Trial of the Shield Part-3

Chase and Ava stand at opposite ends of the vast arena, their shields raised high, determination and exhaustion etched on their faces. The crowd falls silent, their anticipation palpable, as the final duel of the Trial of the Shield is about to commence.

"Silent again," Chase remarks, his tone filled with the knowledge that something significant is about to happen again.

"Prepare yourself for a powerful adversary. In this final duel, our skills and mettle shall be tested," Ava says, her voice steady as she locks eyes with her opponent.

"He is formidable, much like Melgra. Our shields shall be our defense, and we must seek quick strikes," Chase says, analyzing the adversary's strength and weight, a glint of determination in his eyes.

Their powerful tall opponent steps forward, every step causing dust to fly and releasing a powerful presence. They are a renowned warrior, known for their skill and strength. With a confident smirk, they draw their long gleaming blade.

"I am one of Melgra's students," the man declares, his tone filled with power and pride. "I will be using only 10% of my strength."

"What do you mean, 10%? Do you think we are not strong enough?" Chase points at the man, his voice tinged with aggravation. "We will show you that we are worthy of more strength"

"Chase, calm down," Ava interjects, her tone offering words of reassurance and comfort.

"But..."

"He is just trying to taunt us," Ava says, her voice steady and calm.

Chase listens to Ava's words, pulls back his hand, and takes slow, deep breaths to regain his composure.

"HaHa, you knights have come far, but I shall be the ultimate test," the man taunts, raising his long, heavy sword.

The duel begins.

The man dashes forward with incredible speed, his movements resembling that of a lion, despite his heavy build.

"So fast!" Chase exclaims in shock, raising his shield just in time to block the man's blade.

"Bang!" The sound of steel against Chase's shield echoes through the arena.

"Ahh!" Chase grunts in pain from the impact, the vibration of the shield, and feeling the man's strength pushing him back.

"I don't know why all the overseers praised you when you are nothing," the man taunts, a sneer on his face.

'The overseers talked about me?' Chase's thoughts race with excitement, thrilled that the overseers so powerful know and talk about him.

"Don't forget about me," Ava's voice suddenly appears.

Ava swings her axe at the man from the side, but he effortlessly blocks her strike with his sword, then pushes her away midair.

While the man is distracted by Ava, Chase manages to move away, regrouping for their next move.

Ava lands back on the ground, her shields expertly positioned to deflect the man's attacks.

"Chase. Observe his patterns. We must wait for an opening," Ava advises, her eyes focused on the opponent's every move.

"We got to seize the right moments to strike while maintaining our defense," Chase nods, fully understanding the strategy.

"But with his strength and speed, it will be challenging," Ava adds, acknowledging the difficulty of the task.

The man's strikes come with lightning speed, each blow aimed at penetrating Chase and Ava's shields. However, they expertly block, deflect, and counter each attack.

"They favor a high strike after a feint. We must exploit their predictability," Ava evaluates the opponent's tactics, offering insight to Chase.

"Alright, your ideas. Let us try it," Chase says, adjusting his stance, ready to execute their plan.

The duel intensifies, the clash of weapons reverberating through the arena. Chase and Ava's shields sometimes form an impenetrable fortress, while other times, they struggle to hold their ground.

'This guy is just too strong for only using 10% of strenght' Chase thought.

They analyze their opponent's every feint and maneuver, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

"Now, Chase! Strike!" Ava shouts, sensing an opening in the man's defense.

As Chase was about to move, The man quickly realizes Chase and Ava's plan, and he swiftly sends a powerful kick toward Ava, sending her flying into the air.

"Ava!" Chase shouts in shock as he witnesses the force of the kick, for the first time Chase witnesses pure brute strenght.

'That hurts,' Ava thinks to herself while still midair, spitting out crimson red blood. 'I need to lessen the impact of the fall.'

Ava positions her shield behind her back as she slams into the ancient stone arena wall, spitting out more blood. She bounces off the wall and is about to land face-first, but with her agility, she quickly moves her shield from her back to the front, cushioning the impact and sliding across the ground, momentarily unconscious from the heavy blows.

"Ahh!"

Witnessing this, Chase's anger flares as he dashes forward toward the man, shield, and spear in hand, his facial muscles tightening with anger.

"Come, boy," the man says, looking at Chase with a mixture of amusement and arrogance.

As Chase gets close, the man quickly swings his sword down, causing Chase to drop his spear and use his shield with both hands to block the attack.

"Bang!" The loud echo of steel meeting steel causes the onlookers to stop cheering and cover their ears.

Chase, holding the shield, spits out a mouthful of blood, feeling the pain coursing through his body.

The man starts continuously swinging his sword down onto Chase's shield.

'What an idiot I am,' Chase thinks, angry with himself for being arrogant and getting himself into this dangerous situation.

"Haha, did you really think you could just charge at me?" the man mocks, his voice echoing over the sound of steel.

"Learn to control your anger, boy. It will cost you," the man adds with a taunting tone. "Just like now."

Chase tries to push back, but when the man's sword slams down on his shield, Chase's grip slips, and his shield falls to the ground.

"Haha, this is the end, boy," the man declares, pointing his sword at Chase, preparing to strike.

"Wait!"

The man's sword stops just inches from the top of Chase's head, a breeze brushing against his face from the sword's speed and force.

"What's wrong?"

Chase hears Malgra's voice, causing him and the man to turn their attention toward where Malgra is pointing to an open portal.

'The portal, why is it open?' Chase wonders, unsure of the reason behind its sudden appearance.

"You have to leave," Malgra says, his voice filled with urgency.

"What? Now?" the man says in shock.

"Yes, now," Malgra replies firmly, redirecting her attention to Chase. "Pick up your friend and quickly leave."

"Boo!"

"Boo!"

The onlookers start booing angrily as Chase and Ava are forced to leave the fight unfinished.

Chase quickly gets up, ignoring the man and Malgra, rushing over to Ava to check on her condition. He carries her toward the portal, a burning grudge forming within him as he vows to seek revenge for Ava.

"We will finish our fight when we meet again," Chase hears the man's voice as the portal closes, leaving him filled with determination to face the man once more.