I held the sword tightly as we circled each other. I'm calculating his speed and his strength thus I want him to strike first before I strike. That way I'll know the heaviness of every blow and I'll know how he'll move next. This was one of the greatest techniques that I've learnt when I was sent in a mission, military days of my youth.
He strike first and I immediately dodged the attack almost disappearing in a blink. He was shocked by such speed so I took the advantage to point my sword at his throat. But he then chuckled as he sneaked an attack on me.
I moved a few steps back, completely avoiding the dagger. I know this man might not let me get down this arena without a scratch. After all I was the daughter of the man who stole his first love.
"I never thought a princess would learn martial arts this way, completely different from our kingdom's techniques. It made me interested Princess. Where did you learn these from?" General Manchu asked
The crowd of soldiers including two of my cousins started to agree with General Manchu. But instead of answering I held unto my sword and landed a heavy strike. The sound of metal clashing echoed in the hall. Then I twisted my sword and flipped it. Almost forcing him to lose hold of his sword. I didn't even use any Qi which made him confused and shocked at the same time.
A smirk appeared on my lips as I tried to attack him sideways. He wasn't putting much strength on his blows but he is attentively watching me like a hawk. I landed a heavy blow again, and this time I caught his arm. His eyes narrowed at me, just right as I want him to take me seriously. Half of his sleeve was torn apart.
"Good!" He said as he raised his sword but he sneaked an attack again, throwing 5 thin blades at me. I used the opportunity to install time from him.
I flipped up high and landed behind him as I saw an opportunity to retrieve another sword from the shelf. Their jaws dropped and eyes popped out. Using two swords at hand I cornered General Manchu.
"Checkmate" my voice echoed in the deafening silence of the arena
Then a clap echoed through the side.
"It seems like I've lost to this young lady, congratulations princess"
"As expected of my child" all of us looked through the side as a woman with power spoke
"Your highness?" General Manchu said
"Mom?" I whispered