Time passed by quickly. It was my 14th birthday but it was not the time for celebrations yet. It was time for the duel. The duel which would decide my future. I had been trained alone for the last 4 months. I trained for the whole day and came back in the evening all covered in bruises.
After a light breakfast, we came out of the house. We walked a little farther from the house in open land to avoid damage. The Westwinds were blowing. The audience had gathered(Ellens and mom). Our eyes were burning with passion.
We stood in front of each other. A little distance between us. The audience was quite far from where we were holding the duel. I held a long sword while dad used his usual broad sword. We had come to an agreement to only use strengthening magic for the duel.
"Brat, should I go easy on ya"
"Come with all you have got"
We activated the strengthening magic. Mine was gentle and smooth while dad's was overwhelming and rigorous.
I took a deep breath and took the stance. I could see no flaws in my dad's stance showing his level of hard work and experience.
(I should strike first as I am confident in my speed)
I lashed out at full speed creating an afterimage and striking from the back. He rotated the broadsword in full swing countering me.
(Lucky, I had backed off at the right time or It would have been a fatal hit)
(His reach is longer, I have to maintain distance)
I concentrated the mana into the feet and got under his nose in less than a second. As I had expected he raised his sword and struck it downward. I circled to the right kicking his left leg and pushing myself away.
It was a hit.
But it didn't disrupt his balance.
I jumped trying to hit the back of his nap but he let go of one of his hands and punched me with the back of his hand.
I was blown away. He had completely overpowered me for the first time in a long time. He charged at me and hit me under the jaw. I stumbled back with blood rushing through my nose.
(He can hold a broadsword with just one hand. I had miscalculated his strength if I didn't concentrate mana in my abdomen and the jaw. I would have died.)
(What do I do. Mom and Sherry are also looking worried)
Using my speed struck him at multiple places. He was able to block some while the other grazed his skin. The damage might not be substantial but he had exhausted quite a lot of mana. I had more than 60% of mp left but my body was getting tired. Despite being strengthened my speed was slowly decreasing.
(If I want to win I have to strike his vitals but he had got it all covered.)
Hooo.. haa.
Let's calm my head.
With the winds passing I could feel myself getting calm.
At first, I thought I would not need to use a sword style from my previous life but now I can't win without it.
I closed my eyes.
Sensed the flow of mana.
Became one with nature.
Feints can't be easily seen by the naked eye but the flow of mana can tell what moves the opponent gonna perform.
Dad was coming closer.
He tightened his grip.
(I can see the mana flow. He will give a feint from the right and then slash from left aiming at my upper right arm)
I ducked and pierced my ninjato on the same leg where I had kicked earlier.
My kick earlier had disrupted the mana flow there causing the damage to increase this time around.
My hits were landing now. Although the damage was less they still landing.
I again charged directly at him but this time I created 2 afterimages and used his broadsword to jump in the sky and kick his head.
After it landed he caught me and threw me off.
(His head was bleeding, the hit was successful)
He stormed at me while I was down. I tried to respond but it was too late he slashed my chest. The cut was a little too deep. My eyes were still closed. I distanced myself and kept on dodging and defending until my wound was healed. Although the wound had closed I had lost a lot of blood making me sluggish. Dad's mp was completely used and he was no relying on his stamina and pure strength.
After a few more exchanges, I could feel the sweat in my hands. My breathing was getting heavier.
I opened my eyes. Dad looked exhausted. Seeing each other's face it was understood that this was going to be the last strike.
Its time to put an end to this. I poured all the mana into my blade. With all the strength, energy, and emotions fed into my blade.
The blades didn't clash. I hit his right shoulder and it was a heavy blow. He had hit my stomach and it was severly crushed. I tried to remain standing but couldn't and stand down on the grass.
"Seems like I have lost" I said. With a little relief that the match was over and a little sadness that I couldn't win.
"I don't think so. After you had hit his shoulder he shouldn't be able to use that hand." Mom said as she approached us after the battle was over.
I looked at dad.
"Seems like you caught me." He said rubbing the back of his head with the other hand and grinning.
"So creepy!" I said. I was a little annoyed at dad for playing such mean tricks but I was happy. I might not have won but it was a draw. I felt proud. I never felt such a feeling of accomplishment when I had cleared the dungeon of S-rank in my previous world.
Mom had brought snacks along. After Sherry's mom had healed us both we sat on the grass eating and enjoying the wind and basking in the sun. My mind felt clearer than ever. The wind felt a little different from before. It was much more calmer and cooler.
( This is just the beginning. From now on I will have to face even stronger enemies. I will make new friends and the most important thing I will learn about my job.)
(I am looking forward to it.)
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ππππ΅πΌπΏ'π π‘πΌππ²: Hello guys, with this, the part-1 has ended. If you have any doubts or suggestions then feel free to contact me. Also add some reviews man I have very less reviewsπ. You can also contact me on discord. Username:-Dragster#0240.