Chapter 1 - 6, The start of the martial arts competition

Saphire woke slowly, feeling the warm morning sunlight enter through the gaps in the lodging room's curtains. She sat up on the bed, closed her eyes for a moment, and savored the rare silence amid her challenging journey through life. After a while, she got up and stretched her muscles, which felt refreshed after get enough rest

Then, Saphire walked toward the small bathroom in the corner of the room. The cold water splashed on her face refreshed her and awakened her spirit. With deliberate care, she began preparing herself—donning comfortable and practical combat attire, tidying her jet-black hair, and ensuring her faithful katana was securely fastened at her waist.

Just as she was getting ready, a soft voice from behind the blanket caught her attention. "Mama…"

Turning around, Saphire was slightly surprised to see Aria, who had woken earlier than expected. With eyes still drowsy, Aria sat on the bed and looked up at Saphire with an innocent gaze. Hearing Aria call her "Mama" sent a flutter through Saphire's heart—it was the first time anyone had addressed her that way, and a warm feeling spread inside her.

Saphire smiled gently, but before she could answer, Aria asked hesitantly, "Do you mind if I call you that?"

Calming herself, Saphire replied in a soft voice, "Not, of course not, Aria. You can call me Mama."

Hearing this, Aria beamed in relief. "Mama, where are you going?" she asked curiously.

Finishing her preparations, Saphire looked at Aria kindly and said, "Mama is going to participate in the martial arts competition that's being held right now."

Aria's eyes widened in amazement. "A martial arts competition? Will Mama win?"

Saphire smiled slightly. "Definitely."

Aria nodded enthusiastically. "I'm sure Mama can win!"

Feeling the boost of Aria's support, Saphire bent down to give her a warm hug. "Wait here, Aria. Don't worry—I'll be back soon."

Leaving the room with Aria still smiling happily in the lodging, Saphire stepped out, clutching a small metal token—the mark of a registered competitor—firmly in her hand. That morning, the city streets felt fresh, filled with the aroma of toasted bread wafting from nearby bakeries. The chirping of birds seemed to welcome the new day, while vendors opened their kiosks and displayed their goods along the roadside.

As she walked past buildings adorned with distinctive ornaments—a blend of ancient architecture and modern touches—the city's hustle grew more apparent. Residents filled the streets, busy with their own activities, and Saphire's keen eyes caught every detail—from artisans diligently at work to children laughing as they ran among the crowd.

Approaching the arena, the throng of people grew denser. The arena itself was a grand structure built of sturdy stone, its tall stands encircling it, while flags of various colors waved overhead, adding life to the majestic edifice. Without needing to register again, Saphire strode straight to the exclusive participants' entrance, passing by several guards who nodded at her respectfully—recognizing her as a registered competitor. She returned their nod with a brief gesture, her eyes focused on her goal.

Inside the arena, anticipation hung in the air. Competitors busied themselves—some stretching their muscles or checking their weapons, others sitting calmly with closed eyes as they concentrated. Saphire moved to a quiet corner, took a deep breath, and centered her energy, her katana poised at her side.

Soon, the roar of the crowd from outside signaled that the competition was about to begin. Standing up, Saphire tightened her grip on her katana and stepped out of the preparation area. The cheers grew louder as she advanced toward the center of the arena, where battle after battle was to unfold.

The atmosphere shifted the moment Saphire entered the arena. Enthusiastic cheers filled the air with an almost tangible energy. The arena was vast and open, with firm, level ground designed for intense combat. Around her, the stands were packed with people from all walks of life, their faces alive with hope and excitement.

At the center stood a simple yet sturdy judging table, where several judges in formal attire sat with serious expressions, ready to evaluate each contest with meticulous care.

Saphire positioned herself in the warm-up area, watching her opponents prepare. Some competitors looked highly trained, their athletic builds evident, while others appeared more casual yet exuded confidence. Some checked their weapons, while others engaged in light exercises to warm up. Ensuring her katana was secure, she did a few quick stretches, focusing on her breathing to stay calm, and occasionally glanced at the judges and the fighting area—sensing the atmosphere and anticipating her opponents' strategies.

Not long after, a loud-voiced announcer declared that the competition was about to commence. Adrenaline surged through Saphire as she watched the first competitor step into the arena. The audience roared their approval, their excitement infectious.

When her name was called, Saphire stepped forward. Her first opponent was a large, muscular man with a serious expression, wielding a massive axe that spoke of his martial prowess. The announcer introduced both fighters, and the bout began. With his axe swinging powerfully, the man tried to attack at close range. Yet, with honed speed, Saphire dodged his assault with nimble grace.

With one swift movement, she countered using the basic katana technique she'd mastered. Her strike was precise, forcing her opponent to retreat to avoid the next blow. The fight was intense, and Saphire showcased extraordinary skill in controlling her weapon and evading attacks.

Finally, with a dazzling move, she defeated her first opponent. The audience's cheers grew louder, celebrating her victory. Standing tall in the center of the arena, Saphire savored the satisfaction of her initial win.

She then left the arena for the rest area to recover her strength. Her spirit burned brighter with each victory, fueling her readiness for the next challenge. With unwavering determination, she knew that every fight was a vital step toward achieving her goal in the martial arts competition.

After several minutes, Saphire's name was called again—this time for a bout against a sorcerer. Stepping into the arena, she sensed adrenaline pulsing through her as she faced a new challenge.

In the middle of the arena, she fixed her gaze on her opponent—a sorcerer dressed in a dark robe with a pointed hat partially concealing his face. The sorcerer appeared calm, gripping his magic wand steadily. The audience watched with bated breath, eager for the action to unfold.

Saphire's eyes drifted toward the stands, where she spotted Aria sitting with Elara. Although Elara seemed occupied managing the lodging, she had made the effort to bring Aria to watch Saphire's fight. With a cheerful, enthusiastic smile, Aria waved and cheered loudly, calling out "Mama!" every time she saw her.

The battle began. The sorcerer swiftly waved his wand and started chanting incantations. A thick fog enveloped the arena, limiting Saphire's vision. Yet she remained calm and focused, aware that the fog was merely an initial tactic to disorient her.

Suddenly, Saphire sensed an unusual vibration in the air—the sorcerer was gathering energy for a powerful attack. A large ball of water formed above her head, ready to be unleashed. Quickly, she drew her katana and executed a Wind Slash. The sharp gust swept the water ball away before it could reach her, effectively repelling the attack.

Realizing that Saphire had countered his move, the sorcerer shifted his attention to the incoming Wind Slash. Amid the ensuing chaos, Saphire seized her chance by using Shadow Step. With her speed effectively doubled, she moved behind the sorcerer undetected.

While the sorcerer was still focused on the direction of her attack, Saphire was already behind him. In an instant, her katana sliced with lethal precision. Shocked and panicking, the sorcerer saw her approaching from behind and realized his vulnerable position. In despair, he chose to surrender.

"Enough!" he cried, conceding without further fight. The audience roared in approval. Standing tall, Saphire lowered her katana in triumph. The crowd erupted in applause, and Aria cheered the loudest, her calls of "Mama!" echoing throughout the arena—an outpouring of deep pride and support.

Waving at Aria and Elara with a smile, Saphire felt both relief and satisfaction with her victory. She left the arena, ready to continue her battles in the competition, buoyed by the sincere support of those who meant so much to her.

After a brief rest to recover her stamina and steady her breath, Saphire prepared for her final match—the deciding battle of the martial arts competition. The arena buzzed with anticipation as the audience cheered, eager to witness the ultimate duel. Aria and Elara sat among the crowd, their eyes fixed on Saphire as she readied herself in a corner of the arena.

Her final opponent was a seasoned swordfighter—a tough and experienced warrior with a sturdy, muscular build. Clad in light armor and armed with a long, razor-sharp sword, his piercing gaze radiated determination, as if he were ready to give everything to win the fight.

The two fighters sized each other up as the arena filled with the cheers of onlookers. But Saphire's focus was singular: victory.

When the bell rang to signal the start of the match, the man immediately launched a vertical strike with his sword. Saphire swiftly sidestepped the blow with agile finesse. The ground cracked where his sword had struck, a testament to the sheer force behind his attack.

Knowing that a frontal assault would not break through such a formidable defense, Saphire relied on her agility and speed. Activating Shadow Step, she vanished from her opponent's sight and reappeared behind him, launching a swift attack with her katana.

The man reacted with remarkable speed, twisting his body and raising his sword to block the strike. The collision of steel produced a resounding clang that echoed throughout the arena. Yet despite Saphire's rapid movements, she felt the brute force of his counterattack, which pushed her back several steps.

Realizing that a direct assault would not be effective, Saphire adjusted her strategy. She waited patiently, exploiting every gap in her opponent's defense to deliver quick, precise strikes. Combining Wind Slash with Shadow Step, she began to sap his stamina.

She slashed from a distance with Wind Slash, forcing him to block with his sword. But each time he defended the long-range attack, she swiftly closed in with a close-range strike using Shadow Step, leaving him struggling to predict her next move.

Though he withstood attack after attack—demonstrating extraordinary strength and resilience—Saphire began to notice signs of fatigue. His breaths grew labored, his movements slowed, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Seizing the opportunity, Saphire dodged his powerful strikes with agile movements and then unleashed a decisive combination: a Wind Slash followed by another Shadow Step. Her successive attacks finally breached his defenses, sending him crashing to the ground as his sword slipped from his grasp.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Saphire stood victorious. Among the spectators, Aria cheered the loudest, calling out "Mama!" with unbridled enthusiasm. Though exhausted, Saphire felt a deep satisfaction from the intense battle—she had proven her skill and won the competition with undeniable superiority.

As she left the arena, the roar of the crowd gradually subsided. Her steps were steady despite the hint of fatigue, and her sharp, gleaming eyes remained alert to her surroundings. Carrying the metal token symbolizing her victory felt heavy in her pocket—not because of its physical weight, but because of the meaning and hope it carried.

People around began whispering a new nickname for her—"The Deadly Outsider." This title captured the impression she left: a foreign fighter who emerged suddenly, with speed and precision that seemed almost supernatural. Some gazed at her with admiration, their eyes filled with respect and perhaps a touch of fear; others, less confident or feeling threatened, stepped back quickly to make way.

As she walked further, Saphire felt a chill at her back, yet she refused to be distracted. She had succeeded—the battle was over and the prize was hers. But it wasn't just the gold she carried out of the arena; she also bore a greater responsibility, especially toward Aria.

At the arena's exit, two familiar figures waited for her. Elara smiled gently, while Aria beamed and waved excitedly. Aria's pale blonde hair shone under the sunlight like fine strands of gold cascading down her back. Saphire could see the pride in the little girl's eyes, and her heart softened as all the fatigue of the battle faded away.

When they met, Aria immediately ran to Saphire and wrapped her in a tight hug. "Mama, you're amazing!" she exclaimed enthusiastically. Saphire felt a warmth flow through her—a feeling that couldn't be bought with gold or fame.

Then Elara stepped closer with an understanding smile. "You impressed many people today, Saphire," she said. "But remember, this victory also means you must be more cautious. Many will be watching you now."

Saphire nodded, understanding the truth in Elara's words.

Later, Saphire, Elara, and Aria walked back to the lodging after the martial arts competition. Throughout the journey, Aria, still brimming with excitement from Saphire's triumph, chattered away and praised her new "Mama's" abilities. Mid-conversation, Aria looked at Saphire with hopeful eyes and asked, "Mama, can I be trained to be as strong as you?"

Saphire paused, slightly taken aback by the request, and looked down at Aria, who raised her face with great hope. "How old are you now, Aria?" she asked softly.

"I'm nine years old," Aria replied proudly, as if her age bestowed extra strength.

For a moment, Saphire fell silent, unsure how to answer the little girl's request. Training someone so young in the art of combat seemed like a heavy burden—especially in a world filled with danger.

However, before Saphire could decide, Elara intervened.

"Saphire," Elara said wisely, "training children in both physical combat and magic can actually be more effective. Children possess flexible muscles and raw magical energy that grow as they mature. When they reach adolescence, they can develop physical strength and magical abilities far beyond what most adults possess."

Pondering Elara's words, Saphire realized that training Aria in magic might indeed be the best path—after all, in this dangerous world, magic could help Aria protect herself and perhaps become even stronger than Saphire had ever imagined.

"I'll consider it, Aria," Saphire finally said. "But you must be prepared—no slacking if you truly want to be strong."

Aria nodded enthusiastically, a wide smile lighting up her face. "I'm ready, Mama!"

Saphire smiled softly in return.