Beneath the scorching sun and a dimension of bated breaths, two young men faced each other with competitive smiles on their faces.
Daru found the scene quite nostalgic.
Cody's face had earned its spot in his memories long ago, as the guy was always the one standing before him in the grand finals of Ashton High's competitions.
Although they were having their promised battle in the quarterfinals of the Inter-Class Representative Competition, it didn't matter.
What mattered was that they were now fighting as Bladeborns.
"Daru..." Cody began, a hint of solemnity in his tone. "I've worked very hard in the past few months, so don't you hold back on me."
Daru's smile widened ever-so-slightly.
"I won't."
He would never do such a thing, especially against someone so earnest. That would simply be disrespectful.
If his abilities allowed, then he would set off to destroy Cody in this battle, if only to honor his friend's resolve.
Cody smiled, and his heart raced in excitement.
