POV: Narrator
The clicking sounds of moving metal echoed through the gymnasium of West Progress High. Adrian Priest was bench pressing weights under the guidance of Razputin Ivanov. They have been doing this routine everyday for the past week. Ever since Raz destroyed Adrian’s living room in a surprise attack Raz had recruited Adrian into physical and combat training to prepare for the New Blood Tournament.
Adrian set the weights down on the support bars and sat up. “How many more of these do I have to do?”
“Until it is effortless.” Raz said as he grabbed additional weights. “You currently do two-fifty. When I went into New Blood Tournament, I pressed three hundred with little problem.”
“I'm plenty strong.” Adrian griped as he stood up and flexed his arms, “If I need anything, it's combat experience.”
“Yes, yes. You wish to brawl, but I find little use in losing hopelessly.” Raz waved him off.
“You think you can beat me?” Adrian shouted only to be met with a raised eyebrow from Raz. Adrian tsked, “Okay, whatever. Doesn't mean there's nothing to learn.”
“Like how hard a beating you can take,” Raz said. “No, we need to spend time increasing your base power level before advancing into the refining.”
Adrian kicked the bench press in a rage, “So then why does he get a free pass?”
Adrian pointed over to where Melvin Greenleaf was training with Nathaniel Borson. Melvin was making quick attacks with his long dark blade, Knight Cutter, that Nathan blocked with little effort.
“Ba! That is different.” Raz waved Adrian off.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
“Bull!” Adrian stomped a foot down, “You have me doing basic exercise while he gets to actually train. I demand you fight me and actually teach me if you think I have something to learn!”
“Will you cease your maddening rants.” Melvin said annoyed. “We're pattern training, and I promise I'm as tired of it as I am of you.”
“You're not the one having to smell your pixie dust pollen fumes.”
“Yes, I am merely subject to your sulfur infused sweat. Honestly, your mother must be a champion of God to put up with you.”
“Hey, don’t talk about his mom like that.” Nathan said.
“No!” Adrian shouted as he stomped up to Melvin, “Let him earn his ass beating.”
“Are you actually challengeing me?” Melvin tsked.
“Someone needs to break that pretty fairy face of yours.” Adrian confirmed and the fight was on.
They moved out on to the open floor against the protest of Raz, Nathan, and even Issac who was there to gather and record data.
“You are wasting time.” Raz tried to talk them down.
“Bull!” Adrian countered, “The best way to learn is by doing. We have only a week left until the first round. We can't keep wasting time with warm-up exercises.”
“Oh come one Adrian,” Nathan stepped trying to placate the boy. “I personally know you're an impossibly tough guy. You just need a bit more core power and you're golden.”
“Bull. Fighting is more than just taking and giving blows.” Adrian said with a slam of his fist, “I know you never used your full power on me, but that wasn’t the point. I couldn't land a real hit on you, and you never need to spend any real effort. I didn’t learn anything from that fight, but I’m sure there plenty to learn to kicking this pixie faced fairy boy’s teeth in. So you three step aside. And you, take your best shot.”
“My pleasure.” Melvin agreed and took a high guard stance with Knight Cutter. The long, black edged saber gleamed ready to fight.
Adrian took a southpaw stance choosing to use his bare hands.
*** Ready ***
Demonkin Adrian Priest
VS
Fairykin Melvin Greenleaf
*** FIGHT ***