A Masochist's Edge

I go to raise my hand as soon as Professor Vinal finishes his question about hybrids.

Obviously, it's that they're the most rare species.

But before I can even get the first word out I hear a shuffle next to me.

"They are one of the rare species next to golems and changelings!" Kenos finishes his answer with a smile.

And of course, he's right, and of course, he would know that!

I turn to look right back to Rudy whose giving me those eyes.

I hate those eyes. And the fact that she's been giving me those eyes for the past week since Kenos has been here is even worse.

I mouth the words 'shut up' to her and she smirks back at me.

Oh and don't get me started on how all the girls were ogling him in the field days. Honestly, can't people see how much of a big jerk he is?

As the class continued, I tried my best to focus on Professor Vinal's lecture about hybrids, but my mind kept drifting back to Kenos and his irritating habit of one-upping everyone.

It wasn't just in class – his effortless charm and confident demeanor had turned him into the center of attention ever since he arrived.

The bell chimed, finally, I can get some alone time from him.

I gathered my things and made my way out of the lecture hall. Rudy fell into step beside me, that infuriating smirk still plastered on her face.

"You know, you really should give Kenos a chance," she teased, nudging me with her elbow.

I shot her a skeptical glance. "Why should I? Just because he's charming doesn't mean he's a good person."

Rudy rolled her eyes at me "But he is a good person ren, you just have to see it for yourself!"

Yeah, no, not again. I really could care less about that douche. He's just getting in my way from going home.

"Thanks, but no thanks!"

I continue the trek to the lockers, I usually don't use mine but the professor sent a letter out to all of us. For the next class or something?

"So the on-field big scary professor sent us a letter in our lockers, you know what that's about?"

Rudy glares at me "Changing the subject I see?"

I get to my locker. "No, I've just never gotten a letter from my teachers before."

Rudy fixes herself, thank the lord she bought that. "Oh, which professor was it?"

"Uhh, no clue, big scary guy, yells a lot." I

"You most likely have Yinlar then."

"So what does it mean?" I push the letter towards her.

With one finger she pushes the letter back to my chest. "That little letter probably has your fighting partners."

"Is that bad?"

"Well, it's just, his class is known for having a lot of casualties." she has this sour look on her face.

"Rudy, your being, one hundred percent truthful right now?"

"Yes, ren! Of course, I am! So, who's your partner?"

I hurriedly tear open the letter, it can be that bad! I grab the letter and scan over it.

Shit!

I glance up to find Kenos at his locker a little ways down the hall, his letter open as scans for something until his eyes land on me and his face erupts into a joyous expression.

I accidentally whisper out loud, "..oh Celestia.."

The day ends slowly, it felt like minutes were hours. Absolute torture.

I paced around the room, my mind a whirlwind of worries and doubts. "Casualties," Rudy had said about the big scary army guy's class.

Obviously, this is going to be my first real fight ever I need to be prepared, physically and mentally.

I opened my closet and began sorting through my old clothes. Taking the essentials, my hidden armor, and my shin and elbow guards. It's not much but it's something.

My mind raced back to Kenos – that self-assured smile, his seemingly endless knowledge, and his knack for one-upping me. He might be good in the field, but there was more to this fight than just skills.

I took a deep breath and sat down at my desk, my hands trembling slightly as I started jotting down ideas. I knew I couldn't let his presence scare me any longer. If I wanted to succeed, I need to be the best I can be.

As the minutes turned into hours, I meticulously planned out different scenarios and magic circles.

I examined every possible move, every technique I could employ.

Hopefully, it would be enough.

Before I knew it, the room was bathed in the soft glow of dawn. I had spent the entire night preparing, and while exhaustion tugged at my eyelids, I felt ready.

I first prepared by drawing on wardens to make sure his demon magic didn't affect me. And to make sure that if the sigils broke I would be okay, I created a magic circle on the floor that I sat in while activating it. But I have no clue how long the spell will last.

Let's hope it's long enough.

I finish up putting on everything just in time as the bell dings.

Though when I go to leave, this sinking feeling appears in my stomach. I scan the room from the doorway to make sure I didn't leave anything.

That's when the light catches on my daggers, which, aren't in their sheaths and are on the desk.

I run back into the room and quickly sheath them into their guards hidden by my old boots.

Now I'm good.

~~~~

The class was a pretty basic setup. The Army dude calls out names in whatever order he wants while the rest of us watch the fight.

And my name gets called, I step up to my side of the yard and look over to see all of the 'friends' I've gathered while being here, yeah, I got this.

Kenos stood on the opposite end, his crimson eyes fixed on me with a mix of amusement and confidence. The very air around him seemed to twist and distort, a testament to his demonic heritage.

"Ren! I remember you!" he called out, his voice carrying easily across the distance between us. "Ready to meet your match?"

I clenched my fists, trying to steady my nerves. "Don't underestimate me, Kenos."

He chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, I don't plan on it."

The moment felt suspended in time as we both assessed each other, knowing that once the battle began, there would be no turning back.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting an intense light over the battlefield, and I took a deep breath, centering myself.

That's when the army guy calls out the start of the match, either the start of my death or my ticket way home.

Kenos made the first move, a sudden burst of speed propelling him forward. Before I could react, he was upon me, his dark blade slashing through the air.

I managed to raise my blades just in time, the clash of metal reverberating through the arena. His strength was impressive, and I could feel the impact reverberate through my arms as our strength was matched.

"Your interesting, you know that?"

Drawing on my magic, I use the wind circle on my pant leg to blow out of the way. I manage to create some distance between us, using the opportunity to assess his movements.

Kenos was a whirlwind of arrogance, his strikes precise and graceful.

I focused on my defensive magic, the wardens I had drawn on my skin activating and creating a protective barrier.

Kenos' attacks seemed to lose some of their potency as they collided with the shimmering shield, and I seized the chance to retaliate.

Gathering energy in the sigils on my palms, I unleashed a barrage of angelic bullets toward Kenos. He deflected most of them effortlessly, but a few managed to break through his defenses, leaving smoldering marks on his skin.

It was a small victory, but it fueled my self-preservation. I could feel my friends from home cheering me on. Yeah, I got this.

Kenos' lips curled into a smirk as he wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. "Impressive, Ren."

We circled each other, the tension between us almost palpable. I could sense the ebb and flow of his demonic magic, a raw and chaotic energy that set my nerves on edge.

"You know, I met someone who looked exactly like you." Kenos had a shit-eating grin on his face.

As we clashed once again, I focused on my magic circle, trying to maintain its integrity while engaging in combat.

Kenos' strikes were unrelenting, and I found myself giving ground despite my best efforts. But I refused to yield – not to him, not to anyone.

"He seemed a bit out of it, so do you, something you hiding?" he sang into my ear. Oh, fuck this guy.

my magic from the circles on my palms flows into my daggers, infusing them with a swirling vortex of light energy.

Didnt know I could do that.

With a fierce battle cry, I lunged forward, my blades meeting his with a resounding clash. The force of our collision sent shockwaves through the ground, and for a moment, the world seemed to blur around us.

As our weapons locked, I met Kenos' gaze, determination burning in my eyes. "You don't know shit about me, cut out the chit-chat and fight me, coward!"

A flicker of surprise crossed his features, but it was quickly replaced by a look of joy. For what felt like an eternity, we remained locked in a struggle for strength and willpower.

The magic circle beneath me shimmered, its protective power waning under the strain.

With a final surge of energy, I managed to break free from our deadlock, spinning away and regaining some distance.

I could feel the fatigue settling in, my muscles protesting against the exertion. But I couldn't afford to let up – not now.

Kenos' smirk had faded, replaced by a look of grudging respect. He raised his blade once more, and I mirrored his stance.

"Yield, Kenos," I called out, my voice echoing across the battlefield.

He hesitated, his gaze locked with mine for a heartbeat. And then, he smiled and lowered his blade.

"I yield."

The arena seemed to hold its breath as the realization sunk in. The tension that had gripped the air moments ago began to dissipate, leaving behind an almost surreal calm.

Kenos took a step back, his skin and clothes dirty and bruised respectively. I probably look exactly like him.

My friends quickly ran up to me with cheers and congratulations as the professor let the protective magic shield down.

Though as they give me a bit of space I can see kenos approaching.

"Good fight, Ren," he said, extending a hand toward me.

I hesitated for a moment and folded my arms.

"Yeah, I did do good, thanks!" I say with a smug look on my face.

He laughs. He bends down and cackles.

That's when the professor interrupts, "Clear the field maggots!"