Legs, shoulders, and arms.
That's what Unicus targets first, all non-lethal attacks. We aren't trying to kill each other here, noble or not we need every trained fighter for this expedition and he knows it. That's something I can respect. Since my opponent is using a rapier I opted to forgo using Penance for this fight, instead, I use a combination of Ardor and my *crossbow. I lazily block his attacks, my crossbow not even in hand. My entire demeanor shouts "Fight me seriously". Unicus slowly fastens his tempo in response, his speed ever so increasing until our blades are too fast to perceive to the untrained eye.
I block blow for blow, throwing half-hearted counterattacks that could have won the fight right there haphazardly, embarrassing him in front of his friends, possible lover, and Sanlus. This irritated Unicus even more(all part of the plan). I may have a seething bias against all nobles, but I'll give credit where it's due. Unicus's footwork is superb, not to mention his reflexes and reaction time. His biggest weakness is the repetition in his attacks. The richest trainers may drill in excellent flow between movements, train your footwork and reaction time, and more, but rarely do they focus on creativity or unpredictability. Sure you can do the 3-4 basic to advanced forms with your eyes closed, but what good is that once your pattern is decoded?
First, a diagonal slash for my shoulder then into a rapid series of stabs aimed for my joints, which then leads into a low slash for my feet, then finally a feint for my chest with his real target being my sword arm.
I dodge each of these by the merest of inches, wasting little to no movement.
Finally, he messes up, putting too much momentum into a stab. So right after I narrowly dodge it, I grab his wrist, clenching it to the point pain involuntarily makes him drop his rapier. After successfully stopping him cold, I unleash a brutal front kick to his chest, which he blocks with his wrist-mounted shield as expected. I give him absolutely no breathing room as I draw my crossbow from my harness in the time it takes for your eye to finish blinking. I purposely aim both arrows center mass, the arrows deflecting off his shield. An elegant laugh escapes my mouth as I grab his rapier.
"Surely this isn't all you have to offer Unicus? You won't survive days let alone two full weeks on road with... This" I bark arrogantly as I, masterfully playing my role as the scummy, slumie villain here.
"Let's do this from the top! And better this time" I exclaim, tossing his rapier back to him before reloading my crossbow, getting ready for the encore of this duel.
A snarl is all I get in response as we circle each other, both of us finally done testing and prodding each other. It's time to get serious.
Eyes, heart, jugular, and major arteries.
Unicus finally shows his true colors as every attack of his is aiming for the kill, a kill that would most likely be welcomed by basically everyone present. Unicus's speed increases more, more and more, so fast that I can't dodge each attack unscathed. The same can be said with Unicus however, numerous slashes decorating his body, as many, maybe slightly even more than mine.
After what feels like our 15th roundabout, both of us break off from each other. Our breaths come out haggard, a mixture of irritation and disbelief evident on his face as a wicked smile plastered on mine.
"Give up yet kid?" I ask, my heart rate rapidly resting as my muscles get their oxygen-rich blood much faster than his due to the runes etched on my flesh.
"Not yet" He grits out, the smell of sulfur and rotten eggs hitting my nostrils faster than the fireball he casts manifests itself.
"Fireball" Uncius shouts as he hurls the fireball at me with speeds roughly faster than an arrow.
The fireball harmlessly flew past me, blowing a small crater behind me as I threw myself sideways with time to spare. By the time he finishes casting, I'm already halfway towards him, my crossbow at my ready.
Panic flushes his features, his eyes wide as he quickly moves his aim towards my new location.
"Fireba-" That's all he yells out before a crossbow bolt into his outstretched hand.
"UGGGGHH" Uncius cries out, bright, gold blood dripping to the floor.
"UNICUS!" A young, feminine voice painfully cries out, as if she was the one who was shot with the arrow.
"Fight's over. Not bad… for a trained noble anyway. Get some real combat experience and you'll certainly be of use if you survive anyway." I finish with a chuckle, walking over to his slouched form. I crouch down, inspecting the wound.
Luckily for him, the arrow went clean through, it'll be an easy yank and a few weeks to naturally heal. But for a noble like him, it'll be healed right after the battle. I then walk through the battle we just had, noting out to him about how quick to anger he was, his repetition of attacks, and finally the stupidity of using his magic the way he did. He nods feverishly, the pain in his arm taking his full attention. The chances he hears me are at all are slim, let alone digesting the information I gave him to look back on. But hey! That's not my problem.
"Healers!" Salnus barks, and in an instant a woman in robes rushes to Unicus's side, her chants are a whisper as a small, red light surrounds his palm as the arrow falls out with a sickening PLOP.
"Passed! NEXT!" Salnus barks again, not missing a beat.
"I'll go!" A voice chirps.
And the cycle continues…
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Out of the 15 nobles, 75 commoners, and 25 slumies who took the trial, All 15 nobles(no shit) passed, only 25 commoners passed, and only one slumie passed… me.
Fucking social inequality
We're loading up now, getting everyone's gear stowed away. As I do this and other minuscule chores, I get a sight of the person of interest or "package" as Sanlus calls her. Long, silver hair, a slim waist with a mature upper body to boot. She wore a simultaneously extravagant and practical outfit, which is somehow possible. A wicked whip lined with spikes lays on her waist, waiting to be used upon. The most unique thing about, however, was her dazzling black opal eyes. Her eyes were a magnificent blend of black, a glowing purplish color, and flecks of orange. I rock my brain for what kingdom is famous for those fascinating eye colors, searching through all the education I illegally learned.
Ah! The Bevagira kingdom, there we go. This girl must be a princess of our neighboring kingdom. This must be that whole "exchange project" I overheard about. To avoid Thesus Vidfam's wraith, both our neighbors from the west(Bevagira) and the east(Shimhira) send a prince or princess of their choosing(usually illegitimate heirs) to come live in Tredor Palace, usually a part of our prince Malhar's harem. A harsh fate no?
Pity threatens to swell in me, and I kill the emotion in cold blood, suddenly remembering what my dead master told me:
"Remember Judas, you're not the hero in their eyes, or anyone's eyes really. Only a villain, a terrorist can really change this kingdom. Do you understand? Your the villain, so act like one"
And villains can't feel pity for others, right? Let alone themselves?
I repeat those two sentences over and over until I feel myself returning to normal, back to the cold, emotionless bastard that I am.
We lock eyes for a split second, both of our faces unreadable. I get back to working on whatever I'm being paid to do.
Why is my gut telling me this won't be the last time I'll be seeing her?