Let The Challenge Begin
Valerie stepped forward slowly, her hand trembling as she prepared to face him. Aren braced himself, tightening his grip on the Smiling Blade, his eyes sharp and focused.
They clashed. Blow after blow echoed across the training grounds. Valerie moved fast, but Aren was faster, dodging her strikes and countering with ease at first.
But then… something strange happened.
The Smiling Blade started moving strangely, almost as if it was getting in Aren's way on purpose. It crossed his path right when he needed a clear swing.
"You're cheating, guy!" Aren snapped, glaring at the sword. But the blade ignored him, weaving again and again into his steps.
Valerie's attacks, even though filled with regret, started landing. Finally, Aren stumbled;tripped by the very sword meant to protect him and fell hard to the ground.
The Smiling Blade shimmered brightly and declared, "She has won! The girl got it!"
Aren stood up, brushing dust off himself, breathing heavily. He glared at the blade. "Keep quiet! You cheated. You were crossing my way on purpose."
The blade refused to admit it, instead continuing to celebrate, as if announcing a grand coronation.Aren forced a smile, shaking his head. "I said maybe I would consider helping her… but I'm not considering it anymore. So, get lost," he said, turning coldly to Valerie.
Valerie looked down, her eyes full of regret. She hadn't wanted to fight him in the first place. But Aren had insisted, forcing her into a battle she didn't truly want. Deep inside, she was unfocused, torn apart by guilt, and the Laughing Blade would have easily won; if not for the Smiling Blade's interference.
As Aren turned away, the Smiling Blade spoke again, voice firm. "I'm not accepting that. You have to hear her out. At least respect her , she's a woman, and she even managed to make you touch the ground."
"Stop that, not here. I didn't choose you to be the overseer of this challenge. So be quiet!" Aren snapped.
The blade came back stronger. "But you said I should deal with anyone who doesn't obey the challenge rules," it said, teasing him with an almost mocking tone.Aren went silent for a moment, his jaw tightening."I said I would consider it" he started.
The Smiling Blade interrupted sharply. "Oh? Then I must have missed that part. Well, it's already sealed now. If you don't help her, I'll deal with you."
Valerie watched, stunned, as Aren argued with his sword like it was a stubborn friend.
"Okay then, sure. Deal with me. I'm not helping her," Aren fired back stubbornly.
The Smiling Blade glowed brighter. "Okay then, since you refuse, you're no longer my bearer. If you don't decide right now, I'll leave you and follow her instead."
Aren glared, pointing at the blade. "Seriously? What's gotten into you? You just saw her today! What, you got feelings for her or something?"The Smiling Blade began to count down, its voice echoing almost playfully. "Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four…"
Aren sighed heavily, rolling his eyes. "Okay! I'll help her… but only after I finish Rank Two!"
"Yes! That's my boy!" the blade cheered proudly.Valerie stood there, her face softening in relief.Aren looked at her, exhaling sharply. "Please, excuse me. I have a training session to finish first," he said firmly.
"No, she stays," the blade interrupted quickly.
Aren stood there, completely thrown off. He shook his head, then turned to the blade. "You… let's get on with it," he muttered, gripping the sword again, preparing for his next session.
He stood with her back facing Valerie, he didn't want to see her face.
"But just as Aren begin his training, a chilling voice echoed behind them, 'Did you really think this was over?'"