Everyday, I Fight!

Chapter 28: Nervousness...

Carmine stepped forward. The ground underneath shook. Her intense stare didn't allow me the privilege to focus elsewhere. Right now, she was my opponent. And yet, she was the future queen of the country.

Slowly, the stage floated upward.

Should I pretend? But Helen advised not to.

My friends have no clue what my brother looks like either. If he's in disguise they'll never detect him. J has always easily mingled within crowds. This won't do. But... how do I avoid fighting Carmine? I do want to avoid the possibility of becoming a fugitive. If I hold back though, she will notice. Once that happens, she'll try to kill me for real.

Still, the thought of losing to a minor... no. no. no. no. no. How can I afford being a weakling! Vel would ki-

The bell thundered. I snapped back into reality and instinctively leaned right. Somehow I managed to dodge a flurry of abrupt physical blows. Carmine threw herself at me. Meaningless and mediocre punches ensued for the next two minutes or so... but WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS BODY?

My lungs felt withered. Wheezing in and out, desperate for air. Like an addict, I couldn't help but want more.

"Heh" I snorted, "dear older sister... you've sure grown... smart."

Refocusing on what's important for now - I tried blowing out a bucket load of carbon dioxide - hoping it'd do the trick.

A wide eyed Carmine smirked. But just as she prepared for another blow, I pulled away. Maintaining a certain distance is crucial.

Regardless, she charged in head-first. Yes, thanks a lot Helen. Now I understand Carmine has brains, apart from brawn and beauty.

I sighed. I must be careful.

Playing defense really isn't my thing. The audience naturally also agreed. "Oh, just fight already!" I heard someone yell.

Sure, why not? Then when I get captured... you'll be the first one on the guillotine before me. Hey, it's not like I'm trying to make Charles my enemy too, but if you all prefer pushing me over the edge, you'll pay for the same sh*t.

I've always known that being nice back on Earth, is a pain in the a$$. Didn't realize it was a Universal thing.

There has to be a loophole.

"Say, why did you challenge me here?" I asked.

"..."

"Is it because you realise you'll lose if we fight without an audience?"

"...?"

"Should I just throw you off the stage using mana? It's a piece of cake for me... only..."

I tilted my head a little and rolled my eyes. Quite mockingly, if I might add. Wondering if she'll take the bait, I drew out a light chuckle. Then used about 2% of mana to carefully manipulate the sound around us. No one else heard anything.

Except...

"Only... the audience, sweetie. We both know I can't use my full power here." I paused a moment, as Carmine looked confused as ever. Her face went from blue, to pale and then red.

Ha, ha, what a sight.

Carmine charged. I evaded. Yet, her eyes didn't waver the slightest! Absolutely glued to me. If she wasn't my blood-related sister, I'd believe she was a distant relative of the Minotaur from the myths back on Earth. Nice, looks like Ana taught her well. Helen wasn't kidding. I'm beginning to understand why she lost.

Perhaps the results would have differed if this wasn't a one-on-one. Still, it's not my place to say. A defeat is a defeat, after all. Carmine certainly has potential. However, not against me. And definitely not now.