie was grinning as she clasped hands with him, confident that she'd done enough to earn a spot in a squad. "As for your silent friend, perhaps he's getting treated for wounds."

Levi had already departed to prepare for his fight, which had left only Erik, who sat on his own, a sight Lukas had not seen before. He was remarkably quieter without anyone around to laugh at his jokes or stroke his ego. Lukas had caught his eyes at one point, and didn't look away quick enough to avoid seeing a malicious smile spread across his face.

"Is it fair that Leo has to fight again so soon after his first?" Lukas aimed another question at Kian who was more than happy to answer.

"It depends how much mana he used in the first fight and how large his reserves are," Kian leaned in close, "but none of that matters when you're up against Levi."