love conquers all | kirisuna

Chapter V - Downfall

 Three...

The countdown had begun. The seated audience surrounding the wide arena cheered at the top of their lungs. He gripped his sword harder, glaring at his opponent. The match hadn't started yet, but Kazuto was already drenched in his sweat. He could never point it out, but for some reason, Raios was giving off a winning aura. Just the look in his eyes and his stance was making Kazuto feel weak. Why is he looking at me like he's already going to win?

Two!

Just what is it that's making him so strong? Just what is it that's driving him, giving him so much power? Kazuto pondered and began doubting himself. Clearly, Raios has a will that's driving him to his victory. By holding on to that conviction, whatever it is, he gets the confidence to win.

Why...Why are his eyes telling me that he already won?

One!

Raios Humbert, the firstborn son of the Imperial family by the King's brother is only two years older than the crowned prince, Kazuto. Following the family tradition and sword-style, Raios has mastered the technique passed down from generation to generation. A technique that was also passed down to Kazuto, the High Norlangarth style.

Being trained in the same technique, their style and stances were identical.

Based on the tradition, the sword-style focuses on taking down the opponent in one single strike.

Raios raised his sword upwards with both hands and mustered all his strength to this one hit.

...Fight!

As fast as the eye could blink, Raios swung his sword downwards, aiming straight at Kazuto. He put all his strength in the attack, but Kazuto's reflexes were too fast; he met Raios' sword with his own. 'He's strong!' Their swords crossed, and for a moment, Kazuto had a closer look at his opponent's threatening eyes. The sharp, dreadful glare reached Kazuto, radiating fear and panic. Kazuto's breath became heavier, and his sword hand became numb.

What is this?! It's like he draws power for his sword from his pride! Just what are you thinking, Raios? Are you...looking down on me?!

"I win...loser!" Raios pushed harder against me, and simply pushing back was beginning to be impractical; I had to deflect his blow, but that would cause my technique to be interrupted... What am I going to do? His voice was so dominating, it was hypnotizing! Is this...how it's going to end? Am I going to lose?

As he kept on pushing, the crossed swords between us moved ever so slowly towards me.

What else could be more shameful? As I was about to give up, I shut my eyes and waited for my defeat. But suddenly, a voice rang in my head.

"I'm going to change this world."

It was my own voice that brought me back to my senses. That's right, I promised myself! How will I change the world if I'm going to lose to someone like him?!

I opened my eyes to a squint and let them land on my father. Crossing his arms as he watched the battle closely, his face seemed to tell me that it was already over, and that I didn't stand a chance.

I'm going to prove myself. That is why...

Tightening my grip on my sword, I maneuvered my sword to push his downward slashing sword away to my right...

...I can't lose!

I managed to deflect Raios's attack and send him backward. Pressing my advantage, I proceeded to use the second slash of the technique I started the fight with. Switching to a forehand grip, I slashed at my opponent from right to left with all the speed I could muster.