Challenge

Chapter 17: Challenge

Looking up the stage and seeing that there is still some pair fighting, Noemi continued,

"how about we wait and fight after four matches?"

As Sevi and Noemi stood on the edge of the stage, watching the remaining matches unfold, the world around them suddenly seemed to freeze.

The sounds of clashing wooden swords and murmured conversations faded into a distant hum. A shimmering screen appeared before Sevi, hovering in the air. 

'Ohh, here it is again.' Sevi thought as he saw the world freeze.

[A: Challenge Noemi now, despite the remaining matches.]

'This could be risky,' Sevi thought. 

'I just finished sparring, sparring the top swordsman in class immediately seemed too exhausting.'

[B: Wait until after the four remaining matches and then fight Noemi.]

'This option feels safer,' Sevi mused. 'it will give me more time to rest and reflect on my previous spar.'

[C: Challenge another student for a quick sparring match before fighting Noemi.]

Sevi quickly dismissed this option.

'Miss my chance to fight against the top? No way.'

Sevi's gaze remained locked on the screen, considering his choices. Sevi immediately picked a choice.

"Option B it is." Sevi said as he tapped on the screen.

The world around him then seemed to shift back into motion. The screen vanished, and the sounds of clashing swords and murmured conversations returned.

He then felt an inexplicable sensation—a sudden yet familiar presence. His body seemed to move of its own accord, as though someone else had taken control for a moment. His voice, steady and confident, spoke out without hesitation.

"Sure," Sevi heard himself say, his tone firm and assured. "We'll wait until after the four matches."

"Perfect." Noemi replied as she looked at him with a raised eyebrow. She then went back to her seat.

As the strange feeling lifted, Sevi regained full control of his body. He blinked, slightly disoriented. 

'That was... unsettling,' Sevi thought, furrowing his brow. 

'I've felt it before, but it's still unsettling.'

Even though he had experienced this sensation once before, it didn't make the current experience any less unnerving.

Sevi took a deep breath, attempting to steady himself. He shifted his attention back to the remaining matches, trying to immerse himself in the ongoing sparring bouts.

As Sevi watched the remaining matches unfold, he found himself drawing comparisons to the knights in his household. He observed the different styles and techniques of his classmates, noting their strengths and weaknesses. 

'This is impressive, but it's still not at the level of the knights in our household,' Sevi mused. 

'The knights I've trained with are more refined.'

The contrast was clear to him. While the students here were talented, the knights he had grown up with had a grace and precision that set them apart.

'Maybe I'm just used to a different standard,' Sevi thought. 

'I just hope Noemi is just as good as the rumor.'

As the fourth match drew to a close, Sevi's thoughts remained focused on the upcoming challenge against Noemi.

Noemi made her way to Sir Varric. The instructor, who had been keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings, greeted her with a nod of acknowledgment.

Noemi approached Sir Varric and spoke in a calm tone, "Sir Varric, I would like to volunteer for the next match."

The murmur of surprise rippled through the gathered students when Noemi stepped forward to volunteer. Whispers of doubt and curiosity filled the air. Noemi was known for her skills, but her choice to participate in this match was unexpected.

Sir Varric raised an eyebrow in surprise but nodded in approval.

"Very well, Noemi. You can take the stage now."

Turning back toward Sevi, Noemi's gaze met his with a glint of excitement. "Are you ready?"

"Is she really going to spar with Sevi?" 

"No way..." 

Sevi heard the whispers of his classmates but didn't pay heed of it. 

Sevi nodded, with eagerness in his eyes.

"Definitely."

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