In the arena made of wood. It is set up in the fallen Mangrove tree. Leaving only its stump to build an arena on top. To the side, there's a band of village musicians set up ready to roll the battle theme.
The arena of honor is a place that is used to settle many of the village disputes in the best way that they know. Trial by combat. The stronger person wins the battle and also wins the dispute. By being here, the prior argument doesn't matter anymore, only the result of this battle will dictate the outcome of the dispute.
Michael gets ready for the battle. Since a real weapon will be used in combat, Micahel must equip extremely heavy armor in order to survive Graha's hit. Michael could still feel the terror as he stared at his opponent.
Graha has bullied Michael for a long time. He still remembers the first time he met Graha. The kid gives him a hard time and creates a famous "put him in the water" motion for everybody in his friend group to follow.
Truthfully he doesn't want this to happen. He didn't want to fight Graha. His red hair and oppressive 170 cm tall tone body mixed in with a sharp feature of his head made him quite handsome and menacing.
His strength is equally as scary as his appearance. With just power alone, he could easily compete with the best hunter in the village. He also wielded a powerful sword that could cut the mangrove tree deeply. However, before Micahel could demoralize himself further a voice sounded.
"Hello everyone! Welcome to the arena of honor. I, Belga will be today's host" The vice chief is up on the elevated stand that's a step higher from the other stand surrounding the arena.
"Today we've got two brave challengers that have a problem to solve! They decide that it best to do it in the ring!"
A loud cheer erupts from around the arena. It's not every day that they got to witness a battle of honor.
"Let me clarify the rules so there's no funny business going around. The battle will last for 20 minutes if the timer runs out whoever receives more damage will lose. Second The participant will not be allowed to kill each other. If the judge has to interrupt, the person who received a lethal blow will lose. Lastly, you could only use the equipment that's provided by the arena. Are we clear?"
"Yes!" both participant answer in unison.
"Then get ready! we will start in ten minutes"
Michael is with Gurara briefing them about what he could do to win this fight. Gurara also didn't want Michael to fight. With how weak the kid is, Graha has a huge advantage over him. The battle of honor only allow some armor and weapon but, not support item. The tradition deems them to be cowardly to use.
10 minute later
"Time's up! Drop what you're doing and enter the arena!"
Graha proudly steps into the arena. his entrance prompted many cheers and clapping from the audience. Being the village chief son, his entrance is accompanied by a drum and a horn to hype the arena up.
On the other hand, when Michael enters the arena there are only boos and curses thrown at him. The discrimination against him is obvious.
"On the left side, we've got Graha, the village chief son and on the other side, we've got Michael, Gurara's adopted son. They've got something that they don't agree on and will be in the arena to settle it. Are you ready!?" Belga direct this at the people watching the event.
"Yea!!!!" They can't wait to see Michael take a beat down from Graha. Even if Gurara wants to protect Michael, he can't easily intervene in this battle.
"Are the participants ready?"
"Yes!"
"n..NO.... yes"
Micahel reluctantly answers Brlga and steps onto the arena ring. Sweat ran down his face as he seize up Graha's figure. His high and bulky frame looks much more imposing when he's not seen through the water.
However, Michael also has a sharp face that could look imposing if he's not nervous all the time. In his left hand is a circle metal shield and in his right hand is a double edge spear. This combination is what he is familiar with. Since Michael has some experience using a wooden spear that he made himself. The metal shield is suggested by Gurara to increase the chance of Michael surviving against Graha.
"With both challengers ready I will initiate the countdown!"
3
2
1
"Fight!"
Graha's figure disappears from his spot and reappears in front of Michael. To Michael's eyes, it look like Graha teleported to him. A great sword that's as big as Graha swung down in front of Micahel.
Fear
It's more terrifying than facing any monster. Even the lizard's mouth is more comforting than seeing a sword swing at him. In that split second Micheal also sees Graha's face smiling smugly like he already knows the outcome.
Michael doesn't want to lose this early. He pushes his body into a roll to the right making Graha miss the swing.
Pah!
Graha's sword digs quite deep into the Ground. Michael couldn't imagine if he survived being hit by that blade. He backed off into a defensive position. He didn't want to receive such a blow.
Graha could sense Michael's fear. his mouth curved up into a smile.
"Michael, if you don't want to get hurt you still have the option to concede. It would save me a lot of time and it'll also save you a lot of healing medicine."
"No..." There's too much to lose from this. He would have to give up his hunt making him fail the trial. He can't fail now, not when Gurara bought the guidebook and taught him how to hunt monsters.
Even if he's scared by Graha, it is not enough to give up this fight.
"After this end, I'll drown you in water for real this time!"
After that threatening word Graha charge at him.