"Since when did you move behind my back , seriously stop appearing out of nowhere. When you suddenly appear on my back like that, it scares the soul out of me please approach me using the normal way . "
[. . . . . . ]
"Cerlot are you okay ? Did they harm you ? "
[. . . . ]
"You're quiet all of a sudden, what happened to the Cerlot who was loquacious ."
"Sorry Asterio , because of me you got in trouble ."
"As you can see I'm perfectly fine don't worry about it ."
"BUT ! You almost died you know !?"
"Did I , but I wasn't killed right ? I'm sure you're blaming yourself because you were accompanying me but if it wasn't for you I haven't arrived here."
" But you were badly hurt ."
" It's not that bad , they were just minor scratches ."
" You asked me to participate in this tournament because you knew that I could win against Keyn right?"
[. . . . . ]
" I think, now I know why you wanted me to win this tournament. "
[. . . .]
" You asked me to participate and win because you didn't want to marry that guy your parents arranged for you ?"
" I'm sorry , I intended on using you to escape my marriage."
" You should've said so , you believed that I could win that's why you approached me isn't it . I appreciate your concern ."
" You lost just right now to Keyn didn't you , what's the point , If he wins this tournament I'll just have to follow our parents and marry him when he becomes the next Datu of this barangay , sorry for dragging you into this mess. "
" I didn't know you were such a pessimistic person , I'll ask again. You don't want to get married with him right?"
" Even if I said I didn't want to the results wouldn't change."
" Girl , I think you're misunderstanding Asterio's strength. You came to him because you felt that he could win the tournament . You could've approached me or Ales but you decided to meet Asterio. Your choice isn't wrong by all means and It's Ales's brother you know . There is no way he'll lose ." Said by Norja who heard the conversation and decided to join in .
" Are you saying Asterio can defeat Keyn during this tournament !? "
" Of course he can , trust him . You're always watching us from afar so I'm sure you know well how strong this little guy is , he could defeat me and Ales comfortably and with our current strength I believe we are stronger than Keyn do you understand what I'm trying to say ?"
" Asterio is the current strongest competitor in this tournament ."
" That's right Cerlot, but that doesn't mean he's set in stone to win the whole thing since I also intend to win . " Ales answered .
" Is this the reason why Asterio trusts you so much ?"
" He said such a thing ? "
" He was saying that this time , there's no way you'll lose to Keyn. "
" If it's coming from him then I guess that's reassuring to hear but that doesn't mean I'll be satisfied with winning with just that . "
" What happened to you ? Just a little while ago you were about to kill him , I'm glad I stopped you . You need to be patient on getting your revenge. " Said by Asterio
" I lost my cool a bit there . "
" Did you think I would lose to such a guy , I didn't fight back because I was watching how he fights , surprisingly both of you are the same ."
" Then what were your thoughts when you fought him? "
" If I had to make a comparison , it's like I'm fighting the old Ales. "
" Then could you defeat him ?"
" Without a doubt ."
" Hear that lil' girl , Asterio said it himself ."
" Thank you for coming with me Cerlot don't worry and head back first and watch , I'll make sure to make you entertained, look forward to the reward that I'll ask when I win this thing HAHA ! "
Cerlot then took her leave and went home .
While walking back .
She was thinking why was her heart throbbing. She only intended on using Asterio , isn't it normal to hate someone if you knew they'll end up using you but he was fine with it , what a mysterious person .
Cerlot then arrived at their house , which was in front where the tournament will be held . She sat behind his father and took a water to drink.
Her aunt Awei who was also there noticed Cerlot who just arrived and saw the expression Cerlot was making . She was flustered and was different than her usual face thus she smiled .
----
After Cerlot left, Asterio's group also went to where the tournament will be held . Hundred of men were already on the stand by including Keyn and his company .
The place was crowded and there was a space in the middle where the audience were encircled .
Many warriors all over the Barangay and the neighborhood was holding their weapons and some didn't bring some I guess weapons are a privilege to have . The only ones who carry weapons are from the higher class and warriors .
That's where Andy and his comes in , they were in charge of supplying weapons for those who cannot afford it .
They have a selection of weapon that you can borrow from swords to bows .
Since Asterio was one of the participants who didn't brought any weapon with him he decided to go and borrow his weapon and also thank Andy's father for making Ales's glaive.
"Oh Asterio ! "
"Hello Andy , it's great to see you made the weapons on time before the tournament ."
"It's because you delayed us kid we almost didn't make it ."
" I'm sorry about that uncle, but thanks to you Ales improved a lot because of the weapon you made for him."
" He better be ! That weapon I made was one of the best I made so far and I consider it my masterpiece . He already left a bad impression on it losing the first thing he used it !"
" Don't worry uncle , it's not the same anymore look forward to it ."
" How about you kid ? You came without a weapon so I assume you need one of this."
" What's this ? "
" Nothing , I made it just for you as a special gift , with that clothes of yours I made it so you can easily hide it ."
" I'm off then thank you for the weapon uncle !"
" Good luck to you and Ales !"
Then the tournament was about to begin .