Rivals
The semi-finals were all amongst gold-crest students. Thomas and Corbin cheered Alex on from the stands. The two battles were the longest ones thus far in the tournament. However in the end both Olivia and Alex managed to win and proceeded to the finals.
There was a short break before the final match would take place. It was already a little past afternoon by this point, and it allowed both finalists a short rest before the final battle of the day. A few second-year students joined them in the stadium, there was even a third year there.
All of them surrounded Olivia and were gold-crested. They were all whispering to keep privacy and emphasized the importance of Olivia triumphing over Alex.
Meanwhile Thomas and his friends were in high spirits. Corbin brought out the refreshments.
"Told you they would come in handy," Corbin tossed Alex a sandwich and a drink.
"Yeah! You are a real lifesaver," Alex smiled and gulped his drink down while squeezing the juice box dry.
Thomas turned to Alex who sat down in the middle of the two.
"How are you feeling?" Thomas asked.
"Great, I am going to beat Olivia in the finals, just as expected! The script is working alright," Alex kept his smile and positivity.
Compared to Olivia's group, theirs were in much better mood and more relaxed prior to the match. Cassie signaled it was time and the two of them stood up to head down.
"Do not let her beat you! Just one more match! You got this!" Corbin and Thomas cheered Alex on.
Alex turned around and gave them a thumbs up before heading down. Thomas decided to peer into Olivia's stats. He figured since he leveled up and could read Alex's, maybe the same thing applied to her now.
[Name: Olivia Dawn]
[Appearance: Medium Blonde Hair. Sapphired Eyes. 5'8]
[Race: Royal Human]
[Known skills: Flaming Rapier]
[Ability: Fire]
[Level: 5]
[Vitality: 25]
[Strength: 25]
[Agility: 25]
[Intelligence: 25]
[Stamina: 25]
They were equally matched, nothing new here. Her skill was similar to the one Alex had been using, "Flaming Rapier". Corbin leaned back and Thomas took this chance to ask him.
"What is the deal between both of them?" Thomas inquired.
Corbin sipped away at his juice box then turned his head.
"They have always been rivals since growing up, especially since both are above upper-class. Noble vs. Royal. However Olivia has never beaten him once," Corbin explained their background.
"Then one day prior to high school, Alex stopped showing up for class the final year. He got bored since no one could challenge him. This frustrated Olivia terribly and she has been dead set to improve and beat him the next they would meet," Corbin concluded.
It made sense and Corbin added that both were sore losers, not to mention neither him or Alex liked her personality ever since they were little. Olivia always questioned Alex's choice of friends and grew up believing noble and royalties should only befriend each other.
"I really like Alex, we have been friends for a long time, and not even once has he mentioned the differences in our backgrounds or made fun of me," Corbin smiled then turned to watch the match.
Thomas knew this to be true. Despite Alex's slight jokes and whatnot, his intentions were always good and he valued his friends deeply. Alex also hated any mention of any background crap.
"Are you ready princess? Do not cry when I cut up that pretty face of yours," Alex smirked while preparing.
"Hah! You wish! This is the day I will finally kick your ass," Olivia answered.
This made Alex maniacally laugh and turn to Cassie.
"Do you mind us doing the three-strike rule?" Alex asked.
Cassie nodded and approved of it after glancing at Olivia who gave her permission. The three-strike rule was adding two more strikes of blood being drawn, making it an effective best-out-three battle.
"This is even better," Olivia smiled.
"Yeah I thought you would like it," Alex licked his lips excitedly and did his signature thing.
Shortly afterwards Cassie gave the signal to commence the final battle. Alex rushed towards Olivia.
In every battle Olivia remained composed and stationed in place from what Thomas could tell. All of her opponents approached her.
"If Alex is the master of speed…" Corbin stated.
Olivia prepared her flaming rapier and Alex his flaming sword upon impact. Alex thrusted against her chest and Olivia immediately deflected the attack then mirrowed his attack. Alex jumped backwards to avoid it then dashed back in.
"She is the master of counterattacks, right?" Thomas finished Corbin's sentence and he nodded to infirm that Thomas was correct.
Alex repeated the same pattern and Olivia responded likewise. However instead of dodging, Alex's feet ignited and left flame sparks on the ground while he dodged and danced around her. Only a few students who were used to high speed saw what happened next.
Alex sword pointed towards Olivia's back and she managed to parry it with her rapier. Thomas only caught that Alex somehow was behind her in the blink of an eye.
"Tsk… did you read that?" Alex complained.
Olivia smiled and raised her right leg and initiated a high leg kick while turning rapidly around with fire coming underneath it. Alex barely dodged it in time by leaning back with her leg scorching slightly his cheek. Her speed almost matched Alex's and it was hard to follow from the stands.
"Cute underwear, I see you have not outgrown the strawberry kind?" Alex laughed.
During her rapid kick, she created wind that blew up her skirt only but a tiny bit, making Alex catch a glimpse since he was up close. Olivia blushed for a second in embarrassment. Alex seized the moment and swiftly but gently sliced her upper right thigh as her leg was coming down back to the ground.
Cassie held up her hand, "First point goes to Alex!" She declared.
Alex giggled while Olivia clenched her fist.
"Do not get so emotional, you make it too easy love!" Alex teased her.
Olivia unclenched her fist and casually smiled with a neutral-cold faced expression. An aura seeped through, reaching all the way to the stands. It was pure anger and she was dead set on killing him for humiliating her.