Chapter 16: Unexpected

Chapter 16: Unexpected 

The crowd watched in awe as Sevi demonstrated his skill and agility. Among the crowd, Noemi's eyes sparkled with interest.

As Sevi landed a final blow to Kane's side, Kane dropped his sword and fell to one knee, gasping for breath. The gym fell silent, the only sound being Kane's heavy breathing.

[Mission Completed!]

[Noemi's favorability has increased!]

[Noemi's favorability: -5/100 -> -3/100]

[2 skills acquired: Tactical Awareness (C+) and First Aid (C)]

'Ohh...these skills will come in handy.'

"Stop!" Sir Varric declared, his voice cutting through the tension. The students, who had been watching in hushed awe, exhaled collectively as the match came to an end.

He turned to the two combatants, a nod of respect for both.

"Sevi Bladesworth is the winner of this sparring match," Sir Varric announced. The crowd erupted into applause.

Kane, still catching his breath and kneeling on the floor, looked up with a bitter expression. His frustration was visible since his pride as a swordsman was bruised by the loss.

Sevi, on the other hand, felt a rush of exhilaration. Not for the win itself but for the thrill of the fight. He had enjoyed the challenge and was eager for more.

Kane's voice, though strained, carried a note of resentment.

"You're good, new guy," he said, his tone rough. "But don't get too comfortable."

Sevi grinned, nodding in acknowledgment.

As Kane struggled to his feet, Sevi's gaze swept over the remaining students.

'Who among them is the best swordsman?'

Sevi turned to Kane, who was now standing with a pained expression.

"Hey, Kane," Sevi said, his voice friendly yet inquisitive.

"I'm curious... who's the best swordsman in this class?"

Kane's expression darkened further, his bitterness evident. He crossed his arms, glaring at Sevi with a mix of frustration and resentment.

"The best in the class? You really want to know?"

Sevi nodded, his enthusiasm undiminished. "Yeah, definitely."

Kane's lips curled into a bitter smile.

"The best swordsman here is leagues above us," he said, his voice laced with a trace of envy.

"Maybe it's because her blood is tainted with the beastman?" Kane continued.

'Beastman? Is it...'

Sevi's eyes widened as the implication sank in. The mention of "beastman" immediately narrowed down the possibilities. His gaze flicked toward Noemi, who was sitting among the crowd.

"Wait, you're talking about Noemi, aren't you?" Sevi asked, his tone both curious and impressed.

Kane's scowl deepened, and he shrugged with a hint of resigned bitterness.

"Yeah, Noemi's the one. Not that I'm surprised—it's in her blood."

Sir Varric, observing the exchange, stepped forward with a stern look. "Alright, that's enough for now, move down the stage."

Sevi, noticing Kane's struggle, stepped forward, "Hey, want me to help you?"

Kane shot him a sharp glare, his pride evident. "I've got it," he snapped.

Sevi held up his hands in a gesture of surrender, stepping back. "Alright, just trying to be helpful."

Kane continued his descent with an air of defiance, clearly wanting to manage on his own.

As he reached the bottom, he shot one last glance at Sevi, a mixture of bitterness and grudging respect in his eyes.

Sir Varric watched Kane make his way off the stage, then turned his gaze to Sevi.

"Sevi, what are you still doing up there?"

Sevi blinked, "Uhh, I'm not sparring again?"

Sir Varric's frustration was evident. "No, Sevi, you're not. It's time for the others to spar so move down."

Sevi quickly complied, hopping down from the stage with a slightly disappointed expression.

"Awww... I thought I would be able to spar again." Sevi murmured as he sat down.

"You want to spar again?" Noemi suddenly asked as she overheard Sevi's disappointed murmur.

Sevi looked up, momentarily surprised by her approach. As he met Noemi's strikingly blue eyes, he couldn't help but be taken aback by their intensity.

"Yeah," Sevi replied, his voice tinged with eagerness. 

"I was hoping for another chance to spar."

Noemi's eyes remained locked on Sevi as she spoke, her expression thoughtful.

"Actually, I don't have a sparring partner. If you're still up for it, we could have a match."

"Really? That sounds fantastic!" Sevi said as his eyes lit up with enthusiasm.

'Isn't she the top swordsman in the class? This is great!' Sevi thought as his excitement is growing.

Noemi's lips curved into a confident smile. "Great."

Looking up the stage and seeing that there is still some pair fighting, Noemi continued, " But since there are still some matches left and you just finished sparring, how about we wait and fight after four matches?"

"Sounds good to me," Sevi replied.

"Perfect." Noemi answered as she gave him a nod of approval and then turned her attention back to the stage. 

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