"We will now begin the next round. The Martial Artists who qualified, please step to the stage." Klaus declared.
Of course, everyone knew who the moderator referred to.
The two Martial Artists who followed the way of the blade and had clashed earlier in the Quarter-Finals would once again meet on the same stage.
I watched Edward rise from his seat, donning an irremovable smile on his face.
I nodded at him and saw him descend the stairs.
Eben Lustriel, his opponent, had been on a seat based at a lower platform, and as such, had already arrived at the stage before Edward.
I saw the hateful glare in his eyes as he watched my comrade approach steadily. It appeared Klaus, the moderator noticed the enmity, judging his facial reactions alone—the adult man felt uncomfortable.
Still, it wasn't in his place to say anything.
'If Eben goes overboard in this match, and aims for Edward's life directly, he'll just be stopped before he can achieve that... and it'll be Edward's victory!'
Still, I hoped he didn't do anything careless. As much as I wished my pupil complete victory, I wanted him to achieve it by besting his opponent, not just by default.
"Okay, then... since both participants are on stage... we will be beginning!" Klaus stated, watching as both boys took their positions on the battleground—each wielding their respective weapons.
As usual, he moved out of the way and got to the edge of the stag before he announced anything.
"Begin!"
The moment his words registered, both boys released their mana, causing what seemed to be a maelstrom to envelop the stage.
Mana came in different shapes, size, and colors—but, it was a general rule that one's mana reflected the kind of core they had. Unless the color was affected by a particular Spell being used, the color would be the same as their core.
Both Boyd unleashed yellow sparks of mana, clashing their energies with each other, even before the clash of their weapons started.
"This won't end like last time." I heard Eben speak the first word.
There was a pause, as Edward only gazed at his opponent.
"This time... I won't underestimate you, and I'll win!"
"So, you now admit that last time was your loss, uh?" The confident boy defiantly spoke, giving an amused smirk.
This only served as fuel to Eben's deep-seated fury, but Edward didn't seem to care.
"I'll be sure to silence that mouth of yours! Prepare yourself!"
Those words were unnecessary to someone like Edward. Even before the match started he had already been utterly prepared.
There was nothing in his mind that would stand in the way of his victory. Just as I taught him, during battle he achieved a state of absolute focus—Total Concentration!
>WHOOOOOSHHH<
Both Martial Artists, gripping their blades, dashed at each other with full force.
The wind resulting in their fast-paced movement swept through the audience, and I felt a chill brush through my body.
>CLANG!<
The lashes of their Mana clashed even more, same as their blades. Sparks flew, giving off metallic sounds and reverb that caused some to wince.
I gave my all in observing the match—partially to see the growth of my student when battling another, but also to ensure that Eben Lustriel didn't try any funny tricks with Edward.
His annoyance and hurt ego made my suspicions valid. Plus, after what happened with Anabelle, I had somehow grown more cautious concerning my comrades.
>FWOOOOSHHH<
With their blades at a stalemate, both warriors took steps back and then lunged once again at each other.
Their speed was evenly matched, almost as though they were moving in choreographed patterns. Silence enveloped the hall as everyone seemed to watch the two swordsmen in awe.
>CLANG<
>SWOOOOOSHHH<
>SKRIIIIII<
The blades clashed even more, swinging and moving like the wind. They rubbed each other and whirred in the most peculiar way.
More wind blew across the stage, and it seemed like the match would go on forever.
But, I wasn't worried at all.
While I wasn't entirely certain about Eben Lustriel, I knew his opponent more than most. After observing the stroke of his blade, his footwork, and every single motion he had made ever since the match began, it was clear to me.
'Edward... isn't giving it his all yet!'
Both swordsmen took steps back and began taking deep, slow breaths.
"Huufff... huff..."
Eben appeared to be the more exhausted one of the two of them. His shoulders slightly dropped even as he tightly clung to his thin blade. I could see his gait faltering a bit, and his arms already trembling.
'I see... his swordsmanship isn't built for prolonged matches.'
Even if they kept up this pace, it was clear Edward had the upper hand in stamina.
In the first place, such high movements and powerful strikes that the Lustriel School was known for put a heavy strain on a person's muscles. Judging the method of execution, it was also fairly obvious that it was meant to defeat enemies in one strike—or close.
Using those moves consecutively, especially when one didn't have a body structure suited for the heavy repercussions, would only lead to premature fatigue.
"Think you can still go on?" Edward finally spoke, interrupting the moment of silence that ensued between the two Martials.
"Tch. Don't you... underestimate me..." Eben struggled to speak.
From his strained tone, it was clear he was close to the end of his strength.
Even though Edward was also spent, he was far from his limits.
Besides, I knew the boy could end things quicker if he wanted to. It was still a mystery why he chose to engage in such a drawn-out fight.
'Hmm, maybe he wants to gain as much combat experience from his fight with Eben.'
It wasn't every day one got to fight someone from a highly esteemed Martial Arts Discipline, after all—especially one that specialized in Sword Arts.
"I see..." My lips curled in an amused smile.
'Well, then... since hat's how it is, let's see how it'll end up.'
Looking back to Edward and his opponents, they seemed to be getting ready to resume their fight.
"You say I shouldn't underestimate you, but it seems you can't fight for much longer." Edward taunted slightly.
"Shut up..." Eben gave a murderous glare.
The more energetic Martial Artist wasn't fazed by his opponent's slight bloodlust. Rather, he cracked his stiff bones and made preparations to launch another attack.
"Don't worry... I'll be ending it with this next move. This time, I'll tell you... Prepare Yourself!"
