work Hard

Osaro looked coldly at the wrestling ground. He hated the fact that Efosa had gained so much attention. He felt that, given the situation, no matter how well his son later performed, it would be overshadowed by Efosa. Yet, seeing the result of the lots he felt a sense of satisfaction.

First, because Wrestler 1 was highly skilled, and secondly, He had not fought in the second round yet. He must have been well-rested after the first. Osaro analyzed that even if Efosa managed to win the first round, he would likely have used up all his strength. This would mean losing the second round, giving his son Osagie an opportunity to shine.

"It would be best if he lost," Osaro murmured to himself.

Edosa and Osaze were worried about the situation. Edosa knew it was nearly impossible for Iyare to win against the three opponents. He hoped she would face Wrestler 1 last. After watching the matches, he was confident that Iyare could defeat the other two opponents. It didn't really matter if she lost to Wrestler 1, as long as she could last longer against him than Wrestler 2 had.

Like Osaro, Edosa felt that even if Iyare managed to defeat Wrestler 1, she would exhaust herself and might not have the strength to beat the other two.

Iyare stood opposite Wrestler 1, the two of them staring at each other, each trying to understand the other's strategy. It looked like a harmless gaze, but it was a mental battle between them.

Bang!

The gong sounded, signaling the start of the match. Iyare observed every move her opponent made. She was never one to attack first, especially when she knew nothing about the man before her.

Wrestler 1 didn't take Iyare seriously. From the beginning, his only goal was to ruin Efosa's reputation. Seeing that Iyare wasn't attacking, he interpreted it as a sign of weakness.

He decided to end the fight faster than he had with his previous opponent. Wrestler 1 was from the second region and didn't believe Efosa had genuine skills. After watching him closely during the rite of passage, Wrestler 1 was convinced Efosa's reputation was exaggerated.

Wrestler 1 lunged forward aggressively, attempting to overwhelm Iyare with sheer strength. He grabbed at her with both hands, aiming for a powerful throw.

Iyare, seeing this, sidestepped with agility, narrowly avoiding his grip. Wrestler 1 recovered quickly, his powerful arms sweeping again. This time, he managed to grab Iyare's waist. With a grunt of effort, Wrestler 1 hoisted her off the ground, intending to slam her into the sand.

But Iyare, known for her flexibility, twisted mid-air and landed lightly on her feet, breaking free. The crowd gasped as she evaded what seemed like certain defeat.

Osaro, about to smile in satisfaction, cursed under his breath, while Edosa and Osaze let out breaths they hadn't realized they were holding. It would be a disaster if Iyare lost so easily.

Frustrated, Wrestler 1 charged recklessly. Iyare remained calm. After two exchanges, she identified a weakness. This time, she decided not just to defend but to actively counterattack. Her movements were swift and precise. Ducking under a wide swing, she countered with a low sweep that knocked Wrestler 1 off his feet.

He crashed into the sand, stunned by the unexpected move. Before he could recover, Iyare pinned him firmly to the ground.

Wrestler 1 wasn't the only one stunned. The onlookers were equally shocked. Even the king, who had shown little interest until then, nodded in satisfaction.

Cheers erupted after the initial shock.

There was no time to be wasted, after Iyare's first victory, she fought with the other two winners and successful win three match in a roll.

This outcome had shocked everyone but the crowd were pleased.

"Efosa! Efosa!" the crowd chanted.

Hearing her brother's name being cheered, Iyare sighed and returned to her seat. Many young men started cheering for her too, but Iyare felt deeply sad.

She was the one who had worked hard to earn the victory, yet the glory belonged to her brother.

"You did well," General Edosa said lightly, touching her shoulder. Iyare just nodded her head feeling a bit excited that her grandfather recognized her skills.

Other fights followed, but none left as lasting an impression as Iyare's.

Osagie also managed to win his match, regaining his lost confidence. The festival continued with singing and dancing.

Iyare, however, hated how the boys kept trying to talk to her. She feared that if she engaged in deep conversations, her secret might be revealed. Just as she stood up to leave and switch back with her brother, the swordsmanship competition began.

"Efosa, I heard you're brilliant with swords. I'd like to challenge you," a young man stepped forward.

"I'd accept your challenge, but during the wrestling match, I injured my wrist. I'm afraid I won't be able to fight," Iyare said, showing her swollen wrist.

She had injured her wrist during the second round but had pressed on.

"If you're hurt, why didn't you let the physician examine it?" The young man's voice was loud, attracting attention.

"It's nothing serious. I just can't hold a sword for a day or two. It's not that painful," Iyare said. She then excused herself to step outside.

In truth, Iyare could still hold a sword and fight, but her injury would slow her down. Besides, she felt she shouldn't attract too much attention after her victory in wrestling. She needed to give others a chance to shine.

"Efosa, His Majesty has asked me to take you to see the royal physician," a palace servant said, stopping her.

"It's not serious. I can bear this little pain," Iyare protested, trying to attract her grandfather's attention.

"Efosa, this is His Majesty's kindness. You can't refuse it," General Edosa said firmly. He understood why his granddaughter did not want to see the king, but no one is allowed to refuse the king.

Understanding the consequences of rejecting the king's kindness, Iyare reluctantly followed the servant.