One Sarcastic Survival

Sparring with Death... Literally

I think I can actually feel my life flashing before my eyes. 

Again.

The other students were staring in stunned silence. I mean, who wouldn't be? They'd all gotten to pair up with fellow demons, and here I was, standing across from Kalego of all people. You know, the guy who throws students off cliffs like it's a fun pastime. No pressure or anything.

I glanced at the arena. 

Great, just an open space, nowhere to hide. 

No cover, no plan.

 I've got this... right?

Kalego: Enough stalling. Come at me.

Right. 

Sure. 

Why not? 

Let me just... die real quick.

I was frozen in place, my brain screaming for some kind of miracle. 

How do I even start this? 

Do I punch him? 

Kick him? 

Run away? 

Kalego was already glaring at me, his expression a mixture of boredom and disappointment. Clearly, he wasn't expecting much from me. 

Spoiler alert: Neither am I.

Kalego: I said, come at me.

Alright, alright! 

Here goes nothing.

I dashed forward, mostly because standing still any longer would have made things worse. Kalego didn't even flinch. In fact, he looked more annoyed than anything else.

Maybe if I just... fake him out? 

Yeah, that might work!

At the last second, I veered to the right, dodging past him instead of attacking head-on. It wasn't much, but it was the only plan I had. Kalego raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

Kalego: Pathetic.

Me: Hey, it's called strategy! Not everyone can be a grumpy powerhouse like you.

Did I just sass Kalego in the middle of a fight? 

Oh no. 

Oh no no no.

To my shock, Kalego didn't immediately smite me for my backtalk. Instead, his gaze narrowed, like he was analyzing me. It felt like I was suddenly under a microscope, and it was not a comfortable feeling.

Kalego: You're faster than I expected. 

Wait, what?

My body moved on its own as Kalego lunged at me, his speed beyond terrifying. I barely dodged, skidding backward as his hand sliced through the air where I'd been standing just seconds ago.

Me: Whoa, whoa! Isn't this supposed to be a test, not an execution?!

Kalego didn't respond. His eyes followed my every movement, his suspicion growing with each dodge. It was like he was testing something—something other than my combat skills. But why?

Kalego: You're hiding something.

Me: Hiding something? Oh sure, just my overwhelming desire to not get killed! Is that what you're talking about?