A World Between Realms

Courage can change things

Sophie listened to Pita, understanding the concern in her voice but shaking her head resolutely. "I appreciate your worry, Pita, but I can't back down. This isn't just about me—it's about setting a precedent. If someone like Argus doesn't understand the impact of bullying because no one challenges it due to fear, then it continues unchecked. Not everyone is in a position to stand up in the arena; if I back down now, it tells everyone that bullying can be tolerated if the bully is powerful enough."

Her voice was firm, her resolve clear as she met Pita's worried gaze. "I gave my word, and I intend to honor it. It's important, not just for me but for anyone who's felt powerless against someone like him. I need to show that courage can change things, even if it's just in this one instance."

Argus, who had been observing from a slight distance, overheard Sophie's spirited defense. A flicker of amusement crossed his features; her audacity and conviction almost made him want to laugh—it was so bold, almost naive, yet there was something admirable about it. For a moment, he saw not just a challenge to his authority, but a genuine plea for change within the academy's culture.

Internally, Argus felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, Sophie's challenge and her reasons behind it seemed like a naive misunderstanding of the complexities of power and influence in their world. On the other, he couldn't help but respect her courage. It was rare to encounter someone so willing to stand up for what they believed in, to the extent of facing a potentially dangerous confrontation.

As he watched her standing there, determined and unyielding, Argus acknowledged to himself that Sophie had indeed earned a measure of his respect. Her commitment to her principles, even in the face of potential personal peril, spoke to a strength of character that was undeniable. He decided at that moment that regardless of the outcome of their upcoming match, Sophie's bravery and integrity were qualities worthy of admiration and consideration.

Argus approached Sophie, his stride purposeful and his expression serious. Stopping before her, he nodded slightly, conceding to her insistence. "If that is truly thy wish, then so be it. The match shall be scheduled."

Sophie, undeterred and matching his intensity, stepped closer, her gaze fixed on his. The proximity seemed to unsettle Argus momentarily, but Sophie held her ground, her voice steady. "Okay, it's a match then."

Regaining his composure, Argus straightened, a hint of respect flickering in his eyes. "Thou hast one month to prepare," he stated formally. "Make certain thou art ready."

Sophie nodded, her resolve clear. "I will be," she affirmed, unflinching in her commitment. As Argus turned and walked away, the weight of what she had undertaken began to sink in. Yet, her determination did not waver; if anything, it solidified. This was not just about proving herself in the arena; it was about standing up for principles she believed were fundamental to the fabric of the academy and its community.

As the crowd began to disperse, Pita quickly stepped forward, her expression more serious than usual. She reached for Sophie's arm, gently but firmly pulling her away from the remaining onlookers and towards the direction of their dormitory.

"Let's get away from here for now," Pita murmured, her tone low and urgent. "You need time to think and prepare, not just for the match, but to handle everything that might come after."

Sophie allowed herself to be guided, her mind swirling with the reality of the commitment she had just made. Despite the fear and the enormity of the challenge ahead, she felt a deep sense of purpose. As they walked in silence back to the dormitory, Sophie appreciated Pita's unspoken support, understanding that her initial reluctance to be involved had shifted towards a protective concern.

Once inside the safety of their room, Pita finally spoke again, her voice soft but carrying a weight of seriousness, "Do you truly understand what you've done, Sophie? You might not fully grasp the scope of everything here or the significance of whom you've challenged. Do you realize that once someone accepts your challenge, as Argus has, the match cannot be called off unless he concedes defeat? That's the only way the challenge can be withdrawn now."

Pita continued, her tone tinged with concern, "And knowing Argus, he is not one to concede easily. He would rather see the kingdom crumble than admit defeat. This is more than a simple match; it's a binding commitment now, and Argus takes these challenges extremely seriously."

Sophie's realization of the full implications of her decision deepened with each word from Pita. The burden of her choice, made in a moment of defiant courage, now loomed large and ominous.

Pita added gravely, "Every match at the level of Argus is not like what you faced with Georgina or the others. Matches at his level are bloody affairs—you could be beaten severely or worse. There are no holds barred because they've earned the right to fight without restraint. So, what now, Sophie? What's your plan?"

Sophie felt a cold realization wash over her as the full extent of her impulsive decision settled heavily in her stomach. The possibility of severe injury or even death hadn't crossed her mind when she boldly challenged Argus. Now, contemplating the stark realities she faced, a grave thought surfaced: "So, this is it. I might actually die here, and never return to Earth." This somber acknowledgement forced her to seriously reconsider her next steps.

Sophie hadn't realized she'd spoken her fears aloud until Pita responded. "Yes, that could indeed be your way back to Earth," Pita said, her voice carrying a weight of certainty. "In Navaria, it's not merely a belief but a known cycle of the soul. After we die, our souls reincarnate to Earth, carrying forward any unfulfilled missions to help our souls grow and to heal our karma."

The thought that her potential demise in Navaria could lead to reincarnation on Earth, albeit under completely different circumstances. "Oh no," she murmured to herself, "this is definitely not the way I want to return to Earth."

Pita interrupted Sophie's self-reflection with a note of gratitude in her voice. "Anyway, first off, thank you for standing up for me. I've gotten used to being bullied, and I usually just let it slide. I don't think I'd stand much chance if I challenged them—I'm not like you, with your confidence and courage."

Sophie looked at Pita, seeing her in a slightly different light now. To Sophie, Pita had the demeanor of someone who might be considered a bookish, librarian-type back in high school—unassuming, quiet, perhaps easily overlooked, yet possessing an inner depth and intelligence that belied her outward appearance. This realization sparked a sense of camaraderie and protectiveness in Sophie, reinforcing her decision to stand up not just for herself but for others like Pita who felt powerless.

Pita's tone became more practical as she shifted the conversation towards planning. "So, let's plan what to do and prepare for. The next arena match is next month. Technically, you have a month to prepare since this month's match was just a few days ago."

Sophie nodded, appreciating Pita's shift toward actionable steps. This wasn't just about facing an opponent in the arena; it was about preparing mentally and physically for what was likely to be the most challenging encounter of her life. "That gives us some time," Sophie responded thoughtfully. "We need to use it wisely. I'll need all the training and advice I can get."

Together, they began to outline a schedule of training sessions and strategies, focusing on ensuring that Sophie would be as prepared as possible for the upcoming challenge.

"First, we need to find you a combat trainer," Pita suggested, her tone serious. "Someone who can teach you to handle weapons, because at Argus's level, you can use any weapon in the match."