Destined For Death!

Ch 5 ||Duel

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the schoolyard as students gathered in small clusters, their laughter and chatter filling the air. In one corner, a practice area had been set up, marked by makeshift boundaries made from stone and wood. I stood nervously, my heart racing with anticipation as I adjusted my grip on the hilt of my wooden sword.

Aymon stepped between us, his presence commanding attention. "Alright, you two," he began, his tone serious but encouraging. "This is
a friendly match to help Julian improve his swordsmanship. Remember, it's not just about strength; it's about strategy and control. Keep it clean, and no unnecessary harm!"

With a swift movement, Alissa lunged forward, her wooden sword aimed at my midsection. I barely had time to react, bringing my sword up to block her strike. The impact reverberated through my arms, and I quickly stepped back, trying to regain my footing.

"Good reflexes, Julian!" Aymon called from the sidelines, his eyes keenly observing the match. "Remember to anticipate her moves!"

Alissa grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge. "You'll have to do better than that!" she teased, circling me with a dancer's grace. I focused on her movements, trying to read her intentions. She feigned left, then darted right, swinging her sword low. I dropped to one knee just in time, the blade whistling past my head.

"Nice dodge!" Aymon encouraged, but I could feel the pressure mounting. I needed to find my rhythm.

I rose quickly, my heart pounding, and launched a counterattack. I aimed for Alissa's shoulder, but she parried effortlessly, her eyes glinting with determination. "Not bad, but you'll need more than that to catch me off guard!"

As the duel continued, the air crackled with energy. I began to find my footing, employing the techniques I had practiced in physical education. I focused on my stance, shifting my weight and keeping my movements fluid. Aymon watched closely, occasionally offering tips from the sidelines. "Remember to use your footwork, Julian! Stay light on your feet!"

With renewed confidence, I pressed forward, feinting to the left before quickly changing direction. Alissa was taken by surprise, and I managed to land a gentle strike against her side.

"Touché!" she laughed, stepping back and raising her sword in acknowledgment. "Looks like you're getting the hang of it!"

Little did I know, Alissa was about to elevate her game. As she lunged forward again, her strikes became more aggressive, each swing of her wooden sword feeling like a gust of wind slicing through the air. I could feel the weight of her determination behind each blow. My instincts kicked in as I parried her strikes, but her sword felt heavier with every exchange, as if she were channeling an unseen force.

Suddenly, I sensed a shift in her movements. Her swordplay became a blur, each strike faster than the last, and I found myself retreating, forced into a defensive position. My heart raced, echoing in my ears, and I struggled to keep up with her relentless onslaught. It was a test of endurance, and I could feel my earlier confidence wavering.

Desperate to tap into the potential I had once harnessed against Keon, I closed my eyes for a brief moment. I envisioned mana coursing through my veins, starting from my heart and radiating outward like a wildfire. As I focused, I felt an intense heat building within me, and to my shock, dark markings began to emerge on my skin, tracing intricate patterns that resembled tribal war paint.