The Art of Sword

Chapter 43: The 2 Pillar (Part I)

Grace: You're talking about 'Her' right? The one contestant that doesn't have a name.

Sunz "She doesn't have a name?!" he was surprised about that piece of information.

Grace looks at him confusedly "You didn't know that? Her name wasn't even on the bracket during the first announcement."

Sunz: We're talking about the same person right?

Grace: Yes! The girl in the round after ours.

Then they heard Sogae preparing to announce the next round.

Grace: Let's stop talking for now.

Sunz: Sure.

On the field.

Sogae: The 10 minutes break has officially been over! It's time to welcome our new contestants!

"Dark Cloud" and "No Name".

"In each of their last matches, the battle ended very quickly."

"Dark Cloud" knock out his opponent by suffocating them in Carbon Dioxide.

"And for Miss "No Name" she win by performing the best 'Sword Art' we had ever seen in this tournament."

"Different from the last match this round will have less change in the terrain than we all expected."

"NOW LET'S THE BATTLE BEGIN!"

Immediately after Sogae disappears, 'Dark Cloud' swings his sword to turn the Oxygen in front of him into Carbon Dioxide. But halfway through it was stopped by 'No Name'.

"If your blade doesn't perform a full swing then your 'Element' is useless!" (No Name threat him) and deliver many quick slashes at 'Dark Cloud', making him go into a defensive position.

Can't find any opening to pull him out of this sticky situation, 'Dark Cloud' raises his sword over his head then lunge at 'No Name' blade, stabbing himself in the middle of his body.

His face slowly shows a big grin as he swings the sword down at 'No Name'. As the blade gets closer to her head, his smile also starts to get bigger.

'No Name' just takes a side step to the left and sheathed her sword, dodging 'Dark Cloud' attack like it was nothing. And it was actually nothing, as the sword strike the ground it create a sound that was similar to dropping a piece of metal onto the floor.

'Dark Cloud' grin quickly turn into a scream but there was no sound. In fact, his body doesn't have any energy left and he feels imbalance... As he feels his right arm sliding off the shoulder and fall to the ground.

'No Name' turn her back on 'Dark Cloud' and walk away. But then he feels pressure from 'No Name' as if she is glaring at him... As if she has eyes on her back!

'Dark Cloud' then collapses, laying in his blood while 'No Name' being declared the WINNER.

Back in the Infirmary room.

After that match, the room was filled with silence. Grace feels goosebumps all over her body and now understands why Sunz feels like he is going to lose.

Grace: Hey-y-y Sunz are you ok? She is really strong...just like how you predicted.

Sunz: Hmm yeah it's interesting.

Grace: 'Interesting' What are you talking about?

Sunz: Didn't you see it? The way she moves at the end. Her sword cut cleanly through the enemy's body but still leaving him alive. And his action tear up the thin string of muscle in his wounds making the arm decapitate and blood start flowing out of his body.

Grace: You were able to see what happened, at that kind of speed?

Sunz turn to Grace and reveal to her that his body was shaking uncontrollably: I did see it but I also experience it too! I would say that her speed is on par with yours but all of her attacks connect to each other. Like the element of surprise doesn't work on her.

Grace grabs Sunz's hand and uses her power on him: Let's calm you down first, ok!

Sunz "Sure!" and stay quiet so Grace can focus on her job.

After some minutes Grace asks "Are you still, not going to use your 'Elements' when fighting against her?"

Sunz: I am. I feel that every round in this tournament is a way for me to grow. Each opponent is more advanced than me in certain areas and I need to catch up to their level.

Grace: If that is what you decided then I'll do my best to support you.

Sunz: Thank you!

Grace separate both of their hand: I think you calm down enough. I guess we can both predict who is going to the final right?

Sunz: Yeah, Grimm is going to be there no doubt.

Grace: Does he give you any bad vibe?

Sunz: I don't think so. He is strong but doesn't have an ominous aura around him. So watching him fight feels somewhat relaxed.

"I may say that now until he starts to show his dark side" (he jokes)

Grace: Well then, I guess we can just relax and enjoy ourselves until it's time to go back... I know that you don't really care too much about the next fight.

Sunz: Yeaaah!

Grace (I knew it) said "Then let's go and explore this place a bit" while getting out of bed.

Sunz: You sure? Don't you need to rest?

Grace: I was only exhausted and you didn't do any physical damage to me too.

Sunz: That makes sense. What about our stuff?

Grace: I don't think we have anything else except your sword. I already put my fragment in its sheath.

Sunz: Ok then. So let's get out of here first then figure out what next?

Grace opened the door to her room then both hear the sound of people running while pushing a hospital bed. When Grace is about to take a peek the people rush through at a fast speed, leaving behind Sogae in front of Grace.

Sogae: Are you two ready to leave?

Which startles both Sunz and Grace.

Sunz: Two questions what was that and why are you here?

Sogae: C'mon shows me some respect, I ask you guys first!

Grace: Umm, yes we were about to leave then we heard all of that commotion. What is going on?

Sogae: That's more like it. If you did watch the match before then you should know what happen. We were just on our way to keep that victim alive.

Sunz: Aren't you suppose to go with them instead of chatting with us?

Sogae: It's not that severe. I just tag along to make sure everything goes smoothly. It's probably going to take them like 5 minutes to finish.

Sunz: 'Not that severe'? What kind of damage should a person take for you to start taking it seriously?

Sogae: I guess we'll have to wait and see. But I didn't stop here for nothing. One of my 'Sunbae' said that you two are dating. And I'm here to confirm it. Since you two have been inseparable these days, that must be true.

Grace / Sunz answer at the same time "Yes" / "Maybe"

....

Sogae "That my cue to leave!", in a flash disappear out of their sight.

Grace: I can't really be angry, can I? After all the contract was one-sided. So take your time!

Sunz:...You too...!