Chapter 139: KENJUTSU
Scene: The energy in the stadium reaches new heights as Volkra steps into the ring for his match. The crowd watches eagerly, their excitement building after Milton's first-round victory. Standing across from him is his opponent—Brennan, a lean but strong recruit with piercing eyes and a calm demeanor.
Narrator: The second match of the tournament has begun, and all eyes are on Volkra and Brennan. Both recruits hail from the Holy Island, and both have trained hard to reach this moment. But only one will walk away victorious.
The instructor steps up, calling the two forward.
Instructor: (firmly) Step to the ring, Volkra and Brennan. Remember the rules, and fight with honor.
Volkra and Brennan nod, bowing respectfully before taking their positions. Volkra's grin is confident, almost taunting, while Brennan's gaze remains steady, unreadable.
Volkra: (grinning) Hope you're ready to lose, Brennan. I don't plan on holding back.
Brennan: (smirking) We'll see. Talk is cheap, Volkra. Let's see if you can back it up.
With a swift movement, Brennan charges forward, his sword flashing as he strikes at Volkra. Volkra meets the attack with his own blade, their swords clashing with a resounding ring. They lock eyes, each determined to gain the upper hand.
Volkra: (mockingly) Not bad, but you're gonna have to do better than that to keep up with me!
Brennan: (chuckling) I could say the same to you, Volkra.
Narrator: The fight begins with a fast exchange of sword strikes and kicks, each combatant pushing the other back and forth across the ring. Their movements are quick and precise, but neither one seems able to gain the advantage.
The crowd watches in awe as the two recruits trade blows, their skills evenly matched. Volkra blocks an overhead strike from Brennan, quickly countering with a swift kick that Brennan narrowly dodges.
Volkra: (smiling) You're pretty fast, I'll give you that.
Brennan: (nodding) Fast enough to beat you.
Brennan ducks low, swinging his sword at Volkra's legs. Volkra jumps back, narrowly avoiding the attack, and gives Brennan a nod of respect.
Volkra: (seriously) Alright, Brennan. Let's stop playing around. Time to get serious.
The two recruits step back, their expressions shifting from playful banter to intense focus. A silence falls over the crowd as they watch the two young warriors concentrate. Volkra and Brennan simultaneously release their Divine Mana, their auras shimmering with power as they prepare to unleash their true abilities.
Volkra grips his sword tightly, a confident smirk crossing his face as he gathers energy for a powerful strike. But Brennan, his eyes narrowing, raises his hand and summons a powerful sphere of mana.
Brennan: (shouting) Holy Bomb!
Volkra's eyes widen in surprise as the glowing sphere of energy hurtles toward him.
Volkra: (shocked) Holy Bomb? How do you know that move?
The Holy Bomb slams into Volkra, and he brings his arms up, blocking it with his hands. The explosion of mana pushes him back, leaving burns on his forearms as he struggles to remain standing. He stumbles, momentarily dazed.
The instructor, seeing Volkra's condition, steps forward.
Instructor: (calling out) Volkra, do you want to forfeit?
Volkra doesn't answer immediately, his mind racing. But as he looks around, his gaze falls on King Thalanor, watching intently from the stands. Volkra remembers something he witnessed just a week ago—a flash of inspiration in a moment of doubt.
Narrator: A memory surfaces in Volkra's mind. Just days before, he'd seen King Thalanor practicing his swordsmanship in the courtyard, performing a technique unlike any other. The king had moved with such speed and precision, and Volkra had heard him name the technique: Kenjutsu.
In the flashback, Volkra watches the king in silent awe, his blade moving with such power that it seemed almost impossible to replicate. Volkra hadn't been able to forget it since.
The memory fades, and Volkra finds himself back in the present, facing Brennan, who is already preparing to strike again. Volkra takes a deep breath, his mind clear.
Volkra: (to himself) Kenjutsu… maybe I can pull it off. Just one clean strike.
He picks up his sword, his expression now serious and determined. Brennan charges, closing in for a decisive blow, but Volkra closes his eyes, focusing his energy. When he opens them, he is completely calm.
Volkra: (whispering) Kenjutsu: Fourth Movement—Swift Cut.
The crowd falls silent as Volkra assumes a stance, his sword angled precisely. King Thalanor's eyes widen in recognition as he realizes what Volkra is about to do. In one fluid, almost invisible motion, Volkra slashes his sword through the air, the strike so fast and powerful that a faint shimmer follows his blade.
Brennan barely has time to react before he's struck, the force of the blow knocking him backward. He stumbles and falls, sliding out of the ring and landing just beyond the boundary.
Narrator: The crowd gasps in astonishment as the ring falls silent. Volkra's victory is clear, but the sheer speed and power of his final strike leave everyone in awe. He has performed a technique that only the king himself has mastered.
Volkra stands in the center of the ring, breathing heavily, his expression triumphant yet humble. He looks over at Brennan, who rises slowly, rubbing his shoulder with a sheepish grin.
Brennan: (grinning) Alright, Volkra… I'll give it to you. That was impressive.
Volkra: (smiling) Thanks, Brennan. You're a tough opponent—I had to give it everything I had.
The crowd bursts into applause, their cheers echoing through the stadium. In the VIP seating area, King Thalanor sits back in his chair, clearly impressed.
King Thalanor: (to himself, smiling) The boy's got talent. I didn't think he'd master Kenjutsu so quickly.
Volkra bows to the audience, a wide grin on his face as he soaks in the applause. His friends rush forward, congratulating him with slaps on the back and proud smiles.
Milton: (cheering) That's how it's done, Volkra! You really pulled off the impossible.
Alexis: (grinning) I didn't know you were paying such close attention to the king's techniques. Guess you're full of surprises.
Volkra: (laughing) What can I say? I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.
As the crowd continues to cheer, the instructor steps forward, raising his hand for silence.
Instructor: (announcing) Victory goes to Number 5, Volkra! A hard-fought match. Let this be a reminder of the strength and resilience it takes to become a true knight.
Narrator: Volkra's victory is celebrated by all, his mastery of the king's technique leaving an indelible mark on everyone who witnessed it. The tournament is far from over, but already the recruits are proving that they are more than ready to take their place as knights of the South Nation.
The chapter ends with Volkra standing in the center of the ring, his head held high as his friends cheer him on. The next match awaits, but for now, Volkra basks in his hard-earned victory, his spirit burning brighter than ever.