Chapter 13.

“Good.” Shimpacha nodded. “Now can number one hundred and seventy eight step forward.”

Stava watched on warily as a tall boy walked out from the circle. He carried a sword along his waist and as he got closer a ruthless light gleamed within his amber eyes.

Stava had already abandoned any delusions about winning and instead contemplated on how many hits he was willing to take before admitting defeat. In his mind Zendlyn had established a baseline of five seconds. If he could at least last longer than that his social status could be salvageable.

“Since only one of you is carrying a sword you’ll both have to decide and agree on what kind of duel this will be.” Shimpacha explained.

“I won’t be using my sword then.” The older boy declared. “This will be a hand to hand fight. Do you agree?”

“I agree.” Stava muttered as the pit in his stomach grew.

Shimpacha took a deep breath before yelling. “Let the second match begin.”

The older boy went on the offensive immediately, lunging forward before sweeping his right leg across with a kick aimed to the left of Stava’s mid section.

Stava being a total slacker who rarely ever trained was caught off guard completely and failed to dodge or block. The kick connected with his flesh and stunned him as if he was shot by a high power rifle. For a second his mind went blank before waves of rippling pain shook him back to his senses.

“Shit.” Stava stumbled backwards as he tried his best not to look too cowardly.

The older youth marched forward again, planting his left leg on the ground firmly before delivering another right sweeping kick.

This time Stava saw it coming and managed to block it with his left elbow. Despite this the kick didn’t hurt any less and the pain of a sore elbow was soon added on top of the pain he was already feeling from his opponent’s first attack.

The older boy marched forward a third time following up with a third sweeping kick.

Stava immediately guarded his left side but grew pale when the older boy’s leg suddenly stopped mid kick, it was a fake out. He naturally knew what this meant and prepared himself for the devastation that would befall his right side. A kick exploded against the right side of Stava’s face causing his neck to twist as his chin shook violently from the force of the kick. Reality became a blur and the surrounding voices became distant as if submerged in water. Soon the blurry surroundings turned into darkness as Stava fell to the ground unconscious.

“That was only three basic attacks.” Okimodo frowned as he observed his unconscious friend. “To think that Stava lost so easily.”

Chaiseky had a grim expression while Shibeki just watched on in silence. Shipo was indifferent as always and Bhudboidingas laughed in amusement.

Shimpacha snapped his fingers and two women dawning the Ionoon school robe emerged from among the surrounding boys. They carefully picked up the unconscious Stava and carried him away disappearing back into the crowd.

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“After nine seconds Azurai Dongshoo Stava has fallen unconscious and has thus failed his rite of passage.” Shimpacha declared. “Azurai Roinaan Roku has passed his rite of passage.”

The older boy nodded in self satisfaction before leaving the arena.

“Number three, please step forward.” Shimpacha called out.

“Here goes nothing.” Chaiseky sighed stepping forward.

“You can do this Chaiseky!” Okimodo yelled out to him.

“That voice again!” Cheadle leaned forward in her seat. “Is it him? I can’t see him from this angle.”

Shimpacha nodded approvingly at Chaiseky. “Number two Hundred and three please step forward.”

Another older boy stepped forward from within the circle. He was relatively short for his age but had an extremely muscular build.

“This is bad.” Chaiseky gritted his teeth as he recognised this boy immediately. It was none other than his cousin on his father’s side Azurai Shen Yotise. Chaiseky knew his cousin’s current mental state very well having overheard his father and uncle discussing the rigorous training Yotise had put himself through after failing his rite of passage two times consecutively. It became clear to Chaiseky that his cousin was desperate to pass and would not hold back.

“No hard feelings Chaiseky.” Yotise spoke up. “This is my final chance to pass my rite of passage so please don’t resent me for not holding back.”

“I understand.” Chaiseky nodded. “I’ll try my best to give you a worthy fight.”

“Let the third match commence.” Shimpacha yelled.

Yotise took several heavy steps forward and went on the offensive.

Chaiseky immediately assumed a defensive stance and braced himself for the incoming assault. He tucked his chin into his chest and held both of his fists infront of his face.

Yotise thrusted his right arm forward unleashing a powerful punch. It tore through the air impacting both of Chaiseky’s forearms and ripping past them striking the youth in the forehead. Chaiseky stumbled back in a daze before quickly lunging to the side avoiding a follow up axe kick. He sprang back up to his feet and circled around Yotise looking for an opening to attack.

“Chaiseky’s missed four opportunities to counter attack already.” Okimodo frowned slightly. “Had it been me up against Yotise this fight would’ve already ended.”

“Such arrogance.” Shipo shot Okimodo a judgemental glance. “He actually missed six opportunities to counter attack.”

Chaiseky couldn’t make up his mind on whether or not to attack and was forced to watch his older cousin close the distance between them.

Yotise unleashed a devastating kick to Chaiseky’s liver causing his world to spin as unimaginable pain erupted inside of him.

He got down on one knee panting while motioning for Yotise to stop. “I admit defeat.”

“Come on man!” Okimodo yelled. “You can still do it!”

“That’s enough Okimodo.” Chaiseky said gritting his teeth and holding back tears. “I’ve had enough pain for one day.”

“After twenty two seconds Azurai Shen Chaiseky has admitted defeat and has thus failed his rite of passage.” Shimpacha roared. “Azurai Shen Yotise has passed his rite of passage.”

The two youths shook hands before leaving the circle with Chaiseky shooting one last glance at Shibeki before continuing on his way.

“Number four, please step forward.” Shimpacha called out.

Shibeki stepped forward quietly before looking around the arena and making brief eye contact with Okimodo.

Okimodo himself kept his eyes fixated on Shibeki wondering if he discarded the wingless butterfly or not. If not then this would surely turn out to be an interesting experience.

“Number one hundred and thirty eight please step forward.” Shimpacha commanded.

Another older boy stepped forward. He had a handsome and noble face with unique white hair and turquoise eyes. He nodded to Shibeki before nodding at Shimpacha who announced the start of the fourth duel.

“Why does it have to be him?” Okimodo frowned deeply.

The older boy was named Helious and he was Guyus’s nephew. He was by all accounts a complete saint making him the polar opposite of people like Shibeki and bhudboidingas. More importantly however, he was one of Okimodo’s closest friends.

End of chapter 13: