Chapter 16
The Summit Tournament
What a crazy few days I have had. First I have become part of the assassins' guild after killing a duke. I ran into my brother at a masquerade ball. Finally I had a demi-god talk to me in my sleep, telling me to stop a champion of a rival demi-god.
The key to stopping this from happening is to accompany my friend Siena as she has found a secret passage into the lost city, a place where the source of the coming calamity is hiding. I told my whole story to Jennifer. I know I can trust her, and she knows I am not one to make this kind of stuff up.
“Interesting a demigod spoke to you in a dream, I guess my little Lara is kind of a big deal. So your friend found a secret entrance to the lost city?” She seems to be taking this in well.
“Yeah it's crazy how fate works, right now they are just speculating about it being the lost city. We are gathering a raid group all A ranks and up.” I explained.
“Then how did you get in? I thought you were only B rank.” She countered.
“I guess it was one of the conditions of Siena sharing the information with the guild. Ranking up in that stupid guild took way too long, anyways I am sure the guild master had no quarrel with it. I was the one who beat the beast-king score on their simulator.”
“ But you have yet to beat any of my scores on my simulator.” She rubbed it in.
“I tied one of them!” I very proudly claimed.
“I really wish I could come with you, it sounds incredibly dangerous. However I cant register with them for obvious reasons and following you would be suspicious” The reason is because the adventurer guild card includes race and unlike me she couldn't hide her race.
“Your strength would be really helpful, but I a think we are getting around 20 adventurer's. Some of them are even S rank. If things get bad I will escape with Siena, and we will make preparations to leave the city.” I will protect my own friends before I protect anyone else.
“So tomorrow you wanted the day off to go to the summit tournament? You think you are going to compete in it?” Jennifer asked.
“I wasn't planning on it, all I want to do is see my brothers and some good matches” The thought of competing hadn't really occurred. I would fine just spectating.
We continued our schedule and before I knew it, it was tomorrow.
I got up early because I wanted a good seat. I dressed up in one of my elven tunics and wore the earrings that gave the elf ear illusion as well as the hairpin for silver hair. As soon I was ready I grabbed a sweet roll and departed. The arena here was not as big as the coliseum in Toulia but still could fit quite a few spectators. I noticed there were two lines a long one for people watching and a short one for fighters who were registering.
Of course high ranking military officials as well as nobility could skip past the line, and head for their reserved booths. I was just enjoying the atmosphere it seems this event is highly anticipated, it reminded me of some of my kendo tournaments I used to attend.
I finally was close to the front of the line. I was enjoying a conversation with what looked like a middle class family who asked me questions about elves since their daughter was quite interested in them. I tried my best to give a genuine elf's point of view. Then she asked a question not related to elves but gender.
“So can a girl become a great fighter who can win this tournament? I want to be a fighter when I grow up.” The girl seemed really curious. Her parents didn't seem super enthused about her wanting to fight but obviously would let her choose her own path.
“Oh course! Why would you think that they couldn't?” I asked.
“Well that man earlier said that women are only good at raising kids and working in the house. He and some other guy with a bunch of guards were having a fight earlier about it.” She pointed at a guy with a Rendil officer uniform.
The man had good ears and noticed we were talking about him and he walked over to us. I used analyze on him.
Status WindowName:Hyde MackinTitle:General Rendil 3rd BattalionRace:HumanGender:MaleClass:WarriorSubclass:FighterAge:27Level:67TitlesIronhide HydeResourcesHealth:3200/3200Mana:750/7250Stamina:3410/3410StatsStrength:294Intelligence:110Agility:225Charisma:240Wisdom:80Precision/aim:60Vitality:224Luck:50
“Sir you dont think that a woman can be a good fighter?” I asked him as he got close.
“Yea that's what I said and I stand by it miss long ears. Got in an argument with a hotheaded prince earlier who had female guard. I told him that women belong in the house not on the battlefield, and he took exception to that” He said very arrogantly.
“Well I know that a woman can be just as strong as man in a fight.” I counter.
“Hahahahahaha that's a good one I would never be beat by a woman in a fight. Its simple fact that woman are weak. Some can be decent mages but that is the extent of there abilities.” So if I didn't already despise him for being from Rendil I now fully hate him with all my being.
I really wanted to stab this guy in the throat right now but I resisted. This guy sure fits the Darius underling role perfectly. I think I am going to have to keep this little girl dreams of being a fighter alive. I smile and look at her.
“Hey dont worry I will prove to you to you just how strong a girl can be! Root for me, my name is Lara.”
I then go the registration desk for the participants that had no line left and pulled out my adventurers' guild card.
“Lara, Adventurer Rank B.”
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Aaron Pov a few hours earlier
I finally am allowed out of the palace here in Zyrus after a couple days of being 'grounded'. Ok a couple days of being grounded might be an fair punishment for what I did. When I got to the Zyrus I befriended one of the noble's son that was also staying here in the palace. A few days ago he gave me his ticket to a crazy masquerade ball since he wouldn't be able to attend it. I of course didn't mention any this to my brother who was watching over me. I figured I would just get a stern talking to, Max can be very forgiving to his own siblings. So this is the story of how I got in trouble.
After slipping out of my room from the balcony. I went to the ball, I had a simple domino mask that my friend had given me. The ball was extremely fun, there was music, food, and dancing. I had several conversations with people who I had met and then I encountered HER.
There was a girl I would guess around my age based on height perhaps younger, dressed in an elegant white dress with angel wings on it. Her hair was a beautiful golden blonde that covered half of her face. I had only seen that particular shade of blonde on one other person. My dead sister Kara.
I had to meet this girl! If only to admire her hair up close, I very much loved my sister and her hair reminded me of her. When I asked her to dance she seemed to freeze up. Surely a cute girl like this should be used to be asked to dance. After a few seconds she agreed her voice was very soothing and beautiful.
When we danced it was incredible, it was like I was in a trance and everything was going in slow motion for me to follow her lead. This is like a bard effect perhaps she like my sister is also a bard? Or perhaps she is my sister? There is a lot mysteries in her disappearance. I cant get my hopes up too much though.
After dancing the music had stopped for an intermission. We went out to a balcony and had a conversation about her hair and how it reminded me of my sister. She went to leave and I asked her name. She very seriously told me that would defeat the purpose of this party. She also mention for security reasons it was not a good thing as I could be a prince and she could be an assassin. Well she was dead on because I really am a prince and she really was an assassin but she was not there for me.
After trying to find her I spotted her on stage and she started to sing a beautiful sonata. After hearing her voice I felt nostalgia of Mandy's wedding reception. Could this really be my sister!? I fought my way up the crowd whom all were enamored by her voice. I will rip off her mask to find out, if I am wrong I will apologize to her latter.
I couldn't make any more progress towards her the crowd was too big. She finished her song she started to sing an odd tune I had never heard before. It was about a corrupt duke, and at the end of it something happened I will never forget. She flung to daggers into one of the party member who wore a fox mask. It turned out that he was the duke she was singing about!
She somehow escaped like a monkey able to scale up curtains and swing from chandlers. After she had left I was approached by several guards because people had told them I had danced and talked to the girl and were hoping to get some leads from me. When they realized who I was, I ended up in trouble with my brother for dancing with an assassin at a ball.
Well today is the last day we spend here in Zyrus. I really want to see that girl again, even though she is incredibly dangerous. I needed to know if my own sister is the Angel of Death, and if so who is manipulating her. We are heading to the summit martial tournament which concludes the military summit.
When we got her there was ran into some prick Rendil bastard, the country all my family hates.
“Hey Prince is that woman there your whore” he pointed at Felicia who was Max's right hand in the army.
“Felicia is an officer in the Termain army, rank Brigadier. Termain is not some closed minded country, and several women are in prominent positions in the army. You sure have nerve talking to us after what your king did my to my little sister a few years ago.” Max wasn't even this pissed when found out about the ball.
“Hey there is no evidence of that ever happening. Anyways its not like she really mattered she wouldn't have gotten any power unless she married into it. Other then that she was just a pretty voice and a future baby maker.” The Rendil bastard had crossed the line and Max had to be restrained by his own people from attacking him.
“You dare insult my family? I will kill you for that! Let go of me!”
“Hey prince why dont you fight me in the tournament? I got to win this one for King Darius since he could not attend this summit unfortunately. Beating you would add to my victory when I return to Tyra. Unless you are too afraid.” He doesn't realize how strong Max really is. He probably thought because he is a young prince he is weak. In reality Max is by far the strongest fighter in the whole army and 2nd place is a big gap.
After leaving the Rendil jerk Max headed to the registration line.
“Prince Maximilian where are you going the booths are this way.” Felicia asked Max while he headed to the registration desk.
“I am registering, and before you say it, yes I know this could be deadly and no I wont reconsider.” He answered the questions before they were even asked.
“Maximilian Rosewood, Supreme General of the Termain army.”
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Kara POV
I guess that was pretty impulsive of me. Its not like I didn't entertain the thought of competing from the start. There was just two risks in doings so. The main risk was death, if someone dies instantly in a match there was no way to bring them back. This usually can be avoided by avoiding head attacks. The second risk is exposure, if somehow my headband or earring are damaged or fall off my identity as Lara could be in jeopardy.
But that Rendil bastard had crossed a line. How dare he try to dash that little girls dreams! The irony is I was only 2 years older then that girl well physically anyways. I was in the waiting area for participants making sure all my stuff is in order I had swapped out my elven outfit for some leather armor. Finally a guy walked in who looked to be in charge.
“Welcome warriors to the Summit tournament! There a several rules that if are not followed can lead to disqualification. First the only magic that is allowed is body strengthening magic and weapon arts. Anything else will get you disqualified. Second deliberate lethal strikes with weapons to the head are illegal. Kicks and punches to the head are legal though. Other then that no consumables are allowed during a match and no poisons are allowed to be applied before. The judge observing the match has the right to end it at any time for any violation or if he feels a fighter is incapacitated or unable to protect them self. Good luck!”
After that a giant scroll was unraveled that had a bracket of the tournament. I waited a few minutes for the crowd in front the of the bracket to disperse. I looked to where I would meet up with Hyde. Semifinals if we both make it through the quarterfinals. I kept glancing at the bracket and I noticed on the other side was a familiar name. Maximilian Rosewood, I wonder why he is fighting it doesn't seem like something he would do normally.
After a few matches its finally my turn for my first match. As I walk up to staging area on my side I get quite a few glances from the other participants I also hear several out right laughs, I guess they just now realized that I am one of the competitors. They probably see my height and instantly discredit me. You guys should know that 5'1” is incredibly tall for a 8 year old girl cut me some slack!
My first match is against one of the commanders from Valsey. He is a spear user level 55 this shouldn't be too hard. I go with dual swords for this one.
“Hey elf girl if you turn around now no one will blame you” He didn't see to be very condescending about it.
“I will be fine please go all out otherwise you may get hurt.” I can hear lots of murmurs I suppose my small size has people wondering why I am out here. Then I hear a sweet voice say 'Do your best Lara!'. I recognize the voice its from the little girl from earlier. Guess I got my first fan!
As soon as the bell rung I shot off like a rocket towards my opponent. As a spear user I suspected he would strike right at me as I approached him. I was able to gauge how long his spear was so I knew approximately when the strike would a land. I timed a front somersault on his lunge so I was able to slide underneath. As my feet came back under I jump with all my strength, swinging my blades across gaps in his armor in his armpit and when I reach him I use a solid knee to the stomach. The attack is extremely effective as he staggered now, I take the opportunity to roundhouse kick his hands making him drop his weapon. He tries to grab me but I do back flip kicking him in the helmet. I now release a torrent of swings at him giving him no opportunity to do anything but defend, he has no weapon so he is just blocking with his arm-guards. The official ends the fight before it got too ugly.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
I return the prep area for the participants. You can easily see matches from here and people saw my one sided beat down of my first match are not sure what to make of me. I had just embarrassed one of the stronger participants, and no one here has heard of me who was just a B rank adventurer. I pull out a book I was reading and relaxed. Finally someone got the nerve to approach me.
“Interesting fighting style, dual sabers? However that is no eleven style that I have ever seen.” I knew who it was from the voice. I guess I will have to see how strong big brother has gotten.
Status WindowName:Maximilian RosewoodTitle:PrinceRace:HumanGender:MaleClass:Arane FencerSubclass:CommanderAge:26Level:76TitlesThe lightning blade princeResourcesHealth:3400/3400Mana:2750/2750Stamina:3640/3640StatsStrength:274Intelligence:210Agility:332Charisma:280Wisdom:140Precision/aim:80Vitality:244Luck:70
“His highness Prince Maximilian blesses me with his presence? If you must know it is my own style, traditional dual wielders use one weapon for offense and one for defense. I use both for non stop offense.” I say to him with a big smile its good to know brother has shared my sentiment to get strong.
“Max is fine, you know you feel familiar to me I think it is your face.” Before he can continue his thoughts he called to fight.
The matches continue my next three opponents are sort of a joke not even as strong as my first opponent and I defeat them very quickly. Compared to Jennifer these guys are simply ants, which is disappointing because I enjoy a good battle. Max and Hyde are tearing up the competition too. Max keeps coming to talk to me in between matches and I have gotten a lot of information. The country was doing good however Jabel has been having issues with both Rendil and Valsey since they wanted them to abolish slavery. He himself has yet to marry, when I probe him about love interests I am able to deduce he has someone he fancies close to him perhaps a subordinate. Finally it is time to fight Hyde.
Hyde uses a really heavy set of iron plate it is how he got his nickname iron-hide, and his weapon is a 2 handed claymore. His armor is going to be tricky to attack, who ever designed it did a good job I can see very few weak points to attack.
“This tournament must really be slipping in quality if a pointy ears bitch made it here to the semifinals. You elves need to know your place, from what I hear you are a half-blood. How does it feel to be an outcast from your own people?” He was trying he best to agitate me but it was not needed I had all the fuel for the fire I needed to fight him.
The bell rung and I sprang towards Hyde. As he swings his giant sword I weave around his strikes and I start to assault him. However my swords are simply just glancing off his armor harmlessly. This is the disadvantage of bladed weapons, while they are extremely effective against light armor against heavy armor like this they lose that effectiveness. I need to use thrust attacks and blunt strikes. Fortunately I always carry two blunt weapons on me at all times they are right foot and left foot.
My new strategy of kicks and thrust attacks is working and I can tell that I have done some damage to him. However he is more crafty then I would like to admit and has sold me on a few feints scoring some light wounds and damaging my armor. The damage we both have taken is fairly even, even though I have landed many fold more blows then him.
“You should just give up none of your strikes are doing any damage” He is trying to bluff me but since I can see his status at all times I know better. I need continue my attacks and find an opening. After a few more minutes I got a huge break. After dodging his swing he slightly lost his balance, I will chalk it up to slight fatigue. Anyways I landed my strongest kick yet and it landed on the bottom of his helmet jarring it up. This blocked his vision temporarily and left his neck open.
Now normally I would have decapitated him right here, but since that is illegal I decide to slide behind him and go for a sleeper hold. I sunk my elbow deep into his neck and then grabbed on to my own elbow. I pressed forward onto his nape with my own head to finish the hold. It was incredible tight, and he would have a hard time escaping this. His heavy armor hindered his movement and peeling me off is impossible, so he tried to dislodge me by slamming his back into a wall. I however read this move ahead of time and kicked my own legs back and pushed off the wall tripping us forward and on to the ground. I coiled my legs around his abdomen for more leverage and just kept the hold tight. Finally after a little bit he passed out from lack of oxygen.
Literally the whole crowd was silent. I guess seeing a 100 pound girl choke out a full grown man can have that effect. I would have a small break before the finals and I would need to recover some stamina. Max had already won his match so it would be me versus my brother in the finals. I cant help but get excited, ever since I was born I have wanted to fight him because I knew he was strong. Max is an expert swordsman and his fighting style is that of a fencer. His attacks are fast and strong and he carries a parry dagger in his offhand. Everyone he has fought has been thoroughly destroyed in this tournament in the matter of seconds.
I should just withdraw, I have accomplished what I wanted to do. Which was beat down that big jerk from earlier. Yet I cant help but anticipate a fight like this! The battle maniac in me would never allow me to withdraw from such a bout. I go and change out of my armor that has been ruined in the last fight. I decide to wear an outfit that I had crafted for my self during my time while working in Jennifer's shop during down time. It is a simple kimono that had designed for comfort.
“You have stole my revenge. I wanted to be the one to embarrassed that guy. I suppose getting beat by a girl is justice though since he seems to not understand that appearance often has little to do with how strong someone is.” Max was making some chit chat while we waited for the last match.
“Yeah he was the reason I entered this tournament. His pompous attitude was quite toxic and was effecting children. I had to set him straight. While I have accomplished my goal I cant help but anticipate our fight. What happens when a lightning clashes with a raging torrent?” I cant wait for this bout.
“I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited as well. Too often I am swamped with duties for the military and I have no sparring opponents close to my level.” Max and I were ready to go.
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Aaron Pov
This tournament has been so awesome. I got to see big brother tear people up, I knew he was very strong and now so does everyone else. He made it all the way to the finals. His opponent is sort of someone no one had anticipated. It is a little elven girl who fights with dual sabers. She is apparently an adventurer but her rank is only B, obviously she is a lot stronger then rank B. She just beat the man who had taunted Max into entering the tournament.
The girls movements were familiar somehow. The way she moved was not of a lady but of a warrior with no wasted movements. She reminds me of that girl I met at the ball, but this girl had different colored hair and was elven. Both fighters entered the ring for the last fight and after a few moments the gong rung.
I expected an instant clash like I had seen them both do today but instead was both of them slowly started to circle one another. They continued this for a whole minute slowly getting closer with each revolution.
Finally once they were in Max's reach with his estoc things changed. Lara feinted a step forward, prompting the first exchange of swords. They started rapidly striking and parrying each other sort of testing out each others guard for openings and weaknesses to expose.
Damn this Lara is good she is even forcing Max to use his parry dagger that has seldom needed to use. The pace has picked up dramatically and I can no longer follow exchanges visually. It looks like Max is winning slightly but it is hard to tell for sure. Both of them have the biggest smiles on their faces, their inner battle maniac is showing through. To be honest this is the first time I saw Max smile since Kara disappeared.
It has been several minutes now and you would think the clashing of steel would have slowed down but it is quite the opposite things have only sped up. It is almost like a race with each other trying to be faster then the other. A few things I have noticed is Max's footwork is extremely impressive, he always seems to be the right place to counter or protect himself. As for Lara her movement is impressive too but its not limited to her feet. Her weapon swings, her feints, her counters they are almost like a dance so fluid. Her legs are super dangerous a simple kick from her could do serious damage or open up things for her blades.
It has now been over an hour and both fighter seem like they could go for hours more, they both must have high stamina and recovery. The fight has been everything you could have hoped for and more it has been extremely even. At first it looked like Max was at an advantage but somehow in the matter of the hour she has evolved her technique to better counter Max and she has gotten several strikes in on him. Finally after hundreds of feints and fake feints, Lara finally got Max to break guard for a split second. She swung down at an opening close to his shoulder, however right before she connected something crazy happened Max disappeared and reappeared directly behind her with his sword pointed at her back.
“Space-time magic detected from Maximilian, and is disqualified. Lara is the winner” The referee ended the match. After the match I met up with Max who seemed in an excellent mood.
“She was pretty good huh. She made you use your trump card its too bad its illegal” I say to him.
“That girl is super special. I dont think I have had that much fun in a long time. It was all worth it entering this tournament just for that. Aaron could you do me a favor and take my sword to the blacksmith we have been using here? I dulled it pretty good in that fight and I want it sharp for the several week trip back to Lorrington.” He handed me his estoc and parry dagger.
I went escorted of course to the blacksmith. While walking I admired his blade. Then I noticed a hair that had been snagged into the blade. I looked close at the hair and noticed it didn't match the girls silver hair. Then I noticed the color was the same golden blonde of the angel of death! Was her appearance an illusion? If the hair was a different color are the ears not legit too? Is Lara actually the angel of death? Is the angel of death my sister? I need to talk to Mandy about this she is the only one who I can turn to with stuff like this.
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Kara POV
Well that was a blast! It so nice to fight an opponent with similar ability. After I won I started to head out when a young boy and several guards came to greet me. Shit am I in trouble?
“Misses Lara would you come with me I am prince Ryalith?” The young boy said shyly. I looked at him and he actually is a prince here in Calipis his dad must be the emperor he is the same age as me 8 even though I am like 3 inches taller then him.
“Ugh what for?” I was really scared that somehow I had been outed.
“To collect your prize of course silly.” He then lead me towards the palace I totally forgot about the prize. I guess its a nice bonus for my time. Once we were in the palace we entered a separate room with a vault and royal armory. There was an old man there who looked like he was in charge.
“This small girl won the summit tournament?! You are joking right?” The old man was shocked.
“Yes and she beat the Lightning prince to win! It was the most epic fight ever.” I suppose it would have been a really good fight to watch.
“Well as you know the reward is you get to pick one thing here from the royal armory. This is the greatest collection of weapons that I know of I am sure you can find something you like.
I walked in with the old man and the prince and I could feel a magical barrier and noticed my ears and hair were back to normal.
“Miss Lara is human?!” The prince couldn't believe it.
“Ah yea I am sorry it is the only way they would let me do adventurer's since I am only 8 years old. Can you keep it a secret for me I would really appreciate it.” Shit I really fucked up.
“Only 8?! Sure I am just surprised you are the same age as me and so strong. I promise I will keep your secret.” His face was flush red. I then looked at the old man.
“My lips are sealed too in fact I am glad you are human. It makes giving away one these weapons a lot easier” Looks like I dodged a bullet here. If I were to get kicked out the adventurer's guild I wouldn't be able to help Siena in Atlus.
I looked around the private armory and it was true they had an exceptional collection. There was every sort of weapon you could imagine and they all were top tier quality. I was really interested in a enchanted long sword that looked really strong and then I saw an a familiar sight. A daisho set of a katana and wakizashi on a stand. The katana was long well over a meter long. After using analyze I found they were made of adamantium! I picked up the blades and marveled at the craftsmanship, this has to be a dwarfs work there is no question. This has to be fate!
“Well you have quite the eye young misses. That is the sword set of the former hero Hiroshi. He used these swords up to the point to where he fought the demon king that is when he used Excalibur. He called the long blade Tachi and the short one Tanken. Perhaps the blade is too long fo.....” Before he could finish his sentence I had bisected wooden training dummy with one swing of Tachi. The speed of a Japanese katana is unrivaled. I finally had the set of swords I had spent years mastering.
“I will take them” My smile was so big it actually hurt my cheek muscles.