Chapter 15: Get Humbled

Chapter 15: Get Humbled

Sevi felt embarrassed and decided to focus on listening to the instructor.

Sir Varric's went on about the importance of proper stance and technique, but Sevi still couldn't shake off the awkwardness of his earlier attempt at humor.

'It might be related with how low my communication skills or flirting sht.' Sevi thought as he looked back to earlier's interaction.

After a while, Sir Varric clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, class, we'll be moving on to partner sparring with wooden swords. This will help you practice your techniques in a controlled environment."

"Pair up, everyone," Sir Varric instructed. "Choose a partner you haven't sparred with before."

The students began to murmur excitedly, and Sevi also felt a surge of excitement.

'Great! A spar right off the bat.'

'But will anyone spar here with me?'

He looked around, wondering who he should partner with, when a shadow loomed over him.

A big guy, towering and muscular, approached Sevi with a confident stride.

He had an air of arrogance about him, and a sneer played on his lips.

"Hey, new guy," the big guy said, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Why don't you spar with me? I'm one of the best swordsman in this class."

'Awesome, there's a hot blooded youngster here. And he's one of the best!' Sevi thought as his eyes sparkled.

Sevi's gaze met the big guy's, and he could sense the challenge in his tone. Just as he was about to respond, a mission screen appeared in front of him:

[Mission Alert!]

________________________

Mission: Win against Kane Burton

Reward: +2 favorability points with Noemi, gain 2 additional skills

Penalty: Failure to complete the mission within the time limit will result in a loss of 10 favorability points to Noemi and a 7-day cooldown for similar missions.

________________________

'2 additional skills? What a catch!' Sevi thought as he pushed away the screen.

"Sure, sounds good," Sevi smiled and nodded, unaware of the big guy's underlying hostility.

The big guy's sneer widened. "I'm Kane, by the way,"

He introduced himself with a mocking bow. "Let's see what you've got, Bladesworth."

Just then, Sir Varric's voice cut through the murmur of the students.

"Everyone, let's all move to the gym where we'll conduct the sparring matches."

Sevi followed the group, his anticipation growing. 

As the group arrived at the gym, the spacious area lay empty, save for the practice dummies, storage for wooden swords, and the large open floor perfect for sparring. 

Once everyone had gathered, Sir Varric stepped to the center of the room and addressed the group. 

"I need a volunteer. Which pair would like to go first?"

A few students looked around, their expressions a mix of eagerness and nervousness. Before anyone else could move, Kane's hand shot up.

"I'll go first," Kane said confidently.

 "I'd like to spar with the new guy, Sevi." Kane continued as he got up.

"Bladesworth just got in the class,"

"Even this is going too far for Kane."

"Hope Kane shows the transferee how hard this academy is."

The room went all loud, the other students glancing between Kane and Sevi. Kane's arrogance was evident, and his choice of opponent was clearly meant to make a statement.

'So, this is what Sir Varric meant,' Sevi thought, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sized up Kane. 

He remembered Sir Varric's earlier warning about the competitive nature of its students. It was clear now that Kane intended to embarrass him in front of everyone, using this sparring match to make a point. 

'But anyways, this situation just works in my favor. I love fighting especially with trash people.' 

"Sure! let's do this," Sevi replied with a wide smile.

Sir Varric nodded, acknowledging the pair. "Very well, Kane and Sevi, you're up. Take these wooden swords."

Sir Varric stepped forward, holding two wooden swords.

"Remember, this is a sparring match," Sir Varric reminded them, handing a wooden sword to each.

"Fight with respect and control."

Kane just chuckled in response, a smug grin on his face. "Yeah, yeah, I got it," he said dismissively.

Sevi, on the other hand, nodded seriously but couldn't hide his excitement. 

"Understood, Sir," he replied, his smile widening as he gripped the wooden sword.

Sevi and Kane then moved to the center of the gym, each taking a ready stance. The anticipation in the air was visible as the students gathered around, forming a loose circle to watch.

Just then, an icon popped up above Kane's head, glowing green. A color that indicated Sevi could easily handle Kane.

Sevi's excitement faltered slightly. He had hoped for a yellow or maybe even a red icon—something that would challenge him more. 

'Oh, it's just green,' Sevi thought with a hint of disappointment. 

'Looks like this won't be as challenging as I hoped.'

"Begin!" Sir Varric's voice rang out, signaling the start of the match.

Kane wasted no time, charging at Sevi with a powerful swing.

'Yup, he's definitely an aggressive fighter.' Sevi thought as he quickly dodged Kane's attack. He countered with a series of nimble strikes, testing Kane's defense.

Kane's attacks were forceful and aggressive, aiming to overpower Sevi. However, Sevi relied on his agility, evading Kane's powerful blows and looking for openings in his opponent's defense.

'But he's not as strong and fast as Sir Cedric and Sir Garef,'  Sevi thought as he looked at Kane's attack.

Frustration began to show on Kane's face as he failed to land a hit. His movements grew more erratic and aggressive, his teeth gritted in anger.

"Stop being so slippery and fight me head-on!" Kane shouted, his voice echoing through the gym.

Sevi just smiled at him, a calm confidence radiating from his eyes.

"Why would I do that when this is working so well?" he replied, his tone light and teasing.

"But anyways, this is getting boring. Might as well finish it." Sevi said, his smile never wavering.

Before Kane could react, Sevi moved with blinding speed, closing the distance between them in an instant.

"Wha--

Caught off guard, Kane struggled to defend himself. Each of Sevi's strikes were calculated and efficient. He landed a quick succession of blows on Kane's arms and legs, forcing him to stumble back.

====================