Chapter LXXXII - Dungeon Camping (part 2)

The night continues. When everything was set, people started to spar on the arena. It all started with Jrake sparring against Fran, but it's obvious who wins it. In a wooden sword fight, or any sword fights in general, no one can beat the great swordsaint.

They all used a wooden sword, made only for sparring. It's a very tough wooden sword, capable of going through multiple heavy forces given at it, so it won't break that easily.

Before long, me and the girls started to get bored inside the tent, so we headed out. We were also quite curious by what everyone is doing outside, since none of them are doing work anymore. 

We were welcomed by the sight of the bright flames that were burning on the large campfire. It wasn't lit before, so we didn't really know what we were going to see.

But it's actually big, and it was made out of multiple logs that were chopped to pieces.

We went ahead and approached everyone else, who are currently playing around at the circle.

On top of the circle, Barett is going toe to toe with one of Fran's friends. I think Brod is his name.

The two had large builds, and I believe their roles were also the same, which is tanker. Having the two spar with swords made them look weird.

"Hey! You guys finally came out."

Hod came walking at us. Valey pointed her finger at Barett, who is fighting in the circle with a wooden sword.

"Can… Barett even use a sword?"

"That's something I don't know too."

From the looks of it, Barett can use swords. His opponent, however, is even better at it than him.

With a single flick, Barett's feet were lifted from the ground thanks to Brod's kick on the knee. It's like watching two rhinos fighting with their horns.

"Go Barett!!"

Cony shouted from our end. Hearing a cheer, Barett started to feel even better. His moves are getting faster now.

"Go Brod!!"

A shout came from the right. It was Fran, she was shouting for her teammate.

Hearing his leader shouted, Brod's energy went full again. It didn't take long for Barett to get slammed down to the ground.

The people cheered when Barett got slammed to the ground. Barett had quite a back pain from that slam, but he didn't mind it. In front of him, his opponent is grinning.

"Heh! My win, Bar!"

"Damn… your win."

Brod moved his hand to help Barett from the ground. Then they both shook hands and Barett was pulled to stand up again. Then they returned the swords to Jrake and left the circle.

"Okay, now who's next!"

Jrake shouted, and he held both wooden swords in his hands. Nobody seemed to be quite confident in walking to the circle, so Jrake had no choice but to pick someone.

Unfortunately, his gaze fell on me.

"Rize?"

"Err…"

I hesitated, of course. But Valey and Cony were very confident I could beat anyone, hence they began cheering.

"Go on, Rize!"

"Yeah! You can do this! Show everyone your skills!"

I shook my head at them, but Jrake was already in front of me. He grabbed my hand, placed the sword handle on my hand, then closed it. All done in silence, and then he pushed me to the arena.

"W-Wha-"

"You can do it!"

I let out a sigh and stepped to the ring. Jrake turned to the crowd, and held the other sword high.

"Now, who wants a go!"

Everyone began chattering, wondering if someone wanted to go spar with me. I'm sure they know me, that's why they are quite hesitant.

After a while, a voice was heard.

"I'll go."

That voice came from the right, the same person who cheered for Brod. Everyone silently made way, and she stepped into the ring.

The Swordsaint has entered the ring.

A grin formed on my face as our gazes landed on one another.

"Ouh!"

Jrake threw the wooden sword towards Fran, and she captured it with her left hand. After giving Fran the wooden sword, Jrake left the ring and walked to Hod, who is already standing on the side.

"Oh dear, this is going to be interesting."

"You tell me…"

Jrake said to Hod after the two met up. Everyone else seemed to be questioning what's so interesting about this after hearing Hod and Jrake, but it's because they didn't know.

Knowing that the opponent will be difficult, I can't be fighting half-assed. I began warming up, stretching my body. Fran was already warmed up, because she already had a spar with Jrake. She flaunts her wooden sword around as she stepped a little bit closer to me, towards the center of the ring.

She used this chance to have a chat with me. 

"You know, I have always known about you since the beginning."

She said as she stared at me. Her hand is playing with the sword as if it's her everyday toy, and her eyes are studying me seriously.

I chuckled slightly while stretching my legs by kneeling.

"Is that so?"

"I knew from the beginning that you were someone… abnormal."

"Isn't it rude to call someone abnormal?"

"I'm not sure. People tend to call me that all the time."

I realized what she was trying to say, and I grinned even wider. She noticed that I understood what she meant, and she grinned as well.

I finished my little exercise and nodded at Jrake. Noticing that I am done, Fran took a stance. Again, her eyes are studying my every move.

Every muscle I moved, every bit of motion that I did.

She is very serious about beating me.

I cannot lose.

"… Then I guess we are the same."

I lowered my body and formed a stance. My eyes are also widely opened, studying her, as if she is my arch nemesis.

Feeling the sharp glare also coming from her opponent, Fran chuckled slightly.

Jrake then shows up at the side of the arena again, to start the countdown.

"I will be the judge. Remember, no use of magic, no aiming for-"

"Just begin, Jrake."

I said to him, and he got taken aback. Fran and I know what the rules are, we don't need to be told again.

Jrake was quite surprised, but he understood. He chuckled and lifted his hand up.

"Okay, then... Get ready!"

Me and Fran are staring at each other even deeply now. For the longest time, we have been wanting this chance. For so long, ever since I first heard of her, I was rather surprised to know that she was in fact my age.

For so long, I have been very curious about her sword skills.

And I am sure she is feeling the same.

"… Get set!"

Tonight… we clash it all…

Our grips on the wooden sword become harder. Our eyes weren't blinking at all, and our muscles were very ready to explode forward.

Everyone became very excited, and nobody is saying a word.

Everyone… including me and Fran, is very excited to see how this spar will go.

"… Go!"

Jrake ended the countdown, and we both dashed forward at the same time.