In training grounds,
Each and every member of the clan, regardless of their age or gender, were present around the circle, they seemed excited as well, as soon as their eyes fell on me, some showed hostility, some skepticism some were viewing me with sympathy as if the outcome was already decided.
The clan leader lead me through the crowd and along my eyesight I could see a circle demarcated at the center.
On the opposite side was Mia her gaze locked on me,
the way she looked at ms reminded me of a predator ready to hunt and I was her prey it was so funny who would have thought one day the prince of strongest empire in the continent, youngest sword master in the history would be looked down by a girl from a small tribe, a smile graced my face which was rather flirtatious.
Clan leader announced the commencement of the final fight, " Hello everyone, A few days ago we decided a event will be held and today we are here seeing it happening and I am happy to see you all grace this event with your presence. I hope you people enjoy this battle, Today's battle between Adolf anc Mia is not a show of strength but a showcase of Adolf's dedication, commitment to Mia, to us and to this tribe. Mia do your best in testing him and I hope you to do your best in proving yourself Adolf because this battles decides our bond not only for the next few years but ages to come."
With this he moved out of the circle, paving way for us to fight each other...
The air was thick with tension, Braska heard Christopher was a good swordsman but he didn't experience it first hand.
Christopher stood there ready face for whatever that has to come. Across from him Mia stood gripping her sword with unprecedented confidence.
Mia brimming with confidence smirked at Christopher and said, "You're brave, but this is a battle you can't win."
Christopher just smiled at her provocation and replied, "Let's see about that."
They circle each other, weapons raised slightly, eyes locked. The air crackles with anticipation.
In a flash, Mia lunges forward, her sword swinging in a deadly arc aimed at his midsection.
Christopher sidesteps with agility, his blade coming up to deflect his, sparks flying from the impact.
Christopher was surprised by his own body's agility, his moments were unusually light, his body moved with practiced ease. it felt as if he himself experienced countless battles first hand.
Mia grinning said, "Fast, but not fast enough."
He immediately counters, aiming for her head. She ducks low, sweeping her sword in a quick slash toward his legs. He jumps back just in time, but his boots brush the edge of his strike.
Christopher moves in quickly, a series of quick, precise strikes aimed at her torso. Mia blocks and parries each one, her blade a blur. She twists her body, delivering a quick, sideways slash toward his ribs. He jumps back, rolling to the ground, just avoiding the strike.
Christopher smirking said, "You'll have to do better than that."
He springs up, using his momentum to spin and strike at her shoulder. She barely deflects the blow, but the force sends her stumbling backward.
Mia recovers quickly, stepping forward again. Her blade flashes, aiming for his right side. But it's a feint—she pulls the sword back at the last moment and strikes down from above instead. Christopher sees the trick just in time, but the speed of the strike forces him to parry with both hands.
Christopher admiring her ability praises, "Clever."
They lock swords for a moment, each testing the other's strength. Then, with a sudden twist, Mia pushes him back with a powerful shove.
Christopher stumbles, but recovers, spinning his sword in a dramatic arc and rushing forward. He leaps, attempting a downward strike to her head. Mia raises her sword to block, but he unexpectedly flips mid-air, swinging the sword horizontally at her midsection instead.
She blocks just in time, but the force of the attack causes her to stagger. Christopher lands lightly, poised for another strike.
Mia growls, sweat dripping down her brow. She rushes at him with a final, all-out charge, swinging her sword wildly. He steps aside, grabs her sword arm, and using her momentum, flips her onto the ground.
Christopher standing over her says, "It's over."
His sword points at her throat, his breathing steady.
Mia panting, "You... you're better than I thought."
He offers a hand to help her up, his gaze softening slightly.
Christopher puts on his most serious expression says, "Sometimes, it's not about strength. It's about strategy."
Contrary to his confident words, he himself didn't know anything about swords, but was able to predict Mia's every move probably due to Prince's help.
The battle ended, but a mutual respect between them lingers in the bright day.
All the hostility from earlier was all gone, tribe's men were now viewing Christopher with awe.