During this time Drazel was barely 15 years old and his training was progressing smoothly until a stormy day when the Orange students trained indoors. The instructors organized sparring matches: new students versus seasoned ones, a trial by fire for the rookies. The instructors agreed on having 1 on 1 fights to help the students get the most training possible before the dreaded “Sun Dance”. They were divided into 9 of the Older Orange students and 9 of the new ones. They would have duels with wooden spears that required cleanly hitting the opponent 3 times to win.

When the battles began, the Older Orange students quickly showed their supremacy, one sidedly crushing the new students in every bout. A tall women picked his interest, with her flawless movements and commanding presence, stooding out among the veterans, but Drazel’s focus was on his immediate challenge. “Marako” a big tanned man from the lands of the south. In this battle, the youngster knew that physical strength shouldn’t be on the plate as his opponent clearly had the advantage, the deciding factor would be technique, and by using a flawless transition between the “Void” form and “Red Ocean” he scored the 3 points necessary to win the duel against the other student.

After his victory, murmurs from the Older students could be heard all across the hall and a young man with long black hair stepped forward.

Young man

I would like to try you myself

He said while his right hand open palm was holding his left hand in a fist.

Drazel

Very well

With that, Drazel acknowledged the duel, bowing slightly in respect. The hall buzzed with whispers—such a challenge was unprecedented. A new student defeating an older one? It was like watching a frog leap to challenge a tiger. The air crackled with anticipation as they began. The seasoned opponent moved with precision and fluidity, his skill evident in every strike. Yet Drazel met him blow for blow, weaving through his opponents attacks with calculated grace.

The duel was intense, a clash of raw talent and honed technique. Each strike echoed through the hall, each parry drawing gasps from the spectators. When the dust settled, it was Drazel who stood victorious, the score narrowly favoring him 3-2. The younger students erupted into cheers, their excitement reverberating across the training hall. Meanwhile, the older students fell silent, their disbelief hanging thick in the air.

His opponent lay sprawled on the floor, chest heaving as he caught his breath. A shadow fell over him, and he looked up to see Drazel’s outstretched hand. For a moment the man hesitated, then grasped it, letting the younger student pull him to his feet. Their eyes met, one filled with lingering shock, the other with quiet determination.

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Young man

I am Sahir, what is your name?

Drazel

Drazel-Zaal

Sahir

That was a nice fight, why don’t y…

His words were interrupted by a tall woman that threw him aside.

Tall Woman

Let me show you how it is done, Drazel is it? Let me show you what a true Orange Dragon can do.

Immediately the group of Older students exploded in cheers “Haleena” “Haleena” chanted the students. She held the spear with great familiarity, a trait that Drazel had only seen in Masters before. This was not going to be an easy fight. They both got into place, he was prepared to give it his all, and it was then when it happened. As the woman tied her hair, Drazel couldn’t help but get lost in the emerald of her eyes. The world around him seemed to disappear, he was so lost that only the first hit from her spear brought him back to reality.

He stood up and prepared to fight, but his strength seemed to be lost, this was a first for him. He could only dodge and parry, it was indeed as a Tiger toying with a frog. It could be said that this was the effect of this new found emotion, but her skill was undeniable, when he moved to attack her leg, she had already changed positions, when he went into the “Void” form, she broke it with “Red Ocean”, and when he used “Red Ocean” she would always enter his zone and break his posture. The match ended 3-1, with a lucky hit using all the willpower Drazel could muster.

Haleena

Not bad for a boy, I like you.

Those last 3 words were all he could think of for the last month. His spear was clouded, his form broken. When fighting it was as if his feet were made of lead. Even after being reprimanded several times by his masters he was unable to focus. It wasn't until “Sahir” approached Drazel for training that his mind started to focus. After an embarrassing 3-0 defeat, “Sahir” noticed something was off and both of them went to the lake to talk. Sahir was eating an apple while Drazel told him how he felt during the duel with Haleena.

Sahir looked and acted young, far too carefree. He was always getting in trouble. He was known by most people, particularly because he enjoyed flirting with girls. But there was something weird about him, the way he sometimes talked like an older person, there was wisdom in his words. And above all else, he was the first person to approach Drazel and they quickly became friends.

Sahir

Haha! That is called love my dear Rookie.

Said “Sahir” while laughing. For him, it was funny that the Mighty Rookie, name given to Drazel by the students that watched the duels, was losing his form not for battle but for love.

Sahir

Although I don’t know what you see in her. I mean, although you are not as handsome as me, you are not ugly. While her, well, she’s a bit…hmm…rough…I myself, prefer slender girls

Drazel

You don’t say…