It was a pain since I was now left with over an hour of free time. It was already 3:00 PM, standard for the end of Main Courses.
On Mondays, we only had General courses taught to us in our Mains, so all departments used the same hall for the Lectures. However, tomorrow would be different. There were several other Halls around so we were sure to be having Specialized courses in other classes.
“Should I just begin the process here?” I whispered.
No, there were too many eyes around and I rather preferred privacy when processing the herbs I collected. I also didn’t dare to meditate in such a place since I needed absolute concentration. Realizing there was nothing better to do, I decided to bring out a book and engross myself in reading to while away the time until the duel began.
*************************
They say time flies when you’re having fun. I suppose the same can be said for reading since I wasn’t even aware of how much time had passed while being engrossed in the texts I diligently studied.
‘Ah, did I overdo it?’ I mumbled, realizing the time clocked 5:09 PM, when all Electives ended exactly nine minutes before.
Well, there was no problem if he waited for me just for a few minutes since he delayed me for longer.
Closing my book, I kept it in the small bag I wore by my side. After making sure I had packed up, I carried the sack that remained beside me and made my way out of the hall— it was already abandoned.
The Hall wasn’t closed until 6:00 PM, in case some preferred reading or sleeping there. I hadn’t overextended my stay, so it was all good.
Leaving the classroom, I went outside, met with a dimly lit sky. It was evening already, and the cool weather caused more clouds to gather than usual. The surroundings weren’t dark, though, since ever-glowing lamps could be found in nearly every area of the campus.
I quickly shook my head, deciding that was enough sightseeing. With steady steps, my body naturally gravitated toward the arena where I would face Edward— the backyard of our Lecture Hall.
By the time I got there, Edward was waiting. Not just him, but nearly the total number of our classmates. I saw their eyes beam the moment I made my appearance, flashing their teeth in excitement.
‘Did they think I wouldn’t show?’ My mind trailed as I stepped forward.
“You’re here, uh? I thought you weren’t going to come.” Edward said, confirming my suspicion.
The students formed a semi-circle and gave a lot of space at the center so we could duke it out freely. If I wasn’t aware of the whole situation, the whole thing nearly looked like a gang-up.
Needless to say, I shrugged a little and set my eyes on the young boy. He indeed looked more mature than his age. His height and build were bigger than a usual 13-year-old, and he had a passionate glow in his eyes that was unbefitting of his barely teenage status.
From the corner of my eye, I spotted Ana, his dear friend. She watched from the forefront of the crowd, her face depicting sadness. If Edward was considerate, he would have noticed the girl’s feelings and called off the match. However, men like him had big egos. I needed to make him see for himself… how wrong he was!
“Since we’re all here, let us begin…”
My voice was smooth and calm, apparently surprising everyone. Edward had a thick skin, so he simply stood directly opposite.me, waiting for my condition for the duel.
“We’ll be having a battle duel… where we both get to choose our means of fighting. Of course, you’re a martial artist who practices sword arts, so you’ll be using a sword, yeah?” I smiled.
He nodded, but the hesitancy in his eyes hadn’t vanished. The question ringing in everyone’s mind was the same… what form of fighting would I adopt.
The Magic Users already knew that my magic ability was downright frightening. My victory was guaranteed on that route.
“… And you’ll be using magic, yeah?” Edward responded with a question.
From the look of suspicion and uncertainty in his eyes, the others might have already told him of my Magic capabilities. His wariness was proof of that— that didn’t make him back down, though.
“No, you’re wrong…” I replied.
Chanting silently, I caused the ground beneath me to move. The earth rose, a portion of it anyway. Sand-like particles gathered at a single point, forming an object that rose to my hand.
In a few moments, the object’s creation was complete and I gripped it tightly with my right hand. Everyone was astounded. They let out voices of surprise, and why wouldn’t they be?
In my hand was a sword entirely made from earth. Since I didn’t have a proper weapon, I had to make do with this. Why would I need a sword? One might have asked…
“… I’ll be using Martial Arts… the same as you, Sword Art!”
My statement struck a chord in Edward as he gave a very deep frown in response to my statement. His brow furrowed in agitation as his fists were clenched.
“You dare… look down on me?”
His tone was very grave, and the eyes he gave me indicated seething fury. This was as a result of a hurt pride!
“Am I looking down on you, though? How presumptuous of you to assume that I am not equally as skilled as you in Martial Arts, even the Sword Arts you practice.”
My grin broadened while his scowl deepened. Unlike my opponent, I was never conceited— neither was I immature in both mind and body.
My decision not to use magic was based on sound judgment, and after observing him now… I was certain!
There was no way this boy could win against me in a sword fight!
“Shall we begin?”