To Fall | Eric Coulter *DISCONTINUED*

16: Final Test

We were instructed to do fifty rounds of jogging around the training room thanks to Tobias pissing off Eric, when we were supposed to do thirty.

We were told it was a warm-up before our final test. So I treasured every single second I spent jogging, hoping that as every second passed, I won't have to do the test. Ironic, isn't it?

After everyone was done, the scent of sweat passes our nostrils as sounds of heavy breathing erupted the walls of the room.

We were sorted into separate groups as it was required for the final test we would be doing. I was first assigned to do gun shooting, and so Eric went outside to the shooting area with our armed group following suit.

I fidget with the trigger, clenching my jaw as I feel my toes curl involuntarily.

Without hesitation, Eric muttered in a blank expression, just loud enough for everyone to hear, "Start."

The sounds of gun shots filled my ears, and as momentarily, gun smoke fills my nostrils.

I was completely energized, with the rush of nervousness still present. This gave me no surprise when I accidentally pulled the trigger, hitting almost the center of the target.

I look at it to surprise, then I glanced to everyone else's targets and they've already made their second shot.

I hurriedly (yet carefully) aim for the target and do what I exactly did in practice.

I shiver at the thought of Eric's figure close to mine, where upon I could practically feel his hot breath on my neck. The way he touched my cold skin with a burning sensation-

Bang. I hit the target in the exact center.

I bit my lip to avoid myself from smiling, as I continue on with shooting.

This would have to be my last shot, whereas it is limited to only three. I took a deep, shaky breath as I aim for the center.

Bang. My brows furrowed at the sight of the hole I just made in the upper left side of the target.

I look at the target, surprised and confused at the same time. I don't understand, I practically aimed for the right area, didn't I?

Before my thoughts could get the worse in me, Eric yelled, "alright initiates, move!"

I sigh as I walk to the very same spot where I basically almost saved Olan's life and got mine risked by a knife.

Then it happened again -flashes of last night's memories. My nose flared at this subconsiously, I shake off the thoughts in my mind as I frown, maybe if I just block my mind out if any thought, it will help me focus.

I silently got a hold of the knives on the tray as I embrace the coldness of the steel. I approach a target.

Taking deep breaths, I aim the knife towards the round target. Breathing out, I gathered up all my strength to throw the dagger on my palm.

I bite the inside of my cheek as I hear a scoff behind me, "I think we both know yoy can do better than that, initiate." Eric muttered, staring at the dagger in which was two circles away from the center.

Ignoring the statement Eric made, I threw another dagger, landing just centimeters away from the first one.

I could feel Eric smirking behind me, "Pathetic." He says.

I clench my jaw, the grip I had on the dagger wrapped in my hand tightening; not noticing my knuckles were already turning almost in a white hue. My nose flared once more as I feel a nerve in my neck twitch.

Out of anger, I threw the last single blade I had. It seemed like I couldn't care less whether I hit the target or not.

I turn to Eric with a slight frown on my face. He stared back at me with a blank expression, a glint of amusement present in his eyes.

I turn to my groupmates, as I realized they also finished their task, leaving them watching the two of us having a silent combat. The look on their faces filled with interest and awe. I furrow my brow, shifting my gaze to my target.

The first two knives were no longer on the target, but clattered onto the floor. A deep, massive hole was dug in the very center of the target. Automatically, my mouth agape.

Acting as if nothing happened, Eric said in his usual deep voice, "Everyone gather up to fight."

He started moving to the area in the middle of the training room, the rest of the group following suit.

I stood there, the look on my face also stayed. I then furrow my brow as I watch Uriah shift his gaze to my figure.

"Hey," he approached me, "don't let that Eric guy get to you, alright? He just likes to put everyone in trouble." He says with a worried look on his face, a hand of his placed on my shoulder.

I look at him. Sighing, I nod my head. "Okay."

Once everyone gathered up, Eric was finally able to speak. "Initiates," he said. "This is your very last trial for your final test."

Realizing that they have moved the board nearer, I finally was able to read the pairs written with chalk.

I stiffen, looking over to Olan, who had the same shocked look as I was. I look to Christine beside me. She spoke, "girls have to fight against boys now?"

Eric lazily glances at Christine, "why, because you think men are stronger than women? Is that it?"

When Christine didn't answer, Eric continued, "We live in a society where gender equality is the right, how low could you be to think that it isn't fair to fight the opposite gender."

Eric was rambling, he must be an Erudite. "A man assaults you, and you don't defend yourself because they're in the opposite gender-"

For a split second I was quick enough to catch Eric's gaze shift to me, then bsck to Christine, "sounds dumb, doesn't it?"

He was right, it did sound ridiculous. But I'm not going to stand a chance fighting against Olan. I approached Tobias silently, nudging him to get his attention.

He shot his head to my direction, his brow furrowed as I asked, "is there any way I could switch with any guy but him?"

Tobias looks at Olan, who was carefully listening to Eric. He looked back at me, asking, "why?"

I shook my head, "it's complicated. Look, can you just switch me to anyone? Please?"

I look at him with pleading eyes. He sighed, walking slowly to Eric, who was interrupted doing his speech.

I watch the two as they were quickly absorbed in their own conversation, muttering against one another. I bit my lip in nervousness, I see Eric glance my way.

Tobias returned to my side as Eric cleared his throat. "Since it seems like almost all of you don't want to fight one another," Eric scoffs, it seemed likr I could read his mind as I almost heard him say a familiar "pathetic."

Still having the same facial expression, he blankly states,"I will drop it."

Sighs of relief from each of us escaped our mouth, only to be followed by another set of words escaping Eric's. "On one condition-"

The tension starts to thicken once more in the crowd as everyone carefully listened to Eric.

"Someone will have to fight me instead."