Chapter 44 UNEXPECTED DUEL
In the training room, two boys clashed with their spirit weapons glowing brightly.
One held a double sided axe while the other, a white curved great sword.
Loud clangs erupted as the weapons kissed occasionally.
Xenon's strikes came in force as he threw his axe back and forth in timmed precision, his foot work steady and balanced.
Another clang echoed as Mark managed to block an axe strike to the side, with his great sword.
His hands were slightly shaking as he forced the control of his sword.
Unlike Xenon who's body was fit enough to wield his long axe, Mark's body was the opposite.
He was tall slim and lanky, making the great sword contrast against his body.
"Come on Mark, put your back into it!"
Sir Raymond said loudly as he observed them from a distance.
Another strike came from Xenon, he brought his axe over his head and down.
CLANG
Mark raised his sword above his head and blocked the axe strike.
"Argh.."
He groaned as he dropped one knee on the floor, his hands till holding the sword above his head.
Xenon pressed his axe down with more strength.
"Argh... damn it.."
Mark groaned the suddenly bent the sword to the side, making the axe slide down and hit the ground.
He then spun his body and struck Xenon in the chest with elbow.
Xenon groaned as he was pushed back, and before he could move, Mark abandoned his great sword and rushed forward.
He spun his body again and landed a back kick at Xenon's side.
BAM..
Xenon groaned as he flew back and crashed to the smooth surface of the platform.
"That's enough!"
Sir Raymond said as he approached the platform.
"What was that?"
He asked Mark.
Mark was confused.
"We fought and I won"
Sir Raymond raised his brows.
"You called that fighting. You abandoned your spirit weapon, who does that?"
"It's just so heavy"
Mark groaned.
Sir Raymond looked at him for a while.
"Your spirit beast is a Rhinoceros, right?"
Mark nodded.
"A Rhinoceros is a strong beast that depends on its strength. You need strength to control such powerful weapon. You're skilled in speed and agility, it's nice, but it's the wrong training.
In other words you're fighting against your spirit beast. You need to work more and build your strength so you'll be able to draw out power from your weapon"
Mark nodded.
"Yes sir"
"Alright"
Sir Raymond faced the others students.
"Roman, you don't have a spirit weapon, that's fine, grab a weapon from the racks and get up here"
Roman nodded and stood.
He he took a wooden staff and climbed up the platform.
"Mark, pick up your spirit weapon and clash with Roman "
Sir Raymond said and walked away.
Mark's eyes widened as his body trembled.
Roman looked at Mark, spun his bow staff skillfully and took a battle pose.
"Wait..sir?"
Mark stuttered.
"Do I really have to fight him, I mean he's way stronger than a lot of us so I..."
"What they hell bro..!"
Roman suddenly snapped.
"So what... why did joined the academy in the first place if you're going to be scared to fight.
What are you going to do if you are out there in the battle field with numerous opponents who are stronger than you?
Are you gonna fight or chicken out..?"
Roman snapped with eyes glowing red.
"He's right. You all need to take note of that"
Sir Raymond nodded.
Mark took silent breath and grabbed his great sword, holding it firmly with both hands.
Roman coated his bow staff with spirit energy and dashed forward without wasting time.
Mark raised his sword and brought it down with all the strength he could muster.
BAM..
The sword struck nothing as it hit the ground.
Roman appeared by his side, spun his bow staff and cleared Mark off his feet.
Whoa..
Before Mark could hit the ground, Roman spun his body again thrust his staff forward.
BAM..
The head of the staff hit Mark on the side and the force sent him flying of the platform and crashed on the ground with a thud.
It happened so fast.
Roman stood straight and hung the staff on his shoulder.
"You showed great skills"
Sir Raymond nodded.
"Billy, get up there and clash with Roman"
A strange wind suddenly blew.
Bryon and Lan's eyes widened.
They slowly looked at Billy.
Sylver smirked.
Billy showed no expression on his usual grumpy face as he stood.
He climbed up the platform and his eyes landed on Roman.
Roman spun his staff with one hand, caught it and pointed it at Billy.
"Been a while huh?"
Roman smirked.
TBC