Chapter 6: The First Duel
Kazuki stood in the center of the training area, his heart pounding. Around him, female knights gathered, forming a loose circle. Their eyes gleamed with anticipation, whispers and chuckles passing between them.
"Elara's really going to duel a man?"
"Does he even know how to hold a sword?"
Kazuki swallowed, his gaze fixed on Elara as she paced in front of him, her silver hair catching the afternoon light. She twirled her sword effortlessly, the blade slicing through the air with a deadly whoosh.
"Ready?" she asked, her golden eyes narrowing.
Kazuki gripped the wooden practice sword in his hands. It felt lighter than the real one he had held before, but the weight of what was about to happen pressed down on him.
"Ready," he said, forcing his legs to stop shaking.
Elara smirked. "Good."
Without warning, she lunged forward, her sword slicing down at his shoulder. Kazuki barely managed to sidestep, the tip of her blade grazing his shirt.
"Too slow," Elara said, spinning around and bringing her sword down again.
Kazuki raised his own weapon, catching her strike with a loud clang. The impact jarred his arms, and he nearly lost his grip.
'Damn... she's fast!' Kazuki thought, gritting his teeth.
[Skill Copy - Active.]
[Analyzing Target's Combat Style...]
Elara swung again, this time aiming for his ribs. Kazuki ducked, narrowly avoiding the blow.
[Skill Acquired: Blade Mastery - Beginner Rank.]
Kazuki's mind flooded with the knowledge he had copied earlier—the basics of swordplay, how to block, how to counter. His muscles moved on instinct, bringing his sword up just in time to deflect Elara's next strike.
"Huh," Elara said, eyebrows raised. "Not bad."
Kazuki smirked. "There's more where that came from."
He stepped forward, launching a counterattack. Elara parried, but Kazuki kept pressing forward, his strikes more precise, his movements more fluid.
"You've improved," Elara said, her expression serious now. "But... it's not enough!"
Elara's foot shot out, sweeping Kazuki's legs from under him. He crashed to the ground, the wooden sword slipping from his hand. Before he could react, Elara's blade was at his throat.
The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter.
"Guess the boy had it coming."
"Did he really think he could beat Elara?"
Kazuki clenched his fists, staring up at Elara. The weight of her sword pressed against his skin, and her eyes glowed with intensity.
"You've got potential," she said, lowering her weapon. "But you're still a long way from being a real fighter."
Kazuki sat up, rubbing his sore back. "I'll get stronger."
Elara's gaze softened for a moment, then she turned away. "See that you do."
Kazuki watched her go, his jaw clenched. 'I need to get stronger... and to do that, I need more skills to copy.'
But as the crowd dispersed, one pair of eyes remained fixed on Kazuki—a woman leaning against the barracks wall, her arms crossed and a smirk playing on her lips.
"Not bad for a man," she said softly. "But let's see how long you can keep up."