The Tale of the Ascendants

Chapter 21: Jamais Vu

Author's note: I am back after a long pandemic hiatus. I couldn't just leave Lt. Everdale's story unfinished, so here's to more adventures.
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CHAPTER 22: Jamais Vu

The elimination round went as planned. GD gave me an approving look every time I won against my opponents. Kitang kita ko naman sa ekspresyon ni Kai ang amusement. He's finding this game exciting indeed. Halata ring hindi na siya makahintay ng finals. He must've planned well how he could make GD suffer from the consequences. Little did he know, GD got this covered—what a strategist he was.

Ilang oras pa ang lumipas bago ianunsyo ni Uno ang magiging representative ng kada league sa final round. Si Cadet Garcia ang makakalaban ni Uno samantalang si Cadet Gonzalvo naman ang kay GD. Huling binanggit ang pangalan ko na siyang makakaharap ni Kai.

"We only have one rule: fight until your opponent's body touches the floor," anunsyo ni Uno. We're allowed to use any technique as long as we could make our opponent's body touch the floor. Mukhang madali lang kung iisipin ngunit dahil ang mga Delrio ang makakalaban, it took more than just technique to make them kiss the ground. Aside from being far more experienced than most of us, they also have a lot of tricks under their sleeves, which we should be prepared for.

"Getting nervous?" Kai, being the mushroom that he was, teased.

"Should I?" I said without glancing at his side.

"Feisty, huh? I like that. Don't get too cocky, Everdale. You're only a few minutes away from kissing the floor."

I smirked. Kai really thought I was nothing compared to him today. "We'll see about that, Kai. From what I can remember during our cadet days, you haven't beaten my ass yet the way I have beaten yours. This might be your chance."

Kita ko kung paano siya natigilan. Hindi niya siguro inaasahan na malalaman ko ang tungkol dito. Enjoying his reaction, I tapped his shoulder. "Good luck," I said before leaving him with his clenched fist.

The final rounds started an hour after the announcement. While waiting for my turn, I watched intently the first 2 games. Maaari akong makakuha ng ilang tips sa combat techniques. For sure naman seryosong lalaban ang magkakapatid.

Nauna ang laban nina Uno at Cadet Garcia. Kanya kanyang hiyaw ang mga kasama nito sa liga. Sa kanya lang naman nakasalalay ang kapalaran ng grupo.

They both shook hands as the bell rang, indicating the start of the match. Kaagad na umatake si Uno na siya namang nasalag ni Garcia. Impressive ang reflexes nitong si Garcia. Kung may kabagalan siya, malamang nasapul siya ng walang kalaban-laban. Nagpatuloy sa agresibong atake si Uno. Garcia was preoccupied with his defenses kaya hindi makakita ng opening para sa counterattack. Masyadong mabibilis ang kilos at galaw ni Uno kaya nagawa nitong makorner si Garcia.

Kaagad namang natauhan ang huli at nakaisip ng paraan para maka-atake. Gamit ang kaliwang kamao, isa jab ang pinakawalan niya. Mabilis na naka-atras si Uno upang makaiwas sa suntok. Nagkaroon ng pagkakataon si Garcia na umatake. Si Uno naman ang nakadepensa ngayon.

Nagpatuloy ang laban. Ilang mga suntok pa ang pinakawalan ng dalawa. Hingal na hingal na si Garcia ngunit nananatiling kalmado si Uno habang nakatayo sa gitna ng ring. Impressive din ang foot work nito. Halatang well-trained and experienced kumpara sa medyo lousy na stance ni Garcia. He should have some trainings to perfect his foot work. Otherwise, he could be in a disadvantageous position kung kagaya ni Uno ang makakasagupa niya.

Agresibong umatake si Garcia na aambang magpakawala ng right jab ngunit mabilis na nakaiwas si Uno. He side-stepped, lifted his arm and gave Garcia a heavy elbow blow on his back before hitting his nape. Kaagad na natumba si Garcia. The bell rang. Natapos ang laban. The cheering died with the bell.