The fight from within [3]

From the very moment that the match started, I kept my gaze on the platform, never once leaving my eyes away from the sight that stood before me. 

At least that was how it looked on the outside. 

In reality, my attention was elsewhere. 

....It was toward my mind. 

'Where are you...?' 

Within the darkness that was my conciseness, I looked around in search of the seed that the statue planted within my mind. 

'I know you're here somewhere.' 

It had always been there, secretly waiting for an opening to appear in my mind. 

But it was an opening that it would never get. I was always cautious. Never once pushing myself to the point of utter mental exhaustion. 

And this was even taking into account the fight with Caius. 

As precarious as the situation was, I still remained cautious enough to protect my mind. 

The effort paid off. 

....The statue never looked for me.