It was about time Charles and I start our duel. Though he was there the whole time, Mr. Sevilla didn't say anything about the deal Charles and I made. Rather, he seems amused.
"Won't those boobs of yours get in the way of your swings?"
"We'll see, and that's sexual harassment."
"When the coin hits the ground, you can start swinging the sword."
After saying so, Mr. Sevilla flicks a silver coin up in the air. At the same time, Charles and I put our hands on our swords as we prepare to pull it out.
When we saw the coin start to go down, we both pull our swords from the sheath slightly. While Charles slanted his form a bit for a defensive stance, I went diagonal with one leg to the back with the sheath and sword hidden on my side to be on the offensive.
And when the coin finally hits the ground, our battle started.
In an instant, I close the 10 meter gap with a single dash without pulling out my sword. This technique is called Force Arte: Flashing Blink, something I learned from training during my first year. Since I'm a beginner, I can't use it consecutively.
Though my attack was quick, Charles was able to see it and pulled out his sword and threw a horizontal slash.
Using the lingering effects of Flashing Blink, I swing my body to one side before lowering my body to dodge the slash attack while keeping my long hair out of the sword's sharp end.
I couldn't pull my sword out because of this difficult position, so instead, I put all my strength to my legs and jumped forward and hit his stomach with my shoulder.
There was an opening on Charles after getting thrown back. So immediately, I pull my sword and charged at him once again. And just like that, I was able to land a blow on his torso with a diagonal slash.
But to my surprise, he uses my slash's momentum and swung his sword back with one hand while aiming for my neck to counter. If I remember correctly, this is Force Arte: Counter Swing.
Thankfully I was able to see it at the last second, or otherwise I'd be out because a hit to the neck counts as a major hit. Since I was able to duck a bit, only my face was hit by the sword and it only counted as one hit.
Now, the first bout we did ended with us down to two points left.
"Charles isn't a top student for nothing."
"Yeah, it's quite difficult to beat him."
While Rose and Charles continue to battle and parry each other's attack, I decided to talk with Archie while seeing it happen.
"Must say, I wasn't expecting Charles to be this strong now that we're fighting one versus one."
"Charles probably trained during summer vacation. I mean, he's from a lineage of knights."
"I guess he really is confident in winning this."
"You scared of losing?"
"My dignity is on the line."
To my surprise, Charles suddenly throws a really heavy blow that made me turn to the back from the sheer impact. I think that was Force Arte: Bull Strike.
"That's another point for me!"
While announcing so, he throws another horizontal slash while aiming for my back. However, I had an advantage that nobody, including me, was aware. I could see the attack through Red.
Immediately, I duck squat. When the the swing passed, I let go of my sword and bend my body to the back and with a single back-flip, I hold his neck with my thighs and swing him to the ground with most of my strength while timing it with the momentum of his sword swing.
When he was on the ground while still locked in place with my thighs, I grab his sword and pointed it at his chest.
With that, Mr. Sevilla blows the whistle and calls the end of the fight.
"Rose wins... but it seems Charles is the victor..."
Though it was clearly my win, for some reason, everyone were blushing while looking at me, and then I noticed from Red's perspective, that I was sitting on Charles' face.
When I immediately stood up, I could see on Charles' face a big smile like he won.
"You motherfucker!"
Immediately, I give him a kick on the stomach, but because I activated Force Arte: Rabbit Stride, it became so strong it threw him away to the wall. If it wasn't for the pendant, he'd have a few broken bones.
I look at everyone who had red faces while gritting my teeth.
"NOBODY SPEAKS OF THIS! WHO IS NEXT!?"
When I asked while pointing my sword, all the boys except Archie raised their hands to volunteer to battle with me.
"FINE I'LL MAKE SURE I'LL GO THROUGH THE SHIELD AND BREAK YOUR FUCKING BONES!"
I wanted to rage so much, but the girls came to Red and pats my back. They all looked at me with pity.
After today's activity, everyone went back to the classroom after changing clothes. Out of 37 students, only 9 had two loses and is now running around the campus. Since we were an even number, it was bound that at least 1 would take the penalty and it made everyone desperate. But because of that, the top 10 is now being selected.
This top 10 is for the School Class Clash Tournament. So only the strongest and the willing of the class can participate in this.
Because I won twice, both as Rose and Red, both of my selves were selected to be put into the roster. Archie won once, but his first win was so overwhelming against his opponent that he was selected for the roster as well. Charles also is in the roster despite winning only once as well, that is because he's the poster boy of our class and has good charisma.
But the most surprising of all was the Princess. She won twice. She didn't show any effort in defeating her opponent even though they were boys. Her Sword-style was so elegant I don't even see her use any Force Arte.
The rest of the roster apparently needs to be selected. That is mostly because not everyone is willing.
Currently, Archie and I are relaxing by the window, cooling ourselves from the duels earlier.
"Are you sure you want to join the tournament?"
""You're asking that again?""
"I mean, you really don't need to. When you graduate, you'd still be a Magic Knight. That in itself pays good already."
""You don't get it, Archie."" "I want to prove to my dad that he can still come home even if he is a Magic Knight. I want to prove to him that I can go home anytime I want."
"You can still do that even if you don't join the tournament though."
When he said that, I look at him as Rose with a smile.
"If I win this tournament, my name will smell better. It wouldn't even be an exaggeration that I might get scouted to become a Royal Magic Knight. Being a Royal Magic Knights is as good as becoming a noble!"
"Why not go through a shortcut and just date me, Rose?"
Out of nowhere, Charles approaches me with a really annoying stride.
"Dude, I'm still a guy inside. Also, quit it, I won the duel. The date isn't happening and you owe me a sword."
When I said that, he laughs so loud that it got everyone in class' attention.
"Yes, I lost, but that doesn't mean the date won't happen."
"What."
"After all, you need to come with me to get that sword. It's still a date."
-End of Chapter-