S1: Chapter 5 - Entrance Exam (part 2)

Both sides ready?

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The match shall begin !

- He's not bad huh. I wouldn't expect less by someone trained by you, Kagutsuchi.

- Don't get the wrong idea Himanishu. This is just the first match. Until he passes, I don't need your gratitude.

- Sharp as ever aren't you! Still, given the students applying today, if he is lucky he might now have any more matches.

- He doesn't know that.

- Huh?

- You never know. It's completely random. It's better if he also thinks that this is just beggining. Because the moment he lowers his guard down, he will lose.

As matches went on it was almost over. Rank list was forming and some students were already clear to enter the academy.

The Leyce, however still hasn't secured his spot.

Two matches remained, and the first of two included Leyce.

- May the two contestants, Leyce and Kaichi enter the field.

From each side, two young men entered. They seemed equally matched. Similar physical builds, similar height. And that's exactly what scared Leyce. What kind of trick could he rely on this time around. Not only that, but also the pressure, because only one will pass.

Both sides ready?

3

2

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The match shall begin !

This time around, there was no sitting back. Kaichi made the first move almost instantly.

- He's coming right at me - Leyce thought - I couldn't even think of what to do.

On the other side there wasn't as much thinking. The plan was already made before the match even started.

- This one surely took his time calculating everything in his first match. He is definitely unexperienced, so as long as I leave him with no time to think, it should be over quickly.

As Leyce went on defensive unable to come up with anything better, things didn't look too good. Two of them started exchanging blows and it wasn't going in Leyce's affair.

- You seem nervous about this one don't you, Kagutsuchi?

- Not really.

- But so far he is being pushed in a corner isn't he?

- It's fine. As long as he does as I teached him, he should be just fine.

- Even though he doesn't seem like he knows what is he doing at the moment?

- He is thinking of best solution. If he's unable to find one, he will just go with his gut.

- Oh that's how you teached him? That's very unlike you...

- I didn't. That's what he said.

And it really was like that. Unable to find an opening, Leyce brought all his power in a single strike, pushing Kaichi away.

- He finished two of his matches quickly. If I keep on fighting him up this close its just a matter of time before he takes me out. Instead, I will be more aggressive, AND GO FOR HIS

- He pushed me and thinks he can go for my head like that? Maybe it worked the first time, however not now. It's rather a cheap trick, the same way as you are. Just jump behind and reflect the hit, then I'll ju-

Kaichi's sword was thrown to the side. Leyce wasn't aiming for the head to begin with. He was after Kaichi's hand from the start.

- Now I just have to finish you off!

And before he knew it, Kaichi already kicked out Leyce sword from the bottom.

With Kaichi's sword away on floor, and Leyce's in air it was down to hand to hand fight. Clearly, without much thought Leyce went for a kick, which was too slow. Kachi grabbed his leg with ease and pulled it towards him, making Leyce to start to fall.

- I GOT YOU! - yelled Leyce

It was his plan all along. Slow kick meant to be grabbed, rather than to do actual damage. And while gaining speed from falling, he put his hands against ground and went for a direct hit with other leg.

It was a direct hit, heel to chin pushing away Kaichi.

Both of them went for their swords, but given the advantage Leyce was first. All that was left was to cut each other down. Leyce managed to come first and so he went for head. Kaichi on the other hand, got the sword and was trying to get back on his feet. Not much of option but to go for stomach instead.

Direct hits from both sides.

Protection Aura made Kaichi fall on floor marking loss.

Yet Leyce was still standing. Barely, but standing.

- HE DID IT?!

And the winner of the matc-

Leyce fell. Whole arena went quiet.

- He is smiling. - said Kaichi - is he looking down on me? YOU DAMN BRAT, YOU WON, SO STAND NOW. I DON'T NEED ANYONE TO SYMPATHY ME.

...

Due to the current situation, by a draw battle both participants will be given equal amount of points, securing both a place at the academy.

It was over. Protection Aura was removed and they both got back on their feet.

- WHY DID YOU DO THAT. YOU COULD'VE KEPT GOING RIGHT?

Leyce just smiled.

- I couldn't. I'll see you at the academy, Kaichi.

Both of them left. However, Kaichi was left with bad taste in his mouth.

- I'll pay you back for this Leyce. Mark my words.

- Good outcome if you ask me, right Kagu?

- ...

- Are you not happy?? He passed!

- He still has lots to learn.

- You're no fun, jeez...

.

- Way to go, Leyce.

- Oh, Tadahiro - san! Long time no see!

- You did it. I'm glad. You got some fine moves.

- It wouldn't have been able without you Tadahiro. I'm truly thankful for everything you did.

- Just keep doing what you're doing. I'll go back to worn now. Make sure to drop by every now and then.

- I will!

The most prestige academy in the country marked the end of first entrance exams, with Leyce as it's new member.