Finals

-----Yui's POV

Today is the finals, and after lunch will be the grand final between 2 student's. My battle with Violet yesterday was surprisingly easier than Collin, which did put Violet in a bit of a mood, but she bounced back at the end of the day. Once I dispelled her magic and taking control of it as my own, she didn't have as much talent with the sword than Collin did. She still wielded it well, but I managed to finish our match just a little faster.

Marcus: "Looks like we'll be going for round 2."

Yui: "Mmm"

We're essentially fighting for who will be fighting Kaede for the grand finals. Kaede had won her matches with the other people, leaving Marcus and I to battle them next through the loser's bracket. They were quite easy fights compared to my other ones that I found myself wondering how they even got this far. Now it was just us, the loser would take 3rd place which in all honestly I'm perfectly fine with it. I know for a fact that Kaede wants to face off against Marcus, so even though I could win against Marcus again, I'd prefer giving Kaede her chance to finally have that closure of beating the shit out of him for me.

At Lucien's announcement, we made our way to the center, taking our place to fight each other once more. The spectators filled to the brim with both commoners and nobles, and now even the King and Queen had their own seats to witness the ending of this tournament. The look of anticipation in their eyes only made me feel guilty of just giving up here, but I do think that Kaede's and Marcus' battle will be far better if I were to advance.

Lucien: "...Begin!"

I was just going to concede right when the match started, but I may as well give the spectators a show. Marcus came at me just like before, however he wasn't using magic like in our previous match, but surprisingly, he had brought a sword with him this time as he lunges forward towards me, our swords colliding with one another mere moments later.

Marcus: "Since magic is useless against you, I'll have to fight you like this."

His exchange of words brought a smile on my face as our duel commenced. Seems like he too was thinking about the crowd as I could hear them cheer as our sword collide with one another. It was weird seeing a bulky person like Marcus wielding a sword as I started to get used to his image of a barbarian, but now he's showing quite the technique despite being in the specialized magic class.

Yui: "Since when did you learn the sword?"

Marcus: "Kaede isn't the only adventurer in this academy"

Yui: "Oh?"

So he's an adventurer as well? For how long? But even then, when I see Kaede fighting with a sword or a dagger, it's obvious that she hasn't properly learnt how to wield it, only some basic training. Marcus however is still showing his confidence, in fact it sort of feels like I'm fighting Kendal in a way, and the blows from his sword has the same weight as Kendal's claymore.

With a form such as his, it's quite hard to find the opportunity to disarm him, as he leaves me no choice but to slowly cut him down. Wait, I'm meant to be losing... I completely forgot my plan during the course of our fight that I felt myself getting serious. But then how am I meant to lose? I could've made several counters, making slashes to his arms, legs and even chest as I feel confident in my speed. But I don't want to win... Then again, it's not like I want to get hit by his sword.

Making up my mind, I gradually become slower with my movements, not because I'm feeling tired but more so faking that I am. Finally, he became more aggressive, forcing me back as I continue to move slower, now trying to fake a staggered breath when finally, just as his sword collided once more with my rapier, I let it fly out of my hand as it glides along the ground. Trying to make it more believable I stumbled back as I collapse on the ground as he points his sword towards me.

Lucien: "Marcus von Keller's win!"

"It's over... finally." With a stretched out sigh, I get up from the ground as I go to collect my rapier. Just the act of picking up Alice's precious gift off the floor like this felt horrible. "I'm sorry Alice."

Marcus: "Hey. Why did you let me win?"

Yui: "Hmm?"

Marcus: "Don't play dumb. I've seen you fight, and you were so strong at the start leaving no gaps at all for me to attack. Then all of a sudden you-"

Yui: "Well, your attacks were stronger than I expected, it took a toll on my arms. I'm small compared to you remember."

Marcus: "..."

Yui: "Plus... I want to see you fight Kaede. I'm happy with 3rd place, haha."

Marcus: "So that was the reason..."

Yui: "Good luck with your match then!~"

Dusting off the blade of my rapier, I sheath it at my hip as I go to join Kaede who was waiting back at the room, with Marcus following shortly after. Of course since Mai is Kaede's Familiar, she's also there.

Yui: "I'm back! I warmed him up for you Kaede~"

Kaede: "You didn't have to make it that obvious fufu~"

Yui: "You too?"

Mai: "You were quite obvious when you started taking it easy on Marcus."

Kaede: "You're not hurt though right?"

Yui: "Nah. If anything my rapier needs some care. I had to let it smash into the ground..."

Not once have I ever let go of my rapier like that, but it was the only way I could see that would allow me to lose. "Sorry again Alice for dirtying your blade."

Kaede: "Be sure to apologize to Alice next time you see her then."

Yui: "Mmm, I hope to see her later today after your match with Marcus finishes."

It was then that Marcus himself walked into the room.

Marcus: "I'm sure it'll be over quick. I may be strong, sure. But you Kaede... To think a commoner would be this dominating."

Kaede: "Just adventurer experience I suppose."

Marcus: "That may be so. But everyone is talking about how none of your matches lasted even a minute. The closest anyone has got to was Prince Leon during your first match."

Kaede: "Really? I wasn't really paying attention to the time."

Marcus: "Well either way, I'll be sure to last longer than he did."

Is he implying that he's already accepted his loss? I mean, I would too after seeing her power first hand.

Kaede: "Then you better strap yourself in. I wont be taking it easy on you."

Her voice was colder than Marcus' as he was being more vibrant and joyous with his words. I knew it was because of Kaede's grudge towards him, but seeing it up close like this is quite humorous.

Mai: "I don't think you'd last even 20 seconds with my Kaede"

Marcus: "Is that so?"

Mai: "Yes. You'll see for yourself soon enough. To see the greatness that is my Kaede."

Marcus: "Your familiar is quite peculiar huh."

Kaede: "She's right though. I'll see to it that I finish you before 20 seconds."

Marcus: "I'd love to see you try."

Mai as usual loves to stoke the flames, adding more heat to their discussion, and now it looks as though they've made a game out of their match. I wouldn't be surprised for them to place bets on whether Kaede will win before 20 seconds. Or not.

After some time waiting, it came the time for the last match of the tournament. A few teachers came into our room to discuss things with Marcus.

Teacher: "Are you fit enough to fight yet?"

Marcus: "Yes. I didn't use any mana with my fight with Yui, so I should be good to go whenever."

Teacher: "Alright, then your match will start shortly. I'll let Lucien know."

They left as quickly as they arrived. In one of the corners, Marcus was now doing some arm stretches while we waited for the final match to begin.

Kaede: "Thank you again for giving me this opportunity."

Yui: "No problem. I'm excited to see how you beat him."

Kaede: "I guess you'll have to wait and see, hehe."

Mai: "As long as you beat him within 20 seconds, I'll be happy."

We continued to wait until finally, Lucien's announcement came, cutting off our conversation.

Lucien: "Thank you all for being here with us this past week. This next match will mark the end of the tournament along with our new, champion at Inasdale Academy."

His voice echoing throughout the whole stadium.

Lucien: "Could I please have Marcus von Keller, and Kaede Ilaria make their way to the center of the arena, thank you."

Excitement boils up within me as I take my spot at the viewing point next to Mai while Kaede and Marcus walks out the door.