THE SYSTEM I MADE
Chapter 5
"Clash of wills: Alexander vs Julian"
As Alex and Mirelle headed towards the arena, the tension and anticipation in the air were palpable. The event was a significant occasion within the Eldraine family, a display of prowess that determined the potential futures of the noble children.
Arriving at the venue, Alex donned his armor suit and was handed a long sword, a standard weapon for the competition. The announcer's voice boomed across the field, "Young Master Alexander is here; now the match will begin!" The patriarch, Lord Gerald Eldraine, watched from his seat, his expression unreadable as he observed his son prepare for the match.
"Next match, Alexander versus Julian Eldraine," announced the herald, stirring the crowd into a murmur of excitement.
Julian Eldraine, the sole son of Lady Fiona the third wife to the patriach of Eldraine and known within the family for his solid but not overwhelming strength, was a more experienced contender. Alex, recently reincarnated and still adjusting to his young body, felt the disadvantage sharply.
"AIDA, use appraisal on Julian," Alex whispered, needing to know exactly what he was up against.
"Affirmative. Displaying opponent's stats," AIDA responded quietly, projecting the information only Alex could see:
- Strength: 43/100
- Agility: 38/100
- Stamina:40/100
- Magical Ability: 35/100
- Intelligence: 37/100
- Charisma: 32/100
Julian's stats, while not the highest in the Eldraine lineage, were significantly stronger compared to Alex's current levels, confirming Alex's worries about the disadvantage he faced.
"I'm fighting against Julian Eldraine. He might be the least strong compared to the others but far stronger than the current me," Alex thought grimly.
Alex steadied his stance, watching as Julian Eldraine approached the center of the arena. The crowd's murmur grew into a clamor, anticipation hanging heavy in the air. Despite the noise, Alex's mind was clear, his internal voice calm but resolute.
"With no doubt, there's no way I'm winning this match," he confessed to himself, assessing Julian's robust form.
"His magical ability is around 35, strength 43. He's way stronger, faster, more intelligent, and has powerful magical abilities. I'm not cocky enough to say I'd win."
Yet, as Julian drew closer, a spark of strategy ignited within Alex. "But there's a way I can benefit from this fight," he murmured under his breath, only for his ears and the ever-listening AIDA.
"AIDA, are you able to activate the Augmented Reality Video for this battle?"
Static crackled briefly before AIDA's measured voice responded, clear despite the din of the crowd. "Affirmative, It is possible to scan the opponent's movements through the augmented reality video feature. Shall I activate the Augmented Reality Video scanning feature?"
"Yes," Alex confirmed without hesitation.
As Alexander and Julian approached the center of the arena, tension crackling between them like static, Julian cast a dismissive glance at Alexander's unsteady stance.
"Alexander," Julian began, his voice smooth and confident, echoing slightly in the open space, "I hope you've prepared more than just that shaky grip on your sword. It would be a shame for this to end too swiftly."
Alexander met Julian's gaze, the pressure of the crowd's eyes on him like a physical weight. Yet, his voice was calm, tinged with a determination that belied his inexperience. "Julian, I might not have your training or your magical prowess, but I'm not here to give you an easy victory. Every moment in this arena teaches me something new, and I intend to learn as much as I can from you."
Julian smirked, twirling his sword expertly. "A noble sentiment. Just remember, this isn't a classroom, little brother. Out here, every lesson might just be your last."
"Then I'll make sure to pay attention," Alexander retorted, tightening his grip as he readied himself.
As the signal to begin echoed, Julian wasted no time. He charged forward with the poise and precision of a seasoned warrior. His sword cut through the air, aimed with lethal intent, but Alexander was quick to parry, his movements slightly awkward but sufficient to fend off the initial onslaught. Julian's eyes sparkled with amusement and a hint of surprise; clearly, he had expected an easier match.
Alexander tried to find his rhythm, remembering the trajectories and potential openings AIDA had calculated. He dodged and weaved, his sword clashing against Julian's with a series of ringing echoes that captivated the audience. Each move he made was a learning curve, each block a narrow escape.
Julian, however, was a tempest. His strikes grew fiercer, more relentless. He seemed to dance around Alexander, his movements a blur of speed and strength that came from rigorous training and innate talent. Julian's magical ability infused his strikes, giving them an extra edge that Alexander couldn't match. As the fight progressed, it was clear that Julian wasn't just fighting to win—he was putting on a show.
Despite the disparity in skill, Alexander held his ground. He absorbed every detail, every shift in Julian's stance, cataloging them for future reference. Yet, as the battle wore on, his defenses began to crumble under the sheer force of Julian's assault. A particularly swift combo from Julian broke through, the flat of his blade striking Alexander across the chest with enough force to wind him.
Staggered, Alexander tried to regain his footing, but Julian was relentless. With a final powerful thrust, he swept Alexander's legs out from under him. Alexander's sword clattered to the ground as he fell, the impact jarring. Julian placed the tip of his sword at Alexander's throat, signaling the end of the match.
The crowd erupted into cheers for Julian, while Alexander lay dazed on the sandy floor, the world spinning around him. As consciousness slipped from his grasp, his last thought was a vow—this defeat would be the fuel for his ascent, a lesson engraved in his mind. Darkness claimed him then, the arena's roar fading into silence as he was knocked out cold.