"Sorry Amy, I didn't intend to put that much force behind it."
I get a venomous stare in return for my apology. Though, I do deserve it this time. I went a bit overboard.
She's still a seven year old.
"I'll the end the fight here: Alex wins. You both performed beautifully. Amy, you displayed excellent striking and speed. You were, however, too easily startled, but that's natural for someone with your experience. With time that flaw will go away."
"Thank you, Brother Hansen"
The teacher's pet's expression can only be described as pure joy at the attention.
"As for you Alex, while you were at a disadvantage when it came to speed and striking, you displayed amazing strategies and smart counters that more than compensated for you're disadvantage. You are the opposite of Amy. You have a very solid combat awareness, now you just need to improve upon your core skills. "
"Thank you for the advice, Brother Hansen"
I help Amy to put of the arena although my efforts are met with a lot of resistance at first, but she eventually gives in and lets me help her out.
Once we were out, the next fights are fought. They were good fights but not very spectacular.
The only one that stood out was Fred's, but it was very one-sided. He toyed with his opponent for a long time before easily finishing.
Following the display, he was also put in the A bracket while his opponent was put in C.
In the end, it was no big shocker to the class that Amy, Fred, Hugo, and I were the only ones in A.
"With this last fight done we're good to go, but be warned, guys. While you're all talented so are the upperclassmen that you will be facing today, and they had a lot of time to grow their power. Many are in the mid-stage and some are even approaching the late stage of rank 0, so don't be discouraged if you lose. Take it as a learning opportunity."
Hansen tells us to go to the backyard, while he transmits his choices to the organizational staff.
We arrive at the large backyard a few minutes later where the three upper classes are already waiting for us around three octagon-shaped arenas like the one in the basement. The only difference being they're two times bigger.
Following our arrival, each class forms a neat line.
Peer pressure dictates that we also get in line, next to them.
I'm in front of the line formed with Hugo towering behind me. From here, I see what my upperclassmen what going on.
It's the big man, literally.
Father Hendrickson tall frame is standing in front of us dressed in a thin robe, despite the cold of late autumn, and is still rocking that ridiculous top hat.
I recently found out that it demonstrates his status as the overseer of this church. Only very few people recognized by Elat himself for their righteousness and devotion can wear it.
Hugo said that it's common knowledge that everybody knows.
Well, I suppose me having gone years without knowing perfectly demonstrates how little I give a shit about the religious teachings of this place.
I mean I'm grateful for his help cultivating and all, but appreciation ain't devotion.
My classmates on the other hand are all devoted. I guess it makes sense though.
They're aiming to indoctrinate children through theology class and stuff like that, not an adult in a child's body.
"Hello children, I haven't seen some of you in a while. Today is tournament day. This is not only part of your exam, but also a chance to learn from your younger and older peers. So give it you're all to both teach and learn. That's my little speech, the rules will not be explained by Sister Bloodrain."
Finishing his Ted talk the top hat wobbles off to a nice beach chair by a fireplace in a small patio near the arenas.
I'm sorry, but I have to say that, while Mr. Koch is a magician at keeping indoors clean, gardening isn't his forte.
The entire 260 square meter backyard is covered in deep snow, only the patio is somewhat clean and snow free.
Oh well, it's not like I really care.
With the top hat gone Sister Bloodrain, the nun that loves Fred for some reason, wheels over a blackboard with the sequence of fights written on it.
Oof.
I look back at Hugo who seems slightly anxious having seen the same thing as me.
He'll be fighting in the first round against a third-grader.
I never thought I'd ever considered a third-grader menacing, but recalling what little Amy did to the cage and my body earlier I can't help, but be slightly anxious as well.
"Good luck, man."
"Oh boy, I'm done for."
"No, you're not. Don't worry too much. You are the strongest in our class. You'll kick ass."
My words do nothing, Hugo's worry doesn't disappear one bit.
"Alex Dawn, what's so interesting that you're ignoring my speech!"
Oh, man...
"Oops sorry, Sister Bloodrain we were just talking about that time Fed over here peed himself while getting spanked by Mr. Koch."
Still one of my proudest achievements.
"Oh is that right Alex? Your teacher told me that you got pretty banged up during your selection fight. Since I'm the responsible healer for this tournament please join me later. I'll take good care of you."
Why couldn't I have shut up for once? I shouldn't annoy the psycho's psycho protector nun.
"Of course, Sister."
Having set the date for my reckoning, she finishes explaining the rules of the tournament extensively for ten minutes, which are basically just no groin shots and no dismembering or other unhealable damages.
But, I guess it's valid to explain the rules so extensively considering you are overseeing irresponsible kids with huge destructive capabilities.
Afterward, she gives the first fighters time to warm up before their fight.
I try my best to cheer up Hugo during his warm-up, however, despite my best efforts, his anxiousness is only increasing.
I can't blame him though his opponent is terrifying. In third grade, she should only be about nine years old, still, she is at least 1.6 meters tall and is built like a gorilla, not to mention her having had two more years to train her martial skills and cultivate.
As I look over at her, her blood-red eyes cross my gaze I feel like I'm staring at a hungry beast before her gaze is luckily covered by her hazel-brown hair blowing in the wind. I quickly avert my gaze.
Terrifying!
What's up with the kids in this world? Especially those third graders, they all seem like they have seen some shit...
Before long, Hugo is called into the arena by Brother Jidan acting as the A brackets judge.
"Good luck, don't forget to fight smart on this one. Don't leave her any openings to use her superior technique. Put the pressure on from the beginning."
Hugo nods at my last words of advice and steps up into the ring.
His opponent also steps up, her hair now tied in a bun. In their gray gym clothes, the gorilla and big guy oppose each other in the cage.
The judge raises his hand.
"On my go, you will start the fight, understood?"
Both nod.
"Alright have a fair fight before Elat. 1-2-3 GO!"
As the judge swings down his hand, Hugo shoots forward jumping with his knee aimed for her head.
Surprised by Hugo's aggressiveness the gorilla barely dodges the flying knee. However, she quickly recovers spinning around to kick her still midair attacker.
Hugo reacts quickly blocking the kick with his forearms using the impact that sent him flying to widen the distance between them.
Not wanting to give Hugo time to recover Ms. gorilla pursues him, barraging him with punches. Being able to do nothing more than defend Hugo flexes his abs and tightens his guard around his head.
Shit! I was afraid of this happening. She was given too much space and now she has the upper hand because of her superior technique.
As the barrage goes more and more of her fast and powerful jabs penetrate the big guy's defense. By now his face is already a bloody mess.
Tired, Hugo's defense slumps slightly which doesn't go unnoticed by the gorilla. Preparing to finish she crouches down and shoots up for an uppercut, her veins glistening with spiritual energy.
Mid-stage of rank 0!
Her fist swings up.
My heart drops.