Death Frost | Deathsworn #2

Chapter 28 ❆ Lionheart vs. Defiant Soul

Sorry it's late! Been having trouble writing as of late.

Today was my second fight. Frankly, I was not looking forward to it. Nonetheless, the morning air was quite refreshing and cool—especially since we had begun to enter winter. The cold weather put me in a good mood, even giving me great energy.

I was much more confident compared to my last fight for many reasons. Having spectated on the previous fights of my current opponent, I had a good evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses as well as their inclinations in combat and fighting style.

Defiant Soul lived true to his name. In a group combat, he would probably shine better, but in one-on-one fights he was in somewhat of a big disadvantage. But that didn't mean he could not make some adjustments to be a contender. As a matter of fact, he would probably be a tough opponent.

But Evyionne felt particularly confident to the dangerous point of arrogance. She didn't know why it was so.

After some basic courtesies and the announcer's usual greeting and introduction, my opponent and I promptly made our way onto the center stage. Defiant Soul had a very simple costume—pure white. There was no other color on him, and his mask was just a plain cloth that silhouetted tightly around his face. Not even his eyes were showing.

"And for the opening fight today, it'll be Lionheart against Defiant Soul!"

The cheers that echoed in the arena were just as riotous as the past few days. I could tell that this event was a really popular one—if that wasn't already evident enough. A part of me was expecting these people to get tired of the whole thing. But it seemed it was not the case.

I got into my stance, but I modified it a little considering the new experience and knowledge I got from sparring every night with Elion.

I would suppose I had embodied more of the serpent's spirit.

"How different! It seems Lionheart has changed styles! What are we going to see in this round?"

Defiant Soul's face could not be seen under the mask, but he tilted his head to the side as he gazed at me...perhaps from curiosity.

For the tournament, as long term as this one was, unpredictability was also a factor for victory. I wasn't expecting my opponents to remain stagnant in their progress as well, but if it was progress, I wasn't willing to lose. Erenol had bared all her cards last time. I had a feeling she would struggle very much, even in the loser's tournament.

Which wasn't the point. Because I was supposed to be worried about my own ass being kicked for the time being. Erenol's fight was done, so there was no room to worry for her for now.

I took a deep breath, watching Defiant Soul slip into his starting position as well.

We both waited for the signal that marked the beginning of the fight.

Anticipation weaved through my bones, rippling through the muscles that tensed, waiting for the moment—when the holler calling for the fight to begin would thunder.

I held my breath.

"Fight!"

Defiant Soul, as I expected, aggressively seized the first move. He took the moment to activate a camouflaging effect that put him out of sight before launching towards me with a series of attacks.

This was well within expectations. Defiant Soul's ability was light, a sub-element of fire, and was therefore subjected under the dragon Balasea's domain—so it afforded him an element that allowed a manipulation of sight.

This must take a lot of control. From certain perspectives, he would, at most, be a blurry figure. But from my line of sight, he was actually near-invisible. There was a slight distortion of space when he moved, which meant I would be able to spot him if I looked hard enough—but countering attacks nearly blind would be a feat in itself.