As Aahan went through the list, he realised everyone's opponent was the person next to them in the rankings. For example, since Isha and he were ranked 1 and 2, respectively, they had to square off against each other. Similarly, ranks 4 and 5 had to fight each other, and so on.
Although unsure, Aahan wondered if it was done to maintain 'fairness' in the competition, as someone from the top 10 fighting someone dead last wouldn't be fair to the 'weak' ones.
'But I am a weak one!' Aahan sighed as his name was called to get in the ring.
As soon as he got up, he could hear the whispers around them. Not only the students but the various people in the stands were murmuring about him not having a bloodline and still grabbing second place.
Some even mentioned his 'past', saying a brute like him was the perfect candidate for Isha to demonstrate the difference between someone with a bloodline and someone without it.
Until then, Aahan had resigned to his fate and was prepared to be defeated. However, when he heard about their criticism, he decided to try his best to show them not to underestimate someone like him.
"Alright, take your places," the Instructor said as he walked between Isha and Aahan. "Both of you already know the rules, so give it your best and forget about everything else. Is that clear?"
Isha nodded, and so did Aahan. But before the fight began, Aahan got a proper look at Isha for the first time. Unlike the Aswathians he had met till now, Aahan could sense something different about Isha.
Her ocean-blue eyes were blank, void of any emotions, just like her face. Looking at her face, Aahan realised why the guys were cursing at him since he got to face her.
She was beautiful, but not the over-the-top kind, but enough for her presence to command everyone's attention wherever she went. Apart from that, she was about 5'8" but had a graceful yet strong build—a result of her rigorous training.
She wore practical yet stylish archery attire tailored for both function and fashion. Her lithe form was adorned with an archer's tunic, skillfully tailored in forest green and earthy brown hues, ensuring effortless movement.
The crowd's roars filled the air, creating an exciting atmosphere. But they were only cheering for Isha to show off her skill as they knew she would win the duel without any problems.
Aahan was so busy looking at her that he didn't even realise the match had begun until Isha made the first move.
She notched three arrows onto her bow and released the bowstring, sending them hurling towards Aahan. He was a bit taken aback, but his instincts kicked just in time for him to evade the arrows.
But Isha wasn't about to let him escape so easily. She launched arrow after arrow, all of them barely missing Aahan. While it might seem Aahan's agility was saving him, it was his luck and erratic movements.
'Damn it, how is she figuring out where I'm headed?' Aahan thought as another arrow barely missed his knee.
It seemed as though Isha could predict Aahan's every move before he even thought of it. Aahan found himself struggling to maintain his speed while dodging the arrows.
'How many arrows does she even have!'
At first glance, it felt like Isha was missing her shots. But unbeknownst to everyone, Isha was choreographing Aahan's every step, manipulating him into a meticulously designed trap.
Soon, Aahan found himself standing within a circle of arrows, his movements restricted and his options limited.
"When did this happen!?" Aahan panicked and tried to jump over the arrows.
However, an invisible force pushed him back inside as he tried to. It almost felt like there was an invisible wall in front of him that was keeping him inside.
Confusion and frustration began to cloud his mind as he struggled to break free from Isha's calculated trap. Unfortunately, before Aahan could form a plan and escape the trap, Isha made her final move.
An arrow soared above his head. Aahan instinctively raised his arms to shield himself, but this was no ordinary arrow. It shattered mid-air, dispersing into countless icy shards that rained upon him.
Instinctively, Aahan raised his arms to shield himself, but the icy shards sliced through his flesh, leaving shallow cuts on his forearms. The pain surged through him, but he gritted his teeth and remained on his feet.
As if that wasn't enough, the arrows surrounding him also detonated simultaneously. Countless icicles shot out from the detonating arrows, creating a breathtaking but perilous storm of frozen projectiles.
"What a display of strength and control by candidate Isha," the commentator applauded her efforts as the arena was shrouded in icy-cold mist.
Isha's intentions were clear; she was not only skilled but also determined to impress the spectators with her abilities... no matter the cost.
With that, Isha was so sure of her victory that she retreated to exit the stage. Her graceful exit was met with rousing applause and cheers from the audience, who were convinced the match had concluded.
But before she could step a foot outside, she sensed something.
"How..." Isha softly mumbled as the icy mist surrounding Aahan disappeared.
Even though she refused to believe any untrained guy would be left standing after her attack, the sight in front of her proved her wrong.
Soon, the commentator's voice reverberated again through the arena, catching everyone by surprise.
"I... can't believe this!" he announced. "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that Aahan is not giving up! Despite the odds, he's still standing! The duel is far from over!"
Isha froze mid-step. Her surprise was evident on her face. She turned to see Aahan, his body battered and bloodied, but astonishingly, he was still standing, his eyes focused on her.
The crowd of candidates erupted into cheers, but this time, they were cheering for Aahan. Despite the pain coursing through his body, he refused to give up.
Humbled by her opponent's tenacity, Isha smiled, "Fine, let's see what you got."