Chapter 6: The second

After winning his match, Surk went to the board to see who his next opponent was. He saw that it was a magician named Seyr.

'Hmm...My next opponent is a magician. I had better be careful and finish it quickly', Surk thought as he stood in a crowd of participants who were also watching the board.

With the amount of participants in the competition, the first round of matches had completed by sunset. The announcer spoke that the next round of matches would be continued on the next day. After hearing this, Surk searched for his master and found him in one of the front benches. He approached Caim and greeted him.

"Good work, how is your sword?", Caim asked his apprentice. Surk gave his sword to Caim, which he inspected. After seeing the sword, he was amazed that the sword didn't have any chips on it after the battle with the warrior. Caim saw that his apprentice's skills were on par or probably even better than his. Caim returned the sword and said that it had no problems.

"So who's your next opponent?", Caim asked Surk.

"It's a magician named Seyr." Surk followed Caim and Cruz who were heading out of the stadium.

"I see… A magician..." Among magicians, they were ranked according to the types of spells that they could cast. Elementary spells required a small amount of mana from the environment and the magician, and magicians who were able to cast them were called beginner magicians while magicians who could cast advanced spells were called wizards or master magicians. Advanced spells used a specific element or a combination of different elements. Just like elementary spells, advanced spells required an incantation to cast it. The difference between elementary and advanced spells was that advanced spells required a large amount of concentration and mana. Because of this, advanced spells were seldom used in battle with the amount of time to cast it. Wizards who had mastered advanced spells of all the different elements were called Magus and were widely recognized although there had been no one who had become a Magus for over 300 years. When Caim heard that his apprentice's opponent was a magician, he was not that worried after he saw Surks' speed in the battle.

On the next day, Surk headed again near the stage to wait for his battle while his master joined the crowd of spectators in the stadium. They had arrived late and some of the battles had already finished. Fortunately, his battle had not started yet. If he had been disqualified, his master would have probably tortured him with work as soon as they got home.

"Ugh...Crabs are evil. Evil!" Surk shouted from the bottom his heart. After the battle during the previous day, Caim had treated him to dinner. Caim had ordered crabs. Since Surk had also wanted to try it, he also ordered the same dish. He didn't know that his stomach didn't agree with it. It had kept quiet about it until the next morning. He had to spend over an hour to relieve his stress. But it still hadn't completely gone away.

Surk wasnt still feeling well as his right hand was on his front clutching his shirt. He had wanted to escape, but he was afraid of what his master would do! Being a master blacksmith was not just for show!

Surk could do nothing but curse at his predicament. As he concentrated on calming down his stomach while sweat formed on his head, he suddenly heard his name being called by the announcer.

'Shoot! ... How am I supposed to fight! I haven't thought of anything yet.' Surk headed toward the stage oblivious to the people around him. He tried his best to hide his pain and walked gracefully as he faced his opponent.

Around him, the spectators were talking to each other.

"It's too bad that she had to face him. She'll surely lose"

"He's only a magician. She'll surely defeat him since she is a swordsman."

"You didn't see his match? He instantly defeated an assassin known for their speed and stealth with just one attack. The assassin couldn't even get close enough to attack him even once."

"How is that possible?"

"Just watch. You'll see soon enough."

On the other side of the stage, Seyr, a blue haired magician wearing a cloak, stood quietly and watched his opponent. Seyr thought that his opponent was probably a strong swordsman but was surprised to see a weak looking long haired person in front of him.

'I thought my opponent was a man, but it's actually ... a girl? ... Hmm, she seems to be sweating. Is she afraid?' Seyr noticed the beads of sweat on Surk's face.

"You can surrender now before you get hurt." Seyr watched and observed Surk's reaction as Surk stood in front him.

"Let's see who'll surrender." Seyr was surprised of his response.

'Heh...Being stubborn? Well, I guess it adds to her charm' Seyr smiled.

"Admirable. Well then, I won't hold anything back."

The signal for the start of the battle was given and Seyr acted immediately.

Seyr took out his wooden staff and immediately shouted an incantation. "Ice Mist" A fog of snow suddenly appeared around Surk.

'Ah...it's cold. I feel better. Oops!' Surk shivered due to the sudden change in temperature and accidentally dropped his sword.

After casting the spell, Seyr followed it up with another spell. "Ice Shard" A long spear of ice formed and headed towards Surk.

'What! I missed?' Seyr saw the ice spear pass through the fog without hitting his opponent. However, Seyr did not stop his attack. He started casting another spell.

Surk, who had just narrowly dodged, was kneeling as he grabbed his sword from the ground. 'I guess I have no choice but to use that attack.' Surk stood up and prepared his next move.

"Tornado of ice" Seyr casted the spell and pointed his staff at the direction of the fog. A whirling mass of wind and ice raged across the stage and headed towards Surk. The fog surrounding Surk was blown away by the wind.

"That’s an advanced spell! To be able to cast it so quickly and still be able to do it even after continuously casting other spells, his magic skill level is already like that of a wizard!" One of the spectators talking earlier said.

"Yeah, it's the same spell that defeated his opponent earlier. Due to it's size, it's almost impossible to dodge. It can knock out opponents off the stage easily."

"I see...So I guess he'll probably win the competition with that spell alone."

"Probably. But, it does have a weakness. That is...”

As Surk saw the spell headed toward him, he threw his sword and aimed at Seyr. Because of the speed and weight, it passed through and flew towards Seyr.

Seyr didnt expect this. He tried blocking it with his staff but it went through and grazed his leg. With his concentration thrown off balance, the spell got cancelled before it reached his opponent. As Seyr tried to concentrate on casting another spell, he got interrupted as he experienced sharp pain through his stomach. He had been punched, and was currently lying on the ground. As he looked up, he saw a beautiful girl sparkling in white as she held a sword near his neck.

As Seyr continued to look at Surk from below, he couldn't do anything but continue to stare at the magnificent spectacle.

"So who's going to surrender?" Seyr noticed a smile as he heard Surk say this.

'Heh, truly a stubbon girl' Seyr also smiled.

Surk who had his opponent pinned down was actually grinning.

"I guess I've got no choice but to surrender." Seyr shrugged his shoulders. With that, Surk was declared as the winner.

After the match, Surk left the stadium in a hurry without Caim, heading to the inn they were staying in. 'I forgot to tell master. Ah, I also forgot to check who my next opponent is! But this can't wait any longer!' Surk rushed into the toilet and a few moments later, "Ah...Success!"

At the Stadium, Caim had watched his apprentice win the battle and rush out the stadium at once. This didn't surprise him since he still clearly remembered what happened earlier that morning.

"Surk! Get out of there! You're going to miss your match!"

"Uuu...But...I'm still not feeling well..."

"Get out here or I'll drag you out of there!" Surk got out of the toilet and was dragged by his master to the stadium earlier that morning.

Caim continued to watch the matches.

'I haven't seen that mysterious strong girl in the alley fight in the competition. She probably isn't here, then that prize is as good as mine. Hehe'

Caim still hadn't and would probably never notice that his apprentice was actually the strong girl he was searching. When Caim was about to leave as the final match ended for that day, the announcer said that there was going to be a change in the rules for the next match.

Note: Merry Christmas and advanced Happy New Year! Next chapter will be posted next year.

Chapter 5: The first

As Surk and his master entered the large stadium near the castle, they saw a huge crowd of people trying to get to their seats.

"Go down and check who you will be fighting with. I'll look for Cruz and watch the matches with him.", Surk heard Caim say to him in the crowd.

As Surk was about to reply, he saw that Caim had already left him. So he went down to look at the list of participants posted on a board near the stage, and looked for his name. There were a hundred participants of different professions. They would have to face against each other and anyone who lost in a battle would immediately be disqualified from the competition.

As Surk searched for his name, he found that his opponent was a warrior named Gray. Unlike knights, warriors didn't use shields and mainly used swords or axes as their weapons. As Surk waited for his turn, he saw people of different professions such as archers, magicians, swordsmen, warriors, and assassins, and fight on stage.

When his turn came up, he saw that his opponent was a tall man carrying a heavy broadsword on each hand. As they got into position and the signal for the battle was given, his opponent immediately lunged at him and swung his right broadsword in a side slash at a terrifying speed.

However for Surk, this speed was normal for him. He immediately backstepped to easily avoid the attack. However, his opponent didn't stop and continued to attack relentlessly. Surk gracefully avoided the attacks without much effort and continued to watch his opponent.

"What swift movements! How is she able to avoid those attacks at such a close distance? ... Such amazing agility! Who is she?", the spectators talked to each other and thought that Surk was a girl because of his long hair, and gracious movements.

As his opponent eventually got tired of attacking continuously, Surk took the chance to attack. He dashed forward. His opponent, Gray, couldn't track his movements so he made a defensive stance and waited for the attack.

Surk leaped from the ground and attacked from above. Gray, blinded by the light from the sky, held out his broadswords to defend himself. Sparks flew as the swords clashed. Because of the force of the attack, Gray's broadswords cracked and one of them broke.

"How did she do that? To break a broadsword, what kind of weapon is that?", the spectators murmured as they continued to watch the fight.

Gray threw the broken sword and used the other sword to attack Surk as he landed on the ground. Surk blocked the attack with his sword but was pushed back. Because Gray used most of his power on that attack, the impact caused Gray's last broadsword to finally break.

With both of his opponent's weapons unusable, Surk was declared as the winner. He got down the stage, and he noticed Gray approaching him.

"Hey, wait. I'd like to talk with you.", Gray said as he rushed toward Surk.

Surk, who heard him, wondered why he wanted to talk to him as he turned around.

'Err... Is it because I broke his swords? Is he going to make me pay?...Oh no, I can't pay him! I don't have any money!', Surk thought as Gray finally got near him.

"You were great out there. Although it's a shame that I lost...About your sword", as Gray said this, Surk thought, 'He wants my sword! No! If he gets it, how will I be able to fight the other opponents.' Surk immediately hid the sword on his back.

"You can't have it", Surk said as he stepped backward.

"Of course, I wouldn't dream of taking it from a cute lady such as yourself. I just wanted to ask who made it.", Gray said smiling.

"So that's what you wanted...Hey!", Surk shouted at Gray.

"W-what? Did I do something wrong?", Gray was surprised by Surk's sudden outburst.

"If you want to know, then you better remember this! I'm a man!", Surk said angrily.

"oh...OH! Sorry, I didn't notice. It's just that many of the female swordsmen I've met looked more masculine than you.", Gray said apologetically.

Surk turned his back and said," I guess you don't want to know."

"No, I'm serious! Please tell me!", Gray said grabbing Surk's shoulder to stop him.

"Fine, I made it.", Surk said facing Gray.

"Eh, you're the one who made it? But, you're a swordsman and your body looks so...", Gray stopped as he saw Surk glare at him.

"No, my mistake! Please make me a strong weapon like yours!", Gray said to Surk.

Hearing this, Surk calmed down. "I can make you one after the competition. But you'll have to pay for it."

"Of course! Then I'll be waiting." Gray agreed and headed out of the stadium.

At the front benches near the stage, Cruz and Caim watched as Surk won his first battle. "It looks like he's doing great", Cruz commented as the next battle started.

Note: Next chapter will be posted next week.

Sidestory: The trainees

At the training grounds on the day of the competition, the trainees continued their training and talked about the event.

"It's too bad that I won't be able to join the competition. I bet none of us will be able to finish the training before the competition ends.", one of the trainees said.

"No, I heard that someone actualy did and is joining the competition. And that person is a girl!", another trainee said.

"What? That's impossible! To complete the training with only two days before the competition, most skilled trainees would take at least three weeks or a month to complete the training!", the earlier trainee said.

"Yeah, I know. I can't believe that such a strong girl exists. She must look like an amazon with ripples of muscle bursting throughout her body!", another trainee said.

"Actually...I heard that it was a beautiful girl with a slim body...", another trainee said.

"...", the trainees couldn't say anything and just continued their training.

Note: A sidestory that didn't come out as good as I wanted it to be. But here it is. The next chapter will be a lot longer.

Ch 4: The training

"Huff, huff...ah, good thing master Caim still isn't here yet. If I had been late, master would probably get irritated and forbid me from joining the competition if I asked him", Surk said as he tried to catch his breath. He sat down on one of the benches near the gate and checked the items he bought to make sure that they were all there.

As he sat there, he observed the people that went pass through the gate. Some of them carried swords or axes while others carried bows or staffs. There were also some who wore hooded cloaks.

'Hes probably a rogue or an assassin.', Surk thought when suddenly someone sat beside him. When he turned to look who it was, he was relieved to see that it was his master.

"Um...", Surk was nervous on how to ask his master to let him join the competition when his master said

"Do you know why there are so many people coming to town recently?", Caim asked his apprentice.

"Y-yes, Miu said that there will be a competition that will be held near the castle this Saturday.", Surk responded quickly.

"I see. So Miu told you about it...", Caim said as he wondered if he should let him join.

"Err...Master, can I join the competition?", Surk finally asked Caim and anxiously waited for his answer.

Caim did not respond and continued to think about something.

'Uuuu...it seems that master doesn't want me to join. I, I have to do something', Surk thought.

"Master, Miu also said that the winner gets a thousand gold in prize and a title.", Surk said to Caim.

"What!", Caim said as he turned around and looked at his apprentice.

Surk was surprised at his master's reaction. Caim suddenly grabbed his shoulder and said,

"You, you..."

"Y-yes?"

Caim grabbed his shoulders more tightly and said,

"You have to join and get me that thousand gold prize, you hear me?!"

"Yes, Master!", Surk was happy that Caim allowed him to join.

"I'll have to train you more seriously until the competition begins since you'll probably face a strong opponent", Caim said as he thought about the girl who defeated the people in the alley singlehandedly.

'I'll have to ask Cruz to help me train his swordsmanship.', Caim thought.

"This is the training grounds for people who want to learn swordsmanship and become knights.", a muscular man said as he stood in front of a crowd.

"My name is Lenk and I will be your instructor during your training here. I will first test you to determine your current swordsmanship skills. Those who pass the test will start with the advanced lessons while those who don't will start with the basic lessons. To pass the test, you just need to block two of the five strikes that I will be aiming at you. The training will start tomorrow so you can leave after you take the test." As the instructor finished announcing this, the crowd began to ease a little.

At one of the corners of the training ground, Cruz and Caim were standing by watching them.

"Hmm, the test seems simple", Caim said as he heard the details of the test.

"It's actually harder than what it seems. The instructor will use a special skill that will simultaneously attack you in five spots. To defend two of the strikes, you would need a considerable amount of skill and reflex. Usually, only those who have attained knight level swordsmanship are able to block all of the attacks with a sword and shield. Blocking all of them using only a sword is almost impossible. Since trainees are forbidden to use shields. Most probably all of them would fail the test. But this time, some of them may pass the test.", Cruz said.

"What do you mean?", Caim asked.

"Some of the trainees here are actually sons and daughters of high ranking officers in the kingdom. Most of them have already gone through basic swordsmanship training at their homes and are here to take the advanced training lessons. What about your apprentice? Do you think he will pass?", Cruz asked.

"Probably. Before he became my apprentice, he had apparently undergone swordsmanship training. Although, I'm not sure how good he is since I haven't seen him fight once.", Caim said

"Well, we'll get to see how good he is today", Cruz said as they continued to watch from the distance.

The instructor started calling names one by one. Each trainee brought their own sword and took the test one by one. The first fifteen people who took the test were only able to deflect one of the attacks. The next trainee who came forward brought a broadsword and was a muscular tall boy.

"Look, that's the son of one the generals in our kingdom.", Cruz said.

The boy took a defensive stance. He was able to block two of the attacks and avoid the other three. After that, some trainees were able to block two hits but they weren't able to evade the other attacks and got hit. Lastly, Surk was called and he was the only one left in the training grounds. The trainees before him were already walking outside of the training ground.

Surk didn't notice that his master was there and since nobody was around, he thought that it was fine to try out something. He took a stance which the instructor found quite familiar. The instructor performed the special skill and was surprised to see Surk shift his position and perform the same skill. All his attacks got deflected and as he looked at his sword, he saw a chip on it.

'Impossible! How did he do that! Is he really a trainee?'

"Did I pass?", Surk asked the instructor since he didn't say anything.

"Yes, but how did you do that? Have you already learned this skill before?", Lenk asked Surk.

"No, I just watched you during the test and tried it", Surk said.

"That's amazing", Surk heard someone say it from his side. When he turned, he saw that it was Cruz and his master.

"M-Master, you were here?", Surk said as his master grinned at him.

"Do you think he'll be able to complete the lessons before the competitions", Cruz asked Lenk.

"With his skills, he'll finish the lessons in no time!", Lenk said loudly.

"I'm counting on you", his master said to him.

"Yes, I'll do my best", Surk said with a smile.

Note: Next chapter will be posted next week.