"Today, we are going to be sparring for first blood. Now, I imagine some of you have a weapon you prefer or specialize in. Well, too bad because, for the first and second rounds, you're all getting a kriegsmesser." Sergeant Altmar booms, as we stand in front of a pit 15 feet across.
I made the mistake of groaning. The officers made sure to shove me forward, and the sergeant glared at me. Quickly think of something to say. "I would like to volunteer to go first." I finally yelled out. A human about 6 feet tall confidently strides out as well, and we are both handed our weapons. Unluckily for him, the army uses standard weapon sizes, so for me, this is practically a short sword.
We both entered the pit. While I'm trying to stay serious, I can tell I'm grinning, and everyone notices it as they walk to the perimeter to watch. While we both stand waiting to be told to start, I see out of the corner of my eye people throwing money towards a halfling, I guess for betting. Then, I looked at my opponent and noticed why he was so confident. His calves were the size of a dwarf's bicep, thighs even larger. He'll be quick, but not for long. "Huh?"
"What are you confused about, soldier? You're going to fight him to first blood. For that attitude, you just earned yourself a 5-mile run." The sergeant exclaimed. "Now prepare yourselves three, two, one, fight!" My opponent charges forward.
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He's as fast as I expected, and I parry his strike and bring my blade into zwerchau. When I bring my blade down to stab, he simply ducks. He then swipes at my leg. As I step back, I bring my blade up to feint him. As I bring my blade down, he brings his up. I pulled back and stabbed his shoulder. It sinks in, and from behind me, I hear cheering. Medics rush in healing him as he's carried off. I step out to watch the rest of the matches for this round and daze off. Good job, young one. Keep up the good work; if you keep this up, you might be chosen.
"It will now be Timothy against Aesir." Sergeant bellows. I step into the ring, and the halfling that was running the betting station follows. He's brandishing two hand axes, and I realize that I was so zoned out. I went through a fight and didn't even pay attention.
"Oh well, this can't be too bad." I mutter as I grab my halberd, that's actually my size. Watch out for his left uppercut. Confused where that came from, I shrug it off as we are told to start. I can tell he's aware of my reach as I slowly swing side to side, trying to fake him out. Then, when I run out of patience, he charges forward. Before I can get a proper block, he swings with his right hand, and I barely dodge. I try to hit him with the butt of my halberd, and he dodges. While I'm open, he takes advantage of it and jumps up, slamming his left hand right into my jaw. The next few minutes are a blur as the medical race to heal me, and I start running my five miles. "Whoever or whatever you are, please tell me what you want." I mutter to myself as I run. I can tell it's not of this world.