20 Martial Arts Competition (Part 4)

Norman and I stare each other down, waiting for the opponent to make the first move. It seems he saw my match earlier and decided to be more cautious. Although he is taking precautions, it doesn't matter as long as I find an opening.

The clock was ticking down, second by second. Norman attempts to stare me down in order to intimidate me mentally. Sweat was slowly dripping down his face with the effort. However, I was not in any better condition since I have to block his efforts and focus on finding an opening. I vow to myself to train more mentally.

I see his hand twitch slightly in my direction. The weapon in his hands gleamed ominously. I tilt my head to the side, hair falling in front of my face. I imperceptibly loosen my hold on the whip, preparing for the next move.

"What are you waiting for?" I break the silence that seem to descend upon the crowds. I almost forgot they were witnessing the event. Like some spell has broken, the crowds collectively released their breath at the sound of my voice.

I see another twitch at the corner of Norman's mouth. I can tell he was trying hard not to attack first. "Do you think I'm dumb to fall into your trap?" he asks mockingly.

I shrug my shoulder. "I thought you wanted to hear me," I break off intentionally. I take a deep breath before narrowing my eyes. "Scream," I emphasized the word with a mocking tone. I am forcing him to make the first move by using his anger and delusional claims.

He realizes what I was aiming for, seeing how he seemed to freeze in place. His face contorted rapidly. His body started to tremble that even I can feel the vibrations on the ground. "You know what I think?" I goad with a smirk. I place my free hand on my hip and raise my head confidently. "You say those things about me being weak and all, but you haven't touched a single hair. I have only seen you get defeated in front of my eyes," I say matter of factly. He started visibly shaking. His eyes turning into dark pools of chaotic rage. With a loud snarl, he charges straight on. His footsteps leaving large cracks on the ground. I knew that if I took the brunt of his force, I will probably end up dead.

I snap my wrist, releasing the whip. I test its strength on the ground before charging toward Norman myself. He was so blinded by rage that he did think to shift away from my direction as I charged toward him. I smile sneakily. Halfway into my charge, I use the wrip to wrap around his torso and then take a huge leap into the air as I forcibly drag him closer. He did not notice until the last minute that he was crashing to the ground.

I tighten my hold on the whip, causing him to wince in pain. I step on top of his back and lean in. "How could you not learn?" I whisper in pity.

He eyes me angrily and cursed loudly at me. He struggles futilely against my tight hold on the whip. The announcer is forced to announce his defeat since Norman was practically immobile and would not be able to move without me releasing my hold.

Norman laid frozen on the ground after I released him. I turn my back on him and start walking away.

"Freya, watch out!" someone warned. I whirl around and narrowly escaped the edges of the bronze flashes by ducking down to the ground. I was still a few seconds too late because my right cheek got scratched. Blood slowly dripped from the wound.

"Enough." An elderly man appears from thin air. I notice Norman being held back by the guards. He approaches me and puts his hand out. "Are you alright?" He is not someone to mess with despite his appearance. Power radiated off him.

"Yes I am." I place my hand daintly into his. He pulled me up and hands me a white hankerchief. "You have blood on your cheek." I nod and take the offered fabric and clean my wound.

The elderly man then turns his attention to Norman. He shakes his head with a look of pity. "We don't accept students that try to attack others behind their backs." Norman huffs angrily, not really listening to what the elder was implying.

I don't care that he tried to attack me, I would have retaliated anyways. Since the elder is here to make a peaceful cooperation, I do not stop him. Whatever happens to Norman, I won't involve myself.

My family and Galen run up to me. My brothers get to me first. "Are you okay?" Aerik asks me, checking my wound with gentle fingers. Kaon glares at Norman angrily with clenched fists. Mother rushes over and uses her element to heal my wound. Father and Galen watches over us on the side.

"I'm fine," I reply softly. I suddenly hear a loud slap. The crowd quietens down. The whole arena suddenly shivered from the chill in the air. Lord Vernon Ray reveals his presence, staring down at his son with cold, soulless eyes. Even I shivered from his penetrating stare.

Lord Vernon turns his lowered head to the elder. "I apologize for my son's behavior. I have not taught him well." Norman did not dare to make a sound. Everyone seems to be holding their breath, wondering about the boy's fate.

The elder made it clear that Norman would be kicked out, but with Lord Vernon's presence, the situation became a larger affair.

The elder hesitates before looking at me. He nods at me, indicating that I can choose how to handle the situation since Norman is the one whp attacked me. I usually don't show mercy to my enemies but I feel pity toward Norman. The person who is supposed to protect him became the person to inflict domestic violence. Since I was reborn, I was fortunate to have Cassian as my father. He showed me the good of having a family.

I take a second to collect my thoughts and take a step. "I don't think Norman deserves to be kicked out." My brothers turn around in surprise, not expecting my answer. I ignore their looks and talk to the elder. "Norman is still young and he is very talented. As long as he promises not to attack me behind my back again, I am willing to forgive him and have a chance to be a student here in the Academy," I state each word clearly.

The elder strokes his beard before nodding. "We will make an exception then. First, Norman Ray, apologize to Freya."

Norman takes a glance at me, his eyes express an emptiness similar to Lord Vernon. "My apologies, Lady Freya. I will not commit this crime again. Thank you." The apology came out in a monotone. We both knew the apology was not sincere.

"I forgive you," I finally reply. The elder then makes an announcement. "Norman Ray is disqualified from the rest of the competition. However, he is given the chance to still apply to the Academy depending on the rest of his scores." The crowd did not make a sound as Lord Vernon's eyes sweep throughout the crowd, creating a frosty atmosphere.

"Thank you for this second chance. We will take our leave first," Lord Vernon decrees. The elder sweeps his arm. "Of course Lord Vernon. I hope you hear good news." Lord Vernon sharply nods before taking Norman by the arm. Norman winces yet follows obediently behind his father. His eyes were filled with unshed tears.

The elder clears his throat and announces, "We will continue the competition." The announcer takes over and announce the second pairing. My family and Galen went back to their seats. My brothers and Galen were pretty mad but they followed after my parents after checking me over one more time.

I take my seat with the remaining contestants. They look at me curiously and whisper to themselves. I ignore them and let my mind wander back to my match with Norman. What is up with that family? I think.