Rise of the Punch Monkey

Chapter 37

As dinner concluded Franklin and the other staff members returned to collect plates while several guests, including Cami and Mathius, made their way out onto the dance floor. The dancing was very traditional, similar to earth in that specific dances seemed to go hand in hand with the cadence of the song. I made my way through the room and found Roland chatting jovially with two other young men.

"Chuvo!" he said in greeting as I approached. "I was hoping you'd find your way here. Please come have a seat." He gestured to an empty chair, and I took it.

"This," he said pointing at a small young man, with brown hair and spectacles, "is Elbert O'Therin and that over there," he said gesturing towards a larger young man, with a thick neck, broad shoulders, and a shaved head, "is Morris Vandurt."

Both raised their glasses in welcome as he introduced them. I recognized them both from our class. Elbert was typically quiet and kept to himself while everyone stayed clear of Morris who had a reputation for insatiable violence.

"We were actually just discussing the upcoming exams and building a team for the school competition," Roland said.

"School competition?" I asked.

"Yes, every year near the end of spring there is a competition between the classes and students held by the faculty. There are four categories for the competition which are singles or four-man. Elbert doing the team event while Morris is going for the singles."

"Single combat is the best test of a fighter's strength," Morris said. "You versus your opponent in a one-on-one match. Nothing better."

"Are you going to be competing this year, Akaro?" asked Elbert.

"I didn't even know this was a thing," I admitted.

"You miss a lot, sitting by your lonesome at lunch. After your showing with Mr. Scarasongi you'd be a fool not to put your hat in the ring, as they say," said Roland. "Word on the street is, you'd be a serious contender among the first years and I happen to agree with the street in this case."

"Are you competing?" I asked him.

"Oh, absolut," he stated. "The prestige is...intoxicating to the spectators. I will be on Elbert's team along with Marcos and Norava."

"Sound like a good team," I said.

"Aye," said Elbert, "with my Resonance magic, Norava's shield abilities, alongside Marcos and Roland's attack power we stand a fairly decent chance."

"You should give singles a thought," stated Morris. "Roland say's you'd likely do well there."

"There is always coaching," said Elbert.

Roland and Morris both began protesting loudly at Elbert for his suggestion.

"Coaching?!" Morris said, "why would a fighter want to be a coach. Leave that to the eggheads."

"I was going to be a coach," said Elbert.

"Again," Morris said, as he lifted his glass with a smile, "it's good for the eggheads."

Elbert's eyes narrowed, "You know I can set you on fire, right?"

"I'd like to see you try, little man," taunted Morris as he set down his glass.

"Anyway," said Roland loudly, drawing their attention from each other. "The prestige is greater as a fighter. Your name would be known far and wide should you make it far in the competition, like your sister."

I considered it for a moment as I rubbed at my chin. Capri would be able to give a lot of insight into the competition. I looked around the hall and found her sitting with Ayssia and her family in deep conversation with the rugged man at the table.