Elomburg’s Entrance Exam (3)

I'm a little taken aback that this instructor thinks so highly of me.

I simple nod and he looks at me for a few seconds before turning and gathering everyone's attention again.

I can't help but wonder if that's really all there is to my strange power, simple rage. I haven't put my finger on it, but it feels like there's more to it.

We're directed back inside now and guided to a large room. There's several white rings on the floor and another group is currently in the middle of their exam.

They seem to have around twenty five people like ours and most watch as two people fight using hand to hand combat.

There's three judges on a raised platform taking notes. A series of thuds later and a girl with blonde hair stands victorious.

I can't hear what the judges say, but it apparently makes the girl happy as she practically bounces out of the ring.

Our instructor goes over and talks to theirs and soon they exit the room, apparently finished.

He turns back to us and announces what most had already guessed.

"Third test, unarmed combat. Not only will you be trying to win against your opponent, the judges here can decide if you pass or fail based on the performance. This is so that if two skilled people enter against one another, each have a fair chance of passing."

He casts his gaze around at each of us.

"Who wants to go first?"

I'm already moving before anyone else. They're still looking around, trying to see who they might win against, that doesn't matter to me. I know I'll win.

The bored instructor had a hint of amusement at my willingness.

"Alright, that's one. Who wants to fight Kelric?"

To my surprise the fiery haired girl takes a step forward.

"I'll go."

Her eyes are fierce and I think she's upset that Elias and I stole her thunder during the affinity test.

"Okay, there we have it. Kelric Bladebane versus Marinah Pyne. Enter the circle and begin on my signal. It should be obvious, but if you step out past the line, you lose."

We stand facing one another and I feel the familiar battle energy course through me and my control slips a little.

"Fight!"

The rage burns hot and my bloodlust is released, Marinah falls backwards as I rush forward.

My fingers are straight and ready to pierce flesh as I stab with it.

My hand is caught by the instructor, inches from her throat. His hand is trembling, trying to hold me back.

"Kelric enough!"

My rage burns out and I realize I was about to sink my fingers into her esophagus.

I relax and the instructor let's go of me. His voice is low so that only I can hear.

"Were you trying to kill her? And that bloodlust.. you have some explaining to do later boy."

I can feel my anger flare again, but I instantly push it down.

The instructor had moved back a step defensively after my bloodlust leaked again.

"I'm no boy."

These are the only words I can say.

We stare at each other for a long, hard moment before he grunts.

He turns to the others and clears his throat.

"Alright, while that happened a little fast, I hope you get the gist of this works now. Everyone, pair up and claim a circle. The judges and I will intervene if things get dicey, like just now."

My group now seemed to be a little more wary of me and I curse my impulsiveness.

'I'm not here to kill! I'm not in the gods damn arena anymore you idiot!'

While everyone went to find a partner, I made my way to the edge of the room to continue my self berating words.

I look up after some time and see the girl I almost killed walking towards me.

'Oh shit.. I bet she's mad and wants an apology.'

My thoughts are turned upside down as she sticks a hand out to me.

"I'm Marinah Pyne."

I'm so confused by her actions that my response is a little terse.

"I know."

She blushed slightly.

"Oh yeah.. I guessed my name was said earlier.."

Her hand was still out towards me. I don't know what to do, so I don't do anything.

Her blush deepens as she tries again.

"You're pretty skilled at fighting."

"I know."

I think she's going to cry.

"... Do you want to be friends Kelric…?"

I've never seen someone's face so red who wasn't angry.

"Uh.. sure."

"T-Then you should shake my hand!"

"Oh.."

I reach out and take her hand, it's soft and small. I control my grip as to not break it.

After the shake is over, she stands there in silence looking at me.

I look at her.

No one speaks.

Then I hear Elias call out to me.

"Ooouuu already putting the moves on. You're a sly dog Kelric."

I see him give a wink and Marinah runs away as if I threatened to kill her.

'Well, I did almost kill her.'

Confused by his words, I ask him what moves I was putting on.

Elias's face beamed brightly and I know he's about to tease me for something.

I guess my confusion throws him off his stride and he deflates, sighing loudly.

"Kelric… are you perhaps, dense?"

My mouth falls open in shock, I'm not even mad as I wonder why he just insulted me.

Our group is smaller by four when we leave this test and head to the next.

I see Marinah still with us and I guess that she got another chance to prove herself.

I'm at the back of the group when we are directed to enter another room.

The instructor is leaning on the wall and catches my eye.

I slow my steps and let the door close, leaving the two of us alone.

His face and voice are no longer bored, he's serious as death when he speaks.

"I'm giving you a special warning Kelric. This next test is with weapons. Control yourself, the consequences will be severe if you accidentally kill your opponent."

I clench my jaw as my teeth grind. I'm not even angry at his words. I'm just upset with myself for allowing my rage to consume me so throughly earlier.

I nod to let him know I understand and his expression eases a little.

"Good, now that that's settled… you wouldn't mind telling me why your bloodlust is thick would you..?"

"I.. would."

He waits for me to explain a little impatiently.

"Well then, let's hear it already."

I shake my head a little.

"I would mind telling you. It's not any of your business."

We stare at each other.

A tense moment passes.

Then, he laughs loudly.

"Gods above kid, your so damn serious.. Hahaha!"

His flip flopping attitude irritates me and I let my anger loose a little.

It has the desired effect and the man is instantly on guard.

My smile at him is predatory, there is no humor in it. It's the same one I gave to many men before their hearts had stopped beating.