Chapter 33: The Duels

A few moments later, the 2nd round began. It was Elaine v. Waldo. The battle was strategic. Elaine knew that she lacked the power both to decisively damage her enemies and defend heavy attacks. Hence, she used her locomotory advantage to find an opening. She kept on evading Waldo's attacks. However, in the end, she was cornered and was forced to surrender.

Next was Vaissien v. Waldo. In a cursory highlight, Vaissien was again stationary. Although Waldo has the power to back his strikes, he lacked the necessary insight to locate his enemy's weak points. Like in his former duel with Elaine, he was very dependent on the luck of his brute strength. As a result, he was defeated badly.

The 4th round began. It was Alberto v. Marco.

"Hey, do you think you can win, huh? When have you gotten your balls back? Or maybe you forgot how I beat you into pulp last year." Marco was smiling evilly. It looked like he was about to nip a small insect. However…

"I won't be dragged by your petty bluffs. I'm different now! I've become stronger, thanks to Master Cimmerian!"

Actually, in the past months, while joining Vaissien and Cimmerian doing some monster extermination, he also learned many things. In the past, he was always beaten by Marco badly to the point of fearing him. However, some words came to his mind. In battle, you mustn't let yourself be affected by your enemy's mental attacks. It was a reminder from Cimmerian—the one became his personal trainer.

"Huh?? What did you just say!? Fine! I guess you've grown quite well since then, huh? Let me show again what being beaten badly looks like!" Marco charged fast at him

"Come."

Marco's mind was clear even though he was a little drunk. 'This kid is still green' he thought. He pretended to throw a slash to Alberto's left flank, but his plan was in fact to kick his right leg instead. Before this feint was to be fully executed, he was already celebrating his victory in his head after a smooth mental simulation. However, as he tried to throw the kick, Alfredo jumped far backwards.

"What!!?" He was surprised. "Did you know that I was gonna kick you?" He asked.

"Yeah. It was obvious. I can't disappoint my master for being defeated by a simple trick like that. That's so basic. After all, my teacher is the most cunning of all." He proudly looked at Cimmerian, who was silently sipping on his cup of tea, and didn't even bother to watch this whole tournament. "Anyway, my, it's my turn."

Alfredo rushed at Marco is full speed, and then he jumped high. His sword was about to slash Marco, but it was defended.

"You even jumped? Ha-ha-ha-ha. I can easily—"

Marco, with a loud wail, fell into the ground while holding his crotch. Actually, Alberto pretended to strike from above. And as planned, when his attack was defended, it would surely create a wide opening on Marco's lower body just below the waste. Hence, he didn't let go the opportunity. He swiftly kicked Marco's crotch without hesitation.

"Y-You bastard! You played dirty!"

"Idiot. Accept it, you loser. There's no dirty nor clean in a fight."

"Okay, that's it. It's Alfredo's victory." Chief Feldor announced.

The fifth round came next. It was Mado v. Ferm. There was no other significant highlight of the battle. Only that Mado was forfeited. He forgot about the tournament. He was drunk and sleeping limply on the floor while his mouth drooling like a faucet. So before the fight had even started, Ferm, his enemy, had already won.

"Hey, idiottt! Mado, wake up." Alfredo tried to wake him up—it was futile.

"Ha-ha-ha! Mr. Mado's so afraid of me. He surrendered without even trying." Ferm, who was also called an idiot by Vaissien, even bragged about it.

The 6th match started. It was between Alfredo and Ferm. It was a good battle. Both were hesitant to attack first. They were very conservative on their actions. Both of them were afraid to lose. Ferm, particularly, was sluggish. Because of this, Alfredo became annoyed. He then initiated the first attack with full aggression. Ferm, on the other hand, just defended casually his attacks.

'He fell for my trap…' Ferm thought.

It was his plan all along to make the enemy think that he had slowed down. Now, Ferm started to shower numerous attacks to him as a counter. And not long after, Alberto's wooden sword flew. He was defeated.