AJI

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPITRE 2 

AJI

The end of the evening had come. Aji rapidly walked to his room, his body filled with a new energy. It was not everyday that he had the opportunity to spare with someone else. Even better, this someone was Abira. The strongest woman of the swordfighting major, the most powerful in term of magic and swordfighting skills. Indeed, if he was part of the 'research' side of the academy, his principal subject being algebra and theoretical magic; Abira was part of the 'sport' side of the Academy. Her major being swordfighting, she was studying to become a royal knight. She was rumored to be able to slash a dragon's neck with a single strike of her sword. That's how strong she was.

The prince threw his clothes in his bed before quickly changing to his training clothes. Black pants and a black shirt. He hesitated a bit between his sword and his daggers, before choosing his sword. He didn't know which weapon would take Abira, so a generic sword was better than daggers. He still took his favorite dagger, a little red knife he often strapped to his left tight. He left his room when he felt Abira's presence near his quarters. He could feel his presence way better than earlier -when he hadn't seen her until she was just next to him-, even though her presence was still way weaker than a normal person's presence.

'It looks like she has more difficulty concealing her footsteps when she is less calm.' He didn't know anyone one beside her being able to conceal their presence. It was a skill that required a lot of training, only someone at the level of a swordmaster could achieve it. It meant that Abira was as strong as a swordmaster.

The woman was the stronger opponent Aji ever faced. He was so excited that he could feel a grin forming in his normally expressionless face.  

'I hope I won't loose.' It was his only wish, he wanted to win, to be stronger than anyone else. But more importantly, he wanted to improve his skill. He had been bothered by his lack of improvement these past months, so facing a new opponent was nothing else than a good opportunity.  

When he left his room, Abira nodded at him before following him to the training ground. A huge sword was attached to her hip, and another very long and thin sword was on her back. Her hair, not reaching any longer than her ears were slided back, giving her a more official look. She was dressed the same as earlier, all in black. She looked like a knight. The only sign of her excitement was the slight smile on her lips and the occasional twitch of her fingers while walking.
Abira walked a step behind him, as if she was a knight escorting him, it slightly irritated Aji but he didn't say anything. 

"Let's make the rules. Is the loser decided at the first blood, or is it the first to leave the sparing circle?" Abira answered immediately, as if she was waiting for this question. 

"First blood of course." The prince couldn't help but grin at her obvious answer. He took position in the sparring circle, drawing his sword from its sheath.  Abira did the same, holding the big sword she earlier had strapped on her right thigh. The sword looked quite heavy, however the woman was holding it as if it was made of cotton.  

Aji was concentrating on Abira on the other side of the spparing circle. He was analyzing her every movement, looking for an opening to strike his first blow. He had to attack first to be at advantage. Yet her guard was perfect. More than that, her stance felt so strong and powerful, it was difficult for him to approach. He could feel a part her immense energy leaking from her entire body. An energy so strong he had a difficult time understanding it was only part of her true strength. Beside this strong enemy, he could feel himself hesitate a little, as he could feel the gap of skill between him and her.   

Abira took advantage of his brief moment of hesitation to strike first. Her first blow was so fast, it felt like she teleported to him. Her sword hit his so hard, he could feel his arms shaking. She was overwhelmingly strong, but he resisted, leaning his body toward her to have more balance.