Chapter 10: Past, Present, and Future (Part 2)

Part 2

The sunset bathed the Mythara forest in golden hues as I made my way to the combat arena, located on the outskirts of the village, far from the trees.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The villagers, gathered in a semicircle, murmured among themselves while Yuna's father watched from a balcony with a vigilant gaze.

To me, this didn't feel like a simple friendly duel but rather a public execution. The villagers' judging stares bore into my back, as if they had already decided that the "rookie human" would be crushed by Hayate.

—Where were you all day? Why didn't you tell us about this? —asked Yuna, filled with concern as she ran towards me with Melodía.

—I went to prepare… —I replied with a carefree smile, trying to reassure her, even though the tension inside me wouldn't let me be at peace.

—Hmph! You could have warned us. Not that I was worried about someone so disheveled —Melodía said, crossing her arms and looking away. However, her tone betrayed a hint of sincerity—. Though you did have Yuna quite restless.

I bowed slightly in apology.

—Forgive me, it wasn't my intention to worry you. I just wanted to be ready, both physically and mentally. My future depends on this duel…

Kizuna, always timely, flew toward us with her boundless energy.

—A magician never reveals their tricks, kizu!

The comment managed to draw a light laugh from both of them. Kizuna's presence had that magical ability to instantly change the mood.

Suddenly, both leaned toward me, and before I could react, I felt a kiss on each cheek.

—You know, for good luck… —they said in unison.

My face heated up instantly, and I barely managed to keep my composure as they laughed softly. I watched them as they walked away toward the balcony next to Yuna's father, leaving me with a mix of nerves and determination.

—Now's not the time to get distracted —I murmured, slapping my face with both hands.

In the center of the arena, Hayate was already rousing the crowd with grand gestures and boastful words. His clearly inflated ego drew cheers from some villagers, while others simply watched with curiosity.

Next to him, an elf who seemed to serve as the judge stood stoically, holding a wooden sword that he would soon offer to his opponent.

Hayate looked at me with disdain from a distance, his air of superiority palpable in every movement.

—I see you're not scared, fragile human —he said, his tone dripping with arrogance—. Today, I'll show you the true power of a wind elf. I'll make you eat dust and show Yuna who's the better man.

The judge approached me, extending the long wooden sword. I shook my head and instead pulled out my own blunt wooden katana. Its design, decorated with sakura motifs, reflected a more personal and meaningful style.

—Hey, are you even listening to me, kid? —Hayate continued, trying to grab my attention while waving his sword in front of him.

I didn't respond. Instead, I kept my gaze fixed on him, my mind entirely focused on the upcoming fight. My silence seemed to irritate him even more.

The judge stepped forward, interrupting the awkward exchange.

—This will be a one-on-one duel with training swords —he declared, his firm voice resonating in the arena.

He paused before continuing.

—The rules are simple: the first to disarm, incapacitate, or make their opponent surrender wins. Only swords may be used, but magic is allowed as long as it doesn't endanger the spectators.

The judge waited a moment to ensure everyone understood. From the balcony, Yuna's father stood, saluting the crowd and giving his approval for the match.

—Let the duel begin! —the judge exclaimed, swiftly lowering his hand.

In a flash, Hayate disappeared from my line of sight. His speed was overwhelming.

My instincts took over, and I brought my sword to my back just in time to feel the impact of the wooden swords colliding. The blow was strong, pushing me forward, but I managed to turn quickly to face him again.

—I see you at least have good reflexes… —Hayate remarked with an air of superiority. His words were disparaging, but they failed to break my concentration.

—How irritating, you condescending brat… "Wind Walk Fast Boost."

A brilliant aura enveloped his feet, and his speed increased dramatically. I guessed it was an enhanced version of Wind Walk.

He charged at me again. To the audience, his movements were a blur, barely visible. But with my concentration and the balanced mana flow within my body, I could anticipate his attacks.

The swords clashed again and again, the dull sound filling the arena as I struggled to keep my defense intact.

—What? What's going on? Why can't I break through his defense? —Hayate asked, frustrated, his breathing growing heavier by the second.

The murmurs from the crowd grew louder. From their perspective, I barely seemed to move, standing in the same spot while blocking every attack with precision.

—What trick are you using, human? No one can block so many attacks in a row for so long! —he said, his irritation increasingly evident.

I smiled faintly, letting my expression speak for itself.

—A magician never reveals their tricks! —I replied sarcastically.

His face turned red with rage, and his attacks became more erratic, though no less intense.

That's when I recalled the conversation I had with Kizuna that morning…

—"Musashi Mode," Kizu? What's that?

—Miyamoto Musashi was the greatest samurai in all of Japan. He perfected his swordsmanship like no one else —I explained, as she floated beside me with eyes full of curiosity.

—I see, Kizu… —she responded with intrigue.

—I've always been fascinated by manga about his life. There's one in particular that deeply inspired me, where he's portrayed as a wanderer traveling across Japan, perfecting his craft and facing challenges at every step.

—It detailed his techniques and fighting style. I used all my mana and gems to learn his style and skills. I'll call it "Musashi Mode" in his honor.

—But remember! —I added with a smile—. A magician never reveals their tricks!

—Got it, Kizu! It'll be our secret!

Back in the present, I took a deep breath and adjusted my stance.

—"Musashi Mode!" Defensive technique: "Blossom Guard."

—You can't defend forever… —Hayate said as a green aura began to concentrate around his sword, crackling with accumulated energy.

—Final Wind Slash! —he shouted, launching an energy slash shaped like a green blade that cut through the air with a deadly hum before exploding in front of me, raising a massive cloud of dust.

Hayate lowered his sword confidently and turned to the crowd, a triumphant smile crossing his face as he awaited the cheers that would confirm his victory.

—That should do it… —he muttered, but his voice trailed off as he noticed the dust cloud beginning to clear.

When the view became unobstructed, his expression shifted from victory to disbelief.

—Where did he go? —he stammered, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.

I was right at his side, watching him calmly while he continued staring into the void.

—Don't get distracted! —I said, striking quickly at the arm holding his sword. The impact was precise, enough to make him step back, though he didn't drop his weapon.

Hayate instinctively retreated, increasing the distance between us. His face was filled with frustration and bewilderment.

—This isn't possible… How can he have such strength with a body so… weak?

I could see his irritation growing with every word, his stance becoming more rigid, and his movements more tense.

As I prepared for the next move, a slight vibration ran through my mind. Olivia's voice resonated urgently.

—Warning! Master, your mana is at its limit. Your body is beginning to show signs of critical exhaustion. If you continue using "Musashi Mode" in this state, you risk becoming completely immobilized.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath.

—Thanks for the reminder, Olivia… but I can't stop now. I'll rest later.

—Suggestion! End the fight with the next move to avoid permanent damage.

—That's the plan… —I replied, gripping the hilt of my katana more tightly.

Olivia's presence faded from my mind, leaving me alone with the weight of her words and the pressure of the moment.

—My patience is wearing thin, brat. I think it's time to end this. Time to use my most refined technique —Hayate announced, adopting a firm stance as he gripped his sword with both hands.

I recognized that stance immediately. In fact, it was one I had used before. But this time, something was different.

I didn't know if it was because of "Musashi Mode," but an absolute serenity enveloped me, as if I could anticipate every move with clarity. My mind was a calm river, flowing steadily despite the storm before me.

I brought my katana behind me, hiding it in a combat pose that seemed completely open but was deceptively dangerous. This would definitely be all or nothing.

—Behold my power! —Hayate exclaimed, his voice brimming with uncontrollable hatred.

—This is the superior version of "Tempest Waltz." I've perfected it over the years… —he added, his tone dripping with arrogance as the green aura around his sword crackled with energy.

—Tempest Waltz: Final Wind! —he shouted, charging at me with overwhelming speed. His movements were a blur of light and fury, like an unstoppable gale.

I, on the other hand, remained motionless. I closed my eyes, letting my senses sharpen to their peak. It was as if time slowed around me, every sound, every movement of Hayate, perfectly clear in my mind.

—Haruto, watch out! —they shouted in unison from the balcony. I could feel the tension in their voices, and I didn't blame them. From their perspective, my stance seemed completely open, as if I had lowered my guard and was about to take the hit without resistance.

But just before his sword could reach me, I disappeared in an instant, leaving only a trail of air and dust in my place.

When Hayate stopped, his sword was extended forward, frozen in the air, as silence fell over the arena like a heavy blanket.

—What…? —he murmured, frantically scanning the area, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

I was behind him, walking away slowly as my steps echoed across the arena. My katana rested calmly in my hand, and with a deliberate gesture, I moved it to my side as if dispersing the energy of a technique.

"Musashi Mode." Offensive technique: "Hidden Petal," I said with serenity.

The moment I spoke the name, Hayate's body trembled. A pink glimmer emerged from his side, and a soft wind began to blow around him. Sakura petals seemed to sprout from nowhere, gracefully swirling in the air before slowly vanishing.

—What…? When did…? —Hayate murmured, his voice barely a whisper. His gaze fell to his side, where the petals continued to fall as if blooming from an invisible wound.

He tried to take a step, but his body faltered. His sword fell from his hand, hitting the ground with a dull thud.

His body shook, unable to stay upright, and he dropped to his knees. His face was a mix of confusion and exhaustion, as if trying to comprehend how he had lost. A second later, he collapsed completely.

The crowd remained silent, as if all the air had been sucked from the arena. But the spectacle of the petals floating in the air, glowing with a faint pink light before disappearing into the wind, was enough to make it clear that it was over.

Then, murmurs began to rise among the villagers…

—That human…? Did he win?

That question broke the spell. The crowd erupted into cheers, some clapping, others shouting in excitement over what they had just witnessed.

In the balcony, Yuna and Melodía embraced, their faces reflecting a mix of relief and overwhelming happiness.

The judge raised his voice, his tone clear and definitive:

—End of the duel! Hayate is unable to continue! Haruto is the winner!

With those words, my victory was sealed. But my body had something else to say about it.

I felt my legs give out, and before I knew it, I collapsed backward onto the ground. My katana disappeared in an instant. The effect of "Musashi Mode" had faded, taking my last reserves of energy with it.

Every muscle ached, as if I had run a marathon and fought dragons at the same time.

—We did it! We're the best! No one can defeat Haruto the samurai, kizu! —celebrated Kizuna, dancing in the air with boundless enthusiasm.

—Yes, Kizuna, we did it… I think I've earned a nice hot bath… once my body starts moving again —I whispered, trying to find some comfort while the ground surprisingly felt quite cozy at that moment.

—Haruto! —Yuna and Melodía ran toward me, kneeling beside me before hugging me tightly.

—You were amazing! What were those moves? —asked Yuna, her voice full of admiration.

—I suppose you're not just some disheveled guy like I thought… —Melodía commented, but this time with a genuine smile.

—I'd appreciate it if you didn't squeeze me so much… my body is pretty battered —I said with a grimace, though I couldn't help but smile as I saw them laugh softly.

The warmth of their hugs, combined with their light laughter, momentarily eased the pain in my body.

For the first time since the duel began, I allowed myself to relax. I had won, but not just the fight. Their smiles reminded me that I had also earned something far more valuable… their trust.

As the echo of cheers still resonated in the arena, I realized that this moment, surrounded by them, was what truly made all the effort worthwhile.