Chapter 3: A Duel That Brought Destiny

-I had thought we were here offload information and control the narrative, so why does she want to fight someone else!?-

I started to unbutton my raggedy shirt for black haired Paladin girl, I figured it was the least I could do. I'm not able or willing to forgive her at this point, she attacked us this morning and tried to kidnap both Arisu and I.

Having grown up without privacy, as long as I wasn't naked in public around strangers I didn't feel embarrassed with little clothing, but she was and I'm not without empathy.

"It's alright, here take this"

General Orth Dare wrapped the girl in his own military jacket without concern of his own position and prestige that comes with the rank. Using my blessing it was clear that she felt her life was over and couldn't see any way into a future, but she wanted to start again or die trying.

"Otoha, regardless if she is or was an enemy, I will not permit you to act like that"

"Why should I care about the people responsible for killing my parents and ruining my life!? She's trash like the rest of them!"

Stathon wasn't happy with her but couldn't discipline her either, I could only feel deep empathy from Stathon. He knew she was a good kid, that she could grow, but he couldn't face her to show she's wrong because he understood her position and history.

He moved into show discipline, but kept stopping himself. It was written all over his face, he was constantly fighting his own intent.

"Honestly, I have no room to judge your actions little Oni, I challenged you because her life was saved by my adopted daughter and in turn, she is now responsible. I would of rather killed all three and be done with it. Unfortunately, it's clear there is more to this problem and I need informat- shit"

"What is it Enda?"

"I sent 'Red' back... He said he could help with getting, Sinclair's... ahh forget it"

The Paladin wrapped herself in the coat to hide her face from everyone present, she was on the verge of tears once more. All she could do was look for a way to escape, or an end. Anxiety was all that filled her mind.

"Well, I suppose we should make our way to somewhere a bit more suitable for a duel?"

The General indicated towards the same tunnel Otoha carried the paladin prisoners. As we passed through the tunnel that lead out into the small village, I noticed the stairs that lead down to the holding cells we passed on my right.

-So they're down there... How did Arisu break the curses on the Paladins neck and back if they need that 'Breaker' guy to do it? It's like she can do anything-

Without his coat General Orth Dare's real physique shinned through, just like Otoha, his muscles became a clearly defined.

Despite his nature to walk slightly hunched over the short sleeved undershirt left none of his strength to the imagination. The sunlight highlighted his silhouette as we exited out the tunnel showing the General had more than his fair share of battle scars.

"The training ring may be a bit muddy still. The fog this mourning also meant the recruits could only start training about an hour ago, so they've only just gotten back now and started to eat. I apologise if you had hoped for a Duel without prying eyes Enda"

General Orth Dare had known Enda for a very long time, they both learnt each other's preferences and knew they could trust each other.

"How many are we talking?"

"Probably a hundred today Teach, some join up as temporary staff... others for more, patriotic reasons"

"Hmmm, Enda, Otoha I have a request. It's clear you both have grievances and you have your own goals Otoha, but as it stands you have no chance of winning this duel-"

"Why? If she can't use magic or aura, how would she win?"

"By chance did you see the broken halberd near the Wharf?"

"Yeah, so what?"

"There was no spells used to perform that act, just pure perfect mana control to destroy the weapons shaft"

"So she's strong, I know that already, and I also know about her regeneration, I'll just kill her to win"

"Talk about saying the quiet part out loud..."

I was afraid I would be able to tell Enda of her plan, only now she had just revealed her intent entirely.

"Don't you worry little one, I'm sure you saw that Javelin of light before pierce my heart"

"What the hell does that mean, you can't die? Are you secretly a god?"

Now the Oni had started to catch on to the situation I was a little worried. I had heard rumours of demons able to shift their cores around their bodies to avoid death without it being shattered or completely beheaded.

-Why let her know? Now she'll just behead you! Is she an extreme battle junkie or something?-

"I am many things, but I am not a god. Orth if you will, please hold onto these little one"

Enda took off some strange old earrings and passed them to me to hold along with the scale I had no let go of yet making sure she wore nothing else on her head.

"Here use this to do it"

She summoned a one handed sword for Orth to use. It was identical to the sword her copy was carrying, except in size. If Enda held it, the size would be like a short sword, it was a side effect of her size and if it was the same when she created it for Orth.

The normal size would be a hand-and-a-half sword for the General if she had not changed it.

It was impossible for a weapon or armour to be summoned in such a way without the use of a relic.

Metal was simply too dense and goes through a refinement process before it could even be shaped that spells would have to be King tier, far beyond the vast majority of mages.

"As you wish"

I started to realise both Arisu and Enda had their own relic, weapons of great power who chose their own wielder, with Irmin the staff being another entity all together.

It was all starting to click together, the fireproof clothes, the copies and summonable weapons originating from a single, she was an unstoppable one woman army.

"Otoha, I would prefer it if you swap who you will face in the duel with someone who I believe would be your equal. As it stands Stathon refuses to spar with you because out of principles, the new recruits and soldiers also refuse due to your brutality and anger. Against Enda you have no chance at winning, nor are you cunning enough to know how to defeat her"

With that said he swung the sword and cleanly beheaded Enda.

Before her head or any blood hit the ground it burst into flames leaving only ash that blew through the air like a natural breeze compelled it as her head reformed from the ashes once it congregated above her neck.

The entire event occurred within 4 seconds as it looked like a burning bush splashed with water to reveal no damage, but without the water. The last part of the flames was her long red hair when white streaks and highlights formed it returned to a normal state.

"Unless you have a power stronger than a god who split one world into two, the curse I bare makes me unkillable. No matter what you try, no matter what I try, I cannot perish from existence"

"Fine! Then who do I fight for the scale?"

"This young man here"

"Huh!? Wait what!?"

"I'll do it"

"Wait hold on, who says I will?"

This was beyond absurd to me. Ever since I was seven I used weapons and magic soon after that, I had trained with the guards and learnt how to use every weapon they had. But I had only ever sparred once against a sister that ended out being the first and only time when I was fourteen.

-How the hell am I meant to fight someone like that!-

"Hold on, if they do this are we even in range?"

"Yes of course, that's why we setup a fort here remember?"

*Sigh* "No I can't, I guess it slipped my mind"

-What does that even mean!? More importantly-

"Excuse me do I get a say in this!?"

*Ahem* "Hey I hate to break up this little spat but, Teach? She's starting to heat up, I'm getting a little concerned"

"Really? Hmmm, she normally only heats up as the fruit kicks in... then cools off after she passes out"

"What colour was it?"

"The Berserker fruit? It was a white one I think, Red told me to force feed her it..."

I couldn't help but feel responsible, I was the one who fed her even if it was an order, the actions where mine, done out of fear of the unknown if something bad happened, I would wear that scare for the rest of my life in shame.

"Is the fruit really dangerous?"

"It can be- It kicks someone into fight or flight, making them hyperaware in the process. We banned it's use unless it's life or death situation, because it can be the cause of both..."

We passed a few small open houses on the way to the ring, they all looked like standard military building storehouses, so with food or supplies, others with weapons and armour or training equipment.

"I'll put her down on one of the logs over there, Teach, I'm going to use a verse to cleanse her, can your copy grab some water, cups and a bucket just in case?"

"It can't be that bad, she's used it before, a few dozen times I think?"

"Teac-no, Enda... it looks like a bad reaction, the kind that leads to death. No matter who it is, the chance is always possible. I could be wrong, but there is no real harm playing it safe, well, maybe a dry throat and lost breakfast"

As soon as his tone changed in calling Enda by her name, the copy walked over to the log and left the staff Irmin and her sword then ran off looking for Stathon's requested items.

"Fine then, but with your position and role, you should know more than anyone in this nation to not hesitate if it even a slight possibility to save a life. You have that tome for a reason"

"Oh, what should I do with this scale and earrings?"

"I'll take them back for now, as for the scale, it will be the prize if she wins, yours if you win"

"Hell of a prize"

"Indeed, I do not recommend letting everyone know what's at stake"

"Wait, I didn't even accept this duel? I don't want to fight someone so strong!"

"To bad kid, you're fighting me and I won't hold back"

I could already feel her killing intent towards Enda and it seemed like she was openly hostile to anyone she saw as an obstacle in her goal.

"Here we are, Stathon put her down on this log, let me see what's going on..."

We reached the training ring, it was a fairly large circle of large tree logs organised to indicated an area to spar others and practice all kinds of attacks.

Stathon carefully lowered Arisu onto one of the logs that made up the large training circle, rolling up some of the hide covers as a makeshift pillow and adjusting her head to the side.

If we had kept heading forward we would of reached the sables holding various animals and monsters, from tamed slimes convenient in everyday life including waste disposal to various sub-dragon monsters used in warfare.

"Do you have the Tome with you?"

Enda knelt down on one knee and looked over Arisu before reaching behind her back to unclip her white robes.

"Yeah, always"

While Stathon reached behind his breastplate to pull out a strange brown scaled book, Enda moved her hands over Arisu to grab specific parts and unhooked different sections, mostly around body joints like shoulders, elbows and knees.

-I didn't know there was armour and padding underneath this would seem really lewd-

Looking to my left the Paladin girls face was flushed in embarrassment as she continued to hide in the Generals coat proving my thoughts correct.

*Chuckle* "Don't worry, she has armour underneath, like a lot of padding"

"It is mostly padding, I'm surprised you picked up on it. The robes on the top can be controlled by her to help manage movement against wind resistance and has what she calls a 'built in wingsuit'. Underneath that is a combination of padded armour because of the dangers that come with such extreme speed and midnight serpent chitin on top for hard impacts"

"How do you know so much about it?"

*Grunt* "Ahh there we go... Well, I made it. I had to learn to make my own clothes a long time ago, eventually that led into learning and using materials from anything I could get my hands on. Can you turn help her to the side? Thanks-"

"And why does this part need to be taken off?"

"Well the simple answer is those robes only mix well with the users own magic energy, so it can cause problems if she's not awake and suppling her own to it. Like handing over the reins of a dragon to someone who's never ridden one before, it can cause... interesting problems"

All around the training ring new recruits where eating and relaxing after their morning training of various methods. Spit roasts and barbeques had been setup nearby tables with wash bins and wind runes attached as well.

"Wow..."

"What is it?"

"Well I've not really seen something like this before, like... all these people grabbing and eating food... it being setup like this... If this was back at Tyrants Rest there would already be fighting over the food"

"Supply that bad there? Hey Dare, by chance do you think we could claim that as Nala territory?"

"Without starting a War? Maybe *chuckle* If you can justify occupying it to both neighbouring Kingdoms then it should be fine. We protect it anyway, through the Guild that is"

"Well, about that..."

"I assumed you'd tell me about what happened soon enough, you don't seem like you are in a rush however"

"No doubt-"

As the explanation was about to start the copy returned carrying a water barrel over her arm and held a bucket with multiple cups inside using her other arm.

"I'll go over everything, but let's go somewhere more private. Stathon, little one, I'll be back, feel free to have the duel. Paladin, stay with them. I'll leave my copy here to help if you need anything. Also little one, I will need you to choose a name... aside from that however, if you win against Otoha I promise I shall relocate that Orphanage you grew up in, with everyone as well, to Dragons Mort and ensure they never go hungry again"

"You really want me to fight, but I don't think I-"

"Be more confident in your abilities young one, I have a good eye when it comes to telling the strength of others. You are lacking in mass, but I believe you stand on equal ground with that Oni in terms of combat power. Be smart, be brave. If you can cast basic spells easily without an equipment then I doubt magic is the only thing you are capable of"

The General believed every word he said, he was positive I had a chance of beating Otoha and yet that wasn't what bother me, my blessing gave the exact same feelings of another's deception when Enda gave me her promise.

"Ok but can I say this at least... Enda... I know there's more than you lead on with my old home, I can tell you're lying... or at least not telling the entire truth... have you alrea-"

"I set plans in motion to help the people who took you in and cared for you. When I sent Warren back with a letter and money it was to instruct your Orphanage to head upriver in any boat they could hire.-

-If Alameda found out about you and your blessings she would also target anyone that knows you for information. I gave you a promise I had already planned to keep regardless of the outcome in hopes it would spur you to action...-

-Because I believe you could be something great if you were more confident. I lie and deceive because those are my greatest strengths, but I don't do it to hurt those I vow to protect or guide. Do not use the name Alameda, that is 'her' name.-

-'Red' won't mind being called is actual name, Warren, it's part of his culture to address himself with his own name when others use their own name to introduce themselves as a sign of mutual respect"

There was nothing, not a single indication that she lied or tried to deceive that time. Her plan, goals, ideals and outcome laid bare, not even an attempt to conceal 'her' or 'red'.

I shouldn't of doubted her, I should of given the benefit of such, but if that was her plan I could understand.

-That didn't even cross my mind... that they might... be in danger-

She had probably delt with similar situations for longer than I can fathom, I didn't feel like I had the right to object to that method. I was curious what 'her' name was, same with Warren but now that was replaced with sinking shame.

-In any case, I owe her. A fight can't be that bad right?-

"You three done? Good. Kid come over here and hold her upright, turn her head to the left"

Enda took back the scale and earrings then I walked over and did what Stathon asked as Enda and Orth walked away.

There was no need for more discussion, it would only lead to embarrassment or worse.

"I'm going to need you to keep her completely as still as possible for a bit. Um... Enda please hold the bucket near her mouth. We don't need the water or cups just yet"

After the copy put down the water barrel and wooden cups on top then moved into position, Stathon got to work.

"Alright stay as still as possible now please"

The book in his left hand glowed bright yellow then opened as he moved his arm directly above Arisu. Stathon moved his arm from her belly to her mouth as the tome hovered slightly above the hand that was just holding it.

"Open her mouth please, quickly"

I gently grabbed her jaw and forced it open as Stathon used magic to force out any undigested berserker fruit in the bucket Enda's copy was holding.

Breathing a sigh of relief Stathon double checked Arisu's condition. Although the action was extremely quick, it was a process that required extreme concentration and timing in line with her breathing.

"With that done, the next part is easy. You two can relax now, and lower her head as well"

Otoha had been watching us deal with the situation, she was irritated but understood the nature of what was going on. But now she wanted to get back to the fight.

"I feel like I've seen her before... Where is she from?"

"She lives with Enda in the tower at the top of Dragons Mort. You probably haven't met her before but you might of seen her"

"Why do you hate Enda?"

"Ask her yourself about the riots ten years ago. Because of her I lost my family, my clan, my friends and my dignity..."

Her left hand hovered over her broken horn covered in bandages, as if she could still feel pain and winced at the reciliation of events.

"She can never fix the damage she caused, and I will never forget what she did"

-Riots ten years ago..-

I recalled when I was younger our town had a large influx of beast-kin and other non-human races, because of that each side of the river was eventually divided into those races but after time tension and hate faded.

-What caused it...-

I hardly got a moment to think about the situation before being reeled into my current predicament.

"Otoha, if you want the duel to even happen both of you will need weapons and armour. As neither the General or Enda are here outside of her copy I will set the rules of engagement. It will be you choice whether or not you allow armour both the rules will apply to both of you. Based on that I will determine what can be used. Choose wisely"

"No armour, we fight as we are"

Without hesitation, her choice was made from ego alone. It was a decision spewing of overconfidence and history of fighting the new recruits.

I intend to shatter that expectation.

"So be it, Enda, ah, copy... I'm not exactly sure what to call you-"

Stepping forward the copy lowered her hood to reveal her distinction. Unlike the original Enda, this copy tied her hair in a sharp ponytail and wore an eyepatch underneath the bangs that usually covered her right eye.

Instead the hair was far more sporty, much more similar to Arisu then it was identical to Enda.

"All though we all originate from her, we can share our senses at will and chose our names. You may call me Eyebore, Enda or Copy, your choice"

Lowering her mask and flipping up her eyepatch, she revealed her eye to be in a state none of us expected. Instead of a milky eye or one glowing with power, it was a fake glass eye with a single number on top, 13.

"All copies have numbers on their right eye if you ever need us to identify ourselves, however I lost my real eye and as we do not share our origins recovery prowess, this is my replacement"

"I... understand. Well them, um, Eyebore, we passed a storage house with training weapons inside. Can you grab the large barrel with the pale wooden weapons, two unstrung bows and two shields?"

Eyebore nodded and headed straight to the storage house as Stathon turned to face both of us while glancing at Arisu muttering to himself under his breath the she was stabilising.

"The rules are simple, first to submit loses. As there is no armour, any attacks you opponents head will result in your forfeit. All magic is allowed unless it's lethal, I suspect that won't be an issue as you can only cast basic spells and Otoha has yet to reach chant-less casting of basic spells herself-"

-So I have the advantage in magic at least, with a little creativity I might have a chance-

"That's basic, especially for you. Can you at least make it interesting?"

"-As you wish. Both of you will start in the middle of the ring, backs against each other with arms interlocked. You will spin around together until you hear a whistle, at that sound you are to let go of each other and run for a weapon, you may NOT fight without one Otoha-"

"Shut it"

"-In addition if you are completely disarmed, you lose. Interesting enough?"

"No magic weapons"

"No, whatever is in the barrel is what you can use"

"By the way, what is Aura?"

"How-wha, how do you NOT know about Aura but know how to cast without a catalyst? The General was wrong, you're screwed!" *chuckle*

"It's is strange you don't know, but it's fairly simple. Aura is a layer of energy we train to emit like a second skin although most people can't see it. It can come naturally over time to some, others may need specific training. The General has a pretty good sense of someone's combat potential, I guess he saw yours?"

"Back in Tyrants Rest, I was taught by a guard how to use every weapon they had on hand. So about as long as I've been using magic, I've used a weapon. But I never really fought anyone before, just drills on drills, would that really be enough?"

"To have one naturally yes, but you may need to practice on how to apply it to other things. If you've ever had the pleaser of Arisu's cooking, let's just say she found an interesting way to use her Aura"

-She used it to cook food fast... I don't know if I should be impressed or worried-

I could see Eyebore walking back carrying the large weapon barrel upright on her shoulder and decided to ask a question before she was in range of hearing.

"Why did Enda want to kill the Paladins over just capturing them?"

"Those arrogant dickheads are more of a pain then you know"

"A bit, overboard, with that description, but she is right to a degree. A least their number is finite"

"Is that why Enda was all for killing paladins instead of capturing?"

"It's more complicated than that and I suspect there was more to it, she likes to have three reasons to each... choice... ah Eyebore, can you scatter those weapons around the ring with the longest reaching being closest to the edge?"

Simply nodding, she walked past the log Arisu was on into the ring to setup the duel as Stathon kneeled down and checking the kitsune's forehead.

"She isn't heating up anymore but not cooling down either. Because the reaction is similar to a poison reaction I'll cast a cleanse." *sigh* "The problem is, I've seen this situation before. I can't say for certain if it is as bad as I think it is, I'm no doctor, but I am a medic"

"So what's the problem?"

Otoha stole the words out of my mouth, showing genuine concern for a stranger she had just met today.

I figured I was in the same boat, but Arisu was open and friendly to me it felt contagious. The Paladin girl next to me only helped support that theory.

She hadn't spoken at all since the General wrapped her in his coat, instead choosing to hide herself from the world.

-Maybe she isn't only capable of being angry towards others...-

"If I cast the cleanse and it is... the reaction I think it could be. Well. She'd need to feel something just as powerful as the fight or flight response the fruit gives"

"So she needs to fear for her life or something?"

"Yes, it's harder than you think from someone who is asleep. The easiest way is to use wind magic to give someone a sense of falling"

"No need, there is a better way that will work with her"

"Oh... Eyebore... uh, I see you finished setting up the ring"

Not only had the weapons been spread out as symmetrically as possible but she also positioned the bows and shields perfectly opposite of their counterpart but close enough to each other that it each seemed like a pair so a choice of one or the either would have to be made.

"And you call me rude, you won't even say her name without hesitating"

"Well it's uh"

"Yeah it's a stupid name, who cares? Just say it"

"I admire your ability to be blunt, but that's about it"

-It's a stupid name?-

"Do me a favour kid, don't let Enda chose your name. Her choice is either straightforward or a pun.."

Eyebore didn't even react, like she already knew. She chose her own name, inheriting thoughts, memories and instinct at the time of her creation, after that point she developed her own uniqueness and it was one of cool calm temperament that felt almost uncaring.

Walking over to me she knelt over to whisper something in my ear-

"-I won't bore you with the details, but if you win she will wake up. Other methods won't work. Trust me"

I made a fool of myself not trusting her before, so this time I decided to show a little faith, even with my blessing giving me the very same reaction as Enda's vague encouragement.

"I'll.. do my best"

Through all the commotion, the recruits eating and resting started to pick up on the upcoming duel. Some of them sat on the logs while others found spots they could watch from around the ring.

Both Otoha and I walked to the middle of the ring as Stathon performed the cleanse with Eyebore at his side.

He casted the cleanse without a chant, something I didn't realise was possible with faith magic that I could only surmise was the result of the book he carried with him at all times, another Relic to be sure.

Quickly double checking her state, he walked over to us and gave a proper breakdown in a louder voice so the observers and anyone who chose to watch would understand the rules.

"The rules are simple, you may forfeit at any time, first to be completely disarmed, loses. I will call the duel if either of you go too far and same rules apply with standard sparring. If you pin your opponent in a way that would guarantee victory on the battlefield you will win!"

Stathon leaned in to speak in a quieter tone to just the two of us.

"I won't listen to your objections if you have any on those last two rules, either of you, understood?"

"Y-yeah?"

"Yes s-sir"

Stathon was frighteningly intimidating when he wanted to, making us both stutter at the sudden shift to a heavy atmosphere.

-Was that his Aura? It suits him, like Arisu's speed, if that's how it works?-

Questions flooded my mind, but now wasn't the time to focus on any of them. I tensed my muscles and pressed my back against Otoha. She was taller than I thought, or at least more intimidating.

Her full pale red horn reached the height of Enda, but even if she wasn't an Oni, she'd still be taller than Arisu. The bandage around her broken horn did more to intimidate then seem like a weakness, like a battle scar, despite her insinuation of it being her dignity.

*Deep breath* -Focus, clear your mind, focus only on the fight, the danger, I need to win.-

It was time to fight.

"Alright lock arms, when you hear the whistle immediately let go, get a weapon and fight. Once again, you may not fight without a weapon. That means magic, throwing dirt or punching, you must pick up a weapon before you can fight"

-Simple enough, probably best to make some distance and try fight at a range with magic or one of the bows-

We locked arms and at Stathon's nod we spun together to our right in a small circle. From the outside it looked like a strange way to start the duel, but nobody was laughing, they'd all done it before.

One spin, then two, and of the third a loud high pitch whistle rang out from Eyebore as she sat on the side-lines next to Arisu as Stathon had moved to the opposite side.

As we let go of each other I launched myself forward. My first concern was finding any weapon and then casting a combination of twirl and sparks.

Through training without a wand, staff or any catalyst, I had ended up relying on casting with my index and middle finger on my right hand and open palm with my left.

So as I stumbled forward I was looking for any wooden sword or spear, unfortunately I underestimated how dizzy those three spins would make me and tumbled forward.

-Dammit!-

I rolled and landed flat on my face, scrambling to get up I reached forward to grab something on the ground. It was a sling, better than nothing but it was good enough to wrap it around my arm and start combining spells.

I quickly looked around and scanned for my goal, a spear along the ring with a wooded kite shield just furth behind it.

Sprinting straight towards it, I looked to my right to see Otoha, she had just picked up her own shield and a short sword.

She was fast, much faster than I expected and heading straight for the knockout blow. There was no time to think, I created a vortex of air in my left hand then created a ball of sparks in my right while setting up the shot.

-She's terrified...-

For a brief moment, time slowed to almost a halt and I saw the refection of my spell in her eyes.

Through those eyes I saw fear, fear from the past, trauma than ran deep as the sparks bright glow bright.

And in that brief moment, her intent to win vanished.

From the anger, the festering hatred to rise above and secure her future from an unfair past, to deep seated threads of regret, helplessness pain.

For that spit second, she wanted to run.

Her legs froze, her deep violet eyes widened and she tripped, landing on her face.

It gave me enough to switch up my spells and grab a nearby longsword. The plan of Twirl and Sparks to create distance would have to be shelved for now.

-I should use it... But.. It feels wrong-

Holding the longsword in my right hand with thumb, pinkie and ring finger I created combined the vortex of air and a basic water spell know as 'Stream'.

Stream as a spell that creates a water flow in a channelled line that can be manipulated, it was ineffective as a combat spell and without extreme talent or water catalyst, drinking it would make someone sick as the spell would break down into energy and disperse.

-It's not real water, but it can still freeze-

If I learnt the Novice spell, 'Water Ball', it would produce a similar effect in a more concentrated area at faster speeds. That spell was for combat, but my combination was specific to spread as much water around a target that I could.

Holding the spell as she got back on her feet, charging me head first with her horns down and shield up. If I was hit by that, even though one of her horns was broken off and wrapped in bandages, the other looked pointy enough to piece me.

Her face was hidden, but the intent was as clear as day. She knew what to do if I side stepped or ran, her shield ready for a spell to be swiped aside.

There only one path forward and if she caught onto it, then I would be over for me.

I backed up to a log, faking helplessness, unfortunately there was some recruits eating and watching the duel on it, I would have to apologise later.

"Hey! If you leave the ring you lose!"

Luckily he hadn't caught onto the plan, it was perfect, holding the pseudo in my left and and longsword in my right I faked defensive stance, with my left foot on the log behind me.

The goal was to act scared, but her head was down and charging, it could of all been for nothing and the acting wasn't needed fi she couldn't see me.

The two recruits realised they might be in the line of fire from Otoha themselves and panicked, grabbing their plates but it was too late.

Just before she was close enough to pull off the plan I saw her horn covered in bandages had begun to bleed.

I saw her fall and she didn't hit it, I didn't understand why it was bleeding and it was to late too change plans.

Using my back left leg as a guide as she closed in, I pushed back and launched off the log forward, just clearing her horns and unleashing my spell point bland into her back.

It knocked her down perfectly and drenched her as I rolled and landed perfectly this time.

Instantly spilling around I finished casting 'Freeze', another basic spell but it was limited as it could only interact with water, magic or natural.

Having prepared it with my right hand as the left held the water vortex I had begun to release the spell as I rolled and finished as I turned.

Freeze was extremely effective if used in tandem with and water created by magic, it's much slower with normal water, but as a basic spell it effect in combos, a trait shared with all basic spells, their application is only limited to the casters imagination and understanding of the spell.

All she could do is grunt and swear as I kicked away her weapon but she refused to let go of her shield, so I pinned her down with my body, on top of the ice with the wooden sword at the back of her neck.

"Coward!"

"Let go of the shield, admit defeat!"

"Fuck off!"

Her face on the ground and eyes closed, she hid her face flowing with tears. To her I had abused her trauma and won in a pathetic way, but I was only doing what I could without sparring experience.

I had no way of knowing about her past or what she was afraid of but now was not the time.

"Enough! Our unnamed Orphan is the winner! Otoha loses!"

It didn't feel like a victory, it felt like I was a scum bag, but that didn't stop the recruits from clapping and cheering. The fully fledged soldiers simply clapped or gave their approval.

"Alright alright, both of you stand up now"

I got off Otoha and used the spell advanced initially meant for adjusting forge temperature, to shatter the frozen water.

"Wow, I had no idea you could use that spell, at least you didn't use it to fight"

-Wait... does that mean it can be used for combat?-

I'd never tried targeting anything outside of fires or frozen blocks of fish before with that spell, the tough never occurred to me why it was an advanced spell either.

"I would rate that fight a six out of ten, mainly because you forgot to use Aura on your weapon and Otoha lost her cool, but well done both of you. Shake hands now, you both fought well and should be proud of yourselves"

Otoha kept her head down as she stood up, but I could feel her intent, it was to attack and I was close enough that I couldn't dodge.

Reaching behind her shield she pulled out a small dagger as I put my hand forward to shake hers and the next thing I knew I was sent flying to the ground as a loud boom rang out causing my ears to ring.

Otoha had been sent flying herself, smashing against one of the logs, shattering it in half.

*clunk*

The tip of a metal blade hit the ground between both her and I, the dagger had been cut cleanly off and sizzling on the dirt.

Arisu stood on the edge of the ring, she had launched herself forward, cut the dagger in two and stopped.

She stood in silence in her stance after the swing as her blade pointed forward and clear skid marks from her boots ripped up the dirt and rock under the ring.

Arisu had cut the blade at a speed faster than sound and without her white robes that stopped helped regulate the airflow, launched both Otoha and I.

She turned and scanned the situation, taking in our conditions.

Otoha was in pain against the broken makeshift seat carved from half a large log, covered in scrapes and bruises, somehow without broken bones.

I felt lucky having only received the pushback even if I landed hard on my tailbone, only receiving a few scrapes.

In Otoha's hand she still held her shield and the dagger that had it's blade cut off, I got the feeling if she tried I would of lost that duel without a chance of getting close to winning.

Arisu's ears flicked and she spoke up.

"I guess congratulations are in order, I've never seen two at the same time, but there's a first for everything, isn't there?"

-What is she on about?-

The answer came next second.

Two objects created small craters at Otoha and my feet.

A bright red gem the shape of a heart landed in front of Otoha who could barely move.

In front of me was a grip, a simple two handed grip that look like it could of been pulled off an number of weapons. It was made of a matte black leather in a slightly curved shape that would fit both hands on it like a longsword, but without a blade, cross guard or pommel.

With all her strength left Otoha reach forward and grabbed the red crystal falling on-top of it with her legs spread out as she lost consciousness from the fight and impact of being launched into the log.

"Don't pick that up!"

A scream rang out from the top of the fort, it was Enda and it was just too late as I picked up the grip.

-Is she... missing an arm?-

My mind went blank.