The Elementiels

Ch. 8: ME VERSUS YOU

The exhibition pressed on with excitement as the students, pushing their limits, impressed both the crowd and the royal family watching. Among the best, Adam, Frank, Beatrix, and Cynthia stood out, their performances earning nods from the King himself.

Then, with a commanding presence, Commander Elijah stepped forward, his voice carrying over the crowd. “Alright, everyone! It’s time for our top students to face each other in combat! For the first round, Beatrix Griffin will go against Cynthia Bert! The rules are simple—whoever yields first, loses!”

Cynthia’s eyes widened, a flicker of hesitation showing. Her friends immediately rallied around her.
“Don’t worry, you got this.” David assured her with a grin.

“Yeah! Show her who’s the real girl boss around here!” Mike shouted, pumping his fist in the air.

Cynthia managed a nervous smile. “Thanks, everyone. I’ll do my best!” She glanced over at Adam, who gave her a reassuring nod, his smile warm and encouraging. She returned his gaze, feeling a surge of confidence as she stepped forward into the arena.

The crowd was silent as Cynthia and Beatrix took their positions. Both girls locked eyes, intense determination reflected on each face. They raised their swords, ready. A nearby counselor murmured, “Let’s see if Miss Bert is as good with a sword as she is with a bow and arrow.”

At the sound of the drumbeat, they sprang into action. Their swords clashed with a ringing force, echoing through the arena. The crowd cheered wildly, some chanting Beatrix’s name, others rallying behind Cynthia. Victor, watching closely, silently rooted for Cynthia, his eyes following her every move.

Beatrix sneered slightly as they fought, speaking between quick strikes. “Your archery skills might be impressive, but you can’t beat me in close combat!”

Cynthia smiled, unfazed. “I don’t have to beat you—I just have to put on a good show!” Seizing the moment, she kicked up a cloud of dust that caught Beatrix off guard, blinding her momentarily. Cynthia swiftly used the opening to kick her opponent back, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

“Nice move!” someone shouted.

Beatrix steadied herself, dusting off her armor with a glare. “Not bad! Enjoy it—because you won’t get another chance!” She lunged at Cynthia, and their swords clashed again, each blow resonating as both girls demonstrated skill and grit, earning impressed looks from the counselors and even the King.

The King leaned toward the commander. “It’s remarkable how they fight with such precision and restraint.”

Commander Elijah nodded, his gaze unwavering. “Our students are trained well, Your Majesty. They understand the balance between power and control. Careless fighters would have already injured themselves.”

The intensity between the two girls only grew. Beatrix found an opening and swiftly tripped Cynthia, delivering a punch as Cynthia fell hard to the ground. The crowd gasped, and Cynthia’s friends watched with concern as Beatrix approached her.

“Just yield, Cynthia. You know you can’t win!” Beatrix taunted, her voice smug.

Cynthia wiped her face, determination flashing in her eyes. She scrambled up, picked up her sword, and met Beatrix’s gaze with fierce resolve. “If you think I’ll give up that easily, you’re in for a surprise!”

“Go, Cynthia! Show her what you’re made of!” Mike shouted, his voice carrying through the crowd, which erupted in cheers for her.

Beatrix clenched her jaw, clearly irritated by the crowd’s support for Cynthia. With a mocking smile, she steadied her stance. “Fine. Let’s settle this, then!”