The Eminence in Shadow: The Dark Swordsman

Chapter 49: The Duel Of Disguise

The crowd roared as the last match of Round 4 of the God of War Festival reached its climax. Vasilisa, her eyes blazing with determination, faced off against the imposing knight. Clashing swords sent sparks flying, the sound of steel ringing through the air. The knight suddenly backed off, breathing heavily.

He smirked, his eyes gleaming with a mix of admiration and mischief. "I don't like to hurt pretty ladies," he said, his voice carrying a mocking edge.

Without warning, he lunged at Vasilisa, his blade aimed at her. "But I gotta do what I must."

The crowd held its breath as Vasilisa, undeterred by the knight's taunts, met his challenge with a smirk. Her rapier gleamed in the sunlight as she effortlessly sidestepped his lunge, swiftly manoeuvring behind him. The knight, caught off guard by her speed, turned to face her, bewildered.

Vasilisa coolly sheathed her rapier and glanced back at him with a confident grin. "Hope you gave it your best shot," she quipped, her voice carrying across the arena.

Confusion clouded the knight's expression as he watched Vasilisa calmly walk away. "Where the hell are you going?" he called out, his voice tinged with disbelief. "The duel isn't over!"

But before he could react, he felt a strange sensation—a series of clicks and clanks—and looked down to find his armor falling away, piece by piece, leaving him standing completely exposed in the center of the arena. The crowd erupted into laughter and gasped as the knight, now utterly embarrassed, tried in vain to cover himself.

Meanwhile, the announcer's voice boomed across the arena, declaring Vasilisa as the undisputed victor of the match. She stood tall, her demeanour composed and victorious, as the crowd cheered her name.

Later on...
Vasilisa walked casually along the path to Crystal Chalet, her steps light yet deliberate. The adrenaline from the match was fading, replaced by a deep weariness. She yawned, stretching her arms above her head. "Sleep is becoming a luxury these days," she murmured to herself, the weight of constant training and battles pressing down on her.

Just as she was about to turn a corner, a girl with a big smile on her face suddenly blocked her way. Vasilisa stopped in her tracks, eyes widening in surprise.

The girl, practically bouncing with excitement, blurted out, "Oh my gosh, Vasilisa! I'm such a big fan of yours! I've watched all your duels, and you were amazing out there today!" Her enthusiasm was contagious, her eyes shining with admiration.

Vasilisa looked at the girl for a moment, taking in her boundless energy and sincere admiration. She softened her stance and smiled, saying, "Thank you. I didn't know I had such an impact on someone."

The girl rummaged through her bag, still chattering excitedly. "You're so amazing, Vasilisa! You're so strong and determined!" She finally pulled out a letter and a pen, thrusting them toward Vasilisa. "Can I have your autograph, please?"

Vasilisa's smile widened as she took the paper. "Of course," she began, but her expression quickly changed to one of shock as she noticed the message already written on the paper.

In bold, urgent handwriting, the words read: (Go to the store right beside you. Don't make a scene for your sake.)

Vasilisa smirked as she signed the autograph, her mind racing. She had a feeling that the girl in front of her was someone she knew, but now she was certain—it was Zeta.

Vasilisa handed back the paper, still smiling warmly. "What if I don't do that?" she asked, her tone casual but laced with challenge.

The girl, or rather Zeta, smirked in return. Without a word, the people around them stopped in their tracks, their eyes all turning to focus on Vasilisa. The atmosphere grew tense, the once cheerful surroundings now filled with an unspoken threat.