F*ck
As I closed in on Podium, doubt started to resurface again.
' I'm fucked, I shouldn't have let her provoke me! '
Im just an ordinary Villager.
I have no special skill.
Nor do I have any experience fighting.
The reality of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks. What was I thinking? A battle against an academy student? Magical examinations? These were challenges far beyond my comfort zone.
As I hesitated near the podium, the weight of my decision pressed down on me. The glances from the villagers around me intensified the feeling of being out of place. The hushed murmurs among them seemed to echo my own insecurities.
The village elder noticed my hesitation and, with a reassuring nod, gestured for me to continue. Prospan, the sponsor, encouraged, "Step forward, young one. The tests are a chance for everyone, regardless of background or skill."
Taking a deep breath, I summoned whatever courage I could muster. I stepped onto the podium, each footfall echoing my uncertain resolve. The academy student, Isabella, observed me with a smirk, her eyes betraying a hint of amusement.
The first test, a battle against a seasoned academy student, loomed ahead. As I faced the unknown, one thing became clear – this was not just a test of physical prowess but a trial of my determination and the strength hidden within an ordinary villager like me.
At least thats the thought that kept me going.
Sometimes delusions like these kept me going too.
But It couldn't be helped. Isabella in my eyes was just too intimidating, besides with how I see it, she wont go easy on me.
As I had these thought Isabella suddently began to speak up.
"What are you doing? Pick up your sword, commoner."
As she spoke these words I realized I was so sunken into my thoughts that I didn't even see her throwing a sword before me.
It was a genuine Iron sword, not a training sword, not wooden.
Fr*cking Iron.
"Are you ready?"
"I guess."
As I responded she began to move.
I gripped the iron sword, a strange familiarity settling over me. Despite this being my first time holding a sword. My palms were sweaty, and my heart raced as Isabella closed the distance between us with astonishing speed. Her movements were swift and precise, highlighting the stark contrast to my awkward attempts to ready myself.
The clash of steel echoed through the village square as I tried to defend against Isabella's onslaught. Each strike felt like a sledgehammer against my feeble attempts to parry. The villagers watched in hushed anticipation, and the weight of their collective gaze intensified the pressure.
Isabella's expression remained indifferent, almost bored, as she effortlessly disarmed me. The iron sword clattered to the ground, leaving me defenseless. The realization of my inadequacy washed over me like a cold wave.
"Is that all you've got?" Isabella remarked, her tone a mix of disdain and disappointment.
"..."
"Pick it up again!"
"??"
I already lost, so why would she..
"I SAID PICK IT UP AGAIN, YOU COMMONER OR DO YOU DARE TO DISRESPECT ME"
As she shouted at me, I couldn't help but wonder, why was she so angry?
Amidst Isabella's harsh commands, I felt a surge of frustration and confusion. Why was she pushing me so hard? What did she gain from humiliating a commoner like me?
Taking a deep breath, I retrieved the iron sword from the ground, determined to prove that I wasn't easily defeated. As I squared my shoulders, Isabella circled me with a predatory grace, her eyes scrutinizing my every move.
"Come on, commoner, show me something worth my time," she taunted, her words cutting through the tense air.
Despite my lack of skill, I mustered the little courage left in me and lunged forward, attempting a clumsy strike. Isabella effortlessly sidestepped, avoiding my attack with a smirk playing on her lips.
The villagers watched in silence, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Even the village elder seemed tense, observing the unexpected turn of events.
Isabella's eyes narrowed, her amusement turning into a cold determination. In an instant, she closed the distance between us and disarmed me once more. The iron sword clanked against the ground, echoing the defeat that seemed inevitable.
"Pathetic," Isabella sneered, her condescending tone echoing in the square. "I thought this might be entertaining, but it seems I overestimated you."
Humiliation burned within me, fueled by the gaze of the villagers who had hoped for a miracle. The weight of their disappointment pressed down on me, but amidst it all, a spark of defiance ignited.
'What a b*tch'.
I couldn't help, but think that.
"I'm not done yet," I muttered, my voice barely audible. With newfound determination, I reached for the iron sword once more, ignoring the stinging ache in my pride.
Isabella raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. Let's see how long you can keep this up."
As I prepared for another round, a strange mixture of fear and excitement fueled my actions.
'I'm excited?'
I'm someone who never fought, yet I was excited by the prospect of facing her?
Something must be wrong with me, but still, it's not something unknown to me.
It feels familiar.
Am I losing my mind?